Clearfield County saw plenty of events this week, from a special partnership for the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and many court happenings to a winter weather snap that caused traffic problems at the end of the week and at least two fires in the county.
Below is the Gant Media News Team’s pick of the top stories of the week.
What do you think? Would you have chosen different stories? Let us know in an e-mail to news@gantnews.com. Include your name, address and telephone number and we’ll include your ideas in the next Reload (but not your contact information!).
The top stories for the first week of December 2006, the top stories — in no particular order — were:
Winter Weather Causes I-80 Accidents Friday
Winter weather made for some hazardous driving conditions in Clearfield County Friday, as evidenced by a string of accidents on Interstate 80.
For more on this story, click here.
Man Accused of Attempting to Shoot Morrisdale Man has Hearing
CLEARFIELD – A man accused of attempting to kill a Morrisdale man over how the man allegedly treated his mother had a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Shawn Gillen faces charges of criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and firearms not to be carried without a license.
For more on this story, click here.
RHJ Medical Center Agrees to Permanent Injunction, Close Indefinately
CLEARFIELD – An agreement between the City of DuBois and RHJ Medical Center Inc. resulted in a permanent injunction on RHJ Medical’s current site at 994 Beaver Drive.
For more information on this story, click here.
Allen to Stand Trial with PD’s Office as Counsel
CLEARFIELD – A man who was found guilty of killing his wife in 1995 is set to begin a new trial in two weeks. After a ruling in Clearfield County Court Tuesday, he will be represented by the Clearfield County Public Defender’s office.
Jack E. Allen’s attorneys, Clearfield County Chief Public Defender Dan Bell and Clearfield County Public Defender Chris Pentz, had filed a motion to withdraw as his counsel, but Clearfield County President Judge Frederic J. Ammerman denied that motion.
Allen is charged with killing his wife, Theresa Allen, by shooting her in the back at Lawrence Park Village. He was found guilty of first-degree murder and other counts by a jury.
For more on this story, click here.
100 Years of Clearfield County: Book Now Available
CLEARFIELD – When Richard Hughes of Clearfield first started to write “A Twentieth Century History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania,” he figured it would take a year.
Time passed, and as Hughes compiled more and more information, he found himself seven years later with more than 1,300 pages full of information on everything from government to controversial topics.
For more on this story, click here.
Clearfield County Commissioners Approve Tentative 2007 Budget
CLEARFIELD – With a vote of two-to-one, the Clearfield County Commissioners approved the 2007 tentative budget.
The budget will call for no tax increases, according to Mark McCracken, commissioner chairman.
“It’s a good budget,” said McCracken. “It’s balanced.”
For more on this story, click here.
Arson Caused Curwensville Fire
CURWENSVILLE – A fire that destroyed a Curwensville duplex and damaged another home has been ruled arson.
Trooper Mick McCracken, state police fire marshal, said the fire that started before 2 a.m. Thursday in the 624-626 State St. duplex was purposely set.
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SUV Hits Gas Pumps in Houtzdale
HOUTZDALE – Police have now released the name of the man whose sports-utility vehicle veered off the road in Houtzdale Tuesday afternoon, causing the gasoline pumps at the Houtzdale Uni-Mart to explode.
State police at Clearfield report that Harry Nida, 75, of Houtzdale, was traveling on Elizabeth Street in Houtzdale Borough when he attempted to stop for traffic ahead of him. Nida applied his brakes, according to police, but his foot slipped from the pedal and he hit the gas pedal. Police say Nida will be cited for his actions.
For more information on this story, click here.
DuBois Man Waives Charges, Four Sex Cases Now Pending
DUBOIS – A DuBois man now has four sex-related cases pending in Clearfield County Court.
Jamie L. Rowles, 29, faces charges including rape, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors in the four cases.
For more on this story, click here.
CCCTC and Penn Highlands Community College Announce Partnership
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County Career & Technology students in the architectural drafting program will have a chance to earn community college credits as part of a new partnership between the CCCTC and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
On hand to announce the partnership were CCCTC Executive Director Lois Richards, Penn Highlands CC President Dr. Anna D. Weitz, Penn Highlands trustee Joseph Mangarella and Dawn Datt, acting Dean of Lock Haven-Clearfield campus.
For more information on this story, click here.
Talik Could Face Death for Alleged Role in Elliot Murder
WHEELING, W. Va. – A man accused of killing his girlfriend in West Virginia before dumping her body in Clearfield County was named in a Federal Grand Jury indictment.
Eugene J. Talik Jr., 38, of Sewickley, was named in a three-count indictment, according to U.S. Attorney Sharon L. Potter.
For more on this story, click here.
16-Car Pile-Up Closes I-80 Thursday Night
PHILIPSBURG – About four people were taken to Clearfield Hospital after a 16-car pileup blocked Interstate 80 in Centre County Thursday afternoon.
State police at Rockview reported that the vehicles were traveling on the eastbound lanes at about 4:35 p.m. during a snow squall. The weather conditions made the road slippery and severely limited visibility, according to police.
For more on this story, click here.