By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
Foster Township Police Chief Jeff Wolbert is hoping to retire next year.
Wolbert made the unofficial announcement during Monday’s Foster Township supervisors meeting after a question by Interstate Parkway resident Joe Piganelli.
Piganelli said, because they know he attends the township meetings, several people asked if he knew anything about Wolbert retiring.
Wolbert said he hopes to retire in January. He’ll be retirement age in November.
Piganelli then asked if the supervisors had a plan to name a new police chief.
“We’ve had some discussions” supervisor Chris Wolcott said.
Piganelli asked if the discussions would be just among the supervisors, or if the public would be involved.
“I don’t see that the public needs to be necessarily involved at this stage,” Wolcott said, adding that the supervisors are willing to take comments and suggestions.
“We don’t even have a plan right at the moment,” Wolcott said. “We’ve had some discussions but, actually Jeff’s never really indicated that he’s going to retire until just now.”
Also during Monday’s meeting, Wolcott talked about FEMA’s new flood insurance maps, which are supposed to show a more accurate flood zone.
He said the biggest thing he’d like to impress upon residents is that their house may not have been in a flood plain before, but it may be in one according to the new map.
He said that’s important as far as flood insurance goes because $100,000 coverage on a house not in a flood plain is $264; in a flood plain it’s $3,000.
Wolcott said it’s his understanding that if people take out flood insurance before the new maps takes effect, they will be grandfathered in at the lower rate. He said it will be several more months before the new maps go into effect, so people have time to find out if they will be in a flood plain or not.
In another matter, Wolcott said, “You probably noticed the purple boxes in the trees again.”
He explained that they are emerald ash borer traps that the US Department of Agriculture and DCNR use to track the destructive beetle, which has destroyed more than 70 million trees in the United States.
Wolcott also talked about the US Census, noting that the township’s participation rate is 84 percent, the same as in 2000.
Supervisor Chairman Bob Slike asked Wolbert if there were any problems with last week’s Bradford Mall Spring Carnival.
“It was probably the best one we’ve ever had,” Wolbert said. “No complaints. Everybody said it was nice and clean.”
He added that some of the businesses said the carnival workers bought “a lot of stuff from them. It brought some business in.”
Monday, June 7, 2010
Woman's Purse Stolen from House
Someone entered a woman’s house early Sunday morning and stole her purse.
23-year-old Jessica Lou Ann Prescott of Eldred tells police the incident happened at about 3:30 a.m. at her Main Street home.
The purse contained a Hamlin Bank debit card and checkbook, various prescription medications, an Old Navy credit card, AAA card and a hemp necklace.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Kane-based state police at 778-5555.
23-year-old Jessica Lou Ann Prescott of Eldred tells police the incident happened at about 3:30 a.m. at her Main Street home.
The purse contained a Hamlin Bank debit card and checkbook, various prescription medications, an Old Navy credit card, AAA card and a hemp necklace.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Kane-based state police at 778-5555.
Resident: South Kendall Avenue
Looks Like Junkyard City
By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
A South Kendall Avenue resident says her street looks like Junkyard City, and she doesn’t want Foster Township to have the code enforcement problems the City of Bradford has.
Barb Price told Foster Township Supervisors during their meeting Monday night she’s ashamed to live in the township because of the condition of at least 10 properties on South Kendall.
She said the city’s code enforcement problems are getting most of the attention lately but “Foster Township sure as hell isn’t much better than the city. So I think we better start working together to get this township the way it should be.”
Price said she’s been told that the township’s code enforcement program is complaint driven.
“I don’t know how much complaining this one person has to do,” she said.
Price said she’s not going up and down the street trying to find houses that are in deplorable condition or junkyards on properties. She’s just complaining about the properties she sees on her way to her house and back.
“If you go out in Derrick City you don’t see the junkyards on the main road,” she said. “Take a ride out South Kendall. Just take a ride out South Kendall. It looks like Junkyard City.”
She mentioned one house that has broken windows and no electricity, but people are still living in it and it’s not condemned.
“What in God’s name do we have to do in the township to make things look better?” she asked.
Code enforcement officer John Place was asked if, in fact, code enforcement is complaint driven or if he could be proactive.
“I could be proactive if there were 80 hours in a week and I had three other people working with me,” Place said. “You’re talking about it being a 24-hour-a-day job, eight days a week.”
"Code enforcement, for all practical purposes, is complaint driven,” Place added.
Price encouraged people to “start complaining. That’s the only way we’re going to get it look halfway decent. I’m sure that we don’t want to have the problem the city has.”
Place did say if people have a complaint they should file it, and he’ll act on it.
A person having more than one junk car on his property is also a concern.
Place said a lot of people in the township are involved in stock car racing so, over the years a policy has developed that if a person has a stock car, the township “backs off a little bit on it.”
He also mentioned cases in which he’s taken a case to the district judge, who has fined the person and the fine gets ignored.
“I don’t know where we go from there,” Place said.
WESB/WBRR News Director
A South Kendall Avenue resident says her street looks like Junkyard City, and she doesn’t want Foster Township to have the code enforcement problems the City of Bradford has.
Barb Price told Foster Township Supervisors during their meeting Monday night she’s ashamed to live in the township because of the condition of at least 10 properties on South Kendall.
She said the city’s code enforcement problems are getting most of the attention lately but “Foster Township sure as hell isn’t much better than the city. So I think we better start working together to get this township the way it should be.”
Price said she’s been told that the township’s code enforcement program is complaint driven.
“I don’t know how much complaining this one person has to do,” she said.
Price said she’s not going up and down the street trying to find houses that are in deplorable condition or junkyards on properties. She’s just complaining about the properties she sees on her way to her house and back.
“If you go out in Derrick City you don’t see the junkyards on the main road,” she said. “Take a ride out South Kendall. Just take a ride out South Kendall. It looks like Junkyard City.”
She mentioned one house that has broken windows and no electricity, but people are still living in it and it’s not condemned.
“What in God’s name do we have to do in the township to make things look better?” she asked.
Code enforcement officer John Place was asked if, in fact, code enforcement is complaint driven or if he could be proactive.
“I could be proactive if there were 80 hours in a week and I had three other people working with me,” Place said. “You’re talking about it being a 24-hour-a-day job, eight days a week.”
"Code enforcement, for all practical purposes, is complaint driven,” Place added.
Price encouraged people to “start complaining. That’s the only way we’re going to get it look halfway decent. I’m sure that we don’t want to have the problem the city has.”
Place did say if people have a complaint they should file it, and he’ll act on it.
A person having more than one junk car on his property is also a concern.
Place said a lot of people in the township are involved in stock car racing so, over the years a policy has developed that if a person has a stock car, the township “backs off a little bit on it.”
He also mentioned cases in which he’s taken a case to the district judge, who has fined the person and the fine gets ignored.
“I don’t know where we go from there,” Place said.
MVAs, Theft and Noise in Bradford
Bradford City Police on Monday investigated motor vehicle accidents at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Davis Street, and on Congress Street, and a retail theft at a downtown business, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO from the police department.
Officers also got reports of a power line down on East Main Street, noise on Hill Street and an erratic driver on East Main Street. They also received several requests to speak with an officer.
Officers also got reports of a power line down on East Main Street, noise on Hill Street and an erratic driver on East Main Street. They also received several requests to speak with an officer.
Twin Tiers Theater Festival Brings
Broadway Summer Stock to WNY
By Eva B. Potter
OLEAN, N.Y. – For an inexpensive getaway weekend with a sophisticated metropolitan feel, visit Olean, N.Y., this summer as the Twin Tiers Theater Festival (TTTF) launches its inaugural season of Broadway summer stock theater.
New York City organizers Amy Kyzer, an actress and small theater company owner, and Rohit Kapoor, a professional production and set designer, scoped out the area last year. After conversations with Leslie and Nick Patrone, owners of the Olean Theatre Workshop (Washington Street Theatre), and former Olean Mayor David Carucci, the pair took the concept of a summer stock festival back to New York City.
For many of their show business friends, who had spent summers performing in and producing shows at other summer stock festivals like Williamstown and the Berkshires, the idea of escaping to Olean’s welcoming grass- and tree-filled landscape provided instant appeal. All agreed a theater festival in Olean would be a perfect fit.
Kyzer, bubbling with enthusiasm, said, “In a time of recession in this country, where arts programs are the first to go and a Broadway ticket can cost you $200, we have been given this amazing opportunity to bring the magic of New York City to Olean, N.Y.”
This summer’s lineup of eight crowd-pleasing shows serves up a heaping plate of exciting live performances including high drama, gut-splitting comedy, a nail-biting suspense thriller, intoxicating musical theater, an adventurous children’s play, and one original play to debut annually at TTTF (to be announced). It’s a variety sure to please every palate.
The festival will run six performances of each show on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, with two shows on Thursdays and Saturdays. Single-event tickets range from $20 to $28 and can be purchased on TTTF’s website. Money-saving season passes are also available.
Most performances will take place inside the newly-remodeled Washington Street Theatre in the city’s historic district. The musical, accompanied by the Southern Tier Symphony, will be presented at nearby Oak Hill Park’s outdoor venue.
“We’re actually building a stage and a whole lighting truss in Oak Hill Park, so it’s going to be a whole outdoor performance venue for the summers,” said Kyzer.
Renovations to modernize the space were completed by company members, community volunteers and area students. The result is an off-Broadway-quality house, which will be used for TTTF’s performances, as well as the Olean Theatre Workshop and community groups for the remainder of the year.
“The idea of beautifying the neighborhood and getting the community involved in the revitalization of the theater—and making it a destination spot much like Niagara-on-the-Lake and places like that—has really gotten everyone on board very quickly,” said Kapoor. “Olean has a great infrastructure to handle this type of festival.”
Kyser said, “The beauty of the area and the unbelievable support from local patrons and sponsors has been overwhelming.”
“I just think that it’s great timing and I think Olean is ready for it,” commented current Olean Mayor Linda Witte. “I wholeheartedly support it.”
Performers from Los Angeles, New York City, the United Kingdom, and the Southern Tier region will fill the theater stage, while professional set and costume designers, producers and directors from New York City work behind the scenes.
London actress Hannah Scott, who plays Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods,” has extended her visa in order to remain in the U.S. to perform for TTTF.
“I think we will be unapologetically entertaining. I don’t think you will fall asleep watching,” said Kapoor.
The Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) is assisting TTTF’s start-up efforts. Anne Conroy-Baiter, executive director of CCAC said, “Bringing a summer theater festival to this area, which celebrates summer so wonderfully, seemed like a no-brainer for the arts council. Visitors coming in to see the shows will find numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions to round out their experience.”
Within a short driving radius of Olean, you and your family can take a nature-filled field trip to Allegany State Park, make a stop at the Seneca-Allegany Casino (not for children), or hike among the super-sized boulders at Rock City Park, just to mention a few. After a fun-filled day of exploration, satisfy your hunger with a meal at one of the area’s varied restaurants before heading to the theater.
You won’t regret setting aside some time on your weekend calendar to take in one of TTTF’s incredible performances.
OLEAN, N.Y. – For an inexpensive getaway weekend with a sophisticated metropolitan feel, visit Olean, N.Y., this summer as the Twin Tiers Theater Festival (TTTF) launches its inaugural season of Broadway summer stock theater.
