03/15/2010 - On March 1st, 2010 crews were alerted to Route 22 at the Cozy Inn for a multiple vehicle accident.  Crews arrived to find multiple injuries and entrapment.  Here is the report from Murrysville Medic One’s site: Dispatched to Rte 22 at Cozy-Inn Cut-Off for reported multiple vehicle MVC with entrapment. First arriving units were confirming multiple [...] Related posts:

1. Allegheny Twp – Rollover Accident With Entrapment – 06/28/09 On Sunday June 28, 2009 at 0735 hours Station 99,...
2. Ross Twp Accident With Entrapment On Wednesday January 20th, 2010, crews responded to Union Avenue...
3. Elizabeth Twp Vehicle Accident with Entrapment On Saturday, August 22nd, 2009, Elizabeth Twp Fire was alerted...

03/15/2010 - On March 1st, 2010, United VFR was alerted to assist on Chalfant Street in Chalfant with their Rapid Intervention Team.  United responded with 11 volunteers and performed RIT activities and fortunately was not needed for any rescue situations. For more information and pictures visit United VFR’s website Related posts:United VFR Responds to Apartment Fire in Pitcairn Shortly [...] Related posts:

1. United VFR Responds to Apartment Fire in Pitcairn Shortly after 2am on January 2nd, 2010, United VFR was...
2. United VFR Responds to Early Morning House Fire United VFR was alerted on Friday, January 29th, 2010 for...
3. Penn Hills Responds to Residential Structure Fire Penn Hills Fire Companies were dispatched to Sampson Street in...

03/15/2010 - Claysville VFD assisted at an unoccupied structure fire on February 24th, 2010.  The structure was located on West Finley Road in West Finley Twp. For more information and pictures, visit Claysville VFD’s website Related posts:Unity VFD Responds to Attic Fire On February 23rd, 2010, Unity Volunteer Fire Department responded to... Chimney Fire Turns Into a Structure Fire in [...] Related posts:

1. Unity VFD Responds to Attic Fire On February 23rd, 2010, Unity Volunteer Fire Department responded to...
2. Chimney Fire Turns Into a Structure Fire in Hempfield Twp On January 9th, 2010 Adamsburg & Community Volunteer Fire Department...
3. Glendale Allegheny County Station 257 – Residential Structure Fire Crews from Glendale Station 257 responded to a residential structure...

03/15/2010 - On February 23rd, 2010, Unity Volunteer Fire Department responded to Hulton Road for an attic fire.  Here is the report from their site: Stations 233,235,234 and Penn Hills Truck 227 were dispatched to a possible structure fire on Hulton Rd., electrical fire in the attic. Chief 233 on scene with command, 1 story residence nothing showing. Resident reporting smoke [...] Related posts:

1. Unity VFC Responds to Motor Vehicle Accident Unity VFC has posted an incident report and pictures from...
2. Residential Structure Fire in Penn Hills Tremont Street, Penn Hills.  Residential Structure Fire. Early Wed Morning...
3. Penn Hills Responds to Residential Structure Fire Penn Hills Fire Companies were dispatched to Sampson Street in...

03/15/2010 - On February 21st, 2010, Penn Hills companies were dispatched for a possible porch fire.  When units arrived on scene they found a little more on fire than the porch.  Here is the report from Station 225’s website: Companies were alerted for a Porch on Fire. PHPD arrived updating Smoke from the 2nd Division Possibly a Bed [...] Related posts:

1. Residential Structure Fire in Penn Hills Tremont Street, Penn Hills.  Residential Structure Fire. Early Wed Morning...
2. Penn Hills Responds to Residential Structure Fire Penn Hills Fire Companies were dispatched to Sampson Street in...
3. Penn Hills MVA – Frankstown at Verona Road On July 18th, 2009, Station 225 and 227 Rescue were...

