Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director A preliminary hearing for one of the men accused of intentionally spilling 42,000 gallons of crude oil onto the Allegheny National Forest painted a picture of a man who wanted revenge against his former employer, and his son he "constantly harassed" about leaving the company. The hearing for Christopher Horton also revealed the name of a third "person of interest" in the investigation. Christopher Horton and his father, Andrew, are charged with causing and risking a catastrophe and related offenses in connection with an incident in mid-August when valves on tanks owned by Snyder Brothers were opened and oil spilled into Chappel Fork, North Fork, Chappel Fork Bay and Indian Run. After the hearing, which lasted nearly seven hours, District Judge Rich Luther bound all the charges to court. During the hearing, Christopher Horton's former girlfriend Nicolette Hallock testified, "He thought if he quit Snyder's his dad ...

A New York State Supreme Court justice has impounded ballots in the race between Republican incumbent Randy Kuhl and Democratic challenger Eric Massa in the 29th Congressional District, aiming for a court-supervised count of all remaining votes. Lawyers for both campaigns are expected to appear before the court on Wednesday to determine the next step in an election in which Massa now leads by about 4,000 votes. The Massa campaign is sticking by its claim of victory, while Kuhl says nothing is settled.

HARRISBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch today for 29 Pennsylvania counties as precipitation deficits continue and stream flow levels fall in the western and north central areas of the state. “The commonwealth has received below-normal precipitation over the past two to three months that have resulted in rainfall deficits of as much as five inches in parts of western and north central Pennsylvania,” said acting DEP Secretary John Hanger. “Recent rainfalls have not been enough to bring streamflow and groundwater levels back to normal, so we are asking residents and businesses to conserve water until we get more substantial precipitation in these areas of the state.” Although conditions are better in the eastern portion of the state, county groundwater well levels have shown signs of stress and conditions are being monitored closely by DEP. A drought watch declaration is the first level — and least severe — of the state’s three drought classificatio...

A Franklin woman is dead and a man was seriously injured when their motorcycle collided with a car in Tionesta Township on Thursday. Police say 53-year-old Linda and John Heffernan were traveling north on Route 62 when a southbound car on Route 36 turned in front of them to cross the Tionesta Bridge. The collision threw the Heffernans into the car, then into the road. Linda Heffernan was pronounced dead at the scene. John Heffernan was taken to Titusville Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The driver of the car, 69-year-old Donna Snyder of Marienville, suffered moderate injuries.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Identical letters sent to three Pennsylvania county courthouses this week mentioned anthrax but did not contain the poisonous substance. The letters were received in Jefferson and Pike counties on Tuesday and Schuylkill County on Wednesday, said Reggie Wade, spokesman for U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Philadelphia. "We are in the process of tracing the letters, where they originated from and trying to develop suspects," Wade said Friday. "We take these incidents very, very seriously." For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Ed Rendell has ruled out taking a job in the Obama administration before his term ends in January 2011, in part because a midterm departure could open the door to a Republican takeover of Pennsylvania state government, his spokesman said Friday. Under the state constitution, Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll would succeed Rendell if he left office prematurely. But Knoll, 78, has been battling neuroendocrine cancer since last summer. She has not worked in her office since September, and she was fighting a viral infection when she was released Tuesday from Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. If Knoll is unable to finish her term, the ranking Republican in the GOP-controlled Senate — currently President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati of Jefferson County — would become lieutenant governor and succeed Rendell if he stepped down. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

All charges against one of the men accused of intentionally spilling 42,000 gallons of oil onto the Allegheny National Forest have been bound to court – and a third person of interest has been named in the case. After a hearing that lasted nearly 6 hours, District Judge Rich Luther bound to court charges of risking and causing a catastrophe and related offenses against Christopher Horton. His father, Andrew Horton, waived his hearing on similar charges last month. But during the hearing, the defense learned that Eric Jennings – another former employee of Snyder Brothers – is being considered a person of interest. State Police Trooper Daniel Moore stressed that Jennings is not a suspect. Agent William Mickle, a criminal investigator with the USFS testified that Jennings is part of the ongoing investigation into the case and has been "deceptive while being interviewed." The spill happened in mid-August and killed nearly 4,000 fish and other aquatic life, and caused about half a...

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Barack Obama's election as president and his appointment of Rahm Emanuel as chief of staff are hopeful signs for the struggle to heal the ailing Great Lakes ecosystem, advocates said Thursday. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

Cattaraugus County law enforcement officers were involved in a high-speed chase with a motorcyclist at just after 6 p.m. Thursday on Route 98. The motorcycle was headed north after getting off the back Kill Buck Road. They decided to stop the pursuit before getting into Ellicottville or Franklinville, and for other safety reasons, but lost sight of the motorcycle before that. We'll have more information as it becomes available.

