radioNovo News for Johnstown: June 2, 2026

RNN JOHNSTOWN 06/02/26          A 15-YEAR-OLD KERNVILLE BOY IS FACING ADULT CHARGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FATAL SHOOTING OF A 38-YEAR-OLD MAN LAST MONTH. INVESTIGATORS SAY ANDRE BLACKWELL-SIMMS IS CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL HOMICIDE, AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND WEAPONS VIOLATIONS IN THE MAY 14TH DEATH OF FREDERICK MYERS. POLICE SAY THE TEEN FLED ON FOOT DURING A MONDAY ARREST ATTEMPT BEFORE BEING CAPTURED IN LOWER YODER TOWNSHIP. AUTHORITIES SAY MYERS DIED FROM A SINGLE GUNSHOT WOUND TO THE CHEST. BLACKWELL-SIMMS IS BEING HELD IN CAMBRIA COUNTY PRISON AWAITING ARRAIGNMENT.          SHOULD FULL RECESS EXTEND TO 5TH AND 6TH GRADERS?  A GROUP OF WESTMONT HILLTOP PARENTS BELIEVES SO, AND ARE PUSHING THE DISTRICT TO EXPAND RECESS TIME FOR FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE STUDENTS AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. PARENTS SAY THEY WANT 30 MINUTES OF DAILY RECESS, CITING RESEARCH ON STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, WHILE THE DISTRICT SAYS ANY EXPANSION WOULD REQUIRE REDUCING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME. FIFTH GRADERS CURRENTLY RECEIVE 15 MINUTES OF RECESS FOUR DAYS A WEEK, WHILE SIXTH GRADERS GET 15 MINUTES ON FRIDAYS. THE ISSUE WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A JUNE 16TH SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING.