You may have seen the Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect to our west. While we are not currently under a Watch, we will evaluate the need for one later this evening as storms near the area.

A few isolated showers/thunderstorms are possible in our area this afternoon before the main line arrives tonight, but the probability is low thanks to warm air aloft “capping” the atmosphere.

This graphic shows the estimated arrival time of the main line of storms along the cold front. This line is expected to be weakening as it crosses our area since the atmosphere will be beginning to stabilize after dark.

The latest analysis suggests the chance for a thunderstorm before 8pm LOWERING.

What does that mean? Here is a look on where storms MAY form and if they do form, what areas could see damaging wind/hail. Late night generally sub-severe storms are still favored.

Showers and thunderstorms remain likely overnight but have a low probability of posing a severe risk as well. Flood threats with these storms remain a greater possibility due to the area’s saturated grounds.

The hearing will focus on the proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit that is part of the Homer City Pipeline project.  The plan is to install close to six miles of 30-inch diameter natural gas pipeline from an interconnect facility in Burrell Township to the proposed Homer City Redevelopment site in Center township.  The line will run through parts of Burrell, Blacklick and Center Townships.

The hearing will be held May 12^th at 5:00 PM at the Indiana Theater.

The day started with what was initially reported as a structure fire on Apache Drive in White Township at 9:51 AM.  That turned out to be a small fire caused by spontaneously combusting mulch.

Between 12:25 and 3:56 PM, there were three reports for lines down.  Two of those calls were in Washington Township.  The first at 12:25 was on Route 954 North and the other was at 1:22 PM on Five Points Road.  Creekside firefighters were sent out both times.  The third call was for Rossiter fire department to respond to a call on Sunset Street in Canoe Township.

Two crashes were reported Friday evening.  One on Airport Road in Cherryhill Township that brought the Clymer fire department out at 7:15 PM and the other on Thomas Covered Bridge Road in Armstrong Township that sent Creekside and Indiana Firefighters, State Police and Citizen’s Ambulance to the scene at 10:11 PM.

A vehicle fire was also reported just after midnight on Ernest Haul Road in Rayne Township.  Indiana and Creekside firefighters were sent out initially at 12:16 AM while Marion Center and Clymer crews dispatched a minute later.  Marion Center fire officials say this was near the intersection with Route 110.

The state Fish and Boat Commission says that throughout the 2026 season, the commission will stock 684 streams and 130 public lakes with about 3.2 million adult trout.  This includes about 2.3 million rainbow trout, 698,000 brown trout and 128,000 brook trout.  This is on top of 1.1 million fish that were stocked by cooperative nurseries.   As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds. The PFBC will also stock approximately 72,000 trophy-sized trout measuring 14-20 inches and 18,000 golden rainbow trout.

During the season, which runs through Labor Day, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout per day measuring at least seven inches long.  In the extended season from September 8^th to February 15^th of next year, the daily limit is three fish.

Permits and licenses are available using the Huntfish.pa.gov online portal and in-person at nearly 700 license issuing agents.

The final day to register to vote is May 4th.  To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the election; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.

As Pennsylvania is a closed primary state, only those registered Republican or Democrat can vote in this election.

Voter registration may be done online by clicking here.  You can also visit the county voter registration office on Monday to register.

After the May 4^th deadline, voters who want to vote by mail or absentee ballot have until May 12^th to apply for the ballot and until 8 PM on election day, May 19^th, to return them.

Pastor Bill Blair of Grace Church in Indiana says that the name “Good Friday” can be a little confusing. He says that it is considered “good” because it was the fulfillment of God’s plan for the salvation of mankind.

The day began with the YMCA Good Friday community breakfast, featuring Johnny Crowder, founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental-health platform used in nearly 100 countries. Crowder shared his story about a near-death experience, and how it shifted his life into a new direction of purpose and hope.

Services will be held throughout the county today to commemorate.

Easter Sunday will feature sunrise services at many of our area churches, including Grace Church’s service at 6:30 a.m. at Blue Spruce Park.

(IFA members checking for hot spots in some mulch after a fire was extinguished.  Photo by Josh Widdowson)

Indiana, Marion Center, Clymer and Cherryhill Township fire departments along with Citizen’s Ambulance and the RIT team were sent to a home at 117 Apache Drive at 9:51 AM for a reported structure fire.  Indiana fire officials cancelled everyone else when it was discovered that a small portion of landscaping mulch was on fire, and the fire was out by the time they arrived.

The cause of the fire was determined to be spontaneous combustion.  Crews remained on scene to check for hot spots and potential fire spread.

The purpose of the public plans display is to present the plans and the scope of work for the project to the public.  Along with the bridge replacement, the project will also incorporate geometry and safety improvements to the adjacent roadway including the realignment and intersection improvements along Route 119 south of Crooked Creek to North Tanoma Road and other improvements.  PennDOT representatives, along with design consultants, will be available to answer questions.  Preliminary information on the project’s status, schedule, design, right-of-way acquisition, and traffic control during construction will be available for review and comment.

The public will be able to view the plans on April 16^th from 6-7 PM at the Marion Center Community Park Building on Route 403 in Marion Center.

Federal and state offices are not closed today, but county government offices are closed for the day today.  That includes county courts.  Some banks may be open for a half-day.  It’s advised that you check with your financial institution before heading out.

Post offices are open today and there will be regular mail delivery.

Schools are closed today, including Homer-Center, Indiana, River Valley, Marion Center, Penns Manor, Purchase Line and United.

GasBuddy.com reports that many gas stations in Indiana and Blairsville are hovering between $4.15 and $4.19 a gallon.  Along Route 119 near Homer City, both the Sheetz and Kwik Fill stations have prices at $4.19 while Accent Fuels is offering gas at $3.89.  In Clymer, Sheetz is at $4.19 while the One Stop is listed at $3.89.

This comes as the national average exceeds $4.00 a gallon for the first time in four years.  The national average is $4.09 this morning according to AAA, while Pennsylvania’s Average is $4.11.  Indiana County is around the statewide average at $4.12.  Armstrong County has the lowest average in the region at $4.07, with the highest regional average in Westmoreland county at $4.14.

AAA says that crude oil prices have been surging, surpassing $100/barrel, as the conflict in the Middle East continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

That crash was on Route 119 North in Rayne Township at 9:07 yesterday morning as a car drifted across the road and clipped a garbage truck, then rolling onto its roof.  The driver of the car was taken to IRMC for treatment of unknown injuries.  No injuries were reported to the driver of the garbage truck.  Crews were on the scene for about two hours for cleanup and investigation.

Iselin fire department was sent at 2:29 PM for a Brush Fire on Girty Road in Armstrong County.

Rossiter firefighters were called to a home on Church Road in Canoe Township at 4:49 PM for a basement pumping detail.

There were also two calls for utility lines down.  The first was 5:03 PM on Nowrytown Road in Conemaugh Township that brought Saltsburg fire department out.  The other was at 7:27 PM on Maple Avenue in Blairsville.  Blairsville fire and police departments were joined by Black Lick firefighters.

A York man was arrested for public intoxication in the Downtown Indiana area on Wednesday.  Indiana Borough police said 52-year-old Lyle Tryon was found by police after they were summoned to the 700 block of Philadelphia Street.  He was found to be intoxicated to the point that he was a danger to himself and others.  Tryon was sent to Indiana County Jail to sober up.  A citation was filed with district judge Anthony Sottile’s office.

The week runs from April 6^th to the 10^th, and the theme this year is “Saving for your Past, Present and Future”.  It will focus on several important topics including saving for emergencies or unexpected expenses, leveraging automatic savings, retirement and debt reduction.  First Commonwealth Financial Education Coordinator Anna Frank said in a statement that with many people still feeling the impacts of inflation, rising costs and interest rates, “this national conversation is timely and needed.”

As part of the weeklong event, the institution will host two online community savings webinars on Monday at Noon and Tuesday at 6:00 PM.

The program featured remarks from IRMC staff members, as well as Darlene Kearney, a member of CORE and the mother of an organ donor. Kearney shared her story of her 14-year-old daughter, Rochelle, who passed away due to COVID-related complications. She said that CORE made organ donation easy, and that she’s not sure what she would have done without them.

You can find video from the flag raising ceremony on our Facebook page.

The primary care facility will be moving from the Overlook Building into the former VA clinic office at the Regency Mall complex, joining a network of nine other Primary Care facilities and three Urgi-care locations in Indiana, Blairsville and Ligonier.  It will offer checkups and physicals along with wellness exams, testing, sick care visits, chronic disease care and will handle routine vaccinations and referrals to other care.  The new location will have more space and more access to primary care physicians.  The facility will also provide further assistance with social services, dietary and group classes in the future.

IRMC expects to repurpose the Overlook Building for another specialty.  The new primary care facility will open later this summer.

Indiana County 911 reported the crash at 9:07 AM.  Marion Center and Plumville Firefighters along with Citizen’s Ambulance and State Police were sent to the scene.  Marion Center Fire Officials said the driver of a car may have fallen asleep at the wheel and it drifted into the opposite lane and hit a garbage truck nearly head-on.  The car rolled over after impact.

The driver of the garbage truck was not hurt, but the car driver was taken to IRMC by Citizen’s Ambulance for treatment of injuries.  First responders were on the scene for over two hours for investigation and cleanup efforts.

WHAT WAS FIRST REPORTED

A portion of Route 119 in Rayne Township is reportedly closed after a car crash this morning.

