Johnstown Pennsylvania » Local

American Dream Real Estate Launches new site!

Nick Pappas — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:44:42 +0000

American Dream Real Estate Appraisal & Management, Inc. in Johnstown, PA launched a new website JohnstownRealty.com today.

On the site you can access real estate listings, meet a Realtor®, view rental properties, read real estate articles, and more. Additionally, some new features include: RSS feeds directly to your e-mail in-box, a mortgage/loan calculator, and the ability to ask a Realtor® your questions 24/7.

Valerie Hudson, co-owner of ADRE says, “We hope you find our site informative and hope it becomes a tool for all of your Real Estate needs.”

American Dream encourages you to keep checking the site as it is their goal is to update it daily. You can also interact with American Dream on the popular social networking websites: Twitter & Facebook.

Visit their site today @

Planet Ice obtained by CNB Bank Reopens

Nick Pappas — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:32:38 +0000

JOHNSTOWN, PA – This morning, CNB Bank, a subsidiary of CNB Financial Corporation, obtained ownership of the Planet Ice building located at 195 Jari Drive in Richland Township.
Two local businessmen, Louis Mihalko and Jim Vasilko have negotiated a lease for the short term operations of the building. The lease will remain until financing is in place to gain ownership of the building.

Jim Vasilko says, “We are happy to announce that we will continue the operation of the ice rink. The rink will open today for skating.” Louis Mihalko continues, “We are working with Rink Management Services to assist in the daily operations of the rink. Without the cooperation and trust of CNB Bank, the future of the rink was closure. We are excited to open it back to the community.” “Rink Management Services is excited about being part of the team that will make the rink a tremendous ice skating facility for the people of the region,” adds Tom Hillgrove, President of Rink Management Services.

OPEN TODAY – ICE SKATING IS NOW AVAILABLE AT 195 JARI DRIVE IN JOHNSTOWN.

Hours of operations: Friday: 11 am – 11pm; Saturday: 8:15am – 10:30pm and Sunday: 12:30pm – 5:00pm.
For additional information about programs, leagues or private ice rental, contact the rink at 814-262-7465.

Rink Management Services is the largest operator of ice skating facilities in the United States. They currently manage 28 rinks from coast to coast. The company stresses providing a safe and fun place to learn and develop skills for skating and to participate in ice sports.

Louis Mihalko and Jim Vasilko are local businessmen that own and operate commercial and industrial real estate throughout the Greater Johnstown Area. They also operate construction companies, Mihalko’s General Contracting and Johnstown Construction Services. For additional information or questions, please contact us at 814-535-3015

Planet Ice to close doors

Administrator — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:35:01 +0000

As the weather begins to warm up this week, so will a popular local ice rink. Planet Ice, located on Jari drive in Richland Township – Johnstown – PA, has seen its share of ups and downs over the last few years, but as of today, (although not confirmed) it’s doors seem to be closed indefinitely.

It is rumored that a bank has taken over the property and may choose to re-open within a few days but no further indications have been made as to the fate of the local attraction. For 10+ years, many local patrons have attended public skating, figure skating lessons, hockey games and held birthday parties there. If it were to close It would be a major loss to our community.

Planet Ice housed groups such as:

Adult League Hockey
The Johnstown Figure Skating Club
Special Olympics
Johnstown Sitting Bulls Sled Hockey Team
Local College and High School Teams

We have found a Facebook group that is asking for any type of help from local politicians as well as any area business leaders to keep the facility open.

A quick visit to their website (http://planeticeusa.com) now yields a blank page and a call in to the facility was not answered nor returned.

You can also read a few related articles below:

Feel free to leave your feedback and additional comments below as this story grows and we will do our best to keep you updated. Lets all hope that this place can re-open soon!

Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers QB Accused of Assault

Nick Pappas — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:35:42 +0000

It appears that Ben Roethlisberger “Big Ben”, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is under investigation again over an alleged sexual assault that apparently took place at a nightclub in Milledgeville, Georgia. Roethlisberger, who has not been charged with any crimes, has hired high profile attorneys for the case and claims complete innocence. The 20-year-old girl, whose name has not been released, appears to have also obtained legal counsel.

Below is the video from a press conference held earlier today. What are you thoughts?

