Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A staff worker in former House Minority Whip Mike Veon's district office testified today that she dedicated large amounts of time to campaign work instead of doing work as a legislative and constituent aide. Melissa Lewis talked about the widespread illegal activity while testifying during the preliminary hearings of state Rep. Sean Ramaley and House aide Anna Marie Perretta-Rosepink. Ramaley and Perretta-Rosepink were the only two defendants of the 12 charged in connection with Bonugate who didn't waive their preliminary hearings. Lewis gave detailed accounts of the campaign work she was asked to do in Veon's district office at the direction of Perretta-Rosepink, often alleging her boss blatantly ignored legislative work while assigning her to work on campaigns. She said the campaign work was strenuous, especially when working to remove third-party presidential candidate Ralph Nader from the ballot in 2004.

Lawmakers are voicing concern over the details of legislation under consideration by the state House designed to offer non-resident military veterans an "in-state" tuition break at Pennsylvania's state related colleges and universities. Rep. Kathy Rapp supports a tuition break for veterans, but is disturbed by a provision written into the bill. "There's an appalling statement in this bill that says our veterans and their dependents must participate in community service," she said. "This is a slap in the face to any veteran who has served this country," she said. They've done their duty. They've done their community service." She said the "community service" language needs to be removed from the bill.

Police say a Pittsburgh-area teenager tried to kill five family members by placing homemade chemical bottle bombs near their heads while they slept. 16-year-old Christopher Janney has been charged with attempted homicide for leaving what police described as "chlorine compression bombs" near the family members. The bottles did not explode and no one was injured. Janney had also been using a peppermill to grind up rat poison, according to a criminal complaint. The one-page complaint spelled out some details of what family members told police, but did not explain Janney's motive or whether he tried to use the rat poison on his family.

WILLIAMSPORT – The Department of Environmental Protection today fined Shop Vac Corp. $6,300 for hazardous waste violations discovered in May at its Williamsport plant. “DEP staff observed a number of used fluorescent lamps that were stored and labeled improperly, which is a violation,” said Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell. “Used fluorescent lamps are classified as a universal hazardous waste because they contain mercury. Federal and state hazardous waste regulations are in place to ensure these items are properly stored and labeled so they don’t present a danger to employees or the public.” DEP routinely inspects facilities inspections where universal hazardous wastes are stored. Such materials can also include some types of batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing devices and various lamps. Shop Vac officials corrected all of the violations during the inspection and paid the fine to the Solid Waste Abatement Fund, which is used to help pay for cleanup activities across t...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Satterlee & Sons won't be building a card lock and bulk fueling station on South Kendall Avenue after all. They had planned on building a card lock fueling system – similar to Pacific Pride on Davis Street – but with the addition of a bulk fueling station at 123 South Kendall. City Zoning Officer John Peterson denied the request for a variance of the zoning code, and the company appealed to the Zoning Hearing Board, which met Tuesday night. The card lock station would have been in operation, and lighted, 24 hours a day. The bulk fueling station would have been open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with limited use on the weekends. Peterson denied the request because the bulk fueling station does not meet requirements of the zoning code. Before making their decision, board members heard from several Chelsea Lane and South Kendall Avenue residents who were opposed to the proposal. Chelsea Lane resident Nick Cummins told the ...

Todd Peine was installed as the 74th president of the Kiwanis Club of Bradford at the annual installation of officers meeting held Tuesday night at the Bradford Club. Kiwanis Lt. Gov. John White presided over the ceremony. Other officers installed include Michele McCann, president-elect; Nellie Wallace, vice president; Ron Yeager, secretary; Al Vanderpoel, treasurer; and Kimberly Weinberg, immediate past-president. New directors for the Kiwanis Club were also installed and include Rick Benton, Candy Tingley, Dave Downs, Steve Cottillion and Paula Vecellio. Recognized for their service to the club were outgoing directors Nancy Fuhrman, Fred Miller and Diane Sheeley.

