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Showing posts from May 4, 2008

Play Premiers in Bradford

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The world premier of the play "Before I Go," was presented Saturday afternoon at the Bradford Area Public Library. Playwright Paige Kiliany of Shady Side High School of Pittsburgh is the winner of Bradford Little Theatre's first-ever Young Dramatist Contest. Paige and her mother were among the people who attended the staged reading of the play. Without giving away too much, the play is about a recent high school graduate who dies in a car accident. During an informal question and answer session following the play, Bradford Area High School students Hallie Kleiner and Leah Costik were asked how they managed to rehearse and get through the play, considering the deaths of fellow BAHS students Evan Yehl and Britt Bookhamer in an accident on May 2. "When I'm on stage, I'm Sophie. I'm not Leah," Costik said, explaining that getting totally into her character allowed her to block out the real-life accident. "I bit my lip and tried not to cry," Hal

The Weekend Wrap - Debbie Macomber

"Twenty Wishes," the new novel from best-selling author Debbie Macomber is an uplifting story of hope and renewal. A group of recently widowed women bond over a unique and heart-warming idea: make a list of all the wonderful things they hope to experience in their lives. You can hear Debbie talk about her book, and more, on The Weekend Wrap Saturday at 9:15 a.m. on 1490 WESB and at 6 a.m. on 100.1 The HERO. But there's more. Debbie and her publisher are inviting readers to enter a contest to make their most-desired wish come true. Debbie and her publisher will choose the winner, who will receive $10,000 cash to make that wish come true. For more details, visit Set Your Wish Free And there's even more. On Thursday, May 22, Debbie will be at Wegman's in Williamsville, NY, at 2 p.m. for a book signing. On Friday, May 23, at 12:30 p.m., she'll be at Borders on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga.

Legislators Discuss Taxes, More

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By ANNE HOLLIDAY News Director WESB/WBRR Taxes was one of the main topics of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce inaugural legislative luncheon held Friday at the Abasso at The Downbeat. State Representative Marty Causer, one of more than half a dozen legislators and/or their aides who attended, said he knew gasoline taxes would be one of the questions posed by people at the event. He said the current tax is about 31 cents a gallon, and that money goes toward highway and bridge projects. He explained that if the gas tax was cut, the state would have to come up with another source to pay for those projects. Causer added that Pennsylvania is one of the few states that uses the gas tax for highway and bridge projects without using general tax money. Another question concerned a state House bill that calls for providing money to municipalities that have a large number of tax-exempt properties. Bradford Mayor Tom Riel explained that the bill calls for helping municipalities where 17 perce

UPDATE: Jamestown Soldier Back in US

A soldier stranded overseas by the collapse of ATA airlines is back in the United States. Capt. Sharron Oleniacz is a nurse anesthetist from Jamestown, serving overseas as a reservist. She's at the end of her 90-day tour of duty in Iraq, but has been stranded in Kuwait since last weekend. Hundreds of soldiers are awaiting flights home, after charter ATA went bankrupt and cancelled flights in April. Oleniacz finally got a flight out of Kuwait and arrived in Mississippi earlier today. No word on when she'll be back in the Twin Tiers.

Hexavalent Chromium in Punxsutawney

After discovering hexavalent chromium inside the former Berlin Metals building in Punxsutawney, the Department of Environmental Protection has ordered the property’s owners to prevent people from entering the building until it's safe. DEP has been investigating groundwater and soil and conducting a cleanup project in the neighborhood since 2006, but last month found material seeping through cracks in the concrete floor and learned it was hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, which you may recognize from the movie "Erin Brockovich." The building at 400 Walnut Street formerly housed the electroplating company Berlin Metals. Its last occupant vacated the property several months ago. The building is owned by Punxsutawney residents Columba M. and Anthony J. Runco and the Runco Trust.

Olean Man Dies in Potter County Crash

An Olean man is dead after an accident on Kinney Road in Potter County early Friday morning. 66-year-old Edward Muniga was driving his truck when it went off the road and hit several trees. Muniga was pronounced dead at the scene by Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbery. Police are continuing their investigation.

