Young Asking for Support on DNA Bill

To help convict criminals and exonerate innocent people, the Senate passed the DNA Databank Expansion Bill on Tuesday, which is the largest expansion of the database since its creation in 1994.

Since its inception, the DNA databank has been used successfully to identify perpetrators in about 10,000 crimes, including 900 murders and 3,500 sexual assaults. In 2006, the DNA databank was expanded to include 36 misdemeanors, which provides law enforcement agencies with the ability to convict 1,460 criminals.

The new legislation, which mirrors the databank expansion plan in Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget, requires people convicted of all felonies, as well as misdemeanors in penal law to submit DNA samples.

“Expansion of the DNA databank will provide law enforcement with a powerful tool to close thousands of unsolved cases, provide justice for victims, exonerate innocent people, and aid in the prevention of future crimes,” Senator Catharine Young said.

“It will help protect our families and local communities from dangerous criminals, including sexual predators like Altemio Sanchez, the notorious Western New York serial killer and rapist known as the Bike Path Rapist,” Senator Young said.

“In 1991, Sanchez was convicted of a misdemeanor offense. If this legislation had been in place at that time, law enforcement would have arrested him after the first victim. In 2007, the collection of DNA evidence through other means ultimately led to Sanchez’ conviction, but not before he brutalized more women and another man, falsely convicted of the crimes committed by Sanchez, served nearly 20 years in prison. The expansion of New York's DNA databank is critical to ensuring justice is served, and as important, injustice is prevented,” she added.

“Last year, I supported legislation that was approved with strong bi-partisan support in the Senate and was endorsed by district attorneys and crime victims’ advocates across the state. Now it’s time for the State Assembly to join with us in taking action so this measure becomes law and this state can help solve more crimes and keep dangerous criminals off the street. I strongly believe this legislation will overwhelming pass if the Speaker of the Assembly allows it to come to the floor,” Senator Young said.

Law enforcement organizations across the state, including the New York State Sheriffs Association, District Attorneys Association of the State of New York, the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, the New York State Troopers PBA, Downstate Coalition for Crime Victims, Joyful Heart Foundation, the Safe Horizon victim assistance organization and many other law enforcement groups throughout the state also support the DNA databank expansion bill (S.5560A).

To help garner support for expansion of the DNA database, Senator Young is encouraging residents throughout the district to sign her online petition at http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/catharine-young. Your voice can also be heard by calling the Senator toll-free at 1-800-707-0058.

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DEP Seeks Information about Antique Medical Kit Containing Radium-226

The Department of Environmental Protection is trying to find out where antique medical kit containing radioactive material came from.

DEP said in a news release today the kit was found January 19 when a load of construction debris set off radiation alarms at a transfer station in the Philadelphia suburb of Norristown. The kit contained one curie of Radium-226, or the equivalent of having more than 100 CT scans all at once.

Officials say they've traced the source to a container that had come from a retirement community in West Chester. They say the metal box likely came from a basement, an attic or a collector's stash.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the DEP at 717-787-2480.

For more information go here.

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Facebook Files for $5 Billion IPO

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- At long last, the Holy Grail of Internet IPOs is here. Facebook filed Wednesday to raise $5 billion in an initial public offering.

In 2011, Facebook earned $1 billion on sales of $3.7 billion. As of December 31, Facebook had 845 million monthly active users.

Read more at CNN.com.

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US Marshals Arrest York Murder Suspect

Harrisburg, PA – United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced that yesterday the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) arrested Richard Larry Nolden Jr., a 21-year old man originally from York, PA.

Nolden was sought by the York City Police Department for a homicide that occurred on the afternoon of Monday, January 23, 2012 on North Queen Street, near East Philadelphia Street.

The USMS adopted the fugitive case immediately and Deputy U.S. Marshals began their search for Nolden. Yesterday, those Deputies learned that he was staying in Rochester, New York. This information was forwarded to the USMS - Western District of New York. At about 5:45 PM, Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Nolden in the 100 block of Scrantom Street in Rochester. Nolden was turned over to local authorities pending extradition to Pennsylvania.

United States Marshal Pane stated, “Historically, Marshals tracked the most dangerous fugitive wherever they fled. Today’s arrest demonstrated a modern day commitment to that same mission and our communities are safer for it.”

U.S. Marshals were assisted by several agencies that comprise its Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force. This included officers from the York City Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police.

