The GantDaily News Team welcomes you the compilation of the top stories of 2008!
It’s been a busy year for Clearfield County as well as the nation and GantDaily was there along the way.
This compilation will look at the top three most viewed stories from each month, as read by you. So kick back and enjoy this little look back.
January 2008
UPDATE: Five Airlifted After Accident in Bradford Township, One Driver Passed Away
BIGLER – A two-vehicle accident on U.S. Route 322 near Tipple lane resulted in five people being airlifted for treatment Thursday night. Police have since reported that one driver died as a result of the accident.
State police in Clearfield originally reported that an unnamed 18-year-old Altoona woman was traveling east on U.S. Route 322, and a second vehicle, a Nissan Pathfinder, was traveling west. The Altoona woman crossed into the westbound lane and struck the Pathfinder head-on.
Click here for that story.
Curwensville Man Injured in ATV Accident
CURWENSVILLE – A Curwensville man was injured following an accident on an ATV early Monday morning.
State police in Clearfield reported that the 33-year-old man was traveling along Tree Farm Road in Pike Township when he lost control of an ATV. He was thrown from the vehicle and was found on his back off the east berm of Tree Farm Road. Curwensville Emergency Medical Services and Curwensville Volunteer Fire Company assisted at the scene.
For that story click here.
Voluntary Manslaughter Charges Dropped Against Men Involved in Irvona Incident
CLEARFIELD – Two men accused of voluntary manslaughter had those charges and others dropped after a preliminary hearing Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge James Hawkins.
Leonard A. Brink of Flinton and Scott Phillip Queen of Curwensville initially faced charges of voluntary manslaughter, criminal conspiracy to commit voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, criminal conspiracy to commit involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, simple assault and criminal conspiracy to commit simple assault.
Those charges stemmed from the result of an incident at RJ’s Corner Bar in Irvona on June 21.
Click here for that story.
February 2008
Pittsburgh Man Killed by Train in Lawrence Township
CLEARFIELD – A Pittsburgh man lost his life after being struck by a train near the Checkerboard Bridge near state Route 879 Wednesday evening.
The Lawrence Township Police Department reported that Jeffrey Scherer died as a result of being struck by a train.
For that story click here.
Clearfield Borough Police Chief Issues Scam Alert
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough Police Chief Jeff Rhone issued a warning about a scam that is approaching the area.
“It is spreading fast, so be prepared should you get a telephone call in which the caller claims to be a jury co-coordinator and says that you are subject to arrest for having failed to appear for jury duty,” said Rhone.
He added that if you protest that you never received a notice, the scammer asks for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant.
Click here for that story.
UPDATE: U.S. Route 322 Closed Near State College
CLEARFIELD – Both Eastbound and Westbound lanes of U.S. Route 322 are closed due to an accident.
Motorists traveling on U.S. Route 322 east will be directed to exit near Old Fort and follow route 45 west towards Boalsburg and make a left onto Business Route 322 (3014) east. Motorists traveling west on U.S. Route 322 will follow business U.S. Route 322 west to Route 45 east then enter the ramp back on to the expressway.
For that story click here.
March 2008
Houtzdale Man Arrested for Mother’s Murder
CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man was arrested for allegedly murdering his mother between Wednesday and Thursday.
State police in Clearfield and Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. held a press conference Thursday afternoon to announce the arrest in the case.
According to the report, police were called to Woodward Terrace Apartments Thursday morning around 5:30 a.m. for reported death. The body of Cindy Jo Coleman, 49, was found inside her apartment. She was pronounced dead on arrival by Clearfield County Deputy Coroner Michael Polochek. Shaw said first responders found lacerations on Cindy Jo Coleman’s wrists and neck. He stated that it was apparent from the scene that she had been the victim of criminal homicide. The definitive cause of death is pending an autopsy.
An investigation that included statements from witnesses and the defendant himself led to the arrest of Jesse James Campbell, 20. He is the son of Cindy Jo Coleman.
Click here for that story.
Area Woman Charged with 226 Counts of Theft
CLEARFIELD – After a nearly two-and-a-half month long investigation police have charged an area woman with 226 counts of theft.
The Lawrence Township Police Department stated that they were contacted by a local business regarding a case of embezzlement. Police reported that the incidents took place over a two-year timespan.
For that story click here.
Man Accused of Killing Mother Familiar with Court System
CLEARFIELD – The man charged with the murder of his mother in Houtzdale is not new to the court system in Clearfield County.
Jesse James Campbell, 20, had a case that began in Dec. 2004. He was charged with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking.
At the time Campbell was a juvenile.
Click here for that story.
April 2008
5CD Candidate Walker Facing Criminal Charges
CLEARFIELD – Days before the primary, Fifth Congressional District Republican candidate Derek Walker has been charged criminally.
