Johnstown Flood Museum Potential Makeover

The Johnstown Flood Museum is up for a renovation, but first administrators are looking for help from the local community and tourists. A public meeting is scheduled for March 4th at the museum, on Washington and Walnut Streets to discuss changes. The museum was originally built as a library after the 1889 flood with funding from Andrew Carnegie, but became the Flood Museum in 1973.

Richard Burkert, President of the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, says that there is so much that can be done to update the museum. "There's a lot of things that we couldn't do back twenty years ago that we might want to consider this time around, one of which is 3-D."

Burkert says that renovations are not only aimed at exhibits but also the museum's structure. He says the building system need to be replaced and there is discussion over whether the museum should be eco-friendly.

The museum has had more then 750,000 visitors since opening its doors. Anyone interested in attending the meeting is urged, but not obligated, to contact Gwen Hartnett by phone at 814-539-1889 ext. 301 or email at ghartnett@jaha.org.

Johnstown to Learn About Watershed

The Greater Johnstown Water Authority has begun an effort to make area citizens and municipal governments “more aware” of the regions watershed. Over a year’s work has resulted in the identification of 487 potential sources of pollutants. Authority General Manager Mike Kukura says his group will even reach out to area schools to spread the word of the water. “We actually have a – it’s called a WREN grant – Water Resource Education Network Grant that we have obtained through the Pennsylvania League of Women Voters, and we are using that for our school education program,” says Kukura. He says the effort will have DEP oversight and a department representative will attend ongoing yearly meetings.

Memorial Medical Center Cuts 47 Employees

Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown laid off 47 employees yesterday, blaming the weak economy for the job cuts. The 47 employees make up about 1 percent of the hospital’s 3,700 person staff. The layoffs consist primarily of support positions and do not include hospital nursing staff.
The affected employees have been offered generous severance packages and will be provided with career counseling and job placement assistance with some of the employees being offered internal job opportunities.
Memorial Medical President Steve Tucker says through a press release, “Careful planning went into this process and our goal was to maintain as many jobs as possible while meeting our fiscal responsibilities in this unprecedented economic environment.”
On a statewide scale, many hospitals are feeling similar effects from the economic downturn. 50 percent of Pennsylvania hospitals have reported a moderate to significant decrease in admissions, particularly elective procedures.
Similarly, hospitals across the state have also reported a moderate to significant increase in patients without insurance. Conemaugh Health System provides over $34 million in uncompensated care each year, in addition to over $2 million in charity care.
This could lead to other cost-cutting measures for Memorial Medical Center including adjustments to employee benefit packages and a possible salary-based tiered health care program sources say.
“These are really challenging times,” adds Tucker, “and this current national economic challenge does not change our commitment to continue to grow and excel!”
Historically, hospitals have depended on profit from investments to offset a decline in income. However, 83 percent of PA hospitals have seen an investment decline.

Penn Highlands to Offer Free College to Dislocated Workers

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, located in Richland in Cambria County, will offer 12 free credits to any laid-off worker. The move aims at re-educating displaced workers so they can return to the job market. College President Walter Asonevich says hopefully the free school will prompt people to continue their education. Enrollment to for the spring semester continues through Jan. 14 and classes begin Jan. 20. The worker-displacement program is open to any Cambria County resident who lost a job during 2008.

UPJ Receives $12 Million from Anonymous Alumnus

Pitt-Johnstown has received the largest donation in its history--$12 million from an anonymous alumnus. The money will be put toward full scholarships for 40 students. Alumni and Community Relations Director Bob Knipple said the university is beyond excited to receive this contribution. The money is earmarked specifically for commuter scholarships. About 39% of UPJ's 3,200 students commute. Some eligibility requirements for the scholarship include that the student be in the top 15% of his or her high school class, has SAT scores of over 1200, and has a need for financial aid.

Lockheed Martin to create 135 jobs in Johnstown

Lockheed Martin announced it will be bringing a supply chain business from Greenville, South Carolina to Johnstown starting in September. The Supply Chain will be located across the street from the existing Lockheed Martin AeroParts inc. The relocation will occur over a three month period ending in November. The supply chain business will bring an expected 135 jobs to the region with an average salary of $60,000.