UPB Student Earns Internship with FBI

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A criminal justice major at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been awarded a coveted internship with the FBI at its Behavioral Science Division in Quantico, Va., the first time a Pitt-Bradford student has ever received an internship with the bureau. Nathaniel Rhoades of Linesville, a senior who is pursuing a dual degree in criminal justice and psychology, will spend 10 weeks with the FBI in what is known as the bureau’s Serial Killer Unit. From June 16 to Aug. 22, Rhoades will assist special agents with various tasks. In order to do so, he had to get top secret security clearance. “An FBI internship at Quantico is truly a remarkable accomplishment,” said Dr. Tony Gaskew, assistant professor of criminal justice, “and truly validates the fact that Nathan is considered one of the top criminal justice students in the country. I am extremely proud of Nathan.” Rhoades, who hopes to work for the FBI one day, said he wanted to intern with the Behavioral Science Division because he w

Pitt-Bradford Creates New Position

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named Leslie E. Kallenborn to the newly created position of assistant director for annual giving. Kallenborn will develop and manage annual giving programs for alumni, faculty, staff, friends of the university and corporate donors. She will oversee direct marketing campaigns such as the annual Phonathon and mailings. She will report to Karen Niemic Buchheit, executive director of institutional advancement and managing director of the Bradford Educational Foundation. “We are very pleased to have a full-time staff member of Leslie’s caliber devoted to annual giving as it provides the foundation for fundraising growth at Pitt-Bradford,” Buchheit said. “In particular, Leslie will be using her considerable communication and marketing skills to work with more than 8,000 alumni to give them a chance to participate in a variety of ways and gift levels.” Before coming to Pitt-Bradford, Kallenborn was the director of fund development and community out

Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands

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Author Terri Morrison laughs during a presentation on business protocol around the world at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Friday morning. About 75 people from local businesses and industries attended the free seminar on international trade featuring Morrison, author of “Kiss Bow or Shake Hands,” the best-selling guide to doing business in more than 60 countries. The seminar was sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford Entrepreneurship Program in conjunction with the North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. ( Photo Courtesy of Pitt-Bradford )

Ripley Boy Hit by Train

A 16 year-old Ripley boy died Thursday night after being struck by a train on Goodrich Street in Ripley. Chautauqua County Sheriff Deputies say Kenneth Strang was with a group of youths running across the railroad tracks and was struck by a south-bound CSX train. Strang was taken to Westfield Hospital, but later died of his injuries.

Jamestown Soldier Stranded in Kuwait

A Jamestown, NY, soldier is stranded in Kuwait after the airline that was supposed to bring her home after her tour of duty in Iraq went bankrupt. Captain Sharron Oleniacz was ready to return home last weekend when the bankruptcy of ATA Airlines grounded her flight. She and 100 other soldiers are have not been notified when alternate travel plans will be arranged. Congressman Brian Higgins has written a letter to the US Army say that he understand delays are part of air travel, and the airlines' bankruptcy was unavoidable, but the armed services are not doing enough to get the soldiers home.

Woman Arrested for Stealing from Clinic

A Forest County woman has been arrested for stealing 80 thousand dollars from Laurel Eye Clinic in Brookville. Police say 45-year-old Deborah Geyer stole the money over a period of seven years when she worked as a patient account manager. Police say she didn't record checks in the accounting books, but deposited them for herself. She faces charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, tampering with records and forgery. Police say more charges are possible. She is Currently in Jefferson County Jail on $100,000 bail.

Toddler Taped Smoking Pot

Hilliard Calling for 'Clean' Campaign

While saying he wants to run a clean campaign, Senator Joe Scarnati's opponent in November's election is passing along misleading information about campaign finances. Donald Hilliard of Brookville says he wants to concentrate on the issues, including healthcare, transportation and school funding. Meanwhile, he says he concerned about Scarnati's campaign contributions, saying the vast majority are from Political Action Committees. Hilliard told a newspaper in the 25th Senatorial District that only $200 dollars come from local people, one in Coudersport and one in Shinglehouse. However, the Department of State web site lists several thousand dollars worth of contributions from private citizens in Bradford, Brockway, Warren and Ridgway among other places in the district.

