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Citizens, Officials Turn Out to Oppose Proposed Area Code Change

CLEARFIELD – On Wednesday night a number of people came to the county seat to oppose the proposed 814 area code change.

The meeting was called in regard to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s proposed change of the 814 area code to 582. One of the potential affects of this change would involve including the Clearfield County communities of Sandy Township and the City of DuBois in the 582 area code.

Those in attendance consisted of elected and appointed officials, business owners and citizens. All of them were against the change.

Clearfield County Commissioner Joan Robinson-McMillen said the changeover will effectively cut off Sandy Township and DuBois from the rest of the county.

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“The Prom Closet” to Kick off Dress Drive in March

CLEARFIELD – For the seventh year, the Central Pennsylvania Community Action (CPCA) will transform its prom closet into a one-room “boutique-style” shop, inviting high school girls inside for some special treatment.

“The high school years can be rough for teen girls who come from (low-income) families. But it shouldn’t hinder their high school experiences,” said Gail Webster, prom closet coordinator.

“They should experience and enjoy the prom every bit as much as the next girl who may have spent $100 or $200 on their dress. No one knows their dress is free unless they tell.”

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Wanted Fugitive Captured in Washington State

CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney, William A. Shaw, Jr., announced the capture of a wanted fugitive. Shaw identified the Fugitive as Jenna Jean Grumblatt, age 27, of East Park Avenue, DuBois, Pennsylvania. Grumblatt has two pending cases and was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list on Aug. 6, 2010.

On March 23, 2006, Officer Steve Maholtz of the DuBois City Police Department filed a criminal complaint charging Grumblatt with: 1) simple assault, M2; and 2) retail theft, M2.

An affidavit of probable cause filed by Maholtz states that on May 15, 2006, the DuBois City Police were dispatched to the Sheetz store on Brady Street for a report of individuals fighting with an employee. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim, who was a store clerk.

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Court Affirms Dismissal of Walker’s Suit Against Shaw

CLEARFIELD – A case filed and dismissed against Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has been affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit. Former Fifth District Congressional Candidate Derek Walker of Bigler filed the complaint against Shaw on March 16, 2009.

According to the opinion filed Jan. 24 by Circuit Judge Thomas L. Ambro, Walker appealed the District Court’s decision, dismissing his retaliatory prosecution action, brought for failure to state a claim. Specifically, Walker alleged in his amended complaint that Shaw violated his First Amendment rights by prosecuting him based on false evidence in retaliation for his decision to seek political office.

While affirming the District Court was correct in its dismissal, the appeals court based its decision on grounds different than those used by the lower court. According to the court’s opinion, the allegations in Walker’s amended complaint stemmed from his involvement in an Aug. 25, 2007 “domestic incident” with his former girlfriend. Walker alleged that the incident didn’t involve any violence, and the police officers who responded informed him not to have any further communication with her but did not arrest him.

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One Injured in Clearfield Auto Accident

CLEARFIELD – Police responded to a two vehicle accident on Feb. 21 at approximately 12:21 p.m. 

Police stated Chester Hawkins of Clearfield was traveling towards Clearfield on Coal Hill Rod when he moved his vehicle over for another vehicle that was crowding him.  The Hawkins vehicle then lost control when it was drawn into the icy snow to the right of the roadway at which time his vehicle began to spin down onto Guelich Avenue where it struck a vehicle driven by Dave Wright of Clearfield. 

Both vehicles were towed with severe damage.  Wright was transported to the hospital for observation due to back pain.