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ObituaryVirginia Williams

Virginia Y. Williams, 86, of 440 Congress Street , passed away Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 at The Pavilion at BRMC.

Born October 21, 1925, in Bradford, was a daughter of the late Archie L. and Anna Isabelle (Laughlin) Yerdon.

Mrs. Williams was a 1945 graduate St. Bernard High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Health and Physical Education from Ithaca State College as well as her Master's of Science in Education. She taught Physical Education at Jamestown High School in Jamestown, NY for ten years. Mrs. Williams returned to Bradford where she taught Physical Education at Floyd C. Fretz Junior High School. She served as a guidance counselor at both Floyd C. Fretz Jr. High and at Bradford Senior High and retired as a home school visitor for the Bradford Area School District.

She was a member of St. Bernard Church, a past member of the American Association of University Women, the Pennhills Club and served on the advisory board for Children & Youth Services.

Surviving is a sister, Christine L. Yerdon of Bradford, four nieces; Marcia N. Janson, Ann L. Nelson, Kathleen Y Atkins and Christine J. Adams, seven nephews; James R. Nelson, Michael Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Eric Johnson, Timothy J. Yerdon, Kevin M. Yerdon and Christopher Yerdon and several grand nieces and grand nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother, James J. Yerdon and two sisters, Gloria Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Nelson.

Family will be receiving friends Thursday, February 2, 2012, from Noon to 1:30pm at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. where a prayer service will be held at 1:30pm, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00pm in St. Bernard Church, with Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

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More Than 70 Killed in Soccer Riot

Cairo (CNN) -- At least 73 people were killed when fans rushed the field and rioted after a soccer game in Egypt Wednesday, a health ministry spokesman said.

More at CNN.com.

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Panetta: US, NATO Will End Combat Mission in Afghanistan Next Year

From CNN:

The United States and NATO will end their combat mission in Afghanistan next year, transitioning to a training role, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said.

"Hopefully, by mid to the latter part of 2013, we'll be able to make a transition from a combat role to a training, advise and assist role," Panetta told reporters traveling with him to Belgium. The information was confirmed to CNN by a defense official.

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Facebook Wants $84,000 from Ceglia

Lawyers for Facebook want $84,000 in legal fees from Paul Ceglia for causing delays in his case that claims he has part ownership of the $50 billion social networking site.

Ceglia’s attorney says the amount is too high and asked a judge to reject that amount and come up with a figure that represents legal fees in the Buffalo area, and not New York City or Palo Alto, California, where Facebook is based.

Last month, a federal judge ordered Ceglia to pay Facebook's court costs for trying to force the Wellsville man to comply with an order to provide access to his email accounts. Ceglia was also fined $5,000 for contempt.

Related story:

CNN: Facebook Readies for Blockbuster IPO

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Local Officials Tour Luminite

State Senator Joe Scarnati (center) and State Representative Marty Causer talk with Luminite President Richard Songer during a tour of the company's new facility in Foster Township.
Photo provided by Causer's office

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Corbett to Visit Punxsutawney

TC Clark won’t be the only TC at Gobbler’s Knob tomorrow.

Governor Tom Corbett will be in Punxsutawney to hear Phil’s prediction about spring.

What that means for revelers is that security will be extra tight, with the governor’s security detail as well as other state troopers, sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement agencies on hand.

As for TC Clark, you can hear his live reports from Gobbler’s Knob on The Morning Buzz at 6:15, 6:45 and 7:20 a.m.

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Woman Picked Up on Drug Charges

A Gowanda woman is charged with criminal diversion of a prescription medication after an incident Sunday afternoon in Salamanca.

29-year-old Lindsay Ullman allegedly had six Tramadol pills that she did not have a prescription for while she was at the Paradise Gentleman’s Club.

She scheduled to appear in Salamanca City Court at a later date.

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Route 219 Bridge to Reopen in April

The New York Department of Transportation says it will expedite repairs on the former Route 219 bridge over Cattaraugus Creek, and it should be ready for traffic again by early April.

State Senator Cathy Young says the re-opening of the bridge will be a tremendous relief to residents and small businesses.

The bridge has been closed since January 5.

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Don Cornelius Found Dead

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Don Cornelius, the founder of the "Soul Train" television show, was found dead of a gunshot wound Wednesday, authorities said. He was 75.

Read more at CNN.com.