12/21/2009 -

Shortly before 1:00 P.M. on the afternoone of Friday, December 18th, Hope Fire Company was alerted to a working vehicle fire inside an attached garage. Immediately after dispatch, Reliance Captain 1204 (Bloom) advised he was in the area with a working fire. Given the report by 1204 and the smoke column visible from the down town area, Chief 1100 (Butterworth) requested two additional engines be added to the box for manpower due to the time of day. Engine 11-10, with a crew of five, arrived on scene of the working fire and hit a hydrant laying 500' of LDH supply line. Truck 12-16 arrived on scene with 11-10, took the address, and set up to go to the roof for ventilation of the split level house. The engine crew streched two 1 3/4" handlines and entered the "A" side of the structure to begin an interrior attack. Engine 13-10 (Sandy Ridge) arrived and established a secondary water supply. An aggressive interrior attack was made with the assistance from the crews of Mountain Top fire Company of Sandy Ridge, Chester Hill Hose Company, Columbia Fire Company of Osceola Mills, and Houtzdale Fire Company. Medic 23-51 was standing by on scene and provided firefighters with refreshments. The fire was contained to the garage and upstairs bedrooms that were well involved upon arrival. While not considered suspicious in nature, the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was called to determine the cause of the blaze. No injuries were reported and the house, which is considered to be a total loss, was insured. Crews from the Philipsburg Fire Department and surrounding companies were on scene for approximately four hours. Engine Rescue 17 (Morris Township) was on stand-by in their station for Philipsburg.

Units operating on scene: Engines 11-10, 12-10, 13-10, Clfd 14 and Clfd 22-2. Truck 12-16, Rescue 11-18, Clfd Squad 23, Medic 23-51, and 23-52.

Command: Chief 1100 (Butterworth)          Operations: Deputy 1101 (Huber)

12/01/2009 -

Spring Smoker Gun & Money Raffle
Pig Roast

Hope Fire Co. Recreation Center
500 Sixth Street
Philipsburg

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Doors Open at 5:00 p.m.

Donation: $10.00 per ticket
1 Guest per Ticket - $5.00 at door

10 Guns

1.     Remington 700 CDL, Bolt, Wood, Blued, Various Calibers
2.     Marlin 925M, Blot, Wood, Blued, 22Mag
3.     Mossberg 500 Pump, Wood, Blued, 3”, 12 or 20 Gauge
4.     Remington 870 Express, Pump, Hardwood, Blued, 3”, 12 or 20 Gauge
5.     Marlin 915YP, Lever, Camo, Blued, 22LR
6.     Savage 10 Predator, Bolt, Mossy Oak, 223, 204, 22-250, 243
7.     Mossberg Silver Reserve, Wood, Engraved, Over/Under, 3”, 12 Gauge
8.     Henry H001, Lever, Wood, Blued, 22LR
9.     Rossi Youth Combo, Single Shot, Synthetic, 410 Barrel and 22LR Barrel
10.   Ruger 10/22, Semi, Hardwood, Stainless Steel, 22LR

(All gun prizes will be awarded in the form of a Wal-Mart Gift Card)

10 Cash Prizes

1.     $500
2.     $250
3.     $150
4.     $200
5.     $150
6.     $400
7.     $250
8.     $150
9.     $200
10.   $250

Ticket stub must be shown at the door.
Winner responsible for all PIC fee's
PA Small Games of Chance License No. 2505

Tickets can also be obtained by contacting any Hope Fire Company member.

03/12/2010 -

Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin has declined to file charges in the death of Vagif Alijev, who was found deceased at Camp King Soldiers on Masthope Plank Road in Lackawaxen Township, on July 19, 2009.

Alijev, an illegal immigrant who was only identified recently, was found with fake identification. An autopsy determined that he died of a single stab wound in his left side. According to a proposed criminal complaint and affidavit submitted to the District Attorney's Office, the Pennsylvania State Police determined that Alijev, a worker at the camp, engaged in a fight with another camp worker, Isroil Madiyev. The proposed criminal complaint identified Madiyev as the only suspect in the death of Alijev.