Fatal Crash Near Troyer Farms

State police say a car drifted over the centerline before colliding with a tractor-trailer at just after noon today on Route 97, just south of the Troyer Farms potato chip plant. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and her passenger was seriously injured in the accident. The passenger was flown by helicopter to Hamot Medical Center. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt. The truck is owned by Briggs Transport of Warren County. As state police were investigating, Hazmat crews were using sponges to absorb diesel fuel from the truck that was leaking into a stream that flows into French Creek. UPDATE: A Union City girl died Thursday after her car crossed the center line and hit a tractor trailer head-on. State Police say 18 year-old Crystal Carneal of Union City was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in her car 20 year old Katie Ellsworth was seriously injured. The accident happened on Route 97 - near the Troyer Potato Chip Plant - just after noon.

UPB Names Distinguished Teacher

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Pictured, Amy McCoy, a 2008 Pitt-Bradford graduate from Kittanning, with Dan Spencer, whom Pitt-Bradford has been named Distinguished Secondary Teacher. McCoy nominated Spencer for the honor, which is given each year to a secondary teacher nominated by a graduating Pitt-Bradford senior. They are shown at Honors Convocation last month. The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named Dan Spencer, a retired teacher and volleyball coach from Armstrong School District in Armstrong County, this year’s Distinguished Secondary Teacher. Spencer was presented with the award during Pitt-Bradford’s annual Honors Convocation last month. The award is presented annually to a teacher who is willing to work with and challenge students both inside and outside of the traditional classroom. Members of the university’s senior class nominated candidates. Spencer was nominated by Amy McCoy, a 2008 graduate in public relations with a minor in athletic coaching from Kittanning. McCoy described Spencer as “a

NYS Missing Child Alert

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The Niagara County Sheriff's Department is alerting the public about a missing child. They say two-year-old Giana Lynn Bootes has not been seen since Wednesday May 7th at 8:00 p.m. For more information, click HERE . UPDATE: Figueroa-Oehler and the girl were found in the Super 8 Motel on Sheridan Drive in the Town of Tonawanda.

Wildflowers for Beauty - 2nd in a Series

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This week’s article on spring flowers will highlight some of the beauty of spring flowers. Many plants derive their name from the flower that caught a colonial’s eye and, henceforth, the common name of the plant became identified by the flower. Spring beauty” is a prime example of this connection of flower to plant’s name. Spring beauty flowers are considered a harbinger of spring because they are one of the first flowers to bloom after winter. These flowers can bloom as early as late March or early April. Spring beauties are often found in groups in fields, borders of woods, and front lawns. ‘Fragile’ is a word that adds to the beauty of the plant. The one-half inch wide flowers are on a thin stalk, and the pale pink streaks in the white flower add to the daintiness of the flower. Jack-in-the-pulpits are another beautiful flower of May because of its unique flowers. Found in shaded, woody areas, the Jack-in-the-pulpit resembles a man speaking from a pulpit. The pulpit itself is

Facebook to Implement Safeguards

Officials from several states, including Pennsylvania, say Facebook has agreed to implement more than 40 safeguards to protect younger users. Attorney General Tom Corbett said that like the agreement reached with MySpace in January, this agreement will better protect children from predators and inappropriate content on the Internet. Facebook has agreed to ban convicted sex offenders from using the service and will make it harder for older users to search online for subscribers who are under age 18.

Shur-Save Honored By Borough Council

The Mount Jewett Shur-Save has received borough council's first-ever certificate of appreciation. Councilman Chuck Paar says the management and employees of the store are very supportive and involved in community and civic affairs. He said the store and its employees support the Mount Jewett Swedish Festival, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Little League baseball, the Mount Jewett Ambulance Association, the Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department and the Charter School Coalition. Council voted 6-1 last month to accept Paar’s idea to honor a Mount Jewett business every quarter.

Thanks for the Chocolate!

Thanks to the "Elegance in Chocolate" Committee for sending us the scrumptious samples! For anyone who missed the first announcement about this event: Coming up on May 14, you can indulge in all kinds of chocolate during a fundraiser for The Salvation Army. For a preview of some of the treats you'll find during the event, check this out: If you'd like to help with a donation of money, supplies -- or chocolate -- call the Chocolate Line: 814-368-4576.

In Case You Missed It ...

05/07/08 - Man Charged With Fleeing From Police A Bradford man was arrested Tuesday after stealing a truck and leading police on a high speed chase from Coleville to Bradford. State Police were joined in the pursuit by Bradford City Police in apprehending 32 year-old Brian Uber at the Riddle House on main Street in Bradford. Uber had at one point ended his run from the law at Dresser Manufacturing where he ran inside before heading downtown. He was charged with theft, speeding, fleeing from police, possession of marijuana and numerous other violations. Uber was sent to McKean County Jail on $25,000 dollars bail. 05/05/08 - Foster Township Supervisors Meet During last month's Foster Township supervisors meeting, several residents raised concerns about a brine disposal plant being built in the township. Supervisor Chairman Bob Slike says they don't have to worry about that anymore because attorney Dan Hartle told him the plan is "dead in the water." The Department of E

Happy Birthday ...

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... to my brother, Jim Sweeney.

Company Wants to Drill at Rimrock

An oil company wants to drill in the Rimrock area, but the US Forest Service says they haven't been able to work out the details with the company yet. PAPCO wants to drill for oil and natural gas on 300 acres near the scenic overlook. Forest Ranger Tony Scardina says the forest service wants to know where the roads and the wells would go before they come to an agreement. PAPCO revealed its plans in March, but Scardina says when it's a sensitive issue, the forest service likes to spend a lot of time on it.

Honoring Nurses at BRMC

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Rows of candles were aglow Wednesday evening outside Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) to pay tribute to the tireless healthcare efforts of all current and retired nurses. A candelight ceremony was held in front of BRMC’s Outpatient Services Center as part of National Nurses Week which began May 6 and concludes May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale. The national week’s theme is “Nurses Making A Difference Every Day.” In honor of their work, a candle-lighting ceremony was led by Deborah A. Price, the hospital’s senior vice president of Patient Care Services. Candles were individually lit from one to another in the crowd of more than 60. Meanwhile, nurses on shift at the hospital joined from inside by using glowsticks from windows above the scene. Prior to the lighting ceremony, Edwin O. Pecht, chairman of BRMC’s Board of Directors, said in his opening remarks, “We honor all nurses tonight - those currently serving our community with their special caring

Coulter Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

The main defendant in a huge marijuana-growing operation in Crawford County has pleaded guilty and faces a mandatory 10 years in a federal prison at his sentencing in U.S. District Court in Erie on Aug. 5. 53-year-old Gary Coulter pleaded guilty today to one count of trafficking in marijuana. He was charged with five other defendants, four of whom have either pleaded guilty or pleaded guilty and been sentenced. State drug agents found the plants growing throughout eastern Crawford County after a raid on Coulter’s house in Rome Township, in the eastern part of the county, in August 2006. The investigators said they found 1,183 full-grown marijuana plants -- with an estimated street value of $1.2 million. Authorities described the operation as one of the largest in Pennsylvania history.

Ulyan Resigns as Red Cross Director

Greg Ulyan has resigned as executive director of the McKean Potter Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, after holding the position for 18 ½ years. "I can't tell you how much this job and the people in this community have meant to me," Ulyan said. "I had a good time working with the volunteers, the staff members, the donors – whether they be blood donors or financial donors – they have really made it an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. The National Red Cross hasn't named a replacement yet. Jason Bange will be the interim director.

Man Dead After Police Standoff

A Corry man is dead after a standoff with police and members of the Erie SWAT team. The SWAT team entered the house early this afternoon to find 40-year-old Tony Bromley dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police say he barricaded himself in the home of his estranged wife at about 8 o'clock this morning after police responded to a domestic violence call there. No one else was in the home when the SWAT team went inside.

Twenty Wishes

Stayed tuned to WESB and The HERO , and keep checking back here, for more about Debbie Macomber and her new book ... coming (very) soon.

Bloodhounds Train at Pitt-Bradford

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Story and Photos By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing 3-year-old bloodhound Lucy and her handler, Karl Allen of Lexington, S.C., and NPBA instructor S.L. “Buck” Garner of Louisa, Va., are participating in the organization's spring seminar. In the first three photos, Lucy is trying to find Garner. Below, she has found him and is receiving lavish praise from Garner and Allen. These photos were taken Wednesday morning along the West Branch of the Tunungwant Creek on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Members of the National Police Bloodhound Association brought their dogs to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford this week for field training as part of the organization’s spring seminar. In total, about 50 dogs and their handlers from around the United States are attending the spring training seminar in nearby Allegany (N.Y.) State Park. The seminar is hosted by the Cattaraugus County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Department. Handler

Penguins Arena Design Approved

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The Pittsburgh city planning commission has approved the design for the Penguins $290 million arena. The decision clears the way for a groundbreaking this summer, with completion expected before the start of the 2010-2011 hockey season. This is one of the drawings submitted to the planning commission. It shows the entrance to the arena at Fifth Avenue and Washington Place.

ARG Awarded Employer of the Year

The American Refining Group has a simple company vision. “It is important for a large employer to integrate into the fabric of the community, especially in a small town,” said Harvey L. Golubock, President and Chief Operating Officer. Success in business is inextricably coupled with community leadership. We provide our employees with the opportunity and encourage their participation in community and civic projects.” This vision is one reason why ARG is being awarded the 2008 Governor’s Workplace Development Employer of the Year award for Central Pennsylvania. The award will be presented at an awards luncheon during the Pennsylvania Partners annual conference in Harrisburg on Thursday, May 8, 2008. It will be jointly presented by PA Partners and the PA Department of Labor and Industry on behalf of Governor Rendell. ARG was nominated for this award by the North Central Workforce Investment Board (WIB). Susan Snelick, WIB Director, describes ARG as a “true friend of workforce development.

White Nose Syndrome?
Is Pennsylvania Next?

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By Joe Kosack Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist Pennsylvania Game Commission HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Game Commission has found itself on a new frontier: it is working with several states and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to sort out what is killing bats in New York and New England. Although White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) has not been found in Pennsylvania - and agency officials hope it stays that way - the state is fast becoming an integral player in regional and national efforts aimed at learning more about this unprecedented threat to bats. Just mentioning the words White Nose Syndrome (WNS) to Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist Greg Turner brings concern to his face. He knows WNS is just over the border in New York, as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, and recognizes it's not something that Pennsylvania's bat population can endure without negative consequences. In many northeastern hibernacula where it has struck, WNS has decimated wintering

'Lackawanna Six' Member Out of Prison

Lackawanna Six member Faysal Galab has been released from prison and has been sent to a halfway house in Detroit. Galab's sentence was set to expire next year, but he applied for time off for good behavior. Galab is one of six men accused of attending an al Qaeda training camp inside Afghanistan in summer 2001, just months before the September 11 terrorist attacks. All of the defendants, who lived in Lackawanna, were indicted in October 2003 on charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

$1 Million Gift for Chapel at Pitt-Bradford

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received a $1 million gift from anonymous donors in honor of Harriett B. Wick to build an interfaith chapel on campus. The announcement was made at a luncheon for potential donors where the design of the chapel was also unveiled. “We are delighted and honored to receive this gift,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, university president. “This lead gift will enable us to secure the balance of funds needed to build this chapel.” The chapel, which has been part of the university’s master plan for several years, will be located on the west side of the campus, overlooking the Tunungwant Creek. The building will intentionally be set apart from other buildings, thus reinforcing the perception of its unique use as a place for spiritual reflection and campus community prayer. The location overlooking the stream was chosen specifically for its woodland setting. Albert Filoni president of MacLachlan, Cornelius and Filoni Architects Inc. of Pittsburgh des

Soap Box Derby Date Changed

The date of the upcoming All American Soap Box Derby has been changed from May 31 to June 21. Organizers say there's still plenty of time to get involved and they're still looking for boys and girls ages 8 to 17 to be drivers. For more information, call Steve Feldman at 558-0669.

