The Bradford City Water Authority has been awarded a $5.2 million H20 PA Grant to rehabilitate a high dam that spans Gilbert Run in Bradford Township, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati said the grant was approved today by the state’s Commonwealth Financing Authority – paving the way for improvements to begin.
Originally constructed in 1886 and modified in 1914, Bradford Dam No. 2 is 44 feet tall, 850 feet long and impounds a 30-acre lake used as a water supply.
Scarnati said the spillway will be repaired, its current width will be maintained and its downstream slope will be flattened and reinforced with Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) overtopping protection.
“This reinforcement is crucial because it will prevent damage and the possible breaching of the embankment if there is a large storm that exceeds the capacity of the spillway and runs over the dam,” Scarnati said. “Approximately 1,200 residents and 40 businesses would be impacted if the Bradford Dam failed, so this project is crucial to public safety and protecting our communities.”
He added that the improvements will bring the dam into compliance with the Department of Environmental Protection’s dam safety rules and regulations.
“There are currently major deficiencies in the dam, including an inadequate spillway, an irregular downstream slope, and depression and seepage evident at the toe of the dam,” Scarnati said. “The proposed project will address all these deficiencies and remove the dam from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Unsafe Dam List.”
He said the entire project will cost approximately $6.5 million with the Bradford City Water Authority providing $1.3 million through a bond or PENNVEST funding.
“I am pleased that this very important infrastructure project will be completed and the dam rehabilitated so that it can meet the needs of area residents and businesses,” Scarnati said.
H20 Grant
“Clearly, this project is vital to our area, not only in terms of public safety but also economic development.”
The H2O PA Act was established by the state's General Assembly in July 2008. The act provides for single-year or multi-year grants to municipalities or authorities to assist with the construction of drinking water, sanitary sewer, flood control and storm sewer projects. The money was raised through a state bond issue and, because it is being distributed as grants, does not have to be repaid.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Man Pleads Not Guilty to Stealing Smokes
A Bradford man accused of breaking into a truck loaded with cigarettes has pleaded not guilty in Cattaraugus County Court, according to a fax sent to WESB and The HERO by the district attorneys office.
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.
The matter has been adjourned for motions.
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.
The matter has been adjourned for motions.
Bob MacFarlane to Coach SBU Cross Country
St. Bonaventure associate athletic director Steve Campbell announced the addition of Bob Macfarlane to the department of athletics staff as the head men’s and women’s cross country coach on Wednesday.
“We are excited to have Bob take over the reins of our cross country program. He was very successful at Bradford High School for the past several years and we look forward to Coach Macfarlane’s impact on the St. Bonaventure program,” said Campbell. “He is a very knowledgeable in distance running and we are confident that his success at Bradford High along with his enthusiasm will enhance our recruiting efforts. Bob is an excellent addition to our staff and to the greater St. Bonaventure community.”
Prior to coming to St. Bonaventure, he served as the head varsity girls cross country coach at Bradford Area School District for the past seven years. He led the cross country team to a 66-4 dual meet record as well as five Pennsylvania District IX AAA titles and coached four individual district champions. Macfarlane coached five state qualifying teams and one state medalist.
Macfarlane served as the Bradford Area head girls’ track and field coach in 2008-09, but was the assistant coach for the girls’ team for 13 years prior. During his time at Bradford, he assisted the team to eight Pennsylvania District IX AAA Championships including a Pennsylvania State title in 1996. Macfarlane was also the distance coach for the Bradford Indoor Track and Field team for eight years.
In both 2003 and 2004, Macfarlane was the head coach for Team New York/Pennsylvania, leading the 2003 team to an international title in Australia.
Macfarlane is a teacher at Bradford since 1977 in both the secondary and elementary schools and has been a lead teacher for the past three years. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, teaching World Regional Geography and Methods of Social Studies Teaching.
He graduated with a bachelor’s in elementary and secondary education with a concentration in history from St. Bonaventure in 1977 and received also his master’s of education from St. Bonaventure
“We are excited to have Bob take over the reins of our cross country program. He was very successful at Bradford High School for the past several years and we look forward to Coach Macfarlane’s impact on the St. Bonaventure program,” said Campbell. “He is a very knowledgeable in distance running and we are confident that his success at Bradford High along with his enthusiasm will enhance our recruiting efforts. Bob is an excellent addition to our staff and to the greater St. Bonaventure community.”
Prior to coming to St. Bonaventure, he served as the head varsity girls cross country coach at Bradford Area School District for the past seven years. He led the cross country team to a 66-4 dual meet record as well as five Pennsylvania District IX AAA titles and coached four individual district champions. Macfarlane coached five state qualifying teams and one state medalist.
Macfarlane served as the Bradford Area head girls’ track and field coach in 2008-09, but was the assistant coach for the girls’ team for 13 years prior. During his time at Bradford, he assisted the team to eight Pennsylvania District IX AAA Championships including a Pennsylvania State title in 1996. Macfarlane was also the distance coach for the Bradford Indoor Track and Field team for eight years.
In both 2003 and 2004, Macfarlane was the head coach for Team New York/Pennsylvania, leading the 2003 team to an international title in Australia.
Macfarlane is a teacher at Bradford since 1977 in both the secondary and elementary schools and has been a lead teacher for the past three years. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, teaching World Regional Geography and Methods of Social Studies Teaching.
He graduated with a bachelor’s in elementary and secondary education with a concentration in history from St. Bonaventure in 1977 and received also his master’s of education from St. Bonaventure
SBU Adds Assistant Basketball Coach
St. Bonaventure men’s basketball head coach Mark Schmidt announced Wednesday that Stephen Curran has been hired as an assistant coach.Curran formerly was an assistant coach at Central Connecticut State, and he worked as an assistant under Schmidt at Robert Morris from 2001-04.
“I’m excited to welcome Steve into the St. Bonaventure basketball family,” said Schmidt. “I am very familiar with Steve from our time together at Robert Morris and have followed his success from afar over the last several seasons. He will be a great addition to our program and will do a tremendous job representing the Bonnies.”
During Curran’s five seasons at CCSU, the Blue Devils posted a Northeast Conference record of 56-34 and went 46-22 at home, including 33-12 in home regular season NEC action. In 2006-07, Curran helped the Blue Devils post a memorable run, winning 16 of 18 NEC games and three straight games in the NEC Tournament to advance to their third NCAA Tournament since 2000.
During his time at CCSU, the Blue Devils produced five first team All-Conference selections, one NEC Player of the Year, and two NEC Defensive Players of the Year. They also had the program’s first NEC Rookie of the Year in 2007-08 – guard Shemik Thompson – and posted a pair of players on the All-Rookie Team in 2007-08.
Prior to spending one season at Siena College in 2004-05, Curran was Schmidt’s assistant coach at Robert Morris for three seasons. Over that span, the Colonials won 28 conference games and qualified for the NEC Tournament twice. Curran helped recruit a pair of conference award winners in All-NEC selection Maurice Carter and 2003 All-Rookie Team member Derek Coleman.
Before he to joined the staff at Robert Morris, Curran was an assistant with the University of New Hampshire from 1999-2001. He also served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at his alma mater, Merrimack College, from 1994-99.
Curran earned a bachelor’s degree from Merrimack in business administration in 1992. As a player, he was Merrimack’s captain as a senior, leading the Warriors to a Northeast-10 Conference championship and the second of two straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Curran was named First Team All-Conference as well as being named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-America Second Team.
Salamanca Man Dies in Crash
A Salamanca man is dead after his motorcycle crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer at 8:18 Tuesday night on Route 219 in the Town of Great Valley.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and THe HERO, Sheriff’s deputies say 53-year-old Timothy Wick was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Kevin O’Rourke.
The tractor trailer was driven by 37-year-old Tidings Sibotshiwe of Indianapolis, Indiana. He wasn’t hurt.
No charges have been filed.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and THe HERO, Sheriff’s deputies say 53-year-old Timothy Wick was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Kevin O’Rourke.
The tractor trailer was driven by 37-year-old Tidings Sibotshiwe of Indianapolis, Indiana. He wasn’t hurt.
No charges have been filed.
Griffis Memorial Service This Afternoon
A memorial service for arts educator Simon P. Griffis is scheduled for 4 p. m. today in Christ the King Chapel at Canisius College.
Griffis died in a hiking accident June 28 in Zoar Valley.
To read Griffis' obituary, go to The Buffalo News.
Thanks to Stony for passing that along.
Griffis died in a hiking accident June 28 in Zoar Valley.
To read Griffis' obituary, go to The Buffalo News.
Thanks to Stony for passing that along.
Details Released on I-80 Fatal Crash
A Gettysburg man is dead following a crash early Tuesday evening on Interstate 80 near the DuBois-Penfield Exit.
State Police say 56-year-old Spencer Chapman of Sandy Lake was driving a tractor-trailer that hit a car that had stopped for road construction and pushing into a flatbed truck.
The driver of the car, 26-year-old Katheryn Sneeringer of Gettysburg, and one of her passengers suffered serious injuries and were flown to Altoona Hospital. Another passenger 57-year old David Cook, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the flatbed, 61-year-old David Kaschak Erie, was not hurt.
Charges are pending against Chapman, who suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the DuBois Regional Medical Center.
That section of I-80 was closed for about 4 hours while investigators were on the scene.
State Police say 56-year-old Spencer Chapman of Sandy Lake was driving a tractor-trailer that hit a car that had stopped for road construction and pushing into a flatbed truck.
The driver of the car, 26-year-old Katheryn Sneeringer of Gettysburg, and one of her passengers suffered serious injuries and were flown to Altoona Hospital. Another passenger 57-year old David Cook, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the flatbed, 61-year-old David Kaschak Erie, was not hurt.
Charges are pending against Chapman, who suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the DuBois Regional Medical Center.
That section of I-80 was closed for about 4 hours while investigators were on the scene.
Rainbows Heading Out
Besides the interception of a large shipment of marijuana that was on its way to the Rainbow Family gathering, officials say there weren’t any major problems among the 900 incidents they dealt with.The Rainbows have started heading home, although about 100 of them are staying behind to clean up the area of the Allegheny National Forest where they gathered.
Forest Service officials say that between the end of June and Tuesday about half of the incidents were drug-related and one-third were traffic-related.Some of the citations issued were for public nudity. Officials say nudity isn’t a problem in the middle of the forest, but it is a concern when people are nude along roads or closer to the general public.
For many more pictures of the Rainbow Gathering, go to Allegheny Outdoor Adventures.
Photos courtesy of John Stoneman
Roulette Woman Facing Charges
A Roulette woman is facing charges after driving with a man on the hood of her car during a domestic incident Monday night.
State Police say 53-year-old Joni Peer hit a 59-year-old Olean man with her car in the front yard of her house on Laniger Creek Road. She then drove on nearby roads with the man on the hood of the car.
Police say Peer will be charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.
State Police say 53-year-old Joni Peer hit a 59-year-old Olean man with her car in the front yard of her house on Laniger Creek Road. She then drove on nearby roads with the man on the hood of the car.
Police say Peer will be charged with simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.
Fatal Crash on Interstate 80
A fatal crash on Interstate 80 near DuBois tied up traffic for more than three hours Tuesday night.
State police say a tractor-trailer slammed into the back of a car, hit an embankment, went airborne and rolled onto its side. The car was pushed into the back of a flatbed truck and was totaled.
The Clearfield County coroner pronounced a man inside the car dead at the scene. Three other people were taken to local hospitals.
Police haven’t released the names of the victims yet.
State police say a tractor-trailer slammed into the back of a car, hit an embankment, went airborne and rolled onto its side. The car was pushed into the back of a flatbed truck and was totaled.
The Clearfield County coroner pronounced a man inside the car dead at the scene. Three other people were taken to local hospitals.
Police haven’t released the names of the victims yet.
Olean Woman Hurt in Allegany Crash
An Olean woman is hospitalized after an accident early Tuesday morning on Buffalo Road in Allegany.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and The HERO, Sheriff’s deputies say a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Sonya Williams traveled over the fog line and almost hit a guard rail. When Williams overcorrected, the vehicle went across both lanes of travel and hit the steel retaining wall on the east side of the road.
Williams was first taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, and then was transferred to ECMC in Buffalo.
Williams is facing several charges including driving while intoxicated.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and The HERO, Sheriff’s deputies say a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Sonya Williams traveled over the fog line and almost hit a guard rail. When Williams overcorrected, the vehicle went across both lanes of travel and hit the steel retaining wall on the east side of the road.
Williams was first taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, and then was transferred to ECMC in Buffalo.
Williams is facing several charges including driving while intoxicated.
Cops: Man Tried Stealing Boat
A Buffalo man is facing charges for trying to steal a boat that was anchored at Sunset Bay and getting into a fight with its owner.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and The HERO, Sheriff’s deputies say 23-year-old Brandon Birdwell swam out to the unmanned boat, boarded it and tried to steal it. The owner of the boat was having dinner at a restaurant in Sunset Bay and was made aware of the situation.
He and his friends went to the boat, and Birdwell got into a fight with them as they tried to keep him from stealing the vessel.
Birdwell is charged with grand larceny, assault and criminal mischief. He’s in Chautauqua County Jail with no bail and will appear in Town of Hanover Court at a later date.
In an e-mail sent to WESB and The HERO, Sheriff’s deputies say 23-year-old Brandon Birdwell swam out to the unmanned boat, boarded it and tried to steal it. The owner of the boat was having dinner at a restaurant in Sunset Bay and was made aware of the situation.
He and his friends went to the boat, and Birdwell got into a fight with them as they tried to keep him from stealing the vessel.
Birdwell is charged with grand larceny, assault and criminal mischief. He’s in Chautauqua County Jail with no bail and will appear in Town of Hanover Court at a later date.
Fatal Crash in Great Valley
A motorcyclist is dead after hitting a tractor-trailer on Route 219 in Great Valley Tuesday night.
Sheriff’s deputies say the truck slowed down while traveling through the underpass, but the motorcycle didn’t slow down and ran into the back of the truck.
Deputies haven’t released the victim’s name yet.
Sheriff’s deputies say the truck slowed down while traveling through the underpass, but the motorcycle didn’t slow down and ran into the back of the truck.
Deputies haven’t released the victim’s name yet.
Fire Cause Under Investigation
The cause of a fire that destroyed a Crosby house on Tuesday is under investigation.
In a fax sent to WESB and the HERO, State Police say Fire Marshal Greg Agosti and Norwich Township Fire Chief Bill Gallup conducted an investigation into the blaze at the home of James Angell at 78 White Hollow Road, but are still asking for more information.
No one was home at the time of the fire, which started at just after 11 a.m. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $150,000.
Norwich Township firefighters were assisted by companies from Smethport, Port Allegany, Roulette, Bradford Township, Emporium and Clermont.
In a fax sent to WESB and the HERO, State Police say Fire Marshal Greg Agosti and Norwich Township Fire Chief Bill Gallup conducted an investigation into the blaze at the home of James Angell at 78 White Hollow Road, but are still asking for more information.
No one was home at the time of the fire, which started at just after 11 a.m. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $150,000.
Norwich Township firefighters were assisted by companies from Smethport, Port Allegany, Roulette, Bradford Township, Emporium and Clermont.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Accused Killer Picked Up at Peace Bridge
BUFFALO, N.Y.– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations announced the arrest of a citizen of Albania wanted in Illinois for attempted first degree murder.
On July 6, CBP officers received notification from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that 37-year-old Ifriam Luzaj, a citizen of Albania with lawful U.S. Resident status, was being deported from Canada and returned to the United States. Canadian authorities received information that the subject was living illegally in Canada, and was subsequently arrested by the Toronto Police Fugitive Squad. Record checks by Canadian authorities revealed the possibility of active warrants in the United States. Mr. Luzaj was deported from Canada by CBSA and returned to the United States via the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, N.Y.
Upon his return to the United States, CBP officers performed record checks that verified the validity of the nation-wide felony warrant and confirmed the extradition. The warrant was issued in August of 2004 by the Cook County (IL) Sheriff’s Department and charges Mr. Luzaj with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a gun.
Mr. Luzaj advised CBP that he entered Canada illegally in 2006 as a stowaway aboard a freight train, and did so to avoid being inspected because of his criminal record. He further claimed that he fled the United States in an attempt to avoid prosecution, and has been living and working in the Toronto area ever since. Mr. Luzaj was arrested by CBP and turned over to the custody of the Buffalo Police Department pending extradition to Illinois.
On July 6, CBP officers received notification from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that 37-year-old Ifriam Luzaj, a citizen of Albania with lawful U.S. Resident status, was being deported from Canada and returned to the United States. Canadian authorities received information that the subject was living illegally in Canada, and was subsequently arrested by the Toronto Police Fugitive Squad. Record checks by Canadian authorities revealed the possibility of active warrants in the United States. Mr. Luzaj was deported from Canada by CBSA and returned to the United States via the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo, N.Y.
Upon his return to the United States, CBP officers performed record checks that verified the validity of the nation-wide felony warrant and confirmed the extradition. The warrant was issued in August of 2004 by the Cook County (IL) Sheriff’s Department and charges Mr. Luzaj with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery with a gun.
Mr. Luzaj advised CBP that he entered Canada illegally in 2006 as a stowaway aboard a freight train, and did so to avoid being inspected because of his criminal record. He further claimed that he fled the United States in an attempt to avoid prosecution, and has been living and working in the Toronto area ever since. Mr. Luzaj was arrested by CBP and turned over to the custody of the Buffalo Police Department pending extradition to Illinois.
Changes to Bradford Farmers' Market
Bradford Farmers' Market to join forces with Pitt-Bradford's Center for Rural Health Practice, Canticle Farm
The Center for Rural Health Practice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, is joining forces with the Bradford Farmers’ Market and Canticle Farm to bring locally-grown produce to downtown Bradford.
The Bradford Farmers’ Market will operate from 8 a.m. until noon on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, beginning July 10, in the parking lot of Old City Hall on Boylston Street in Bradford.
The Bradford Farmers’ Market is sponsored by Bradford’s Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. Initially started more than 15 years ago, the market has struggled in the last few years to attract produce vendors at its location in Veterans Square.
The change of location will provide vendors with a better area in which to set up their wares, said Anita Dolan, Main Street Manager, and a safer, less-trafficked location for customers. The help of the Center for Rural Health and Canticle Farm has guaranteed that fresh produce will once again be available at the market.
Canticle Farm, a non-profit Community Supported Agriculture Farm from Allegany, N.Y., will bring certified organic produce.
Other greenhouses and local growers will provide produce in-season, including apples from Rocky Ridge Orchard near Kane, vegetables from Evergreen Elm and more.
In addition to produce, items available at the market will include baked goods, preserves, hand-crafted items, plants, herbs and local maple syrup and honey.
The Center for Rural Health is also applying for a grant that would provide tents for vendors as well as nutritional education and children’s activities at the market.
New vendors are welcome. For more information, contact Dolan at (814)598-3865.
The Center for Rural Health Practice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, is joining forces with the Bradford Farmers’ Market and Canticle Farm to bring locally-grown produce to downtown Bradford.
The Bradford Farmers’ Market will operate from 8 a.m. until noon on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, beginning July 10, in the parking lot of Old City Hall on Boylston Street in Bradford.
The Bradford Farmers’ Market is sponsored by Bradford’s Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. Initially started more than 15 years ago, the market has struggled in the last few years to attract produce vendors at its location in Veterans Square.
The change of location will provide vendors with a better area in which to set up their wares, said Anita Dolan, Main Street Manager, and a safer, less-trafficked location for customers. The help of the Center for Rural Health and Canticle Farm has guaranteed that fresh produce will once again be available at the market.
Canticle Farm, a non-profit Community Supported Agriculture Farm from Allegany, N.Y., will bring certified organic produce.
Other greenhouses and local growers will provide produce in-season, including apples from Rocky Ridge Orchard near Kane, vegetables from Evergreen Elm and more.
In addition to produce, items available at the market will include baked goods, preserves, hand-crafted items, plants, herbs and local maple syrup and honey.
The Center for Rural Health is also applying for a grant that would provide tents for vendors as well as nutritional education and children’s activities at the market.
New vendors are welcome. For more information, contact Dolan at (814)598-3865.
Governor Rendell Signs Budget
Mechanicsburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed a $28 billion General Fund budget for the 2010-11 fiscal year that holds down spending as the state strives to live within its means using existing resources.While not increasing taxes, the budget makes substantial new investments in education and job creation programs that are critical to Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts to recover from the national recession.
Hampered by a U.S. economy that is still struggling to grow, Governor Rendell had to trim $1 billion from the proposed budget that he presented five months ago. In spite of these cuts, the budget absorbs cost increases mandated by law, over which the state has no control, which total more than $650 million for line items that fund Medical Assistance for the poor, prisons, debt service and school employees’ Social Security.
To offset those rising and unavoidable costs, most other agencies of state government had to absorb deep cuts, as budget negotiators fought to contain spending while still covering state government’s core functions. Since the national economic downturn began in the fall of 2008, Governor Rendell and the General Assembly have eliminated $3 billion in annual spending. These cuts have touched almost every area of programs and services that the state provides to its citizens.
As just one example, the budget for the Governor’s Office was cut by another 7.5 percent below last year’s reduced sum, bringing it to approximately the funding level of 1996-97. Many other departments’ budgets have also been scaled back to where they stood five, 10 or even 15 years ago.
State government’s overall administrative operating costs in the 2010-11 budget are 14 percent lower than in 2002-03, the year Governor Rendell took office.
“The cuts simply reflect the economic realities that all states now face -- when you have less money, you have to reduce spending,” Governor Rendell said while signing the General Appropriations bill at Elmwood Elementary School in Mechanicsburg. “Everyone dislikes something about this budget. There are many spending cuts that I would much rather have avoided. We had to reduce spending on many programs that are important to me and to millions of other Pennsylvanians, but there is simply no way to balance our budget without pain.
“Given the drop in state revenues, this is a good budget for the people of Pennsylvania, despite a difficult economic climate that has adversely impacted every state in the nation. At a time when most other states are either cutting funding for education or keeping it the same, we are investing in the future by providing additional funds to continue the strong academic progress that our students have made over the past seven years. Furthermore, the increase in state aid will help keep down local school district property taxes,” Governor Rendell said. “This budget also provides additional funds to bring more good jobs to our state.”
The state will boost the basic education subsidy to school districts by $250 million, an increase of 4.5 percent, to $5.8 billion. State-related universities, the State System of Higher Education and community colleges will receive the same funding amounts as last year.
Adequate education funding was the Governor’s chief priority in the new budget, the final one of his eight-year tenure in office. He also focused on economic development programs to create jobs by attracting and keeping businesses in Pennsylvania. This funding includes $27 million for Infrastructure and Facilities Improvement Grants, $15 million for the Infrastructure Development Program, $18 million for Opportunity Grants, $6 million for World Trade PA and $18 million for Housing and Redevelopment Assistance projects. Such programs have helped Pennsylvania gain more than 76,000 jobs over the last three months for which employment statistics have been reported, second only to Texas.
The General Assembly also complied with the Governor’s request to boost by $600 million, from $3.45 billion to $4.05 billion, the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) to further enhance employment growth by supporting business development.
“Our expanded capital program will pump money into the economy, creating jobs and leveraging additional private investment,” Governor Rendell said. “It will continue the wise strategic investments we have made over the past several years in economic development, which has allowed Pennsylvania to weather the worst recession of the past 70 years in better financial shape than any other large industrial state in the country.”
