The Jerry Sandusky case, and all that agony that has come with it, represents a major triumph for law enforcement in its successful execution of ridding the streets of a serial pedophile.
Despite guilty verdicts on 45 counts, it's been accurately stated that "no one wins" because young boys were sexually abused and had their innocence robbed by this sick, sick man.
While too many people at Penn State did not respond quickly, decisively or at all - action that could have prevented further abuse - two local men working for the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Randy Feathers and Anthony Sassano, deserve credit for their roles in bringing Sandusky to justice.
Feathers, the regional director of the attorney general's State College office, led the investigation. He said appointing agent Sassano "was the best decision I made in the case."
Both are former detectives from the Altoona Police Department.
Going after a high-profile defendant with a national reputation is not easy. We commend the work of Feathers and Sassano, are proud to call them products of Altoona and offer them a special thumbs-up.
Others worthy of thumbs-up, thumbs-down mention:
Thumbs-down to the person or persons responsible for the desecration of about 10 American flags taken from businesses and residences throughout Patton Borough last month. The flags were taken from properties and businesses across the borough, including a veteran's residence, and set on fire in different locations, Patton Borough Police Chief Vince Leppert said. The flag is - or should be - a sacred symbol of our nation and those who have fought to protect our freedom. We hope Patton police identify and charge the culprit(s).
Thumbs-up to Altoona native and St. Francis alumnus Bob Moore, the driving force behind the school's new Golden Era Hall of Fame. The inaugural induction ceremony took place last month and recognized former St. Francis basketball greats Joe Aston, Sandy Williams, Larry Lewis, Frank Puschauver and the late Jim McClellan - all previously overlooked by the St. Francis Hall of Fame. For his efforts, Moore was presented with a plaque symbolizing the Red Flash Award of Excellence following the banquet.
Thumbs-up to Claysburg's Samantha Medasie, who was recently crowned Miss Pennsylvania Jr. Teen USA Ambassador. Samantha is a 14-year-old high honors student at Claysburg-Kimmel High School, where she is a cheerleader and the editor-in-chief of the school newsletter. She also shares her time by volunteering annually at the Little Miss Claysburg Pageant and the CK Cares organization. Samantha will travel later this month to Tampa, Fla., to compete for the National Title of Jr. Teen USA Ambassador.
