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Showing posts from August 30, 2009

Federal Aid for Flood Victims

More federal aid is on the way to Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties. This time, it's going to homeowners, renters and small business owners to help them clean up after flooding early last month. Earlier this week, FEMA approved aid to local governments to help them pay for costs related to response and cleanup.

Farmer's Market on Saturday

The Downtown Bradford Farmer’s Market will be held Saturday in Veterans’ Square from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The weekly event is sponsored by Coleen Christy/GMAC Real Estate. Free parking is available in the Seneca Building parking lot. Items this week include fresh eggs, blueberries, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, corn, peaches, plants, honey and honey products, baked goods, sugar free pies, cheesecakes, freshly made fudge, fresh baked breads, pickles and preserves. There will also be hand crafted items, bird houses and Avon products. The Farmer’s Market welcomes new vendors. For more information contact the Main Street Manager’s office.

Pleas for More FEMA Money

ALBANY - After the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) granted aid in the form of public assistance to counties affected by the August floods, Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean) today was joined by flood victims, and state, local and town officials in Silver Creek to urge FEMA to issue individual assistance to affected areas to help cover the extensive damage and to aid those who lost their homes. “We appreciate FEMA’s quick response in calling for the limited emergency declaration, but people who have been flooded out of their homes or business have nowhere else to go and need additional support to meet their basic needs,” said Sen. Young. “It is critical that FEMA coordinates with federal and state agencies to assess the urgency of additional funding to assist in the ongoing response and repair efforts for everyone who was affected by this devastation.” After the President declares a disaster area, aid from FEMA comes in two parts, although they typically are approved sim

BRMC Gets Federal Grant Money

Washington, D.C.—A Department of Health and Human Services grant of $94,050 has been awarded to Bradford Regional Medical Center through the Health Resources and Services Administration, according to U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard. “These grants are discretionary and can be used for the health care needs of the facility,” said Thompson. “It gives the hospital the opportunity to address pressing needs for the medical care of the community.” George Leonhardt, administrator of the Bradford Center said, “We will be purchasing two pieces of patient care equipment: an intra-aortic balloon pump to be used for cardiac patients and a mobile x-ray system to be used at the bedside. We are fortunate to have access to funding opportunities such as this to support out continued provision of the highest quality of care to our patients.” emailed from Tina Kreisher, Glenn Thompson's office

Rapp: 'Tax Me More Express' is
Cause of De-Railed State Budget

After signing a stop-gap state budget last month to pay state employees, Gov. Ed Rendell is back on the road again, making his case for higher taxes and higher spending...and predicting dire consequences if his demands are not met. In addition to hundreds of unemployed state workers, the governor's individual executive decisions are having dire consequences right now because he alone chose to blue line or eliminate funding in the stop-gap budget to hold dozens of vital programs and community services hostage to up the ante on his bid for increased taxes. For example, many child care providers serving low- and moderate-income families across the state are at risk to shut down due to the lack of state support. As a result, parents who can't find alternatives may be forced to quit their jobs and collect unemployment or even welfare to care for their children. Students heading off to Penn State, Pitt, other state-affiliated colleges or state-owned universities, and community colleg

WNY Gets $27.2 in Grant Money

Governor David Paterson today announced the awarding of $27.2 million for Western New York as part of the third round of Restore NY grant program. The Village of Gowanda will receive $600,000 to restore the Hollywood Theater, which officials believe is a catalyst for economic redevelopment in the business district. Jamestown will receive $1 million for the Jamestown Connector Stabilization Project, which includes demolition of a number of blighted and vacant manufacturing buildings. Dunkirk will get $2.5 million to the Progress Park redevelopment project, which is aimed at developing new and expanded manufacturing and commercial facilities. from the NY governor's Web site

BRMC Has Flu Preparedness Plan

By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department A comprehensive flu preparedness plan by Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) has been instituted to ready itself and the community for the traditional flu season which now brings the added concern of the novel H1N1 virus. BRMC’s healthcare officials say they have been diligently meeting for several months to formulate a thorough plan which includes holding seasonal flu clinics for the public and staff, monitoring patient traffic in the Emergency Department, and waging a public awareness campaign which emphasizes good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Although in previous years BRMC’s McKean County VNA & Hospice coordinated the community flu clinics, this year the vaccines will be administered at the hospital. The public will be notified of the dates via local media. To help combat the dual risk of the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu, BRMC officials are urging individuals - and particularly those in high-risk categ