The 2010-11 budget maintains essential funding for public health and safety. It includes money to pay for health care and other vital social services for more than 2.1 million of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, including low-income children, families, people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians.
Legislation accompanying the budget will also create a new assessment that will ensure that the state’s hospitals can provide high-quality care for those on Medical Assistance, including seniors and indigent children. The agreement will allow the state to draw down significantly more federal funds that will help keep the financial condition of hospitals stable. The net gain for the General Fund is $121 million.
Regarding another issue of medical funding, the General Assembly and Governor have agreed to consult on any budget shortfall caused by the failure of Congress to enact much-needed supplemental Medical Assistance for the states. Pennsylvania is relying on $850 million in such funding that President Obama included in his proposed budget.
The new budget provides $5.1 million for the Pennsylvania State Police to initiate a new class of 100 cadets beginning in October 2010.
While the budget does not raise taxes, the General Assembly and the Governor agreed to enact by October 1 a new levy on the extraction of natural gas. It would take effect by January 1, 2011. Details, including rates and structure, will be worked out over the summer.
Revenue that the new natural gas tax produces over the final six months of the fiscal year is not counted in the new budget, but will help guard against a continued weak economy and several looming financial challenges with which the state must cope in the next few years. Among those are sharply rising contributions required to maintain the financial integrity of the state’s two major public pension systems, the expiration next year of federal stimulus aid to states, and billions of dollars in critically needed funding for the state’s transportation infrastructure and public transit systems.
The Governor was disappointed that the General Assembly walked away from several other revenue proposals that he had offered to both avoid some of the harshest budget cuts and to prepare the state for the financial concerns of 2011-12 and beyond.
Legislators refused to eliminate the tax break for retailers who forward sales tax to the state on time (a potential 2010-11 revenue gain of $73.6 million) and extend the tobacco products tax to cigars and smokeless tobacco (a potential 2010-11 revenue gain of $41.6 million). They also rejected a number of common-sense business tax reforms, such as closing a loophole that permits nearly 75 percent of the companies doing business in the state to avoid paying the Corporate Net Income Tax (a potential 2010-11 revenue gain of $66.6 million).
Legislators also failed to reach an agreement on a Rendell administration proposal to begin addressing the rising public pension costs. Projections indicate that by 2012-13, the commonwealth’s contribution to the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) will be $3.7 billion, which represents a $2.4 billion increase over 2011-12.
The Governor has called for a special session on transportation funding, to reconvene over the summer.
“With a $3 billion shortfall in funds needed to keep Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges safe in the coming years, elected officials should work this summer in a productive manner to address transportation funding – our citizens deserve nothing less than our best efforts to solve this challenge,” he said.
As the Governor signed a budget that is fiscally responsible and keeps Pennsylvania on sound financial footing for the coming year, he warned that additional difficult decisions will be necessary in the future, and promised to use the remaining six months of his final term to put the state in the best fiscal position possible.
“The state will face significant financial challenges in the years ahead. The longer we wait to face them, the more difficult the solutions will be,” Governor Rendell said. “I implore the legislature to work hard on these essential issues that remain before us in the summer and fall.”
Pictured, Governor Rendell (C) signs the 2010-2011 state budget before a group of children at the Elwood Elementary School in Mechanicburg. Joining the governor are (L-R) Mechanicsburg School Superintendent Joseph Hood, PA Rep. Tim Briggs (standing), Gov. Rendell, Education Deputy Secretary Diane Sastelbuono (standing) and Acting Education Secretary Thomas E. Gluck.
Photo and info provided by Commonwealth Media Services
Burglary Reported in Cyclone
State police are looking into a burglary that happened between May 31 and Saturday on Pithole Road in Cyclone.
49-year-old Kelly Wilson says someone went onto her property, entered a locked shed and removed a Craftsman riding mower, Craftsman push mower and a Stihl chainsaw. The person then took a picnic table from the backyard of the vacant residence.
Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Kane-based state police.
49-year-old Kelly Wilson says someone went onto her property, entered a locked shed and removed a Craftsman riding mower, Craftsman push mower and a Stihl chainsaw. The person then took a picnic table from the backyard of the vacant residence.
Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Kane-based state police.
Ten Fatalities During Holiday Weekend
10 people died and 361 others were hurt in 712 crashes investigated by Pennsylvania State Police over the four-day holiday weekend.
That compares with nine fatalities and 206 injuries in 447 crashes during last year's holiday period, which was a day shorter.
Seven of the people killed this year were not wearing seat belts, according to state police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski. Seventy-two of the crashes were alcohol-related, including three of the fatal crashes.
During the period that covered Friday through Monday, troopers arrested 339 people for driving under the influence, issued 7,877 speeding citations, cited 723 for failing to wear seat belts, and issued 129 citations for not securing children in safety seats.
The statistics include only incidents state police responded to, and not those handled by local law enforcement agencies.
That compares with nine fatalities and 206 injuries in 447 crashes during last year's holiday period, which was a day shorter.
Seven of the people killed this year were not wearing seat belts, according to state police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski. Seventy-two of the crashes were alcohol-related, including three of the fatal crashes.
During the period that covered Friday through Monday, troopers arrested 339 people for driving under the influence, issued 7,877 speeding citations, cited 723 for failing to wear seat belts, and issued 129 citations for not securing children in safety seats.
The statistics include only incidents state police responded to, and not those handled by local law enforcement agencies.
Rendell in Towanda Today
Governor Edward G. Rendell will sign the fiscal code, a part of the 2010-11 state budget, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, at the Bradford County Courthouse, 301 Main St., Towanda, Bradford County.
He will also outline his plans to work with the General Assembly to develop a fair natural gas extraction tax by Oct. 1, another key component of the budget agreement. Details, including rates and structure, will be worked out over the summer.
He will also outline his plans to work with the General Assembly to develop a fair natural gas extraction tax by Oct. 1, another key component of the budget agreement. Details, including rates and structure, will be worked out over the summer.
Cops: Man Hit Woman with Skillet
A Maryland man accused of hitting a woman in the head with a cast iron skillet and assaulting two other people Saturday in Harrison Township is in Potter County Jail.
Police say 24-year-old Joshua Franklin was intoxicated when he got into an argument with a 32-year-old woman and hit her repeatedly in the face and head. When she was on the ground, he grabbed her by the hair, dragged her around the home and hit her with the skillet. She was able to break free and lock herself in the bathroom, but Franklin kicked door in, pulled her out by her hair and continued hitting her in the face and head.
A 55-year-old woman tried stopping the incident, but she received an injury to her forehead. A 58-year-old man was able to subdue Franklin and get him out of the house, but Franklin is accused of biting his bicep.
Franklin is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.
Police say 24-year-old Joshua Franklin was intoxicated when he got into an argument with a 32-year-old woman and hit her repeatedly in the face and head. When she was on the ground, he grabbed her by the hair, dragged her around the home and hit her with the skillet. She was able to break free and lock herself in the bathroom, but Franklin kicked door in, pulled her out by her hair and continued hitting her in the face and head.
A 55-year-old woman tried stopping the incident, but she received an injury to her forehead. A 58-year-old man was able to subdue Franklin and get him out of the house, but Franklin is accused of biting his bicep.
Franklin is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.
Variety of Police Calls Sunday, Monday
Bradford City Police answered a variety of calls on July 4th and 5th, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. Officers looked into criminal mischief on South Avenue and Davis Street, a disturbance on Congress Street and a neighbor dispute on Jackson Avenue.
Police also received reports of a couple of alarms going off, got several requests to speak with an officer and responded to some domestic incidents.
Officers investigated a hit and run on East Main Street, a theft on South Center Street, a stolen flower on Barbour Street and, of course, a fireworks complaint, this time on West Washington Street.
Police also received reports of a couple of alarms going off, got several requests to speak with an officer and responded to some domestic incidents.
Officers investigated a hit and run on East Main Street, a theft on South Center Street, a stolen flower on Barbour Street and, of course, a fireworks complaint, this time on West Washington Street.
Six Rescued from North Country Trail
Rescue crews spent about an hour early this morning looking for two adults and four Boys Scouts on the North Country Trail in Cherry Grove Township.
One of the adults was suffering from dehydration, and crews used GPS to find them. The call came in at around midnight. Crews found them at around 1 a.m.
Emergency medical personnel took care of the dehydrated man.
One of the adults was suffering from dehydration, and crews used GPS to find them. The call came in at around midnight. Crews found them at around 1 a.m.
Emergency medical personnel took care of the dehydrated man.
18-Year-Old Charged with Rape
An 18-year-old from Coudersport is in jail after being accused of raping a 10-year-old girl Saturday.
Police say Matthew Allen Lawton had inappropriate contact with the victim, whose 8-year-old brother witnessed several of the sexual acts and was allegedly told by Lawton not to tell anyone about what he saw.
Lawton is charged with 3 counts each of rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; 4 counts of aggravated indecent assault; 7 counts of indecent assault; and 2 counts of corruption of minors.
Lawton’s bail is set at $85,000.
Police say Matthew Allen Lawton had inappropriate contact with the victim, whose 8-year-old brother witnessed several of the sexual acts and was allegedly told by Lawton not to tell anyone about what he saw.
Lawton is charged with 3 counts each of rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; 4 counts of aggravated indecent assault; 7 counts of indecent assault; and 2 counts of corruption of minors.
Lawton’s bail is set at $85,000.
Monday, July 5, 2010
How Hot Was It?
Pretty darn hot at between 2:30 and 3 p.m. when these pictures were taken:
East Main Street
Mechanic Street
Take your pick on this one, I guess. It's opposite sides of the same thermometer on Bolivar Drive.
Interstate Parkway
East Main Street
Mechanic Street
Take your pick on this one, I guess. It's opposite sides of the same thermometer on Bolivar Drive.
Interstate Parkway
Hazy, Hot and Humid
News 4 Meteorologist Mike Cejka says it'll be hazy, hot and humid for a couple more days. You can listen to his forecast here.For some tips on how to stay safe during a heat wave, go to the McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross website.
Donate to Taylor, Rhonda and
The Brinker Family
If you'd like updates on Taylor Brinker (the young man who was badly injured in an accident early Saturday morning) and/or you'd like to help his family with expenses -- you can "like" this Facebook page: Donate to Taylor, Rhonda and the Brinker Family
http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/17-year-old-driver-hurt-in-crash.html
http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/17-year-old-driver-hurt-in-crash.html
Jewelry Stolen from Duke Center Home
Police are investigating a burglary in Duke Center on Friday.
Thomas Frederick tells police that someone pried open an outside door to the house that led to his bedroom. Once inside the person stole a jewelry box that contained several gold necklaces, diamond pendants and other charms; several gold and diamond rings; a diamond tennis bracelet; and several sets of gold earrings.
The estimated value of the stolen items is $5,100.
Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Kane-based state police at 778-5555.
Thomas Frederick tells police that someone pried open an outside door to the house that led to his bedroom. Once inside the person stole a jewelry box that contained several gold necklaces, diamond pendants and other charms; several gold and diamond rings; a diamond tennis bracelet; and several sets of gold earrings.
The estimated value of the stolen items is $5,100.
Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Kane-based state police at 778-5555.
Casey Visits Troops on July 4th
During a trip to the Middle East, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, spent July 4th with Pennsylvania troops based at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait where they are working on an effort to refurbish equipment coming out of Iraq for return back to the U.S. or to use in Afghanistan.Photo courtesy of Senator Casey's office
Westfield Teen Accused of Shooting
Bottle Rockets in Crowd of People
A Westfield, New York, teenager is facing charges for shooting bottle rockets in a crowd of people.
Sheriff’s deputies say 17-year-old Samaira Dros was with a group of other teens walking on the sidewalk of Morris Street in Fredonia at 9:35 Saturday night when they were shooting the bottle rockets.
