Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

WARREN --­ In The Way of the Woods: Journeys Through American Forests, Linda Underhill explores some of America¹s most extraordinary forests, from proposed wilderness in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), to the old-growth groves of Cook Forest State Park, to the ancient rainforests of Washington¹s Olympic Peninsula. Pittsburgh native Underhill, a resident of Wellsville, New York and currently a visiting professor of English at Gettysburg College, spent several years visiting important forest areas from coast to coast in preparation for writing The Way of the Woods, recently published by Oregon State University Press. For her chapter on the ANF, titled "Going Wild," Underhill augmented her research with a hiking trip with Kirk Johnson, executive director for Friends of Allegheny Wilderness (FAW) into the proposed addition to the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area in southern Warren County. FAW is a Warren-based non-profit organization seeking permanent protection for select port...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Truck traffic on Interstate Parkway is horrible, according to one area resident. Deb Piganelli told Foster Township Supervisors during their meeting Monday night that the drivers don't seem to care about the other drivers on the road, or people walking along the road. She said people walk along the road "all the time" and, now that summer's here, more children are out and people are driving to Allegany State Park by way of Interstate Parkway. "This isn't just one incident," she said. "This is non-stop day and night. Two and 3 o'clock in the morning they are flying up there – six, eight trucks at a time." Piganelli said she and her husband walk every night and "there are some nights we actually have to jump off into the side of the road, way into the grass, just to let them get by. And they don't seem to want to slow down whether you're walking or not. They don't even try to slow down...

The American Cancer Society and Patterson Cancer Care Center will co-sponsor a program for people with cancer and their family and friends. The program Nutrition and Cancer will be offered on Tuesday, July 14th from 11-1 PM at the Patterson Cancer Care Center located on the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital campus. Program Facilitator will be Jill Connelly, RD, LDN, Regional Dietitian - PA, Sweden Valley Manor, HCF Management, Inc. The “I Can Cope” program offers people who are facing cancer, including patients, families and friends, an opportunity to interact with others having similar experiences and learn ways to cope with the challenges that arise from a cancer diagnosis in a supportive and caring environment. The American Cancer Society I Can Cope program is a component of the American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network – a free, comprehensive resource to help patients and their caregivers manage the impact of cancer on their lives through up-to-date cancer information. For m...

A prayer and worship service is being held at 8 p.m. Monday through the summer at the mini-park on Fourth and Chestnut streets in Emporium. The session includes prayers for Cameron County, local, state and national governments, as well as several social justice issues. Other requests are welcome.

The US Department of Agriculture has doubled the amount of funding it will provide to New York State to battle the spread of the emerald ash borer. Senator Chuck Schumer says the funding has been boosted to $200,000. The destructive beetle was found last month in Randolph, New York, and has already destroyed dozens of trees. With the extra money, New York's Department of Environmental Conservation will be able to survey the state to determine the extent of the infestation, and create and enact a plan to fight the spread of the beetle.

A 28-year-old volunteer firefighter in Clarion County who collapsed and died at the scene of a fire early Monday morning apparently died of natural causes, and the fire is being considered suspicious. Ryan Wingard of Strattanville collapsed at the scene of a rubbish fire and other firefighters' attempts at CPR were unsuccessful. Strattanville fire chief Bill Stroup sasy Wingard complained to another firefighter of a headache right before he collapsed. He was pronounced dead at Clarion Hospital. Clarion County District Attorney Mark T. Aaron says the fire is suspicious.

A Sabinsville man is dead following a crash in Tioga County Monday night. Police say 31-year-old William Kurtz was a passenger in a pickup truck being driven by 28-year-old Laura Kio, also of Sabinsville. Two girls, ages 6 and 9, were also in the car. Troopers say Kio's vehicle went off the road and hit a parked flatbed truck. They say Kurtz suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene. Kio and the 6-year-old passenger are being treated for moderate injuries, and the 9-year-old is being treated for major injuries. Kio is being treated at Robert Packer Hospital and the children are being treated at Geisinger Medical Center.

Six weeks after Phil Mickelson announced his wife had breast cancer, his mother was diagnosed with the disease and is scheduled for surgery Friday. His wife, Amy, had surgery last Wednesday. After the US Open, Mickelson said it was "highly unlikely" he would play the British Open, and said his schedule the rest of the year depended on his wife's battle with cancer.