Bradford resident Martha Palumbo, who’s also a Bradford Regional Medical Center volunteer, and Roger Laroche, M.D., medical director of Bradford Recovery Systems, look through a scrapbook that details the 20 years of achievements at the hospital’s Mentally Ill Chemically Addicted (MICA) Unit, which was the first of its kind in the state. The MICA Unit held an open house Tuesday to mark its 20th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of BRMC)

Partly because of public comment, recreational areas on the Allegheny National Forest that were targeted for closure, will remain open for the time being. Forest Supervisor Leanne Marten announced today that the Recreation Facility Analysis for developed sites has been approved by the Regional Forester's Office in Milwaukee. But some of the initial recommendations – including the closings – were revised. A five-year program of work has been developed to move forward with these recommendations. The Allegheny NF is currently putting together a new campground concession package to replace the one scheduled to expire this December. This package will include the operation and maintenance of sites including Dewdrop, Tracy Ridge, Kiasutha, Red Bridge, Willow Bay and Twin Lakes. All other sites are still under a current concessionaire permit or are operated and maintained by the Forest Service.

A bill that limits mandatory overtime for nurses has been unanimously approved by the state senate. The bill, introduced by Representative Dan Surra of Elk County, prohibits a health care facility from requiring nurses and other health care employees "to work in excess of agreed to, predetermined and regularly scheduled daily work shifts.'' After completing a 12-hour shift, health care employees can still voluntarily work overtime shifts but they can't be fired for refusing overtime. There are still three exceptions when overtime can be required: An unforeseeable, declared national, state or municipal emergency; a highly unpredictable and extraordinary event, such as the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; or when a health care facility has a large number of unforeseen absences by workers or last-minute calloffs.

Representative Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) (bottom right) welcomes Scout Master Kevin Bonner (top left), scout leaders and current members of the Chief Cornplanter Council of the Boys Scouts of America to the House floor—moments after Rapp’s resolution commemorating the council’s 95th anniversary unanimously passed the state House on Monday. Founded in 1913, the Chief Cornplanter Council holds the distinction of America’s oldest continuously existing Boy Scouts council and presently serves roughly 1,000 Boy Scouts throughout both Warren and McKean counties. ( Photo Courtesy of House Republican Public Relations )

Pennsylvania needs to build on successful efforts to prevent domestic violence and to make the public aware of the signs of abuse, according to Sen. Jane Orie, Majority Whip (R-40), who today led a rally at the state capitol to focus greater attention on the issue. Orie joined legislators, health care professionals, law enforcement officials and domestic violence organizations across the state to mark October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The numerous elected officials and organizations who participated in the event today did so to focus public attention on a crime that often goes undetected and unreported. Orie is Senate sponsor of a resolution setting the month of October as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania." The senator has been a leader in state efforts to prevent domestic abuse and provide more protections to victims. She is author of the "Domestic Violence Heath Care Response Act" – which makes Pennsylvania the first ...

The Olean City School District Foundation hosted its fifth annual Book and Game Drive on Saturday, October 4, at the Olean Middle School. The Book Drive was a part of Global Volunteer Day, an annual initiative where more than 40,000 volunteers led by Prudential Financial employees donate hundreds of thousands of hours on projects designed to better our local communities. Steve Pancio, OCSDF Board President stated, “All Olean Schools donated books and games to the book drive - more than 1,000 games and more than 60 games were collected. Most of the games and a great number of books were swapped back out. We have redistributed the books back to all Olean elementary schools, the Olean Middle School, Southern Tier Catholic School, the New Life Christian School, YMCA Day Care Center, the City/St. John’s Rec Center, Olean Child Development Center, Immanual Christian Child Center, and the John J. Ash Community Center. The challenge to all Olean elementary schools was won by the Washington We...

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati announced today that he has secured $750,000 in state funds to aid in the development of Brockway Clay Plant in Brockway, Pennsylvania. The project will create approximately 60 new jobs. “I am pleased to have been able to secure this funding to bring much needed family-sustaining jobs back to this area,” Scarnati said. “This is a tremendous boost to the Jefferson County region and I am proud to have been a part in seeking this opportunity.” Scarnati mentioned that the state assistance is made up of a grant and loan and will be used by North Central Enterprise for site preparation, including water, sewage, as well as road access. “This is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when state and local leaders work together for the betterment of an entire region,” Scarnati added. “Without question, this will be a shot in the arm to communities struggling during these difficult economic times.” The grant and loan were approved by the C...

Local Extension Educator, Jim Clark, has recently offered classes on Natural Gas Well Drilling and Private Water Supplies. These classes educate local residents about what strategies they can take to protect their water supply from gas well drilling activities. Clark has now produced a CD containing the entire class. Local residents who could not attend the meetings and would like the information can purchase the CD from Clark for 10.00. The CD, which is formatted for a PC only, contains ten presentations including an explanation of the Marcellus Shale, how a gas well is drilled, how a gas well is hydro-fraced, the rules and regulations related to water and gas drilling and what strategies a homeowner can implement to protect their water supply. There are also five extension publications on the disk in the form of pdf files. Two worksheets on the disk allow the participant to interact with extension educators and ask individual questions about their own resources or situation. The disk...