When the teens were stopped and interviewed, deputies found Dros with a quantity of bottle rockets in her pocket. She was charged with unlawful dealing with fire works and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Sheriff’s deputies say 17-year-old Samaira Dros was with a group of other teens walking on the sidewalk of Morris Street in Fredonia at 9:35 Saturday night when they were shooting the bottle rockets.
When the teens were stopped and interviewed, deputies found Dros with a quantity of bottle rockets in her pocket. She was charged with unlawful dealing with fire works and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
Road Rage Leads to Criminal Mischief
A case of possible road rage led to criminal mischief charges for two Elk County residents.
State police say 38-year-old John Pierce of St. Marys and 18-year-old Brandon Sheeley of Kersey got into an argument at 12:15 Sunday morning after Pierce was following Sheeley too closely when Sheeley pulled out onto Old Kersey Road in front of Pierce.
Pierce is accused of hitting the back of Sheeley’s SUV with a wooden club. Sheeley then allegedly punched and broke a window of Pierce’s Porsche.
State police say 38-year-old John Pierce of St. Marys and 18-year-old Brandon Sheeley of Kersey got into an argument at 12:15 Sunday morning after Pierce was following Sheeley too closely when Sheeley pulled out onto Old Kersey Road in front of Pierce.
Pierce is accused of hitting the back of Sheeley’s SUV with a wooden club. Sheeley then allegedly punched and broke a window of Pierce’s Porsche.
Brockport Boy Hurt in ATV Crash
A 12-year-old Brockport boy was hurt during an ATV accident Sunday afternoon in Horton Township.
Police say the boy was driving the ATV from an unmarked ATV trail on the west berm of Shawmut Road and when he tried crossing the road he traveled into the path of another ATV driven y 53-year-old Stephen Schatz of Brockport.
The 12-year-old sustained moderate injuries when the vehicles collided and was taken by ambulance to DuBois Regional Medical Center. No one else was hurt.
Police say the boy was driving the ATV from an unmarked ATV trail on the west berm of Shawmut Road and when he tried crossing the road he traveled into the path of another ATV driven y 53-year-old Stephen Schatz of Brockport.
The 12-year-old sustained moderate injuries when the vehicles collided and was taken by ambulance to DuBois Regional Medical Center. No one else was hurt.
Man Dies in Fall at Letchworth
An Amherst man is dead after falling 300 feet into the gorge at Letchworth State Park.
19-year-old Andrew Brinkman was with three friends when he fell into the Genesee River Gorge at around 9:30 Saturday morning.
Police say Brinkman stepped over a stone retaining wall and was walking along a dirt ledge when he slipped.
Just last week, Simon Griffis of Buffalo died after falling into the gorge at Zoar Valley.
19-year-old Andrew Brinkman was with three friends when he fell into the Genesee River Gorge at around 9:30 Saturday morning.
Police say Brinkman stepped over a stone retaining wall and was walking along a dirt ledge when he slipped.
Just last week, Simon Griffis of Buffalo died after falling into the gorge at Zoar Valley.
Dayton Fire Chief Arrested
The Town of Dayton fire chief has been arrested for assault and endangering the welfare of a child.Richard Ulmer Jr. of Fredonia was arrested Saturday in connection with a domestic incident. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on July 15.
Police didn’t release any further details.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Budget Done; Awaiting Rendell's Signature
The state Legislature has finished passing the bills that make up the new $28 billion state budget.
They wrapped up the budget work today, as both the Senate and House were in session.
The final votes included a promise to work on a Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction tax and a fiscal office, as well as $600 million in capital projects borrowing.
Governor Ed Rendell says he plans to sign the budget bills on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Harrisburg area and at other locations throughout the state.
They wrapped up the budget work today, as both the Senate and House were in session.
The final votes included a promise to work on a Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction tax and a fiscal office, as well as $600 million in capital projects borrowing.
Governor Ed Rendell says he plans to sign the budget bills on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Harrisburg area and at other locations throughout the state.
Obituary:
Dennis Lowery
Dennis W. Lowery, 65, of 25 School St., passed away Sunday, June 27th, 2010 in Gibsonia.Born January 20, 1945, in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late William J. and Bernice B. (Butts) Lowery.
On June 20, 1970 in Pittsburgh, he married Deborah Sainsbury, who survives.
Mr. Lowery was a 1963 graduate of Bradford High School. He then was a member of the first class of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He graduated from The University of Pittsburgh in Oakland in 1967 with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Biology.
Upon returning to Bradford, he worked at his family's business, Tuna Manufacturing, where he served ultimately as owner and President. In July of 1987, he joined Northwest Mutual Savings Bank, where he worked as Supervisor of Facilities and Properties. He was currently employed at Northwest Savings Bank as Vice President of Facilities and Properties.
He was a member and former trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, a member and past president of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Merchants Association, the Bradford Kiwanis Club and the Northwest Pennsylvania Campers Association. He was also a past member of the Bradford Area School District Board of Directors and was currently a member of the Northwest Savings Bank Advisory Board.
Mr. Lowery was very active with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He was on the steering committee which formally organized what is now the Pitt Bradford Alumni Association, where he served as interim President from 1993 to 1994, served on the board of directors from 1994-2001, was awarded the Distinguished Volunteer Award in 1999, and in 2002, the Dennis Lowery Scholarship was established by the Alumni Association in his honor. He is also a member of the Pitt Bradford Advisory Board, where he has served on the Executive Committee, Development Council and was the Director of the Properties Committee. He was awarded the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Presidential Medal of Distinction in 2004.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Jennifer (Aaron) Brauser and Christen (Joseph) Herndon, both of Gibsonia; a sister, Susan Lowery Livesay of Bandera, TX, and three grandchildren, Nathaniel Mayer Brauser, Lilly Lowery Brauser and Sophia Grace Herndon.
Family will be receiving friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Friday, July 9, 2010 in the Bromeley Family Theatre in Blaisdell Hall at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM, with Rev. W. LeRoy Beckes, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Pitt Bradford Alumni Association Dennis Lowery Scholarship, or the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/obituary-dennis-lowery.html
Couple Establishes Scholarship at UPB
A couple who met while studying at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in the early 1970s have established a scholarship to help students who can benefit, like they did, from the benefits of a smaller campus.John and Marie Seltzer’s gift of $5,000, matched by the Agnes L. and Lewis Lyle Thomas Scholarship Challenge, establishes the John W. and Marie R. Seltzer PBAA Fund, which will be a general fund to benefit any worthy student.
John Seltzer studied at Pitt-Bradford from 1972 to 1974, and went on to graduate from the Pittsburgh campus.
“Marie and I met there, and that’s sort of special to us,” he said. “Had I not gone to Pitt-Bradford, I don’t think I would have survived at Pitt. I wasn’t cut out for a large school. When I look back on my college years, most of my memories are of my years at Pitt-Bradford.”
It was no surprise that they met at Pitt-Bradford. They could hardly not have met, as small as the school was in those days. The entire campus consisted of the townhouses where students lived, two hangars from the campus’s days as an airport that served as the cafeteria and the student center and two classroom buildings downtown. There was a lot of hanging out, either in each other’s townhouses, at the hangar, or waiting for “The Blue Goose,” a blue school bus that took students to Hamsher House and Emery Hardware for classes.
“We were lucky if that between four of us (living in a townhouse) we had a stereo and a typewriter,” John Seltzer said. “We did not have a television. You had to go to the hangar and hope that it worked.”
Marie Seltzer ’72-’73 hadn’t planned to go to the Bradford campus. She grew up in the Pittsburgh area, and she and many of her high school friends applied to the nursing school at the Pittsburgh campus.
All of her friends were accepted at the Pittsburgh campus, but she was not. Her mother called to complain, but got nowhere. She went to Bradford for a full year, fulfilling her general education requirements, and taking courses like biology and chemistry in a much smaller environment than her friends.
By the time she went to Pittsburgh the next year, only one of her friends was still in the nursing program.
“I think it’s quite a special place,” Marie Seltzer said of Pitt-Bradford. “It’s so impressive as a campus, and we’re both testament to the fact that some kids thrive in a smaller campus.
“I think the students are excelling in the environment. It has proven to still be there for the students just like it was for us. I don’t know where I would be if I had not gone to Bradford. It proved to be life-changing.”
For more information on the Thomas Scholarship Challenge, contact Joelle Warner, manager of donor services, at jaw104@pitt.edu or (814)362-5104.
Pictured, Marie and John Seltzer with their son, Julian.
Photo courtesy of Pitt-Bradford
WWII Airman's Remains ID'd
The remains of a Tyrone man missing in action since his cargo plane went down in Burma during World War II have been identified.
Clarence Frantz was 24-years-old when his C-47A Skytrain left India on May 23, 1944, to resupply Allied forces near Myitkyina, Burma.
Frantz and the six other airmen will be buried with full military honors July 15 at Arlington National Cemetery.
Back in 1996, the Defense Department identified Staff Sergeant Anthony "Bib" DeLucia of Bradford, who died in August of 1944 when his B-24 Liberator crashed into a mountainside in South China.
http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13674
Clarence Frantz was 24-years-old when his C-47A Skytrain left India on May 23, 1944, to resupply Allied forces near Myitkyina, Burma.
Frantz and the six other airmen will be buried with full military honors July 15 at Arlington National Cemetery.
Back in 1996, the Defense Department identified Staff Sergeant Anthony "Bib" DeLucia of Bradford, who died in August of 1944 when his B-24 Liberator crashed into a mountainside in South China.http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13674
Cattaraugus Man Facing Charges
A Cattaraugus man is facing charges after he crashed his pickup truck in New Albion early this morning.
Sheriff’s deputies say 31-year-old Bret Frantz wrecked the pickup in a ditch at the intersection of Mayo and Chautauqua roads at 12:49 a.m.
He was charged with driving while intoxicated and moving from a lane unsafely. He was released on his own recognizance.
Sheriff’s deputies say 31-year-old Bret Frantz wrecked the pickup in a ditch at the intersection of Mayo and Chautauqua roads at 12:49 a.m.
He was charged with driving while intoxicated and moving from a lane unsafely. He was released on his own recognizance.
Coudersport Woman Hurt in Accident
A Coudersport woman was hurt in an accident at 10:10 Friday morning in Roulette Township.
State police say 21-year-old Krystal Crum was rounding a sharp curve on Back Road when she came across wood debris in the road. When she steered to miss the debris, her car went off the road, hit an embankment and a large rock.
Crum was taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital by private vehicle for treatment of back pain.
No charges will be filed.
State police say 21-year-old Krystal Crum was rounding a sharp curve on Back Road when she came across wood debris in the road. When she steered to miss the debris, her car went off the road, hit an embankment and a large rock.
Crum was taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital by private vehicle for treatment of back pain.
No charges will be filed.
Blight Bill Passes Senate
During Friday's session, Senator Dave Argall commented on the passage of Senate Bill 900, which would hold property owners accountable for the costs to secure, remediate or demolish blighted structures.
Watch the video here.
Watch the video here.
17-Year-Old Driver Hurt in Crash
A 17-year-old boy was taken by Mercyflight to ECMC in Buffalo after an accident early this morning on Seaward Avenue, just north of Tuna Crossroads.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, Foster Township Police say at 2:20 a.m. the vehicle driven by the 17-year-old crossed the road, went into the yard of 644 Seaward, hit a mailbox then traveled into the yard at 630 Seaward, where it hit a tree and a parked vehicle.
The driver was thrown from the vehicle. Passenger 18-year-old Joshua Harris was treated at the scene and released to the custody of his grandmother. Passenger 48-year-old Larry Elliott was taken by ambulance to BRMC.
The investigation is continuing.
In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, Foster Township Police say at 2:20 a.m. the vehicle driven by the 17-year-old crossed the road, went into the yard of 644 Seaward, hit a mailbox then traveled into the yard at 630 Seaward, where it hit a tree and a parked vehicle.
The driver was thrown from the vehicle. Passenger 18-year-old Joshua Harris was treated at the scene and released to the custody of his grandmother. Passenger 48-year-old Larry Elliott was taken by ambulance to BRMC.
The investigation is continuing.
Friday, July 2, 2010
John Schneider Among Performers for
'A Capitol Fourth'
Two Hurt in Potter County Crash
Two people were hurt in an accident at 7:20 Thursday night on Route 49 in Potter County.
Police say a car driven by 31-year-old Tonya Crosson of Coudersport drifting off the road, went out of control, slid across the road, hit an embankment and turned over.
Crosson and her male juvenile passenger were not wearing seatbelts and suffered minor injuries.
The car had to be towed from the scene.
Police say Crosson will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.
Police say a car driven by 31-year-old Tonya Crosson of Coudersport drifting off the road, went out of control, slid across the road, hit an embankment and turned over.
Crosson and her male juvenile passenger were not wearing seatbelts and suffered minor injuries.
The car had to be towed from the scene.
Police say Crosson will be cited for driving at an unsafe speed.
Cops: Kids Found in 'Squalid' Conditions
A Jamestown couple is facing charges after their children were found locked in a room in squalid conditions Thursday afternoon.
Police say the 1-year-old, 2-year-old and 4-year-old were found in a room with feces, food and dirty clothes scattered over the floor. They say the room was padlocked on the outside and they could smell marijuana in the apartment. Officers also found marijuana paraphernalia and residue.
Chautauqua County probation officers were conducting a visit at apartment 21-year-old Amanda Jackson when they discovered the children. Jackson and 40-year-old Joseph Tucker are the parents.
Police say there also was a large hole in the floor that children could step into, and an electrical breaker box with wires exposed that were within reach of the children.
Tucker was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and felony criminal contempt for violating the two orders of protection.
Jackson was charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal contempt for violating a court order of protection to stay away from Tucker.
Tucker and Jackson are in police custody. Child protective services made arrangements for the care of the children.
Police say the 1-year-old, 2-year-old and 4-year-old were found in a room with feces, food and dirty clothes scattered over the floor. They say the room was padlocked on the outside and they could smell marijuana in the apartment. Officers also found marijuana paraphernalia and residue.Chautauqua County probation officers were conducting a visit at apartment 21-year-old Amanda Jackson when they discovered the children. Jackson and 40-year-old Joseph Tucker are the parents.
Police say there also was a large hole in the floor that children could step into, and an electrical breaker box with wires exposed that were within reach of the children.Tucker was charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and felony criminal contempt for violating the two orders of protection.
Jackson was charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and criminal contempt for violating a court order of protection to stay away from Tucker.
Tucker and Jackson are in police custody. Child protective services made arrangements for the care of the children.
Rapp Voted 'No' on Budget
HARRISBURG - State Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) this week voted against a state budget that increases state spending to $28.04 billion and uses $850 million in federal money that has not been approved to balance the budget.
"Although I am pleased we have been able to get a budget passed in a timely manner, this spending plan is unrealistic and irresponsible," said Rapp. "Not only are we spending $28 billion when revenue has only netted the state around $25 billion, but we are also relying on $850 million from the federal government that has yet to be approved - and is looking less likely that it will be the longer time goes by."
The $850 million is stimulus money from the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages that Congress must approve.
The $28.04 billion state budget for 2010-11 represents an increase of $207.2 million over last year and is funded with a combination of state dollars, stimulus funds (which expire next year) and several other state funds.
"I would have liked to have seen a budget that clarified Pennsylvania's priorities by reducing state spending and preparing better for the anticipated $3 billion structural deficit the state will experience next year when all the federal stimulus funding runs out," said Rapp. "As it stands, we are doing nothing to prepare for future financial challenges."
The General Appropriations bill has been approved by both the House and Senate and is currently awaiting the governor's signature.
"Although I am pleased we have been able to get a budget passed in a timely manner, this spending plan is unrealistic and irresponsible," said Rapp. "Not only are we spending $28 billion when revenue has only netted the state around $25 billion, but we are also relying on $850 million from the federal government that has yet to be approved - and is looking less likely that it will be the longer time goes by."
The $850 million is stimulus money from the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages that Congress must approve.
The $28.04 billion state budget for 2010-11 represents an increase of $207.2 million over last year and is funded with a combination of state dollars, stimulus funds (which expire next year) and several other state funds.
"I would have liked to have seen a budget that clarified Pennsylvania's priorities by reducing state spending and preparing better for the anticipated $3 billion structural deficit the state will experience next year when all the federal stimulus funding runs out," said Rapp. "As it stands, we are doing nothing to prepare for future financial challenges."
The General Appropriations bill has been approved by both the House and Senate and is currently awaiting the governor's signature.
BACC Summer Soire on July 21
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce announces its 3rd annual Summer Soiree to be held July 21st from 5-7:30pm at Heritage Suites, 139 Minard Run Road.
The Summer Soiree is an adult networking event, open to the public, which will include refreshments by Bradford City Beers and Tortugas Restaurant, hearty hors d’oeuvres by Andy Mascioni Catering, and live music by Take 3. Heritage Suites will offer tours during the event. This event is an opportunity to socialize and network in a fun, casual atmosphere. There will be door prizes and the drawing for the 200 Club raffle will be held at 6:30pm. There is a nominal admission fee of $10 per person.
One FREE admission is included with the purchase of a 200 Club ticket. This popular 50/50 raffle only has 200 tickets with 27 prizes ranging from $100 up to $1000. Part of the proceeds from this fundraiser benefit BACC community outreach programs such as community holiday lighting displays. Contact the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce for your lucky ticket today.
Thank you to our Summer Soiree sponsors: A-1 Rent All and Sales, Bisett Building Center/Just Ask Rental, Bradford City Beers, Heritage Suites, Northwest Savings Bank, and Tortugas Restaurant.
Reservations appreciated. To RSVP or for more information, call the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce at 814-368-7115 or e-mail kara.kennedy@bradfordchamber.com.
The Summer Soiree is an adult networking event, open to the public, which will include refreshments by Bradford City Beers and Tortugas Restaurant, hearty hors d’oeuvres by Andy Mascioni Catering, and live music by Take 3. Heritage Suites will offer tours during the event. This event is an opportunity to socialize and network in a fun, casual atmosphere. There will be door prizes and the drawing for the 200 Club raffle will be held at 6:30pm. There is a nominal admission fee of $10 per person.
One FREE admission is included with the purchase of a 200 Club ticket. This popular 50/50 raffle only has 200 tickets with 27 prizes ranging from $100 up to $1000. Part of the proceeds from this fundraiser benefit BACC community outreach programs such as community holiday lighting displays. Contact the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce for your lucky ticket today.
Thank you to our Summer Soiree sponsors: A-1 Rent All and Sales, Bisett Building Center/Just Ask Rental, Bradford City Beers, Heritage Suites, Northwest Savings Bank, and Tortugas Restaurant.
Reservations appreciated. To RSVP or for more information, call the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce at 814-368-7115 or e-mail kara.kennedy@bradfordchamber.com.
Route 219/Bradford Bypass Update
– PennDOT issues the following travel update for the Route 219/Bradford Bypass project in McKean County. This update is for the week of July 5. All work is weather and schedule dependent. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $28 million job.
· No work will be performed Monday, July 5 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
· 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.
· Contractor will continue to truck materials for sub-base and paving operations and will be pulling into the closed “dead lane” from the northbound “live lane”. Traffic may be slow moving on Route 219 as this work takes place.
· 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.
· Work will continue on Bolivar Drive/State Route 346, with flaggers present from 7am to 7pm. Drivers should expect alternating traffic pattern and travel-time delays.
· The contractor continues to fine grade, place sub-base, pave, 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 reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.
· No work will be performed Monday, July 5 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
· 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.
· Contractor will continue to truck materials for sub-base and paving operations and will be pulling into the closed “dead lane” from the northbound “live lane”. Traffic may be slow moving on Route 219 as this work takes place.
· 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.
· Work will continue on Bolivar Drive/State Route 346, with flaggers present from 7am to 7pm. Drivers should expect alternating traffic pattern and travel-time delays.
· The contractor continues to fine grade, place sub-base, pave, 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 reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.
Search for Missing Man Continues
State police are continuing to search for a Titusville man who has been missing since Saturday.76-year-old Charles Speer was last seen at Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie at about 6 p.m. on June 26.
Speer suffers from dementia.
Police say he drove away in a 1998 burgundy Nissan Maxima with the Pennsylvania license plate GFA9486.
No Budget as Assembly Breaks for Holiday
The State Senate did not approve a budget plan during Thursday's brief meeting. Republican lawmakers, including Senator Cathy Young, say it's outrageous the budget is three months overdue.
"In one of the most irresponsible and shameful moves ever seen in Albany, the New York City-controlled tax and spend Senators have decided to adjourn rather than finishing the state budget," Young said in a statement e-mailed to WESB and The HERO. "They have added billions of dollars in new spending, yet they are skipping town without paying the bill."
"When Upstate Senators questioned them about why they were not bringing up the rest of their budget, they refused to answer, and instead ruled Senators out of order," she said.
"The law requires the budget to be passed by April 1 and the Senate should stay in Albany until it's done. I'm going to continue to fight against their out-of-control taxes and spending. We must turn around the economy so that we can put people back to work and have career opportunities for our young people," Young said.
Governor David Paterson spent most of the day yesterday vetoing bills related to the budget that he says the state can’t afford.
He says his next priority is creating a contingency plan in case Congress doesn’t approve $1 billion in Medicaid funding, known as FMAP.
"In one of the most irresponsible and shameful moves ever seen in Albany, the New York City-controlled tax and spend Senators have decided to adjourn rather than finishing the state budget," Young said in a statement e-mailed to WESB and The HERO. "They have added billions of dollars in new spending, yet they are skipping town without paying the bill."
"When Upstate Senators questioned them about why they were not bringing up the rest of their budget, they refused to answer, and instead ruled Senators out of order," she said.
"The law requires the budget to be passed by April 1 and the Senate should stay in Albany until it's done. I'm going to continue to fight against their out-of-control taxes and spending. We must turn around the economy so that we can put people back to work and have career opportunities for our young people," Young said.
Governor David Paterson spent most of the day yesterday vetoing bills related to the budget that he says the state can’t afford.
He says his next priority is creating a contingency plan in case Congress doesn’t approve $1 billion in Medicaid funding, known as FMAP.
Man Charged with Robbing Pharmacy
A man is facing charges for allegedly threatening an employee while robbing the Rite Aid Pharmacy in Wellsville Thursday.In a news release, police say 29-year-old Aaron Heale grabbed an employee at just before 1 o’clock in the afternoon, said he had a weapon and demanded drugs.
They say based on excellent information provided by witnesses, they were able to find Heale in Wellsville at about 2:45 p.m.
He’s charged with robbery and petit larceny.
Red Cross Holds Annual Meeting
The McKean/Potter Counties American Red Cross held its annual meeting on June 30, 2010 at the Sawyer Evangelical Church’s pavilion in Bradford. The primary purpose of the meeting was to thank Red Cross volunteers and donors. Volunteer program awards were presented by executive director Jason Bange and human resources chairperson Melissa Ibanez to Marion Lineman for Blood Services; Ray Austin for Community Services; Jennifer Stambaugh for Emergency Services; and Sam Cummings for Financial Development. Outgoing board members were honored while incoming board members were welcomed. Outgoing board members include Melissa Ibanez, HR Chair, Jane Bell, Secretary; Staci Frantz, Treasurer; and Stacy Sorokes Wallace, Chairperson. New board members are Danielle Delong, Mike Montecalvo, Erika Seagren, and Jon Bradish. Incoming officers are: Thomas Schultz, Secretary; Cliff Wood, Finance Chairperson; Sam Cummings, Vice-Chairperson, and Ryan Dach, Chairperson.
