A.M.BRIEFING

More than 50 cars targeted in thefts

Spring Township police are investigating reports of thefts from more than 50 cars that occurred last weekend in the Pleasant Gap area.

More than $5,000 worth of cash and goods were taken in the thefts, most of which occurred Sunday night into Monday morning, according to Spring Township Detective Dale P. Moore. Cash and GPS units were the most common items stolen.

A witness reported seeing two men carrying backpacks and looking into cars, and Moore said it appears the two suspects targeted unlocked vehicles. No locked vehicles were broken into.

Moore said many people leave cars unlocked, fearing a break-in would result in more damage, but Moore, with 19 years with Spring Township police, said actual break-ins of cars are rare in his experience.

He recommends that people lock their cars, and that they do not leave valuables in the vehicles, particularly not in clear sight.

‘Zamboni’ messenger visits two girls

State College police received a report of suspicious behavior by a man who approached two high school students in the Welch Pool parking lot between 9:30 and 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The girls were waiting for their ride after lacrosse practice, police said, when an older model, white minivan with tinted windows pulled into the parking lot the wrong way. The driver honked the horn and parked near the two girls, then approached them.

The girls said he asked them about the pool and told them he’d be arrested if he went in. He then started talking about being the messenger for the “real Zamboni,” and referring to the “Zamboni” as his master. He then told them “Jesus loves you and I love you,” and left without further incident, police said.

The man was described as being white, in his late 40s or older, “scruffy looking,” with a thin build. He wore a cowboy hat and bandanna with black jeans, and the girls said he had a strong “smoking odor.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 234-7150.

Part of I-80 to close for overpass removal

Interstate 80 between the Hazen (exit 81) and Reynoldsville (exit 86) interchanges in Jefferson County will be closed two nights next week while a railroad structure overpass is removed.

The section of highway will close from 9 p.m. April 17 to 9 a.m. April 18, then will close again at 6 p.m. on April 18 and reopen at 6 a.m. April 19.

Detours will be posted for eastbound traffic and westbound passenger vehicles. Westbound commercial vehicles must use the DuBois/Brockway interchange (exit 97) and follow the orange arrow detour north on U.S. Route 219, then south on state Route 28, returning to I-80 at exit 81.

Motorists are advised to anticipate traffic delays and to be cautious when traveling through work zones.

Eco-Action to hold Earth Day festivities

UNIVERSITY PARK — Eco-Action at Penn State will celebrate Earth Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 18 on the lawn of the HUBRobeson Center on the Penn State campus.

The day will include speakers, bands, displays and activities including free bike tune-ups, tie-dying, and yoga and meditation. An incandescent light bulb trade-in, old shoe recycling and cell phone recycling will also be available. A children’s center will have games, crafts and interactive learning.