New York City organizers Amy Kyzer, an actress and small theater company owner, and Rohit Kapoor, a professional production and set designer, scoped out the area last year. After conversations with Leslie and Nick Patrone, owners of the Olean Theatre Workshop (Washington Street Theatre), and former Olean Mayor David Carucci, the pair took the concept of a summer stock festival back to New York City. For many of their show business friends, who had spent summers performing in and producing shows at other summer stock festivals like Williamstown and the Berkshires, the idea of escaping to Olean’s welcoming grass- and tree-filled landscape provided instant appeal. All agreed a theater festival in Olean would be a perfect fit.
Kyzer, bubbling with enthusiasm, said, “In a time of recession in this country, where arts programs are the first to go and a Broadway ticket can cost you $200, we have been given this amazing opportunity to bring the magic of New York City to Olean, N.Y.”
This summer’s lineup of eight crowd-pleasing shows serves up a heaping plate of exciting live performances including high drama, gut-splitting comedy, a nail-biting suspense thriller, intoxicating musical theater, an adventurous children’s play, and one original play to debut annually at TTTF (to be announced). It’s a variety sure to please every palate.
The festival will run six performances of each show on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, with two shows on Thursdays and Saturdays. Single-event tickets range from $20 to $28 and can be purchased on TTTF’s website. Money-saving season passes are also available.
Most performances will take place inside the newly-remodeled Washington Street Theatre in the city’s historic district. The musical, accompanied by the Southern Tier Symphony, will be presented at nearby Oak Hill Park’s outdoor venue.
“We’re actually building a stage and a whole lighting truss in Oak Hill Park, so it’s going to be a whole outdoor performance venue for the summers,” said Kyzer. Renovations to modernize the space were completed by company members, community volunteers and area students. The result is an off-Broadway-quality house, which will be used for TTTF’s performances, as well as the Olean Theatre Workshop and community groups for the remainder of the year.
“The idea of beautifying the neighborhood and getting the community involved in the revitalization of the theater—and making it a destination spot much like Niagara-on-the-Lake and places like that—has really gotten everyone on board very quickly,” said Kapoor. “Olean has a great infrastructure to handle this type of festival.”
Kyser said, “The beauty of the area and the unbelievable support from local patrons and sponsors has been overwhelming.”
“I just think that it’s great timing and I think Olean is ready for it,” commented current Olean Mayor Linda Witte. “I wholeheartedly support it.”
Performers from Los Angeles, New York City, the United Kingdom, and the Southern Tier region will fill the theater stage, while professional set and costume designers, producers and directors from New York City work behind the scenes.
London actress Hannah Scott, who plays Little Red Riding Hood in “Into the Woods,” has extended her visa in order to remain in the U.S. to perform for TTTF.
“I think we will be unapologetically entertaining. I don’t think you will fall asleep watching,” said Kapoor.
The Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) is assisting TTTF’s start-up efforts. Anne Conroy-Baiter, executive director of CCAC said, “Bringing a summer theater festival to this area, which celebrates summer so wonderfully, seemed like a no-brainer for the arts council. Visitors coming in to see the shows will find numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions to round out their experience.”
Within a short driving radius of Olean, you and your family can take a nature-filled field trip to Allegany State Park, make a stop at the Seneca-Allegany Casino (not for children), or hike among the super-sized boulders at Rock City Park, just to mention a few. After a fun-filled day of exploration, satisfy your hunger with a meal at one of the area’s varied restaurants before heading to the theater.
You won’t regret setting aside some time on your weekend calendar to take in one of TTTF’s incredible performances.
Tractor-Trailer, Pickup Truck Collide
A pickup truck and a tractor-trailer collided at the intersection of Route 6 and Telescope Road in Ulysses Township at 5:30 this morning.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State police say 34-year-old John Simons of Genesee fell asleep at the wheel of the pickup. 46-year-old Timothy Portzline of Mount Pleasant Mills was just started to go through the intersection when Simons woke up, but his truck hit the rear axle of the trailer. The pickup spun around before coming to rest.
Charges of careless driving and not using seatbelt will be filed against Simons. He suffered minor injuries. Portzline wasn’t hurt.
The pickup had major damage. The tractor-trailer had disabling damage.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State police say 34-year-old John Simons of Genesee fell asleep at the wheel of the pickup. 46-year-old Timothy Portzline of Mount Pleasant Mills was just started to go through the intersection when Simons woke up, but his truck hit the rear axle of the trailer. The pickup spun around before coming to rest.
Charges of careless driving and not using seatbelt will be filed against Simons. He suffered minor injuries. Portzline wasn’t hurt.
The pickup had major damage. The tractor-trailer had disabling damage.
School Bus Crash at Fretz
Bradford City Firefighter Greg Lewis tends to people injured when their car hit a school bus in the Fretz Middle School parking lot Monday afternoon. The crash jammed the front door of the bus. Also pictured, in the third photo, is Bradford Area School District director of transportation Barry Bryan.While emergency crews were still on the scene of this "accident," at about 5:45 p.m., they got a report of another accident at the intersection of Jackson and Davis streets.
P.S. The crash at Fretz was only a drill.
I would love it if, during real accidents, Boo Coder told me to get closer to get a better picture ~~ A
Sestak: More Well Oversight Needed
Following a blowout at a Pennsylvania natural gas well, Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Congressman Joe Sestak called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today to increase its oversight of Marcellus Shale development.
The blowout at the natural gas well in Clearfield County last week, apparently caused by a failed blowout preventer, spewed polluted drilling water and natural gas 75 feet in the air and on the ground before being capped 16 hours later. The drilling liquid from the well’s hydraulic fracturing activities, whereby the liquids are shot underground at high pressure to break up shale and release its natural gas, flowed off the site and toward tributaries to Little Laurel Run.
While the situation was eventually contained, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said the accident could have resulted in a “catastrophic incident that endangered life and property.”
The circumstances of the accident are similar to those that led to the BP oil rig explosion in April at the Deepwater Horizon Rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Joe wrote a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson to ask that the Marcellus Shale development be monitored by the EPA to ensure that drilling does not harm Pennsylvania’s water resources.
“This accident highlights the significant dangers of these drilling operations, which are expanding in Pennsylvania at an unprecedented rate and scale,” wrote Sestak, noting that American Rivers has declared the Upper Delaware River the most endangered in the country due to Marcellus Shale development. “Proper regulations are not in place to manage them and protect the public.”
Sestak asked Jackson to increase EPA’s authority “to the maximum extent possible” to oversee the development of the Marcellus Shale as he and Sen. Bob Casey work on efforts to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources. For example, Pennsylvania must have proper investigation and testing of groundwater and air contamination and the EPA has the technical expertise to help put the safest possible procedures in place.
Sestak has co-sponsored the FRAC Act, a companion to a Casey-sponsored Senate bill, that would repeal the “Halliburton Loophole,” a Bush-era special-interest deal that allows drillers to skirt the Safe Drinking Water Act.
“It is critical that the EPA play a role in assessing and minimizing industrial risk so that our citizens do not sacrifice their health, safety, livelihoods, and environment to irresponsible development of our nation’s vast natural wealth,” Sestak said. “Development of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale can be a boon for ailing local economies, but we must be vigilant in taking all necessary steps to protect our commonwealth’s precious natural resources.”
The blowout at the natural gas well in Clearfield County last week, apparently caused by a failed blowout preventer, spewed polluted drilling water and natural gas 75 feet in the air and on the ground before being capped 16 hours later. The drilling liquid from the well’s hydraulic fracturing activities, whereby the liquids are shot underground at high pressure to break up shale and release its natural gas, flowed off the site and toward tributaries to Little Laurel Run.
While the situation was eventually contained, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said the accident could have resulted in a “catastrophic incident that endangered life and property.”
The circumstances of the accident are similar to those that led to the BP oil rig explosion in April at the Deepwater Horizon Rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Joe wrote a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson to ask that the Marcellus Shale development be monitored by the EPA to ensure that drilling does not harm Pennsylvania’s water resources.
“This accident highlights the significant dangers of these drilling operations, which are expanding in Pennsylvania at an unprecedented rate and scale,” wrote Sestak, noting that American Rivers has declared the Upper Delaware River the most endangered in the country due to Marcellus Shale development. “Proper regulations are not in place to manage them and protect the public.”
Sestak asked Jackson to increase EPA’s authority “to the maximum extent possible” to oversee the development of the Marcellus Shale as he and Sen. Bob Casey work on efforts to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources. For example, Pennsylvania must have proper investigation and testing of groundwater and air contamination and the EPA has the technical expertise to help put the safest possible procedures in place.
Sestak has co-sponsored the FRAC Act, a companion to a Casey-sponsored Senate bill, that would repeal the “Halliburton Loophole,” a Bush-era special-interest deal that allows drillers to skirt the Safe Drinking Water Act.
“It is critical that the EPA play a role in assessing and minimizing industrial risk so that our citizens do not sacrifice their health, safety, livelihoods, and environment to irresponsible development of our nation’s vast natural wealth,” Sestak said. “Development of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale can be a boon for ailing local economies, but we must be vigilant in taking all necessary steps to protect our commonwealth’s precious natural resources.”
DEP Orders EOG to Halt New Drilling
HARRISBURG -- The Department of Environmental Protection today ordered EOG Resources Inc. to suspend its natural gas well drilling activities in Pennsylvania after a June 3 blowout at one of the company’s Clearfield County wells sent natural gas and at least 35,000 gallons of drilling wastewater into the sky and over the ground for 16 hours.
DEP Secretary John Hanger said that while the order bans all drilling and hydrofracturing, or fracking, operations for specified periods of time, the suspension will remain in effect until DEP has completed a comprehensive investigation into the leak and the company has implemented any needed changes.
“DEP staff, along with an independent expert, will conduct a detailed investigation of not just the incident that occurred last week in Clearfield County, but of EOG Resources’ drilling operations, as a whole, here in Pennsylvania,” said Hanger. “The Clearfield County incident presented a serious threat to life and property. We are working with the company to review its Pennsylvania drilling operations fully from beginning to end to ensure an incident of this nature does not happen again.”
The order prohibits EOG Resources from drilling activities up to seven days; from engaging in fracking operations up to 14 days; and from completing or initiating post-fracking operations for 30 days in any wells throughout the state. These actions and operations cannot resume until the department agrees that the investigation has been fully completed.
The results of the investigation will also help determine whether DEP should take additional enforcement action against the company, such as fines or penalties.
Hanger added that EOG Resources has been fully cooperative and in agreement with the department’s ongoing investigation and order.
The leak began at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, when the well’s operators lost control of it while preparing to extract gas after fracking the shale. As a result, natural gas and flowback frack fluid was released uncontrollably onto the ground and 75 feet into the air. The well was capped at around noon on June 4.
The EOG well pad is located in a rural area near the Penfield/Route 153 exit of Interstate 80 in northwestern Clearfield County, near Moshannon State Forest.
The department’s Emergency Response and Oil and Gas programs responded to the incident, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and local fire and police departments.
PEMA elevated its activation level to coordinate resources among multiple state agencies and worked with PennDOT and the Federal Aviation Administration to institute a temporary airspace restriction above the well. The restriction was lifted at approximately 1:45 p.m. on June 4.
“Fortunately, the well did not ignite and explode, and there were no injuries to the well crew or emergency responders,” said Hanger. “Our preliminary assessment is that the environmental damage was modest as the frack fluid was contained and did not appear to reach any streams, but DEP is continuing its monitoring efforts because sometimes the impacts of a spill like this are delayed. We have noted that a spring in the area has shown a spike in conductivity and that discharge is being collected by EOG for proper disposal.”
The secretary noted that the company expects to have a more accurate estimate of the amount of fracking water that was leaked after it finishes draining the pits and waterboxes it deployed to collect the fluids. As of June 7, initial estimates totaled 35,000 gallons, although more was certainly released and the company believes this accounts for a majority of the leaked water.