The Kane Relay for Life gets underway at noon Friday at Kane Area High School. The survivor ceremony is at 7 p.m. The luminaria ceremony, sponsored by Zook Motors, is at 9 p.m. The annual parade kicks off Relay Weekend at 6 p.m. Thursday on Fraley Street. Be sure to look for Scott Douglas and me in the Twin Tiers Action Van!

Futures Rehabilitation Center’s vocational and activity programs have once again received the highest possible rating in a review by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW.) Inspectors from the DPW’s western office spent two days reviewing the operation of the Center’s programs and found them to be in 100% compliance with various regulations, including provision of service, fire and safety practices and staffing. The inspectors praised the dedication and professionalism of staff, the quality and variety of programs, satisfaction of participants and recent building improvements. Futures’ president/CEO Bill Leven said, “Credit for such an outstanding licensing review belongs with the staff of Futures for their commitment and dedication to our mission and goals." Futures programs undergo state licensing reviews each year. Compliance with regulations is required to qualify for funding through DPW. Futures provides services to over 170 adults and students with disabilities...

The Erie Shriners Hospital and 5 others across the country will stay open for now. Delegates at the national Shriners convention voted to keep all 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children open, but no decision on the hospitals' future is final until the convention ends Thursday. Secret deliberations are conducted by the fraternal order and members are allowed to take up new proposals between now and the end of the convention. Delegates will now consider proposals to save the hospital system without closing facilities. Shriners hospitals have offered free care since the first facility opened 87 years ago. Shriners say their endowment has fallen below $5 billion. The operating budget for Erie Shriners' is about $14 million.

A bear and her 5 babies made their way to Ken-Mar Acres Sunday night, and the mama bear injured a dog who got in between her and one of her cubs. Foster Township Police Chief Jeff Wwolbert says the bears were in a dog kennel -- probably looking for food -- when the dog got too close to one of the cubs. He says the mother bear swiped at, and cut, the dog, who was taken to a veterinarian to be checked out. He says the bears apparently made their way back to the woods.

Five members of an Amish family were hurt and their horse died when a suspected drunk driver hit their buggy last night near Knox. An SUV driven by 20-year-old Brandon Breghenti hit the buggy as it was turning into a driveway. Three children – ages 2, 3 and 4 – and their parents were thrown from the buggy. Police say Breghenti stopped at the scene and briefly stepped out of the SUV before getting back in and driving away. He's in Clarion County Jail on $75,000 bail. 41-year-old Ruth Burkholder and the 2-year-old were seriously injured. 42-year-old Mark Burkholder and the other children suffered minor injuries.

A Clarion County firefighter is dead after collapsing while battling a small fire in Stattanville early this morning. A pile of rubbish had been burning outside a house at around 4 a.m. Fire Chief Bill Stroup says the 28-year-old volunteer firefighter was among a small crew that had been dispatched to put out the fire. Stroup says the firefighter, who had been with the department for 8 months, said he wasn't feeling well, then he collapsed. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

The Fourth of July weekend is usually one of the three worst weekends of the year for blood usage, and this year that was certainly true with extremely heavy blood usage by local patients in the last 3 days. The blood supply is just about depleted with type O Positive being extremely critically low. The situation is critical for local patients needing blood. Community Blood Bank lab staff was called back from vacation early to test the last few units of blood that came in Thursday night, so there would be something to send to the hospitals. "It will be tough to recover from," Says Dan Desrochers Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank, "It will take those donors who haven't been in since last summer's blood shortage to end this one." Everyone is encouraged to attend the blood drive at ERHC in Saint Marys on Tuesday July 7th from 10-4p.m. behind the hospital in the Rehab center. No appointment is needed to save a life. The Community Blood Bank is o...

Lunch in the Square will be held on Wednesday, July 8 at Veterans’ Square, Downtown Bradford from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. Entertainment will be provided by the favorites “Toucan Jam.” Participating restaurants include Chu Lee Gardens, The Grocery Stretcher, John Williams European Pastry Shop, The New Broaster, The Lighter Side, Cin Cin Biscotti, Dairy Queen and Dawgonit. The ‘Lunch in the Square’ program is sponsored by The Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. Scott Douglas and I will be there live, too. Stop by and say "hello!"

