Bankruptcies On The Rise In PAAug 28, 2008Bankruptcies in Pennsylvania shot up more
than 10 percent, reflecting the financial struggles of more people. Federal figures released Wednesday showed that 31,494
Pennsylvania residents and businesses sought bankruptcy protection in the 12 months ending June 30. That is a 12 percent jump over the bankruptcy filings during the
12 months prior to that. Of Pennsylvania's three federal districts, the 25-county western
district registered the most filings, with 12,471.
Schools Future Up In The AirAug 28, 2008Renovate or close, that’s the issue facing officials who are now deciding the future of the Clearfield County Middle School.
School officials say it maybe too expensive to fix up the 50–year–old building.
If they close the middle school, 7th and 8th graders would move to the high school. Sixth graders would stay at the elementary school.
Officials say right now it's just a proposal, and plan to hold several public meetings, but say any changes won't happen for several years.
Folkfest PrepsAug 28, 2008Volunteers started putting up the first tents and stages Wednesday for the Johnstown Folkfest.
The end of summer music festival is coming back for its 15th year.
Of course there's the traditional music groups and great food, but there's also some new acts this year. Including "Red Collar" — the first ever punk rock band at Folkfest.
Driving Mess Is AltoonaAug 28, 2008Drivers in Altoona finding it frustrating to get across town.
This after a truck carrying an oversized load knocked down a traffic light on Plank Road.
Traffic was backed up for hours as crews from the city, Penndot and Penelec worked to repair the lights.
Police say they are still looking for the truck that caused the damage.
Blairsville Headed To Fair - 1st Winner PickedAug 28, 2008The first winner in the ABC23/FOX8 family 4–pack giveaway has been picked.
Jill Risinger of Blairsville will now be headed to the Cambria County fair on us.
You still have time to register.
Just log onto our website, we will announce winners each morning during Good Morning America.
Coal Company Faces FinesAug 28, 2008A Centre County coal company if fined for illegal dumping.
$4,000 is how much Junior Coal Contracting Incorporated must pay.
The DEP says they allowed oil to flow into the Moshannon Creek — and a wetland in Decatur Township, Clearfield County.
The fine money goes to the clean water fund.
Altoona Bids For Gas DrillingAug 27, 2008Altoona is planning to seek bids on 8,400
acres of land for gas drilling that could generate millions of
dollars for the city.
The bids will be advertised in mid-September. The lease will
include a $16.8 million upfront bonus payment, in addition to a 15
percent royalty on gas revenue.
Penn State Cooperative Extension gas well expert Ken Balliet
estimates the royalties could generate as much as $54 million over
20 years for the city.
The move by the city is part of a rush in Pennsylvania to make
good on interest in drilling into the Marcellus shale.
Man Charges in 80's MolestationAug 27, 2008A western Pennsylvania man awaiting trial
on sex charges is accused in another case of molesting a girl in
the 1980s.
Cambria County prosecutors say 68-year-old Robert David
Schwenning of Jackson Township assaulted the girl between December
1981 and December 1985, starting when the girl was 4.
Schwenning was charged Tuesday with involuntary deviate sexual
intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault. A
preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 8.
Online records show Schwenning is in the county jail on
unrelated charges, including rape of a child, for an alleged
incident in April.
Public defender James Stratton Jr., who is representing
Schwenning in the April case, says he doesn't know who Schwenning's
lawyer would be for the new charges.
State Applies For Abstinence GrantsAug 27, 2008Pennsylvania's health department is
applying for $1.7 million in federal grants for abstinence-only sex
education _ even though it conflicts with the Rendell
administration's philosophy.
The state hasn't distributed any federal abstinence-only money
since Gov. Ed Rendell took office in 2003.
Agency spokeswoman Holli Senior says the state believes sex
education should provide students with comprehensive information on
contraception, birth control and abstinence.
3-Years_Olds Death Rule AccidentalAug 27, 2008An autopsy is performed on a toddler from Freedom, who died after shooting himself in Millstone Township, Elk County.
His death now ruled an accident. Police say 3–year–old Trey Rosenberger shot himself with a handgun that had been left inside his home on a chair.
Police continuing to investigate, saying the gun was "negligently" left out.
DA Facing Charges In BedfordAug 27, 2008A month after admitting to having an extramarital affair in his office, Bedford County DA Bill Higgins is facing a private criminal complaint.
The woman involved in the affair filing the complaint based on sexual offenses.
Higgins has been very open about the matter, but says he's committed no crime. The State Attorney General will have to assign a prosecutor to the case. Bedford county commissioners are also doing their own investigation.
DA Facing Charges In BedfordAug 27, 2008A month after admitting to having an extramarital affair in his office, Bedford County DA Bill Higgins is facing a private criminal complaint.
The woman involved in the affair filing the complaint based on sexual offenses.
Higgins has been very open about the matter, but says he's committed no crime. The State Attorney General will have to assign a prosecutor to the case. Bedford county commissioners are also doing their own investigation.
Teachers May Strike In Blair CountyAug 27, 2008Some teachers in Blair County may soon strike.
It's been 25 years since the Spring Cove School District has started the year without a contract.
The biggest sticking points are health care and salaries.
The150 plus teachers have been without a contract since June, the union says they may have no choice but to strike.
ABC23 Giving Away Free TicketsAug 27, 2008How about going to go to the fair...how about going for free?
ABC23 along with our sister station FOX8 is giving out 10 family 4–packs to the Cambria County Fair.
Between now and Thursday, we will be picking names, but you have to register to win.
Just log onto one of our websites, and get set for all the fun in ebensburg starting this weekend.
Fox8tv.com & abc23.com
Teen ArsonistAug 26, 2008Police are searching for an arsonist.
An 18 year old they say set the Old Grand Central Hotel in Hooversville on fire.
A warrant now issued for Jeremy Kubas. Investigators believe he ran away from home.
If you know where he is call police at 1–800–362–5060.
Bank Robbery ArrestAug 26, 2008An accused bank robber behind bars.
Police believe the man in a surveillance video from a recent bank robbery in Indiana County is 30 year old Leverne Shelstad
He is now charged with robbing the First Commonwealth Bank in Homer City last week.
No word if Shelstad could be responsible for other bank robberies across the region.