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UPB Holding Black History Month Events

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a variety of events during February in recognition of Black History Month, ranging from open mic night to the annual Cultural Festival.

The events are sponsored by the Black History Month committee, which wanted to increase its offerings this year and emphasize the education of students, faculty and staff about African-Americans and their accomplishments. The public is invited to the following events.

Events kick off with a cultural dinner in the dining hall on Feb. 1 that will feature a soul food menu developed by the African-American Student Union, music by black artists and informational posters about famous and influential black Americans.

Dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m. in the KOA Dining Hall and costs $8.60.

Dr. Richard G. Frederick, professor of history, will discuss the “International Sweethearts of Rhythm” at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 6, in the Mukaiyama Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. It is free and open to the public.
“The International Sweethearts of Rhythm began as a girls’ amateur swing band that was sent out by a small, African-American school in rural Mississippi to raise money for the school to stay open,” Frederick said. “To the surprise of everyone, they became a nationally famous, very professional all-girls’ band which played in all the big venues of the early ’40s, entertained the troops during World War II, and travelled overseas at the end of the war.”
The event is sponsored by the History/Political Science Club.

On Feb. 11, the SUNY Cortland Gospel Choir will perform at 6:30 p.m. in the Bromeley Family Theater of Blaisdell Hall. The choir is a diverse group of students from throughout New York state and is part of the Cortland African American Studies Program. The performance is part of the university’s Spectrum Series.

On Feb. 16, students are encouraged to bring poetry, stories, music or other talents to open mic night from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Harriett B. Wick Chapel.

The entire campus community will celebrate its diversity at the popular annual One World Cultural Festival from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to share, preferably one from their culture.

On Feb. 28, spoken-word artist Asia Samson brings The Asia Project to Pitt-Bradford from 9 to 11 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons.

Asia has been featured on HBO Def Poetry and BET J Lyric Café and has been awarded the Performer of the Year award by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. Find out more at theasiaproject.com.

For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (814)362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu.

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AG Wants Change of Venire in Sandusky Child Sex Abuse Case

State prosecutors are asking Judge John Cleland to bring in a jury from another county in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case, saying pretrial publicity and the role Penn State plays in the community would affect potential jurors.

A motion filed today by the attorney general's office says coverage of the case has been "spectacular in its breadth and intensity."

Prosecutors say it wouldn't be fair or practical to ask people in Centre County to insulate themselves from Penn State.

Cleland has not said yet when he will hear arguments on the motion.

Sandusky denies the allegations he abused 10 boys over 15 years.

Read the motion here. PDF

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At the Hop...

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 was a step back in time for the students and staff of St. Bernard Elementary/Middle School. The activities for the day centered on the decade of the 1950’s.

Students in poodle skirts, leather jackets, pony tails and slicked back hair, danced the afternoon away to Elvis, Fats Domino and many others at a “sock hop” held in the gym.

The week which celebrates the impact and importance of Catholic Education is celebrated nationally. The national theme, “Faith. Academics. Service”, is brought to life through activities and special events adopted by schools across the United States.

St. Bernard’s Elementary/Middle School has programs for students Preschool through 8th grade. Children of all denominations are welcome. Registration for the 2012-2013 school year runs March 12th through the 16th, 8:30AM – 3:00PM.

More information can be found at www.stbernardschool.net.

Pirates Opening New Bar, Lounge

The Pittsburgh Pirates will open a new open-air bar and lounge in the right field corner of PNC Park this season as part of a multi-year sponsorship deal with Anheuser-Busch.

Budweiser Bowtie Bar will be on the main concourse level just left of the right field grandstands, and will be available to all ticket holders.

The Pirates say it should ready by opening day on April 5. It will be the first new bar or restaurant at the ballpark since the Hall of Fame Club replaced Outback Steakhouse in 2008.

Drawing provided by the Pittsburgh Pirates

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4th Annual 'Beyond Funny' Show to Benefit CARE for Children, TVTA

The fourth annual “Beyond Funny” improvisational comedy show by the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Pitt Improvers will raise money to benefit the Tuna Valley Trail Association and CARE for Children.

The family-friendly show will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall at Pitt-Bradford. Adult tickets are $5, and students and children are free. Tickets will be available at the door.

Performers in the student improv troupe will create scenes on the spot based on suggestions from the audience. Last year’s show raised more than $1,000 for three Bradford-area nonprofit organizations.