The Red Mill bridges in Jefferson County have been named in honor of a solider who died last year in Iraq. The bridges are now the "SFC Michael J. Tully Memorial Bridges." Tully, who was serving his second tour of duty, died Aug. 23, 2007, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device southeast of Baghdad. Tully grew up in Falls Creek and was a 1992 graduate of Brockway High School, where he played football and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Charges against former Potter County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services director James Boothby have been dismissed. Boothby had been charged with felony counts of risking a catastrophe and making terroristic threats after a device resembling a pipe bomb was found in his office on September 5. Boothby told the court he made the simulated bomb as part of his duties on the Safety Committee about four years ago for a drill, and it's been on a filing cabinet in his office since then. Boothby had been suspended from his job in August on an unrelated charge of animal cruelty. He later resigned.

A 37-year-old Erie-area woman is dead after she walked into the path of a freight train Monday afternoon in Harborcreek Township. Authorities said they have identified the victim, but are withholding her identity until her family is notified. Police say their investigation indicated the woman intentionally stepped into the path of the 52-car train, which was traveling 45 mph. This is the fourth fatal incident involving trains and pedestrians in the Erie area in less than two months, according to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook.

Former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon and three other people have waived their preliminary hearings on charges that they helped divert millions of taxpayer dollars and other public resources to run campaigns. Of the 12 people charged in the "Bonusgate" scandal, two still await preliminary hearings to begin later this morning: state Rep. Sean Ramaley, the only sitting legislator who has been charged, and Anna Marie Perretta-Rosepink, a former legislative assistant in Veon's district office. In a 74-page report issued in July, a grand jury charged that taxpayer-financed bonuses were doled out as rewards for campaign activity, state-owned computers and other equipment were commandeered for political purposes and government contracts were awarded to firms to provide electioneering services. Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett has been criticized for only bringing charges against Democrats so far. Corbett, however, has said Democratic and Republican caucuses in both the H...

Foster Township Police are looking for the person who robbed the Foster Brook Crosby Mart at 3:48 this morning. They say a white male, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and red and black bandana over his face walked into the store with a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money. He left the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. Anyone who may have seen someone walking in that area between 3:30 and 4 a.m. is asked to contact Foster Township police. Police were assisted by City of Bradford, University of Pittsburgh and state police, as well as the McKean County Sheriff's Department. Foster Township Police Chief Jeff Wolbert was also on the scene. This is the second convenience store robbery in two days in the Bradford area. At 1:21 a.m. Monday, an armed man robbed the Chestnut Street Uni-Mart.

Tops Friendly Markets and Tim Horton's are expected to announce an agreement this morning to bring the popular doughnut and coffee shops to all Tops stores by the end of the year. Tim Horton's will have either full-service restaurants or self-serve kiosks in all 82 Tops supermarkets and Tops Express locations. Tim Horton's is also opening a restaurant in the Foster Brook Crosby Mart later this year. For the full story, go to Canadian Press . This does include Bradford .

Patricia Kennealy-Morrison, former journalism student and widow of musician Jim Morrison, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Communications Day at St. Bonaventure University. Kennealy-Morrison will speak at 12:20 p.m. in Dresser Auditorium of the John J. Murphy Professional Building on Oct. 17. The talk is open to the public and sponsored by the Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Communications Day aims to unveil the possibilities of a journalism profession to high school students and teachers who may have a budding interest in magazines, radio/television, public relations, newspapers or advertising. The Communications Day speakers who are well established and successful in an area of the media, will hold sessions varying from feature writing to conducting interviews, hoping to garner high schoolers’ interests in their respective fields. Kennealy-Morrison, author of her memoir “Strange Days: My life without Jim Morrison” and “The Keltiad,” a series o...

Nat Piscitelli isn't an ideal subject for a senior longevity study because he was still doing woodwork for his kitchen at 85, spent four years caring for his wife, Frances, until she passed away in January, or because last week, at age 88, he was cutting the pieces of baseboard for his neighbor to install in his family room. The long-time Stockton carpenter is a part of the Long Life Family Study because energy, health and undi-minished mental faculties run in his family. For the full story, go to The Stockton Record . I wish I'd known there were Piscitellis in the San Joaquin Valley when I lived there.