From Kimberly Weinberg: Thanks to everyone who supported the Lemon-Aid for the SPCA fundraiser by my daughter, Maddy (7 – in the middle), son, Preston (9 ½) and neighbor, Alex Safran (6 ½). The children raised an amazing $728 to benefit the SPCA. And while the SPCA animals were visiting the stand, one of them was adopted! The kids had a great time and are looking forward to delivering their money to the shelter. Good job everyone!

Former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, architect of U.S. war in Vietnam, has died at 93, according to his family, CNN reports. He was the eighth United States Secretary of Defense. McNamara served as Defense Secretary for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1968. More from CNN.com . Wikipedia

Seneca Nation officials are concerned about a bill making its way through Congress that they say would affect private cigarette retailers from mailing orders of cigarettes. The PACT – or Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking – Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, is now in the Judicial Committee of the Senate, and is expected to pass this summer. Richard Nephew, chairman the Seneca Tribal Council, says if it passes it could affect hundreds of employees, both Seneca and non-Seneca, if businesses lose sales that are currently handled by mail. Numerous privately owned Seneca businesses take cigarette orders on the phone and Internet and mail them to customers.

I couldn't resist showing you this quote from a story about the state budget that appears in the Philadelphia Inquirer : "My 8-year-old son will be relieved that his allowance is safe," said Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson), who compared Rendell to a snake-oil salesman. For the full story, go HERE . Michael Scarnati is the animal-petter at Scarnati's 2007 Kid Fest at Pitt-Bradford.

The New York State Senate met Sunday – for three minutes. The Senate has been at a standstill since June 8 when Republicans and two Democrats staged a coup against the Democratic conference. After one of the Democrats went back to his conference, the sides were split at 31 and can't decide who's in charge. Governor David Paterson has said he will call the senators into session every day until they work out a power-sharing agreement.

The death of a 79-year-old Union Township man has been ruled homicide. Raymond Goodwill Jr. was found dead on a couch Saturday morning. Erie County Deputy Coroner Korac Timon says Goodwill was hit in the head with a blunt instrument of some sort. Investigators haven't determined what he was hit with, but Timon says a number of tools were scattered around the house and property and police removed some of them for processing. He said there were no signs of forced entry into the home.

This is the week the Shriners decide whether they're going to close several hospitals, including the one in Erie. The 135th Imperial Council Session began Sunday. The Shriners say they're forced to make a decision on closing the Erie hospital and five others because of increasing costs and a drop in donations. A decision is expected to be announced Thursday.

Dawn P. Campbell, 84, formerly of 1253 East Main St., died Friday, July 3, 2009, in the Bradford Ecumenical Home. Born August 14, 1924, in Bradford, she was a daughter of Able and Helen Jones Myers. On March 3, 1944, in Bradford, she married Jack Campbell, who died on May 27, 1991. Mrs. Campbell and her husband owned and operated Capitol Meat Market on Mechanic Street for many years and, later, the Butcher Block in South Bradford. She is survived by three sons Jack (Martha) Campbell of Houston, Texas, Bruce (Marcia) Campbell of Palm Bay, Florida, and Richard (Judy) Campbell of Lewis Run; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Family will be receiving friends today (July 6) in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., South Avenue, from 5 to 7 p.m., at which time a prayer will be offered by the Rev. Leo Gallina, pastor of St. Bernard Church. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA, PO B...

A Salamanca man arrested last week on drug charges is now facing weapons and child endangerment charges. 27-year-old Donald Watson is accused of smashing two television, a fish tank and other items in the house of a person police did not identify. Police say Watson also sent pictures of a 7-year-old child displaying a firearm. They say when Watson was arrested Wednesday they found an airline ticket he bought for a flight that was scheduled to depart Thursday morning. He's jailed on $10,000 bail.

With all the wildlife we see around here (or barely see through the fog) you'd think we're way out in the country or something. I wish I could have gotten closer to this bunny, but I didn't want to scare him off. Rabbits usually aren't as cooperative as ducks when posing for pictures.

The death of a Corry-area man is being considered suspicious. Police say an acquaintance found 79-year-old Raymond Goodwill Jr. dead in his Union Township home Saturday morning. Police didn't release the cause of death, but did say an autopsy will be done today. Erie County Deputy Coroner Korac Timon says the death is highly suspicious.