Bange commented, “Our former leadership team was very instrumental in bringing the chapter to where it is today. Stacy’s leadership provided an atmosphere open to changes that allowed the chapter to stabilize itself, and has opened the door for our new chairperson to grow the organization. I will greatly miss our outgoing members and I look forward to the new ideas that our incoming members will bring to the table.”
According to Wallace, “Ryan’s energy and passion for the Red Cross mission is a wonderful example that will surely trickle from him to the other board members. I am very enthusiastic about our incoming board members and regret that our terms did not overlap.” The mission of the Red Cross is to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. As outgoing Chairperson, Wallace explained she loves the Red Cross because it allowed her to help the people of her community.
Pictured, former chairperson Stacy Sorokes Wallace welcomes Ryan Dach to his new role as chairperson of the Board of the McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross.
Photo courtesy of the American Red Cross
Nolf Pleads Not Guilty
The man accused of killing a woman and her infant daughter in March has pleaded not guilty.
Waide Nolf was formally arraigned by Judge John Pavlock in McKean County Court on Thursday.
He’s accused of drowning Tanya and Tamara Haight in a house they shared with several other people on Pleasant Street.
McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn is seeking the death penalty.
Waide Nolf was formally arraigned by Judge John Pavlock in McKean County Court on Thursday.
He’s accused of drowning Tanya and Tamara Haight in a house they shared with several other people on Pleasant Street.
McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn is seeking the death penalty.
Cops: 'Rainbow' Tried Smuggling Pot
A Missouri man is accused of trying to smuggle five pounds of marijuana into the Rainbow Family gathering near Hearts Content in the Allegheny National Forest.
The US Forest Service says 37-year-old Bruce Runion Jr. was arrested Tuesday after a joint investigation they conducted with the Warren County Drug Task Force.
Runion is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and 11 counts of criminal use of a communications facility, for using UPS to ship the pot from California.
The US Forest Service says 37-year-old Bruce Runion Jr. was arrested Tuesday after a joint investigation they conducted with the Warren County Drug Task Force.
Runion is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy and 11 counts of criminal use of a communications facility, for using UPS to ship the pot from California.
Tops Scholarships Go to Local Students
WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Tops Friendly Market announced that it has awarded $876,200 dollars to 772 Tops first-year and matriculated college associates, associate dependents and associate grandchildren for the 2010-2011 academic year. Since the start of the scholarship program in 1989, Tops has awarded $12,585,050 dollars to over 10,000 recipients.
“Each year, we are pleased to work with our Union partners to award Tops associates, their dependents and their grandchildren with college scholarships” said Frank Curci, president and CEO of Tops Markets. “We proudly support all associates and associates’ family members who choose to further their education by providing funding toward all four years of their educational journey.”
All Tops associates, union and non-union, their dependents and grandchildren are eligible to apply for scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 annually over the course of four academic years.
Through partnership with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local One, Tops Markets makes an annual contribution to the UFCW health care fund. The funds are then disbursed by the Union to Tops Markets part-time and full-time union associates. Part time and full time associates who are not UFCW Local One members, their dependents and their grandchildren are eligible to apply for scholarships through the Tops Scholarship Program.
Applicants to both the UFCW health care fund and the Tops Scholarship Program must meet certain scholastic and work performance criteria in order to be considered eligible for an award.
Associates, dependents and grandchildren honored from store locations in the city of Bradford were:
Aaron Cucuzza
Christopher D. Salerno
Corey M. Little
Jaime Stover
Meagan Little
Natalie A. Wenner
Tyler J. Winner
“Each year, we are pleased to work with our Union partners to award Tops associates, their dependents and their grandchildren with college scholarships” said Frank Curci, president and CEO of Tops Markets. “We proudly support all associates and associates’ family members who choose to further their education by providing funding toward all four years of their educational journey.”
All Tops associates, union and non-union, their dependents and grandchildren are eligible to apply for scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 annually over the course of four academic years.
Through partnership with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local One, Tops Markets makes an annual contribution to the UFCW health care fund. The funds are then disbursed by the Union to Tops Markets part-time and full-time union associates. Part time and full time associates who are not UFCW Local One members, their dependents and their grandchildren are eligible to apply for scholarships through the Tops Scholarship Program.
Applicants to both the UFCW health care fund and the Tops Scholarship Program must meet certain scholastic and work performance criteria in order to be considered eligible for an award.
Associates, dependents and grandchildren honored from store locations in the city of Bradford were:
Aaron Cucuzza
Christopher D. Salerno
Corey M. Little
Jaime Stover
Meagan Little
Natalie A. Wenner
Tyler J. Winner
June Revenues in PA Exceed Expectations
Harrisburg -- Governor Ed Rendell Thursday said that state revenue collections in June exceeded expectations. Pennsylvania collected $3 billion in General Fund revenue in June, which was $58.3 million, or 2 percent, more than anticipated.“June is the first month since December 2007 that our revenues have been above what was estimated."
Fiscal year 2009-10 General Fund collections totaled $27.6 billion, which is $1.176 billion, or 4.1 percent, below estimate.
Sales tax receipts totaled $776.9 million for June, $7.7 million above estimate. Sales tax collections for the fiscal year totaled $8 billion, which is $362.1 million, or 4.3 percent, less than anticipated.
Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in June was $1.1 billion, $2.8 million above estimate. This brought fiscal year PIT collections to $10 billion, which is $308.3 million, or 3 percent, below estimate.
June corporation tax revenue of $541.8 million was $25.5 million below estimate. Fiscal year corporation tax collections total $4.6 billion, which is $510.1 million, or 10 percent, below estimate.
Other General Fund revenue figures for the month included $77.1 million in inheritance tax, $800,000 below estimate, bringing the fiscal year total to $753.8 million, which is $18.4 million below estimate.
Realty transfer tax was $36.7 million for June, $12.5 million above estimate, bringing the total to $296 million for the fiscal year, which is $23.9 million higher than anticipated.
Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage and liquor taxes totaled $130.5 million for the month, $4 million above estimate and bringing the fiscal year total to $1.3 billion, which is $48.8 million above estimate.
Non-tax revenue, including $66 million in table games license fees, totaled $379.2 million in June, $57.6 million above estimate, bringing the fiscal year total to $2.7 billion, which is $50.3 million below estimate.
Also included in the June General Fund collections is $234.3 million that was transferred from the Tax Amnesty program.
In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $195.3 million for the month, $28.9 million above estimate. Fiscal year collections for the fund total $2.6 billion, which is $5.4 million, or 0.2 percent, above estimate.
For more information, visit www.revenue.state.pa.us
Information and photo provided by Commonwealth Media Services
Tioga County Cows Quarantined
After Drinking Drilling Wastewater
HARRISBURG -- The Department of Agriculture announced today that it has quarantined cattle from a Tioga County farm after a number of cows came into contact with drilling wastewater from a nearby natural gas operation.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said uncertainty over the quantity of wastewater the cattle may have consumed warranted the quarantine in order to protect the public from eating potentially contaminated beef.
“Cattle are drawn to the taste of salty water,” said Redding. “Drilling wastewater has high salinity levels, but it also contains dangerous chemicals and metals. We took this precaution in order to protect the public from consuming any of this potentially contaminated product should it be marketed for human consumption.”
Redding said 28 head of cattle were included in the quarantine, including 16 cows, four heifers and eight calves. Those cattle were out to pasture in late April and early May when a drilling wastewater holding pond on the farm of Don and Carol Johnson leaked, sending the contaminated water into an adjacent field where it created a pool. The Johnsons had noticed some seepage from the pond for as long as two months prior to the leak.
The holding pond was collecting flowback water from the hydraulic fracturing process on a well being drilled by East Resources Inc.
Grass was killed in a roughly 30- x 40-foot area where the wastewater had pooled. Although no cows were seen drinking the wastewater, tracks were found throughout the pool. The wet area extended about 200-300 feet into the pasture.
The cattle had potential access to the pool for a minimum of three days until the gas company placed a snow fence around the pool to restrict access.
Subsequent tests of the wastewater found that it contained chloride, iron, sulfate, barium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, strontium and calcium.
Redding said the main element of concern is the heavy metal strontium, which can be toxic to humans, especially in growing children. The metal takes a long time to pass through an animal’s system because it is preferentially deposited in bone and released in the body at varying rates, dependent on age, growth status and other factors. Live animal testing was not possible because tissue sampling is required.
The secretary also added that the quarantine will follow the recommended guidelines from the Food Animal Residue Avoidance and Depletion Program, as follows:
• Adult animals: hold from food chain for 6 months.
• Calves exposed in utero: hold from food chain for 8 months.
• Growing calves: hold from food chain for 2 years.
In response to the leak, the Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice of violation to East Resources Inc. and required further sampling and site remediation. DEP is evaluating the final cleanup report and is continuing its investigation of operations at the drilling site, as well as the circumstances surrounding the leaking holding pond.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said uncertainty over the quantity of wastewater the cattle may have consumed warranted the quarantine in order to protect the public from eating potentially contaminated beef.
“Cattle are drawn to the taste of salty water,” said Redding. “Drilling wastewater has high salinity levels, but it also contains dangerous chemicals and metals. We took this precaution in order to protect the public from consuming any of this potentially contaminated product should it be marketed for human consumption.”
Redding said 28 head of cattle were included in the quarantine, including 16 cows, four heifers and eight calves. Those cattle were out to pasture in late April and early May when a drilling wastewater holding pond on the farm of Don and Carol Johnson leaked, sending the contaminated water into an adjacent field where it created a pool. The Johnsons had noticed some seepage from the pond for as long as two months prior to the leak.
The holding pond was collecting flowback water from the hydraulic fracturing process on a well being drilled by East Resources Inc.
Grass was killed in a roughly 30- x 40-foot area where the wastewater had pooled. Although no cows were seen drinking the wastewater, tracks were found throughout the pool. The wet area extended about 200-300 feet into the pasture.
The cattle had potential access to the pool for a minimum of three days until the gas company placed a snow fence around the pool to restrict access.
Subsequent tests of the wastewater found that it contained chloride, iron, sulfate, barium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, strontium and calcium.
Redding said the main element of concern is the heavy metal strontium, which can be toxic to humans, especially in growing children. The metal takes a long time to pass through an animal’s system because it is preferentially deposited in bone and released in the body at varying rates, dependent on age, growth status and other factors. Live animal testing was not possible because tissue sampling is required.
The secretary also added that the quarantine will follow the recommended guidelines from the Food Animal Residue Avoidance and Depletion Program, as follows:
• Adult animals: hold from food chain for 6 months.
• Calves exposed in utero: hold from food chain for 8 months.
• Growing calves: hold from food chain for 2 years.
In response to the leak, the Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice of violation to East Resources Inc. and required further sampling and site remediation. DEP is evaluating the final cleanup report and is continuing its investigation of operations at the drilling site, as well as the circumstances surrounding the leaking holding pond.
Golf Outing Raises More Than $7,500
The 3rd Annual McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross Golf Tournament, held at Pine Acres Country Club last Saturday, was a great success raising over $7,500 to support the chapter’s programs and services. The tournament committee thanks all those who sponsored and participated in the event and hopes everyone will participate again next year.Photo by Jennifer Fleck
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Collins Company Foundation Provides
$20,000 Grant to KCH for Laryngoscope
A Collins Company Foundation gift of $20,000 for the purchase of a GlideScope for KCH’s Emergency and Operating Rooms was acknowledged last week with Emergency and Operating Room staff gathering for in-service on the use and care of the new equipment.
Connie Grenz, General Manager of Kane Hardwood, a Collins company worked with CEO J. Gary Rhodes and George Saleh, CRNA, Manager of the Department of Anesthesia at Kane Community Hospital to identify and research several options for the formal Foundation request.