In declining to prosecute Madiyev in the death, Tonkin cited numerous factors. First, the primary witness in the case, who is also thought to be illegally in the country, was admittedly intoxicated at the time of the incident and had given inconsistent versions of the events that night. Tonkin indicated that the lack of credibility of the main potential witness would present significant problems in over coming potential defenses at trial, which could include some indication the deceased may have been the initial aggressor in the altercation. Given these obstacles, Tonkin concluded, there was not even a remote chance that the case would end up in a conviction.

The suspect, Isroil Madiyev, is currently held at the Pike County Correctional Facility on a detainer from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau pending deportation as an illegal immigrant.

03/12/2010 -

Daylight-savings time begins this Sunday, March 14 at 2 a.m. and this one-hour difference in time changes the daylight pattern for drivers and can throw some motorists off their schedules.
 
Losing one hour can lead to drowsiness, which is potentially dangerous when operating a motor vehicle.
 
To help drivers be as safe as possible during the change to daylight-saving time, PennDOT recommends the following tips:
 
•    Plan to get at least eight hours of sleep Saturday night (or more if you are already tired).
   
•    Adjust your sleep pattern to the time change. Go to bed one half hour earlier than your normal weekday bedtime on Saturday night and sleep at least one half hour later on Sunday morning.
   
•    If you need more sleep, plan to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon, but not after 4 p.m., as this is too close to bedtime and can disrupt your nighttime sleep.

•    Avoid caffeinated beverages and foods in the afternoon and evening.

•    Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol too close to bedtime.

•    On Sunday night, go to bed early enough to get at least eight hours of sleep.

•    Read labels carefully on over-the-counter medicines for warnings such as "may cause drowsiness" or "avoid driving a motor vehicle” and opt for a non-sedating alternative if possible.

•    Be aware that coffee or other sources of caffeine are short-term stimulants.

•    If a prescription medication causes drowsiness, ask your doctor if non-sedating alternatives are available. If a non-sedating alternative is not available, use caution -- don't drive, or use a designated driver.

•    Take breaks during long trips. Get out and stretch about once every two hours. Sleepy drivers are encourage to quickly find a safe place to pull off the road and either switch drivers or rest.
 

03/12/2010 -

With warm temperatures and melting snows and possible heavy rains this weekend, some officials in the area are preparing for possible flooding.

Hawley Fire Chief Eugene Krause asked Wednesday night to meet with the Borough’s Emergency Management Coordinator Mayor Kevin Hawk and other emergency officials Friday night before possible heavy downpours Saturday. Krause said he heard weather reports calling for heavy rain today and wanted to be prepared in case of flooding. The heavy rains combined with a large snow pack led to flooding just a few years ago.

Some parts of Hawley, especially the Eddy Section, and Wayne and Pike counties have been flooded several times with three major floods in the region over three years in 2004 through 2006.

Hawley Council noted that they already had begun to prepare, by ensuring snow was cleared from in front of the shed which holds the flood gates for the Church St. Bridge. Hawley has also held annual drills to practice installing the gates. The drills also give emergency officials a chance to troubleshoot any maintenance problems that may arise.

Wayne County Emergency Management Director Steve Price said they were monitoring the weather. He said the rain was expected to be steady over several days which is a concern. He said he has contacted Townships and Boroughs in Wayne County to advise them to ensure stormdrains are cleared of debris so water can run off without backing up.

He noted there was not a lot of snow left in and around the central part of the county, but the higher elevations and areas with a lot of shade still have snow.

He warned everyone to be watchful in areas that often flood, such as low lying areas and parts of Waymart and Hawley boroughs, that are prone to flooding.

Price said the biggest concern was along Delaware River where the snow pack in the upper part of the basin is still large.

Pike County Emergency Management Director Roger Maltby said they are also watching the weather reports and waiting to see what comes from the storm. He said the National Weather Service reports are still uncertain about how much rain the area can expect.

He said there was still snow in the higher elevations in Wayne and Pike, but the Delaware River Basin in New York still has a large snow pack. “Getting a lot of rain is not a good thing,” Maltby said Thursday morning.

“Most of (the township officials) are watching and waiting and that’s all we can do now,” Maltby said.