New York State senators are spending this Independence Day weekend in Albany – still unable to reach a power sharing agreement following a shakeup in the chamber nearly a month ago. They were in session yesterday, but didn't accomplish anything. They will also be in sesion today. Governor David Paterson is ordering Senators continue to meet even if nothing gets done. State compltroller Tom DiNapoli will be headed to court Tuesday to ask permission to stop the senators' pay.

An unruly patient at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has been charged with disorderly conduct. Police say 45-year-old Richard Allen of Shinglehouse was not satisfied with the emergency room and started yelling and making unreasonable noise. A summary citation was filed in district court.

An 11-year-old had to be flown to Children's Hospital in Buffalo following an ATV accident at 11:30 Saturday night in Cherry Creek. Sheriff's deputies say 27-year-old Shaun Laughlin of Tonawanda lost control of the ATV and hit a guardrail. The girl was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a possible broken leg. Laughlin was treated at Lakeshore hospital for a severe cut on his leg. Deputies say charges are pending against Laughlin. ~~~ A Jamestown teenager suffered head and arm injuries during an ATV accident Saturday in the Town of Ellington. Sheriff's deputies say 16-year-old Cody Taylor was operating the ATV on private property when it went out of control and hit a large tree. He was taken to WCA Hospital in Jamestown for treatment of his injuries.

Five children – ages 6 to 12 – had to be rescued from the Sunset Bay area of Lake Erie Saturday afternoon. The crew of a sheriff's department Lake Erie Patrol Boat heard people calling from the water at about 4:30, then saw the children clinging to an overturned windsurfer about 200 yards offshore. The crew of the patrol boat plucked the children out of the water and took all but one of them to shore. The fifth child was taken to shore by a person on a Jet-ski. Ambulances were waiting on shore, but none of the children was hurt. Sheriff's deputies say they were all wearing properly fitted personal floatation devices.

Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair is dead after being shot multiple times, including once in the head, in a Nashville, Tennessee, condominium. Police say they found McNair and a woman identified as Sahel Kazemi shot to death after receiving a phone call about an injured person. Police say a pistol was found near Kazemi's body. Autopsies are scheduled for today. Wikipedia

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has announced the addition of Max Laurore, MD who joins the obstetrics/gynecology practice of Dr. Celso Backes. Dr. Laurore earned a medical degree at the State University of Haiti and completed a residency at Synergy Medical Education Alliance in Saginaw, Mich. He also worked as a clinical instructor at Michigan State University and is an American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology junior fellow. Drs. Backes and Laurore and their staff will move their practice to the ground level of the Irwin Medical Arts Center in August. They also plan to see patients at some of Charles Cole’s Rural Health Centers starting this fall. New and returning patients can schedule an appointment by calling 274-7101.

The Main Street hanging basket program has again had a successful fundraising year with the help and support of the Bradford community. The following individuals, businesses and merchants have participated in the program: The Betty Jane Monjar Garden Society, the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, The Jack Graham Family, Bill and Terri Leven, Rev. Leo J. Gallina, Zippo/Case Visitors Center, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Ott & McHenry Pharmacy, Hailie and Art Cox, Jan Caruso, Jen Eakin, David and Linda Newman, Triple A Nail, Just Riding Along, Futures Rehabilitation Center, and Stanley E. Pecora Jr., Attorney-At-Law. “We really couldn’t do this program without the support of these individuals and organizations,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “Their help is really appreciated and the baskets look beautiful,” Dolan added. Signs recognizing the supporters are in the process of being made and will be placed with each basket.

By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department Children between the ages of 7 and 12 who’ve suffered any kind of loss are being urged to attend the free Helping Hands Retreat at Camp Penuel in Eldred on Aug. 14-16. To enable a child to attend the camp, call Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) McKean County VNA & Hospice office at 814-362-7466 by Aug. 1. “If you know of a child who has experienced the loss of someone close to them, encourage their family to call the VNA,” said Martha Dibble, RN-C, hospice coordinator for VNA & Hospice. “We can accommodate 20 to 25 children at the fifth annual camp that’s filled with fun and meaningful activities,” said Mrs. Dibble. “In case more children register than what’s expected, we’ll be able to accommodate them by bringing more counselors,” she noted. Children can be from anywhere, not just McKean County. Also, “Children who’ve attended before are welcome to come again,” Mrs. Dibble said. The camp is staffed by full-...

