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Articles by Alyssa Coleman
2026 Trick-or-Treat times, Halloween events announced
Some areas have announced their 2025 trick-or-treat schedules; below is a list of the current dates and times for those areas. We will update this list as more schedules are announced. If you know of any areas that are not on this list, please email us your area’s trick-or-treat plans to news@wjactv.com. Blair County Altoona: Thursday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cambria County Downtown Johnstown Trunk-or-Treat: Saturday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ebensburg: Saturday, Oct.
Emergency officials provide update on storm damage, power restoration
by Alyssa Coleman/WJAC staff Sat, September 5, 2026 at 3:50 PM Emergency officials in Cambria County have provided an update on the power outages and storm damage caused by Thursday night's severe weather.
Emergency officials provide update on storm damage, power restoration
Emergency officials in Cambria County and FirstEnergy have provided an update on the power outages and storm damage caused by Thursday night's severe weather. According to a Facebook post by the West Hills Regional Fire Department, Westmont Borough and Lower Yoder Township remain under a state of emergency and that the department has been working tirelessly to clear hazards, restore roadways, and allow other essential service providers to safely operate.
Moneyman hosts $10k scavenger hunt in Johnstown
Sun, August 2, 2026 at 1:38 PM Updated Sun, August 2, 2026 at 1:39 PM A city-wide competition returned to the Johnstown area on Saturday. The 4th annual Moneyman Scavenger Hunt gave participants the opportunity to travel around the city and surrounding areas in order to find items on "The List." Organizers said teams travel to find notable locations, community landmarks and local businesses throughout the competition.
Groundbreaking Rhetoric and Composition: Kat Gray's Inventive Pedagogy
Playfest was the product of Assistant Director of Rhetoric and Composition Kat Gray's Topics in Rhetoric and Composition class and served as the culmination of the work English students did in the class this spring. The course aimed to consider technical communication through the lens of design thinking and workflow. Students honed their rhetorical skills in a fun, creative way by creating board games.
2026 fish fry schedule
Parishes and other organizations have announced their schedules for fish fry events being held throughout our viewing area for this Lenten season. Below is a list of the current dates and times of the events; we will update this list as more schedules are announced. If you know of any fish fry events that are not on this list, please email us at news@wjactv.com.
New cat cafe opens in downtown Johnstown
Fri, February 13, 2026 at 5:53 PM Johnstown's first cat cafe will be holding its grand opening Saturday morning. The Rusty Cat Cafe will give customers an opportunity to not only purchase drinks and sweet treats but also interact with adoptable cats. One side will operate like a normal cafe with a menu featuring items like coffee, boba tea, pastries, sandwiches and more. The other side will feature a room where, for a small fee, customers can interact with the cats.
Big Time Rush to perform at Bryce Jordan Center
Wed, October 22, 2025 at 2:23 PM Updated Wed, October 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM (Bryce Jordan Center/Big Time Rush) Pop band Big Time Rush, who got their start on their Nickelodeon show of the same name in the late-2000s, will be making a stop in State College next year. According to a press release, the band will be performing at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State as part of their "College Dropout Tour".
2025 Trick-or-Treat dates, Halloween events announced
Some areas have announced their 2025 trick-or-treat schedules; below is a list of the current dates and times for those areas. We will update this list as more schedules are announced. If you know of any areas that are not on this list, please email us your area’s trick-or-treat plans to news@wjactv.com. Blair County All of Blair County: Thursday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cambria County Ebensburg: Sunday, Oct.
One dead, others injured after vehicle accident in Indiana Co.
One person has died and others have been injured after a multi-vehicle accident in Indiana County Friday afternoon, state police said. According to a press release, the incident happened in Burrell Township on Route 22 at its intersection with Resort Plaza Drive just before 4 p.m. State police said the first vehicle was traveling east on Route 22 as the second vehicle was traveling north on Resort Plaza Drive, attempting to make a left-handed turn at the intersection onto the highway.
4th annual ECMen Tim Rigby Faith Run to take place in Cambria County
The 4th annual ECMen Tim Rigby Faith Run will be held at Rigby Park in Ferndale in Cambria County. The charitable event is a 5k run or walk through Ferndale and the Jim Mayer Riverwalk Trail. Proceeds benefit the Everyday Christian Men Ministry, which aims to support local men to grow in their faith, and to support one another while doing so.
Protests against Moshannon Valley ICE Center begin
Advocacy groups in Philipsburg are gathering Sunday in order to protest the operation of the Moshannon Valley ICE Center. According to an announcement by advocacy group Indivisible, the event is being held to demand Clearfield County officials to end their contract with ICE and shut down the center, which is operated by GEO Group. The protest is being held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cold Stream Dam.
One injured in early morning shooting in Johnstown
by Alyssa Coleman Sat, August 23rd 2025 at 9:37 AM Updated Sat, August 23rd 2025 at 9:42 AM
One dead after motorcycle vs. vehicle accident in Blair County
One man has been pronounced dead after the motorcycle he was operating collided with a vehicle in Blair County Saturday, according to Blair County Coroner Ray Benton. A press release states that the coroner's office was dispatched to East Pleasant Valley Blvd.
PSP: one man dead in Schuylkill Co. after fleeing during traffic stop
One man has died in a vehicle accident after fleeing from Pennsylvania State Police troopers during a traffic stop in Schuylkill County Saturday afternoon, state police said. According to a press release, troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop for a traffic violation around 3 p.m. on State Route 61 near Seven Stars Road. State police said the driver, Matthew Williams, 43, of Frackville, fled the scene some time during the stop, initiating a pursuit.
No injuries reported in Cambria County house fire
by Alyssa Coleman Sun, April 20th 2025 at 10:32 AM Updated Sun, April 20th 2025 at 10:35 AM
Holiday Lights on the Lake returns for 28th season at Lakemont Park
Lakemont Park's Holiday Lights on the Lake will begin Friday evening as the park celebrates the 28th season of the annual event. According to a press release, the park will be open from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. daily until January 5, 2025. The park will be partnering up with the Altoona Curve to bring back the event, which will feature traditions such as the Avenue of Trees, Tunnel of Lights, cinnamon roasted nuts, over 190 illuminated displays and more.
DA: Commonwealth not seeking death penalty against Brian Giles in death of Jilly Todaro
Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer has announced that the death penalty will not be sought after against Brian Giles regarding the death of Jilly Todaro. According to a press release, officials have spoken to Todaro's surviving family members, who said they do not wish for the Commonwealth to pursue the death penalty. The press release states that Todaro's family's request, as well as other factors, contributed to the Commonwealth's decision.
9th annual Zombie Crawl comes to Johnstown
The ninth annual Johnstown Zombie Crawl will be taking place tomorrow evening. Registration will take place at Stadium Pub in downtown Johnstown from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and costs $10, cash only. Drink and food specials, along with entertainment, will be offered at different bars and restaurants around the city, with a shuttle available to transport people between participating locations from 7 p.m. until midnight.
Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance to deliver remarks in Johnstown Original
by Alyssa Coleman Sat, October 5th 2024 at 10:27 AM Updated Sat, October 5th 2024 at 10:28 AM NEW YORK - OCTOBER 01: Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) participates in a debate at the CBS Broadcast Center on October 1, 2024 in New York City. This is expected to be the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 general election. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
2024 Trick-or-Treat dates, Halloween events announced
Some areas have announced their 2024 trick-or-treat schedules; below is a list of the current dates and times for those areas. We will update this list as more schedules are announced. If you know of any areas that are not on this list, please email us your area’s trick-or-treat plans to news@wjactv.com.
Walk held in downtown Johnstown for suicide prevention
A walk was held Saturday afternoon in Cambria County to raise awareness for suicide prevention. The Out of the Darkness walk, held by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, was held in Johnstown’s Central Park. Over 200 people attended the event, which raised around $20,000 for suicide prevention education and mental health resources. Attendees of all ages had the opportunity to share messages of hope as well as their own struggles with suicide and suicide loss.
Former President Trump to hold rally in Johnstown
by Alyssa Coleman Sat, August 24th 2024 at 10:27 AM Updated Sat, August 24th 2024 at 10:34 AM Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at North Carolina Aviation Museum, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Asheboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Former president Trump to hold rally in Johnstown
Former president Donald Trump is to hold a rally in Johnstown in Cambria County next week. According to a release, Trump will be in Johnstown Friday, August 30, at 4:30 p.m. at the First Summit Arena. Doors to the rally open at 12:30 p.m.
Former Penn State football player dies in triple fatal crash in Maryland
Penn State Football has confirmed the death of former football player A.J. Lytton. Lytton was one of three fatalities in a three-car crash in Prince George's County, Maryland, around 3 a.m. Saturday morning. According to WBFF, Rookie Khyree Jackson, 24, and the car's driver Isaiah Hazel, 23, of Upper Marlboro, were pronounced dead on the scene of the crash. Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, of Upper Marlboro was taken to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center.