He said there could be problems especially in the low lying areas if the area gets a lot of rain. He said he has been sending information to all the Townships, and has several conference calls set for Thursday afternoon to continue to evaluate the situation.

New York City stepped up the amount of water it releases from its reservoirs to reduce the threat of flooding from the historic snow pack throughout the upper Delaware River basin earlier this month.

This action is one of several new flood-mitigation measures established under a cooperative agreement between New York City and states along the Delaware River. The city controls several large reservoirs in the headwaters of the basin that can affect water levels on the main stem of the river.

“The record-setting snows of February have deposited snow pack amounts up to three times the average in the upper Delaware River basin, creating the potential for flooding along the river in the event of a rapid snowmelt,” Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said.

To put it in perspective, the upper basin typically contains 60 billion gallons of snowpack water at this time of year, but recent snowstorms have tripled the water content in the region’s snowpack to an estimated 175 billion gallons.

“To lessen the threat to downstream lives and property, New York City is releasing the maximum amount of water allowed under the Flexible Flow Management Plan to increase the storage capacity in their reservoirs,” said Hanger. “This is the sort of cooperation we hoped for when we created this multi-state agreement to manage water levels along the Delaware, and I applaud the New York City officials for their quick action.”

 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) warns motorists to take precautions while driving and not to attempt to pass through high water caused by blocked drains. PennDOT urges motorists to be aware of safety hazards that may pose a potential risk and to drive for conditions.

Be aware of standing pools of water in poor drainage areas and those areas still blocked by ice and snow. They could cause hydroplaning and loss of control. Motorists are always urged to drive for conditions they encounter. PennDOT warns motorists not to drive across roads covered with water because the water may be deeper than it looks. Motorists who encounter water covered roads are encouraged to turn around and seek another route. Motorists are also warned not to attempt to drive around barriers on any closed roads.

Water can affect your ability to see clearly and maneuver a vehicle. Hydroplaning — when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the roadway and ride on a film of water — also can happen at any speed and on any road surface.

Here are some other tips for safe driving during wet weather:

• DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded or closed road. Go another way;

• DO NOT underestimate the destructive power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car. Even slow moving water can sweep cars off a road or bridge;

• DO NOT attempt to drive around downed trees or utility lines. Go another way;

• Slow down. Driving slower on wet surfaces is always a good idea;

• Try to stay at least two car lengths behind the car in front of you;

• Check your wiper blades – replace them if they feel “pitted” or rough to the touch;

• Check your headlights – both low and high beams – before heading out;

• Use headlights and windshield defrosters to make sure you can see ahead and behind you as clearly as possible;

• As you travel, monitor weather reports for the latest information;

• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car; and

• If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

Motorists within Pennsylvania may call PennDOT’s 24-hour, toll-free road condition hotline by dialing “511.” Motorists should also visit PennDOT’s travel information page at www.511PA.com before heading out.

03/11/2010 -

he Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is reminding residents to monitor local weather conditions as warmer temperatures and rain could cause creeks, streams and rivers to flood.
 
“A lot of snow across the state has melted, but the snow that remains on the ground not only in Pennsylvania, but in West Virginia, Maryland and New York, contains a lot of water,” said PEMA Director Robert P. French. “Melting snow and rainwater from those neighboring states will be coming our way and will likely impact residents and businesses here. In some areas, the impact could be significant.”
 
Whenever flooding is a possibility, residents of flood-prone areas should move valuables from lower levels of their home and secure any loose outdoor items -- such as lawn furniture or trash cans -- to keep them from floating away. Residents should also check now to make sure storm drains near their homes are cleared and working.
 
French said citizens should know at least two ways to leave their homes and communities if they are told to evacuate on short notice. Plus, residents should be prepared to survive up to three days in their homes without outside assistance by putting together an emergency kit. French recommends that an emergency kit contain the following basic supplies:
•              Battery-operated flashlight and radio, with extra batteries;
•              One gallon of water per person per day;
•              Essential medication and copies of prescriptions;
•              Diapers, formula and other essential baby and toddler supplies;
•              First aid kit;
•              Non-perishable food;
•              Manual can opener;
•              Cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and
•              Food, water, leashes and toys for pets.
 