School Districts Show Improvement

Nearly 80 percent of Pennsylvania’s public schools met the required academic goals of the federal No Child Left Behind law for 2009. The Bradford Area School District made what's known as "adequate yearly progress," according to figures released today by the state education department. PSSA test results were released today as well. School district officials are expected to discuss the figures during the next school board meeting. You can find PSSA scores HERE (PDF -- pages 77 and 78) and the AYP status report HERE (PDF)

Paterson Wants More FEMA Money

Governor David Paterson is urging FEMA to authorize individual assistance for the Western New York communities affected by flooding early last month, and has called on the state Congressional delegation to work toward the same goal. On Tuesday, President Obama declared Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties eligible for federal disaster assistance for emergency work, repairs and replacements to the flood-damaged roads, bridges, and other public properties. Paterson is asking that FEMA approve assistance to homeowners, renters and small businesses in those areas. from the NY governor's Web site

'Unstoppable' Hotel Renovations

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The effects of the filming of the movie "Unstoppable" in the region are already being felt. To accommodate some crew members, the movie's production company is footing part of the bill for renovations at the DeSoto Holiday House on South Avenue. Tarport Properties is planning to refurbish the entire facility. As for the movie, the pre-production crew has been in Bradford for several weeks spending money at a number of businesses. Star Denzel Washington and Director Tony Scott have also been staying in the area. The action movie is being filmed in Cameron County, which is also getting a much-need economic boost. This Dumpster behind the hotel caught on fire at about 4 o'clock this moring. It's holding old carpeting from the hotel, as well as other construction materials. Bradford Township firefighters were on the scene for about 2 hours.

Meet the Owls

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Our own Frank Williams -- Voice of the Owls -- was the master of ceremonies for Wednesday's Meet the Owls Night at Parkway Field. All of the high school and middle school fall sports teams, along with the cheerleaders and band were introduced. The band and cheerleaders performed. ( Photos by Frank Williams and Sam Johnson )

Dumpster Fire at Holiday House

Bradford Township firefighters responded to a fire in a Dumpster this morning behind the Holiday House on South Avenue. The fire was contained to the Dumpster. The fire call came in at around 4 a.m. from firefighters at the scene

Two Hurt in Head-On Crash

Two people were hurt in a head-on crash this morning in the Town of Portland when the sun got in the eyes of one of the drivers. Sheriff's deputies say that at about 7:50 this morning a vehicle driven by 64-year-old Rose Giambra swerved into the opposite lane of travel and hit a vehicle driven by 34-year-old Brenda Lewis. The vehicles came to rest after hitting a group of trees. Lewis was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital. Giambra was taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital. Deputies say their injuries were non-life threatening. emailed from Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department

Fatal Farm Accident in Portland, NY

A Portland, New York, man is dead after a farm accident this morning. Sheriff's deputies say 37-year-old Michael Cettell was filling a tire with air when the tire ruptured. The tire rim hit Cettell in the head. The county coroner pronounced him dead at the scene. emailed from Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department

Couple Accused of Taking Snacks,
Taking Police on High-Speed Chase

Two Olean residents were sent to Cattaraugus County Jail this morning after allegedly stealing some snacks then taking police on a chase from Allegany to near the Pennsylvania border. Sheriff's deputies say 22-year-old Zachary Loop and 22-year-old Danielle Woodridge were taking items from a Frito-Lay truck in Allegany at about 1:30 this morning. When Allegany Police spotted them, the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. Allegany, Olean and New York State Police, along with sheriff's deputies, chased them through Olean, onto I-86 back toward Allegany then onto Route 219. The pursuit ended when the vehicle stopped on Route 219 a couple of miles from the Pennsylvania border. Loop was charged with multiple counts of unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, as well as petit larceny and criminal trespass. Woodridge was charged with petit larceny and criminal trespass. They're both due back in court on September 21. faxed from Cattaraugus County Sheriff's D

Mother, Daughter Facing Charges

A mother and daughter from Johnsonburg are facing charges after allegedly trying to steal from the St. Marys Walmart and hitting an employee. Police say 20-year-old Deanna Bellman and 38-year-old Tammy Lytle removed several items from the store without paying for them. After being confronted by Teralynn Snyder from Walmart Security, they both allegedly hit Snyder in attempt to try to get away. They are both charged with retail theft and harassment. The total value of the items they allegedly tried to steal is $27.

