What famous flood devastated Johnstown, a city in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, on May 31, 1889?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Southwest Region announced details of a poaching ring in Cambria County, with 35 charges between eight individuals.

The investigation revealed the illegal taking of deer and a fox, resulting in fines ranging from $1,202 to $6,327 and license revocations between four to ten years.

The defendants were charged for poaching at night, failure to tag deer, and exceeding the legal limit.

In total, they were ordered to pay $35,047 and lost their hunting privileges for a combined 70 years.

To report wildlife crimes, call 1-888-PGC-8001 or report online.

For decades, the Little Conemaugh River in Cambria County was scarred by acid mine drainage, its waters left lifeless and stained orange by pollution from the abandoned St. Michael mine shaft.

 

Through a landmark partnership between the EPA and Pennsylvania DEP, a 3,000-gallon-per-minute toxic discharge—polluting the river since the 1960s—has now been stopped.

 

Today, the river’s recovery is visible, with clear water signaling dramatic improvement for local ecosystems.

 

Key to this turnaround was Rosebud Mining Company’s treatment facility, built in 2013 and funded to guarantee long-term clean water, even after mining ends.

 

The DEP estimates this initiative will cut iron pollution by 98% and aluminum entirely, restoring hope and vitality to the community.

 

Ongoing projects and grants, like the Victor #10 Abandoned Mine Discharge Pipeline, mark a renewed commitment to revitalizing Pennsylvania’s waterways and securing a healthier future for residents and wildlife.

Johnstown, Pennsylvania will come alive with the Squonkapalooza festival on August 2, 2025, welcoming families from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in Cambria City.

 

The event spotlights the Squonk, a legendary creature from local folklore famed for its unusual appearance and perpetual sadness.

 

Inspired by tales set in Pennsylvania’s hemlock forests, organizers aim to transform the Squonk's forlorn reputation into a symbol of celebration and acceptance.

 

Festival co-founder Joe Fogle, a Johnstown native, believes in bringing the community together through this quirky, heartfelt tribute.

 

Expect lively music, art, food, guest speakers, and entertainers, all centering on cryptids and regional stories.

 

The beloved compliment contest encourages visitors to share poems or uplifting stories for the Squonk, spreading positivity throughout the day.

 

The festival promises a joyful nod to Pennsylvania's folklore and a unique way for neighbors to connect.

Q&A Questions

Q: What are the main industries in Cambria County?

A: Steel production, manufacturing, and healthcare are the main industries in Cambria County.

Q: How has Cambria County been impacted by the decline of the coal industry?

A: Cambria County has experienced job loss and economic hardships due to the decline of the coal industry.

Q: What attractions can visitors find in Cambria County?

A: Visitors to Cambria County can explore attractions such as the Johnstown Flood Museum, the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, and Prince Gallitzin State Park.

The Johnstown Flood.