Congressman Murtha’s Final Farewell

Administrator — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:21:55 +0000

Johnstown has witnessed the funeral services for one of it’s most important political figures. MyJohnstownPA.com was on the scene at Westmont Presbyterian Church to bring you photos from outside the Funeral including the US Marine Corps Salute, and the carrying of Mr. Murtha’s Casket into the Church by the various Military Personnel. Among the many who came to pay their respects were: 42nd President of the United States – Bill Clinton, Speaker of the House – Nancy Pelosi, White House Chief of Staff – Rahm Emanuel, CIA Director – Leon Panetta, Michael Mullen – Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, Robert Gates – Secretary of Defense, Ray LaHood – Secretary of Transportation, General James Jones – National Security Adviser, and an estimated 50 members of congress.

The weather was not helping matters as family, friends, and colleagues of Mr. Murtha began to make their way to Westmont Presbyterian Church on Luzerne Street this morning. CamTran did provide Shuttle Services from Hiram G. Andrews Center as a large crowd was expected. Also, roadblocks were in place in areas close to the Church to ensure proper space for the funeral services. The United States Marine Corps saluted Mr. Murtha as he was removed from the hearse on a cold and snowy Johnstown Morning. Once Mr. Murtha’s Casket entered the Church the doors closed and services began.

Murtha was the driving force of the 12th district’s economy as far as defense contracts and many other projects, and recently became the longest serving Pennsylvania Congressman in history.

Please feel free to browse our Photo Gallery of Mr. Murtha’s Funeral.

Chiefs Relocation marks the End of an Era

Josh Cragle — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:15:06 +0000

Year after year the talk has been there about the future of the Johnstown Chiefs. Will the Chiefs stay or go? Will we have hockey in Johnstown? Can the Chiefs survive? For 22 seasons the answers to those questions have been yes. The Chiefs were hanging by one last thread. On Sunday night, that lone remaining thread that was keeping the Chiefs alive was cut. Chiefs owner/interim coach Neil Smith announced Sunday night that the Chiefs will be relocating to Greenville, South Carolina after the season. “It was a combination of things,” Smith said after the Chiefs 5-1 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday at the War Memorial. “Our lease was up, and this is not against SMG, but the cost of the lease is going up and not going down. Really, we were left with no choice.” Smith sadly added.

This marks a sad, sad day in Johnstown hockey history. The Chiefs have been plagued by heartbreak and bad luck throughout their 22 seasons in Johnstown. There have been some unbelievably wonderful moments as well. The Chiefs won a franchise record 45 games in 03-04. Goalie Ryan Nie set a team record with 29 wins in the 07-08 season. Brent Bilodeau and Jeff Sullivan were fixtures on the Chiefs blue line for 6 years. Dmitri Tarabrin is the Chiefs all time games played leader. Randy Rowe and Jason Spence captured the hearts of Johnstown fans for nearly a decade. Rowe was in Johnstown for 4 years. Rowe departed for Charlotte in the off season. Spence debuted in Johnstown in the 2000-2001 season. He has been a Johnstowner ever since and currently serves as Chiefs assistant coach. Ian Herbers guided the Chiefs to 73 wins over two seasons in his tenure as the Chiefs bench boss. He led the Chiefs to the playoffs in 07-08 and his Chiefs beat the Dayton Bombers in a best of 3 series 2-0. Herbers accepted the assistant coaching job in Milwaukee in the AHL which was a job he couldn’t turn down. It gave Herbers a chance to be closer to his family and to advance his coaching career.

This current group of Chiefs have unfortunately underachieved this season. The early failures brought on the changes we see today and the team has been much improved since the changes took place. The team was so poorly run at the beginning of the season after Herbers’ departure, it doomed the Chiefs from the get go and Neil Smith had to intervene once again and try to save the Chiefs again. The loss of both NHL/AHL affiliates through Colorado/Lake Erie and Columbus/Syracuse didn’t help matters. There were fewer contracted players and it made it hard to put a good product on the ice every night.

The Johnstown Chiefs have created many lasting memories in 22 seasons. Now as the team departs for Greenville at season’s end, hopefully they will create some more good lasting memories that will stand the test of time. The only regret: The Chiefs were never able to bring Johnstown an ECHL Championship.

To the Chiefs I say goodbye and good luck in Greenville. To the city of Johnstown I ask for your help to get hockey back and to get it to the War Memorial so we don’t witness the demise of the War Memorial as well.