To supplement the cardiac imaging capabilities for The Heart Center at BRMC, Bradford Regional Medical Center is now performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the region’s cardiac patients. “The cardiac MRI is the gold standard for evaluation of heart volumes, valvular heart disease, and myocardial viability,” said Steven C. Herrmann, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.S.E., medical director of Cardiovascular Services at The Heart Center at BRMC. “This level of imaging expertise is usually reserved for university and academic programs, and we are the only place for over 100 miles to offer this expertise,” noted Dr. Herrmann. “The cardiac MRI program will be used in conjunction with the echocardiography, nuclear, and catheterization labs to offer the absolute finest cardiac imaging in the region. The spatial and temporal resolution is amazing,” the cardiologist explained. To date, BRMC has performed four cardiac MRIs on local patients, and is now collecting preliminary data on correlation...

Several offices at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital are relocating this summer. Charles Cole will make every effort to minimize any disruption and inconvenience to its patients and visitors. • Dr. Meller moved from the Patterson Cancer Care Center to the first floor of the Irwin Medical Arts Center, in the space previously occupied by Dr. Bhat. The office can be contacted at its new number, 274-8036. • Mammography/DEXA will move to the ground floor of the IMAC July 8. For information, call 274-5470. • Dr. Neerukonda will move July 21 to the first floor of the IMAC. For information, call 274-4837. • Champion Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will move from the IMAC to the space previously occupied by Women’s Health the week of August 9. For information, call 274-0900. • Dr. Backes and Dr. Laurore will move to the ground level of the IMAC, previously occupied by Champion Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, the week of August 23. For information, call 274-7101.

HARRISBURG – Just 20 years after the last eaglets were brought into Pennsylvania from Canada, bald eagles have recorded remarkable nesting successes here, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. And, with the Fourth of July just around the corner, the opportunity for Pennsylvanians to see a bald eagle in the wild continues to increase, thanks to the recent completion of a bald eagle nest viewing platform on State Game Land 180 in Pike County. “The story of the bald eagle’s recovery is living proof that responsible natural resource management and conservation make Pennsylvania a better place to live and ensure wildlife will be around for future generations to enjoy,” explained Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “As our nation’s symbol, the bald eagle’s presence is essential in America’s outdoors. They immediately add a touch of true wilderness to any area they inhabit, whether it’s on the shoreline of Philadelphia or a remote stretch of one of the Commonwealth’...

While viewing nesting bald eagles is a thrilling experience, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials encourage caution because human disturbances can cause adult eagles to abandon their nests and young. Also, anyone charged with disturbing a bald eagle nest can be charged by federal and state wildlife officials. “Even though some eagles have built nests near urban and suburban settings, it remains critically important for people to stay a considerable distance away, preferably at least 1,000 feet,” said Brenda Peebles, Game Commission biologist aide, who recently was called to testify as an expert witness in a case involving the disturbance of a bald eagle nest in Springboro, Crawford County. “A landowner gave permission to another individual to cut down trees near a newly constructed bald eagle nest,” Peebles said. “This person then agreed to allow a second individual to cut the tops up for firewood. As this second person was cutting the tree tops, a volunteer helper, who watches this...

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co has laid off another 45 employees, cutting the production crew down to one shift. In a news release, Case CEO Tom Arrowsmith said the reduction of the workforce is due to the current economic environment. He said the company will continue to evaluate staffing needs until the economy regains strength. He said in the meantime they are focused on improving their internal process and outperforming their competition. Marketing director John Sullivan says “Case consumers are some of the most loyal enthusiasts of any brand, and the company is confident their new knife offerings planned for fall will spur demand and stimulate sales.

Even before a practically unknown guy from Chicago started saying, "Yes we can" and making people believe it, some people in Bradford were saying it, believing it and making things happen. A few people are starting to get the old Bradford negative attitude again and I think it's time to nip that in the bud before it infiltrates to other segments of the population. Several years ago I was covering a meeting at which former Bradford City Clerk Peggy Comilla said people in Bradford are always coming up with excuses as to why projects can't be done in Bradford. She said it was about time to start thinking of reasons projects can be done in Bradford. The meeting was regarding the restoration and renovation of Old City Hall. Not long after that, a small group of people made similar comments about a brand new project. That meeting led to the formation of the Tuna Valley Trail Association. At about the same time, the community learned that the refinery was going to close. Bu...