First St. Bonaventure FHCP Student
Begins Medical School in D.C.

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By Tom Missel Director of Media Relations/Marketing Shawn Sood’s blood still runs brown, but he was thrilled to don a white coat at his new home in the nation’s capital. Sood, class of 2009, is the first Franciscan Health Care Professions graduate to move on to medical school at George Washington University. He earned a degree in biology and his master’s in business administration. The dual-degree major from Katy, Texas, was one of 177 members of the class of 2013 to take part in the traditional White Coat Ceremony welcoming first-year students into the George Washington University medical community. During the ceremony, students are presented their white coats, recite an oath and sign an honor code pledge. “The ceremony definitely crystallized that I could see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Sood said. “The fact that my white coat will say Shawn B. Sood, M.D., four years from now is exciting … but also a little scary.” A dozen family members attended the Aug. 22 ceremony, whic

PGC Rescues Elk Tangled in Swing

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By Jerry Feaser PA Game Commission Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Doty McDowell, on the morning of Aug. 20, had planned to tackle some routine administrative duties and check on bear traps he had set to address nuisance situations in the area. But, with a call he received at just after 7 a.m., he found that his plans were going to change in a big way, as he was called to rescue a bull elk that had become entangled in a swing on the old school grounds of Benezette, Elk County. “When I arrived, the bull appeared to be extremely agitated, and was thrashing its head,” WCO McDowell said. “The elk would run in an attempt to escape, but as it reached the end of the swing rope, the elk was picked up off its feet and swung back in the other direction. “After hitting it with a tranquilizer dart, it took about 10 minutes for the drugs to take effect and the elk to calm down to the point we could approach it.” McDowell, assisted by Mark Gritzer, Game Commission

PGC Holding Public Tours

HARRISBURG – As part of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s efforts to highlight its ongoing habitat improvement initiatives, the public is invited to take part in upcoming tours of several State Game Lands between Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. All tours are free. “State Game Land tours provide the opportunity for those who enjoy nature to come out and talk with our employees – the people who are directly responsible for managing and protecting these lands,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “With autumn nearly here, these tours will provide a chance to see some of the best scenery the Commonwealth has to offer. These tours afford hunters and trappers and others who appreciate wildlife the opportunity to see how the Game Commission is spending hunting and furtaker license fees to acquire and to manage these lands for wildlife.” Roe noted that staff shortages and limited financial resources forced a reduction in the number of State Game Land tours this year. “Recognizing

PennDOT to Launch 511PA

On Friday, Sept. 4, Pennsylvania travelers can take their “Travel Info to Go” as PennDOT officially launches its 511 system — 511PA. 511PA provides free, 24-hour information services including traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, regional tourism information, and links to transit agencies and major airports. The service is available by calling 511 from cellular phones and landlines or through the Internet by visiting www.511PA.com . “Travelers log nearly 295 million miles on Pennsylvania roads each day and although the resources are simply not available to build our way out of traffic congestion, 511PA offers reliable information to help travelers make smart planning decisions and minimize travel delays,” PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. said. Users are also able to register through the Web site to receive personalized traveler alerts, provided through e-mail and text messaging. The 511PA roadway network includes all 1,759 miles of interstate including the Pennsylvania T

Rendell Says 'No' To Extraction Tax

Despite the state's budget problems, Governor Ed Rendell says he will not push for the proposed five percent tax on the extraction of natural gas in Pennsylvania. He says after meeting with representatives from the drilling industry, he agrees imposing the levy this year would hinder production and profits. Stephen Rhoads, president of the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association, says he's surprised but happy about the news. Some people had estimated the tax could have generated around 100 million dollars this fiscal year.

Pot Plants Found in Charlotte

The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force found 24 marijuana plants growing in the Town of Charlotte during a flyover Monday. Authorities say each plant is 5 to 6 feet tall and they're valued at $50,000. 44-year-old Donald VanHouton, who owns the property, has been charged with unlawfully growing and possessing marijuana. The marijuana plants were destroyed.

Appeal to Feds for Catskills Casino

Federal, New York State, and Sullivan County officials, as well as leaders of the business and labor communities in the Hudson Valley Region have joined together in urging the US Assistant Secretary of the Interior to support the Seneca Nation's plans for gaming facilities in the Catskills. Rotate Black, a company that manages resort and casino properties around the world, the Senecas and the Seneca Catskills Gaming Corporation are planning to develop a casino in the Town of Thompson in Sullivan County. Once completed, the Seneca Catskill Mountains Hotel and Casino will include 6,000 slot machines, 120 table games, 30 poker tables, a rare book center, a 1,500-room hotel and spa, 12 restaurants and a 5,000-seat arena, among other amenities.

Federal Disaster Declared

President Obama on Tuesday issued a federal disaster declaration that will allow municipalities in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties to be reimbursed for response and cleanup efforts related to the flooding caused by storms on August 9 and 10. The declaration, however, does not include homes and businesses that were damaged. FEMA does say further declarations that would provide aid to homes and businesses could come in the future. ~~~ Statement from State Senator Cathy Young: Although we are grateful that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has partially okayed the disaster declaration so that local and state governments have the green light to make much-needed repairs to infrastructure, the federal government’s job is only half done. Families and senior citizens are suffering because their homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Some folks are homeless and are desperate. Businesses are in danger of closing their doors. They don’t have the money to make repairs.

Another Fight Over a New Hotel

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Get ready to feel a sense of déjà vu. The Bradford Zoning Hearing Board on Tuesday granted a variance to Tarport Properties LLC for the proposed Holiday Inn Express at the former Micale Construction site, but not before attorney Greg Henry brought up several objections. Henry represents Bradford Motel Associates (Best Western), which, more than a decade ago, objected to the Comfort Inn moving to the site where it's been for nearly 10 years. Comfort Inn opened across the street from Best Western in late 1999 after a court battle that lasted about four years and went all the way to the state Supreme Court. Many of Henry's objections Tuesday night dealt with procedural issues concerning the hearing itself. He pointed out the criteria for the awarding of variances are set forth in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. He said the variant applicant must present evidence to satisfy the board, and the board must make findings with resp

Op-Ed:
The Right Budget
for Pennsylvania's Future

By Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Brockway) and Rep. Marty Causer (R-Turtlepoint) As both lawmakers and fathers, we want our children - and all children - to have every opportunity imaginable to succeed in school and in life. That is precisely why our state budget must invest wisely in public education while at the same time being responsible to the taxpayers who foot the bill. In a recent editorial, area school superintendents complained of the lack of education funding as a result of the budget impasse and what they consider to be inadequate state funding for their schools overall. We share their frustration regarding the lack of a final budget; however, we disagree with their views on the appropriate level of funding in these challenging economic times. The only way to give the school districts the additional $300 million they want is through a significant tax increase, such as the income tax hike Gov. Ed Rendell has been pushing over the last few months. (Never mind that only half of the mon

Obituary:
Mary Louise Bove

Mary Louise Bove, 85, of Chapel Ridge, formerly of Westmont, NJ, passed away Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 at Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born August 22, 1924, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late George and Francesca (DiNuzzo) Bove. Ms. Bove was a 1942 graduate of Bradford High School, and 1945 graduate of the Bradford Hospital School of Nursing, then commenced work at Buffalo General Hospital in Buffalo, NY. On March 20, 1953 she enlisted in the United States Navy. She served in numerous bases around the world. She retired at the rank of Commander from the Philadelphia Naval Hospital on March 31, 1973. She was a member of the Retired Officers Association, the Navy Nurse Corps Association, and a member of St. Bernard Church. Surviving is a sister, Frances Sweeney, two brothers, John Bove and George Bove all of Bradford, nine nieces and nephews: Mary Ann Bove, Anne Holliday, Theresa Hummel, James Sweeney, Steve Wozniak, Kathleen Belleville, Karen Teribery, Kristine Shonts,

Rolling into Fall in the
Allegheny National Forest

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By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau The multitude of outdoor activities in McKean County doesn’t end when summer dues – they only get more colorful. The bright hues of red, orange and yellow start dotting the hillsides as a true reminder that Fall is Bigger Here. There’s perhaps no better way to experience the vastness of the area and the kaleidoscope of colors than on a bicycle. A hub of activity for bicyclist can be found in Smethport, the county seat. Smethport’s history is rich in lumber and, surprisingly, bicyclists. This stunningly picturesque region is geographically blessed with some of the most advantageous bicycling routes in the nation. The hills that surround this town offer fantastic vistas as well as challenging bike trails. Those who want to rise to the challenge can take part in A Wheel Around the Hub cycling race on Saturday, Sept. 19. This race is two-pronged – one is a 53-mile, seven-circuit Gold Watch Race, the ot