Dominion Resources is asking federal regulators for permission to build a $40 million natural gas pipeline through the Big Springs area of McKean County, through the Allegheny National Forest in Elk County, into Armstrong County and ending at a compressor station in Westmoreland County. The project includes natural gas measuring and regulating stations to be built in Elk and McKean counties. The natural gas producing companies that have signed contracts to take all the project's available capacity are Equitable Energy, Seneca Resources, Snyder Brothers,Dominion Field Services and Dominion Peoples. Dominion has asked FERC to issue a final order approving the project by June 1, so that the pipeline can come on-line no later than November 1, 2010.

A judge says he'll decide later whether admission of a retired state trooper involved in an accident that killed a Bradford woman can be used during his trial. 68-year-old David O'Brien of Allegany is charged with criminally negilgent homicide and related offenses in conncection with the accident that killed 38-year-old Wendy Karnes on April 26. The accident happened in the Town of Carrollton on Route 219, just south of the I-86 on-ramp. They were both on their way to work at the Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca at the time of the accident. The four-hour hearing centered on statements O'Brien made in the two hours after the accident. His attorney says they shouldn't be admissable in court because police didn't read him his Miranda rights. Prosecutors say O'Brien wasn't under arrest at the time he made the statements.

The Carducci String Quartet, winner of the 2007 Concert Artists Guild Competition and considered one of Europe’s top young quartets, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The performance will include quartets by Dvorak, Philip Glass, Haydn and Schubert. It is presented by Friends of Good Music in association with The Quick Center. The Carducci String Quartet was hailed by The Times of London as “stunning … clearly musicians of high intelligence.” In addition to winning the Concert Artists Guild Competition, the quartet also captured first prize at Finland’s Kuhmo International Chamber Music Competition and major awards at chamber music competitions in Bordeaux, London and Osaka. “Through our longstanding collaboration with Concert Artists Guild we have been able to present some of the most outstanding young musicians from both Europe and the United States to the Olean audiences in innovative programs,” said Jo...

Federal prosecutors say they will not bring criminal charges against former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer for his role in a prostitution scandal. U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia says that after a thorough investigation, his office found no evidence that Spitzer or his office misused public or campaign money for prostitution. Spitzer resigned the office in March after the revelation that he paid for high-priced call girls.

It’s hunting season. You’re ready to take a week off for some grouse or woodcock hunting in the Allegheny National Forest (NF); maybe even a side trip for pheasants to a nearby State Game Lands. The camp is ready for a week of you and your friends. Bring your firearm; leave the firewood at home. Leave your campfire wood at home! Dangerous insects are hitching rides inside firewood to new forests as people travel from their home to their recreation area and back. Collect or buy your firewood once you arrive at your hunting camp, be it a tent or a cabin. Firewood is available for purchase from local venders or for collection on the Allegheny NF. If you intend to collect more firewood on the Allegheny NF than needed solely for a campfire (for instance to stock up on firewood at your hunting camp), a fuelwood permit is necessary. Fuelwood permits for personal use are available at all Allegheny NF offices. Protect the forest that provides habitat for wildlife by leaving your firewoo...

It was following the 1984 killing of Patrick Sonnier in Louisiana’s electric chair that Sr. Helen Prejean’s mission was born — to take people on the spiritual journey she had taken so they could be brought face to face with the death penalty in America. Sr. Helen, a native of Louisiana, is known internationally for her tireless work against the death penalty. She was instrumental in sparking national dialogue on the issue and in shaping the Catholic Church’s newly vigorous opposition to all state executions. St. Bonaventure University will welcome Sr. Helen to campus Tuesday, Nov. 11, for a public lecture. The university’s Franciscan Center for Social Concern is sponsoring the program, “Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues,” which begins at 7 p.m. in the Reilly Center Arena. The event is free and open to the public. Sr. Helen is a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph. She spent her first 24 years with the Sisters teaching religion to junior high school students and working withi...

A new Web site let's you "help" the Obamas pick a name for the new First Puppy? Have a suggestion? Name Obama's Puppy.com

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett today outlined his agenda for a second term as the state's top law enforcement officer. At a Harrisburg news conference Corbett discussed going after violent drug gangs, educating our senior citizens about senior scams, continuing the bonus investigation in Harrisburg and targeting child predators. Corbett, who received more than 2.9 million votes on Tuesday to win a second four-year term as Attorney General, today said that his narcotics agents will more aggressively investigate violent drug gangs, many of which are coming from outside of Pennsylvania and moving into our smaller communities. Additionally, on the drug front, Corbett said that he will expand investigations where drug organizations have adversely impacted the quality of life and economic vitality of small and medium-size cities in Pennsylvania. Corbett said that he will continue to protect our senior citizens by expanding the education component of the Elder Abuse Unit. He ...

