Effective February 1, 2007, the jurisdiction of District Court 24-3-01, Northern Blair County, was expanded to include all of Tyrone Township and a portion of Logan Township. Pursuant to an administrative order signed by President Judge Kopriva, District Judge Fred B. Miller was granted additional jurisdiction for all violations under the motor vehicle and crimes code that occur in Logan Township from the 17th Street (Altoona) intersection northward to the Antis Township line that are filed by the Pennsylvania State Police. Additionally, Judge Miller will now handle all criminal and civil matters that arise in Tyrone Township.
Also, pursuant to the Order, District Judge Todd F. Kelly will assume jurisdiction of motor vehicle offenses filed by the Pennsylvania State Police and occur on I-99 from the Allegheny Township/Logan Township line northward to 17th Street (Altoona) and all criminal and civil matters that occur in the Logan Town Centre.
The January 19, 2007 Order states that it is entered “to assist with caseload equity on an interim basis until a more permanent solution takes shape through study and investigation of all districts (caseload and population).”
Judge Miller stated, “In looking at the caseloads of all seven district courts in Blair County, a question arose about creating a more even disbursement of case filings. Both Judge Kelly and I offered an interim solution and volunteered to assume an additional caseload. I believe this interim change will benefit the public and law enforcement agencies.
“Since taking office in 2002, the caseload in Northern Blair County has steadily increased. More important, when I first took office, I was fortunate to have one of the most experienced and dedicated Court staffs in the county. Our ability to handle these extra filings is, in my opinion, a direct compliment to the work ethic and dedication of the present Court personnel. Also, we presently have an excellent scheduling system in place with the State Police which will assist in easing the burden of the extra caseload.
“To state the change as simple as possible, all matters that occur north of the 17th Street intersection in Altoona and are handled by the Pennsylvania State Police will now by filed in this Court. The significant difference to the general public will be for the residents of Tyrone Township, which used to be split in half. Now, this Court will handle all matters, including civil, for all the residents of Tyrone Township. I believe this change will benefit the residents of Tyrone Township as it will eliminate the past confusion over which District Court had jurisdiction and will allow greater access and convenience due to the close geographical location of the Court in Tyrone.”