Walker faces burglary, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, stalking and related charges.
According to court documents, the criminal complaint was filed on Thursday, April 17.
It is alleged that on Aug. 25, 2007 officers Vince McGinnis and Nathan Curry were called to meet with a Clearfield woman.
For that story click here.
Clearfield Borough Mayor Responds to Police Station Security Policy
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough Mayor Patty Gilliland responded Wednesday night to a recent Clearfield Borough Council decision to secure the Clearfield Borough Police Department.
Gilliland has stated in the past that she believes the measures limit her ability as mayor to perform her duties in relation to the police department. The borough enacted the new policy in March. According to the policy no person outside the working staff of the Clearfield Borough Police Department will be allowed to enter the department’s secured areas without a police escort. At no time shall any person outside the sworn officers of this department and the clerical staff be permitted within the secured sections of the building unless they have an escort of uniformed personnel, clerical staff or the chief of police.
Click here for that story.
Clearfield Borough Police Department Seeks Public’s Help
CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Borough Police Department is requesting assistance in identifying the male and female in the picture who may have information concerning a theft that occured on April 11 at a business in Clearfield Borough.
For that story click here.
May 2008
Fatal Accident Claims Life of Juvenile
LECONTES MILLS – An accident early this morning claimed the life of a girl and injured three others.
According to state police in Clearfield the accident occurred at 7 a.m. along state Route 879 and Congress Hill Road in Girard Township. A vehicle driven by the girl entered SR 879 from the intersection with Congress Hill Road into the path of a Mack truck driven by Paul Brown Jr. of Port Matilda.
Click here for that story.
Walker Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor Charges
CLEARFIELD – Former Congressional candidate Derek Walker waived his right to a preliminary hearing and entered a plea of guilt to misdemeanor charges prior to his planned preliminary hearing date.
Court records indicated that Walker entered a guilty plea to disorderly conduct, invasion of privacy, harassment and defiant trespass. He was fined $399 and placed on one year of supervised probation. He is to have no contact with the victim or her family.
According to court documents, the criminal complaint was filed on Thursday, April 17.
For that story click here.
Congress Hill Accident Claims Life of a Second Juvenile
LECONTES MILLS – A 17-year-old boy died Sunday as a result of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of state Route 879 and Congress Hill Road in Girard Township, the Clearfield State Police reported. His name was not released by police.
Clearfield County Coroner R. Joel Heath pronounced Leanna Shugarts, 17, of Frenchville, dead at the scene.
According to the report, the accident occurred when the car entered SR 879 from the intersection of Congress Hill Road and subsequently drove into the path of a tractor-trailer driven by Paul Brown Jr., of Port Matilda.
Click here for that story.
June 2008
Police Confirm Shooting at Trinity United Methodist Church
CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Borough Police Department has confirmed that a person was shot earlier this morning at Trinity United Methodist Church on South Second Street.
Police Chief Jeff Rhone said the incident happened around 6:30 Thursday morning. He said the victim in the case was seriously injured by a gunshot wound.
Rhone said the person was transported to a local emergency medical facility for treatment.
Rhone indicated that the suspect is known and agencies are trying to locate him.
For that story click here.
Trinity Gunman Captured, Airlifted for Treatment of Self Inflicted Wound
S.B. ELLIOTT PARK – After a nearly eight-hour search a Penfield man accused of shooting another man at Trinity United Methodist Church Thursday morning was apprehended in the Moshannon State Forest.
Earlier Thursday Clearfield Borough Police Chief Jeff Rhone said the incident happened around 6:30 Thursday morning. He said the victim in the case was seriously injured by a gunshot wound.
Rhone said the person was transported to a local emergency medical facility for treatment.
Click here for that story.
Fatal Accident on US 322 Claims Life, Leaves Others Injured
BRADFORD TOWNSHIP – State police in Clearfield reported that an automobile accident on U.S. Route 322 Monday shortly before noon claimed the life of one female and left others injured.
According to police the accident occurred between Woodland and Bigler. Police stated that Michael Hanright of Allport was traveling east on U.S. Route 322 when he left the roadway in an attempt to pass Stanley Hale of Hermitage. He swerved, left and reentered the roadway directly in front of Hale’s vehicle, at which time the left side of his vehicle struck the right front of Hale’s vehicle. After impact Hanright entered the westbound lane of U.S. Route 322 directly in front of Stephen Cowher of Tyrone, at which time the two vehicles struck each other. After that Hanright’s vehicle struck a utility pole.
Police reported that two occupants of Hanright’s vehicle were ejected from the vehicle.
For that story click here.
