County stuck with unpaid Keller debt

Cameron County Commissioners are exploring options as they decide how to handle an unpaid loan left by a defunct Emporium factory.

County officials supported the loan for Keller Precision Gunworks, operated by Joe Keller, in the hopes that the business would provide jobs and stimulate the local economy.

A gunsmith, Keller touted his vast experience in machine design, die-making and tooling to market custom-built rifle barrels.

However, the business failed and defaulted on a loan for the Cameron County Industrial Development Authority. IDA Executive Director Cliff Clark declined to comment on specifics.

At this week's meeting, Commissioners Glen Fiebig, JoAnn Stone and Phil Jones opened bids for leftover equipment they are selling from the defunct gunworks plant to recoup some of the lost money.

In other business, the commissioners approved plans for renovations of the Driftwood Water Treatment facility and construction of an adjacent building to store chemicals, such as chlorine, used to treat the water.

The project, expected to total $305,000, should be underway by next spring. Funds will come from the county's Community Development Block Grant.

Borough engineering firm Gwin, Dobson, & Foreman Inc. of Altoona is handling design and permit specifications.