A Delevan man has been arrested for impersonating a doctor. Police say 23-year-old Thomas Conklin called a prescription for OxyContin into a pharmacy, identifying himself as "Jeff" from a local doctor's office. The pharmacy manager got suspicious and called the doctor's office, learned that there was no employee named Jeff, and called state troopers. When Conklin saw the troopers in the store, he left without the prescription, but was arrested when he tried to pick up the pills at the pharmacy's drive-through window.

Sen. Joe Scarnati, the chamber's president pro tempore, was at the rostrum of the Senate again today, as Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll continues her treatment for neuroendocrine cancer. She was diagnosed in early July and revealed in August that she had been undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Knoll's duties include serving as Senate president.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Some Interstate Parkway residents are concerned about oil and gas drilling and what it's going to do to their water. Joe Piganelli told Foster Township Supervisors during their meeting Monday night that US Energy said they would test a water sample and give them the results in a couple of weeks. That was about four months ago, he said. Supervisor Chris Wolcott mentioned that he heard a "bunch" more wells are scheduled to be drilled, and suggested that residents get water samples themselves. Piganelli's wife said some testing costs as much as $350, which people can't afford. "You shouldn't have to live in that kind of fear" that your water is contaminated, she said. Wolcott and Supervisor Cary Kaber said it's a possibility that township residents could be hooked up to the city water system, but a majority of residents in a certain area would have to agree. Supervisors said they will look into the situation ...

During Monday's Senate session, Senate Democratic Leader Bob Mellow of Lackawanna County announced that he had just received information that the Commonwealth Medical School's accreditation had been approved by the federal government through the Liason Committee on Medical Education. Construction has begun on the headquarters for The Commonwealth Medical College, which is scheduled to welcome it’s inaugural class of students in August, 2009. The future Medical Sciences Building is expected to be completed in 2011, serving more than 500 medical and Master of Biomedical Sciences students and 175 full-time equivalent faculty members and support personnel. The site will also include 185,000 square feet of space for classrooms, student support space and research facilities. At a groundbreaking ceremony in August, it was announced that in addition to the $35 million dollars in state funding secured by Senator Mellow, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania will add $45 million to ...

Several area students were recently awarded scholarship funds from Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. Funds are awarded to students pursuing nursing and allied health careers. Upon graduation, scholarship recipients agree to work at CCMH for a minimum of two years. “The hospital looks to its scholarship program to help with recruiting the next generation of heath care workers. Today, we have over 40 past recipients working at Charles Cole,” said Tom Noe, executive director, corporate support services at CCMH. Noe said that $75,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded this year Those receiving scholarship funds include: Bernadine G. Boyd of Genesee is pursuing an associate’s degree at Jamestown Community College. Kristin J. Clower of Shinglehouse plans to earn an associate’s degree at Alfred State College. Her parents are Carol and Gilbert Stewart of Wellsville, NY. Meagan Culver of Port Allegany is working toward a bachelor’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She is the ...

Jeff and Joan Guterman of Allegany, N.Y., have endowed a scholarship to benefit the students in the program Guterman directs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where he is an associate professor of communications. The Jeffrey and Joan Guterman Broadcast Communications Scholarship will provide scholarships to deserving undergraduate students who have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and are enrolled at or planning to enroll at Pitt-Bradford in broadcast communications. Jeff Guterman came to Pitt-Bradford in 1985 to start the university’s communications program, which officially began in January 1989. Guterman, now an associate professor of communications and director of the communications program, said he wanted to endow the scholarship now in part to coincide with the program’s 20thanniversary. “I’ve been thinking of starting a scholarship like this for a long time,” Guterman said. Joan Guterman is a substitute teacher at Allegany (N....

Red Cross Board Chair Stacy Sorokes Wallace Esq., (left) delivers fresh, donated vegetables from her garden, and Virginia Wallace’s garden, to Meals on Wheels coordinator Iris Ervin (right). The “Grow a Row to Go!” program was a great success this season harvesting over 300 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for the McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross Meals on Wheels program. The staff and meals recipients would like to thank all those who shared their gardens this season and remind everyone to “Grow a Row to Go!” next season. ( Photo Courtesy of the Red Cross )

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) applauded final passage of landmark mental health parity legislation on Friday by the U.S. House of Representatives. The measure was passed in the Senate earlier last week. The Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 provides parity between health insurance coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for medical and surgical services. “It is so important that people get the treatment they need for both mental illnesses and physical illnesses, yet millions of Americans who need mental health treatment can’t get help, many times because their health insurance doesn’t provide adequate coverage,” said Senator Casey. “At long last, individuals suffering from mental illness and addictions have access to the help they need and deserve. I want to thank Senator Ted Kennedy who has championed this bill for years; it was through his hard work along with the efforts of the late Senator Paul Wellsto...

The Borough of Elkland's manager died Sunday morning after a one-car accident on U.S. Route 6 in Smethport. State Police say 70 year-old Donald Carman died at BRMC an hour after the crash. Police say Carman's vehicle went out of control and hit a utility pole. Smethport Volunteer Firefighters had to extricate him from his vehicle. Carman was also president of the state's Association of Boroughs.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. John Peterson just gave notice that he’ll move out of his Washington apartment later this month. In his Capitol Hill office, he and his staff have begun emptying bookshelves and filling cardboard boxes. “I have a lot of mixed emotions,” Peterson said last week in an interview with the Centre Daily Times in his office. For the full story, go to the Centre Daily Times

Bradford City Police are investigating an armed robbery at the Chestnut Street Uni-Mart early this morning. At about 1:20 a.m. a white male wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black mask and carrying a black handgun robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect is described as 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing no more than 150 pounds. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Bradford City Police or use the confidential tip line at City of Bradford Police.com

By Greg Clark Pitt-Bradford S.I.D. The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford inducted three women into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday. Jessica Coene of Baden, Nichole Spindler of Bradford and Amanda Gressley Reese of Shinglehouse were the 2008 inductees. Coene was a goalie on the women's soccer team from 1998 to 2001. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in Sports Medicine. Coene ranks first at Pitt-Bradford in career minutes played (5,019), career shutouts (9) and career saves (496). She also holds the single-season goals against average mark at 1.80. She was inducted by her sister Carolyn Becker. "When I started playing soccer at the age of seven, I never dreamed I would be standing here to be inducted into the Pitt-Bradford Hall of Fame," Coene said. "This is the greatest honor of my soccer career." Spindler was a catcher on the softball team from 2002 to 2004. She graduated in 2004 with a degree in Biology and Secondary Education. The Bradford native wa...

Firefighters were called to St. Bonaventure University's Regina A. Quick Fine Arts Center last night, but they learned there was no fire. A steam leak in the mechanical room set off the fire alarm at around 9:15 p.m. The steam was contained to the mechanical room, and did not damage any of the artwork in the building. An electrician is trying to determine the cause of the steam leak.

Yes, this was taken today -- at 6:24 a.m. at Hamlin Bank & Trust Company on East Main Street. Mike Cejka says the thermometer should say 57 or so later today, but expect a temperature in the 30s again early Sunday morning.

09/30/08 - Man Going to Prison for Robbery A Wellsville man who robbed a store at knifepoint has been sentenced to 5 years in state prison. 18-year-old James Ben Card pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in connection with an incident on May 15 when he went into Alan Hills Carpet with a knife. He threatened the lives of store clerks and stole money. 09/29/08 - Jamestown Man Exposes Himself A Jamestown man was arrested Sunday and charged with exposing himself at a donut shop. Jamestown Police say 20 year-old Christopher Horan was apprehended a short time after the incident at the Donut Connection. 10/03/08 - Trial of Man in Death of Cameron Set The trial of a Bradford man involved in the accidental death of Alissa Cameron has been set for November 17. 20 year-old Zachary Coon is charged with ciminal solitation in accidents involving death. Coon was charged after allegedly telling the driver of the vehicle Nikole Smock to leave the scene of the accident. Smock is also facing charges in co...

Former gridiron great O.J. Simpson was found guilty Friday of all 12 counts in the armed robbery of two sports memorabilia dealers at a Las Vegas, Nevada, casino hotel last year. Simpson, 61, and his co-defendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart, 54, were charged with a dozen offenses stemming from the alleged sports memorabilia heist. Stewart was also found guilty of the same charges as Simpson. Simpson sat quietly and showed little emotion at the defense table as courtroom clerk Sandra Jeter read the verdicts. After the verdicts were read, deputies immediately handcuffed Simpson and led him out of the courtroom. For more, including video, go to CNN.com

The man whose suicide threats caused a traffic jam that lasted for hours on the Niagara Thruway in May has been released from jail. A judge could have sentenced 66-year-old James Gilchriese to seven years in state prison on weapons and other charges, but credited Gilchiese's efforts to help other Vietnam Veterans as a reason for releasing him from custody. Gilchriese had been jailed since his nationally televised capture by a Buffalo police SWAT team on May 12. Gilchriese said he felt alcoholism and a combat flashback about the day three friends were killed by a land mine caused his Thruway drama.