Kristin Asinger, Improvers advisor and visiting instructor of sports medicine, said that each year, the Improvers choose one to three organizations to be involved in the show.

“The Tuna Valley Trail Association has made such an impact on our community for hikers, cross-country skiers and cyclists,” Asinger said of choosing the TVTA. “CARE for Children worked with us last year, and we wanted them to benefit again because they are in the process of building a new facility.”

For disability related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu.

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Pitt-Bradford Athletic Department Recognized for Work with CARE

The athletic department at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford received the Jostens Community Service Overall Winner Award from the National Association of Division III Athletics for its longstanding relationship with the CARE For Children program and other service projects.

The award was presented to Lori Mazza, director of athletics, at the NCAA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

The awards program is co-sponsored by the NADIIIAA and Jostens and is intended to recognize the many contributions Division III student-athletes regularly make to their campuses and local communities. The program awards winners in the following three categories: one-time project, array of projects, and on-going project.

Pitt-Bradford was recognized for its relationship with the CARE for Children program and other service projects. In 2001, then-head women’s basketball coach Daly Ann Fuller approached CARE with the idea of collaborating on an adaptive basketball camp to give children with motor and learning deficiencies the opportunity to play basketball. The initial camp had 20 participants. Now, 10 years later, the basketball mini camp has grown to more than 100 participants, who learn from the coaches and players on to dribble, pass and shoot.

Since then, more than 230 student-athletes in all 14 sports have offered their time and support to the CARE organization.

In addition to its work with CARE, the athletics department has taken part in many other community service projects, including serving food to needy families at the Friendship Table, participating in reading programs at local Bradford schools, raising $600 for local veterans and assisting with a veterans breakfast to honor all veterans in the campus community.

“To accept this award on behalf of our student-athletes was a privilege,” said Mazza. “There are so many accomplishments that our athletes are recognized for, however, many times community service is overlooked.

“Although we do an array of projects with the Bradford community, our ongoing relationship with CARE is one we are very proud to be a part of. To be recognized by our peers within all of Division III for our community service is truly a testament to the quality of student-athletes we have at Pitt-Bradford.”

As well as receiving a commemorative trophy, the department received a $1,000 contribution from the NADIIIAA and Jostens.

The NADIIIAA is an association comprised of athletics administrators from the nearly 450 institutions and 40 conferences competing at the NCAA Division III level. A primary purpose of the NADIIIAA is to encourage the continued development of athletics programs focused on the student-athlete and based on sound educational philosophy.

Pictured, Lady Panthers basketball star Maria Costanza and CARE kid Alexis (top), and Caitlin Jordan with CARE kid Matthew during the Lady Panthers 10th annual mini-camp for CARE for Children.
Photos courtesy of CARE for Children

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National Fuel Lowering Rates

Just last month National Fuel announced that it would be increasing its price – but today the company has announced a decrease in pricing.

Effective tomorrow the bill of a typical residential customer will go from $85 a month to $77 a month.

Nancy Taylor of National Fuel says continued decreases in the market price of natural gas due, in part, to increasing Marcellus Shale gas production, makes this quarterly adjustment possible.

In a state-required annual filing, National Fuel forecasted a 10.2 percent increase that would have been effective in August. That forecast was based on information developed in December.

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SBU Again Hosting MATHCOUNTS

MATHCOUNTS, a national math contest for sixth-, seventh- and eighth graders, will be hosted by St. Bonaventure University on Feb. 11 in the William F. Walsh Science Center Amphitheater from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Chairman of the Department of Mathematics, Dr. Doug Cashing, will coordinate this year’s competition. Local middle schools will send four students and one coach to participate in the contest. Last year, Allegany-Limestone Central School, Cheektowaga Central School, and Tapestry Charter School from Buffalo were among the participants.

During a series of morning and afternoon rounds, students participate individually and as a team trying to advance their school further in the competition. The three individuals and schools that receive the top scores will win trophies. The three highest scoring schools will advance to the state competition, which will take place in March. Winners of the state competition will advance to nationals, which will be held in Orlando, Fla., on May 11.

According to the MATHCOUNTS website, “The mission of MATHCOUNTS is to increase enthusiasm for, and enhance achievement in middle school mathematics throughout the U.S.” As an incentive to participate in the contest, each year the MATHCOUNTS School Handbooks are provided to every middle school in the nation for free. Financial support from St. Bonaventure, anonymous grants and other generous donations help make this contest possible.