DEP’s preliminary investigation has determined that a blowout preventer on the well failed, but the agency does not yet know if that failure was the main cause of the incident. The blowout preventer has been secured and will be one piece of the investigation.
EOG Resources, formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Co., operates approximately 265 active wells in Pennsylvania, 117 of which are in the Marcellus Shale formation.
DEP Secretary John Hanger said that while the order bans all drilling and hydrofracturing, or fracking, operations for specified periods of time, the suspension will remain in effect until DEP has completed a comprehensive investigation into the leak and the company has implemented any needed changes.
“DEP staff, along with an independent expert, will conduct a detailed investigation of not just the incident that occurred last week in Clearfield County, but of EOG Resources’ drilling operations, as a whole, here in Pennsylvania,” said Hanger. “The Clearfield County incident presented a serious threat to life and property. We are working with the company to review its Pennsylvania drilling operations fully from beginning to end to ensure an incident of this nature does not happen again.”
The order prohibits EOG Resources from drilling activities up to seven days; from engaging in fracking operations up to 14 days; and from completing or initiating post-fracking operations for 30 days in any wells throughout the state. These actions and operations cannot resume until the department agrees that the investigation has been fully completed.
The results of the investigation will also help determine whether DEP should take additional enforcement action against the company, such as fines or penalties.
Hanger added that EOG Resources has been fully cooperative and in agreement with the department’s ongoing investigation and order.
The leak began at approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, when the well’s operators lost control of it while preparing to extract gas after fracking the shale. As a result, natural gas and flowback frack fluid was released uncontrollably onto the ground and 75 feet into the air. The well was capped at around noon on June 4.
The EOG well pad is located in a rural area near the Penfield/Route 153 exit of Interstate 80 in northwestern Clearfield County, near Moshannon State Forest.
The department’s Emergency Response and Oil and Gas programs responded to the incident, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and local fire and police departments.
PEMA elevated its activation level to coordinate resources among multiple state agencies and worked with PennDOT and the Federal Aviation Administration to institute a temporary airspace restriction above the well. The restriction was lifted at approximately 1:45 p.m. on June 4.
“Fortunately, the well did not ignite and explode, and there were no injuries to the well crew or emergency responders,” said Hanger. “Our preliminary assessment is that the environmental damage was modest as the frack fluid was contained and did not appear to reach any streams, but DEP is continuing its monitoring efforts because sometimes the impacts of a spill like this are delayed. We have noted that a spring in the area has shown a spike in conductivity and that discharge is being collected by EOG for proper disposal.”
The secretary noted that the company expects to have a more accurate estimate of the amount of fracking water that was leaked after it finishes draining the pits and waterboxes it deployed to collect the fluids. As of June 7, initial estimates totaled 35,000 gallons, although more was certainly released and the company believes this accounts for a majority of the leaked water.
DEP’s preliminary investigation has determined that a blowout preventer on the well failed, but the agency does not yet know if that failure was the main cause of the incident. The blowout preventer has been secured and will be one piece of the investigation.
EOG Resources, formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Co., operates approximately 265 active wells in Pennsylvania, 117 of which are in the Marcellus Shale formation.
Helen Thomas Retires
From CNN: Veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas retires after controversial remarks about Jews, her agency says.
Earlier from CNN.com:
Washington (CNN) – Lanny Davis joined Ari Fleischer Sunday in calling for Hearst Corporation to take quick action against legendary White House correspondent Helen Thomas for recently saying that Israel should “get the hell out of Palestine,” and that the Jewish people should go home to “Poland, Germany … and America and everywhere else.”
Earlier from CNN.com:
Washington (CNN) – Lanny Davis joined Ari Fleischer Sunday in calling for Hearst Corporation to take quick action against legendary White House correspondent Helen Thomas for recently saying that Israel should “get the hell out of Palestine,” and that the Jewish people should go home to “Poland, Germany … and America and everywhere else.”
DEP Cites Trash Truck Operators
MEADVILLE -- The Department of Environmental Protection cited 29 trash truck operators for operational and safety violations during inspections last week at four landfills in northwestern Pennsylvania.
DEP inspected trucks at Seneca Landfill, Butler County; Rustick/McKean Landfill, McKean County; Greentree Landfill, Elk County; and Lake View Landfill, Erie County.
The inspections were conducted June 2-3. The violations are against the haulers, not the landfills.
“These inspections are aimed at improving the safety of Pennsylvania highways,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch. “Our objective is to increase that safety by keeping trash haulers in compliance with environmental regulations.”
DEP staff inspected 382 trucks and found 37 violations. Fifteen trucks had leaking loads; one truck had a load that was not enclosed; nine trucks lacked signage to identify owner information and type of waste; three failed to have any signs; five failed to have spill response plans; one truck lacked daily operational records; one failed to have required safety equipment; one failed to have required written authorization; and one failed to have a required authorization sticker.
Trash haulers must obtain authorization from DEP under Act 90, the state’s Waste Transportation Safety Act, to haul waste in Pennsylvania to in-state facilities. DEP inspectors look at compliance history, and if outstanding violations exist or there is an inability to comply with Act 90 regulations, the state can revoke authorization.
In addition to checking Act 90 requirements, DEP inspectors also look for fire extinguisher and sign violations; drivers not properly managing waste during transportation; leaking trucks; improper covers over the waste; trucks that are overweight or otherwise overloaded; and log book or record-keeping violations.
DEP inspected trucks at Seneca Landfill, Butler County; Rustick/McKean Landfill, McKean County; Greentree Landfill, Elk County; and Lake View Landfill, Erie County.
The inspections were conducted June 2-3. The violations are against the haulers, not the landfills.
“These inspections are aimed at improving the safety of Pennsylvania highways,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch. “Our objective is to increase that safety by keeping trash haulers in compliance with environmental regulations.”
DEP staff inspected 382 trucks and found 37 violations. Fifteen trucks had leaking loads; one truck had a load that was not enclosed; nine trucks lacked signage to identify owner information and type of waste; three failed to have any signs; five failed to have spill response plans; one truck lacked daily operational records; one failed to have required safety equipment; one failed to have required written authorization; and one failed to have a required authorization sticker.
Trash haulers must obtain authorization from DEP under Act 90, the state’s Waste Transportation Safety Act, to haul waste in Pennsylvania to in-state facilities. DEP inspectors look at compliance history, and if outstanding violations exist or there is an inability to comply with Act 90 regulations, the state can revoke authorization.
In addition to checking Act 90 requirements, DEP inspectors also look for fire extinguisher and sign violations; drivers not properly managing waste during transportation; leaking trucks; improper covers over the waste; trucks that are overweight or otherwise overloaded; and log book or record-keeping violations.
Murder Investigation Leads to Emporium
The investigation into the deaths of a Jefferson County couple has taken police to Emporium.
Late last week, police executed a search warrant in the 400 block of Broad Street in Emporium. State police in DuBois didn’t release any further information about the search or the warrant.
On April 12, the bodies of Wayne and Vicky Shugar were found in their home in Snyder Township off Route 28, just south of Brockway. Wayne Shugar died of gunshot wounds to the neck and torso. Vicky Shugar died of a gunshot wound to the torso.
Wayne Shugar was a retired foreman at Owens-Brockway Glass. Vicky Shugar owned the Flowers & More shop on Main Street in Brockway.
Late last week, police executed a search warrant in the 400 block of Broad Street in Emporium. State police in DuBois didn’t release any further information about the search or the warrant.
On April 12, the bodies of Wayne and Vicky Shugar were found in their home in Snyder Township off Route 28, just south of Brockway. Wayne Shugar died of gunshot wounds to the neck and torso. Vicky Shugar died of a gunshot wound to the torso.
Wayne Shugar was a retired foreman at Owens-Brockway Glass. Vicky Shugar owned the Flowers & More shop on Main Street in Brockway.
Rep. George: Gas Well Incident
Underscores Need for Better Oversight
State Rep. Camille "Bud" George of Clearfield County, chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said the incident at a Marcellus Shale gas-drilling site in Clearfield County underscores the need for Pennsylvania to update its environmental safeguards.
"Local and state officials did a wonderful job responding to a very dangerous situation that fortunately did not cause any injuries or deaths," said Rep. George, D-74 of Clearfield County. "I have said for many months that extraction of any natural resource comes with risks and costs and I only wish I had not been proved correct so quickly and so close to home."
Rep George said that he was informed that workers lost control of the new well at about 8 p.m. Thursday after encountering gas under very high pressure. Gas and a reported 1 million gallons or more of brine, including fracking fluid, escaped from the EOG Resources well drilled off McGeorge Road in Lawrence Township.
Emergency management personnel and first responders from Clearfield County coordinated efforts with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
By 8 a.m. Friday, officials from the State Police, the state Fish and Boat Commission and the state Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and Transportation joined the effort. By around noon Friday, the well was capped.
According to the DEP, there was limited risk of explosion and the flow-back water had been contained and posed no hazards to the local streams. As a precaution, a no-fly zone was established in the area, and roads leading to the site were blocked.
"This dangerous situation should prompt the Pennsylvania Legislature to move more promptly on my House Bill 2213, which would require disclosure of the precise chemical concentrations in the fracking fluids," Rep. George said. "This can be crucial information in emergencies such as this."
For more information, go to Rep. George's website:
http://www.pahouse.com/PR/074060410.asp
"Local and state officials did a wonderful job responding to a very dangerous situation that fortunately did not cause any injuries or deaths," said Rep. George, D-74 of Clearfield County. "I have said for many months that extraction of any natural resource comes with risks and costs and I only wish I had not been proved correct so quickly and so close to home."
Rep George said that he was informed that workers lost control of the new well at about 8 p.m. Thursday after encountering gas under very high pressure. Gas and a reported 1 million gallons or more of brine, including fracking fluid, escaped from the EOG Resources well drilled off McGeorge Road in Lawrence Township.
Emergency management personnel and first responders from Clearfield County coordinated efforts with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the state Department of Environmental Protection.
By 8 a.m. Friday, officials from the State Police, the state Fish and Boat Commission and the state Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and Transportation joined the effort. By around noon Friday, the well was capped.
According to the DEP, there was limited risk of explosion and the flow-back water had been contained and posed no hazards to the local streams. As a precaution, a no-fly zone was established in the area, and roads leading to the site were blocked.
"This dangerous situation should prompt the Pennsylvania Legislature to move more promptly on my House Bill 2213, which would require disclosure of the precise chemical concentrations in the fracking fluids," Rep. George said. "This can be crucial information in emergencies such as this."
For more information, go to Rep. George's website:
http://www.pahouse.com/PR/074060410.asp
Man at Yard Sale Hit by Car
A Dunkirk man browsing at a yard sale is hospitalized after being hit by a car Saturday afternoon in the Town of Pomfret.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and The HERO, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies say 52-year-old Eugene Sysol was at a yard sale and walking toward a vehicle when another car driven by 52-year-old Susan McNamara of Fredonia crossed the shoulder road, hit Sysol, then hit a tree.
McNamara told deputies she thought a car driven by 56-year-old Jonelle Ohrn of Portland was pulling into the road and she swerved to avoid it when she hit Sysol. Deputies say Ohrn’s vehicle was parked and she was waiting for Sysol.
Sysol was flown to ECMC for treatment of his injuries. Ohrn is being treated at Brooks Memorial Hospital. McNamara and her passenger were treated at the scene.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and The HERO, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies say 52-year-old Eugene Sysol was at a yard sale and walking toward a vehicle when another car driven by 52-year-old Susan McNamara of Fredonia crossed the shoulder road, hit Sysol, then hit a tree.