July 2008
Pics from Monday at the Clearfield County Fair
CLEARFIELD – Here are some pictures from GantDaily’s Monday coverage of the Clearfield County Fair.
We hope you enjoy.
Click here for that story.
Rape Suspect Believed to Have Stolen Frenchville Man’s Truck
WOODLAND – State police in Clearfield have reported that rape suspect Sherman D. Graham is believed to have stolen a truck belonging to a 58-year-old Frenchville man.
According to police Graham entered the unlocked vehicle on River Hill Road and located the keys that were inside the truck.
Police reported earlier Thursday that Graham was been spotted in Ohio. The vehicle rammed a toll gate on the Ohio Turnpike near Maumee, OH, about 50 miles west of the Pennsylvania border, last night around 9 p.m. and was last seen traveling south.
For that story click here.
Update: State Police Still Searching for Rape Suspect, Last Sighted in New York
FRENCHVILLE – The search continues for a Frenchville man accused of raping a 4-year-old girl.
In a report today state police said that Sherman D. Graham, 43, was in South Buffalo, NY at 4:30 this morning. He was reportedly in a dark blue, small cab pickup truck.
Graham is described as being around 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing around 300 pounds. He has long brown hair, a mustache and a gotee. He was last seen wearing a brown T-shirt and possibly shorts.
Click here for that story.
August 2008
Clearfield Borough Council asks for Mayor’s Resignation
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough Council asked for the resignation of Mayor Patty Gilliland during their meeting on Thursday night.
The motion, made by council member Larry Mack and seconded by Barry Reddinger and in light of information brought forth, was put forward after a nearly hour-long executive session involving the police force, borough administration and public officers.
Voting in favor were council members Jim Leitzinger, Mack, Reddinger, Rodger Baumgardner and Susan Reed. Council member John Naddeo voted no. Council members Fred Wisor and Kathy Catherman were absent.
For that story click here.
Clearfield Bank and Trust in Curwensville Robbed
CURWENSVILLE – Clearfield County Control has released a BOLO for a man who robbed the Clearfield Bank & Trust office in Curwensville.
The incident occurred around 12:44 p.m. The man is described as being white, 5 feet, 6 inches tall and with grayish-brown hair. He is between 35 and 40 years of age and his hair may be tucked under his hat. He is wearing a khaki/tan hooded sweatshirt with a zipper. He is also wearing a brown undershirt and tan-colored camo shorts and white sneakers. He was wearing a ball cap and sunglasses.
Click here for that story.
Police Seeking Your Help, Photos of Bank Robber
CURWENSVILLE – Photos of the man accused of robbing the Clearfield Bank & Trust office in Curwensville have been released.
The incident occurred around 12:44 p.m. The man is described as being white, 5 feet, 6 inches tall and with grayish-brown hair. He is between 35 and 40 years of age and his hair may be tucked under his hat. He is wearing a khaki/tan hooded sweatshirt with a zipper. He is also wearing a brown undershirt and tan-colored camo shorts and white sneakers. He was wearing a ball cap and sunglasses.
According to the alert when the man talked to teller he lifted his shirt and displayed what was believed to be the butt end of a handgun, black in color with silver trim.
For that story click here.
September 2008
Suspect Arrested in Clearfield Subway Robbery
CLEARFIELD – A Curwensville woman was arrested for her alleged part in the recent burglary of a local eatery.
According to the Clearfield Borough Police Department 18-year-old Keshia Dufour was arrested for her assistance in the robbery of Subway in Clearfield on Saturday morning.
Dufour was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Richard Ireland and placed in Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $10,000 straight bail.
Click here for that story.
ATV Accident in Cooper Township Claims Two Lives
COOPER TOWNSHIP – State police in Clearfield reported that two men died as a result of a four-vehicle ATV accident on Sunday evening.
According to police two ATVs were traveling east on Peale Road and two were traveling west. All four vehicles were involved in an accident. Joseph Kuneck, 38 of Pottstown and Jerome McClusick, 43 of Bellefonte were pronounced dead at the scene. Lester Walk, 20 of Morrisdale was listed as suffering severe injuries, Adam Ehrlick, 40 of Pottstown suffered moderate injuries. Angela Heatley of Bellefonte, who was a passenger with McClusick, suffered moderate injuries.
For that story click here.
Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield Evacuated for Several Hours During Bomb Scare Monday Night
CLEARFIELD – A number of area police departments and emergency responders found themselves at the Clearfield Wal-Mart Supercenter during a bomb scare Monday evening at around 7 p.m.
According to the Lawrence Township Police Department a worker at the service desk received a call that there was a bomb in the building. Management then called Clearfield County Control and the building was evacuated. Bomb detection teams and K-9’s were brought in from the Penn State Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police in Hershey.