John Murtha’s Funeral Service

Administrator — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:57:42 +0000

Plans, although in speculation, have been set for a viewing at Frank Duca Funeral Home in Westmont PA. A call to Frank Duca Funeral Home confirmed that arrangements are still being made. The possibility still exists that the viewing for John Murtha could be held at an alternate location such as UPJ or Pasquerilla Center due to the size and security of the matter. Frank Duca Funeral Home confirmed that no decisions will be finalized until at least Thursday.

The burial service is also planned to be held at a Mausoleum in Grandview Cemetery – Johnstown, PA

In lieu of flowers, the Murtha family suggests contributions be sent to either:

UPMC John P. Murtha Cancer Pavilion – Johnstown, PA
337 Somerset Street
Johnstown, PA 15901-2541
(814) 534-4724

Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center – Windber, PA
600 Somerset Ave
Windber, PA 15963
866-253-4703

Related John Murtha Articles

Please check back as we obtain further details.
This page will be updated as information is provided.

Murtha’s death to spark Special Election

Nick Pappas — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:21:02 +0000

Johnstown, PA – Gov. Ed Rendell has made a statement that he will decide in the next few days the schedule for a special election to replace Rep. John “Jack” Murtha. With the passing of Murtha on 2/8/10 , by law Gov. Rendell has 10 days to schedule an election to replace the lawmaker. This seat from what we understand must be filled within a 60 day window. Further estimates have pointed to holding this election in May and the winner would only hold the position for the remainder of the year unless they would happen to win the general election held in November.

Democrats have been in domination for the past for this seat, but with Murtha passing opens up a postion that could win back the seat for republicans. This we expect would have minor effect based on the fact that Democrats still hold a majority. We are expecting a competitive contrest in the race to replace Murtha even though Murtha has been the one to steer federal money to this district. His district covers most of nine counties Western PA.

Murtha who was elected in 1974 and has served for 35 years died Monday Feb 8th at the age of 77 in a Virginia hospital center after suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. It appears this was caused by damage to his large intestine which lead to an infection, fever, and his re-admittance to the hospital center. He will be long known for going above and beyond for those in military uniform especially veterans.

Stingrays lend Chiefs Helping Hand to Aid Cause

Johnstown Chiefs — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:25:01 +0000

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Johnstown Chiefs would like to thank everyone from the South Carolina Stingrays’ Booster Club, staff, players, and fans for their generous donation of 275 boxes of band-aids to be donated to Brent’s Band-Aids.

On December 18, 2009 the Chiefs held a benefit night to help collect band-aids for seven year old Brent Swaltek. Diagnosed with leukemia over the summer, Brent began collecting boxes of cartoon band-aids and donating them to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh to give to its patients. Brent found out, after one of his treatments, that the hospital doesn’t buy cartoon band-aids because they cost more than plain ones. Since then he made it his goal to collect and donate as many boxes as possible to the hospital.

When others outside of the Johnstown community offered to donate towards Brent’s cause, the Chiefs were open to the idea and more than amazed. The Stingrays’ Booster Club president Terri Mills contacted us that they had begun collecting and we were thrilled to be able to present Brent with more band-aids,” said director of communication and customer relations Ray Schmitt.

Brent was presented with the donated band-aids on Saturday morning by Stingrays players Matt Scherer, Spencer Carbery, and Nate Kiser. As a special treat the players welcomed him onto their bench where Brent was able to watch their morning skate in preparation for that night’s game. As nice as the Stingrays were, Brent and his family were happy that the Chiefs beat them in a shootout that night!

Now with South Carolina’s help, the Chiefs have been able to donate nearly one thousand boxes of band-aids to Brent for his charity.

“With these band-aids, we are not only helping Brent, but we are helping hundreds of patients at Children’s hospital in Pittsburgh. We’re extremely proud of our fans and their donation efforts, but it’s especially heartwarming that Brent’s story touched people in the hockey community nearly 700 miles away. Hopefully the donations will keep rolling in this season and beyond,” added Schmitt.

Mark your calendars! The Chiefs return to Johnstown on Sunday, February 14 against the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:05. The Chiefs will holding a coloring contest for kids in attendance sponsored by BIC. Kids can pick up the drawings at the Chiefs’ information table and color them at the game. The best judged coloring will get a great Chiefs prize. Good seats still remain and for individual tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 1-745-3000.