President Bush has signed the compact designed to prevent Great Lakes water from being sent to thirsty areas while requiring the region's eight states to regulate their own water use. It was the final step in pursuit of stronger legal protections against diverting water from the system consisting of the five lakes, their connecting channels and the St. Lawrence River. They contain nearly 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water and supply eight states and two Canadian provinces, which have a combined population of roughly 40 million.

One bridge to Canada will be a lot brighter soon. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority says about 300 new light fixtures will be installed on the Peace Bridge, possibly before Christmas. The authority hopes to save money, provide better lighting for security and make the bridge look better. The new fixtures will replace the 10 floodlights, attached to piers that currently illuminate the bridge.

Ground was broken Thursday on construction of an entryway on the newly named Magnano Centre dining complex at St. Bonaventure University. The dining facility, which houses Hickey Dining Hall, Café La Verna, the Rathskeller and other dining areas, is being named for Olean businessman and philanthropist Louis Magnano, a major contributor to the university’s ongoing 150th Anniversary Campaign. A gift of $2,030,000 from Magnano and his wife, Patricia, will fund construction of the new entryway on the northeast corner of the dining facility. The new vestibule will serve as a much-needed weather barrier for the entrance shared by the dining hall and the café, said Philip Winger, associate vice president for facilities at St. Bonaventure. The Magnano gift also supports the Enchanted Mountain Scholarship fund at the university, which dramatically reduces the tuition for qualifying students in the Southern Tier and northern Pennsylvania. In addition, the gift provides an endowment for annual ma...

U.S. Representative John E. Peterson, R-Pleasantville, issued the following statement after voting in support of legislation that extends the Secure Rural Schools program for an additional four years and gives the Department of the Treasury authority to purchase toxic mortgage backed securities that continue to strain the financial and credit markets, in an effort to stabilize the economy: “As I stated earlier this week and I will say again today, this was one of the toughest votes of my legislative career. The legislation that I supported today, and was adopted by the House of Representatives, is not perfect and by no means will solve the financial crisis over night. “However, the rescue package will inject much needed capital into the economy, allowing consumers to regain confidence in the market and eventually rebound from the disastrous effects of the subprime mortgage meltdown. “The option of doing nothing would cause citizens of the Fifth Congressional District to pay the heavi...

27 witnesses are being summoned to testify at next week's preliminary hearing in the Bonusgate case. The witness list includes a woman who was allegedly given a job that entailed little work because of a sexual relationship she was having with a man, who at the time, was chief of staff to House Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese. Former state Representative Frank LaGrotta is also on the list, as are several people who are currently working for the House Democratic caucus.

WASHINGTON, DC- This morning, Senator Casey responded to the new Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job report for the month of September, which showed that the American economy lost 159,000 jobs. The BLS also revised statistics for July and August, showing that during those months the American economy lost 4,000 more jobs than initially projected. So far this year, the economy has lost 768,000 jobs. “The American economy continues to hemorrhage jobs and the credit crunch threatens to hurt the economy even further. American families have been in recession for over a year as prices of everyday expenses such as food, gas, health care and education continue to rise and wages remain flat,” said Senator Casey. “The credit crunch and measurements of manufacturers’ sentiment mean our fragile economy is at great risk of losing over 1 million jobs for the year. Congress must stabilize the economy now by rescuing credit markets and when it returns in November, must pass an economic stimulus...

It's been six months since a fire in Brockway killed 10 people, and officials still haven't determined a cause. Brockway Fire Chief Chris Benson says it may be several more months before they know what sparked the April 3 blaze. He says rumors that a space heater fell over and didn't shut off are not true. State police have released the house and owner Douglas Peterson Jr. has applied for a demolition permit.

The Mount Jewett Charter Coalition will be submitting its Amended Charter School Application today, Friday, Oct. 3rd to the Kane Area School District. This comes after the Coalition made a decision earlier this summer to postpone the process due to the lack of time to open the Charter School once approved. Instead, they decided that they would make some modifications to the application they deemed necessary and resubmit with the intention of getting the approval either from the Kane Area School District or the PA Charter Appeals Board. They plan to open the Charter School in Mount Jewett for the 2009-2010 school year. With the submission of the Amended Application, Kane Area School District will have 45 days to hold a Public Hearing on the Charter Application.