And ... happy birthday to Bob Onuffer!

With all of the trauma and desecration one is not surprised to find out that there have been paranormal happenings along the Kinzua Dam and Lake Perfidy. But one would be amazed at the cornucopia of high strangeness that has manifest itself along the shores and beneath the waves of this cursed lake. But finding out these nuggets of Fortean happenings is not an easy task. Most of the campers and fishermen who spend their days and nights along the site are not the kind to openly share their incredible stories of the unexplained. But once in a while you get some who are willing to share their stories, and sometimes they are in the strangest places. For the full story, go to Examiner.com .

Think you could balance the state budget? Thousands have tried it at www.youbudgetpa.org , where people can play the online state budget game. Keystone Progress launched the Web site, which actually lets people forward their plan to lawmakers, but executive director Michael Morrill says few have done that. The actual state budget talks resume Monday.

New York State Senate leaders, and would-be leaders, met with Governor David Paterson this afternoon in an attempt to come to a power-sharing agreement. After a one-hour closed door meeting there's no agreement and the senate remains gridlocked. The Senate has been evenly split following a June 8 coup by Republicans and two dissident Democrats, and then the defection of one of the Democrats back to his own party. Leaders say there's no power-sharing deal in sight. Meanwhile, hundreds of pieces of legislation that affect the finances of municipalities across the state remain untouched.

Sarah Palin says she will step down as governor of Alaska in a "few weeks" -- before the end of her term, CNN reports. Her last day is expected to be July 26. Speculation is that she is clearing the way for a run at the presidency in 2012. More from CNN .

A North Dakota man is accused of making a phone call threatening the life of Senator Arlen Specter. The man, whose identity was not released, was interviewed earlier this week in North Dakota at the request of the US Capitol Police. The telephone message indicated that he would travel to Washington, DC, and assassinate Specter. During the police interview he told authorities he was drunk and making the call was stupid. He didn't give a motive for making the call. Capitol Police haven't said how they're going to proceed regarding the incident.

Alex Safran, Maddy Weinberg and Preston Weinberg get ready to sell lemonade (and other beverages) as a fundraiser for the McKean County SPCA. They're also selling chances to win a Zippo Fashion Italia handbag filled with lots (and I mean lots ) of Zippo gift items. They're holding their sale until 2 p.m. today in front of Tops Market. Please support them and the SPCA.

WIVB-TV reporter and anchor Mylous Hairston suffered a mild heart attack over the weekend and had to have two surgeries to open an artery. He is now recuperating, and expects to be released from the hospital tomorrow or Saturday, and back on the air in a couple of weeks. WIVB-TV I met him during the Holy Family "Virgin Mary Sighting" days. Very nice man.

Democratic Senators Bill Stachowski of Lake View and Antoine Thompson, who represents part of Erie and Niagara counties, sent a letter to Republican senators in Western New York calling on them to lay aside political self interest and support the Power for Jobs legislation. The Republican senators, including Cathy Young, say they are pleased that Senate Democrats have finally decided that the Power for Jobs program is important to Western New York. The program, which provides low-cost power to hundreds of businesses in exchange for a commitment to create and retain jobs, was initiated by Senate Republicans in 1997. The Republicans say that by seeking to make the Power for Jobs program a political football in the dispute over Senate leadership, Senate Democrats have hit a new low. They say if the Democrats were serious about protecting jobs in Western New York they would not have swept hundreds of millions of dollars from the program earlier this year to pay for additional State spendi...

... Or, What Anne Does When She Has an Intern Actually, it's what Anne does when she has an intern, doesn't feel well and it's the day before a holiday weekend.

The Salamanca Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for our First Allegany River Fest, July 10-12, 2009. Our new festival showcases two of Salamanca’s greatest assets, the Allegheny River and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Saturday afternoon events will showcase the performance of several great country music groups, including superstars Heartland, Sean Patrick McGraw and The Bobby Hartle Band. This is sure to be the summer’s ultimate place for country-western fun and entertainment the whole family will enjoy! The Bobby Hartle Band performs Country to Bluegrass and Country Rock. This band presents a fast-paced country show offering solos, three part harmonies and instrumentals that are tailored to meet the interests of a variety of audiences. They have performed with acts such as Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, Mark Chestnut, Jack Green, Alen Jackson, Blake Shelton and most recently The Marshall Tucker Band and Black Foot! Bob Hartle started playing guitar at the age of eight but did n...

