Federal Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan on Thursday approved Johnstown’s plan to use a $241,437 federal grant to help stabilize and revive neighborhoods, rehabilitate affordable housing and improve public facilities.

The grant is from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program.

“The President’s Recovery Act allows us to invest in local solutions to the many challenges our cities and counties are confronting,” Donovan said in a news release.

Fire at vacant site was arson, chief says

Johnstown firefighters quickly doused a small blaze at a former commercial structure.

The fire on Maple Avenue in the Woodvale neighborhood was reported at about 5:30 a.m. Thursday by a passing ambulance, city fire Chief Anthony Kovacic said.

The vacant building sustained some damage to roof trusses and a rubber roof, but the flames were extinguished within about 15 minutes.

The fire was intentionally set, Kovacic said, noting that the department responded to a similar blaze at the same property in November.

Area man sentenced for child porn

A Cambria County man has been sentenced in federal court in Johnstown to 42 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release on his conviction of possession of child pornography.

Russell Albright, 48, of the 200 block of Lark Lane, Flinton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

According to information presented to the court by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, on March 27, 2007, Albright knowingly possessed DVDs containing images of child pornography, which had been mailed.

Teddy bear collection to honor late member

Conemaugh-Franklin American Legion Post 633 will hold a memorial for former member Tracy Foster from 1 to 5 p.m. July 25 at the post home,

257 First St., Conemaugh.

Foster, who died at 41, collected teddy bears. Those attending are asked to bring a bear to be distributed to children in Johnstown, Altoona and Pittsburgh hospitals.

Donations will be accepted and used to purchase the bears.

The event will include refreshments and karaoke.

Firemen’s Days set this weekend

LORETTO – The annual Firemen’s Days to benefit the Loretto Volunteer Fire Company will be held Saturday and Sunday. The event will feature a chicken barbeque and parade at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Voters can meet Johnstown candidates

The Greater Johnstown Regional Partnership Political Action Committee will hold “Meet and Greet” – a chance to meet Johnstown mayoral and City Council candidates.

The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Heritage Discovery Center Courtyard on Broad Street.

The following candidates plan to attend: Rose Englehart-Howarth, Marie Mock, Sharyn Spinelli, Tom Trigona, Pete Vizza and Ann Wilson.

Admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Personal checks can be sent to GJRP Political Action Committee at 245 Market St., Suite 200, Johnstown, PA 15901.

Refreshments will be provided.

4-H Teen Council seeks new members

EBENSBURG – Organizers of the county’s 4-H clubs are searching for new members of its Teen Council.

Teens who wish to become more involved with county issues can join the council and work on 4-H projects such as the barn dance fundraiser planned for Nov. 13 at the New Germany Grove Hall.

Information: 472-7986.

Dickens ornaments on sale in Ebensburg

EBENSBURG – Even though it’s summer, Ebensburg business leaders are selling ornaments for the borough’s fourth annual “Dickens of a Christmas” event to be held Dec. 4-6.

The Ebensburg Area Business Commission is selling the ornaments to help raise money for the event.

The current ornament is porcelain and has a picture on one side and event information on the other.

The ornaments cost $15 each and can be purchased at borough offices, Country Sisters, First National Bank, Gold Rush Jewelers, High Street Emporium and Northwest Savings Bank.