radioNovo News for Johnstown: June 17, 2026

RNN JOHNSTOWN 06/17/26          AN ACCIDENTAL FIRE AT AN OLD JOHNSTOWN CASTINGS MILL ON CENTRAL AVENUE BROUGHT OUT MULTIPLE FIRE CREWS TUESDAY EVENING. HIGH HEAT FROM A CONTRACTOR'S TOOLS SPARKED THE SMOKY BLAZE, BUT FIREFIGHTERS CONTAINED IT QUICKLY WITH NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE REPORTED.          SOMERSET COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE DEMANDING A FORMAL REVIEW FROM THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE COMMISSION FOLLOWING A DANGEROUS TUNNEL FIRE ON JUNE FOURTH. OFFICIALS CLAIM NEGLECTED WATER LINES, POOR COMMUNICATIONS, AND INADEQUATE VENTILATION INSIDE THE ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN TUNNEL PUT FIRST RESPONDERS AT SERIOUS RISK. COMMISSIONERS SAY THEY ARE LUCKY THEY AREN'T BURYING FIREFIGHTERS, AND WANT IMMEDIATE FIXES.          A DEBATE OVER SCHOOL RECESS WAS AGAIN FRONT AND CENTER AT THE WESTMONT HILLTOP SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TUESDAY.  PARENTS ARE PUSHING TO DOUBLE RECESS TIMES FOR FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS TO 30 MINUTES A DAY. HOWEVER, TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS WARN THAT LONGER BREAKS WILL STEAL PRECIOUS INSTRUCTIONAL TIME FROM CORE ACADEMIC SUBJECTS.  THE SCHOOL BOARD TOOK NO ACTION ON THE PARENTS' REQUEST.