Indiana County 911 reported the crash at 9:07 AM.  An eyewitness says a car rolled over on the northbound side of 119 near the Rayne Drop Inn.  He also reports that the road is closed in both directions.  Marion Center and Plumville Firefighters along with Citizen’s Ambulance and State Police were sent to the scene.

The week will highlight innovation and collaboration in disciplines throughout the university community.  It will also recognize the contributions that IUP’s original research and scholarship has made to the region, state and elsewhere.

As part of that celebration, the university’s Women in STEM group will hold their 21^st annual summit at John J. and Char Kopchick Hall on April 6^th.  A keynote speech will be delivered by IUP alumna, council of trustees Vice Chairperson and president of the Kuzneski Insurance Group Laurie Kuzneski.  IUP Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Vice Provost for Research and Innovation Dr. Hilliary Creely said in a statement that “Events like this matter because they elevate women’s contributions to STEM and give students the opportunity to see—and imagine themselves as—the next generation of STEM leaders.”

Other events for the week include the STEAMSHOP Satellite Office Open House at Stapleton Library on April 7^th and several other demonstrations and lectures.

All events are open to the public and are free to attend.

Police say on December 31^st, 27-year-old Caleb Krecota of Indiana entered a home in the “00” block of North 10^th Street and took items from the house.  He was charged with burglary and conspiracy to burglary.  He was picked up by police on March 30^th on an arrest warrant by the Indiana County Sheriff’s Office when he appeared at District Judge Christopher Welch’s office for an unrelated hearing.  A preliminary hearing on the burglary charges is set for April 16^th.

State police say that officers were trying to serve an arrest warrant on a man at 7:30 PM at a home on Springer Road.  After troopers established a perimeter, the suspect, later identified as 46-year-old John D. Rackovian III, reportedly emerged from the woods and fired shots at the officers.  They returned fire and fatally wounded Rackovian.

Cambria County Chief Deputy Coroner Joseph Hribar said that Rackovian died from his wounds, and the manner of death is being ruled as a homicide, which is defined as death at the hands of another.

Members of the State Police Troop A Major Crimes Unit are investigating the shooting along with Cambria County District Attorney Jessica Aurandt.  The officers involved have been placed on administrative duty per State Police Guidelines.

(Crews putting the first steel beams of the Gas Insulated Switchgear Building at the Homer City Redevelopment Site.  Photos courtesy of HCR)

HCR announced the commencement of “vertical construction” at the former Homer City Generation site with the first steel being set into place.  The first structure being built is the Gas Insulated Switchgear building, a steel-framed facility that will house the high-voltage electrical equipment that will connect the campus to the PJM grid.

It has been a little over a year since the smokestacks and cooling towers of the former generating station were demolished.  This comes on the heels of a recent announcement that there are now over 1000 workers active on the site.

HCR and Knighthead Capital Management Partner Andrew Shannahan said that “As the project goes vertical, our vision that Homer City can serve as a national model for advanced power generation is taking shape in Indiana County.”  When complete, the 4.5 gigawatt natural gas-fired power plant is expected to double the power output of the former coal-fired facility and it is expected to provide power to 13 states and Washington D.C.

The first was reported at 2:50 PM on Route 119 North in East Mahoning Township that brought the Marion Center and Plumville fire departments out along with Citizen’s Ambulance and State Police.  Officials with the Marion Center fire department said that injuries were reported at the crash near the intersection of 119 and Route 403.

The second crash was on Philadelphia Street in White Township at 3:00 PM.  Indiana Fire Association, Citizen’s and state police were called out at the time.  Fire officials said that the crash happened just east of Shelly Drive on West Pike when a driver tried to pull out onto Philadelphia Street and collided with someone in the turning lane.  There were no injuries or entrapment reported.

A third crash was reported at 9:21 PM on the Jefferson County portion of Chloe Rossiter Road.  Rossiter firefighters were dispatched.

And Armagh firefighters were sent out at 1:30 this morning for a crash on Route 56 East in East Wheatfield Township.

Details on those two crashes have not yet been released.

The event will be held from 6-9 PM on the IUP Campus and is open to the community.  Take Back the Night events are designed to raise awareness and support survivors of sexual violence, domestic and dating violence and stalking.  Activities will start at 6:00 with opening remarks at the Oak Grove, followed by the annual march from the Oak Grove to the Survivors Support Reception and Speak Out event at 7:30 at the Hadley Union Building’s Ohio Room. The opening event in the Oak Grove includes chalking the walks, sign-making, photo opportunities with Norm, visiting resource tables, and several guest speakers.

Counselors and advocates will be available at the Survivors Support Reception and Speak Out event to talk with participants, and self-guided healing activities will be provided at every table.

The attorneys for Kevin Murphy have challenged a court ruling made by Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Meghan Billik-Defazio that ultimately upheld the guilty rulings connected with the deaths of Doris Murphy, Kris Murphy and Edith Tietge.  The three were found shot at the family-owned auto glass repair shop in 2009.  Murphy’s attorneys argued that his voluntary absence from a jury visit to the crime scene during the trial is a mistake that would warrant a new trial.  Judge Billik-Defazio said that while that was a mistake, it was not one that would have had enough of an impact to overturn the jury’s verdict.

Murphy claimed he was given bad advice by his former lawyers concerning the site visit and that they had not properly investigated two other potential suspects.  Murphy has denied any involvement in the shootings.

Ceremonies were held by the CARE Center of Indiana County on the courthouse lawn to plant the first part of the Pinwheel Garden of Hope.  The pinwheel is the national symbol for the great childhoods that kids deserve.  Local citizens, businesses, and organizations sponsor pinwheels at various donation amounts.  The event also raises awareness on the prevention of child abuse.

Pinwheels can still be purchased through the CARE Center Website.

The award was given to Dr. Mike Sell from the Alliance for Decision Education.  He will work with students from the Franklin-Regional School District.  He is co-leader of the Digital Storytelling Project, which was founded in 2015 to support K-12, university and non-profit educators improve learning engagement and reinforce critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.  Teachers at Franklin Regional working in the program are designing a curriculum that will integrate standards-based study of classics of literature with decision-making concepts and video game design.

The project was co-founded with recent graduates Dr. Rachel Scheira and Dr. Zeeshan Siddique.

In a statement, Sell said that the program will be beneficial as it will improve a young person’s ability to make good decisions, which he sees as a critical mission for educators today.

The first of the multi-part hearings will be held April 17^th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center in Tioga County. The hearing will focus on the impact of data centers in rural communities, specifically their economic, infrastructure, and environmental implications.

Hess, along with Tioga County Commissioner Shane Nickerson, are expected to share their perspectives as elected leaders of communities that will be directly impacted by the development of data center campuses like the one being built at the former site of the Homer City Generating Station.

A livestream of the hearing will be available at  www.SenatorGeneYaw.com.

Showery activity along a cold front winds down late this morning. After a couple of drier hours, thunderstorms return, mainly south of I-70. Some storms can become heavy to severe this afternoon and evening.

Troopers say that at 7:30 PM Tuesday night, officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on an un-named man at a home on Springer Road.  A perimeter had already been established when the man emerged from the woods and fired a handgun towards responding officers.  Troopers returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect.

Police say there is no current threat to the public.  Cambria County’s District Attorney’s office responded to the scene to assist.  The suspect’s name will be released once next-of-kin have been notified.

In accordance with state police policy, the Troopers involved have been placed on administrative duty.

Chief Lou Sacco said in a news release that the charges were filed against 49-year-old Alan Pellegrino for the incident on March 20^th.  He was reportedly caught on security cameras urinating in a corner of one of the elevators at Moorehead Towers.

Summary charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief were filed with District Judge Robert Bell’s office.

The film “Clemente” directed by David Altrogge from Vinegar Hill Films was nominated for Outstanding Sports Documentary: Long format.  The film had a special one-night release in Indiana at the Indiana Theater in August of 2024 and was released in theaters in September of 2025 before being broadcast on History Channel later that year.  The film is currently available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.

The film is a documentary on the life of the Pirates legend as told through rare interviews with him along with interviews with Michael Keaton, Rita Moreno, Bob Costas and others.  It received the Documentary Spotlight Audience Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival in 2024.

Winners for the Sports Emmys will be announced May 26^th.

So far this flu season, there have been 133,733 lab-confirmed cases of influenza along with 473 flu-related deaths.  For the week ending March 28^th, the percent of emergency department visits that resulted in a flu diagnosis has been low for all age groups.  As far as Indiana county goes, 419 lab-confirmed cases of flu have been reported.

RSV is seeing a similar trend in Pennsylvania with 27,098 cases reported during the respiratory virus season that started September 28^th of last year.  For the week ending March 28^th, the percent of emergency room visits is also extremely low for all age groups.  46 cases of RSV have been reported in Indiana County this season.

Indiana County 911 sent the Saltsburg, Tunnelton, Bell Township and the Iselin/West Lebanon fire departments along with Murrysville EMTs to a property on High Street in Conemaugh Township at 10:13 PM.  Saltsburg fire officials said that a resident was burning trash in the backyard when embers caught the yard and brush against the house on fire.  The fire was out by the time crews arrived, but they had to ventilate some smoke in the residence.  Damage was reported to the exterior of the home and a crawl space between the basement and first floor.

The 21^st brush fire of the year was also reported yesterday.  This one was on Shellbark Road in West Wheatfield Township at 5:26 PM.  Clyde and Armagh/East Whetfield Fire Departments were sent out at the time.  Details on the brush fire have not been released.