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Website Offers Help for Landowners

Northwest Savings Bank has launched a new website for people who need information about oil and gas rights, leasing and other issues related to Marcellus and Utica shale.

www.Oilandgashelp.com provides information about lease planning, income and royalty management and tax strategies. It also has a section about what landowners should avoid.

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Bradford Girl Arrested in Salamanca

A Bradford girl is facing charges for allegedly stealing a woman’s purse at the Paradise Gentleman’s Club in Salamanca.

Sheriff’s deputies say 18-year-old Ali Childs took the purse Sunday night.

She was arraigned on a grand larceny charge Monday night.

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Man Sentenced for Attempted Forgery

A Yorkshire, New York, man has been sentenced to 5 years’ probation on an attempted forgery charge.

25-year-old Justin Ippolito attempted to forge a signature while using another person’s unemployment benefit card.

The incident happened on December 8, 2010, in the Town of Yorkshire.

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Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Burglary

A South Dayton, New York, man has pleaded guilty to attempted burglary.

20-year-old Jordan Fish and another man broke into a building on November 3 with the intent to commit another crime, according to the Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s office.

Fish will be sentenced on April 2.

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Cold Case Arrest Made for 1979 Beaver County Homicide

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania State Police and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office today announced the arrest of a Bridgewater man who is charged in the 1979 strangling death of Catherine Janet Walsh.

Gregory Scott Hopkins, 65, was arrested by state police on Sunday and charged with criminal homicide. He is being held at the Beaver County jail.

“I extend my sincere condolences to Catherine’s father, Mr. Caltury, her family and friends during this difficult time,” State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said. “I’m very hopeful that this arrest will give the family some relief, knowing that a suspect has been charged with this unsolved murder.”

Walsh’s father discovered his 23-year-old daughter’s body when he went to her Monaca home on Sept. 1, 1979.

State police and the Monaca Borough Police Department began investigating, identifying Hopkins at the time as a possible suspect. Numerous items of evidence were sent to the State Police Crime Laboratory for processing during the entire course of the investigation. However, investigators were unable to generate enough evidence against Hopkins to make an arrest.

In late 2010, investigators resubmitted various items of evidence collected in connection with the case to the Pennsylvania State Police Greensburg Regional Crime Laboratory for forensic analysis. The lab concluded earlier this month that a sample taken from Hopkins positively matched evidence found at the scene.

“The purpose of resubmitting these items was to have the evidence examined using methods and technology that were not available to investigators in 1979,” Noonan said. “We are extremely pleased that justice is finally being served for Catherine. It shows the tenacity of the investigators involved and the staff at the State Police Crime Laboratory.

“Invaluable assistance from the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office was instrumental in the success of this investigation and the subsequent arrest of Hopkins,” said Noonan.

If you have information on a serious crime or wanted person, call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS or visit their website at www.PACrimeStoppers.org\.

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Possible Minimum Wage Hike in NY

New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is pushing legislation that would increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 an hour, and would then adjust it for inflation every year.

Silver says census numbers show nearly half of the U.S. population has fallen into poverty or joined the ranks of the working poor.

A spokesman says Governor Andrew Cuomo has supported previous proposals to raise the minimum wage and will review this one.

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Pitt-Bradford's Frederick to Speak on Girls' Swing band for Black History Month

Dr. Richard G. Frederick, professor of history at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, will discuss the “International Sweethearts of Rhythm” as part of Black History Month activities.

The event, sponsored by the university’s History-Political Science Club, will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 6, in the Mukaiyama Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. It is free and open to the public.

“The International Sweethearts of Rhythm began as a girls’ amateur swing band that was sent out by a small, African-American school in rural Mississippi to raise money for the school to stay open,” Frederick said. “To the surprise of everyone, they became a nationally-famous, very professional all-girls’ band which played in all the big venues of the early ’40s, entertained the troops during World War II, and travelled overseas at the end of the war.”

Frederick explains that the band was originally formed by the founder of the Piney Woods School, Laurence C. Jones, who followed in the footsteps of Booker T. Washington in providing education to poor blacks in the South.

“The story of the Sweethearts is largely the story of Laurence Jones and the Piney Woods School,” Frederick said, “and it’s a great story, though one that’s not very well known.”