Click here for that story.
October 2008
Corbett, Shaw, Local Law Enforcement Agencies Announce Break Up of Multi-Million Dollar Cocaine Ring in Clearfield County
CLEARFIELD – Narcotics agents from the Attorney General’s office today, along with local law enforcement, have arrested 12 out of 14 people in connection with a drug operation that was responsible for bringing millions of dollars worth of cocaine, heroin and pre scri ption drugs into Clearfield County from sources in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre.
Corbett said that the drug organization was allegedly headed by Michael Styers, who traveled, or sometimes had others travel for him, into Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre to acquire drugs for resale in Clearfield County.
According to the charges, Styers’ operation imported vast quantities of illegal drugs, including more than 20 kilograms of cocaine, into the Clearfield area beginning in 2004. The drug network allegedly generated drug profits totaling in the millions of dollars. Styers himself allegedly made more than a million dollars in profits.
For that story click here.
Fatal Accident Reported on I-80
CLEARFIELD – State police in Clearfield are investigating a fatal accident that occurred on Interstate 80 early Friday morning.
According to police a man was traveling west on I-80 near milemarker 115 when he left the roadway. He entered the median and eventually struck a tree. His vehicle came to rest against a second tree in the median where the vehicle caught fire.
Police stated that the man was ejected from the vehicle upon striking the second tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clearfield County Coroner’s Office.
Click here for that story.
Fatal Accident Reported in Bradford Township
BRADFORT TOWNSHIP – State police in Clearfield are investigating a fatal accident that occurred along Bear Hill Road Tuesday afternoon.
According to police 30-year-old Chad Wilsoncroft of Clearfield was traveling east on Bear Hill Road when he lost control of his vehicle. He traveled off the road and struck an embankment
After striking the embankment the vehicle continued about 7 feet before overturning, which caused Wilsoncroft to be ejected from the vehicle. The vehicle continued overturning until it struck an embankment on the north side of the road where it came to rest.
For that story click here.
November 2008
Clearfield Man Attacked by Bear in Stable Condition
CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man is in stable condition after a bear attack on Tuesday.
According to a source close to the victim, the 39-year-old Clearfield man was bear hunting in Lawrence Township when he was attacked by a bear. As of last night the man was being treated at Clearfield Hospital and was expected to be released.
Click here for that story.
Area Fire Departments Battle Chester Street Blaze
CLEARFIELD – A number of area fire departments responded to a fire on Chester Street early Thursday morning.
According to Clearfield Borough Fire Chief Brett Owens the fire occurred at the home of Perry and Sue Rowles. The fire began at 12:49 a.m. Owens stated that no one was home during the fire and that there were no injuries to emergency responders. It is believed that a cat and dog perished due to the fire.
The fire was contained to the originating property, stated Owens. It is believed to have started in the left side of the house, looking at it from the front. A fire marshal will be called in to inspect the scene.
For that story click here.
Bear Attack Victim Talks About Harrowing Experience
CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man who was attacked by a bear Tuesday afternoon talked to GantDaily about his harrowing experience.
Todd Winters said he was out bear hunting with his father and that they had tracked some bears. Winters said he told his father he would chase one out to his father.
He said he saw what he believed to be a cub from last year. Winters said the bear weighed about 90 pounds. Winters said that he had not seen a big bear at this point.
“I yelled ‘Go bear’,” said Winters.
Click here for that story.
December 2008
Santa Tracker 2008 Up and Running
NORTH POLE – If you’ve ever wondered where Santa is at or how soon he’s coming to your house, one online tool can give you a leg up on when the jolly old elf will arrive at your home.
Norad, and its predecessor the Continental Air Defense Command or CONAD, have tracked Santa on Christmas Eve for more than 50 years.
According to Norad’s Web site: “The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole.
For that story click here.
Clearfield Man Found Deceased Along Mt. Zion Road
CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Police Department reported that a Clearfield man was discovered deceased along Mt. Zion Road on Monday.
According to Officer Crystal Panebianco the police department received a call at about 9:24 a.m. Monday morning concerning a man along the roadway.
When police arrived they found that the man, identified as 40-year-old Jeffrey L. Bumgardner, was deceased.
Click here for that story.
Clearfield Man Accused of Stealing Memorials from Hospital Waives Hearing
CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man accused of stealing memorial markers from Clearfield Hospital waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Matthew J. Hoyt, 32, is charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and desecration or sale of venerated property.
According to the affidavit of probable cause police were alerted by an employee of Novey’s on Jan. 2 that on Dec. 22 a woman had brought a 100 pounds of yellow brass plates to the scrap yard. The employee noted that the plates had names on them. He stated the woman was given a receipt for the items and a check for $430.
For that story click here.