Zippo Manufacturing Company and Moderati Inc. today announced the launch of the Virtual Zippo Lighter, a free, branded application available in Apple’s iTunes App Store for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. The Virtual Zippo Lighter brings the look and feel of Zippo’s iconic lighter to the iPhone, with interactive action that mimics the real thing. It opens with a flick of the wrist and lights with a turn of the flint wheel and the truly windproof flame sways as the device is moved back and forth. The Virtual Zippo Lighter allows Zippo fans to experience the famous “Zippo Moment” for free, by holding their cell phones aloft and swaying to power ballads at concerts. Zippo manufactures an average of 12 million windproof pocket lighters each year, and nearly 450 million since the first lighter was created in 1932. Zippo windproof lighters enjoy a widespread and enviable reputation as valuable collectibles throughout the world. In the United States alone there are more than four million coll...

Three people are dead after a car they were in hit a tree Thursday afternoon near Clarion. Police say 19-year-old driver Amber Marie Hanson of Farrell was speeding when she lost control of the car, left the road and hit a tree. Hanson and two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. They say 22-year-old Shawn Michael Sferzza and 20-year-old Matthew Mead Swyers were both from Strattanville. A third passenger, 19-year-old Douglas Lucas Jr. of Strattanville, was in critical condition at a Pittsburgh hospital Thursday night.

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that agents from the Attorney General's Public Corruption Unit have arrested two York County men in connection with an ongoing investigation into bribery and bid-manipulation for printing work and supplies at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Corbett identified the defendants as Kyle Andrew Becker, 38, 1676 Yorktown Drive, York, a former purchasing agent for PHEAA, and Daniel R. Snyder, 44, 100 Meadow Trail, Dillsburg, owner of DRS Printing Services, of Dillsburg. Corbett said that as a purchasing agent, Becker was responsible for quotes, bids and contracts for printing and publishing services used by PHEAA. Snyder and his printing business were awarded contracts for various PHEAA printing projects. "This case is about the manipulation and corruption of the bidding process for personal profit, stealing from an agency whose mission is to fund college education for Pennsylvania's youth,...

Officials have confirmed that a fire that killed two Fredonia boys was most likely caused by unattended candles on the front porch of their home. The September 21 fire killed 10-year-old Dawson McKinnon and 3-year-old Clayton McKinnon. Chautauqua County fire investigators ruled the fire accidental. The blaze was determined to have started on the front porch of the home. The most likely cause, according to fire officials, was a candle or candles on the front porch. The mother of the boys, 34-year-old Jennifer McKinnon is still in Erie County Medical Center, where she is in fair condition.

Several Cattaraugus County Amish families say they will not comply with the health department's regulations concerning disposal of raw sewage. They say the health department is discriminating against them, by telling them they have to use wooden traps specially designed for them. The department has fined three families, who filed appeals based on their religious beliefs. The appeals have been denied and the families have been given until October 26 to install compliant septic systems.

Speaking at a candidates' forum at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Thursday night, State Auditor General Jack Wagner re-iterated the importance of the election, not just for the state, but for the country. "If it's not time to change the direction of America, I don't know when it will be. ... We should have 100 percent voting on November 4. And if we did, I believe we could put it back on the right track." Candidates for Congress, state senate, state treasurer and state representative also participated in the forum. The event was organized by the Bradford, Kane and Smethport chambers of commerce.

A Cattaraugus man has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter. Court records indicate that 41-year-old Michael Andrews was driving while intoxicated on January 2 in the Town of Mansfield when an accident caused the death of 46-year-old Joseph Sebastiani of Otto, New York. An arraignment date hasn't been scheduled yet.

For the third year in a row, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has broken enrollment records, recruiting its largest freshman class and closing in on its long-term goal of 1,500 full-time equivalent students. “The momentum has been building on our campus for a number of years, and I’m absolutely thrilled that our hardworking faculty and staff can see the results of our efforts,” said Pitt-Bradford president Dr. Livingston Alexander. “The growth of our student population is wonderful for our campus and the University of Pittsburgh as a whole, but we’re also mindful of the important economic benefits to the region that come with a growing student population.” This fall saw 1,511 students enrolled, up 6.9 percent over last year. Of those, 1,323 are full-time students. That head count is 20 percent higher than it was just two years ago. Not only is enrollment growing, but also the enrollment of full-time students has grown while the number of part-time students has gotten smaller. C...