One man dead after striking deer with motorcycle in Greene County
One man is dead after striking a deer with his motorcycle in Jefferson Township, Greene County, Saturday, state police said. According to a press release, Alan Tretinik, 60, was traveling south on North 88 Road as part of a motorcycle convoy when a deer entered the roadway. State police said Tretinik was unable to slow down in time before hitting the deer, causing him to lose control of his motorcycle and fall into the center of the southbound lane of travel.
one man dead after motorcycle accident in Lycoming Co.
One man has been pronounced dead after being thrown from his motorcycle in Clinton Township, Lycoming County, Friday, state police said. According to a press release, David Nangle, 74, was traveling downhill trying to negotiate a right curve in the road on Route 15 when he struck a guide rail. State police said Nangle was then thrown from his motorcycle down an embankment.
one man dead after motorcycle accident in Lycoming Co.
One man has been pronounced dead after being thrown from his motorcycle in Clinton Township, Lycoming County, Friday, state police said. According to a press release, David Nangle, 74, was traveling downhill trying to negotiate a right curve in the road on Route 15 when he struck a guide rail. State police said Nangle was then thrown from his motorcycle down an embankment.
PSP requesting assistance in search for missing Johnstown man
State police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a missing man who was last seen in Johnstown Thursday. According to a post on X, state police said Peter Smothers, 63, was last seen on the 300 block of Market Street around 12 p.m. State police are asking the public to be on the lookout for a brown 2018 Kia Sportage with PA registration LMN-7084. The post states that Smothers is described as 5'8, 245 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
PSP: one woman dead after house fire in Huntingdon Co.
One woman has been pronounced dead after a house fire in Penn Township, Huntingdon County, Saturday morning, state police said. While details are limited at this time, a press release states that emergency officials were dispatched to a report of a house fire on the 5400 block of Lee Road just before 2 a.m. According to state police, Judy Goss, 69, was found deceased. No other details have been released at this time.
DelGrosso's Park to kick off 77th season this coming weekend
DelGrosso's Park will kick off it's 77th season this weekend with two hours of free rides and All-Day Fun Pass deals, park officials said. According to a press release, the park opens Saturday with two hours of free rides from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Both Saturday and Sunday will also feature an All-Day Fun Pass special where guests can purchase a Fun Pass for the day for $25 and get a second one for $10.
Altoona man behind bars after attempting to disarm officer on school grounds
An Altoona man is behind bars after resisting arrest and attempting to disarm a police officer on school grounds in the Bellwood Antis School District April 26, police said. According to a criminal complaint, police were requested to the scene by school security officers in regards to a male behaving "suspiciously". Police said that the male, identified as Daniel Richardson, 39, was on school grounds in camouflaged clothing with two pit bulls running loose.
PSP: one man dead after vehicle accident in Lycoming County
A Montoursville man is dead after his truck struck a tree after driving through a drainage ditch in Muncy Township Saturday afternoon, state police said. According to a press release, William Messersmith, 87, was traveling southbound on US 220 when he exited the northern portion of the roadway and began traveling along a drainage ditch just after 12 p.m. State police said Messersmith crossed over a driveway on the 2000 block of US 220 before continuing along the drainage ditch.
PSP: Chester Co. man facing homicide charges after shooting family members
A Kennett Square man is facing homicide charges after shooting his wife and daughter during a domestic dispute Thursday, according to a press release by the Chester County District Attorney.
PSP: Chester Co. man facing homicide charges after shooting family members
A Kennett Square man is facing homicide charges after shooting his wife and daughter during a domestic dispute Thursday, according to a press release by the Chester County District Attorney.
PSP: charges filed after human remains identified as missing Beaver Co. woman
BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — Charges have been filed against two Beaver County individuals after human remains were identified as a woman who went missing in 2022, state police said. According to a press release, state police were requested by the Aliquippa Police Department April 18 just before noon to respond to the 100 block of 5th Avenue after human remains were found inside an abandoned building.
One woman dead after house fire in Lycoming County
One woman is dead after being trapped in her home during a fire in Jordan Township, Lycoming County, Saturday morning, state police said. According to a press release, fire departments from Unityville, Millville and Lairdsville responded to a reported structure fire with possible entrapment on the 4000 block of State Route 239 just after 9:30 a.m. State police said that, once emergency officials arrived on scene, they believed the sole occupant of the home was still trapped inside.
One man dead after driving through guide rail in Westmoreland County
One man is dead after driving through a guide rail and then going down an embankment in Rostraver Township Friday morning, state police said. According to a press release, Joseph Troyer, 35, was traveling in the left lane east on I-70 west of State Route 51 around 7:45 a.m. State police said Troyer turned across the right lane of travel and drove through a guide rail.