French also reminded motorists never to drive through standing water. Just one foot of water is enough to float many vehicles and two feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs.
 
Individuals needing assistance should call their municipal emergency management office in the “Blue Pages” section of the phone book. If they have an emergency, should call 911 immediately. Never call 911 to request or report road conditions. When calling 911 to report an emergency, it is critical for callers to stay on the line, even if for an extended series of rings, until the operator answers. Hang-ups due to frustration result in wasted staff time as the 911 center tries to reestablish contact.
 
More detailed information on emergency kits, as well as how to create a family emergency plan is available online at www.ReadyPA.org or by calling 1-888-9-READY-PA. The commonwealth’s ReadyPA campaign encourages citizens to take three basic steps before an emergency: Be Informed, Be Prepared, Be Involved.

03/11/2010 -

No charges will be filed after a year long investigation into alleged wiretapping at Masthope Mountain Community.

While District Attorney Ray Tonkin said he could not comment on whether charges would or wouldn’t be filed, Masthope Property Owners Association released a statement on the community’s website stating no charges will be filed and Dean Rose, whose wife Darcy first notified State Police after she found a recording device in Community Manager Rocco Chierichella’s office, told The News Eagle of the District Attorney’s decision.

The Masthope Community says in its statement that Chierichella was found innocent of the charges, but Rose says the management is being let off.

“The Board of Directors has been advised that the State Police and District Attorney have decided that NO CHARGES will be filed against Rocco Chierichella as a result of their eleven month investigation,” the board said in a statement on the community’s website.

“We decided that the investigation should run its course, that the rights of everyone involved would be protected by the Board in the interim and that the decision of the authorities would govern our action. We still believe that this was the correct path to take,” the statement continues. “Within days of the appearance of State Police officers at Masthope Mr. Chierichella told the Board that the allegations against him were false and that he committed no crimes. It appears that he was correct.”

Rose told The News Eagle, State Police told him the DA did not file charges because a recording found by the State Police was from 2006 and the stature of limitation had run out on it. He added the police said the DA decided there was not enough evidence to file charges for the recording device because there was not enough evidence since the device could be used for several purposes.

Rose said that Trooper Frank Orlando told him and his wife, he felt there was enough evidence. Orlando could not be reached for comment.

Rose said he contacted the Attorney General’s Office asking that the State step in and investigate, but was told the AG’s office can’t investigate unless the District Attorney asked them.

Rose said several members of Masthope had circulated a petition asking Tonkin to reconsider his decision or do just that.

The petition states that the residents that signed the petition are concerned with the apparent outcome of the investigation. It refers to conversations Trooper Orlando had with the Roses, and that in those conversations Orlando told them he did not understand why the DA was not filing charges as he believed there was substantial evidence to support the filing of charges.

“We as taxpayers and/or residents would respectfully request you reconsider this case. Please be advised that we will pursue all avenues, including the Office of the Attorney General of the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania, to ensure that this matter is resolved appropriately, We would request that in the event that you do not reconsider this case, that you forward it the office of the Attorney General for consideration,” the petition said.

Rose told The News Eagle, the petition had been given to Tonkin and that he had a meeting with the District Attorney on March 3.

Rose said his family has been through a lot. His wife lost her job and a fight for unemployment. He said she was willing to go back to work, but feared she would be harassed by other employees. He said those were some of the things he wanted the District Attorney to consider in reviewing his decision.

Meanwhile, the Masthope Board hopes the community will be able to move on after the investigation.

“This has been a very difficult period of time for Masthope. From the day that the investigation began some people in the community made a rush to judgment claiming the crimes had been committed, that our property manager was guilty, that the Board was ‘taking the fifth’ and that firings and resignations should result,” they say in the statement. “Others defended the property manager and criticized the Board for not doing so. The local newspapers became a forum for people to make any charge or countercharge that they wanted to make rather than wait for the true experts to make their decision. The community became divided and emotions ran high.”