United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, November 6, 2008, that on November 5, 2008, James Stringer, a resident of Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of child pornography. Stringer, age 42, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose. In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman advised the court that on April 15, 2006, Stringer distributed via the internet 37 images, which included child pornography, to another individual using the Google Hello software program. The case against Stringer began when ICE agents arrested a Seattle man and reviewed his computer. They found evidence that he traded child pornography with a Cleveland man. Pursuant to a search warrant, the Cleveland resident's computer was seized - it revealed that he had traded child pornography with Stringer. Based upon this information, a search warrant was exec...

... at least the price of gas went down 12 cents from yesterday. The national average this afternoon is $2.34, so we only have 23 cents to go to be average. Will it happen? Probably not.

CNN is reporting that Congressman Rahm Emanuel has agreed to be Barack Obama's White House chief of staff, according to a Democratic aide. For more, go HERE .

United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, November 6, 2008, that on November 3, 2008, after deliberating 1 1/2 hours, a jury of seven men and five women found Edna Gorham-Bey guilty of one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims. Gorham-Bey, age 58, of Alexandria, Virginia, was tried before Chief United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to Assistant United States Attorneys Bruce J. Teitelbaum and Scott W. Brady, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that from 2002 and continuing until April 2003, Gorham-Bey, the self-proclaimed "Sultana" of the United States Moorish American Nation, conspired with others to defraud the United States by filing fraudulent federal income tax returns. The information presented at trial showed that Gorham-Bey conspired with George Brooks, an inmate at SCI-Pittsburgh, and others to prepare and file six federal income tax retur...

One of retiring Congressman John Peterson's top priorities is energy, and the man who's succeeding him in the Fifth District says an energy policy is at the top of his to-do list as well. Glenn Thompson says a comprehensive energy plan could serve as an economic stimulus since many residents are worried about paying winter heating bills. Thompson, the former G-O-P chairman in Centre County, defeated Clearfield County Democrat Mark McCracken and Libertarian Jim Fryman in the race to replace Peterson in Washington.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin took some heat Wednesday from two of Pennsylvania's top political leaders. Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell told business leaders at a postelection breakfast that John McCain would have had a better chance of winning Pennsylvania with a different running mate, and U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, a GOP moderate, rejected the idea that the Republican party might belong to Palin. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

About 60 people from several agencies launched an intensive search this morning in the Town of Ellery for Corrie Anderson, the 36-year-old mother of three who's been missing since October 28. The search party included state troopers, Chautauqua County sheriff's deputies, forest rangers and Department of Environmental Conservation officers. Trooper Becky Gibbons says they're looking for any kind of evidence because they have no new information regarding Anderson's whereabouts. The discovery of Anderson's van not far from her Busti home Thursday night led law enforcement officials to be afraid that she was the victim of foul play.

Two of the Bradford teens accused in a number of robberies and break-ins in the Twin Tiers waived their preliminary hearings Wednesday. Douglas Carnahan is charged in connection with a burglary at Mastercraft on East Main Street in August and a robbery at the Chestnut Street Uni-Mart in October. In both instances, he says he was with another person who actually entered the buildings and committed the crimes. He's accused of taking $500 from the Mastercraft break-in, where thousands of dollars was taken. Benjamen Trumball is facing charges in connection with robberies at two Crosby Marts. Carnahan and Trumball are in McKean County Jail on $100,000 bail each.

The man accused of stealing a woman's purse on Congress Street last month has waived his preliminary hearing. Court records say that Timothy Stingel grabbed the woman's purse then fled to the Seneca Building, where police caught up with him. In September, Stingel allegedly took the purse of a woman who lives in the same apartment building he does, and took $20 from the purse. He's in jail on $50,000 bail.

An Onofrio Street woman with an apparent inclination to go through people's garbage has waived her preliminary hearing on charges of loitering and prowling. Court records show that in the early morning hours of September 30, police found 59-year-old Linda Chapin on the ground attempting to hide from them. She said she was looking for her cat, but police told her they saw her footprints in the trail of trash she left at another house. Before that incident, Chapin had been told not to go through the neighbors' trash because it "alarms people." She's free on unsecured bail.

The McKean County District Attorney's office has withdrawn criminal charges against two Clarence Street residents in connection with a reported pit bull attack in July. Edward Dallenbach and Edith Dallenbach had been charged with allowing a dangerous dog attack, but will now plead guilty to summary offenses. A 13-year-old girl reported that the dog attacked and bit her. The dog was turned over the SPCA and eventually euthanized.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll said Wednesday that she has left the Baltimore hospital where she was receiving intensive treatment for cancer, and has entered a physical therapy program to deal with an infection. The infection has slowed her recovery, but her condition is good and she continues to look forward to resuming her duties someday, Knoll said in a statement. She did not elaborate on the type of infection or how she contracted it. "I fully intend to return to my duties as lieutenant governor, but I don't have a timetable for that," she wrote. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

The Seneca Nation of Indians has announced the official results of voting Tuesday. The winners are President, Barry E. Snyder Sr.; Treasurer, Jacqueline L. Bowen; Chief Marshal for the Allegany Territory, Brandon S. Redeye. All officials elected are members of the Seneca Party and will be sworn into office on the Nation's traditional Canvass Day November 14 at noon on the Cattaraugus Territory.

All 12 defendants in Pennsylvania's "Bonusgate" scandal are waiving their arraignments, according to the state attorney general's office. The defendants decided not to show up at the Dauphin County Courthouse to hear the charges against them. The AG's office expect a trial date to be set soon. All of the defendants are connected to the House Democratic caucus and include sitting state lawmaker Sean Ramaley. They are accused of overseeing or taking part in a vast operation to divert state dollars and employees for electioneering. Mike Manzo, the former chief of staff to House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, has said he plans to plead guilty.

Republican Glenn Thompson has defeated Democrat Mark McCracken in the 5th District Congressional race. Thompson tells WESB and The HERO he's ready to take over for Congressman John Peterson. Thompson got 57 percent of the vote district-wide. In McKean County, he got 60 percent of the vote. It was 51 percent in Warren County; 58 percent in Cameron County; and 70 percent in Potter County. Thompson's Democratic challenger Mark McCracken carried Elk County with 49 and half percent of the vote. In the race for the 25th District State Senate seat, incumbent Joe Scarnati crushed his opponent Democrat Donald Hilliard by taking in 66 percent of the vote district-wide. Scarnati tells WESB and The HERO he's looking forward to returning to Harrisburg, and he's grateful to his constituents for having confidence in him. In McKean County, Scarnati got 69 percent of the vote. It was 57 percent in Warren County, 68 percent in Cameron County, and 76 percent in Potter County. Republican M...

The FBI, US Postal Service investigators and Brookville Police are still investigating the incident that closed the Jefferson County Courthouse for several hours on Tuesday. Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Tracy Zents says an envelope was delivered to the Tax Claim and Assessment Office at around 10 a.m. When it was opened, employees found the word "ANTHRAX" on a piece of paper. Zents says the building was evacuated and sealed off until Clarion County's Emergency Response Team arrived, secured the envelope and turned it over to law enforcement officials. Everyone was back inside the building by 2 p.m. Zents says investigators don't know yet if it was a hoax or a threat, but a similar incident was reported in Pike County early in the afternoon, after the Brookville incident. No voting was disrupted because voting was moved to the Courthouse Annex several years ago.

Republican New York Congressman Randy Kuhl has been defeated by the Democratic challenger who almost beat him two years ago. Democrat Eric Massa, a retired Navy commander, had 51 percent of the vote with 99 percent of precincts reporting in the sprawling 29th District that runs along the state's border with Pennsylvania and reaches up toward Rochester.

Republican Matt Gabler has defeated longtime incumbent state representative Dan Surra for the 75th District House seat. Gabler got 53 percent of the vote; Surra 47.

The votes have been counted, and a winner declared in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. Glenn Thompson from the small town of Howard, Centre County, out polled his Democratic rival, Mark McCracken and Jim Fryman, the Libertarian candidate from Venango County in the race to succeed retiring Representative John Peterson, R-Pleasantville. Thompson issued the following statement: "Back in January when I decided to run for the Congress, I committed myself to a campaign that was focused on the issues. I am proud to have run a positive campaign and extremely honored and humbled to have gained the confidence of the voters of the Fifth Congressional District to serve as their next representative in Washington. "As your representative, I won't make any outlandish promises, but I will guarantee you this. I will always put the citizens of this district above politics and will never waver in my support of the men and women that serve our country in uniform. "While ...

Not surprisingly, Barack Obama did not win big in McKean County. He got about 32 percent of the vote. In other races, Republican Glenn Thompson seems to be the winner of the 5th District Congressional seat. With 66 percent of the precincts reporting, Thompson is leading Mark McCracken by more than 30,000 votes. In McKean County, Thompson has garnered 69 percent of the vote so far, while McCracken has 29 percent. In McCracken's home county of Clearfield, Thompson got 52 percent of the vote compared to McCracken's 46 and a half. Thompson says, "Back in January when I decided to run for the Congress, I committed myself to a campaign that was focused on the issues. I am proud to have run a positive campaign and extremely honored and humbled to have gained the confidence of the voters of the Fifth Congressional District to serve as their next representative in Washington. "As your representative, I won't make any outlandish promises, but I will guarantee you this. I wi...

CNN projects that Sen. Barack Obama has won election as the next president of the United States.

As CNN told us, Pennsylvania and New York have gone to Barack Obama. As for other races in Pennsylvania, with 18 percent of the vote counted in the 5th Congressional District, Republican Glenn Thompson leads Democrat Mark McCracken by about 500 votes. 33 out of 42 Districts (78.57%) Reporting from McKean County, Thompson leads McCracken by 68 % to 30 % In the race for the 25th District State Senate seat, incumbent Joe Scarnati leads challenger Donald Hilliard by a margin of about 3 to 1. The percentage is higher in McKean County with 74 percent for Scarnati and 26 for Hilliard. Besides the closeness of the congressional seat, the other big surprise in the region is that the race between incumbent state representative Dan Surra of Elk County and his challenger Matt Gabler is neck-and-neck. It's 51 percent for Gabler and 49 percent for Surra in Elk County in Surra's home county. Clearfield County results are just starting to come in. In New York State, with 23 percent of the prec...

A Lewis Run woman suffered minor injuries after she fell asleep at the wheel this afternoon on Route 219. Police say 44-year-old Mary Hedlund was about 3/5 of a mile from Route 6 when her vehicle drifted into the opposite lane of travel and hit a vehicle driven by Judy Enis of Smethport that was attempting to pass a vehicle driven by Deborah Babcox of Smethport. Hedlund was taken to Kane Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Ennis and Babcox were not hurt. A Bradford teenager was hurt in an accident late Monday night on West Corydon Street. Police say 16-year-old Phillip Cauvel attempted to avoid hitting a deer in the road, traveled off the road and hit two trees. Cauvel was flown to an out-of-town hospital for treatment of orthopedic injuries.

A Frewsburg man has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing an $8,000 engagement ring. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Deputies say 21-year-old Garrett Culver took the ring while he was attending a Halloween party in the Town of Leon. He was arrested Monday night and was sent to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $300 bail.

11/04/08 - Schiappa to Face Attempted Homocide A Bradford man will be facing attempted homicide charges in connection with an attack on his girlfriend back on September 2 in Bradford. Court records indicate that 23 year-old Uriah Schaippa is facing attempted homicide, aggravated assault with indifference to human life and reckless endangerment charges. Schiappa allegedly attacked Tara Strait with a hammer at a residence on West Washington Street. He remains jailed without bail. 11/04/08 - Two Charges for Weekend Assaults A Bradford man was charged Monday after a weekend assault on his wife. Court records indicate that 22 year-old Robert Girdlestone is facing several charges including terroristic threats and public drunkeness after he struck his wife Victoria. Bradford City Police then say that Girdlestone made threats against them and their familes while he was being held in the holding center downtown. Girdlestone was sent to McKean County jail on $10,000 bail. 11/03/08 - Kane Man Cha...

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Republican mayor who became nationally prominent for his stand against illegal immigrants was seeking Tuesday to oust a 12-term congressman in northeastern Pennsylvania. The state's only open seat was in a rural district in central and northern Pennsylvania vacated by GOP Rep. John Peterson's retirement. Peterson's chosen successor, Centre County GOP chairman Glenn Thompson, appeared to have the advantage over Democrat Mark McCracken, a Clearfield County Commissioner. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

Individuals living with autism and their loved ones, as well as private health insurance companies and autism service providers, now have access to a new state Web site that offers information on the Pennsylvania Autism Insurance Act, according to state Sen. Mike Stack. The Web site, www.paautisminsurance.org , offers answers about the law (Act 62), which requires large group private health insurance policies to cover the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Children under 21 years of age will be eligible for $36,000 in autism services. The new law goes into effect on July 1, 2009. “This is a great service for anyone who might benefit from the new Autism Insurance Act,” Stack said. “More children are being diagnosed with this developmental disorder, so it’s crucial that Pennsylvania offers a solid source of information on the coverage that will be available to them.” In addition to the large group private insurance coverage, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) will ...

Work continues on the new Tim Horton's/Crosby Mart on East Main Street. You can almost smell the donuts!

The call came out early in the third quarter Sunday to investigate numerous complaints of a commotion in a ladies’ restroom across from Section 336 in Ralph Wilson Stadium. It didn’t take security officers long to figure out the cause of what police later called a “public disturbance” in the restroom. For the full story, go to The Buffalo News .

SBU Theater will open its 2008-09 season with the production of “Dead Man Walking," which takes the stage this week at The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Performances will run at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The Thursday performance will be followed by a talk-back session involving the audience and cast members. “Dead Man Walking” is the stage version of Sr. Helen Prejean’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated book by the same name. It was also made into an Academy Award-winning movie directed by actor and activist Tim Robbins, who worked with Prejean in developing the 1995 film. The stage version of “Dean Man Walking” is part of the national Dead Man Walking Theatre Project, which is only available to colleges, universities and some secondary schools. "Dead Man Walking" tells of Prejean’s early experiences ministering to inmates on Louisiana’s death row. It focuses particularly on Prejean’s relationship with inmate Matt Poncelet, on death row for rape and murder. Pla...

The Jefferson County Courthouse in Brookville was evacuated this morning after a suspicious letter was found. When the letter was found at about 10:30 a.m., emergency crews evacuated the courthouse. None of the polling places are in the courthouse so, according to Emergency Management Agency Director Tracy Zents, the political process was not disrupted. Zents says Post Office officials and the FBI are investigating. Courthouse employees are back at work inside the building.

SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) — Two companies involved in the Quecreek Mine accident were playing "Russian roulette" with the lives of nine miners who were trapped underground for more than three days, a judge said in fining both companies each maximum of $55,000. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

A county judge has thrown out criminal charges that a Pennsylvania borough mayor illegally wrote parking tickets. The judge says the infraction — even if illegal — was no big deal. For the full story, go to the Tribune-Democrat .

Election 2008 is well underway. Polls close at 8 p.m. in Pennsylvania and 9.p.m. in New York. For up to the minute election results you can go to our network of web sites, Scott's Morning Buzz.com , WESB.com and WBRRFM.com . We’ll have local results, including the race for retiring Congressman John Peterson's seat and the races between incumbent Pennsylvania State Senator Joe Scarnati and his opponent Donald Hilliard, and New York State Senator Cathy Young and her opponent Christopher Schaeffer. Also, the Seneca Nation Presidency is up for grabs between Barry Snyder and Dan Williams. Our on-air coverage begins at 9 p.m. on 1490 WESB and 100.1 The HERO.

A jury is returning to court in northwest Ohio today to determine whether a truck driver should be recommended for death row for killing his boss, an Oil City native, and another man. The same Wood County jury last week convicted Calvin Neyland Jr. of two counts of aggravated murder. The penalty phase is expected to last three days. A death sentence is possible. Neyland was found guilty of gunning down manager Doug Smith and retired Pennsylvania state trooper Thomas Lazar in August 2007 at Liberty Transportation outside Toledo. Lazar had been sent to the trucking company office to help fire Neyland. Smith's father is a former vice president for Quaker State. His parents still live in the Oil City area.

State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo had a private detective snoop into Ed Rendell, a long string of political enemies, his own son, an ex-girlfriend, a former wife - and even two topless dancers, the private eye said yesterday. For the full story, go to philly.com .

My nephews' school had their mock election yesterday. One of them voted for John McCain. The other voted for Brocko Bama.

By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department A fourth-floor fire drill Monday involving Bradford city firefighters at The Pavilion at BRMC gave a real-life example for both staff and residents at the facility on how to properly and safely escape a blaze. If the goal was to ensure Pavilion staff got a first-hand look at refining proper escape procedures and give confidence to residents about their safety, the drill was a success, said officials involved with the one-hour event. The Pavilion is located off Pleasant Street and adjacent to Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC). A tower truck, fire engine and eight firefighters responded to the drill which involved a mock fire in a resident’s room. It also involved Pavilion staff taking other staffers, posing as residents, past closed fire doors to a safe section of the building. Meanwhile, Pavilion residents observed the entire event from the hallway. Afterward, a review was conducted by Jeff Gabel, BRMC’s Plant Services ...

Funeral services were held this afternoon for Kane Fire Chief Art Brechtel who died Thursday at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh after a long battle with leukemia. Brechtel was 33 years old and was a life member of the Kane Volunteer Fire Department. He also was a Pennsylvania State Fire Instructor, an EMT, and belonged to the Tri-County Firemen's Association and the Central District Firemen's Association. Fire departments from around the region sent representatives to Kane for the funeral.

A Hamlin, New York man has pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of marijuana. Prosecutors say 23-year-old Martin Emrich attempted to sell more than 16 ounces of marijuana on May 2 in the Village of Allegany. Emrich will be sentenced on February 9. An Olean man has pleaded guilty to assault in connection with an incident when he seriously injured another person during a break-in. Alfonso Flores, and another person, remained in a house unlawfully, then injured two people. Flores will be sentenced January 5. An Olean woman has been sentenced to one to three years in state prison for a scheme to defraud Olean residents, and for escaping from police. 23-year-old Christine McDonald was going door-to-door in her scheme to defraud Olean residents of money. While being arrested on those charges, she escaped from police. The incidents happened between June 1 and July 15.

13 suspected illegal aliens are in custody after being picked up at a construction site in Hamburg, New York, Sunday night. Police say they noticed a suspicious vehicle on the site of the Lowe's Store that's under construction on Southwestern Boulevard. They learned that the people at the site were illegal aliens employed by a subcontractor working at the site. The U.S. Border Patrol then helped town police find another suspected illegal alien at a local hotel where the group was staying.

A York couple today claimed a Powerball® jackpot worth $30.2 million cash from the Oct. 29 drawing. Myrna and Thomas Shearer had the single-winning jackpot ticket that matched all five white balls, 20-30-37-50-52, and the red Powerball, 33, to win the Oct. 29 jackpot, which grew over seven drawings to an annuity value of $58.6 million. The couple elected to take the $30,207,012.05 cash prize, less 25 percent federal withholding. Myrna Shearer had been playing her own Powerball numbers, but realized she forgot to take the list with her when she went to purchase her tickets for the Oct. 29 drawing. While the winning jackpot ticket was a quick pick, four of her five regularly played numbers were drawn Oct. 29. Shearer purchased the winning ticket at Bookland, 2114 S. Queen St., in York. The gift shop will receive a $100,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. The Shearers presented the winning ticket for validation today at Lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County. After exa...

Erie County coroner Lyell Cook is hoping toxicology tests and more investigation will help him figure out why a man was killed by a passing freight train. The body of 23-year-old Timothy Villa of Erie was found near the CSX railroad tracks in the city at 2 a.m. Sunday. Cook says Villa may have left a Halloween party shortly before he was hit and killed by the train. An autopsy Sunday confirmed the man died of massive trauma. Cook says police are trying to contact the train's crew. Cook is waiting for toxicology tests on Villa's body before ruling whether the death was an accident, but says it does not appear to be foul play.

Police are still looking for a missing mother from Chautauqua County. Investigators say they are interviewing friends and acquaintances and following up on tips in the case of 36-year-old Corrie Anderson who hasn't been seen since last Tuesday. Police are also broadening the search area near her home in the Town of Busti. They found Anderson's dark blue 2005 Dodge Caravan Thursday afternoon less than a mile from her house. If you have any information at all, call State Police in Jamestown at 716-665-3113.

A former Titusville resident has pleaded guilty to a federal counterfeiting violation. 37-year-old Gregg Militello was caught by Titusville Police after passing counterfeit bills at a convenience store. An investigation by police and the US Secret Service found that Miltello manufactured several counterfeit bills at his home using a copier and printer. He passed or attempted to pass the bills at various establishments. Militello faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both when he's sentenced on January 29.

Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that the Commonwealth will be receiving more than $5.5 million as part of a national settlement with Pennsylvania-based drug maker Cephalon, Inc. Corbett said the settlement resolves that Cephalon engaged in improper off-label marketing for the drugs Actiq, a pain reliever used to treat cancer patients; Gabitril, a medication used to treat seizures; and Provigil, which is used to treat sleep disorders. Cephalon had been accused of promoting uses for those drugs that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. "This agreement, along with other recent cases involving the aggressive marketing and sale of prescription drugs, should send a strong message to all pharmaceutical companies that we will not tolerate deceptive and misleading drug promotions," Corbett said. Pennsylvania's Medicaid program is receiving $5,577,859 as part of the national settlement. The settlement funds include repayment of excessive charges for...

HARRISBURG – A record-setting 8,758,031 Pennsylvanians are registered to vote at one of the state’s more than 9,300 polling places in tomorrow’s general election, Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortés said today as he urged those going to the polls to prepare and vote during off-peak times to avoid long lines. The Pennsylvania Department of State estimates that up to 80 percent of those registered to vote will cast a ballot tomorrow. With such a large turnout anticipated, Cortés said adequate preparation by voters and, when possible, going to the polls between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. will help ensure a smooth election with minimal wait. The polls are open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., but those who are standing in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. “It is exciting to see that so many Pennsylvanians took the first step in preparing to vote by registering, but I urge them to not make it their last step,” said Cortés. “The magnitude of these ...

State Senator Joe Scarnati announced today that funding for further development of IMPACT WARREN has been secured. Over $2.9 million in additional funds will now be available for this project. “Since the beginning, I have worked with local officials and developers to see to the successful completion of this important project,” Scarnati stated. “I am pleased to have been involved in securing close to $3 million in additional revenues to expand economic development in this area.” Scarnati mentioned that this is a big win for the community and the region, as it will only aid in making the City of Warren a better place to work and live. “Once again, it shows the importance of working together and making sure that we bring our fair share of tax dollars back to the region,” Scarnati added. “This is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when state leaders work closely with local officials. Without question, this is a tremendous shot in the arm to this community during these d...

City of St. Marys Police have recovered 17 political signs, business signs and other signs that had been stolen from the area of the St. Marys Municipal Airport and other undetermined locations. They recovered all the signs were recovered from a private driveway on Woodsmoke Road. They didn't say if the political signs were all from one party.

Funeral services will be held this afternoon for Kane Fire Chief Art Brechtel who died Thursday at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh after a long battle with leukemia. Brechtel was 33 years old and was a life member of the Kane Volunteer Fire Department. The funeral is scheduled for 2 o'clock at the First United Methodist Church on Greeves Street in Kane. Fire departments from around the region will be sending representatives.

A Kill Buck, New York, man has been indicted on a variety of charges in connection with an incident when he allegedly chased his girlfriend with a kitchen knife. Between September 13 and 14, in Great Valley, Vernon Botsford allegedly caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to his girlfriend's house while her children were present. He also allegedly caused damage to vehicles and chased his girlfriend with a kitchen knife. He'll be arraigned next Monday.