McNamara told deputies she thought a car driven by 56-year-old Jonelle Ohrn of Portland was pulling into the road and she swerved to avoid it when she hit Sysol. Deputies say Ohrn’s vehicle was parked and she was waiting for Sysol.
Sysol was flown to ECMC for treatment of his injuries. Ohrn is being treated at Brooks Memorial Hospital. McNamara and her passenger were treated at the scene.
Police Kept Busy on Sunday
Bradford City Police investigated a possible burglary on Charlotte Avenue, a theft on Jefferson Street and a retail theft, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department.
Officers also received reports of noise on Lincoln Avenue, Bank Street and Mechanic Street, a suspicious vehicle in Hanley Park and a suspicious person at a Main Street restaurant. They also looked into a report of trespassing on Orchard Place, responded to alarms at a couple of business, as well as a couple of domestic disputes. They also received several requests to speak with an officer.
Officers also received reports of noise on Lincoln Avenue, Bank Street and Mechanic Street, a suspicious vehicle in Hanley Park and a suspicious person at a Main Street restaurant. They also looked into a report of trespassing on Orchard Place, responded to alarms at a couple of business, as well as a couple of domestic disputes. They also received several requests to speak with an officer.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Gasland: People in 'The Sacrfice Zone'
By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
First in a series
Water that can be set on fire when it comes out of a faucet. People too sick to function. Birds and animals that literally drop dead.
Those are just a few of the after-effects of hydrofracking as documented in the award-winning film “Gasland” by Josh Fox. Fox was in Bradford Sunday night for a showing of the film, which will debut nationally on HBO June 21.
Hydro-fracking is the process used in Marcellus Shale drilling in which water laced with nearly 600 chemicals is pumped into the ground to break up the shale and release natural gas.
The drilling companies currently don’t have to disclose the chemicals they’re using because of the so-called “Halliburton Loophole” – pushed by former Vice President Dick Cheney – to the federal Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water acts.
“Wherever this process goes,” Fox said during a panel discussion following the film, “there are significant problems with water.”
“It does seem as if you’re trading one resource, which is a short term resource, for a renewable resource that you need forever and ever,” Fox said.
He added that it’s impossible to clean an aquifer.
“Once a source of pollution is in an aquifer, you can’t ever get it out,” he said. “One of the things we’re rich in in Pennsylvania is water … we shouldn’t take that for granted.”
Fox said making the movie “was about not being able to sleep for a month” after receiving a proposed lease agreement from a company that wanted to drill on his land in Milanville.
He did some research about drilling, and decided he needed to tell the story of the people affected, as well as try to get some answers.
After a visit to Dimock, his travels took him to Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Arkansas and Alabama among other states. In Dimock, where Cabot Oil & Gas has been fined by the state Department of Environmental Protection for polluting the water supply, Fox spoke with people whose hair was falling out, whose pets had deteriorated to skin and bones and whose water “bubbled and hissed.”
Cabot, based in Houston, Texas, maintains the methane found in the water is naturally occurring and was in water wells in Susquehanna County before they started drilling. Last month, the company released a statement saying it has "accepted the responsibility for remediating the situation, even though the company believes its operations did not cause this gas migration."
Dr. Brian McNamara said, “Even if this was stopped tomorrow, the health effects are going to be around for decades,” and he wanted to know what’s being done to protect people from the “quite drastic health implications.”
Fox said the first step would be a study of what’s already happened and, ideally, it would be an independent health study from a major university that isn’t beholden to anyone.
Nadia Steinzor of Earthworks noted that one of the things the drilling industry likes to say is that there’s no proven case of fracking causing any health problems.
“But there are multiple examples – many, many, many examples from around the country, including right here in the state of Pennsylvania, as you know, in which you can draw a clear connection between fracking activities and the change in water quality, and even quantity,” she said.
“It’s because they’ve gotten this free ride and been exempt that they’re allowed to get away with this,” she said of the drilling companies, adding that it’s important to know Marcellus Shale drilling is different from other types of drilling.
As for the people who have been exposed already, she said her group has talked with many people who say “’It’s too late for us.’ It’s heartbreaking. It’s devastating to see entire communities say, ‘We were the sacrifice zone. So just go out there and prevent other areas from being the sacrifice zone.’”
Other parts of the series will include The Frac Act, leasing and the economy, and the moratorium on Marcellus Shale drilling in New York.
Pictured, Josh Fox introduces "Gasland" to a crowd of about 100 people at the Bromeley Family Theater Sunday night. The film is winner of The Special Jury Prize for documentary at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. For more on the movie -- including a video of the tap water catching on fire -- go to Gasland the Movie.com.
WESB/WBRR News Director
First in a series
Water that can be set on fire when it comes out of a faucet. People too sick to function. Birds and animals that literally drop dead.Those are just a few of the after-effects of hydrofracking as documented in the award-winning film “Gasland” by Josh Fox. Fox was in Bradford Sunday night for a showing of the film, which will debut nationally on HBO June 21.
Hydro-fracking is the process used in Marcellus Shale drilling in which water laced with nearly 600 chemicals is pumped into the ground to break up the shale and release natural gas.
The drilling companies currently don’t have to disclose the chemicals they’re using because of the so-called “Halliburton Loophole” – pushed by former Vice President Dick Cheney – to the federal Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water acts.
“Wherever this process goes,” Fox said during a panel discussion following the film, “there are significant problems with water.”
“It does seem as if you’re trading one resource, which is a short term resource, for a renewable resource that you need forever and ever,” Fox said.
He added that it’s impossible to clean an aquifer.
“Once a source of pollution is in an aquifer, you can’t ever get it out,” he said. “One of the things we’re rich in in Pennsylvania is water … we shouldn’t take that for granted.”
Fox said making the movie “was about not being able to sleep for a month” after receiving a proposed lease agreement from a company that wanted to drill on his land in Milanville.
He did some research about drilling, and decided he needed to tell the story of the people affected, as well as try to get some answers.
After a visit to Dimock, his travels took him to Colorado, Wyoming, Texas, Arkansas and Alabama among other states. In Dimock, where Cabot Oil & Gas has been fined by the state Department of Environmental Protection for polluting the water supply, Fox spoke with people whose hair was falling out, whose pets had deteriorated to skin and bones and whose water “bubbled and hissed.”
Cabot, based in Houston, Texas, maintains the methane found in the water is naturally occurring and was in water wells in Susquehanna County before they started drilling. Last month, the company released a statement saying it has "accepted the responsibility for remediating the situation, even though the company believes its operations did not cause this gas migration."
Dr. Brian McNamara said, “Even if this was stopped tomorrow, the health effects are going to be around for decades,” and he wanted to know what’s being done to protect people from the “quite drastic health implications.”
Fox said the first step would be a study of what’s already happened and, ideally, it would be an independent health study from a major university that isn’t beholden to anyone.
Nadia Steinzor of Earthworks noted that one of the things the drilling industry likes to say is that there’s no proven case of fracking causing any health problems.
“But there are multiple examples – many, many, many examples from around the country, including right here in the state of Pennsylvania, as you know, in which you can draw a clear connection between fracking activities and the change in water quality, and even quantity,” she said.
“It’s because they’ve gotten this free ride and been exempt that they’re allowed to get away with this,” she said of the drilling companies, adding that it’s important to know Marcellus Shale drilling is different from other types of drilling.
As for the people who have been exposed already, she said her group has talked with many people who say “’It’s too late for us.’ It’s heartbreaking. It’s devastating to see entire communities say, ‘We were the sacrifice zone. So just go out there and prevent other areas from being the sacrifice zone.’”
Other parts of the series will include The Frac Act, leasing and the economy, and the moratorium on Marcellus Shale drilling in New York.
Pictured, Josh Fox introduces "Gasland" to a crowd of about 100 people at the Bromeley Family Theater Sunday night. The film is winner of The Special Jury Prize for documentary at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. For more on the movie -- including a video of the tap water catching on fire -- go to Gasland the Movie.com.
Sunday Book Talk:
A Visit from the Goon Squad
Jennifer Egan’s spellbinding interlocking narratives circle the lives of Bennie Salazar, an aging former punk rocker and record executive, and Sasha, the passionate, troubled young woman he employs. Although Bennie and Sasha never discover each other’s pasts, the reader does, in intimate detail, along with the secret lives of a host of other characters whose paths intersect with theirs, over many years, in locales as varied as New York, San Francisco, Naples, and Africa.Listen to my interview with Jennifer Egan here.
For more information, go to JenniferEgan.com.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
'Vig' Run/Walk Leads to Nine Scholarships
Nine years later, Pat Vigliotta still chokes back tears when talking about his son Zach, who died on February 27, 2002, in a motor vehicle accident at the age of 16.On Tuesday, Vigliotta presented scholarships bearing his son’s name to members of the Bradford Area High School Class of 2010.
“It’s pleasure to be up here and an honor to be able to remember Zach nine years later,” an emotional Vigliotta said.
He said the scholarship is named after Zach “to honor his characteristics and to recognize the lives he touched.”
“It’s really an honor and pleasure to be here nine years later and to know that he’s touching that many people, still,” Vigliotta said.
Money for the scholarships is raised through the annual “Vig” Memorial 5K Run/Walk. Vigliotta said because of the wonderful turnout for last summer’s event, he was able to award nine scholarships this year.
This first eight scholarships went to Brett Murphey, Richard Obermyer, Brittni Wiseman, Mary Bean, Tate Slaven, Evan Frisina, Angela DiFonzo and David “Pug” Fuhrman.
Vigliotta got choked up again before presenting the last scholarship and said his son would have been honored to be present for this.
“We all face some difficult times in our life,” Vigliotta said. “This young gentleman helped me face some of them and come out stronger. I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in his life. Michael Marasco.”
This year’s “Vig” Memorial 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for July 31. You can find more information about the event here: http://www.zachvigliotta.com/VIG2010.pdf
Pictured, Vigliotta hugs Michael Marasco as Zach's grandmother Ann Keane looks on.
Evan Yehl Scholarship Awarded
Two 2010 graduates of Bradford Area High School took a tragedy and turned it into something that will benefit a fellow student.As their senior project, Megan Race and Angela Yohe decided to raise money for the Evan M. Yehl Memorial Scholarship.
Evan, along with his classmate Britt Bookhamer, died in a motor vehicle accident on May 2, 2008. They were 18 years old.
The young women decided to award the scholarship to a student enrolled in the machine shop, auto shop or carpentry programs “because Evan was involved in these programs,” Race said.
They held many fundraisers to raise the money. Before awarding the scholarship during the Senior Recognition Night at the high school, Race and Yohe thanked all the people who contributed and made the scholarship possible.
Race and Yohe awarded the scholarship to Joshua Wilson.
Pictured, Yohe and Wilson after the scholarship presentation Tuesday night.
First Barcroft Scholarships Awarded
A brand new scholarship was awarded for the first time during Tuesday’s Senior Recognition Night at Bradford Area High School – the Miriam Barcroft Blaisdell Scholarship.During the April 12 Bradford Area School Board meeting, district superintendent Sandra Romanowski announced that Sarah Dorn and Harriet Wick established the Miriam Barcroft Blaisdell/Bradford Area School District Fund in honor of their mother.
Dorn and Wick each donated $25,000 to start the fund, which established $2,500 scholarships for students who eared an advanced or proficient score on their PSSA tests, and have been accepted to a post secondary school.
