The Pennsylvania House of Representatives was in voting session from June 14-16, and the Republican Caucus continued advancing its priorities of providing for an economic recovery, protecting families and reforming government for the benefit of Pennsylvanians. House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff said among them are bills which will allow Pennsylvania farmers to defer income received … Read more
A plan supported by state Senator Judy Ward that will allow voters to decide if the Pennsylvania Constitution should be amended to require identification each time a voter casts a ballot was approved today by the Senate State Government Committee. Senator Ward… http://blogaudio.virtualnewscenter.com/WRTA-061621-WARD-VOTING.mp3 Unlike a piece of legislation, Constitutional Amendments do not need the governor’s … Read more
A bill that clarifies when deaths from a contagious disease must be reported to county coroners – including COVID-19 deaths – sponsored by Senator Judy Ward, has been approved by the state Senate Local Government Committee. Senator Ward explained it… http://blogaudio.virtualnewscenter.com/WRTA-061621-WARD1-DISEASE%20BILL.mp3 A similar bill passed both the Senate and the House with large bipartisan majorities … Read more
On Tuesday, Altoona City Council agreed to begin eminent domain proceedings on the McCrory building following nearly a decade of code violations that have resulted in its deterioration even after the owner turned down purchase offers from two developers. City leaders want to see the property be developed, but the main argument for taking it … Read more
The Blair County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports of residents receiving phone calls from a male caller identifying himself as a Deputy of the Blair County Sheriff’s Office. The caller claims that a “jury duty or witness” appearance has been missed or that “federal paperwork was misrepresented” by the resident, resulting in an arrest … Read more
A somber procession traveled through Cambria County on Sunday following memorial services for Collin and Feya Ferguson. The siblings died as a result of a house fire — along Clover Street in the Moxham neighborhood of Johnstown — two weeks ago. During the procession, three people were transported to the Hospital following a multi-vehicle crash … Read more
Blair County Judge Timothy M. Sullivan has declined to put a civil lawsuit on hold pending resolution of criminal charges against a former Bellwood-Antis wrestling coach. Last week, Judge Sullivan handed down the ruling that denies the school district’s request for the hold after a review of legal arguments that were aired during a May … Read more
A shooting incident is under investigation in Altoona, where police now are turning to the public for help finding a 17 year old who they say was involved in the shooting that took place on Saturday. Altoona Police say they are searching for Preston B. Weakland. He is described as being about 5-feet-9-inches tall and … Read more
With Governor Wolf’s refusal to even consider having voters provide verification to vote, state Senator Judy Ward and state Rep. Jeff Wheeland are promoting a plan that will allow voters to decide if the Pennsylvania Constitution should be amended to require identification each time a voter casts a ballot. Senator Ward… http://blogaudio.virtualnewscenter.com/WRTA-061421-WARD-VOTERID1.mp3 Currently, voters are … Read more
Authorities say a search warrant led to the arrest of a Johnstown drug dealer and about $13,000 worth of fentanyl taken off the streets. According to the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Jonathan Brunson has been charged with five felony counts of possession with intent to deliver/delivery of a controlled substance, one first degree felony … Read more