Pot-Grower Sentenced; Dad Pleads Tomorrow

The son of the main defendant in one of the largest marijuana cases in Pennsylvania history has been sentenced to a year and six months in a federal prison for his part in the operation, which was based in Crawford County. 26-year-old Dustin Coulter appeared in court today. His father, Gary Coulter, is scheduled for a plea hearing tomorrow. Drug agents with the state Attorney General's Office found nearly 1,200 full-grown marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $1.2 million throughout eastern Crawford County in August 2006. Investigators say this was the largest pot-growing operation in state history.

Talik Sentenced to Life in Prison

A Pennsylvania man who strangled a 28-year-old mother of two in 2006 has been sentenced to life in prison. 39-year-old Eugene Talik Jr. of Sewickly pleaded guilty in January to killing his girlfriend, Kelly Jo Elliott. Her body was burned and buried in a shallow grave near the Clearfield/Elk County line. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the death penalty as a possible sentence.

Allegheny-Bradford Expansion Project 'Well Underway'

Construction is well under for Allegheny-Bradford Corporation's 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility. The facility will house state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and a secure inside loading area for truck shipments. With the new facility, ABC will increase its capacity and expand its capabilities for tanks and large assemblies. The building will be finished in September. For pictures of the construction site, click HERE .

FOP Memorial Ceremony in Harrisburg

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Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati pays tribute to Pennsylvania police officers who died in the line of duty during a Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Ceremony held at the State Capitol on Monday. ( Photo Courtesy of Senate Republican Communications )

United Way of the Bradford Area's "Live United" Day of Action

The United Way of the Bradford Area has a new initiative called "Live United" – a mission aimed at getting people to give, advocate and volunteer in the community. United Way Assistant Director Mandi Wilton Davis explained "Live United" during this morning's Red Feather Breakfast. She says "You're being asked to complete an action today demonstrating how you live united: Give of yourself, advocate on behalf of an organization which is near to your heart, volunteer your time to those in need of it. Then, tell the United Way what you did today. After you complete your action, go to the United Way's web site and tell them about it. Go ahead. Do it. It'll make you feel good!

National Guard Holds Memorial Service and Reunion

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The Annual Memorial Service at the 28th Division National Memorial Shrine, Boalsburg, Centre County, will be held Sunday May 18, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania National Guard and hosted by the Pennsylvania Military Museum, this event commemorates the Pennsylvania "citizen soldier” in a ceremony that dates back to 1924 when the first monuments within the Shrine were dedicated to the fallen divisional soldiers of World War One. For more information on the museum pleased call 814-466-6263 or visit pamilmuseum.org. For information on the Celebration of Service, call Master Sergeant Rodney D. Drake at the Harrisburg Military Post at 717-787-6705.

05/05/08 - Man Pleads Guilty to Helping Kysor

A 26-year-old inmate from Philadelphia has pleaded guilty to helping convicted killer Malcolm Kysor escape from the State Correctional Institution at Albion in November. John Gromer entered the plea today in Erie County Court to one count of criminal conspiracy to commit escape. He remains in jail and his sentencing is set for July 22. State police accuse Gromer of helping Kysor escape by hiding him in a garbage can. . The can and Kysor went outside the prison gates on the back of a state Department of Corrections truck. Kysor was found April 5 in Bakersfield, Calif. He is now in the state prison at Mercer. His preliminary hearing on an escape charge is May 29.

Man Charged with Forgery, Theft

A Wellsville man has been charged with four felony counts of forgery and related offenses for stealing checks then cashing them at area businesses. State police say Levi Hunt and another person cash checks at Reed's Market and State Line One Stop in Genesee for a total of 400 dollars. The checks had been stole from Josey Kemp of Wellsville. Hunt was arrested after allegedly trying to cash a forged check in New York State. Police say several similar incidents have been reported in New York. Police are continuing their investigation and trying to identify the second suspect.