Romanowski said the board and administration are “humbled and grateful for (Dorn’s and Wick’s) most generous contribution to serve or children.”
Members of the BAHS Class of 2010 who received the scholarships are Cheyene Werts-Nolan, Dean Bazzani, Trevor Burgoon, Kyle Yurkewicz, Kenneth Arble, and Aidan Frombach.
Pictured, Sandra Romanowski congratulates Cheyene Werts-Nolan, the first recipient of the Miriam Barcroft Blaisdell Scholarship.
Variety of Calls Keep Police Busy
Bradford City Police on Friday investigated a crash on East Main Street and a burglary on Charlotte Avenue, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. Officers were also called to disturbances on Mechanic Street and Orchard Place, and a dispute on Amm Street.
They received reports of suspicious people on Boylston Street and in Callahan Park, loud music on Colegrove Avenue and criminal mischief on Congress Street.
Police were called to parking complaints on Barbour Street and Lawrence Avenue, looked into curfew violations on West Washington Street and Euclid Avenue, responded to several domestic situations and got several requests to speak with an officer.
They received reports of suspicious people on Boylston Street and in Callahan Park, loud music on Colegrove Avenue and criminal mischief on Congress Street.
Police were called to parking complaints on Barbour Street and Lawrence Avenue, looked into curfew violations on West Washington Street and Euclid Avenue, responded to several domestic situations and got several requests to speak with an officer.
Legendary Coach John Wooden Dies
Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden died Friday at age 99.Wooden's 10 NCAA national championships in a 12-year period while at UCLA are unmatched by any other college basketball coach.[He was the first person to be inducted to the Basketball Hall of fame as both a player and a coach.
For more on the life and career of John Wooden go to
UCLA's website.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Penn State Extends Spanier's Contract
Penn State University has signed President Graham Spanier to a three-year extension that will keep him at the school through 2015.
Spanier is one of the longest-tenured university presidents in the country. He’s been at Penn State since 1995.
Spanier's new deal takes effect July 1, giving him a $700,000 annual salary.
"Graham Spanier has done a tremendous job leading Penn State and exceeding the very high expectations we have set for the president of this great student-centered University," said Steve Garban, chairman of the Board of Trustees, in a news release. "It takes a talented individual to balance the many complexities of this enterprise, and Graham has moved Penn State forward in every area. He has the full support of our board."
"This is a wonderful vote of confidence and support from the board," Spanier said. "I have always said that this is the greatest job in American higher education and I plan to continue to give my absolute best to Penn State, its students and our faculty and staff. I'm deeply committed to advancing our University even further."
http://live.psu.edu/story/47050
Spanier is one of the longest-tenured university presidents in the country. He’s been at Penn State since 1995.
Spanier's new deal takes effect July 1, giving him a $700,000 annual salary.
"Graham Spanier has done a tremendous job leading Penn State and exceeding the very high expectations we have set for the president of this great student-centered University," said Steve Garban, chairman of the Board of Trustees, in a news release. "It takes a talented individual to balance the many complexities of this enterprise, and Graham has moved Penn State forward in every area. He has the full support of our board."
"This is a wonderful vote of confidence and support from the board," Spanier said. "I have always said that this is the greatest job in American higher education and I plan to continue to give my absolute best to Penn State, its students and our faculty and staff. I'm deeply committed to advancing our University even further."
http://live.psu.edu/story/47050
Change to Bradford Bypass Work Area
The westbound lanes of Bolivar Drive under the Route 219 overpass won’t be closed next week after all.
PennDOT says work will continue on the road with flaggers present, but there will be an alternating traffic pattern.
Also next week, work on the Elm Street on-ramp will continue as crews place concrete for a new barrier wall.
Motorists at both locations should expect delays.
~~~~
Clearfield – PennDOT issues the following change to the travel update for the Route 219/Bradford Bypass project in McKean County. This change is for the week of June 7. All work is weather and schedule dependent. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $28 million job.
· Work on the Route 219 southbound ON-ramp at Elm Street continues. Traffic is using the existing shoulder. Contractor crew will be working close to the roadway, placing concrete for a new barrier wall. Expect delays during work hours.
· Northbound traffic is sharing a lane with southbound traffic, separated by temporary concrete barrier from Mill Street to north of Hillside Drive.
· Northbound ramps at Foster Brook Interchange are closed. Traffic is to follow the posted detours.
· The Tuna Valley Trail access at Bolivar Drive is closed due to bridgework. Trail access is still available at Crook Farms and Seward Avenue side of Tuna Crossroads.
· Northbound access at Kendall Avenue remains open.
· Access at Hillside Drive is restricted from Route 219 south to Hillside Drive and from Hillside Drive to Route 219 south. Traffic is to follow the posted detours.
· The travel pattern for Bolivar Drive/State Route 346 has been changed. Work will continue with flaggers present. Drivers should expect alternating traffic pattern and travel-time delays.
· The contractor continues to excavate existing roadway, place sub-base, and perform bridge repairs.
· Drivers should use extra caution while entering the construction area from the on-ramp areas. Watch for slow moving and stopped vehicles through the entire work zone and obey posted speed limits.
PennDOT says work will continue on the road with flaggers present, but there will be an alternating traffic pattern.
Also next week, work on the Elm Street on-ramp will continue as crews place concrete for a new barrier wall.
Motorists at both locations should expect delays.
~~~~
Clearfield – PennDOT issues the following change to the travel update for the Route 219/Bradford Bypass project in McKean County. This change is for the week of June 7. All work is weather and schedule dependent. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $28 million job.
· Work on the Route 219 southbound ON-ramp at Elm Street continues. Traffic is using the existing shoulder. Contractor crew will be working close to the roadway, placing concrete for a new barrier wall. Expect delays during work hours.
· Northbound traffic is sharing a lane with southbound traffic, separated by temporary concrete barrier from Mill Street to north of Hillside Drive.
· Northbound ramps at Foster Brook Interchange are closed. Traffic is to follow the posted detours.
· The Tuna Valley Trail access at Bolivar Drive is closed due to bridgework. Trail access is still available at Crook Farms and Seward Avenue side of Tuna Crossroads.
· Northbound access at Kendall Avenue remains open.
· Access at Hillside Drive is restricted from Route 219 south to Hillside Drive and from Hillside Drive to Route 219 south. Traffic is to follow the posted detours.
· The travel pattern for Bolivar Drive/State Route 346 has been changed. Work will continue with flaggers present. Drivers should expect alternating traffic pattern and travel-time delays.
· The contractor continues to excavate existing roadway, place sub-base, and perform bridge repairs.
· Drivers should use extra caution while entering the construction area from the on-ramp areas. Watch for slow moving and stopped vehicles through the entire work zone and obey posted speed limits.
'Pie Bill' Signed into Law
Governor Ed Rendell has signed Senator Elder Vogel's legislation barring the state from citing community groups for selling home-made baked goods.Senate Bill 828, also known as the "Pie Bill", eliminates the ability of the Department of Agriculture to cite non-profit community groups such as volunteer fire companies, churches, and school booster clubs for selling non-hazardous home-baked food at fundraisers. It is Senator Vogel's first bill to be signed into law.
"This is a good day for community organizations and groups all across Pennsylvania that rely on selling donated baked goods for fundraising," Vogel said.
Senator Vogel introduced the bill after a local church in his district came under state scrutiny for selling homemade pies prepared by ladies of the church at a Lenten fish fry.
"I am pleased that we have completed this process, and appreciate the support that I received from my colleagues and the Governor," Vogel said. "The groundswell of support from folks all across Pennsylvania on this issue was outstanding, and just shows that people believe we need to restore a little common sense to government," Senator Vogel said.
http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=838028&mode=2
More Catt County Trees Destroyed by EAB
More trees in the Randolph area are now infested with the Emerald Ash Borer beetle.In mid-June of last year the New York Department of Environmental Conservation announced that the destructive beetle had infested about 30 trees just south of Interstate 86. Today, DEC said more trees in the same area are infested.
Foresters have detected the insect on private woodlands south of Interstate 86 in an area where trees are already quarantined.
The beetle infests and kills North American ash tree species, including green, white, black and blue ash. So far, it’s spread to 13 states and two Canadian provinces and is responsible destroying more than 70 million trees.
The invasive beetle was first detected in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2007 in Butler County, and subsequently was found in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Indiana, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
Emerald ash borer traps (those purple boxes hanging from trees) can be seen throughout the region as foresters try to track the beetle. Pictured is an emerald ash borer trap hanging in Allegany State Park.
DEP to 'Aggressively' Investigate
Well Blowout in Clearfield County
HARRISBURG -- Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger said today that his agency intends to investigate aggressively the circumstances surrounding a blowout at a Marcellus Shale natural gas well in Lawrence Township, Clearfield County, and take the appropriate enforcement action.
At approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, the operators of the well, which is owned by EOG Resources, Inc., lost control of it while preparing to extract gas after hydrofracturing the shale. As a result, the well released natural gas and flowback frack fluid onto the ground and 75 feet into the air. The well was eventually capped around noon on June 4.
“The event at the well site could have been a catastrophic incident that endangered life and property,” said Hanger. “This was not a minor accident, but a serious incident that will be fully investigated by this agency with the appropriate and necessary actions taken quickly.
“When we arrived on scene, natural gas and frack fluid was flowing off the well pad and heading toward tributaries to Little Laurel Run and gas was shooting into the sky, creating a significant fire hazard. That’s why emergency responders acted quickly to cut off electric service to the area.
“Right now, we’re focused on limiting any further environmental damage, but once that work is complete, we plan to aggressively look at this situation and see where things went wrong and what enforcement action is necessary. If mistakes were made, we will be certain to take steps to prevent similar errors from happening again.”
DEP learned of the leak at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Friday after it was informed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. DEP immediately dispatched its Emergency Response and Oil and Gas program staff to the site.
PEMA, which elevated its activation level to coordinate resources among multiple state agencies, also worked with PennDOT to initiate an airspace restriction above the well, which the Federal Aviation Administration authorized on a temporary basis earlier today. The restriction prohibits flights at and below 1,000 feet of ground level within a three nautical mile radius of the well site. The restriction is in effect until further notice.
The EOG well pad is located in a rural area near the Penfield/Route 153 exit of Interstate 80 in northwestern Clearfield County. Three other wells on the same pad that have been drilled and fractured remain plugged and are not in danger.
EOG Resources, formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Co., operates approximately 265 active wells in Pennsylvania, 117 of which are in the Marcellus Shale formation.
At approximately 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, the operators of the well, which is owned by EOG Resources, Inc., lost control of it while preparing to extract gas after hydrofracturing the shale. As a result, the well released natural gas and flowback frack fluid onto the ground and 75 feet into the air. The well was eventually capped around noon on June 4.
“The event at the well site could have been a catastrophic incident that endangered life and property,” said Hanger. “This was not a minor accident, but a serious incident that will be fully investigated by this agency with the appropriate and necessary actions taken quickly.
“When we arrived on scene, natural gas and frack fluid was flowing off the well pad and heading toward tributaries to Little Laurel Run and gas was shooting into the sky, creating a significant fire hazard. That’s why emergency responders acted quickly to cut off electric service to the area.
“Right now, we’re focused on limiting any further environmental damage, but once that work is complete, we plan to aggressively look at this situation and see where things went wrong and what enforcement action is necessary. If mistakes were made, we will be certain to take steps to prevent similar errors from happening again.”
DEP learned of the leak at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Friday after it was informed by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. DEP immediately dispatched its Emergency Response and Oil and Gas program staff to the site.