February 8, 2010
Contact Ray Schmitt for more information
814-539-1799 x 226
ray@johnstownchiefs.com

Snow Storm in Johnstown-2

Administrator — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:22:37 +0000

With all of the headlines this past week, hearing that more snow is on the way for our area throughout tonight and tomorrow is more than unnerving for most. According to the National Weather Service, we can expect another 8-12 inches of snowfall tonight that will continue overnight, falling steady into tomorrow morning and tapering off in the afternoon. Apparently this situation is being caused by two different storms that are going to merge over the entire northeast at some point tonight. One is an area of low pressure moving east over the Ohio Valley and the other is an additional area of low pressure that is moving north towards the New Jersey Shore.

As these two storms meet, the accumulation that is expected will blanket the Laurel Highlands with 8-12 inches of snow and the areas to the east and north including Washington DC, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, and others will receive more than 12 inches.

You can learn more about this storm on The Weather Channel’s Website.

PA State Rep. John Murtha Passes Away

Administrator — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:15:26 +0000

PA State Representative John Murtha has passed away due to complications from his scheduled surgery earlier in the week to remove his gallbladder.Murtha at age 77 was a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense as well as being Pennsylvania’s Longest Serving Member of Congress.

Murtha was born in New Martinsville, West Virginia and grew up in Westmoreland County. As he grew up, he earned Eagle Scout Status, delivered Newspapers, and worked at a gas station. He graduated from the Kiski School in Saltsburg, PA, moved on to Washington and Jefferson College, then opted to leave that behind for the Marine Corps. He achieved the American Spirit Honor Medal because of his leadership skills and soon moved on to become a drill instructor at Parris Island. He was then chosen to attend Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA and from there moved onto another Division in North Carolina.

One his Active Duty Time was complete, Murtha retained membership in the Marine Corps Reserve and started a small car wash business in Johnstown, PA’s West End. As well, he took advantage of his Military time buy utilizing his GI Bill and attending the University of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in Economics. He also attended classes at IUP before marrying his wife in 1955 and moved on to have three children with her.

After finishing up with the Marines in 1955, Murtha remained with the Reserves until volunteering for service in the Vietname War, where he served one year as a Battalion Staff Officer. For his time there, he received the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, two (2) Purple Hearts, and the Bronze Star with Valor Device. Murtha Retired from the Marine Corps in 1990 with the rank on Colonel and received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

He was elected into the PA House of Representatives in 1969 then moved on in 1974 to become a member of the US House of Representatives. Murtha was a Democrat, however some of his views were a bit more conservative that many other members of the Democratic Party. His stances on Abortion, Gun Control, and Medical Malpractice Tort Reform were the opposite of many other Democrats in the House, yet he still supported and voted in their favor on many occasions.

Amidst criticism throughout the years, Murtha has been the front man in landing many Defense and Manufacturing Jobs for Western Pennsylvania. His efforts have put many people back to work in our area and have helped Johnstown to re-establish itself as a Technology-Oriented Area after the fall of the Steel Industry in the 70s-80s caused many to lose their jobs.

We offer our Condolences to the family and friends or Mr. John Murtha and will never forget his fondness of our area.

You can join the Official MyJohnstownPA.com John P. Murtha Facebook Group

You can leave your Condolences below as we all know the effect that Mr. Murtha’s Passing will have a major effect on our area. Also, please submit any photos you may have of or with John P. Murtha to news@myjohnstownpa.com and we will add them all to a Photo Gallery dedicated to Mr. John Murtha.

-MyJohnstownPA.com Staff

Snow Storm in Johnstown

Administrator — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:21:21 +0000

According to the National Weather Service, we are hours away from a Winter Storm that will leave behind an estimated 8+ inches of snowfall in our area within the next 48 hours. *** UPDATED 10pm EST *** Across Pennsylvania, many schools have already released students for the day and snow crews have been deployed by PennDOT for what is to come. As of right now, the snowfall has begun in Johnstown and it is laying at a steady rate on roadways and all other areas.

Also, this is not just a storm that impacts us, many areas along the East Coast are looking at massive snowfall, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and more. Estimated Snowfall in the Maryland/DC Area is a staggering Two (2) Feet throughout the weekend.

MyJohnstownPA.com will be staying with this storm throughout the weekend. Please keep an eye on our Twitter updates for Picture updates from different parts of Johnstown.

Latest Update & Snow Totals as of 1:oopm EST.