Forest Service employees have completed the repairs on a key bridge crossing a stream on the southern portion of the Timberline ATV/Bike Trail. A pipeline fire early Friday morning, June 26, burnt the bridge. The section of trail from the Play Pit on Forest Road 339 to the Buehler Corners Trailhead on the Timberline ATV/Bike Trail has now been reopened. Jodie Vanselow, Marienville Deputy District Ranger, said, “Our crews worked hard all week knowing the big weekend of the 4th was coming. We wanted to have this section of trail open so riders could enjoy all of the Timberline ATV/Bike Trail. We’re proud to say the bridge is repaired and the trail is open in its entirety. Enjoy the weekend and ride safely!”

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced a $292,706 Department of Education Grant to four area school districts: Oswayo Valley, Austin, Galeton and Northern Potter. “These funds come under the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program,” said Thompson. “It is a highly competitive program and it says a lot for these school systems that they collaborated to obtain this grant and achieve their goal of helping 1727 rural, underserved students in kindergarten through 12th grade.” C. Robert Wicker, superintendent of the the Oswayo Valley Area School District, said, “This federal funding will improve student performance on federal/commonwealth assessments; make possible the enriched delivery of family literacy programs; and enable our districts to increase community access to and employment of library text/technology resources.” Superintendents Matthew Hutcheson, Austin, David Wishard, Galeton, and Scott Graham, Northern Potter said the f...

HARRISBURG – State safety and law enforcement officials reminded residents today about the laws governing fireworks usage and safety tips. “It’s tragic that every year, we hear about deaths and injuries caused by careless use of fireworks,” said State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. “These tragedies are avoidable by not using illegal devices, or by simply leaving the fireworks to the professionals.” Pennsylvania state law specifically permits the use of sparklers, trick noise makers, and other such novelties, and is one of only a handful of states that permits the use of “novelty” fireworks. These fireworks can be sold and used in Pennsylvania. “Fireworks are an Independence Day tradition that, when purchased and used legally, can provide much enjoyment,” said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “Before buying fireworks, help keep yourself and your family safe by checking that they are legal and from a reputable in-state dealer.” Consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and...

PITTSBURGH – Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that consumers can now contact the Attorney General’s Office to check on the registration status of any home improvement contractor in Pennsylvania by visiting www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 1-888-520-6680. Corbett said that the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, which requires all contractors who perform $5,000 or more in home improvements in a year to register with the attorney general’s office, went into effect July 1. “We strongly encourage consumers to contact our office before selecting a contractor,” Corbett said. “And we encourage consumers to use only contractors who are registered with our office. Corbett explained that the intent of the act is to protect consumers from unscrupulous contractors, to provide new protection for consumers who hire home improvement contractors and to authorize criminal penalties for home improvement fraud. Corbett said that complaints involving home improvement or repair ...

Warren, Pa. – Forest Supervisor Leanne Marten said that all recreation facilities on the Allegheny National Forest (NF) were opened and have been fully operational since Memorial Day weekend. The recreation sites will remain open for the summer recreation season. Fees: Fees for campgrounds range from $10 to $28. Each campground has sites that are first-come, first-served, and many have sites that can be reserved. Group camping areas require reservations, except at Hearts Content, and fees range from $45 to $50 per night. Six rustic cabins are available at Willow Bay Campground for a fee of $45 per night. Please check our website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/camping or call 814-362-4613 for fee information. Double Sites: In response to many requests for adjacent family campsites, some double sites that can accommodate up to 14 people per night have been identified at Buckaloons and Twin Lakes Campgrounds. The double sites are listed with the National ...

