WINDBER —
Borough officials here voted unanimously Tuesday night to study the feasibility of a regional, independent police force.
Windber council voted to return a letter of intent to Paint Township Police Chief Rick Skiles, who is seeking a study by the Department of Community and Economic Development on the matter.
“This is a good thing,” Windber Mayor Simon “Red” Ohler said.
“We should keep moving forward with it.”
Skiles plans to send the request on behalf of all six communities his department serves. The others are Paint Borough, Paint Township, Benson Borough, Central City and Scalp Level.
Scalp Level, like Windber, already has approved sending the letter to proceed with the study.
The free study will not require any of the communities to follow recommendations, local leaders have said.
Lawyer: Client remorseful for theft
The attorney for an Air Force veteran says his client is remorseful about stealing $4,000 from Chapter 587, Somerset County Vietnam Veterans of America.
Lorrie Sue Fisher of Friedens pleaded guilty Monday in Somerset County Court to stealing the money while serving as the chapter’s bookkeeper for two months in 2010.
The money was taken from a fund used to buy flowers for veterans’ families after a loved one died, but some was earmarked for a memorial that was installed at the county courthouse last year. The memorial plans had to be changed because of a lack of funds.
Fisher will be sentenced April 11.
Indiana County man killed in reality show
An Indiana County man was among three people killed Sunday when their helicopter crashed while filming a reality television show in southern California.
Michael Donatelli, 45, of Indiana, an Army Special Forces veteran, who had served four tours of duty in Iraq, was going to display his military skills on the show, which was in production for the Discovery Channel.
In addition to Donatelli, the pilot and cinematographer were killed in the accident.
No injuries in 3-vehicle crash with school bus
No one was injured when two passenger vehicles and a Central Cambria School District bus were involved in a crash at 4 p.m. Tuesday on the eastbound lanes of Route 22 at Blue Spruce Road near the border with Indiana County.
The eastbound bus, carrying seven elementary students, was stopped at the bus stop and had its lights activated, Jackson Township police said. An eastbound vehicle failed to stop in time for the bus, swerving into the passing lane to avoid hitting the bus and coming to a stop beside the bus, Jackson Township police said.
Another eastbound vehicle failed to stop in time for the bus and while attempting to come to a stop, tried going between the bus and the other vehicle, hitting both of them, police said.
All three vehicles received minor damage, police said.
The drivers of the passenger vehicles will be issued traffic citations, police said.
Windber kitchen offers free dinner Saturday
WINDBER – A free community dinner, sponsored by Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave.
The meal will be hosted by SS. Cyril & Methodius Church and assisted by members of the Pitt-Johnstown Psychology Club.
The menu will feature ham, baked scalloped pineapple, corn, pickled eggs and beets, assorted desserts, coffee and punch.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.
Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
