The week of Christmas was a sad one across the nation as we heard about the death of Gerald Ford, our 38th president, and the only one who was never elected to be our president or vice president. He was named vice president after Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973. He then took over for Richard Nixon who resigned after Watergate.
In Clearfield County, flags flew at half staff, but it was a busy news week here as well despite the Christmas holiday.
In case you missed the big stories, the Gant Media News Team has compiled what we believe to be the best of the best for the week of Dec. 25.
You might notice that we’ve made a little change. To read more of the story, click on the headline. And, as always, if we didn’t include your favorite story or you think we should have left something off the list, let us know and we’ll include your comments on the next RELOAD.
Former President Gerald Ford Dies at 93
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – Former President Gerald R. Ford, who declared “Our long national nightmare is over” as he replaced Richard Nixon but may have doomed his own chances of election by pardoning his disgraced predecessor, has died. He was 93.
The nation’s 38th president, and the only one not elected to the office or the vice presidency, died at his desert home at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.
“His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country,” his wife, Betty, said in a statement.
Saddam’s Lawyer Asks for Mercy; 5 More Troops Die
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Saddam Hussein’s lawyer made a last-ditch effort to impede his execution Thursday, beseeching world leaders to prevent the United States from handing over the ousted dictator to Iraqi authorities who plan to hang him.
The plea from Saddam’s attorney came as the U.S. military reported the deaths of five more troops and announced that Iraqi forces, backed by American forces, captured an al-Qaida in Iraq cell leader believed responsible for the June kidnapping of two soldiers who were found tortured and killed.
Photo Released of DuBois Bank Robber, Reward Offered
CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. announced that unidentified suspect wanted for Wednesday’s robbery of First Commonwealth Bank in DuBois has been placed at the top of the county’s Most Wanted list.
DuBois City Police responded to the First Commonwealth Bank located at 5 N. Main St. in DuBois City shortly after 10 a.m. for a reported robbery in-progress.
Clearfield Hospital Changes Visitation Policy Due to Norovirus Illness in Region
CLEARFIELD – Due to the presence of norovirus illness in the region, Clearfield Hospital has placed restrictions on visitors to the hospital, effective immediately and continuing until further notice.
These restrictions are placed on visitors to the hospital, not people seeking medical treatment for symptoms.
Lee Jackson of the Park Avenue Drug Bust Pleads Guilty, Sentenced
CLEARFIELD – One of the people involved in the Park Avenue drug bust earlier this year was sentenced by Clearfield County Judge Paul E. Cherry on Wednesday.
Lee R. Jackson, 19 of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty to charges of possession with intent to deliver cocaine, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.
Jackson was sentenced to two-to-seven years in state prison, ordered to pay fines and costs and submit to DNA testing.
Motion to Offer Sandy Township Lower Settlement Amount Dies on the Table
DUBOIS – A motion made by DuBois City Mayor John “Herm” Suplizio to lower the amount that Sandy Township owes the city in settlement money died for lack of a motion at Tuesday night’s DuBois City Council meeting. The offer of $1.5 million would be offered only if Sandy Township officials agreed to not appeal the $1.7 million in retroactive fees that the city calculated the township owes the city.
Fire Company Seeks Quote on Moose Property
CLEARFIELD – While most of us were hoping Santa would bring us things like a new bicycle or a new coat, the Clearfield Volunteer Fire Co. was hoping for a new house, a new fire house, that is.
For some time, the department has shown interest in the former site of the Clearfield Moose, lost to fire in January 2004. Clearfield Borough Mayor Patty Gilliland said the fire company should snatch the property while its on the market.
Rendell Reminds Workers of Minimum Wage Increase Jan. 1
PHILADELPHIA – Gov. Edward G. Rendell reminded workers and businesses that the first increase in Pennsylvania’s minimum wage in nearly a decade will take effect with the New Year, providing a much-needed pay boost to more than 420,000 employees.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage for most workers will increase to $6.25 an hour on Jan. 1, and to $7.15 an hour on July 1. The increase will be phased in on a different schedule for small employers. The increase was approved by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor in July.
Fatal Car Accident on Home Camp Road
DUBOIS – Two people died as the result of a one-vehicle accident on Home Camp Road Wednesday evening around 9:43 p.m.
Sandy Township Police reported that upon arrival at the scene emergency crews determined that a 1997 Nissan Maxima had left the road and struck a tree. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been traveling at high rate of speed when the driver, Jason Wantuck, 25 of Rockton, lost control of the vehicle.
A passenger, Tierney Klimek, 25, of Erie, also died. Neither were wearing their seatbelts, according to police.
Clearfield County Commissioners Approve Budget with 2-1 Vote
CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners approved the 2007 budget for the county on Thursday.
Clearfield County residents will see a balanced budget and no real estate tax increase for the coming year. The general fund has both budgeted revenues and expenses of $16,399,586.59.
According to the commissioners, the budget will not draw from the more than $1 million capital reserve fund either. This fund can be used for major projects such as a proposed new air conditioning system at the Clearfield County Jail, election equipment and other proposed projects.
Phone Lines Cut at Wal-Mart in Break-In Attempt
CLEARFIELD – Some would-be burglars cut telephone lines at the Clearfield Wal-Mart Supercenter, causing a few problems with communication at the store early this week.
Store Manager Brian Martin said the incident happened while the normally 24-hour store was closed for the Christmas holiday.
“It appears they attempted to break into the building,” Martin said by telephone Wednesday.