News briefs from the area

Fire strikes refinery

BRADFORD -- Two large warehouse belonging to Cline Oil Company, an independent producer in Bradford, were destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning.

The blaze was discovered at about 3:40 and was marked by numerous explosions. Two other buildings owned by Cline Oil were seriously damaged and company vehicles were destroyed.

Several homes in the vicinity also sustained less serious damage. There were no injuries.

Heritage museum opens

JOHNSONBURG -- Memory Gallery, a small heritage museum, has opened on the second flood of the Johnsonburg Community Center. Among the current displays is "History Through Quilting."

Also on display are antiques, collections, art and vintage linens. Archival information available for researchers or history buffs. Memory Gallery is open each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and each Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00.

Car Show Aug. 4

PORT ALLEGANY -- The third annual Port Allegany Car Show is set for Saturday, Aug. 4, with proceeds benefiting Camp JJ for underprivileged children.

Organizer John Freer said all types and models of cars can be entered. Trophies will be awarded to the top entries. There will also be music, food, door prizes and a "monster burger-eating contest."

Additional information is available by calling 642-9631.

Skydiving event set

CERES -- A popular skydiving center on the Pa./ N.Y. border in Ceres, N.Y., will host a festival on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 9-10.

It's the Freefall Oz Pig Roast and Skydiving Boogie. If weather conditions allow, there will be tandem skydiving and tethered hot-air balloon rides. Live music and other entertainment are scheduled during the pig roast, which starts at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 10.

Freefall Oz (697-7218) is located off Rt. 417, just west of the Pa. Rt. 44 intersection.

Robber sentenced

DuBOIS - A former Johnstown man charged with the 2001 robbery of the CSB Bank in Sandy Township will serve at least 25 years in prison. Lory M. Sanchez, 50, was convicted of robbery and assault in 2002.

President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman last week rejected Sanchez's arguments on a postconviction motion for relief and resentenced him to 25-50 years in prison.

On July 2, 2001, Sanchez walked into the CSB bank on Shaffer Road, displayed a gun and gave a handwritten note to the teller. He left the bank with $1,580. Two tellers later identified Sanchez from a photo lineup.

Police officer hired

PORT ALLEGANY -- Michael Webber of Coudersport has been hired as a patrolman for the Port Allegany Borough Police Department.

Webber will receive a salary of $28,500. The department has been shorthanded with the absence of a full-time officer due to injury. Webber will report to recently appointed Police Chief Guy Distrola.

Youth center discussed

JOHNSONBURG -- Community leaders in Johnsonburg are meeting to investigate the possibility of developing a youth center in the borough. Johnsonburg Renaissance Foundation (JRF) is leading the charge.

A JRF survey of local youth found a desire for a paintball arena, a skateboard area and other facilities for teens. Almost 40 percent of the young people who were surveyed said they were willing to help raise money for the center.

Foundation members are willing to serve as chaperones, but also want youth to play an active role in operating the center.

Purchase golf course?

PORT ALLEGANY -- The Indian Echo Golf Course, idle since 2005, has attracted the interest of Port Allegany Borough Council.

Earlier this week, Council authorized Borough Manager Dick Kallenborn to approach the property's owners about a possible sale.

The borough has an interest not only in seeing the course reopen, but also would like to acquire a small portion of the property for its sewage plant expansion and for flood protection.

Kallenborn reported that the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources as well as the Port Allegany Area Economic Development Corp. could become involved in the acquisition.