PEMA, which elevated its activation level to coordinate resources among multiple state agencies, also worked with PennDOT to initiate an airspace restriction above the well, which the Federal Aviation Administration authorized on a temporary basis earlier today. The restriction prohibits flights at and below 1,000 feet of ground level within a three nautical mile radius of the well site. The restriction is in effect until further notice.
The EOG well pad is located in a rural area near the Penfield/Route 153 exit of Interstate 80 in northwestern Clearfield County. Three other wells on the same pad that have been drilled and fractured remain plugged and are not in danger.
EOG Resources, formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Co., operates approximately 265 active wells in Pennsylvania, 117 of which are in the Marcellus Shale formation.
Gas Well Leak Closes Part of State Forest
A gas well leak near Punxsutawney has closed part of Moshannon State Forest in Clearfield County, and campers in a one-mile radius have been evacuated.
The leak happened at a Marcellus Shale drilling operation near the Punxsutawney Hunting Club late last night. The well is owned by EOG Resources of Houston, Texas.
DEP spokesman Dan Spadoni says the leak started when unexpectedly high gas pressure in the newly drilled well prevented crews from containing it.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a flight restriction in the immediate area this morning.
Spadoni says emergency crews have been at the scene all morning and companies that specialize in out-of-control wells are on site.
The leak happened at a Marcellus Shale drilling operation near the Punxsutawney Hunting Club late last night. The well is owned by EOG Resources of Houston, Texas.
DEP spokesman Dan Spadoni says the leak started when unexpectedly high gas pressure in the newly drilled well prevented crews from containing it.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a flight restriction in the immediate area this morning.
Spadoni says emergency crews have been at the scene all morning and companies that specialize in out-of-control wells are on site.
Man Accused of Stealing Cigarettes
A Bradford man accused of breaking into a truck loaded with cigarettes has been indicted by a Cattaraugus County Grand Jury.
27-year-old Phillip Haight is accused of using bolt cutters to break into a truck owned by Al Harris Associates in Salamanca. The value of the cigarettes is more than $4,100, according to the District Attorney's office.
Haight is charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny and possession of burglar’s tools.
27-year-old Phillip Haight is accused of using bolt cutters to break into a truck owned by Al Harris Associates in Salamanca. The value of the cigarettes is more than $4,100, according to the District Attorney's office.
Haight is charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny and possession of burglar’s tools.
Brockport Man Sentenced in Federal Court
A Brockport man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally distributing steroids, and illegally possessing guns.
51-year-old James Volpe will spend a year on home confinement with electronic monitoring and an additional four years on probation.
On May 17, 2007, Volpe distributed anabolic steroids, and mailed anabolic steroids that were misbranded as drugs that require a prescription from a practitioner to administer.
On September 12, 2007, Volpe, who had been convicted in 1981 in Orange County, New York, of possession of stolen property, unlawfully possessed a pistol and two rifles.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/pr/2010_june/2010_06_03_02.html
51-year-old James Volpe will spend a year on home confinement with electronic monitoring and an additional four years on probation.
On May 17, 2007, Volpe distributed anabolic steroids, and mailed anabolic steroids that were misbranded as drugs that require a prescription from a practitioner to administer.
On September 12, 2007, Volpe, who had been convicted in 1981 in Orange County, New York, of possession of stolen property, unlawfully possessed a pistol and two rifles.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/pr/2010_june/2010_06_03_02.html
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Two Teens Hurt in Elk County Crash
Two teenagers suffered minor injuries when the car they were in hit a utility pole Thursday morning.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State police say a car driven 17-year-old Camryn Gardner of Ridgway was on Spring Creek Road about 2 miles west of Ridgway when it swerved to miss a deer in the road and went out of control. The car spun around, cross the road, hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and hit the utility pole.
Gardner and one passenger, 16-year-old Patrick Caggiano of Ridgway, suffered minor injuries. Another passenger, 16-year-old Robert Stowman of Brockport, wasn’t hurt.
Gardner was cited for driving at an unsafe speed.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State police say a car driven 17-year-old Camryn Gardner of Ridgway was on Spring Creek Road about 2 miles west of Ridgway when it swerved to miss a deer in the road and went out of control. The car spun around, cross the road, hit an embankment, rolled onto its side and hit the utility pole.
Gardner and one passenger, 16-year-old Patrick Caggiano of Ridgway, suffered minor injuries. Another passenger, 16-year-old Robert Stowman of Brockport, wasn’t hurt.
Gardner was cited for driving at an unsafe speed.
Coudersport Man Flown to Hospital
A Coudersport man is hospitalized following at accident on Sartwell Creek Road in Roulette Township Thursday morning.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State Police say a vehicle driven by 49-year-old Dennis Pesock went off the road, traveled about 70 feet through some grass along the road and hit a tree.
Emergency crews worked to free Pesock from the vehicle through the passenger side window. He was first taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, then flown to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State Police say a vehicle driven by 49-year-old Dennis Pesock went off the road, traveled about 70 feet through some grass along the road and hit a tree.
Emergency crews worked to free Pesock from the vehicle through the passenger side window. He was first taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, then flown to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.
Water Tank Truck Crashes in Potter Co.
A tank truck carrying water being used for well site operations crashed at the intersection of Route 49 and Peet Brook Road in Potter County Thursday morning.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State police say Timothy Hewitt was driving a tank truck for East Resources at 11:20 a.m. when it tipped onto its side while turning from Route 49 onto Peet Brook. Police say a combination of the truck’s speed and the load shifting caused it to tip.
The Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department and a crew from East Resources cleaned up at the scene.
Police are continuing their investigation.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, State police say Timothy Hewitt was driving a tank truck for East Resources at 11:20 a.m. when it tipped onto its side while turning from Route 49 onto Peet Brook. Police say a combination of the truck’s speed and the load shifting caused it to tip.
The Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department and a crew from East Resources cleaned up at the scene.
Police are continuing their investigation.
Congratulations BAHS Class of 2010!
Mary Bean, Chelsey Colosimo and Hilary Diegel sing the National Anthem while Jessie Mascho leads the band.
Mary Bean gets a hug from her father, Bradford Area School Board President Tim Bean.Class Salutatorian Evan Feura wanted his classmates, as they move on, to find something that motivates them. "Whether it's a person, a book, a song, a movie or anything else, having something to inspire you will prove an immeasurable help when you face obstacles in the future," he said.
"Some of you may have something that motivates you already. Some may still may be looking. And some of our influences may change over time. But I hope you will always have something that inspires you to never give up or never be less than your best," Feura said. "Find passion in your life so that each day will be filled with excitement."
Bauer: Consolidation Necessary to Survive
By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
If municipalities in the Tuna Valley are going to survive, they’re going to have to consider consolidation of services.
Bradford Township Supervisor Gayle Bauer remarked on that issue during the third annual Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon held Thursday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
“I think it would be very easy for me to stand up here and say everything is fine and dandy and we can keep on doing what we’ve been doing,” Bauer said when asked about consolidation of services. “But I really don’t think that’s the case. I think every municipality in the Tuna Valley and surrounding areas is going to have worse budgetary problems every year we go on.”
“We’re going to have to look at the consolidation issue probably staring with something that’s easy and not too controversial. Right now we’re talking about consolidation of sewer services where there’s duplication,” Bauer said.
She said she’s not talking about consolidation of governments, just services.
“In the future we’re probably going to have to look at some areas that aren’t going to be too popular,” she said, “but I think it’s going to be necessary if we’re all going to survive.”
Mayor Tom Riel brought up the consolidation issue while talking about the state’s Early Intervention Program which, he said, Bradford City Council will address during its meeting Tuesday.
He said one of the strategies in the program is “cost-sharing services with neighboring municipalities.”
Riel mentioned that the “ever-increasing cost of providing essential services” is becoming more difficult for the city and other municipalities. He said that’s not only because of a decreasing tax base, but also because of loss of other revenue.
He specifically mentioned the lower timber revenue and the state of the national and global economy.
Another issue raised during the luncheon was the possibility of raising the gasoline tax to help pay for the transportation needs of the state.
State Representative Marty Causer said “there’s no consensus right now on what to do to tackle the issue” of transportation costs.
But he did say that when Governor Ed Rendell gave his speech to open the special legislative session on transportation funding, he talked about options he would consider, but didn’t mention a couple of other things.”
“Never, anyplace in his speech, did he talk about curbing costs, and cutting expenses,” Causer said. “I think no matter what we do as a comprehensive transportation strategy we have to somehow curb some of the costs and cut back on some of the expenses. That has to be a central component of any plan we move forward with.”
State Representative Kathy Rapp added that the governor and some legislators are not very concerned about the transportation needs of rural areas.
“They always want to give a break to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for those who ride the metro system, but they want people who drive to pay extra costs,” Rapp said.
“We’re paying for a car. We’re paying for maintenance. We’re paying for tires, but this governor particularly has always wanted to give a huge break to the city of Philadelphia and people on mass transit,” she said, adding that one of the reasons the federal government rejected the plan to impose tolls on Interstate 80 is that the money would be going to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and not staying in the I-80 corridor.
Rapp said one idea lawmakers are looking into now is public private partnerships.
“I don’t have the answers right now. I don’t think anybody does,” she said. “We’re still gathering information and trying to come up with ideas to try to fix this – just one of Pennsylvania’s problems.”
Larry Persing, field representative for State Senator Joe Scarnati, mentioned that this is an election year for the entire Pennsylvania House and half the Senate.
“It’s a year in which passing higher taxes, which never seems to bother our governor, is a difficult thing to do,” he said, adding that people don’t want to see an increased cost of gasoline.
Others attending the luncheon were McKean County Commissioners Joe DeMott and Al Pingie; Peter Winkler and Deborah Pontzer, representatives for Congressman Glenn Thompson; and Bradford City Councilman Jim Evans.
Pictured, State Representative Kathy Rappy talks about transportation issues while BACC Board member Danielle DeLong, Dianne Sheeley and McKean County Commissioner Joe DeMott listen.
WESB/WBRR News Director
If municipalities in the Tuna Valley are going to survive, they’re going to have to consider consolidation of services.
Bradford Township Supervisor Gayle Bauer remarked on that issue during the third annual Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon held Thursday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
“I think it would be very easy for me to stand up here and say everything is fine and dandy and we can keep on doing what we’ve been doing,” Bauer said when asked about consolidation of services. “But I really don’t think that’s the case. I think every municipality in the Tuna Valley and surrounding areas is going to have worse budgetary problems every year we go on.”
“We’re going to have to look at the consolidation issue probably staring with something that’s easy and not too controversial. Right now we’re talking about consolidation of sewer services where there’s duplication,” Bauer said.
She said she’s not talking about consolidation of governments, just services.
“In the future we’re probably going to have to look at some areas that aren’t going to be too popular,” she said, “but I think it’s going to be necessary if we’re all going to survive.”
Mayor Tom Riel brought up the consolidation issue while talking about the state’s Early Intervention Program which, he said, Bradford City Council will address during its meeting Tuesday.
He said one of the strategies in the program is “cost-sharing services with neighboring municipalities.”
Riel mentioned that the “ever-increasing cost of providing essential services” is becoming more difficult for the city and other municipalities. He said that’s not only because of a decreasing tax base, but also because of loss of other revenue.
He specifically mentioned the lower timber revenue and the state of the national and global economy.
Another issue raised during the luncheon was the possibility of raising the gasoline tax to help pay for the transportation needs of the state.State Representative Marty Causer said “there’s no consensus right now on what to do to tackle the issue” of transportation costs.