A vehicle accident was also reported yesterday at 6:38 PM on Route 553 in Cherryhill Township.  Cherryhill Township firefighters were sent out at the time.

The Miller family’s home was destroyed in a structure fire reported on March 30^th, but the family was able to get out uninjured with nothing but the clothes on their backs.  The Coal Run/McIntyre fire department responded to the need by organizing a collection effort to help the family out.  Officials said on the department’s Facebook page that in five hours, many people contributed clothing, shoes, dog supplies, bath and hygiene products, a vacuum cleaner, a coffee maker, food and gift cards.  The family has also accepted a gift of temporary housing for the next few months as they try to get back on their feet and into a new home in the McIntyre community.

Clothes are no longer being accepted, but donations of gift cards, plates and cutlery, items for the kitchen and other appliances are being welcomed.  Items that can be donated include:

The biopic “Jimmy” will be released exclusively to theaters on November 6^th.  The film stars KJ Apa as Stewart and will recount his career as he transitioned from actor to combat pilot in World War II and flew twenty missions over Europe, and his return to acting with the film “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

The film is produced by one of Stewart’s daughters, Kelly Stewart Harcourt.

A new Severe Thunderstorm Watch is out through 1am. Storms will track through over the next couple hours with the highest threat north of I-80.

Severe weather chances are increasing some, for northwest PA, with a round of fast moving storms forecast to arrive into the area between 6:30pm and 9:30pm. The highest threat for our forecast area will be Mercer/Venango county, with chances decreasing some to the south and east.

According to police, a 2019 Hyundai Kona, driven by Hannah O. Melton was traveling north when the driver lost control while negotiating a right curve, crossed over a double yellow line, and struck a 1998 Chevrolet Lumina driven by Denver T. Lucas, 66, of Glen Campbell.

No injuries were reported, but both vehicles sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene.

30-year-old Austin Milanos of Indiana was sentenced after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver, an ungraded felony. He was ordered to pay fines and costs and serve between three and seven years in a state correctional institution. The charges stem from a July 2025 incident when Milanos was stopped by a member of the Indiana County Sheriff’s Department, who knew there was an active warrant for his arrest. During the stop, deputies say Milanos broke his own cell phone and tried to hide narcotics. Deputies later found multiple packages of drugs, paraphernalia, brass knuckles, and other items associated with drug trafficking.

Manzi says the case highlights the awareness and training of local law enforcement, and that the work of the sheriff’s office and drug task force helped put a drug dealer in state prison and made the community safer.

According to a post on the Department’s Facebook page, a woman was caught on a doorbell camera stealing over $800 worth of porch furniture and accessories from the front porch of a home in the 500 block of School Street on March 26^th at 4:45 PM.

A picture of the suspect can be found on their Facebook page.  Anyone with information can call police at 724-349-2121 and ask for Officer Miller.

According to a statement from Superintendent Dr. Richard Lucas, an elementary school student made a statement on the bus yesterday morning concerning a potential safety-related matter involving a weapon.  The administration was alerted and acted immediately to intervene prior to the bus arriving at the school.  The statement was proven to be without merit and at no time were students or staff in harm’s way.  Once everyone’s safety was confirmed, the bus was allowed to continue towards the school.

Notifications were sent out to the district community the same day as part of the requirements of Act 44 of 2025 regarding parental and employee notification of weapon incidents.

The Coal Run/McIntyre and Iselin fire departments were sent out at 7:53 PM along with the EMA/Hazmat team to a home on McIntyre Road.  Aultman and Tunnelton fire departments were sent out two minutes later to assist.  In a post on the department’s Facebook page, Coal Run/McIntyre fire officials said that the family living there was able to get out safely, the home and its contents are a compete loss.

Firefighters were sent out again at 3:32 this morning as the fire rekindled.  No word yet on the cause of the fire.

Officials added that they will set up a collection at the Coal Run/McIntyre fire department for items that can be used to help the family out.  Clothing sizes and a list of items they will need will be posted on their Facebook page later.

On top of that call, there was a call at 7:51 PM on Lovejoy Road in Green Township.  Commodore, Clymer, Cherry Tree and Hope fire departments were dispatched along with the RIT team.  Commodore fire officials say that an electrical outlet was arcing.  Fire damage was contained to the outlet, while crews had to ventilate a little smoke.

The first was at 2:30 PM at a location on Malloy Hollow Road in Pine Township.  Pine Township and Cherryhill Township were initially dispatched to the scene.  Clymer fire department was called in to assist at 2:34 PM with Nicktown fire department was dispatched ten minutes later.

The final call of the day came at 2:49 along Canoe Ridge Road in Canoe Township.  Rossiter fire department was ordered to the scene.

On top of that, there was a call at 10:32 yesterday morning for Iselin firefighters who were sent to Plumcreek Township in Armstrong Township for a brush fire on State Route 2021.

Details on these brush fires have not been released.

Indiana County 911 said the crash happened at 6:18 AM along a portion of Route 422.  Indiana Firefighters were sent to the scene.  Fire officials say the T-bone crash happened at the West Pike interchange.

There was no entrapment.  Crews from Indiana Fire Association were joined by State Police and Citizens’ Ambulance.  The road reopened at 7:00 this morning.

The event is a poster conference that allows undergrads enrolled in state colleges and universities to showcase their research talents to state house and senate members.  All fields of research are encouraged and students are nominated by their university to take part.

The two students were Serena Aumick, a pre-veterinary biology major in the Cook Honors College presented “Expanding the Available Data for Green Spiny Lizards” while Megan Seaman, a computer science major in the Cook Honors College presented “Painting AI Pink: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Breast Cancer Diagnosis.”

The IUP students were two of only 43 students from 28 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania who were invited to participate in the 2026 event.

Court documents show that 39-year-old Jonathan McKendrick is scheduled to go before District Judge Susanne Steffee this afternoon.  He is charged in connection with incidents in May of 2025.  State troopers received a Safe2Say report concerning the suspected abuse.  The investigation included both forensic evidence and interviews with the victim and others who had knowledge of the events. McKendrick is charged with Statutory Sexual Assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of someone under 16, sexual assault, indecent assault and six other crimes.

McKendrick has been free on $50,000 bond since his arrest.

ExxploreJeffersonPa.Com is reporting 50 year-old, Mark Anthony Cessna of Home, and 32 year-old, Timothy A. McCausland Jr., of Indiana, used plastic sleds to remove stolen items, including a Craftsman tool chest, a Troy-Bilt generator, and a mini motorcycle, from Waltman’s Bargain and Mattress Outlet in Young Township.

Cessna was taken into custody during a separate burglary on Feb. 23 and confessed to the crimes, naming McCausland as an accomplice.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled for April 21 before Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock.

Thunderstorms are possible ahead of an approaching cold front late this afternoon into tonight. Some of these storms could be severe with damaging wind, hail and isolated tornadoes. At this time, it appears the most likely time to see severe storms is between 6pm and 2am, though uncertainty remains in the coverage and timing of the storms.

We’re looking at a wet stretch of days ahead, but fortunately most of the heavier rain should fall in areas that did not see the heaviest rainfall last week.

Manzi, along with Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, held a press conference today to talk about the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (or LETI). Indiana County joined this initiative back in 2023 to help those suffering from substance abuse. The program empowers law enforcement officers as well as others to guide individuals who are suffering from addiction into treatment, rather than diverting them into the criminal system. The county is now expanding this initiative towards other mental health struggles and treatments as well as substance abuse disorders.

Attorney General Sunday explained why an initiative like this is so important.

Some have called this initiative a “way out” for criminals, but Sunday said this is about being proactive rather than reactive.

You can find video from the conference on our Facebook page.

Manzi, along with Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, will hold a press conference today to talk about the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (or LETI). Indiana County joined this initiative back in 2023 to help those suffering from substance abuse. The program empowers law enforcement officers as well as others to guide individuals who are suffering from addiction into treatment, rather than diverting them into the criminal system. The county is now expanding this initiative towards other mental health struggles and treatments as well as substance abuse disorders.

The conference will be held at 2:30 today at the Indiana County Courthouse.

The day started at 1:30 PM for utility lines down on Bowdertown Road in Montgomery Township that brought Cherry Tree firefighters.

Two fire companies were called out for a brush fire on Gobblers Run Road in Armstrong Township at 2:04 PM.  Elderton fire department were called to the scene first with Iselin dispatched a few minutes later.  Details on the brush fire were not released.  This marks the 18^th brush fire of the year.

A vehicle accident was reported at 4:53 PM on Route 422 East in Pine Township.  Pine Township and Cherryhill Township fire departments were sent out.

Indiana Fire Association was sent out for a physical rescue at 7:30 on Sunday.  This was on Oakland Avenue in Indiana Borough.

Our next chance for stronger storms will come in the latter half of Tuesday. We’re pretty confident that we’ll have a good environment to support strong to severe storms north of Pittsburgh, but we’re less confident that storms will be able to develop to utilize it. SPC has expanded the Marginal Risk (1/5) a bit farther south, and the Slight Risk (2/5) now clips parts of our northwest PA counties. Stay tuned for updates.

Martell writes that the district has “accomplished extraordinary things” during his tenure, noting that it’s created “new pathways for students to explore their strengths, interests, and futures.”  He says he’s especially proud of the success of the River Valley STEAM Academy, and of the national recognition the district has earned. River Valley was named an AASA National Lighthouse School System in 2023 and was inducted into the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools in 2024.