Frederick has taught at Pitt-Bradford since 1979, when he received his doctorate in history from Penn State. A native of Indiana, he received his A.B. from Indiana University and M.A. from St. Mary’s of Texas. He has published books on Warren G. Harding, Ellis Island, and William Howard Taft, as well as co-authoring a work on theoretical concepts in biology.

“We’re happy to have Dr. Frederick talking on this subject,” said Michael Morrison, a Senior History-Political Science major who is President of the History-Political Science Club. “Education for African-Americans in the post-Reconstruction South is an interesting topic and this should be an exciting way to approach it.”

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Financial Aid Nights for High Schoolers

Four area schools will host a free Financial Aid Night for district high school students and their families, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson).

Scarnati said those attending can find out how to apply for all types of financial aid, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is required to qualify for most student aid programs, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, the Federal Pell Grant, institutional awards and low-cost federal student and parent loans.

A student aid expert from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will be available at the Financial Aid Nights to provide information on grants and loans and answer questions.

“This is an excellent opportunity for students and their parents to get a better understanding of the student aid process and how to begin planning to fund their higher education,” Scarnati said. “Participants can learn about Pennsylvania-specific aid programs, as well as the importance of searching for scholarships and other awards to pay for education costs.”

Following is a list of dates and locations for the free sessions:

Wednesday, February 15 – 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dubois High School Computer Lab
425 Orient Avenue, Dubois

Thursday, February 16 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Clearfield High School Computer Lab
2831 Washington Avenue, Clearfield

Thursday, February 23 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kane High School Computer Lab
300 Hemlock Avenue, Kane

Thursday, February 23 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
University of Pittsburgh – Bradford
Sports and Fitness Center – Room 158

Thursday, March 29 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
University of Pittsburgh – Bradford
Sports and Fitness Center – Room 158

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Bona Women #26 in the Nation

Despite owning the third-most wins in the nation, the 20-2 St. Bonaventure women's basketball team just missed cracking the top-25 in the Associated Press Poll Monday for the first time in program history, checking in as the No. 26 team with 61 points.

The Bonnies – who sit atop the Atlantic 10 standings as the lone unbeaten team at 7-0 – were just nine points shy of No. 25 Texas Tech, which garnered 70. In last week's poll, 61 points would have placed Bona as the No. 23 team in country.

Only No. 1 Baylor (21-0) and No. 2 Notre Dame (21-1) have more victories than the Bonnies.

St. Bona is 9-2 against top-100 teams in the RPI (Ratings Percentage Index), which is a main ranking utilized by the NCAA Tournament selection committee when choosing its postseason participants. The Bonnies check in at No. 23 in the RPI rankings – the highest-ranked A-10 team.

Of the schools ranked No. 13-25 in the AP Poll, none has more RPI top-100 wins than St. Bonaventure.

Furthermore, SBU's five wins against teams ranked between No. 26-50 in the RPI are tied for the most in the nation with No. 2 Notre Dame, No. 6 Kentucky and No. 11 Ohio State.

The Brown and White has won nine straight games – the second-longest winning streak in program history – and its 9-0 road record is the best in the nation.

St. Bonaventure swept a pair of Philadelphia-based schools last week, defeating Saint Joseph's on Wednesday and La Salle on national TV Saturday. The win against the Hawks was already the fourth over a team picked to finish ahead of Bonaventure in the A-10 preseason rankings.

Bonaventure returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to Pittsburgh to face 15-6 Duquesne. The Bonnies won the first meeting of the year, 61-53, in the conference opener. The Dukes were tabbed to finish 3rd in the A-10 in the preseason poll. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

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Two Hurt in Monday Morning Crash

Two people were hurt in a crash this morning on Route 394 in North Harmony.

Sheriff’s deputies say an SUV driven by 28-year-old Steven Munday of High Acres went out of control and went into a ditch at just after 8 a.m.

Munday was taken to WCA Hospital in Jamestown for treatment of his injuries. His passenger, 23-year-old Sean Munday was treated at the scene. No charges have been filed.

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Woman Picked Up on Warrants

An Otto, New York, woman wanted on a number of charges is now in jail.

22-year-old Kristin Kulczky was picked up on three separate warrants. She was charged with two counts of burglary, along with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. She was also wanted for a Family Court violation.

Her bail is set at $11,000 and she will be back in court at a later date.

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