But he did say that when Governor Ed Rendell gave his speech to open the special legislative session on transportation funding, he talked about options he would consider, but didn’t mention a couple of other things.”
“Never, anyplace in his speech, did he talk about curbing costs, and cutting expenses,” Causer said. “I think no matter what we do as a comprehensive transportation strategy we have to somehow curb some of the costs and cut back on some of the expenses. That has to be a central component of any plan we move forward with.”
State Representative Kathy Rapp added that the governor and some legislators are not very concerned about the transportation needs of rural areas.
“They always want to give a break to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for those who ride the metro system, but they want people who drive to pay extra costs,” Rapp said.
“We’re paying for a car. We’re paying for maintenance. We’re paying for tires, but this governor particularly has always wanted to give a huge break to the city of Philadelphia and people on mass transit,” she said, adding that one of the reasons the federal government rejected the plan to impose tolls on Interstate 80 is that the money would be going to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and not staying in the I-80 corridor.
Rapp said one idea lawmakers are looking into now is public private partnerships.
“I don’t have the answers right now. I don’t think anybody does,” she said. “We’re still gathering information and trying to come up with ideas to try to fix this – just one of Pennsylvania’s problems.”
Larry Persing, field representative for State Senator Joe Scarnati, mentioned that this is an election year for the entire Pennsylvania House and half the Senate.
“It’s a year in which passing higher taxes, which never seems to bother our governor, is a difficult thing to do,” he said, adding that people don’t want to see an increased cost of gasoline.
Others attending the luncheon were McKean County Commissioners Joe DeMott and Al Pingie; Peter Winkler and Deborah Pontzer, representatives for Congressman Glenn Thompson; and Bradford City Councilman Jim Evans.
Pictured, State Representative Kathy Rappy talks about transportation issues while BACC Board member Danielle DeLong, Dianne Sheeley and McKean County Commissioner Joe DeMott listen.
Signs of Summer
Bradford Area High School students did some creative recycling and "grew" some flowers outside of the high school.
Last Day of School Relay
Fretz Middle School students held their first-ever Mini Relay for Life on the last day of school for the Bradford Area School District. Principal Tina Slaven said it's the best last of school in all her years as principal. The kids raised more than $7,500 -- and they're still counting.
Pictured below are scenes from the relay including the tug-of-war battles, dunk tank and the actual relay walk.
(Photos by Scott Douglas)
(Photo by Anne Holliday)
Pictured below are scenes from the relay including the tug-of-war battles, dunk tank and the actual relay walk.
(Photos by Scott Douglas)
(Photo by Anne Holliday)
Bradford Merchants Doing 'First Fridays'
Merchants within Downtown Bradford’s historic district will begin extending their business hours the first Friday of each month.
“First Fridays is already a popular and successful program within several Main Street communities in Pennsylvania,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan, “and the downtown merchants in Bradford wanted to try it here.”
Merchants extending their hours to 7 p.m. include Paper to Pages, Grandma’s House Tea & Gifts, Main Street Antiques, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Bradford Furniture, Orris Jewelers, Roseart Gifts, and the Main Street Mercantile. The Fran Charles Shop is extending its’ hours to 9 p.m. every Friday, and Man’s World is open until 6 p.m. on Fridays.
“This is a good time for Bradford to begin First Fridays. We have some wonderful restaurants in our historic district and some new ones will be opening this summer,” added Dolan. “The Bradford Main Street Moviehouse will be installing it’s 3D movie theatre this month, so we are hoping people will support our downtown merchants by eating, shopping and going to a movie, all in our historic district.”
Summer dates for First Fridays will be June 4, July 2 and August 6.
“First Fridays is already a popular and successful program within several Main Street communities in Pennsylvania,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan, “and the downtown merchants in Bradford wanted to try it here.”
Merchants extending their hours to 7 p.m. include Paper to Pages, Grandma’s House Tea & Gifts, Main Street Antiques, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Bradford Furniture, Orris Jewelers, Roseart Gifts, and the Main Street Mercantile. The Fran Charles Shop is extending its’ hours to 9 p.m. every Friday, and Man’s World is open until 6 p.m. on Fridays.
“This is a good time for Bradford to begin First Fridays. We have some wonderful restaurants in our historic district and some new ones will be opening this summer,” added Dolan. “The Bradford Main Street Moviehouse will be installing it’s 3D movie theatre this month, so we are hoping people will support our downtown merchants by eating, shopping and going to a movie, all in our historic district.”
Summer dates for First Fridays will be June 4, July 2 and August 6.
Morning Buzz Ticket Blitz
Scott is cleaning out the concert ticket closet and found lots of tickets he needs to give away soon! Listen to The Morning Buzz on Monday from 6 to 9:30 a.m. for all the details.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Port Allegany Woman Facing Charges
A Port Allegany woman is facing charges for telling police a man was stalking her.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, state police say19-year-old Catlin Ann Miles told them a man was stalking her, stole her camera and took several pictures of her on it back in March. They say she also claimed he entered her home without her knowledge, took pictures of her there and left the camera on her bed.
When the allegations were proven false, charges of making false reports to law enforcement and false alarm to agencies of public safety were filed with District Judge Bill Todd.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, state police say19-year-old Catlin Ann Miles told them a man was stalking her, stole her camera and took several pictures of her on it back in March. They say she also claimed he entered her home without her knowledge, took pictures of her there and left the camera on her bed.
When the allegations were proven false, charges of making false reports to law enforcement and false alarm to agencies of public safety were filed with District Judge Bill Todd.
Guilty Plea for Marijuana Trafficker
A Florida man has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a large-scale marijuana conspiracy operating in Canada and the U.S.
26-year-old Viet Vuong Le of Orlando was part of a group that started operating in Canada in 2004. They were smuggling 300-pound loads of high-grade, hydroponic marijuana across the border into the United States hidden inside legitimate commercial cargo.
Several shipments of drug proceeds were intercepted, including about $226,000 in Pittsburgh in February 2008; $222,000 in Niagara Falls, N.Y., in June 2008; and another $662,000 in Allegheny County in July 2008.
Le will be sentenced on October 1.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/pr/2010_june/2010_06_01_02.html
26-year-old Viet Vuong Le of Orlando was part of a group that started operating in Canada in 2004. They were smuggling 300-pound loads of high-grade, hydroponic marijuana across the border into the United States hidden inside legitimate commercial cargo.
Several shipments of drug proceeds were intercepted, including about $226,000 in Pittsburgh in February 2008; $222,000 in Niagara Falls, N.Y., in June 2008; and another $662,000 in Allegheny County in July 2008.
Le will be sentenced on October 1.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/pr/2010_june/2010_06_01_02.html
Contest Pumps $1.3 Million into Economy
Amy Barger is the winner of WESB and The HERO's annual Wedding Belles contest. Second, third and fourth place finishers were Tiffany Bosworth, Brittany Frantz and Angie Comilla.You can see a complete list of the winners and their prizes here.
The Wedding Belles contest helped pump nearly $1.3 million into the economy in McKean, Cattaraugus and Elk counties. Thanks to all the Wedding Belles and the people who supported them -- and so many area businesses!
Our Create-a-Commercial winner is Chelsea Cummins, who wrote and recorded a commercial for WESB. You can hear it here.
Second place went to Amanda Benner for 100.1 The Hero; third place was a tie between Kacy Huston for Save-a-Lot and Keerstyn Stives for CNB Bank. Rachel Dennis received an honorable mention for Tasta Pizza.
Create-a-Commercial is done every year in conjunction with area sponsors and the Bradford Area School District.
Nolf Charges Bound to Court
Criminal homicide charges against the Bradford man accused of drowning a woman and her infant her daughter have been bound to court following a preliminary hearing that lasted a little more than an hour this afternoon.38-year-old Waide Nolf is accused of killing 24-year-old Tonya Haight and 3 ½-week old Tamara Haight on March 19 in the Pleasant Street house they shared with several other people.
District Judge Dom Cercone presided over the hearing that was held at the McKean County Courthouse in Smethport. Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco, Cpl. Mark Russo of the Pennsylvania State Police and McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill testified for the Commonwealth.
Nolf is being held in McKean County Jail without bail.
Thanks to McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn!
Scarnati Senior Expo in Brockway
Several exhibitors will provide information on programs and services available to Pennsylvania’s older residents at a June 10 Senior Citizen Expo hosted by Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson).
The free informational event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 10 in the gymnasium at Brockway High School, located at 40 North Street in Brockway, PA.
Scarnati said the Senior Expo is designed to provide senior citizens with a “one-stop resource” for information on a wide range of services available to them – many of which are free of charge or at a reduced cost. Exhibitors from local, county and state agencies will be on hand to talk about various programs and services.
Booths will be set up to provide seniors with information on Social Security, health care, AARP, and a wide variety of other programs and services that are available to them.
A free light lunch will be served, and those attending can take part in health screenings at no cost. Door prizes will also be awarded.
“The Senior Expo has always been a popular event and a great way for seniors to learn more about the many programs and services that are available to them,” Scarnati said. “I am looking forward to a day that is both fun and informative, and I urge seniors and their families to take part in this year’s event.”
The free informational event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 10 in the gymnasium at Brockway High School, located at 40 North Street in Brockway, PA.
Scarnati said the Senior Expo is designed to provide senior citizens with a “one-stop resource” for information on a wide range of services available to them – many of which are free of charge or at a reduced cost. Exhibitors from local, county and state agencies will be on hand to talk about various programs and services.
Booths will be set up to provide seniors with information on Social Security, health care, AARP, and a wide variety of other programs and services that are available to them.
A free light lunch will be served, and those attending can take part in health screenings at no cost. Door prizes will also be awarded.
“The Senior Expo has always been a popular event and a great way for seniors to learn more about the many programs and services that are available to them,” Scarnati said. “I am looking forward to a day that is both fun and informative, and I urge seniors and their families to take part in this year’s event.”
Child Rape Charges Bound to Court
A Bradford man accused of raping a girl younger than 13 is still in jail following his preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Dom Cercone on Wednesday.
20-year-old William Tompkins Jr. is charged with rape of a child, rape by forcible compulsion, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child and indecent assault.
Papers filed in Cercone’s office say between 12:30 and 2 a.m. on October 17 Tompkins had sex with the girl in her West Washington Street home, left out her second-story bedroom window, went onto the porch roof and climbed down.
On March 8, police learned that DNA taken from Tompkins matched DNA taken from the victim at BRMC on the night of the alleged assault.
Cercone bound the charges to court. Tompkins’ bail is set at $25,000.
20-year-old William Tompkins Jr. is charged with rape of a child, rape by forcible compulsion, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child and indecent assault.
Papers filed in Cercone’s office say between 12:30 and 2 a.m. on October 17 Tompkins had sex with the girl in her West Washington Street home, left out her second-story bedroom window, went onto the porch roof and climbed down.
On March 8, police learned that DNA taken from Tompkins matched DNA taken from the victim at BRMC on the night of the alleged assault.
Cercone bound the charges to court. Tompkins’ bail is set at $25,000.
Man Charged with Raping a Child
Due to new information, allegations and evidence charges against a Harrison Valley man have been withdrawn and a new set of charges has been filed, according to a fax sent to WESB and The HERO by Coudersport-based state police.
30-year-old Robert Melvin Dick was originally charged with rape of a child. Today, he was arraigned on 8 counts of raping a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child and indecent assault; along with one count each of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Dick is accused of having inappropriate contact with a 12-year-old girl. District Judge Dolores Bristol set his bail at $200,000.