Read Martell’s letter to the community below:

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1774362188/rivervalleysdorg/ag7zqurmyhabcetnwokz/202603-24PMartellCommunityLetter.pdf

Active weather continues this week as we see a warming trend and periods of showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures climb back into the upper 60s and 70s each day. Storms along a cold front late Tues into early Wed could become strong/severe, mainly along and north of I-80.

A canoe was found overturned in the pond with no sign of the male operating it. He had last been seen at 4:15 pm.

See previously reported story.

Punxsutawney Water Rescue was alerted at 6:50 pm. Pennsylvania State Police were requested on scene at 7:43 pm. Two divers went into the water at 9:02 pm and a body was recovered shortly thereafter.

Other units called to the scene included Marion Center VFD, Blairsville VFD, Saltsburg VFD, Creekside VFC, Tunnelton-Conemaugh Township VFD, Plumville District VFD, Commodore VFD, EMS, and Punxsutawney Borough Police.

The identity of male and cause of death have not been released.

UPDATE

The dispatch came at about 6:50 PM for Nashville Road at Hetzler Road/Birch Lane and reportedly involved an overturned canoe that was found, but the man who was in the canoe was not there and had not been located as of this morning.

If approved, the new rates would increase the average residential monthly bill from $122.20 to $138.23, a 13.1 percent hike that would likely begin in December, just as the winter heating season is gearing up. Commercial rates would rise 15.7 percent and industrial users would pay 11.6 percent more.

The last Peoples Gas increase went into effect in September of 2024, after the company had requested 21 percent but was granted 12 percent.

Peoples already passes the cost of gas itself on to its customers, with quarterly adjustments based on the market value of the gas.  The new rate increase would be for the other part of the bill, which pays for the delivery of the gas, maintenance of the system, pipeline replacement, and other expenses.

In its request, Peoples claims that without the increase, investors would make only a 7.14 percent return, which would cause them to invest their money elsewhere.  That, it asserts, would  impact its ability to continue to improve its gas infrastructure.”  Since Peoples began its pipeline replacement program in 2013, it has put in more than 2,000 miles of new gas lines, including over 200 miles last year.

Among other things, the bill would require fully functional wayside detector systems, which warn of overheating trains, require minimum staffing levels on trains and light engines, authorize a union representative on all trains, and require studies, reports, and other regulations regarding the transport of hazardous materials.

Republican critics of the bill object to requirements that will increase the cost of rail transportation, including a provision that would make trains stop and unhook as they enter the commonwealth from another state, which could create bottlenecks.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Repairs to the bridge at South 6^th Street and Grant Street in Indiana Borough begin tomorrow.  A portion of Grant will be closed through May 1^st, with School Street and Carter Avenue acting as alternatives.  South 6^th Street will remain open.  It’s a continuation of a $3.1 project begun last summer that also involved ramp replacement and additional work on Route 119.

The intersection improvement project on Indian Springs Road in White Township begins on Wednesday.  It’s happening at the intersection with Wayne Avenue, through to Oakland Avenue, with the work to include the addition of left turn lanes, widening, and a new signal at the intersection of Indian Springs Road and Rustic Lodge Road.  There will be alternating lane closures controlled by flaggers through the completion of the $4.3 million project in early October.

In northern Indiana County, a bridge replacement project begins next week in Canoe Township.  Preparation work for the replacement of the Broadhead Run Bridge will last from April 6^th until Locust Lane closes, from July 7^th through September 29^th, between Wright Road and Oberlin Hill Road.  The $1.5 million project is scheduled for completion at the end of October.

Here is the detour (approximately ten miles):  

From the northern end of the structure, drivers will travel north on Locust Lane for 3.2 miles. Turn left onto Watering Trough Road. Follow Watering Trough Road for 2 miles. Turn left onto Leisure Road. Follow Leisure Road for 3.1 miles. Continue straight onto East Creek Road for 0.4 miles. Turn left at the fork in the road onto Locust Lane. Follow Locust Lane for 1 mile to reach the southern end of the structure.  Those travelling from the southern side of the structure will reverse these directions.

OTHER BRIDGE PROJECTS:

The replacement of the bridge carrying Rearick Road over Blackleggs Creek in Young Township begins April 6^th with the closure of Rearick Road between Wertz Road and Shrokman Road.

A $1.9 million bridge replacement is scheduled for April 13^th through January 27^th of next year on Sexton Road in White Township.  The road will close between Brown Road and Hilltop Road to replace the span over Tributary to Cherry Run Bridge.  The detour will use Old Route 56 and Route 286.  There will be alternating lane restrictions on 286 for the first phase of the project, and then two-way traffic will resume for the second phase.

In addition to the PennDOT projects in Indiana County, Indiana Borough has announced that repairs are scheduled to get underway this summer on five other bridges, all of which span Marsh Run, with the borough scheduled to do the work.  They include bridges on Maple Street, Locust Street, 4^th & Church  streets, School Street, and 7^th Street.

The increase would help allay the cost of the new satellite recycling bin and changing market conditions, with revenue from recyclable materials declining.  The borough is also adding a new drop-off container for cardboard, to be delivered in April and be located at the Borough Building.

Indiana residents who use auto-pay will need to update their payment amount.  The fee applies to borough residents who receive municipal waste and recycling services.

The borough has also made changes to utility bills, to create a separate arrears account, which will be noted on your bill. All payments will be applied to arrears before they can be used to pay current fees.

The borough has set up a system through which you can ask questions:

For specific questions regarding arrears, please contact Portnoff Law Associates (www.portnoffonline.com) or by phone (866-211-9466). For other concerns, contact Indiana Borough at contact-us@indianaboro.com or 724-465-6691.

Dry weather is expected into early next week, but we’ll be starting today on a chilly note despite some sunshine. Temperatures start a warming trend tomorrow, with most of the region expected to climb back into the 70s by Tuesday. Have a great weekend!

The event is part of a broader movement that claims to support democracy and oppose authoritarianism, with similar rallies being held in communities across the country.

The rally is expected to take place this afternoon and is open to the public. No road closures have been announced, but motorists may see increased foot traffic in the area.

That call was for a miscellaneous incident on Route 403 South in East Wheatfield Township. Armagh fire department was dispatched to what was eventually found to be debris in the road. Crews cleared it promptly.

The IUP women paved their way to today’s championship with a 75-70 win over Colorado Mesa Thursday night at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse at Duquesne University. Today, they’ll take on #1 seed Grand Valley State from Michigan.

The women have reached the Final Four in 2018 and 2019.In basketball and football, IUP has played in 4 national championship games. They played for a national title in football in 1990 and1993, losing both in Alabama. They also played for the men’s basketball titles in 2010 and 2015.

You can catch the action on 92.5FM U92 starting at 2 o’clock. Tipoff is set for 3.

Hessen gave the keynote address at the second annual PA Data Center and Energy Innovation Summit, hosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. His remarks focused on the ongoing transformation of the former Homer City Generating Station, which is being redeveloped into what’s expected to become the largest natural gas-powered energy facility currently under construction in the United States.

Hessen said that Pennsylvania has always been a power-generating state, and this new plant is going to be a wonderful thing for the history of the county.

When finished, the plant will use seven advanced natural gas turbines to help meet growing energy demand, including data centers and artificial intelligence.

Hessen offered an update to the project, saying that construction is going very well.

This marked the second year for the conference.

Community members gathered at the Indiana Country Club for brunch, and to celebrate another successful campaign. This year’s campaign was “Strength in Unity”, focusing on working together to take care of the community. Campaign Co-Chair Rob Heinrich said this campaign was “unbelievable”.

Co-Chair Aaron Ludwig said it’s all thanks to the community

The goal set for the campaign was $724,211, representing the area code for Indiana (724) and the services of 211.

Not only did they reach their goal, but they also exceeded it, bringing in a total of $727,886.09.

United Way Executive Director Joe Fishel said that while there is a monetary goal, the real goal is to help others in the community.

The next campaign will be announced later this year.

A bit of rain fell over the last 24 hours, with most area sites seeing between 1″ and 2.5″. Flood warnings remain in effect in across the Pittsburgh metro, northern WV panhandle, and eastern Ohio. If you encounter flooding on the morning drive, turn around, don’t drown.

Here’s a look at how much rain we received Indiana County, according to the official measure recorded at the Pennsylvania American Water Company Two Lick Filter Plant.

Rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 7 am today was 1.41 inches. That took us up to 6.03 inches for March and 10.36 inches for the year thus far. We’ve also received 3.0 inches of snow this month for a total of 47.3 inches of snow this winter. We had 27.5 inches at this time last year.

The plant is located in White Township. The totals could differ with measurements taken in other areas of Indiana County.

The man has been identified as 41-year-old Christopher Joseph Green of Homer City. Green was traveling south on Route 119 North when he failed to negotiate a left curve. He exited the west side berm then rolled on the side before striking a tree. Green was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Marion Center, Indiana, and Creekside fire departments responded, as well as Citizen’s Ambulance and State Police.

The IUP women paved their way to Saturday’s championship with a 75-70 win over Colorado Mesa last night at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse at Duquesne University.  IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll said the Crimson Hawks definitely gave Colorado Mesa a run for their money.

IUP Athletic Director Todd Garzarelli was impressed with the very vocal pro-IUP crowd, including other student athletes who came out to support the team.

Grand Valley State was the winner of the other Final Four semifinal, defeating UAH (University of Alabama in Huntsville), 61-39. The championship game will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday.

