Latest news with #Johnstown-based
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Heart of this battalion': Memorial dedicated to 458th Engineers at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – During the Persian Gulf War, U.S. Army Reserve 458th Engineer Battalion engineers developed sanitary water filtration systems for frontline troops in Iraq. In 2024, members of its 665 Engineer Utilities Detachment spent 10 months backing special operations, building barriers to protect remote Middle East bases, 458th Batalion Commander Trevor Needham said. Over its 66 years here, the Johnstown-based battalion has often served its country by serving Johnstown, 458th alumni said. They've helped build parks, playgrounds and dished out 500 meals a day to struggling Tanneryville patrons in the aftermath of the 1977 Johnstown Flood, retired Sgt. Maj. Robert Symon recalled. Even though the Goucher Street-based 458th Engineers now have reserve centers across Pennsylvania – as far away as Butler and Harrisburg – there was no better place than Johnstown to salute the battalion's past and present or service and sacrifices, members said Saturday. A crowd of approximately 60 people, including current and former 4548th Engineers, gathered at Sandyvale Memorial Gardens and Conservancy Saturday to dedicate a black granite memorial in the Army Reserve battalion's honor. "Never so much by so few," said retired Col. Samuel Contacos, paraphrasing Winston Churchill's historic words to summarize generations of work by the small battalion at home and abroad. 'Perfect place' The 458th Engineer Battalion's roots date back to 1943, first being activated as the Texas-based 1252nd Engineer Combat Battalion to serve in the European theater of World War II. In 1959, the unit moved to Johnstown. Plans for a memorial were in the works for years, said retired Sgt. First Class Joe Siwy. He said he first envisioned the memorial at Central Park until he toured Sandyvale. Its trail now features several military memorials – and plans have been discussed about relocating a few of Central Park's monuments. Sandyvale is anchored by trees planted for each of the nation's armed conflicts – and more importantly, the space and serenity to reflect on them, Siwy said. With a gesture to the sky, he pointed out the picturesque park that serves as the flight path for a bald eagle that nests above Menoher Boulevard. "It's a perfect setting," the Johnstown area veteran said. "This is what our veterans deserve." 'Heart of this battalion' Fellow 458th members also observed the fitting setting for their monument, which was created by battalion alumni through a multi-year fund drive under the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Siwy said. Needham reminded attendees that the 458th Engineers have long been called the "Anvil Battalion" – and for good reason. For generations, many of them have forged their military careers in a valley with a rich iron and steel history, he said. "Now, part of their permanent home is here in Johnstown as well," Needham said of the memorial. At 94 years old, Symon was the oldest living alumni to attend. Sitting near the memorial Saturday, he recalled reservists who answered the call over three straight months of flood recovery efforts in Johnstown. For weeks, meals were airlifted by helicopter to Tanneryville because the horrific torrent gutted access into the community. Symon was joined at the event by retired Col. Sam Contacos, a Johnstown native and longtime Coney Island owner who became the 458th battalion's commander in the 1960s. Contacos remembered a platoon commander telling him "remember your background" as a young officer. Those words still resonate today, he said, as he thinks about the work the 458th Engineers performed in Johnstown – and the men who served him. "They never let me down," Contacos said. Over 66 years in Johnstown, there's a growing number no longer living – many who "gave their all and will never be forgotten," said retired Maj. Gen. Rodney Ruddock said. "When you make your way to this memorial, you'll be reminded about what is good about America," Ruddock said, calling the monument "the heart of this battalion." "It will serve as our beacon of hope forever."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Foundation to oversee county flood aid drive; Somerset Rotary gives $1,000 to Salvation Army
SOMERSET, Pa. – The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies will manage donations for a Somerset County Disaster Recovery Fund that is being launched in response to devastating flooding in the southern part of Somerset County. 'As the cleanup and recovery process gets into its next phase, this fund will provide needed financial support to local organizations assisting our friends and neighbors impacted by the flooding with unmet needs and provide a place to donate for all who have asked us how they can help,' Somerset County President Commissioner Brian Fochtman said. The county and eight communities issued disaster declarations after southern Somerset County was flooded, and Fochtman said earlier this week they were exploring ways to help. The nonprofit CFA has worked for years collecting donations and managing funds for community efforts and local entities. The fund is now accepting donations, which will be disbursed immediately to nonprofits assisting Somerset County residents with flooding response and recovery, the foundation said in a media release. The Johnstown-based nonprofit simultaneously announced it was committing a $10,000 grant as the first donation to get the fund started. To oversee the distribution of these grant funds, the Somerset County commissioners are working with the Somerset County Emergency Management Agency to organize an advisory committee, which will include social service, faith-based, and emergency response communities, the release added. 'The Community Foundation is uniquely equipped to promptly address immediate or urgent needs that unexpectedly arise across our region,' said CFA Executive Director Angie Berzonski. 'The Somerset County Disaster Recovery Fund will provide essential resources for nonprofits, facilitating both the early response and the ongoing recovery efforts within the county.' A link will be available to allow people to donate online through To donate by check, make checks payable to the Somerset County Disaster Recovery Fund, and mail them to 216 Franklin St., Suite 400, Johnstown, Pa. 15901. Somerset County Solicitor Benjamin Carroll said the commissioners will have a fund management agreement with the foundation on Tuesday's meeting agenda. Following the current flooding recovery, the fund can remain open in support of future natural disasters and other crisis situations in Somerset County, Berzonski said. Rotarians lend support The Somerset Rotary Club donated $1,000 Friday to the Salvation Army for flood relief. The donation began by passing the club's 'magic box,' which at first raised $185. Members voted for the club to match individual contributions. By the end of the meeting, members gave $500, which the club matched. 'This is what I like about the Somerset Rotary Club,' said Harold Shaulis, president. 'When there's a need, they're quick to address it.' G. Henry Cook told the club that the Somerset Fire Department had loaned a fire truck to Meyersdale, whose vehicles suffered flood damage. Others told of heroic assistance by fire companies and other responders. Some Rotarians and relatives had suffered flood damage. Gale Purbaugh, Salvation Army service unit director, told of relief activities by the unit and commended the Rotary Club for its generosity.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania officials, agencies stepping in to help laid off coal mine workers
SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania officials and agencies are moving to help over 300 workers who were laid off Friday from a Somerset County coal mine. State Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) and Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said they are working with Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's Rapid Response to make services available to former Corsa Coal employees impacted by the layoffs. The rapid response team will hold an information meeting for employees Tuesday, April 8 at the Somerset County Technology Center at 281 Technology Drive in Somerset beginning at 10 a.m. The meeting will give the impacted workers a chance to connect with information about unemployment claims and re-employment opportunities. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Corsa Coal faces potential lawsuit for failing to notify of layoffs soon enough 'Like many of you, I have been following the media reports of the Corsa Coal layoffs that are clearly impacting our community,' Metzgar said. 'I know this time creates uncertainty for the employees of Corsa Coal and their families. My office is here to help with unemployment claims or other questions you have during this time.' 'When workers suddenly lose jobs that provide family-sustaining wages and benefits, the ripple effects are felt throughout our communities. The Department of Labor & Industry's Rapid Response team is actively engaged with Corsa Coal's parent company, Wilson Creek Energy, to support affected employees,' Secretary Walker said. Metzgar's office located at 1808 N. Center Ave., Suite 200, in Somerset is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is available for workers looking for assistance. Corsa Coal filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January and shut down their operations in Somerset County April 4. 332 employees were laid off by the company and its subsidiaries in Friedens. A federal bankruptcy judge recently approved a $23.5 million sale of Corsa mining assets to Johnstown-based LCT Energy and Kittanning-based Rosebud Mining. Both have a significant mining presence in the region. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Metzgar, state officials say they're working to help Corsa Coal workers impacted by layoffs
SOMERSET, Pa. – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry officials plan to meet next week with hundreds of Corsa Coal employees being laid off amid the mining company's closure, officials said. State Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar, R-Somerset, said he recognized the 'uncertainty' the shutdown creates for the workers and their families – and said that state officials are actively engaged in ensuring they have support available to help them move forward. The Department of Labor & Industry's Rapid Response Team is stepping in to communicate with employees, as well as Corsa Coal subsidiary Wilson Creek Energy, to ensure that proper support services are provided, officials said. 'I have contacted Gov. (Josh) Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's Rapid Response team to ensure impacted employees have the necessary services readily available to them,' Metzgar said. In a message to Corsa Coal employees, he added: 'My office is here to help with unemployment claims or other questions you have during this time.' Corsa Coal announced the layoffs in March, just two months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as an effort to try to work through financial struggles. Corsa Coal and its Wilson Creek Energy subsidiary throughout Somerset County are impacted, including 332 workers whose layoffs are effective this Friday. Last week, a federal bankruptcy judge approved a $23.5 million sale of Corsa mining assets to Johnstown-based LCT Energy and Kittanning-based Rosebud Mining, which both have a significant mining presence in the region. Rosebud Mining has indicated that approximately 50 of Corsa's workers will be offered work with that company. That would leave many more employees at a difficult crossroads, but state officials are willing to help, Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. An informational meeting Tuesday for laid-off Corsa workers will 'immediately connect impacted workers with critical resources and meaningful re-employment opportunities,' she said. 'When workers suddenly lose jobs that provide family-sustaining wages and benefits, the ripple effects are felt throughout our communities,' Walker said. The Department of Labor & Industry's Rapid Response team is actively engaged with Corsa Coal and Wilson Creek Energy to support affected employees, she said. Metzgar's office is also available to provide support, he said. Anyone impacted by the closure was invited to stop by 1808 N. Center Ave., Suite 200, Somerset, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays or call 814-443-4230 for assistance, he said.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Bodies in Motion federal lawsuit progressing
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A lawsuit will move forward in a Johnstown-based U.S. District Court over a Portage adult business owner's case against Hollidaysburg Borough. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines will preside over the case, following a hearing late last month where both sides expressed no objections, online court records show. While previously working for the U.S. Attorneys Office, Haines prosecuted Bodies in Motion owner Gary Vaughn Jr. in 2017 in a case that saw the Portage man receive 15 months in prison. She was appointed to serve as a Western District of Pennsylvania judge in 2019 by President Donald Trump. Neither Vaughn's attorneys nor the defendant, Hollidaysburg Borough, objected to Haines' role on the prior 2017 case as a reason to recuse herself from the ongoing civil matter, records show. Vaughn is suing Hollidaysburg and its borough officials, saying the town's laws violate the First and 14th Amendments by imposing guidelines preventing him from conducting business – more specifically, traveling adult dance shows – in pre- existing local businesses. The suit was filed after Vaughn said he was blocked for zoning reasons from holding a show at a borough restaurant. No new hearings are currently set for the case, online documents show.