“Now that this very dark cloud over Masthope has been lifted it is time for the community to be renewed with its members recognizing the need to respect the rights and opinions of their neighbors even when they disagree and seeking ways to be positive about our community and not tear it down. Masthope has come a long way over the years. We need to keep moving forward.

03/13/2010 -

Franklin County is facing a nasty day weatherwise as wind downs trees and wires and rain brings the potential for flooding.

Wind gusts could reach 40 mph and there were already problems across the area this morning.

“We dealing with a lot of downed trees,” said a representative of Franklin County Emergency Services.

By 7 a.m. emergency crews had been called to several roads in the South Mountain and Mont Alto area, with other reports scattered across the county. While there have been power flickers, no real outages have been reported.

Franklin County Emergency Services advises residents to stay home and avoid driving if possible.

Potential flooding

The National Weather Service in State College issued a flood warning for all of Franklin County around 6 a.m. this morning. The warning is in effect until 5:45 p.m.

“The conditions are right for heavy rain and snow melt, with a potential for flooding,” said David Martin, a National Weather Service forecaster.

Anyone living near a creek or stream should pay extra attention to the level of water, Martin said.

If streams start to rise, residents in low lying areas should move to higher ground.

The high winds associated with the storm will also be an issue for area residents.

Franklin County could see wind gusts reaching 40 miles per hour, according to Martin

03/13/2010 -

The most recent reports from Franklin County law enforcement officials.

Pedestrian hit-and-run reported

CHAMBERSBURG — Brian Hann, 31, of Chambersburg was hit by the driver of a Chrysler in the parking lot in front of apartments at 630 Heintzelman Ave. in Hamilton Township at 9 p.m. Tuesday, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Police said the driver was listening to loud music and Hann was approaching the vehicle to ask the driver to turn it down. When Hann tried to get the driver’s attention with a flashlight, the motorist drove toward him. Hann tried to get out of the way and the driver swerved toward him, hitting his left wrist and hand with the driver’s side mirror, police said. The motorist drove away.
Hann had a sore wrist, but refused medical treatment, according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 264-5161.

Boy, 11, charged with assault

GREENCASTLE — An 11-year-old male has been charged with assault and harassment after an incident between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday at Jerome King Playground on North Carlisle Street.
The boy punched, kicked and choked the victim, who was not named, according to Greencastle police.

Sign stolen

MERCERSBURG — One of the new signs identifying alleys in Mercersburg was stolen shortly after it was installed.
The “Grain Alley” sign, placed at the intersection of the alley and East Seminary Street, was put up Wednesday, according to police.
The sign was stolen between 5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday.
The sign is 2 feet by 8 inches and has a brown background with 6-inch white reflective letters. It is valued at $108.63.
Anyone with information is asked to call Mercersburg police at 328-3221 or Franklin County Crime Solvers at 264-3000.

Rifles stolen

CHAMBERSBURG — Two Marlin lever-action rifles were stolen from a home at 4631 Coontown Road between March 3 and 5, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Motorist cited for DUI

GREENCASTLE — OC Mark III, 32, of Frederick was arrested for driving under the influence following a traffic stop at 4:22 a.m. Saturday on Hykes Road East at Cedarbrook Drive, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Theft suspect arrested

CHAMBERSBURG — John Parkinson Tressler Jr., 20, of Mount Airy, Md., was arrested at 4:32 p.m. Tuesday for allegedly helping to steal cell phones and other items from Wal-Mart, 1730 Lincoln Way East.
Pennsylvania State Police did not say who else was involved in the theft.

Business burglarized

CHAMBERSBURG — Numerous items were stolen when Chambersburg Tire Recycling in the 2000 block of Letterkenny Road was broken into between 5 p.m. March 1 and 8 a.m. March 2.
Anyone with information is asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at 264-5161.

Trash can stolen

FORT LOUDON — An IESI trash can was stolen from 86 N. Hawbaker Drive between 5:40 a.m. and 5 p.m. March 5, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
 

03/12/2010 -

Dominic Pileggi, majority leader of the Pennsylvania Senate, a Republican who represents Chester and Delaware counties, got to see the needs of Waynesboro and Washington Township first-hand Thursday afternoon.