ArtWorks Launches Friday Series

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By Ruth Gentilman Peterson Publicity Chair ArtWorks Gallery Artist and Kane native Joe Feikls’ works of Wood and Clay will be featured during ArtWorks’ premiere "First Friday" artist reception to be held September 4, 5-7 p.m. at the gallery at the Kane Depot. The public is cordially invited. Come meet Joe, see a representative sample of his art and a demonstration of a new project. Joe works to bring out the inherent beauty within each piece of wood and clay from which he creates his art. During his years in the Kane Area High School art program, he studied art history, theatre history and applied art. From there he continued these pursuits in the apprenticeship program of the Corning Summer Theatre in Corning, New York. He studied ceramics and trained under local artist John Bloomquist. He has attended many workshops and worked several months at Northwest Potters in Seattle, Washington. He is a member of the theatrical stage-hand’s Union, IATSE. Joe worked on Br

Grand Opening for BRMC's New Outpatient Suite on September 16

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By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department Allegheny Vein & Vascular’s new outpatient suite at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC), the first of its kind in the region, will be unveiled to the public during a grand opening which begins 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, on the third floor of the Outpatient Services Center. Following one hour of tours at the 1,500-square-foot outpatient suite where guests will also be provided hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, a presentation on “Varicose Veins and Treatment” will be given in the main floor lobby at 7 p.m. by Robert W. Tahara, M.D., who heads Allegheny Vein & Vascular. BRMC named Allegheny Vein & Vascular its newest Center of Excellence last fall to enhance focus on the area’s growing need for vein, vascular and endovascular treatment. Dr. Tahara, who’s board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, is also director of BRMC’s Peripheral Interventions Program. Because seating for Dr. Tahara’s presentation is l

St. Bonaventure's CCE Picks Up Where Journey Project Left Off

By Tom Missel Director of Media Relations In any given week, St. Bonaventure University students can be found in a number of area non-profit and social service agencies that range from working with children to visiting those who are in prison. Establishment of the new Center for Community Engagement at St. Bonaventure affirms the university’s commitment to promoting student-centered learning. It also is a natural progression inspired by the Lilly Endowment-funded Journey Project, established in 2003 through a five-year, $2 million grant. The Journey Project initiative was designed to create a campus culture in which faculty, staff, administrators and students give serious consideration to issues of faith, service and vocation — all in the context of liberal arts education. The initial Lilly Endowment grant expired in 2008, but the university received a $500,000 extension grant that runs through 2011. The Center for Community Engagement seeks to enhance and broaden the university’s ed

BRMC Offers Wellness Programs

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Several public wellness programs focusing on osteoporosis, smoke cessation, eating better, learning relaxation techniques, and diabetes awareness will be held in the coming weeks at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC). Also, personal nutrition counseling is offered throughout the year at BRMC. “We’re excited to again offer these helpful programs to the community,” says Mariann Kahle, who’s BRMC’s worksite wellness coordinator. “I encourage everyone to sign up. The programs are fast-moving, fun and extremely informative.” The first program, “Highmark Osteoporosis Prevention Education” (HOPE), is a wellness and lifestyle improvement program. It focuses on health choices to improve bone health and prevent or manage osteoporosis. HOPE will be held every Tuesday, Sept. 15 through Oct. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in BRMC’s Ground Floor Assembly Room with instructor Tim Stark, coordinator for cardiac rehabilitation at BRMC’s Upbeat Wellness/Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. There is no fee for

Rethmel Has Some Family Time

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U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Rethmel, who was critically injured when his base in Afghanistan was attacked in June, got to spend some time with his family at Mologne House at Walter Reed hospital. Rethmel, who is from Olean, was deployed to Afghanistan on June 8th and assigned to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division. Two weeks later, his base and unit were attacked with a barrage of rockets by enemy forces. He was critically injured during the skirmish and lost a leg below his knee cap. One arm was severely mangled and he suffered extensive wounds to his abdomen. A benefit for Rethmel and his family will be held at War Vets Park in Olean on September 4th from 4-8 pm. In addition to chicken BBQ, beverages, and live music, a Chinese auction will held. You can find previous stories HERE and HERE . Pictured from left are Brandon, his father-in-law Eric Schellhammer of Bradford, Brandon's wife Sylvia and their daughter Mariah. ( Photo courtesy of Marcie Schellhammer )