A Sandy Lake man faces assault charges after an alleged road rage incident over the weekend. Police say 38-year-old Rockne Keith Barber Jr. chased another vehicle at about 3 o'clock Saturday morning along routes 62, 258 and 19. After about 20 miles Barber allegedly rammed the vehicle twice and forced it off Fredonia Road. Barber was arraigned on charges of aggravated assault and reckless driving. Barber's father, Rockne K. Barber, Sr., was arrested in September for being the alleged ringleader of a meth lab and pill-shopping operation known as Operation Cave-In.

A Brooklyn, New York, man is at ECMC after his car split in half during an accident Sunday in Chautauqua County near Fredonia. Sheriff's Deputies say a car driven by 25-year-old Christopher Goode left the road and hit a tree, splitting the vehicle in half and sending the rear end into a nearby lawn and the front end farther down the road. Goode was taken to ECMC for treatment of facial injuries. He's facing charges of driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana.

A Bradford, man has been charged with sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl in Cattaraugus County. 24-year-old Jeffrey Lee Campbell was arrested at 6:40 a. m. Friday by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office following an incident that happened at about 1 a. m. in the Town of Carrolton. Campbell was arraigned in Salamanca City Court on first-degree sexual abuse charges. He is scheduled to reappear in Carrolton Town Court next Monday.

You know the drill: 1)Turn your clock back 1 hour 2)Change the batteries in your smoke detectors 3)Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector 4)Enjoy that extra hour of sleep

By Kate Day Sager Olean Times Herald With the Halloween season in full swing, many thrill seekers are actively digging around for good, healthy scares that will make goosebumps erupt and hairs rise. And what better way to get the old heart racing than to visit a haunted house or building in the area, or at least to drive past them on a dark night. In the historic borough of Smethport, Pa., most of the town residents have heard the tale of the Old Jail Museum where the ghost of Ralph Crossmire is reportedly stalking the dark hallways or pulling pranks on the staff For the full story, go to The Olean Times Herald

A Bensalem woman on Friday filed a civil lawsuit against the Knights of Columbus in Middletown, Peco Energy, PennDOT and some Middletown homeowners for negligence after the woman was involved in March in a debilitating car accident in Middletown. The lawsuit alleges that the Knights of Columbus was negligent for serving her and allowing her to leave and drive visibly intoxicated. The organization declined to comment. For the full story, go to the Bucks County Courier Times .

EASTON -- A Bethlehem man who celebrated his sentence of probation for microwaving a cat by posting a message on his MySpace page was sent Friday to Northampton County Prison. For the full story, go to Lehigh Valley Live.com .

A Town of Ellicott man reported missing by his wife Wednesday was found on Saturday. 54-year-old Steven Gehret was last seen leaving a Jamestown Bank Wednesday afternoon. At that time, he called his wife and said he would see her later, but did not return home. Police say Gehret left on his own, and they will release more information on Monday.

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An Ohio man has been convicted of killing a Clarion University graduate and a retired Pennsylvania state trooper. It took a jury less than six hours to return a guilty verdict against 44-year-old Calvin Neyland, who shot his victims August 8, 2007, at a Liberty Transportation Company facility in Perrysburg Township, Ohio. Neyland killed 44-year-old Douglas Smith, who was the son of Douglas Smith Jr., a former vice president with Quaker State, and nurse Charlene Smith, who still live in the Oil City area. Neyland also killed 58-year-old Thomas Lazar of Belle Vernon, who was the corporate safety director for Liberty Transportation. Prosecutors say Neyland killed the two men after learning that he was going to be fired for repeated violations and for falsifying his driving log. For the full story, go to the Toledo Blade .

State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo is an "evil individual," and trying to leave his office was "like trying to leave the Mafia," his estranged son-in-law told a federal court jury yesterday during a second day of unrelenting cross-examination. For the full story, go to the Philadelphia Inquirer .

A North Harmony, New York, man is in jail after allegedly threatening to kill a woman with a chain saw. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies say they responded to a domestic incident on Open Meadows Road at 3:20 this morning and found 39-year-old Rodney Austin and the woman he allegedly threatened to kill. She says the chain saw was running in the house when he made the alleged threat. Austin has been charged with menacing and reckless endangerment.

No, this is not the reminder about turning your clocks back. That'll come later. This reminder is about a holiday. Thanksgiving. For those of you who don't remember, Thanksgiving is the American holiday that come in between Halloween and Christmas. Some of you may be saying? "Huh? What's this reminder all about?" Well, as I was driving home at about 10:30 last night, the people who had their Halloween decorations up on Labor Day, were in the process of putting up their Christmas decorations. As I was driving to work this morning, I saw two more houses with Christmas lights on. I have no problem with putting up Christmas decorations in October or November. After all, you just don't know what the weather's going to be like later. But just because they're up, doesn't mean you have to light them. So, one more reminder: Thanksgiving. It's a great holiday. Let's not forget about it.