The senator met with officials from both municipalities and Sen. Richard Alloway II, a Republican that represents Franklin County, to discuss possible grant funding for future projects and completed endeavors the state has played a role in.

Pileggi and Alloway visited several locations in the 33rd District, which encompasses Franklin County and parts of Adams and York counties.

Flooding concerns

Pileggi listened intently as Waynesboro officials outlined their major concerns — obtaining grant money for a $6.3 million upgrade to its undersized stormwater drainage system and ownership of the Waynesboro armory for use by the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department.

“I was the mayor of the City of Chester for four years and I’m sure, without a doubt, we faced the same challenges you face every day,” Pileggi said during a meeting in borough hall. “I’m happy to be here to talk about how we can be helpful.”

In 30 minutes, Pileggi learned how the borough has applied for grants with the H2O Pennsylvania Program through the Commonwealth Financing Agency and Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST). The applications have either been denied or
delayed and the next review for consideration with PennVEST is March 23, according to Director of Borough Engineering Kevin Grubbs.

Grubbs handed out a booklet prepared by consultants from Dennis E. Black Engineering in Chambersburg with photos from a May 2004 storm that left feet of standing water in residents’ yards and basements, especially in the south end of town. The material outlines the amount of rainfall the borough received from 2000 to 2006 and the work needed to alleviate flooding. Pileggi noted there are specific grants designated for flood control and said he would be happy to work with Alloway on the endeavor.

Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger said he has been meeting with government officials regarding the flooding and will meet with representatives from U.S. Congressman Bill Shuster’s office on March 19.

Pileggi also learned how past state grant funds have been used to improve the town, including a $500,000 grant to add brick sidewalks along Main Street.

Armory

Alloway said the Waynesboro armory is an “albatross” for the state and ownership needs to be handed to the borough.

“The state seems to think this is worth a lot of money, but I think it’s worth $1!” Alloway quipped.

Fire Chief Dave Martin said the armory would give the department the space it needs now that Always There Hook and Ladder and Mechanics Steam Fire Engine and Hose Co. have merged.

He added the department was unable to hold its largest fundraiser, the annual firemen’s carnival, in 2009 because of upgrades in Rotary parking lot, which hurt the department’s financing. This year’s carnival will be held at the Quincy Ox Roast and Martin said it will cost $3,000 just to rent the space. Pileggi asked how much the carnival brings in for the department and Martin replied, “Between $25,000 and $35,000 on a good year.”

“We need a larger venue for fundraising events and training,” Martin said. “We could use a large community room for weddings and banquets. Right now we only have room for 100 people and we get calls all the time from people who want to rent a larger space.”

Martin added the department does not have a dedicated training room and volunteers are sent to other areas for classes to complete required 200 hours of training. The department also is in need of administrative space.

“This is a long-term thing and we are committed to funding a study on converting the armory for the fire department’s use,” Martin said. “We need to know the price of the facility, safety upgrades and the requirements for the historic registry. We’re also looking for some help from state and federal funding.”

Pileggi said when he was mayor, his fire department was fully paid and was the second biggest portion of the town’s budget.

“When you have a volunteer fire department it is much less expensive than a fully paid department,” he said. “You do whatever you can do to encourage volunteer fire companies to stay viable and thrive.”

He said he would work with Alloway on both issues.

“He (Alloway) is a tireless advocate of what his district needs,” Pileggi added. “He’s told me many times about the needs in Waynesboro and I am happy to see it first hand. It’s obviously a very well-run borough and the fact that they are so prepared and organized increases their chances of receiving funding.”

Hamberger said he felt the meeting went very well.

“I think Sen. Pileggi and Sen. Alloway were receptive and attentive to our discussions,” he said this morning. “I think they learned what some of our concerns are and seemed very receptive on helping us rectify them as best we can.”