– Power Lines Down in Local Areas – Find Power Outages Below -
http://www.firstenergycorp.com/outages

30+ Inches – Gas Center PA
28 Inches – Johnstown, PA
27 Inches – Seven Springs
26 Inches – Somerset, PA
26 Inches – Windber, PA
20.5 Inches – Altoona, PA
32 Inches – Gas Center PA

- 4:28pm – State college has estimated snow totals of 12 to 18 inches for Johnstown, PA

FOLLOW MyJohnstownPA.com on Twitter

You can also keep an eye on the traffic cameras in the area before you leave the house:

US22 @ Dishong Mt. Road

US219 South @ PA56 West Interchange

PA56 East(Scalp Ave.) from US219 Bridge Overhead

US219 from PA756 (Elton Road) Interchange

US219 @ Galleria Drive

WJACTV – Tim Tender – Live Coverage

Live Video streaming by Ustream

View the WJAC-TV Live Weather Team Blog – http://www.wjacweatherblog.com/

If traveling Please Drive Safe!

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/penndot/districts/district9.nsf/TCAM029?OpenPage

Chiefs fire Head Coach

Josh Cragle — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:06:40 +0000

The Johnstown Chiefs have been plummeting to the bottom of the ECHL standings for the last month. That plummet was causing fans to grow restless and angry and want a change to be made. On Saturday night, the fans go their wish. After the Chiefs 3-0 loss to the Wheeling Nailers at Wesbanco Arena, the Chiefs fired first year head coach Jeff Flanagan. The Chiefs were a league worst 9-19-4-3 under Flanagan. Chiefs owner Neil Smith will take over the coaching reigns on an interim basis. The decision was made because it just didn’t seem like we were going to be able to be turned around,” Smith said. “We didn’t see it being turned around with Jeff as the head coach. We didn’t want anything like this to happen.

The confidence level of the team was at an all time low. The Chiefs have lost 12 of the last 13 games and are 1-9-1-2 in those 13 games. Smith was at his first practice on Monday morning at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena. Assistant coach Jason Spence ran practice while Smith was getting familiar with his players thanks to GM Bill Bredin. “Jason had practice organized. He ran a really good practice,” Smith said about his assistant coach. Smith also pointed out that the guys had a jump in their step that they haven’t had all season. The Chiefs excitement will surely be felt on Friday night at the CCWM when the Chiefs host Cincinnati. The Chiefs wont have wait that long to get on the ice for the first time with Mr. Smith on the bench though. The Chiefs travel to Trenton Wednesday night to take on the Devils. The Chiefs last win came against Trenton in Trenton by a score of 2-1.

Neil Smith wanted to let his team know that no matter what was being said about them he still had belief. “I told the guys that nobody in the world believes this team can make the playoffs. So how cool will it be when we skate out there for that first playoff game,” the Chiefs owner/interim coach stated with confidence on Monday morning.

The playoffs haven’t been a thought this season due to the Chiefs struggles, however with Neil Smith at the center of the Chiefs and with 37 games remaining in the season anything can happen! ANYTHING!!!

Johnstown Chiefs & Von’s Beverage Announce Drink Special

Administrator — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:08:32 +0000

January 8, 2010
For more information contact Ray Schmitt
814-539-1799 x 226
ray@johnstownchiefs.com

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Johnstown Chiefs, along with the Cambria County War Memorial and Von’s United Beverage, announced today that they will be offering a great drink special at the remainder of their home games.

Beginning on January 15th, Choice Arena Concessions will be serving a thirst quenching Rolling Rock draft in a souvenir cup and a bag of fresh crunchy pretzels for only $3.30. This is an offer that can’t be beat.

Arena Concessions will be offering this great deal along with all of the diverse offerings on the regular menu, during Johnstown Chiefs games.

Why is “33” printed on all Rolling Rock Beer Bottles?

• The number of steps to get from the brew master’s office to the brewing floor?

• The highest ranking order of the Freemasons secret society?

• It takes “33” steps to turn water into beer?

• The number of words in the original pledge of quality found on the side of the green-glass bottle?

Enjoy an ice cold glass of Rolling Rock and you decide.

Mark your Calanders! The Chiefs return to Johnstown Friday, January 15 against the Cincinnati Cyclones at 7:05. The Chiefs will be showcasing a slew of custom made furniture from Cambria Chair Company throughout the War Memorial concourse. There will also be a glow bracelet giveaway to all children in attendance. Good seats still remain for individual tickets, go to ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000. For everything Chiefs visit www.johnstownchiefs.com.