The ER video intubation laryngoscope was on Kane Community Hospital’s wish list for emergency room health professionals. The GlideScope Videoscope is a recommended instrument of the American Society of Anesthesiologists to be a standard part of the difficult airway management protocol.
Because of its rural location, KCH is not staffed with a 24/7 trauma surgeon. The medical professionals’ skills when serving in the ER are now greatly enhanced by using this airway instrument. This system has practical use in both the KCH Emergency Room and the Operating Room and has already been used.
“The Kane area is fortunate to have a great community hospital. It serves the area with maximum quality and is the only hospital for about 25 miles in any direction,” noted Grenz. KCH is now an affiliate of Hamot Health Foundation. Hamot ER physicians now staff the KCH Emergency Room 24/7.
Kane Hardwood, a Collins Company manages a 117,000 acre forest in northwestern PA, a sawmill, pre-dryer, dry kilns, solar kiln, planing mill, and a dimension mill. The Collins Company Foundation was established to enhance and support communities where Collins companies are located and employees live and work.
KCH has launched a giving program with the goal of exceeding $50,000 this year. The program takes advantage of Hamot's long-standing program and giving tools. Those interested in learning more about the giving opportunities are encouraged to contact J. Gary Rhodes, CEO of KCH. This year, grants from Collins Company Foundation, Zook Motors, Friends of KCH and event sponsors of KCH's annual charity golf tournament as well as others are helping KCH reach their goal.
“Kane Hardwood is a community partner in every sense, fully engaged in leveraging their resources and connections to provide support for their community. We are grateful for all they do,” noted CEO J. Gary Rhodes.
Pictured, (l-r) Kane Hardwood’s GM Connie Grenz and Mark VanDyke, D.O., Hamot Emergency Medicine watching the monitor as George Saleh, CRNA, Manager of Department of Anesthesia at KCH demonstrates the use of the new instrument and video monitor on a mannequin in the KCH ER with Cindy Salerno, RN, CEN, PHRN, Manager of the KCH ER. The new equipment was purchased in whole by a gift from the Collins Company Foundation.
Photo courtesy of Kane Community Hospital
Convertibles, Jeeps for Kane's
Miss Relay Contestants Sought
Everyone loves a parade. The Kane Area Relay for Life's annual parade is on Thursday, July 15 at 6 p.m. in uptown Kane. The Relay parade is the largest parade of the year. Bring your family, friends, kids of all ages.
Organizers are in the final stages of planning the event. Still needed are a several convertibles or jeeps for Miss Relay Contestants and local dignitaries. If you have a convertible or jeep that could be used for the parade, please contact Shirley Morgan at 837-9696 or Marianne Rook 837-7115.
If you or your club or group would like to walk or ride in the parade, or you have a unique vehicle or a vehicle promoting your business, please call as well. The parade is a show of awareness and support for all those touched by cancer in our community.
Cancer survivors (those who have heard the words "you have cancer", or those living with cancer) are encouraged to come to the parade assembly area on Wetmore Avenue at 5:30 and ride on one of the floats. Or come watch with family and friends. The parade, in which two dozen Relay teams walk and give out candy to parade watchers, also includes dignitaries, survivor floats, Miss Relay contestants, local political figures, scout and school groups, band, fire trucks and vehicles to name a few. Many businesses also ride in support of Relay in vehicles. Expect a few surprises this year.
The annual parade is a prelude to the 10th Annual Kane Area Relay that begins at the Kane Area High School Track at noon on Friday, July 16 and runs for 24 hours to raise awareness, money and hope for a cure and local patient cancer care and services. Be sure to attend Friday evening festivities that include survivor and luminary ceremonies. The 24 hour event in the final celebration after a year of fundraising.
The 2010 Relay is the 10th Anniversary of Relay in the Kane Area.
Photos and info provided by Ruth Gentilman Peterson
Summer Arts Programming at State Park
OLEAN, NY -- The Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) announces its free summer programming held in partnership with Allegany State Park. The classes were made possible with funds donated by National Fuel as well as monies raised by auctioning artist-inspired Adirondack Chairs in August 2009.
The first of many summer art workshops will begin next week with Instructor Joan Pingitore who will teach Printing from Nature. This fun, interactive, workshop will give kids and adults a chance to create art from nature and have a beautiful creation to take home with them. Joan Pingitore, a local artist, will guide participants through creating an interesting composition and printmaking techniques. Everyone will make a unique piece of art while learning about the environment in the process. The workshop will take place at The Warming Hut. The Warming Hut is located at the Summit Cabin Loop across from the Art Roscoe x-country ski trails. From I-86 take exit 21 into the park and proceed to the top of the hill. The hut will be on your right across the parking lot. Register by emailing Pati at patricia.andrews@oprhp.state.ny.us or calling Allegany State Park at 354-9101 ext 221.
Other arts workshops offered at Allegany State this summer include Nature Journaling, Take Better Vacation Photos, Park it and Draw, and Woodland Fairy House and Flower Friends. All classes are free and open to campers and regional residents. Early registration is encouraged as workshops fill quickly. A complete list of workshops, descriptions, and locations are available at CCAC’s website, www.myartscouncil.net or sign up for CCAC email alerts at artscouncil@verizon.net
The Cattaraugus County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the greater Cattaraugus County region for over 10 years with quality arts programs and services. CCAC is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, Cattaraugus County and by members and donors. For more information on CCAC or for information on donating, see www.myartscouncil.net.
The first of many summer art workshops will begin next week with Instructor Joan Pingitore who will teach Printing from Nature. This fun, interactive, workshop will give kids and adults a chance to create art from nature and have a beautiful creation to take home with them. Joan Pingitore, a local artist, will guide participants through creating an interesting composition and printmaking techniques. Everyone will make a unique piece of art while learning about the environment in the process. The workshop will take place at The Warming Hut. The Warming Hut is located at the Summit Cabin Loop across from the Art Roscoe x-country ski trails. From I-86 take exit 21 into the park and proceed to the top of the hill. The hut will be on your right across the parking lot. Register by emailing Pati at patricia.andrews@oprhp.state.ny.us or calling Allegany State Park at 354-9101 ext 221.
Other arts workshops offered at Allegany State this summer include Nature Journaling, Take Better Vacation Photos, Park it and Draw, and Woodland Fairy House and Flower Friends. All classes are free and open to campers and regional residents. Early registration is encouraged as workshops fill quickly. A complete list of workshops, descriptions, and locations are available at CCAC’s website, www.myartscouncil.net or sign up for CCAC email alerts at artscouncil@verizon.net
The Cattaraugus County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has served the greater Cattaraugus County region for over 10 years with quality arts programs and services. CCAC is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts, Cattaraugus County and by members and donors. For more information on CCAC or for information on donating, see www.myartscouncil.net.
ARG Announces Biogas Engine Oils
American Refining Group has announced the addition of Biogas Engine Oils to its line of Brad Penn Lubricants.
Brad Penn Biogas Engine Oils are premium quality stationary gas engine oils with enhanced alkalinity reserve designed for use in applications where fuel gas is generated from anaerobic digestion of manure, compost and/or landfill residue.
Ken Tyger, ARG technical service representative, says the Brad Penn Biogas Engine Oils were formulated and tailored specifically to service stationary internal combustion engines, modified to run where methane is generated.
He says an engine oil was needed with specific chemistry and characteristics to neutralize the acid produced and to protect engines from damage.
Ben Postles from Penn England Farms, an 1,800 cow dairy farm in Williamsburg, was among the first farms to use the Brad Penn Bio as Engine Oils in the farms digester engine.
“We have doubled our oil change interval with no evidence of engine wear on an engine that has over 33,000 hours of operation and on top of that it costs 40 percent less than the oil we were previously using,” Postles said. “The oil has performed better than I ever expected.”
Brad Penn Biogas Engine Oils are available in bulk, tote and 55-gallon drum containers.
Brad Penn Biogas Engine Oils are premium quality stationary gas engine oils with enhanced alkalinity reserve designed for use in applications where fuel gas is generated from anaerobic digestion of manure, compost and/or landfill residue.
Ken Tyger, ARG technical service representative, says the Brad Penn Biogas Engine Oils were formulated and tailored specifically to service stationary internal combustion engines, modified to run where methane is generated.
He says an engine oil was needed with specific chemistry and characteristics to neutralize the acid produced and to protect engines from damage.
Ben Postles from Penn England Farms, an 1,800 cow dairy farm in Williamsburg, was among the first farms to use the Brad Penn Bio as Engine Oils in the farms digester engine.
“We have doubled our oil change interval with no evidence of engine wear on an engine that has over 33,000 hours of operation and on top of that it costs 40 percent less than the oil we were previously using,” Postles said. “The oil has performed better than I ever expected.”
Brad Penn Biogas Engine Oils are available in bulk, tote and 55-gallon drum containers.
Check Out State Parks in
NY, PA for Summer Activities
By Sandra Rhodes
Visitor & Member Services
Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau
There’s no better way to spend Independence Day weekend than to take in the sights and sounds at a state park.
The Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, Pennsylvania, and Allegany State Park, in Salamanca, New York, both offer a multitude of activities beginning on Friday, July 2.
Step back into history at the Kinzua Bridge State Park for a History of the Bridge Talk and Walk which take place from 1 to 3 p.m. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is located on Route 3011.
The Kinzua Bridge State Park is the home of the former Kinzua Viaduct, which was once billed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
The Kinzua Viaduct was built to span the Kinzua Gorge as a railroad viaduct in 1882. The viaduct was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003, but will be reborn in 2010 and will open as the Kinzua Sky Walk in the fall.
Railroad enthusiasts need to come on board to a couple of programs at the park.
On Friday, July 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a talk about the Kinzua Viaduct, why it was built, who was involved in the building and what it is made of.
Then, on Monday, July 5, from noon to 1 p.m., there will be a discussion of the different types of trains that have crossed the viaduct. There will also be a sing-a-long to different train songs.
Just over the state line at Allegany State Park in Salamanca, N.Y., there will be an unbelievable Fourth of July celebration at Quaker Beach on Saturday, July 3.
Starting at 4 p.m., there will be a chicken barbecue. Music by the group CRUISIN will start at 7 p.m. A fireworks display will start at dusk following the concert.
Allegany State Park has two main areas – Red House and Quaker – and is the largest state park in New York. It has beaches, picnic areas and hiking trails.
The Red House portion of the park has 132 camp sites, including 68 sites with electric, as well as 144 cabins, 138 of which have electric.
The Quaker area has 189 camp sites – 95 sites with electric – and 220 cabins – 151 with electric.
Call 1-800-456-2267 for reservations in the Allegany State Park.
For more information on what is happening in the area, call the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 or e-mail info@visitANF.com. A calendar of events and downloadable Travel Guide and Map go to visitANF.com.
Visitor & Member Services
Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau
There’s no better way to spend Independence Day weekend than to take in the sights and sounds at a state park.
The Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County, Pennsylvania, and Allegany State Park, in Salamanca, New York, both offer a multitude of activities beginning on Friday, July 2.
Step back into history at the Kinzua Bridge State Park for a History of the Bridge Talk and Walk which take place from 1 to 3 p.m. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is located on Route 3011.
The Kinzua Bridge State Park is the home of the former Kinzua Viaduct, which was once billed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
The Kinzua Viaduct was built to span the Kinzua Gorge as a railroad viaduct in 1882. The viaduct was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003, but will be reborn in 2010 and will open as the Kinzua Sky Walk in the fall.
Railroad enthusiasts need to come on board to a couple of programs at the park.
On Friday, July 2, from 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a talk about the Kinzua Viaduct, why it was built, who was involved in the building and what it is made of.
Then, on Monday, July 5, from noon to 1 p.m., there will be a discussion of the different types of trains that have crossed the viaduct. There will also be a sing-a-long to different train songs.