Court documents show 31-year-old Palina Williams will face trial on charges of felony aggravated cruelty to animals and witness intimidation, misdemeanor cruelty to animals and designing or copying obscene material and summary cruelty to animals and other pet-related crimes.  A charge of invasion of privacy was dismissed.  State police said on February 20th, she reportedly abandoned a dog that was found the next day along Valley Road in Green Township and taken into a local veterinarian.  The dog was found with two fractures in its pelvis and chicken bones in its stomach.

Further investigation revealed that Williams reportedly asked someone else to ditch the dog for her and sent nude photos to the other individual to keep them from talking to police.

Court documents show 22-year-old Tymere Johnson is facing charges of prohibited possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license and receiving stolen property for the incident that happened around 10:00 PM on March 21^st in the area of School Street and West Avenue during the unsanctioned IUPatty’s celebratory weekend.  Police say he exchanged gunfire with an unknown individual then fled in a car.  He was apprehended later on.

He remains in Indiana County Jail on $250,000 bond.

Heads up! We have issued a FLOOD WARNING for portions of the region until 7:15 AM. Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches (shown on the map) have already occurred, with additional rain expected overnight. Flooding of streams, creeks, and roads is expected to occur. Remember: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!

Hessen is set to deliver the keynote address at the second annual PA Data Center and Energy Innovation Summit, hosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. His remarks will focus on the ongoing transformation of the former Homer City Generating Station, which is being redeveloped into what’s expected to become the largest natural gas-powered energy facility currently under construction in the United States.

When finished, the plant will use seven advanced natural gas turbines to help meet growing energy demand, including data centers and artificial intelligence.

The keynote begins at 10:45 this morning.

In addition to the first fatal crash that occurred Thursday, Cherryhill Township firefighters, Citizen’s Ambulance and state police were sent to Route 422 East in Cherryhill Township at 11:48 pm for a report of another crash.

No details are currently available.

A physical rescue was also reported yesterday on Oakland Avenue in Indiana Borough. Indiana Fire Department was dispatched at 4pm.

Again, no details have been made available at this time.

Other calls included one for a brushfire in Center Township, and another for utility lines down in White Township at 6:26 am.

The event signifies the end of the United Way’s annual campaign. This year’s campaign was titled “Strength in Unity”, emphasizing community partnerships and working together to help those in need. Fundraising events for this year’s campaign included a golf outing, the annual Turkeython, and the Monster Mash Trivia Bash, with a goal of raising $724,211.

Registration for today’s event starts at 10:30, with brunch at 11:30.

Not much change in the forecast for tonight/early Friday.

A line of severe storms is expected to cross the area from the north late this afternoon into the evening. Storms have the potential to produce damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes. After initial storms, we will then transition to a flooding threat as rounds of heavy rain continue through much of the overnight. Parts of the area have been upgraded to a Slight (2/4) risk for excessive rainfall due to this threat.

During the overnight hours, the threat for severe storms this evening was upgraded and expanded into our region, now including an Enhanced risk for eastern Ohio.

With a cold front moving in from the north, all severe threats—including hail, damaging wind, and tornadoes—are possible late this evening.

Heavy rainfall is also expected, with 1 to 2 inches anticipated late tonight into early Friday morning.

WHAT WAS FIRST REPORTED

One person died in a crash this morning on Route 119 in Rayne Township.

Indiana County 911 sent the Marion Center and Indiana fire departments along with Citizen’s Ambulance and State Police to the crash site near Chambersville Road on Wake Robin Curve.  Marion Center fire officials said that a vehicle travelled off the road and off an embankment, rolled and hit a tree.  A medical helicopter was initially called, but later cancelled.  Officials confirmed one person was pronounced dead on arrival.

The identity of the victim will be released once the Indiana County Coroner’s Office notifies next-of-kin.  That portion of Route 119 was closed for about three hours.

Court documents show 22-year-old Tymere Johnson of Clairton will go before District Judge Anthony Sottile today.  He is charged with prohibited possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license and receiving stolen property for the incident that happened around 10:00 PM in the area of School Street and West Avenue.  Indiana Borough Police said at the time that shots were fired by Johnson and another individual, then Johnson got into a car and sped off while the other suspect fled on foot.  Johnson was later apprehended when police pulled the car over on Route 119.  Johnson was carrying a .40 caliber handgun that was reportedly stolen.  Police said the other shooter had a 9mm handgun.

Johnson has been in Indiana County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail since his arrest.  Police have not released any further information on the other suspect.

According to court documents, 31-year-old Palina Williams is charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and witness intimidation, misdemeanor invasion of privacy and cruelty to animals and summary counts of cruelty to animals and other pet-related violations for an incident on February 20^th.  State police said on that day, she abandoned a dog along an unknown road.  The dog was found the next day along Valley Road in Green Township and taken into a local veterinarian.  The dog was found with two fractures in its pelvis and chicken bones in its stomach.  Further investigation revealed that Williams reportedly asked someone else to ditch the dog for her and sent nude photos to the other individual to keep them from talking to police.

Williams has been in jail on $100,000 bail since her arrest on February 24^th.

House Bill 1800 would modify the state’s definition of marriage from a contract between a man and a woman to a contract between two individuals and remove language that states if a same-sex marriage happens outside of Pennsylvania, it would be rendered void in Pennsylvania.  The bill is sponsored by Democrat Representative Malcolm Kenyatta and followed mostly party lines with a 127-72 vote.  Opponents said that marriage should stay out of state government but those in favor say the change would keep government out of marriage.

Both State Representatives Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith voted against the measure.

The best chance of severe weather Thursday night remains to our west. At this time, confidence in severe weather for our region remains highest in eastern Ohio, where SPC has expanded the Slight Risk. Confidence in severe weather degrades as you move south and east, with uncertainty in how well storms hold together after sunset. Storms likely enter our area after sunset and continue through the overnight hours, eventually becoming more of a heavy rain threat early Friday morning.

That would be the junked motor vehicle ordinance, which sets a definition for junked, nuisance, or abandoned vehicles, as well as rules for where they can and cannot be stored on someone’s property. However, many residents spoke about privacy concerns for possible inspection of those vehicles, as well as using vehicles that fall under that definition for business purposes.

The supervisors set a work session for April 15th to continue shaping the ordinance. Township manager Chris Anderson said that they simply need more time to digest everyone’s comments and concerns.

Supervisors also approved a bid from Derry Construction of Latrobe for $143,911.80 for paving work in the township. Anderson said that they will now review the bid to ensure it is up to the township’s standards.

In other business, supervisors approved the sale of two mowers and a tractor on Municibid, at a total price of $23,412.

The proposal was brought forward by Robert Marcus of Marcus and Mack, who have represented the county on similar matters.  How much money the county is seeking in this settlement was not released, but he did go over some of the details of the lawsuit.

Indiana County Commissioner Mike Keith said that the money they’ve received from the opioid settlements has gone a long way towards helping the fight against drugs in the county.

The commissioners also approved change orders for the Challenger Learning Center project, the Welcome Center at the Bank project and the Jimmy Stewart Airport Hangar and Parking Lot project.

Blairsville Borough Police saw 25-year-old Diymon D’shawn Womble of Hagerstown, who was known to be wanted in Cambria County, getting into his vehicle along Veterans Drive in Blairsville Borough. When police attempted to stop him near the Sunoco on Villa Road and Route 22, Womble took off eastbound on the highway.

Officers chased him to the intersection of 22 and Jesse Penrose Road, where Womble made a U-turn heading westbound, cutting off other cars at a high speed. The pursuit then turned off SR 22 onto Villa Road, and then to William Penn Highway, headed west.

The chase finally ended at the intersection of East Brown Street and Grandview Avenue when Womble lost control after hitting a utility pole and hedges. He got out of the vehicle and fled on foot but was later apprehended at a home on Veterans Drive. A passenger in the vehicle was apprehended by police at the scene of the crash but was later released.

Womble faces charges of flight to avoid apprehension, fleeing or attempting to elude police, evading arrest or detention on foot and recklessly endangering another person, along with ten other driving-related charges. He is being housed in Indiana County Jail awaiting arraignment.

Dry weather is expected today. Rain and thunderstorm chances return Thursday into Friday. There is a Marginal Risk (or level 1 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms late Thursday into early Friday morning. Locally heavy rain is also possible.

The number of vocal IUP fans were enough to make it feel like a home game at the KCAC instead of the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse at the campus of Duquesne University.  IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll was one of those fans who were stressed after seeing disastrous third quarter nearly upend the Crimson Hawks, but he admired how well they came back to win in OT.

The Crimson Hawks will take on Colorado Mesa tomorrow at 6 PM.  That game will be heard on U-92.5 FM, starting at 5:15 pm.  We’ll have more coming up in sports.

The fire was reported at 2:43 PM on Elkin Avenue in White Township.  Indiana, Clymer, Homer City, Marion Center and Creekside fire departments were sent out at the time along with Citizen’s Ambulance and the EMA/HazMat team.  Details on the fire have not been released.

The gas leaks were reported along Resort Plaza Drive in Burrell Township, Mill Run Drive in White Township and Martha Street in Blairsville throughout the day.  Firefighters from Black Lick, Blairsville and Indiana were sent to each of those calls.

And Indiana fire association members also dealt with an automatic fire alarm activation at 6:42 PM along Pompano Lane.

This marks the 20^th such agreement that has been signed for the proposed school.  These agreements are part of the accreditation process and the school is now at 230% of the needed clinical training spots.  Students in the proposed school will normally have two years of classroom instruction to start then learn in the field for years three and four at local clinical sites.