Teenage Arsonist Pleads Guilty

A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to starting a fire in the Ames Plaza in the Town of Yorkshire on May 30. Casey Gilcrease and a 14-year-old girl were charged with arson for trespassing inside a vacant store and starting a fire that quickly grew out of control. An 11-year-old boy was also charged in the incident. The plaza also houses a Save-A-Lot, Dollar General and Valu Home Center. No one was injured in the fire. The inside of the vacant store including the roof and ceiling were damaged. Gilcrease will be sentenced November 2 in Cattaraugus County Court.

Police Shoot Leon Man

Jamestown Police shot a Leon man Saturday morning after he allegedly rammed a parked car and then ran into two occupied police cars. They say 36 year-old Lawrence Ellis was upset that his girlfriend had been at a bar with another man. Ellis allegedly struck and injured the man and then went on a rampage, later striking two Jamestown Police cars. Police had to shoot Ellis to restrain him as he ran into their police cars repeatedly. Ellis was treated for a gunshot wound to his hand and then charged with with DWI and reckless endangerment.

19 Tombstones Damaged

Someone damaged 19 tombstones in the Lutheran Cemetery on Cemetery Hill Road in the Town of Otto this morning. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's deputies say some of the stones were destroyed and knocked over. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 716-938-9191.

Governor Rendell Interview

You can listen to my interview with Governor Ed Rendell HERE .

Litter Bug Caught By Photo Bug

By Jerry Feaser PA Game Commission Sometimes a Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) will be forced to spend days or weeks digging through trash illegally dumped on State Game Lands in attempt to apprehend the person or persons responsible. Sometimes it is the information about a case that can be, literally, dumped in a WCO’s lap that helps solve the crime. Such was the case recently for Blair County WCO Steve Hanczar, who was presented with a series of photographs clearly showing the faces of those dumping trash on State Game Land 158, just below the Tipton Reservoir, as well as the license plates of the vehicles involved in the incident, earlier this spring. Based on the information and photographs, WCO Hanczar charged Roger Lee Lonsinger Sr., 49, of Tyrone, for littering. On July 28, he pled guilty, and was ordered to pay a fine and court costs of $259.50. Also charged was Samuel Howard Brisbin, 59, of Tyrone, for assisting in the littering incident. Bri

LV Man Accused of Assault, More

A Little Valley man is facing assault and other charges after allegedly attacking a woman this morning. Police say 27-year-old Erick Allen grabbed the woman by the back of the head and threw her into a garage floor, causing a cut on her head. Police say the woman called her parents after the incident but Allen forced her to call them back and say she was OK, telling her that if her parents showed up he'd kill all of them. Allen is facing charges of assault, coercion, unlawful imprisonment and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police: Two Warren State Hospital Patients Assaulted Another Patient

Two patients at Warren State Hospital are facing charges after allegedly assaulting another patient in the hospital courtyard. Police say 29-year-old Daniel Rogueplot was picking on another patient who had a cast on his leg and was using crutches. They say Rogueplot broke the crutches, then grabbed the victim, threw him off a rail he was sitting on and held him down by the neck. 33-year-old Thomas Keech then ran over and starting punching and kicking the victim, who suffered bruises and cuts on his back, ribs, neck, nose and head. Police say a female hospital employee was able to stop Rogueplot and Keech from attacking the victim any further.

14-Year-Old Facing Charges

A 14-year-old boy is facing charges after crashing an SUV he was driving into a utility pole in Warren County. Police haven't released the boy's name, but say he was driving the SUV early Friday morning just north of Route 6 when the vehicle went out of control while he was trying to turn into the Pleasant Valley Trailer Park. The SUV went off the road, hit a drainage pipe and a utility pole, then came to rest in a ditch. Police say neither the boy nor his 17-year-old passenger was hurt.

Programming Note:

I interviewed Governor Ed Rendell yesterday. We talked about Bradford-specific budget issues, the book he's writing about his 32 years in politics, football (Bills, Steelers, Eagles) and more. Tune to 1490 WESB at 12:40 p.m. today to hear the interview.