Citing her commitment to tax relief and economic growth, state Senator Catharine "Cathy" Young officially kicked off her reelection campaign for the 57th District today. "My background of growing up on a dairy farm taught me the value of rolling up your sleeves and tackling tough issues. My parents worked hard every day, and they instilled in me the importance of helping others and making your community a better place. I strive to live up to their example," she said. "We are facing serious issues in New York, and now is the time for action and results. This is a fight for the hardworking, overburdened taxpayers. Families and senior citizens are struggling to make ends meet. Suffocating property taxes are driving people and jobs out of our state. Wall Street is a mess, and it is causing a serious state budget shortfall. We need to rebuild our economy and people need good jobs," Sen. Young said. "I've stood up in Albany for property tax relief, econ...

Washington, DC – This past Friday, September 26, 2008, Members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation took to the House Floor to share their memories of serving with U.S. Representative John E. Peterson (R-Pa.), and to pay tribute to his twelve years of service in Washington and his nineteen years of service as a state official in Harrisburg. Led by Representative Phil English (R-Erie), the dean of the Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation, Representatives Bill Shuster (R-Altoona), Jim Gerlach (R- Exton), Charles Dent (R-Lehigh Valley), and Jason Altmire (D-Aliquippa) expressed their friendship, gratitude and sorrow that Rep. Peterson has decided not to seek reelection and retire from the U.S. House of Representatives. Peterson, who is considered an expert by his peers on energy, rural healthcare, technical education, and rural development, served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee for ten years and was the co-chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus. Whi...

Animal lovers, take note! The McKean County S.P.C.A. is offering something for everyone at its Rabies Clinic and Open House set for Saturday, October 11. Lots of activities will take place outside at the Glenwood Avenue Shelter. Pet owners are invited to dress their animals in costume for a contest beginning at 11 a.m., with judging to take place at 11:30. Trophies and cash prizes will be given for the “best dressed” and the “silliest” costume for both dogs and cats. “We hope that a lot of kids and adults will bring their pets for a Halloween-type dress-up contest,” says Lori Burkhouse, chairman of the Fundraising Committee of the local SPCA Board of Directors. “We’ll be giving $10 prizes for the really creative ones, along with trophies. Of course the kids can dress up, too, just for fun.” Burkhouse added that, in addition to money and trophies for prizewinners, there will be free treat bags for the animals and candy for the kids. Free p...

The Seneca Nation has broken ground for the 144,000 square foot, two-story Allegany Sports and Community Center in Jimersontown. The facility is expected to take 22 months to build and will include a 1,500-seat lacrosse arena with mezzanine and upper deck seating. It will also include two swimming pools, a gym, fitness centers, community recreation rooms and a full-service kitchen. Friday, the Senecas will break ground for an identical complex on the Cattaraugus Territory.

Bradford Regional Airport Manager Tom Frungillo talks with some pilots as they get ready to fly to Cleveland's Hopkins International Airport. The airport and Gulfstream Airlines officially welcomed Continental Airlines to the airport today. Frungillo says they're excited about the opportunity to fly to Cleveland. Personal note: I'm execited about Cleveland, too. I hope my sister plans on picking me up at the airport a lot.

A volunteer firefighter from Wellsville who died while trying to save a 16-year-old from drowning is among 25 people awarded Carnegie Hero medals today for their heroism. 56-year-old Ronald Thomas died on April 29 of last year trying to save Daniel Allen, who fell from a waterfall spanning the Genesee River into turbulent water while trying to save his father, who had also fallen. The father and son survived. The medal is awarded throughout the United States and Canada to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Three other recipients besides Thomas lost their lives in the performance of their rescue acts.

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will honor professor Donald Lewicki with the PBAA Teaching Excellence Award and alumnus Tim Fannin ’78 with the Distinguished Volunteer Award as part of Alumni and Family Weekend. The awards will be given at the PBAA Awards Brunch held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The PBAA Teaching Excellence Award recognizes a faculty member who has exemplified the established educational principles, shown dedication in teaching in his or her students and excelled in his or her area of specialty. Lewicki, associate professor of business management, was nominated by Donny Kemick ’04 and Jeremy Callinan ’04, co-owners of Protocol 80, an information technology/Web firm located in Bradford. “He single-handedly changed my outlook on the opportunities available to me, especially in the Bradford area,” Kemick wrote. “In every class, he brought real-worl...