Sharon Regional Health System President Dr. Valeri Roth called the partnership a “meaningful investment in the future of healthcare in the Shenango Valley. By welcoming medical students into our clinical environment, we are helping to build a strong pipeline of future physicians who will understand our community, train alongside our dedicated teams, and ultimately strengthen access to high-quality care.”

Founding Dean of the Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine Dr. Miko Rose said students who will work at Sharon Regional Health System will get to see first-hand “how important rural health care facilities are to their communities.”

The bill would modify the Minimum Wage Act of 1968 to raise the wage from $7.15 an hour to $11 an hour by January 1^st of 2027, then to $13 by 2028, $15 in 2029 and followed by annual cost of living adjustments.  Lawmakers said the bill would also allow counties to implement the $15 rate sooner and set the minimum wage for tipped employees to 60% of the statewide minimum wage.

In a statement, Governor Josh Shapiro said this is the third straight year that the move passed the state house and said that “The ball is now in the Senate Republicans’ court.”

State Representatives Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith voted against the bill.

Martell will step down after six years of service as the district’s superintendent.  He previously served the district as the business manager consultant from May to June of 2020, and was a key part of the foundation of the district’s STEAM academy in 2024 and has earned multiple state and national recognitions.  He has also overseen the building of the new football stadium.

In a statement during the meeting, board president Rick Harper said that Martell always focused on the students first.

During public comment, former board member Melanie Pantalone was not as complimentary, saying she did not trust Martell or members of his administration with financial concerns.

Martel is leaving the district to take a position in the private sector.  Details on the retirement package have not been released as the agreement has not been formally accepted and executed by Martell.  Once that happens, the deal will be made public and the search for a new superintendent will begin.

In other business, the board rejected purchases of two sanitary floor polisher burnishers from Fagan Sanitary Supply at a combined cost of $27,190 and the purchase of a javelin runway from VASCO at a cost not to exceed $59,022.  The rejection was based on the costs of the three purchases.

The drill will be held May 6^th at 6:00 PM at the airport in Latrobe.  Participants will play the role of a disaster victim as part of a realistic full-scale emergency response exercise.  All participants should wear old clothes as you may get dirty and/or wet during the event.  The drill is required to be done every three years to meet FAA requirements.  Firefighters, ambulance crews and hospital personnel will be on-site as well.

Anyon interested in helping out can register through the airport’s website.

The questionnaire is asking respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities, and how they rate the agency’s winter services.  Respondents will also be asked how they receive PennDOT roadway information, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA services.

The survey will remain live until April 14^th and should take around five minutes to complete.  Those wanting to take part can click on the link below.

PennDOT Winter Services Survey

Dry weather is expected through Wednesday as high pressure tracks across the region. A cold front will return rain and thunderstorms to the area Thursday into Friday. Locally heavy rainfall is possible.

On Sunday, police said a resident near the area of School Street and West Avenue found a 9mm shell on their back porch and called authorities.  Officers searched the area and found two more 9mm shells and some possible bullet holes in a house and car.  On Monday, police received video showing Tymere Johnson exchanging gunfire with a second unidentified individual around 10:00 PM.  Johnson was carrying a stolen .40 caliber handgun at the time while the video showed the other individual had the 9mm gun.

Johnson was arrested by police after he got in a car and fled.  The other suspect fled on foot.  Anyone with information can call police at 724-349-2121.

Police are also continuing to investigate the second reported incident that happened in the area of South 7^th and Locust Streets.  There is still no indication that anyone was injured or specifically targeted in the incident, but police now say a large group was seen running from the area and it was reported that a gunshot was heard.  Investigators are looking for witnesses and potential video from the general area for other details.  People are asked to call them if they have more information.

Court documents show 18-year-old Chase Joshua Mansfield faces two counts of making terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another and a single count of disorderly conduct in connection with the incident on Philadelphia Street on March 14^th.  Indiana Borough Police said Mansfield was heard by witnesses saying that he was going to “shoot up the parade” as he walked by them around 11:00.  One of the witnesses was able to point him out in the 600 block of Philadelphia Street.  Mansfield was detained and immediately arrested.  He did not have a weapon in his possession.

Mansfield has been in Indiana County Jail on $50,000 bail since his arrest.  His hearing is set for 11:00 in front of district judge Suzanne Steffee.

The project will include the adding left turn lanes, widening lanes and putting a new traffic signal in place at the intersection of Indian Springs and Rustic Lodge Road.  There will be alternating lane closures controlled with flaggers throughout the project.

Ligonier Construction of Laughlintown will work on the $4.3 million project.

Prior to the voting meeting, a discussion on the budget was held during the Audit and Finance Committee meeting.  As part of that discussion, student-athletes from the Winter Track program were in attendance to talk about how much the program means to them.  A reduction of $16,000 to that program is part of a list of proposed reductions to the 2026-27 budget.  Business manager Jared Cronauer said that the district is facing some problems with the 2026-27 budget that will need multiple solutions.

During the voting meeting, the board approved sending School Climate surveys to students, staff and families.  This year’s surveys will feature a more quantitative response instead of a written response so that they can graphically organize results easily.

Pennsylvania’s Fire Weather Awareness Week kicks off today (March 23rd) and runs through Friday (March 27th) this year! Brush fires, or wildfires, are a problem for Indiana County volunteer fire departments every year, and Fire Weather Awareness Week is designed to help reduce the number of brush fire instances, which currently stands at 17 in the county as of this morning.

Follow #wildfiresafetypa for fire weather information from the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), PA Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest, and Pennsylvania Game Commission this week.

The first happened around 10 PM in the area of School Street and West Avenue.  Officers say five shots were fired before the suspect, 22-year-old Tymere Johnson from Clairton, got into a car and sped off.  Police were able to recover five shell casings and the .40 caliber stolen handgun used in the shooting.  Johnson is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property, and firearm possession violations.  He was placed in Indiana County Jail in lieu of $250,000.  A preliminary hearing will be held on March 26^th at 1:00 PM in front of District Judge Anthony Sottile.

A second shooting was reported in the area of South 7^th and Locust Streets at 11:15 PM.  Details are limited, but police said that this was not related to the earlier shooting.  They are not aware of anyone who was injured or targeted in the second incident and there was no evidence of gunfire has been recovered.  Anyone with information on the second shooting can call police at 724-349-2121.

Police charged eight non-IUP students with crimes including disorderly conduct, public intoxication, simple assault and harassment.  Three students were charged by borough police as well.

University Police reported 12 calls for routine service along with a missing person who was eventually found, a blue-light phone activation, fights in dorms, and five traffic stops.

State police said they had 10 DUI arrests and four drug arrests on Saturday.

Cooler conditions are expected over the next 24 hours following the passage of the front last night and early Monday morning.

Also due today is 65-year-old Dennis Blackie of Rossiter, who is due on dog-care related violations from 2024 and last year.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the region through 10 PM this evening. Large hail and damaging wind are the main threats, but a tornado cannot be totally ruled out. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings!

The Storm Prediction Center has upgraded most of the local area to an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms late this afternoon and evening. Previously, Indiana County was in the Level 2 area.

The upgrade is due to increasing confidence in the potential for damaging wind gusts and large hail that could exceed golf ball size. A tornado or two still cannot be ruled out.

Heads up for severe weather today! The outlook remains largely the same: storms are expected to develop along a cold front after 2 PM and continue into the late evening. Isolated storms could bring the risk of large hail, damaging winds, & a few tornadoes. Stay weather aware!

Temperatures will hit the upper 70s before storms and rain showers roll in during the afternoon. Enjoy the warmth, because after the cold front passes, highs will crash back into the 40s and 50s for the next few days.

Indiana Borough Police have identified an Allegheny County man as the suspect taken into custody after a shooting Saturday night in the area of School Street and West Avenue.  After initial reports that a back-seat passenger in a dark-colored sedan had fired multiple shots into the air, police say further investigation determined that five gunshots were fired into the air from outside the vehicle, then the shooter got into the back seat and the vehicle drove away.  Minutes later, that car was pulled over on Route 119 and 22-year-old Tymere Johnson of Clairton was identified as the shooter and taken into custody.

Five empty shell casings were discovered at the scene of the shooting.  A .40 caliber handgun recovered from Johnson turned out to be stolen.

Johnson is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, person not to possess a firearm, and receiving stolen property.  He is in the Indiana County Jail awaiting arraignment.

The second incident was reported at 11:15 PM in the area of South 7^th and Locust Street.  Police Chief Justin Schawl said it was not connected to the first shooting and “no evidence of gunfire has been recovered.”  No one was injured.  The investigation remains open.  IUP reports that there is no danger to the community.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call Indiana Borough Police at 349-2121.

The House will be in session Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  Monday’s calendar includes consideration of a bill granting the Public Utility Commission the authority to regulate large-load energy users, targeting data centers.  The broad authority of the PUC would include assigning responsibility for the increased cost of electricity upgrades to the large capacity users so that the public does not have to foot the bill.  Other legislative proposals are requiring contributions to the LIHEAP program and other state regulation of the data center industry.

The PUC has already proposed a regulatory framework that would include most of those objectives.

Representative Jim Struzzi’s Appropriations is also scheduled to meet on Monday.

Those who live on Sunrise Avenue, Mazza Street, Mullen Avenue, Indiana Street, Yankeetown Avenue, Highland Avenue, Station Street, and Locust Street Liberty Street, and Jacksonville Road may be affected by the outage.

The board will also consider asking students, staff, and families to respond to the School Climate Surveys to gather input regarding school safety, environment, communication, and overall climate, related to the district’s Comprehensive Plan.