On the Net

www.waynesboropa.org

03/11/2010 -

Elvey’s Flowers and Greenhouses at 159 Knobsville Road was destroyed and four people who lived in the apartments above the business were left homeless by a Wednesday morning fire.

No one was injured in the 7:41 a.m. blaze off Route 522 north of McConnellsburg.

The fire originated in the greenhouse and may have been started by a faulty heating source, according to McConnellsburg Fire Chief Pete Lynch.

Electrical malfunction and foul play have been ruled out as possible causes, he said.

Fulton County firefighters were assisted by numerous fire companies from Fulton County, including MMP&W, St. Thomas, Fannett-Metal, Rescue Hose Co. in Greencastle and Franklin and Friendship fire companies in Chambersburg.

The Red Cross is assisting the residents displaced in the fire.

03/11/2010 -

Fraudulent purchase attempted

CHAMBERSBURG — Someone tried to purchase a vehicle using the name of a woman, whose name and address were not provided, at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 23, at 2040 Lincoln Way East, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Driver charged

GREENCASTLE — Anthony Barnes, 48, of Greencastle was charged with driving under the influence after a traffic stop at midnight Thursday on North Washington Street at Pine Lane, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Mailbox damaged

MERCERSBURG — The mailbox of an 84-year-old woman at 9578 Blue Spring Road in Montgomery Township was reported damaged at 10 a.m. March 2, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

Eggs placed in mailbox

MERCERSBURG — A mailbox on Blue Spring Road in Montgomery Township owned by a 53-year-old woman was damaged when eggs were placed in it on March 2 or 3, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Anyone with information is asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at 264-5161.

Wallet stolen

MERCERSBURG — Someone broke into a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado parked at Whitetail Ski Resort between 5 and 10 p.m. March 2 and stole a Clear Spring woman’s wallet.
Anyone with information is asked to call Pennsylvania State Police at 264-5161.

Tank hits phone lines

MARION — Telephone lines over U.S. 11 in Guilford Township were knocked down by a large load vehicle at 10:30 a.m. March 1, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Police said the northbound “super load” vehicle was carrying a large white tank.
The phone lines were ripped from a building and utility pole, police said.

Accident reported on interstate

CHAMBERSBURG — A 1986 Chevrolet Silverado hit the side of a 2002 Tribute on Interstate 81 near Route 316 at 5:07 p.m. March 2, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The drivers’ names were not provided.

Moderate injuries reported

LURGAN — A Shippensburg man suffered moderate injuries when his truck rolled over on Roxbury Road at 9:09 p.m. Monday, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Police said Rusty Neil, 30, swerved his 2002 Ford F-250 to avoid deer in the road. The vehicle went off the road and onto an embankment, then rolled once, coming to rest on its wheels on the road.
Neil was flown by Lifenet helicopter to York Hospital for treatment, according to police.

Driver charged with DUI

CHAMBERSBURG — Cordell Jay Burnett, 45, of Chambersburg was charged with driving under the influence at 8:45 p.m. Monday at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Route 995.
Pennsylvania State Police said he was placed in Franklin County Jail for DUI and violating his state parole.

Two face drug charges

FAYETTEVILLE — Bethany Joy Taylor, 29, of Fayetteville and Matthew Eugene Baker, 25, of Littlestown were arrested on drug charges at 12:18 p.m. Thursday at Rite-Aid, 5035 Lincoln Way East.
Pennsylvania State Police received a report the two were trying to get into a vehicle that did not belong to them.
They are charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia, according to police, who did not specify the drug involved.

Motorist arrested

GREENCASTLE — Pennsylvania State Police arrested Bradley Berdell Valentine, 40, of Greencastle for driving under the influence following a traffic stop at 12:32 a.m. Monday on Williamson Road at Colonial Drive.

Mailbox damaged

MERCERSBURG — A mailbox at 9885 Reeder Road in Montgomery Township was damaged between 2 and 7:15 a.m. Monday, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

DUI charge filed

GREENCASTLE — Ronald Lee Dick, 52, of Greencastle was arrested for driving under the influence as the result of a traffic stop at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday on South Carlisle Street at Railroad Street, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

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