Archive - Sep 2012 - News Article
September 30th
A Minuteman Environmental Services 18-wheeler hauling brine water wrecked Sunday afternoon after rounding the curve in front of Boot Jack Road and turning on its side.
The large vehicle collided with two vehicles, a burgundy Ford Explorer and a white Ford truck, which were descending down Boot Jack Road. There were no injuries reported.
A St. Marys man charged in connection with a July 28 hit-and-run that left 21-year-old Natasha Schmitz in critical condition entered a not guilty plea in waiving his arraignment on charges related to the incident.
In the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State, additional focus has been placed on the state’s Child Protective Services law and mandated reporting requirements for suspected child abuse under that law.
According to the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW), any professional who engages with children in their employment, occupation or professional practice is known as a “mandated reporter†and is obligated by law to report suspected child abuse.
September 28th
JOHNSONBURG - Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Pittsburgh Group, along with members of the Pennsylvania State Police, executed a federal search warrant on Wednesday morning at the residence of a Johnsonburg man in connection with an investigation of Francis Anthony Milliard, currently incarcerated on arson, attempted murder, and other charges.
Officials at the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission are working to finalize their budget as funding from various sources will continue to funnel through to the organization within the next several months.
September 27th
FOX TWP. – Members of the Elk County Solid Waste Authority discussed the impact a new electronics recycling law that takes effect in January may have on operations at the Elk County Community Recycling Center.
Elk County Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Bekki Titchner said as of Jan. 24, the state will prohibit "covered devices," or electronics like televisions, computers, keyboards, printers and accessories from being deposited in landfills. Municipal waste trucks will no longer be able to collect these items curbside for disposal at a landfill.
ST. MARYS – Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc. is working to bring more attention to the problem of prescription drug abuse during “Wake Up to Medicine Abuse Week,†running from Sept. 23 to Sept. 29.
Jennifer Young, prevention supervisor with Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Inc., in Elk County, said the goal of this initiative is to increase awareness of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse and misuse, which has risen dramatically in the last few years.
September 26th
JOHNSONBURG – The Ridgway-based Pennsylvania State Police conducted a joint investigation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at a residence on East Avenue in Johnsonburg. According to police, PSP and the ATF served a federal search warrant at that location. Police said the joint law enforcement operation occurred as a result of information discovered during the arson investigations surrounding Francis Anthony Milliard. All investigations are continuing.
No further information was available as of press time.
ST. MARYS - A former member of the Crystal Fire Department was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Mark Jacob on charges including arson and related offenses, insurance fraud, criminal mischief, and recklessly endangering another person, in connection with a July 9 fire involving a camper parked in the driveway of his North St. Marys Street residence.
A small amount of petroleum from a known vehicle created a thin sheen over a portion of the roads in downtown Ridgway late Wednesday afternoon before being contained.
All firefighting units from Ridgway responded to the call at 4:11 p.m., and shortly thereafter the Elk County hazardous materials [hazmat] team responded at 4:30 p.m.
According to Ridgway fire chief John Wygant, upon arrival firefighters discovered a thin layer of petroleum on Depot Street from the bridge crossing Elk Creek all the way to the foot of Boot Jack.