River Valley’s board meets on Tuesday.  They have not yet published their agenda.  The ICTC Joint Operating Committee also meets on Tuesday.

The funding comes through the 2026 Pennsylvania Grid Resilience Grants program.  Grant recipients are required to add about 30 percent in cost shares.  The program will award $10 million this year.

The first was reported at approximately 10 PM in the area of West Avenue and School Street.  Indiana Borough Police said that someone in the back seat of a dark-colored sedan held a gun out the window and fired multiple shots into the air as it went along West Avenue towards South Street.  Police said that no one was hurt and it did not appear to be targeting anyone in particular.  Police conducted a traffic stop on Route 119 minutes after the incident and identified someone in that vehicle as the person responsible for the shooting and they are now in custody.  The identity of the suspect was not released.

A second incident of shots fired was reported at 11:15 PM in the area of South 7th and Locust Street.  Indiana Borough Police Chief Justin Schawl said the incident is not connected with the first shooting.  There are no reported injuries in the second shooting, and no evidence of gunfire has been recovered.  Details are limited and the investigation remains open, but IUP said in a text to the university community that there is no danger to the community.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to call Indiana Borough Police at 724-349-2121.

Between 2 PM and 10 PM tomorrow, expect the potential for severe weather to increase (wind, hail, isolated tornadoes). The storms’ severity hinges on a stationary boundary’s northward movement.

According to the I-ACT stakeholders report this morning, campus police had 25 routine calls for service and arrested two women for disorderly conduct.  Indiana Borough Police announced 30 IUP-related calls last night.  They said that the areas where the large gatherings formed were at campus-adjacent neighborhoods, especially in the 7th Street corridor and on Rice Avenue with no significant impact seen elsewhere.  Among those arrested were seven non-students on public drunkenness, DUI and underage drinking, along with one arrested on an outstanding warrant.

State Police added 12 DUI arrests along with 3 drug-related arrest and one firearm-related incarceration.

WHAT WE FIRST REPORTED

The first night of IUPatty’s weekend went smoothly without major incidents.

I-ACT Media Representative Michelle Fryling said that there were no major calls during the overnight hours into this morning.  I-ACT will release statistics on calls for service by Indiana Borough, IUP and State Police later this morning.

That brush fire call was on Clyde Road in West Wheatfield Township.  The Armagh/East Wheatfield and Clyde fire departments were sent out at 1:51 PM.  Details on the fire, including how it started, have not been released.

Fire crews were called out twice for odor investigations.  The first was at 6:40 in the morning at a location on Old Route 119 South in Center Township, with Homer City fire crews sent out.  The other was about 12 hours later in Rayne Township.  Creekside firefighters were sent to Blue Spruce Road.

The final call for service was to assist paramedics at a location on Route 403 in Pine Township at 6:34 PM.  Pine Township firefighters were dispatched at the time.

Troopers from the Punxsutawney barracks were conducting an investigation in the area of North Creek Road in West Mahoning Township when they started to interview 47-year-old Amy Logan.  Police also discovered that she was wanted on an active warrant.  She reportedly jumped out of a window in a home and ran through the creek into the woods.  She was eventually taken into custody.

She was charged with flight to avoid apprehension in a citation filed through District Judge Susanne Steffee’s office.  Court documents show that she was wanted in Jefferson County after not paying fines and costs in a case there.

State police were sent out at 9:37 PM to the crash site and found the eastbound pickup truck driven by 38-year-old Brian Moses, Jr. of Nanty-Glo hit a tree on the left side of the road.  Troopers said speed was the main factor in the crash.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 10 is alerting motorists to a bridge replacement project with a road closure on Rearick Road in Indiana County.

April 6 through July 29, Rearick Road will be closed between the intersections of Wertz Road and Shrokman Road for the replacement of the structure carrying Rearick Road over Blacklegs Creek.

From the southern side of the project at the intersection of Rearick Road and Shrokman Road, travel east on Rearick Road. Continue east past Weiss Road on the left to the intersection of Rearick Road and McIntyre Road. Turn left onto McIntyre Road and continue until you reach the Old Route 56 T Intersection. Turn left at the T and continue to West Lebanon then turn left onto Blacklegs Road. Continue south on Blacklegs Road, and turn left at the split intersection to return to Rearick Road to reach the northern end of the project. From the northern side of the project, these directions will be reversed.

Francis J. Palo, Inc. of Clarion, is completing this $1.3 million bridge replacement project.

Chief Lou Sacco said 38-year-old Amanda Rivera of Blairsville is awaiting a preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Robert Bell.  Officers were sent out at 6:01 Sunday night to the 200 block of Walnut Street for a report of a juvenile on a rooftop trying to hang on to power lines.  When they got there, the juvenile was not on the roof but officers determined there was a hazard due to the windy conditions and the height of the building.  They found two children locked in the residence with no way of getting out and no way to call 911 in an emergency.

Court documents show 44-year-old Paul Llewellyn pleaded “no contest” to criminal mischief and criminal trespass.  State police said at 4:11 in the morning, he shot out a side window with a 12 gauge shotgun and went in.  During the incident, he tripped a burglar alarm.  He escaped but was eventually apprehended.  Nothing was taken during the burglary but extensive damage was reported.

Also due in court today is Charles Wilcox, one of the two suspects in a drug investigation in Indiana Borough in August of 2022.  The 43-year-old Northern Cambria man was arrested after a raid on a home in the 200 block of Philadelphia Street in Indiana Borough turned up 22 bricks of a suspected mix of heroin and fentanyl along with items to package and sell the drugs.  Wilcox pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver.  The other person, 43-year-old Joshua Stumpf of Indiana, will be sentenced on March 30^th on a plea to a similar charge.

Our severe weather outlook remains largely unchanged for today. A passing cold front will reintroduce the potential for strong to severe storms. Thunderstorm chances will increase mainly after 2:00 PM and continue until just before midnight.

Those coming to Indiana Borough this weekend can expect to see an increased police presence with borough officers, state troopers, sheriffs deputies and those from other law enforcement agencies out.  Borough Police Chief Justin Schawl said that it was important for everyone to work together to make sure things are safe and do not get unruly this weekend.  One of the best strategies is to be proactive in their work.

This includes monitoring for any word on possible large gatherings and working ahead of time with other community stakeholders.    He said they have been working on this since January.

State police have already announced that they are bringing in extra resources to help over the weekend, including the mounted unit.  They remind everyone that it is a third degree felony to “intentionally or knowingly taunt, torment, tease, beat, kick or strike a police animal.”

This includes all Sheetz locations in Indiana County and the Kwik Fill in Indiana, according to GasBuddy.com  While Sheetz in Homer City is following suit, the Kwik Fill in Homer City is reporting prices at $3.79 and Accent Fuels is once again the lowest price in the area at $3.69.

The county’s average this morning is $3.85 according to Triple-A, while the statewide average is $3.87 and the national average at $3.91.  The lowest average in the region is Jefferson County at $3.75.  Westmoreland County’s average is $3.86.

One of the calls was the 17^th brush fire call of the year for the county.  This was at 7:20 PM along Newport Road in Banks Township.  Black Lick, Blairsville and Aultman fire departments were sent out at the time.

Marion Center and Plumville fire departments were dispatched at 5:29 PM to set up a landing zone along West Creek Road in East Mahoning Township and the only other call for service was an odor investigation on Neal Road in Center Township that Coral-Graceton firefighters handled at the same time.

The main part of the discussion was how frequently these trips were being made by groups.  Board member Vicki Smith said she wants to see the trips return to a rotation of one every three or four years.

The board also approved the creation of the district’s own Green Bandana Project.  It’s a program for High School students to meant to raise mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and connects students to resources that will help them.  Superintendent Ralph Cecere says that students will be able to help each other with this program.  Training of student volunteers will begin at the start of the next school year.

Thunderstorms will be possible along and ahead of a cold front Friday afternoon and evening, primarily south of I-80. Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and a brief tornado or two will be possible if strong storms are able to develop.

University officials say this year’s funding will support a campus-wide program focused on preventing technology-facilitated abuse and improving support for survivors. This marks the eighth year IUP has received funding from the statewide campaign, bringing the university’s total to 270,000 dollars. IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll says the funding will help expand awareness and strengthen resources for students, while emphasizing that preventing sexual violence is a shared responsibility across campus.

The university’s Haven Project will lead the initiative, with plans including specialized training on digital abuse, updated survivor resources, and expanded awareness campaigns across campus.

Their detail will start tomorrow and run through Sunday.  Troopers will be joined by surrounding stations in Troop A, the Mounted Patrol Unit, the state Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement and additional department resources.  Troopers will actively patrol neighborhoods and highways to promptly respond to any criminal activity and traffic violations.

As the mounted unit will be deployed, troopers remind everyone that it “unlawful for a person to intentionally or knowingly taunt, torment, tease, beat, kick or strike a police animal.”  Doing so is a third-degree felony.

Troopers also encourage anyone to call 911 if they see suspicious activity.

The investigation was prompted by residents in Derry Township close to Blairsville who said that they were seeing dust coating everything outside, which raised some health concerns.  That dust was tied to sandstone crushing at the quarry.  The DEP inspection showed that water sprayers used to control dust spread were shut down due to maintenance issues, a crusher was not spraying rocks, and trucks were leaving the facility without tarps stopping dust flying around.

The DEP Air Quality division shut down operations until issues can be fixed, and they would hold quarterly inspections and install monitoring equipment to keep track on how much dust is being spread.

