Warrant issued for Fairchance man

State police have secured a warrant for the arrest of a Fairchance man accused of holding a German Township couple at gunpoint in their home and robbing them Sunday afternoon.
Magisterial District Judge Randy S. Abraham issued the warrant Monday evening for Joshua Allen Hice, 28, of 9 Hicks St. on charges robbery, burglary, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, theft, simple assault and terroristic threats.
Trooper John S. Krause said the incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. at the 102 Hill View Road home of Domenick and Patrice Pontorero.
Krause said Hice and an unidentified man arrived at the Pontorero residence and asked for directions.
He said that while asking for directions, Hice, who was the passenger in the vehicle, got out of the car and approached Domenick Pontorero with a sawed off shotgun demanding money.
See Josh Krysak’s story in tomorrow’s Herald-Standard for more information.

Woman pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter in traffic death

A Fairchance woman pleaded guilty Monday to involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol for the 2007 traffic accident that resulted in the death of her husband.
In return for her guilty plea, Peggy L. Varto, 49, of 42 S. Morgantown St. will serve 72 hours to six months of intermediate punishment, according to a plea deal reached with Fayette County District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon.
Varto was charged Oct. 19 before Magisterial District Judge Randy S. Abraham with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving, reckless driving and three other traffic violations.
The charges were filed following an investigation into a one-vehicle crash June 2 on Route 857 in Fairchance that resulted in the death of Stephen G. Varto, state police said.
For more information, see Josh Krysak’s article in tomorrow’s Herald-Standard.