The McKean County SPCA offers holiday safety tips for pets this Independence Day. “The celebrations that come with the 4th of July can cause some serious stress for pets,” says shelter manager Heidi Mackowski. “The loud noises, bright lights, and parties and cook-outs that are so much fun for humans are scary for many pets.” In order to reduce stress for pets, Mackowski offers the following tips: · Keep pets at home during fireworks celebrations. Public fireworks displays mean big crowds and scary noises for pets, so it’s best to leave them at home. · Don't share holiday food and drinks with your pets. Alcohol and a lot of human foods are poisonous for animals. In addition, any changes in an animal's diet can cause digestive problems. · Pets should be left indoors in a quiet, safe place. Frightened pets are more likely to run away from loud noises, even if it means running away from home. Carriers, crates, or quiet rooms are good choices for all pets to...

Four people were hurt and one person is in jail following a two-vehicle crash Wednesday on Routes 5 and 20 in the Town of Hanover. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies say a vehicle driven by 64-year-old Inez Jimerson of Collins pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by 65-year-old Alice Reed of Dunkirk and the vehicles collided, causing extensive damage to both of them. Reed and a passenger in Jimerson's vehicle, Loreen Spruce of Irving, were taken to ECMC in Buffalo for treatment. Jimerson was treated at Lakeshore Hospital for her injuries. She was then arraigned on charges of Felony Vehicular Assault, DWI and related offenses. She's in the county jail on $15,000 cash bail.

Traffic may be backed up on Route 219 in Johnsonburg next week as work continues on the Route 219 Elk County Bypass project there. The contractor will be placing reinforced concrete beams on the substructures of the new bridge at the south end of the project near Grant Street. The beams will be delivered Monday in over-sized loads and could cause slow or stopped traffic on Route 219. The beams will be put up Tuesday through Friday.

Andrew Horton will spend the next two to 10 years in state prison for conspiring with his son to cause an oil spill in the Allegheny National Forest because he was upset with his former employer. Horton pleaded guilty in April to charges that he dropped off his son, 22-year-old Christopher Horton, to vandalize Snyder Brothers oil storage tanks in August. Christopher Horton opened valves spilling 46,000 gallons of oil onto the forest and into a stream, killing thousands of fish and other aquatic life as well as several small mammals. Christopher Horton is serving three to six years in prison for state and federal convictions. The Hortons have also been ordered to pay more than $600,000 in restitution.

Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) clinical laboratory has earned another two-year accreditation with an overall score of 96 percent following an inspection by COLA, the accrediting agency. COLA of Columbia, M.D., is a physician-directed organization whose purpose is to promote excellence in laboratory medicine and patient care through a program of voluntary education, consultation and accreditation. The accreditation through June of 2011 means BRMC’s clinical laboratory is operating in full compliance with the regulations set forth by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and also the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said Ron Truax, BRMC’s laboratory technical director. “They looked at our policies and procedures, quality control, proficiency testing, and educational requirements of our staff,” Mr. Truax said. “The study was not just a look at the work of a few people over three days. It was a rigorous review of what has been done over the past two yea...

The Street Dreams Car Club is now taking registrations for its annual Little Miss Street Dreams contest. The contest is available to any girl ages six to ten years old. Contestants must be six years old by September 13, 2009, and not turn 11 years old before September 13, 2009. Contestants will be introduced at the Summer Daze event that will be held in Downtown Bradford on Friday, July 17. The contest will end with the Autumn Daze event that will be held on Sunday, September 13. Money raised throughout the contest will benefit local programs. Each participant will receive a tiara and sash and the opportunity to participate in many downtown events and parades. Collection containers bearing a picture of each contestant will be available at area businesses throughout the contest. For more information contact Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan at 598-3865.

Are you Ready? Get ready, because here it comes – the 9th Annual Kane Area Relay For Life (RFL). RFL posters popped up around town last week. A banner now hangs in uptown Kane. Twenty Relay teams are making their final fundraising push toward their goals. The 24-hour culminating event after a year of "raising Kane" begins at the Kane Area High School Track at 12 noon on Friday, July 10 and ends at noon on Saturday, July 11. We invite and encourage everyone to be there for all or part of this extraordinary event. Relay Reminders While you can obtain luminaria up until a few moments prior to the 9 p.m. Luminary Ceremony on Friday, July 10, the deadline for having a luminary in honor or memory of a loved one published in the program book is this Friday, July 3. If you wish your donation published then Luminaria sell sites in Kane include Zook Motors, Erie Insurance, It’s Judi’s Place, and the KCH Hospital Gift Shop and in Mt. Jewett Sure Save and Kafe’ Sol. Otherwise, arr...