Authorities said a 2018 GMC Terrain was traveling southbound around 9:13 a.m. when it encountered the log on a right-hand curve north of Colonel Drake Highway. The driver told police the log fell from a vehicle ahead, hit the roadway and rolled back into their SUV.

The vehicle sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene, police said.

On February 20^th, officers were sent to the store to investigate a theft that reportedly happened at 5:30 PM.  20-year-old Olivia Nicole Stonewall was identified as the suspect as she was seen taking several grocery items past the registers without paying for them.

A citation of retail theft was filed with district judge Tony Sottile’s office.

In 2009, officials said he killed his mother, sister and aunt at the family’s auto glass business over a disagreement over his married girlfriend moving into the family home.  Last year, Murphy filed an appeal, saying that his former lawyer Robert Bell provided an inadequate defense and said that his lawyer’s advice to not join the jury on a crime scene visit violated state law and required a new trial.  He also said that his lawyers did not properly investigate other suspects.

Judge Billik-Defazio said while it was improper for him to be absent from the site visit, it was not significant enough to impact the jury’s verdict.  She also set a 90-day deadline for prosecutors to respond to the other claims made in his appeal.

Murphy has denied involvement in the murders.

He has held various leadership positions with many companies in Indiana County, including Indiana Printing and Publishing, S&T Bank and other organizations.  Along with that, Buterbaugh has been seen as a person committed to community engagement as he has organized events to support inclusivity, support local initiatives, and assist with emergency response efforts.  A Dixonville native, he currently serves as the President of the Board for the Indiana Theater.

In a statement, the Center’s Executive Director Jenny Rairigh said that Mark will make a positive impact in his new position, saying his “leadership skills are impressive and his commitment to the goals of the Center and our community are evident to anyone who talks with him.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 10 is alerting motorists to bridge repair work on South Sixth Street at the Grant Street intersection in Indiana Borough March 30 through May 1.

A portion of Grant Street will be closed during construction. To detour, motorists will use School Street or Carter Avenue from South Sixth Street to South Seventh Street bypassing Grant Street. South Sixth Street will remain open to traffic.

This ongoing work is in conjunction with the paving project that occurred in summer 2025. Work is weather dependent.

Quaker Sales Corporation of Johnstown is completing this bridge repair as part of a $3.1 million contract which included include the addition of Americans with Disabilities (ADA) ramp replacements and additional work on Route 119 in 2025.

Temperature slowly rises through the end of the week but that comes with a few chances for for rain (or morning light snow in northwest PA Thursday).

The projects that will be funded by the Grid Resilience Grants will help prevent power outages and provide more reliability for emergency services, businesses and residents.  DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said that the grants will provide important funding that will bring more energy jobs, investment to the communities, and a more resilient and reliable electric grid to Pennsylvanians.  Activities in this round of the PA GRG grant include installing 100 pieces of cutting-edge smart grid equipment to provide protection and control via enhanced system monitoring to detect and prevent power outages.

$1.5 million will go to REA Energy Cooperative, which serves Indiana, Cambria and Westmoreland Counties.  The company plans to use the money to upgrade over 70 smart grid technology equipment to reduce outages to 9000 cooperative members in rural areas.  The project’s goal will be to decrease outage times and provide remote outage detection capabilities.

Students at the elementary school in White Township will have a flexible instruction day today due to a planned power outage in the area that is expected to affect the school.

All other schools in the Indiana School District will have classes as normal today.

Court documents show a motion for leave to employ a specialist will be discussed today for the case of Logan Paul Penrose of Robinson.  He is charged in connection with the crash that killed Allen Fisher, Jr. on June 27^th of last year.  The crash between a pickup and an SUV was reported in the area of Forsythe Road and Route 259, with troopers saying Penrose’s truck crashed into the SUV.  Several beer cans were found in the truck, and Penrose’s blood alcohol level was reportedly above the legal limit.

Also due for a motions hearing today is Patricia Ann Hullenbaugh.  The 23-year-old from Indiana is charged with criminal homicide, child endangerment and other crimes for the death of her child in 2024.  Police in Indiana Borough said she called 911 and reported her child was suffocating with his face stuck in a mattress while his body hung outside a crib.  She later told police she made the story up and had smothered the child with a pillow.  The motion is for a request for a bill of particulars.

Three others are due in court in connection with the kidnapping and killing of Hayden Gareffa.  Summer Settlemeyer, Issac Buchkowski and Thomas Rivera, all of Johnstown are three of eight people that reportedly kidnapped Gareffa in October of 2022, killed him and dumped him in a field of high grass in Brush Valley Township.

One of those was a two-vehicle crash on Route 553 in Cherryhill Township.  Injuries were initially reported in the crash that happened around 10:45 yesterday morning.

A second crash was reported at 9:26 PM on Oakland Avenue in White Township.  Indiana Fire Association was sent out at that time.  Officials say that the crash was actually a vehicle fire that started in the parking lot of Texas Roadhouse.  The driver came out and found the truck was full of smoke.  Firefighters used pressurized water cannons to put the fire out.  The fire was electrical in nature.

A structure fire was also reported on Tuesday.  The call went out at 5:01 PM on Market Street in Saltsburg Borough.  Saltsburg, Tunnelton and Bell Township fire departments along with Murrysville EMTs were sent to the scene.

Details on the fire have not been released.

Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected.  Senate Communications and Technology Committee Chairperson Tracy Pennycuick said that as AI tools become more prevalent in classrooms and schoolwork, laws have to keep pace in order to prevent tragedies.

A recent risk assessment warns that AI “companion” bots can exacerbate mental health problems for kids, including risks related to self-harm. Clinical commentators have also flagged the dangers posed by unrestricted use of chatbots, where the tool itself can worsen a user’s condition, and called for stronger guardrails such as the ones included in Senate Bill 1090.

Senator Joe Pittman joined 48 other senators in voting in favor of the bill.  Only one voted against it.

The review would include funding structures, workforce capacity and access to mental health services for children, families and foster caregivers.  Councilman Luke DeBuyser said that he was inspired to do this as he is a certified foster parent.  He says that they will go to the Pennsylvania Municipal League to take up the charge to see if anyone else is seeing challenges in these areas.

The next borough council meeting is set for April 7th.

Shifting back to the weather – snow showers and bands increase in coverage and intensity late this morning through afternoon.

Take it easy if you’re driving around the area. Visibilities and road conditions can change rapidly. Heavy snowfall rates can put a coating of snow on even warmer road surfaces.

The group announced the money will go towards the Ken Sink Trout Unlimited project and the Kayak Public Access Site at the creek that runs through Smicksburg.  Other projects that received $5000 grants include areas of Somerset, Cameron, Jefferson and Elk Counties.  Kelly Horrell, watershed conservation program administrator at the Conservancy, says the fund provides technical assistance for all aspects of project development, including helping a group decide on a site location and assisting with the permit process.

The conservancy is asking for grant applications for the next round of the Canoe Access Development Fund Grants.  The application can be found on their website.

Confidence is highest for northwest PA and the higher terrain for continuing to see waves of heavier snow showers that can disrupt travel through tonight. However, low probabilities suggest most of the region could see heavier snow showers favoring 10am-5pm that could cause brief but rapid reductions in visibility while creating slick road conditions. Be prepared for changing weather conditions throughout the day.

The Crimson Hawks beat Winston-Salem 65-64 to win the Atlantic regional and advance to the national tournament.  The Crimson Hawks definitely had home-court advantage on their side as many students returning from Spring Break were able to attend.  That was not lost on IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll, who was a little hoarse after cheering for the team during the game.

Meanwhile, the IUP Men’s team is still in action as they take on number-one seed and host school Gannon in the Men’s Atlantic Regional tonight.

We’ll have more on both games coming up in sports.

Authorities said an 87-year-old Punxsutawney man was contacted by an unknown individual posing as a bank representative. The caller persuaded the victim to purchase gift cards and provide the card information. Police said the man lost about $4,000, including eight $250 gift cards from Dollar General and one $2,000 Walmart gift card.

The investigation is ongoing.

Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi announced that 36-year-old Joshua Brink of Smicksburg was ordered to serve seven to 14 years in prison along with a year of probation for his plea.  The incident goes back to August 27^th of 2021.  Brink spent about two hours drinking multiple beverages at a bar and purchased a six-pack to go.  Brink failed to negotiate a minor curve in the road cleanly and he overcorrected, going into a front yard and killing Douglas Dalessio who was mowing the lawn at the time.  As the family attempted life-saving measures, Brink reportedly apologized to the family then fled into the woods.  State police eventually found him and drove him back to the crash site where the family positively identified him.  A legal blood draw showed his blood alcohol level was .254 and there was also the presence of drugs in his system.

In a statement, DA Manzi said that “Every person who goes out to have a drink has the responsibility to the community and themselves to have a sober ride home. Once a horrible event like this happens, there is no changing it.”  He also thanked the State Police for their thorough investigation.

Indiana County Judge Michael T. Clark ordered 58-year-old Troy Kromer of Punxsutawney was ordered to serve no more than a day less than two years in jail for each of two counts of arson along with criminal mischief and one count of dangerous burning.  He will also serve up to four years of probation.  No penalty was imposed for a second dangerous burning count.  State police accused him of setting a fire that destroyed a home on Smith Road in North Mahoning Township.  When fire marshals determined the fire was intentionally set, an investigation lead police to Kromer who reportedly told his family he did it and said he had “five more houses to burn”.  When police confronted him about the blaze, he said he burned the house down because of “dragons” and that God told him to do it.