Man Pleads Guilty to Timber Theft

A 40-year-old Ridgway man has pleaded guilty to a federal charge that he stole 11 black cherry trees from the Allegheny National Forest in September 2004. Joseph Harvey is charged with theft of government property. Harvey is scheduled for sentencing on July 31 in Erie Federal Court.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Dept. Looking for Info Related to Fatal Crash

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Deputies are asking for help in their investigation into an accident that killed a Bradford woman on April 26 in Limestone. They say they are looking for the driver who swerved to avoid the accident, resulting in a vehicle driven by Wendy Karnes to be hit head-on by a vehicle driven by David O'Brien of Allegany. O'Brien is a retired state trooper. He's charged with DWI, 2nd degree vehicular manslaughter and is free on bail. Anyone who has information on the accident should contact Investigator Nathan Root at the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department.

PGC Seeks Comment on Fisher Plan

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking public input on a draft fisher management plan, which can be reviewed on the agency's web site . "We are seeking public comment on the draft fisher management plan to ensure the resulting final management plan considers the thoughts and concerns of Pennsylvanians about this species," said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. "As written, the plan is science-based, progressive and promotes responsible management. We're interested in hearing from Pennsylvanians who would like to offer comments, and to see if we've missed something or if they share our management vision for the future." Pennsylvania's fisher reintroduction got started back in 1994, when 22 fishers were released on the Sproul State Forest in Centre and Clinton counties. Overall, 190 fishers were released in Pennsylvania as part of a reintroduction partnered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Frostburg S

Bradford's Main Street Manager Resigns

Main Street Manager Diane DeWalt is leaving her position Wednesday. Mayor Tom Riel says DeWalt turned in her resignation last week and is leaving to take a similar position in Florida. Her replacement as Main Street Manager hasn't been chosen yet.

Grief Counselors at BAHS Today

Bradford High School principal Ken Coffman tells WESB and The Hero that grief Counselors are on hand at Bradford High today and will be available to students throughout the week. McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill confirmed Sunday night to WESB and The Hero that 18-year-old Evan Yehl and 18-year-old Britt Bookhamer died in Friday's night's crash near Marilla Reservoir in Bradford Township. Cahill says Yehl and Bookhamer both died instantly of blunt force trauma. Yehl was driving the car. The funeral for Evan Yehl is Tuesday at 7pm at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Bradford. Funeral arangements for Britt Bookhammer are incomplete. Yehl was driving the car. A third boy in the car, Ian Clark, is in fair condition after surgery at Hamot Medical Center in Erie. Boys in a car that was traveling with Yehl's car reportedly pulled Ian out before the car burst into flames. Jeffrey Caldwell, Joshua Hilmes and Brenton Goldthwait were all treated at Bradford Regional Medical Center Frid

BAHS Students Who Died are Identified

McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill has confirmed that 18-year-old Evan Yehl and 18-year-old Britt Bookhamer are the Bradford Area High School students who died in Friday's night's car crash near Marilla Reservoir. A third boy in the car, Ian Clark, is still in serious condition at Hamot Medical Center in Erie. Cahill says Yehl and Bookhamer died instantly of blunt force trauma.

Investigation Continues Into Deaths of Bradford High Students

The investigation continues into the deaths of two Bradford boys in a two vehicle crash Friday night near Marilla Reservoir in Bradford Township. Sources tell 1490 WESB that the two were seniors at Bradford High. They also tell us that one boy has been charged with DUI in the accident. Bradford Township police say two vehicles were "traveling together" in the same direction when one of the vehicles left the road, hit numerous trees and burst into flames. Two of the youths died. A third young man, Ian Clark, is in Hamot Medical Center in serious condition. Three other boys in a seperate vehicle were treated at BRMC Friday night. Bradford Township Police have been joined by a State Police crash reconstruction team from Erie in the investigation.