Johnstown native honors late son, completes graduation from Duquesne University

 Posted on May 15, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  128 words  |  Barrett Giampaolo

Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — Duquesne University honored more than 430 members of its Class of 2021 Friday at its winter commencement ceremony. For one of those graduates, Johnstown resident Dr. Tom Fleming, commencement meant more than just receiving a degree. In 2002, Dr. Fleming completed his coursework at Duquesne's School of Education but never finished his dissertation. Years later, Dr. Fleming's son Ryan enrolled at the university. Sadly, Ryan passed away from a rare heart condition in 2014 during his sophomore year. [Read More]

PA First Lady visits Penn State food pantry

 Posted on May 15, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  106 words  |  Brenda Moya

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WJAC) — Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf stopped by Penn State Thursday to tour their Lion's Pantry and to talk with students and staff. She led a roundtable discussion after the tour on the link between college student hunger and the minimum wage. Students and university leaders were able to talk with Wolf about ensuring that students have their basic food needs met. The Wolf administration says low income is the most common risk factor for student hunger, so this visit's purpose was to hear what students have to say on how they can advocate for better wages to make students thrive. [Read More]

PA wildlife center helping to care for 3 wounded Bald Eagles

 Posted on May 15, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  414 words  |  Barrett Giampaolo

Schuylkill County, PA — The Bald Eagle holds a symbolic place in American history, but what happens when an eagle is injured? Who makes sure they are nursed back to health? The Bald Eagle soaring across the United States stands as the image of our freedom, but sometimes, these magnificent birds need help spreading their wings. Red Creek Wildlife Center, in Schuylkill County, has been treating animals since 1991 and they have recently seen a rise in some patriotic patients. [Read More]

Seattle man charged with murder after fatally shooting sleeping baby

 Posted on May 15, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  398 words  |  Delta Gatti

SEATTLE — The 35-year-old man accused of fatally shooting his sleeping 9-month-old baby last week was charged with murder on Monday afternoon. Dion Montgomery, 35, was charged with murder in the first degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, and unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree, according to court documents. Court documents state Montgomery randomly shot at two people unprovoked before ultimately shooting his sleeping 9-month-old child in the eye. [Read More]

Westmoreland Co. contractor accused of defrauding customers of over $250K, authorities say

 Posted on May 15, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  91 words  |  Barrett Giampaolo

Authorities say a Westmoreland County contractor is behind bars, accused of defrauding customers, in multiple area counties, of over $250,000 in home improvement services. According to the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Department, 41-year-old Jason Pirl, of Scottdale, was taken into custody Tuesday morning following a weeks-long investigation. Investigators say Pirl is accused of defrauding customers in Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties. Authorities say Pirl was believed to be living out of his vehicle in order to try and evade capture. [Read More]

83 Years since the Johnstown Flood of 1936

 Posted on May 14, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  261 words  |  Christie Applegate

On March 17, 1936, the streets of Johnstown were filled with panic as residents desperately searched for higher ground. A rumor had spread that the Quemahoning dam had burst. It was hours before that was proven false, but a flood was still on its way. "It wasn't a flash flood. It was a fairly gradual flood. You had a record stream melt with additional rain. It was a really cold winter, the snow melted quickly and the streams started rising," [Read More]

Believe the hype! Penn State tops Utah for NIT championship

 Posted on May 14, 2024  |  3 minutes  |  545 words  |  Delta Gatti

NEW YORK (AP) — Shep Garner hit the 3-pointer that brought cousin Flavor Flav to his feet and helped send Penn State on its way to an NIT championship in an 82-66 victory over Utah on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. The fourth-seeded Nittany Lions (26-13) also knocked off No. 1 seed Notre Dame in the tournament en route to winning their first NIT title since 2009. Lamar Stevens scored 28 points, Josh Reaves had 18 and Tony Carr had 15 points and 14 assists for Penn State. [Read More]

Brookville man admits to assaulting girl inside Elk County home in 2019

 Posted on May 14, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  182 words  |  Merlyn Hunt

Elk County, PA (WJAC) — State police say a Brookville man is facing charges following an investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted a female juvenile in 2019. Police say in November, the victim, who is now a teenager, reported that she had been inappropriately touched by 22-year-old Ethan Fike, when she was 12 years old, at a residence in Ridgway. According to the affidavit, the victim reportedly disclosed an incident in which Fike allegedly came into her room, " [Read More]

Judge dismisses charge against Johnstown woman accused of causing grandson's death

 Posted on May 14, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  128 words  |  Delta Gatti

Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — During a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon, Magisterial District Judge Kevin Price dismissed charges, without prejudice, against a Johnstown grandmother accused of causing the death of her 3-month-old grandson. Citing the available testimony at the hearing and recent changes in the hearsay laws, Judge Price dismissed the sole count of child endangerment, without prejudice, against 40-year-old Peggy Lightcap. Lightcap was charged last month following an investigation into the death of the infant child, who investigators say died as a result of a methadone overdose. [Read More]

Penguins acquire veteran forward in trade with Nashville

 Posted on May 14, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  123 words  |  Merlyn Hunt

Pittsburgh (WJAC) — The Pittsburgh Penguins announced late Wednesday that they have acquired veteran forward Mikael Granlund from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2023 second-round draft pick. Granlund is signed through the 2024-25 season and his contract carries an average yearly value of $5 million. "Mikael is a versatile forward, able to play either wing or center, and contribute offensively," said GM Ron Hextall. "He has experience on both the power play and penalty kill and can add options to our lineup. [Read More]