PSP: 50 animals removed from Butler Co. home after discovery of dead dogs
A Butler County man is facing animal cruelty charges after police discovered two dead German Shepherds, which led to 50 animals being removed from his home Saturday, state police said. According to a criminal complaint, a K-9 Deputy stopped at the General Butler Vagabonds to let their K-9 out to urinate. State police said that the K-9 immediately led the deputy outside of the parking lot area where two black garbage bags were discovered.
PSP: 50 animals removed from Butler Co. home after discovery of dead dogs
A Butler County man is facing animal cruelty charges after police discovered two dead German Shepherds, which led to 50 animals being removed from his home Saturday, state police said. According to a criminal complaint, a K-9 Deputy stopped at the General Butler Vagabonds to let their K-9 out to urinate. State police said that the K-9 immediately led the deputy outside of the parking lot area where two black garbage bags were discovered.
$1.326 billion Powerball jackpot won in Oregon
A single ticket in Oregon has won the Powerball jackpot early Sunday morning, according to a press release. The $1.326 billion jackpot is the fourth largest in Powerball history and the eighth largest among U.S. lottery jackpot games. The press release states that the drawing was delayed Saturday evening due to one lottery needing additional time to complete the required pre-draw procedures and was livestreamed just before 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
Man facing homicide charges after shooting in Berks County
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating after an argument led to a shooting in the parking lot of a Love's Travel Stop in Upper Bern Township, Berks County, Friday morning. According to a press release, the incident happened just before 3 a.m. in the back parking area of the travel stop. State police said the victim, James Hilton, 40, of South Hampton, New Jersey, was helping another truck driver park his truck in the lot.
PSP: one man dead following vehicle accident in Perry County
Pennsylvania State Police have released details regarding a vehicle accident that killed a man in Miller Township, Perry County, earlier this month. According to a press release, the incident occurred March 6 just before 7:30 p.m. on Newport Road. State police said Roberto Lugo, 30, was traveling west when he lost control of his vehicle veering off the northern side of the roadway.
Police: Altoona man charged with assault for biting child during church service
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — An Altoona man is facing charges after police say they received a report that he bit a family member in the face during a church service on February 18, police said. According to a press release, the incident took place at Altoona Alliance Church on Pleasant Valley Blvd. Police said that the 8-year-old female had a bite mark and visible bruising on her face.
Police: man facing charges after biting child during church service
An Altoona man is facing charges after they received a report that he bit a family member in the face during a church service February 18, police said. According to a press release, the incident took place at Altoona Alliance Church on Pleasant Valley Blvd. Police said that the 8-year-old female had a bite mark and visible bruising on her face. The press release states that, during an investigation, Johnnie Harbold, 29, admitted to biting the girl on the cheek during the service.
PSP: one man dead after ATV accident in Mifflin County
One man is dead after crashing his ATV in Mifflin County Thursday evening, state police said. According to a press release, Gary Clark, 73, was traveling north on US 522 near the intersection with Kearns Road in Decatur Township just before 8:30 p.m. State police said Clark attempted to navigate a right-hand curve in the roadway when his hat flew off of his head. The press release states that Clark then attempted to catch his hat, which caused him to pull on the ATV handle.
PSP: one man dead after vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in Dauphin County
One man is dead after being struck by a vehicle in Dauphin County Thursday morning, state police said. According to a press release, the incident occurred just before 5:30 a.m. on South River Road a half of a mile north of US 322 in Reed Township. While details are limited at this time, state police said the individual, identified only at this time as a 62-year-old male from Jacksonville, Florida, was struck by a vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Man facing multiple felonies after vehicle break-ins at Seven Springs
A Westmoreland County man is facing multiple charges, including felonies, after thefts from several vehicles Saturday evening at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, state police said. According to a press release, state police responded to a report of widespread vehicle break-ins at the resort just after 9 p.m. State police said items reported stolen from the vehicles included digital cameras, skis, child booster seats, personal documents and other electronics.
One man dead after vehicle accident in Fulton County
One man has been pronounced dead after striking an embankment and rolling over multiple times in Bethel Township, Fulton County, March 5, state police said. According to a press release, Hunter Shetter, 19, was traveling south on Pigeon Cove Road near the Frank Road intersection and struck an embankment on the eastern side of the roadway. State police said Shetter's vehicle traveled up the embankment and overturned multiple times before landing upside down.
Wanted Indiana Co. woman facing charges after striking patrol car during pursuit
An Indiana County woman is facing multiple charges, including a felony, after striking a patrol car while fleeing from police in Center Township, Indiana County, Thursday morning, state police said. According to a press release, an Indiana County Sheriff's Office deputy was in the area of Beech Street in Center Township when they observed a male in the passenger seat of a block 2005 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck with his eyes closed and head tilted back.
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