Drowning reported at George B. Stevenson Reservoir

State police identify man found dead in George B. Stevenson Reservoir George B. Stevenson Dam (WJAC) SINNEMAHONING, Pa. (WJAC) — State police in Cameron County say a death investigation is underway after the body of a 75-year-old man was found within the George B. Stevenson Reservoir in Grove Township. ADVERTISEMENT Troopers say Richard Zemencik of Pinehurst, North Carolina was found by kayakers around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday near the boat launch area of Sinnemahoning State Park.

Mining company presents potential plan to Conemaugh Township Supervisors

The RES Coal company gave a presentation at a regularly scheduled township supervisor’s meeting on Wednesday evening. While nothing is set in stone, some residents are concerned about the impact of mining on the local area. RES Coal is petitioning for a zoning change on a property between the village of Jerome and the Jenner Township line near the Quemahoning reservoir in Conemaugh Township. The company presented some details to the township supervisors stating that they hope to mine coal from 36 acres of the property.

New coffee shop expected to "revitalize" downtown Altoona

ALTOONA -- A new coffee shop and art studio opened downtown this week, and the owner said her goal is to bring people back to the area. Sarah Vogel said she's had her eye on the corner of 13th Street and 11th Avenue for about five years. This week, her shop, The Clay Cup opened in one of the several vacant storefronts. "There was nothing else like this so I knew this was what downtown needed to start bringing more and more people down,"

Penn State groups look to raise LGBTQ awareness

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WJAC) — Organizations at Penn State have kicked off LGBTQ Pride Month. Tuesday's events were known as "the hub take over." Outside of the events scheduled for the day, there were also information booths at the hub that cater to the LGBTQ community on campus. Organizers said the goal of this event is to raise awareness about the LGBTQ community and to make sure they are accepted.

Tornado touches down near Chicago's O'Hare airport amid severe weather warnings

CHICAGO (AP) — The National Weather Service says a tornado has touched down near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport following warnings of severe weather for the city. A confirmed tornado was on the ground around 7 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago. "This tornado has been touching the ground intermittently so far and is moving east. There are additional circulations along the line south of O'Hare. Seek shelter if in the warned area,"

'No human error:' Pittsburgh Zoo officials address recent deaths of five animals

Pittsburgh (CNN) — The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is addressing the recent deaths of five zoo animals, three of which died this month. "There certainly was no human error associated with any of these, no miscalculated drugs,” said Jermey Goodman, CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Goodman explained that after both internal and external reviews, they found no human error played a role in any of these animals' deaths.

CT students raise money for local 2-year-old girl who is battling cancer

Somerset Co., PA (WJAC) — Students in a Somerset County school district have raised money for a 2-year-old in their community. Conemaugh Township students held their 8th annual volleyball marathon on Thursday. Each year, the money raised is given back to the community, either to fire or police departments, or someone in need. This year's theme was "Crusade for Chloe,” a 2-year-old who is battling cancer. On Thursday evening, the school hosted a teachers versus students game, as well as a basket raffle, and a “save it or shave it contest,” with teachers raising money to keep their beards or have them shaved it off.

Memory tree at local church providing holiday comfort for those who've lost loved ones

ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) — A local woman has decorated a Christmas tree in memory of her son, at a local church. Mariann Sinisi is the founder of the Families United for Change. She put the tree up inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in Altoona. She hopes the tree will be a way to help provide comfort for people facing a personal loss during the holidays, and a way to spread awareness for addiction.

Philipsburg man arrested, charged for assaulting, threatening woman

CENTRE CO, Pa (WJAC) — A Philipsburg man was arrested and charged earlier this week for assaulting and threatening a woman, according to Rockview State Police. State police say officers were dispatched to a residence along the 400 block of Twin Oak Street in Rush Township on March 31, around 11:30 p.m., after receiving reports of a domestic violence incident. Corey Wolford, 49, is accused of threatening to shoot a woman, according to state police.

Two killed in head-on crash on PA Turnpike in Somerset County

Somerset Co., PA (WJAC) — State police say two Pennsylvania men were killed Friday night following a head-on crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Somerset County. Investigators say the crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. Friday near the 100 eastbound mile marker in Jefferson Township. According to the crash report, the driver of a Ford F-250, identified as 27-year-old Dustin Brant, of Derry, Pa, was reportedly traveling in the wrong direction when he collided head-on with a Ford E-350 van.