30-year-old Robert Melvin Dick was originally charged with rape of a child. Today, he was arraigned on 8 counts of raping a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child and indecent assault; along with one count each of aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Dick is accused of having inappropriate contact with a 12-year-old girl. District Judge Dolores Bristol set his bail at $200,000.
More Suspicious Activity
Suspicious activity continues in Bradford, as city police were alerted to a suspicious vehicle in Oak Hill Cemetery and a suspicious person on Burnside Avenue.
Also, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department, officers investigated thefts at a Main Street establishment and on West Washington and South Center streets. They also responded to a neighbor dispute on High Street, criminal mischief to a vehicle on Clinton Street and an animal complaint on Chestnut Street.
Police were also called to a water leak on Brookline Court and a tree down at Sherman Street and South Avenue.
Also, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department, officers investigated thefts at a Main Street establishment and on West Washington and South Center streets. They also responded to a neighbor dispute on High Street, criminal mischief to a vehicle on Clinton Street and an animal complaint on Chestnut Street.
Police were also called to a water leak on Brookline Court and a tree down at Sherman Street and South Avenue.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
BAHS Senior Recognition Awards
Dr. George Evans, left, congratulates Rachel Britton, one of the recipients of the Harry Lasky Scholarship, as Bradford Public Schools Foundation President Bill Chapman looks on. Other recipients are Cheyene Werts-Nolan, Marissa McLaughlin, Tyler Winner and Jing Dong.
Ann Keane hugs a recipient of one of the Zachary P. Vigliotta Memorial Scholarships, as Pat Vigliotta announces another recipient. Receiving scholarships were Brett Murphey, Richard Obermyer, Brittni Wiseman, Mary Bean, Tate Slaven, Evan Frisina, Angela DiFonzo, Dave "Pug" Fuhrma and Michael Marasco.
Hilary Digel and Chelsey Colosimo perform "What is This Feeling?"
Dave Fuhrman congratulates Brett Murphey on receiving his accounting certificate.All the students mentioned above, and many others, received multiple awards and/or scholarships.
Corman: Revenues to Continue to Fall
Below Projections as End of FY Nears
State Senator Jake Corman says the state budget deficit for this fiscal year continues to grow and is more than $1.2 billion.
That’s up by $125 million over numbers at the end of April, because of continuing declines in major state revenues including sales taxes, personal income taxes and corporate taxes.
Corman, who is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, noted that the continued weak revenue collections already far exceed Governor Ed Rendell's anticipated year-end shortfall estimate by well over half a billion dollars.
House Democrats and Rendell want to enact a severance tax on natural gas extracted from Marcellus shale areas; impose a new tax on smokeless tobacco and raise the cigarette tax by 30 cents a pack.
"The well of tax revenues is too dry to fill buckets of new spending," said Corman. "I think state residents recognize those realities and are willing to deal with short-term pain in return for a better economic outlook in the long term."
This is the last month of Pennsylvania’s current fiscal year, and some state officials expect the final deficit to be as much as $1.5 billion.
http://senaterepublicannews.com/news/2010/0610/corman-060110.htm
That’s up by $125 million over numbers at the end of April, because of continuing declines in major state revenues including sales taxes, personal income taxes and corporate taxes.
Corman, who is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, noted that the continued weak revenue collections already far exceed Governor Ed Rendell's anticipated year-end shortfall estimate by well over half a billion dollars.
House Democrats and Rendell want to enact a severance tax on natural gas extracted from Marcellus shale areas; impose a new tax on smokeless tobacco and raise the cigarette tax by 30 cents a pack.
"The well of tax revenues is too dry to fill buckets of new spending," said Corman. "I think state residents recognize those realities and are willing to deal with short-term pain in return for a better economic outlook in the long term."
This is the last month of Pennsylvania’s current fiscal year, and some state officials expect the final deficit to be as much as $1.5 billion.
http://senaterepublicannews.com/news/2010/0610/corman-060110.htm
Weinhold Photography Featured at CCMH
Curt Weinhold has a variety of photography on display at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Irwin Medical Arts Center as part of the hospital’s Community Art Showcase.Weinhold has been a photographer for 35 years and has had his work published in local and national publications. Up until two years ago, photography was a side job. He now shoots full time in his portrait studio in Coudersport as well as on location and nature photography. His photographs can be purchased by calling 274-9858 or e-mailing cwphoto@zitomedia.net. Additional work can be viewed at www.pbase.com/cwphoto.
The Community Art Showcase features artists for about six to eight weeks. The project has featured artists Jessie Vaughn of Ulysses, Karen Wolf of Sweden Township, Pat Bosworth of Port Allegany, Alyson Leach, Leslie Kelley, and Suzan Richar of Galeton, Naomi Keller, Heather Chilson, Lindsey Francis, and Maxine Shear of Coudersport, Mercedes Schwartz of Smethport, and Oswayo Valley students Jody Osburn, Elizabeth Coyle, Megan Mesler and Jenna Maxson, according to chairperson Betty Wei.
“It’s a way for area residents to enjoy the talent and creativity of local artists and the hospital family is thrilled to make this opportunity possible,” she said.
For more information on the Community Art Showcase, contact Wei at 274-7910.
Fighting to Keep Kendra's Law
A broad coalition of mental health advocates, law enforcement officials and leading lawmakers today called for a permanent reauthorization of Kendra’s Law, according to Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean).The law was named for Kendra Webdale, a 32-year-old Fredonia native who in 1999 was pushed in front of a subway train by a man with untreated schizophrenia who was roaming New York City streets. Kendra’s Law established “Assisted Outpatient Treatment” (AOT) in New York, allowing courts to order severely mentally ill outpatients to comply with treatment, while ordering counties to provide such treatment and monitor compliance. The law expires this month.
Senator Catherine M. Young (R-Olean) said: “Kendra's Law has been a tremendous success. Studies have uniformly found that it leads to dramatically better outcomes for patients, and reduces the need for costly hospitalization, incarceration, and crisis intervention. There is no good reason for failing to make this law permanent.”
“The law named for my daughter has been a fitting tribute to her,” said Patricia Webdale of Fredonia. “It has helped thousands of people with severe mental illness, just as Kendra would have wanted to help the man who pushed her. I urge lawmakers not to simply extend the law again, but to finally make it permanent.”
In addition to Ms. Webdale and the legislative sponsors, a range of mental health advocates, caregivers and law enforcement officials support making the law permanent, including: the New York State affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-NYS); Hospital Association of the State of New York (HANYS); the Treatment Advocacy Center; the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York (DAASNY); the Public Employees Federation (PEF); and the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police.
Law enforcement officials attending the event include: New Windsor Police Chief Michael Biasotti; Peter Kehoe of the New York State Sherriff’s Association; and Sgt. Mark St. Germaine and Sgt. Anthony Dagostino of the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department.
Five-year sunsets were attached to both the original enactment of Kendra’s Law in 1999, and the 2005 reauthorization. In both cases, the legislature cited the need for further study of the law’s effectiveness and impact on the mental health system, and called for state-financed reports to shed light on specific concerns.
James Pavle, Executive Director of the Treatment Advocacy Center, expressed hope that this time, lawmakers would grant Kendra’s Law more than another few years’ reprieve: “Frankly, keeping Kendra’s Law in perpetual limbo is a cop out. If the mountain of data we have now isn’t enough to establish the program’s worth, what would ever be? Instead of constantly defending our hard-won gains, we should be devoting our full energies to improving mental health care in New York.”
Three major studies have found that the AOT program created under Kendra’s Law has improved quality of life for the severely mentally ill, enhanced public safety, and reduced the need for costly services.
A 2005 New York State Office of Mental Health study found that AOT recipients experienced a 74 percent decline in homelessness; a 77 percent decline in hospitalization for mental illness; an 83 percent decline in arrests; and an 87 percent decline in incarceration.
A 2009 independent study led by researchers at Duke University School of Medicine affirmed that the use of court orders is a vital component of the program’s success. After comparing court-ordered AOT patients with a similar group receiving equivalent services voluntarily, the researchers concluded: “The increased services available under AOT clearly improve recipient outcomes. However, the AOT court order itself, and its monitoring do appear to offer additional benefits in improving outcomes.”
In February 2010, researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health released their study of Kendra’s Law’s impact on public safety in New York City. The study compared AOT recipients with histories of violence to a control group receiving voluntary treatment in the same clinics. The individuals receiving AOT — who were more violent to begin with — were four times less likely than members of the control group to perpetrate serious violence after undergoing treatment.
For more information visit: www.kendraslaw.org.
Pictured, Senator Catharine Young joins mother of Kendra Webdale, Pat Webdale, and other law enforcement officials and metal health advocates at a news conference in Albany on Tuesday to call for a permanent reauthorization of Kendra's Law.
Photo courtesy of Young's office
Sallades Donate to Cancer Care Center
Bill Sallade presents a check to Marcia Austin at the Patterson Cancer Care Center. The funds will benefit patients at the PCCC and were raised during the third annual Kathy Sallade Memorial 9-ball Pool Tournament in February. Mrs. Sallade loved pool and always thought of others before herself, even while undergoing cancer treatment. The annual tournament will continue to benefit PCCC patients. Also pictured are Theresa Robinson, left, and Matthew Sallade. To donate toward the fund, contact CCMH’s fund development at 274-5204.
Paterson Wants DNA Sample for All
Penal Law Offenders in New York State
Governor David Paterson has announced that he is submitting legislation that will require everyone convicted of a penal law crime to provide a DNA sample.
He says, due to a flaw in New York’s current law, criminals who would otherwise be in jail based on a DNA match are free to commit additional crimes.
Paterson cited the case of Raymon McGill in Albany as just one example of why he’s submitting legislation. Twice, McGill was convicted of minor crimes that did not require collection of DNA. When he was finally convicted of a DNA qualifying offense, he was linked to the rape of an 85-year-old woman, the murder of a 50-year-old woman, and the murder of a 68-year-old man.
Paterson said had McGill’s DNA been collected as a result of a petit larceny conviction, his connection to the rape could have been discovered and chances are he would not have been free to commit the two murders.
http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/060110DNA.html
He says, due to a flaw in New York’s current law, criminals who would otherwise be in jail based on a DNA match are free to commit additional crimes.
Paterson cited the case of Raymon McGill in Albany as just one example of why he’s submitting legislation. Twice, McGill was convicted of minor crimes that did not require collection of DNA. When he was finally convicted of a DNA qualifying offense, he was linked to the rape of an 85-year-old woman, the murder of a 50-year-old woman, and the murder of a 68-year-old man.
Paterson said had McGill’s DNA been collected as a result of a petit larceny conviction, his connection to the rape could have been discovered and chances are he would not have been free to commit the two murders.
http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/060110DNA.html
16 Killed in Crashes Over Holiday Weekend
Over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, 16 people were killed and 290 were injured in 776 crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police.
None of the people who died was wearing a seatbelt.
Out of the 776 crashes, 70 – including two of the fatal accidents – were alcohol-related.
These numbers only include crashes handled by state police, not those handled by local police.
None of the people who died was wearing a seatbelt.
Out of the 776 crashes, 70 – including two of the fatal accidents – were alcohol-related.
These numbers only include crashes handled by state police, not those handled by local police.
The Carnival's Coming
Actually, it's already here at The Bradford Mall, but crews are still just setting up. The carnival is tentatively scheduled to open at 5 p.m. tomorrow, according to one of the workers. The owners of the mall decided to bring the carnival to town. Laura McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the company that owns the mall says the carnival is "a way to offer back something to the community we serve."
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