Just over the state line at Allegany State Park in Salamanca, N.Y., there will be an unbelievable Fourth of July celebration at Quaker Beach on Saturday, July 3.
Starting at 4 p.m., there will be a chicken barbecue. Music by the group CRUISIN will start at 7 p.m. A fireworks display will start at dusk following the concert.
Allegany State Park has two main areas – Red House and Quaker – and is the largest state park in New York. It has beaches, picnic areas and hiking trails.
The Red House portion of the park has 132 camp sites, including 68 sites with electric, as well as 144 cabins, 138 of which have electric.
The Quaker area has 189 camp sites – 95 sites with electric – and 220 cabins – 151 with electric.
Call 1-800-456-2267 for reservations in the Allegany State Park.
For more information on what is happening in the area, call the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 or e-mail info@visitANF.com. A calendar of events and downloadable Travel Guide and Map go to visitANF.com.
More EAB Beetles in Randolph
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says more trees in the Randolph area have been infested with emerald ash borer, a tree-killing beetle first confirmed in New York last year.
DEC foresters have detected emerging insects on private woodlands south of Interstate 86, but within the previously established quarantine area.
The emerald ash borer is a small but destructive beetle that infests and kills North American ash tree species, including green, white, black and blue ash.
Since it was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, the emerald ash borer has spread to 13 states, including Pennsylvania, and two Canadian provinces and is responsible for the destruction of 70 million trees in the United States alone.
After the insect was discovered in Cattaraugus County last year, a multi-agency effort was undertaken to attempt to control its spread.
An informational meeting was held last night in Randolph and DEC officials say property owners, and communties, should be ready for the beetle to spread even further.
And, for people who don’t know yet, those purple boxes hanging from trees throughout the region are emerald ash borer traps used by DEC and other agencies to track the beetle.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/66213.html
DEC foresters have detected emerging insects on private woodlands south of Interstate 86, but within the previously established quarantine area.
The emerald ash borer is a small but destructive beetle that infests and kills North American ash tree species, including green, white, black and blue ash.
Since it was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, the emerald ash borer has spread to 13 states, including Pennsylvania, and two Canadian provinces and is responsible for the destruction of 70 million trees in the United States alone.
After the insect was discovered in Cattaraugus County last year, a multi-agency effort was undertaken to attempt to control its spread.
An informational meeting was held last night in Randolph and DEC officials say property owners, and communties, should be ready for the beetle to spread even further.
And, for people who don’t know yet, those purple boxes hanging from trees throughout the region are emerald ash borer traps used by DEC and other agencies to track the beetle.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/66213.html
Pitt-Bradford to Hold Information
Session for Master of Social Work Cohort
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold an informational session July 13 about the University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Social Work degree offered on the Bradford campus.
The session, which will take place at 6 p.m. in Room 162 of Swarts Hall on the Pitt-Bradford campus, will feature Phillip Mack, director of admissions for the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, which is consistently ranked in the top 10 social work programs in the country.
Stephanie Eckstrom, coordinator of the MSW program in Bradford, will also be on hand.
Topics to be addressed include the admissions process, program structure, curriculum, financial aid and more. Applications are now being accepted for Pitt-Bradford’s fifth cohort, or class, being formed for Fall 2010. Prospective students can expect to complete the degree requirements by December 2013.
The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford is a part-time program offered by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work in cooperation with the Bradford campus. It is taught by full-time and part-time School of Social Work faculty members, some of whom are members of the local social work community.
The program consists of 42 credits of course work and 18 credits of field placement. Courses take place on the Bradford campus.
The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford offers a concentration in direct practice with individuals, families and small groups, with a specialization in children, youth and families.
The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford admitted its first class of MSW students in Fall 2002. Its most recent class graduated in December.
“We have graduated 60 social work professionals and have 16 in the current cohort,” Eckstrom said. “These individuals bring their master’s level knowledge and skills to a variety of settings: mental health, geriatrics, substance abuse, forensics, child welfare and working with individuals, families and communities.”
Students completing the MSW degree are eligible to take the examination to become a licensed social worker.
For more information, contact Eckstrom at (814)362-7527 or sae102@pitt.edu.
Eckstrom will also be on the LiveLine at 12:35 p.m. July 8 to talk more about the program. You can listen at AM 1490 WESB or online at WESB.com.
The session, which will take place at 6 p.m. in Room 162 of Swarts Hall on the Pitt-Bradford campus, will feature Phillip Mack, director of admissions for the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, which is consistently ranked in the top 10 social work programs in the country.
Stephanie Eckstrom, coordinator of the MSW program in Bradford, will also be on hand.
Topics to be addressed include the admissions process, program structure, curriculum, financial aid and more. Applications are now being accepted for Pitt-Bradford’s fifth cohort, or class, being formed for Fall 2010. Prospective students can expect to complete the degree requirements by December 2013.
The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford is a part-time program offered by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work in cooperation with the Bradford campus. It is taught by full-time and part-time School of Social Work faculty members, some of whom are members of the local social work community.
The program consists of 42 credits of course work and 18 credits of field placement. Courses take place on the Bradford campus.
The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford offers a concentration in direct practice with individuals, families and small groups, with a specialization in children, youth and families.
The MSW program at Pitt-Bradford admitted its first class of MSW students in Fall 2002. Its most recent class graduated in December.
“We have graduated 60 social work professionals and have 16 in the current cohort,” Eckstrom said. “These individuals bring their master’s level knowledge and skills to a variety of settings: mental health, geriatrics, substance abuse, forensics, child welfare and working with individuals, families and communities.”
Students completing the MSW degree are eligible to take the examination to become a licensed social worker.
For more information, contact Eckstrom at (814)362-7527 or sae102@pitt.edu.
Eckstrom will also be on the LiveLine at 12:35 p.m. July 8 to talk more about the program. You can listen at AM 1490 WESB or online at WESB.com.
Salamanca Women Facing Charges
Two Salamanca women are facing child endangerment charges in separate cases.
Police say 19-year-old Trisha Fernandez was baby sitting and left a 1-year-old alone so she could go to a pawn shop with something she stole from the baby’s mother. The mother called police after she got home and found the baby alone.
Fernandez is also charged with criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny. She’s in Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.
In the other case 24-year-old Jessica Wahl was charged after her 2 ½-year-old son wandered out of the house wearing only a diaper while she was napping.
Police say they received calls from neighbors about the toddler, but did not receive a call from the mother reporting her son missing.
Wahl was issued a ticket to appear in city court.
Police say 19-year-old Trisha Fernandez was baby sitting and left a 1-year-old alone so she could go to a pawn shop with something she stole from the baby’s mother. The mother called police after she got home and found the baby alone.
Fernandez is also charged with criminal possession of stolen property, petit larceny. She’s in Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.
In the other case 24-year-old Jessica Wahl was charged after her 2 ½-year-old son wandered out of the house wearing only a diaper while she was napping.
Police say they received calls from neighbors about the toddler, but did not receive a call from the mother reporting her son missing.
Wahl was issued a ticket to appear in city court.
First Friday in Bradford
Merchants within Downtown Bradford’s historic district will be extending their business hours this Friday, July 2nd as part of their First Fridays program.
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.
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.
Roswell Park Honors Dr. Edwin A. Mirand
with Lifetime Achievement Award
Paying tribute to a man who helped steer the Institute through crucial junctures, Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Edwin A. Mirand, PhD, DSc, Vice President Emeritus for Educational Affairs and Senior Advisor to RPCI President and CEO Donald L. Trump, MD, FACS — one of the five RPCI presidents with whom Dr. Mirand has served. “Dr. Mirand has been part of the fabric of Roswell Park Cancer Institute for nearly 60 years,” said Dr. Trump. “He helped to build and to lead the Institute at key points in its history, playing a critical role in planning and decision-making that ultimately benefited people far outside our immediate reach. Dr. Mirand has made incalculable contributions worldwide, and his lifelong commitment to Roswell Park, its patients and its mission is exemplary.”
Associated with RPCI since 1946, Dr. Mirand was appointed director of its Springville Laboratories in 1951. He went on to head RPCI’s departments of Biology, Viral Oncology and Biological Resources and its West Seneca Laboratories while establishing and expanding the Institute’s education programs. As Vice President of Educational Affairs and Dean of the Roswell Park Graduate Division of the University at Buffalo, he developed what would become the world’s longest-running summer program in cancer research for gifted and talented high school and college students.
Dr. Mirand’s vast knowledge of oncology policy and his political and scientific acumen positioned him as a national and international leader, in roles including President of the Association for Gnotobiotics and the International Society of Gnotobiology, Secretary-Treasurer of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI), and Secretary-General of the International Union Against Cancer’s (UICC’s) 13th International Cancer Congress, held in Seattle, WA in 1982.
In the early 1970s, he developed the first public cancer education program, the CAN-DIAL information line, under contract to the National Cancer Institute, and played an instrumental role in getting the National Cancer Act of 1971 passed. As a researcher, Dr. Mirand has made noteworthy contributions to the fields of viral carcinogenesis, erythropoiesis and gnotobiology, and developed the Hauschka-Mirand ICR germ-free mouse strain, which has been used in studies by the U.S. space program.
A Buffalo native and resident, Dr. Mirand is a graduate of the University at Buffalo, where he earned an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry and a master’s degree in biology; and of Syracuse University, from which he received a PhD in Medical Science in 1951.
Among the many awards and honors Dr. Mirand has received are the Billings Medal in Science from the American Medical Association, in 1963; the Merit Award from the UICC, in 1982; and the Special Recognition Award from the AACI, in 2004. He holds honorary doctorates from Niagara University and D’Youville College.
Photo courtesy of Roswell Park
MA Graduates Announced
Fourteen students graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s medical assistant program.The students participated in the program over the past year which was made possible from a North Central Workforce grant, in collaboration with Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Pennsylvania College of Technology and the Potter County Education Council Center. The registered medical assistant exam was held June 3 at the Potter County Education Council.
“Charles Cole identified a need for qualified medical assistants,” said Netra Baker, director of staff development at CCMH. “Planning and implementing the program was a team effort as Northwest Workforce Development approved the grant, Penn College provided the program in Coudersport and instructors, the Potter County Education Council provided meeting space and AV equipment and Charles Cole provided additional instructors, clinical rotation and program oversight.”
The graduates were: Dawn Bacon, April Baxter, Theresa Bisher, Michele Black, Aleisha Hershey, Lenora Lawton, Melissa Lehman, Amanda Moore, Sherri Nichols, Karen Parker, Jackie Pelchy, Izabella Phelps, Becky Sena, Tracy Tucker.
The following also chose to take the phlebotomy certification exam: April Baxter, Michelle Black, Aleisha Hershey, Lenora Lawton, Melissa Lehman, Amanda Moore, Becky Sena, Tracy Tucker, Brian Thompson (recertification).
The following chose to take the NHA certified billing and coding specialist exam: Dawn Bacon, April Baxter, Theresa Bisher, Michele Black, Aleisha Hershey, Lenora Lawton, Melissa Lehman, Amanda Moore, Sherri Nichols, Karen Parker, Jackie Pelchy, Izabella Phelps, Becky Sena, Tracy Tucker, Katrina Croke.
Pictured, from left, are Becky Sena, Lenora Lawton, Michele Black, Sherri Nichols, Melissa Lehman, Aleisha Hershey, April Baxter, Amanda Moore, Karen Parker, Theresa Bisher, Tracy Tucker. Missing from the photo are Izabella Phelps, Dawn Bacon, and Jackie Pelchy.
Photo courtesy of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital
Causer Votes 'No' on State Budget
HARRISBURG - Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) Wednesday opposed the 2010-2011 budget adopted by the state House and sent to the governor's desk.
The $28.04 billion plan represents a reduction of just under $1 billion from the governor's original proposal.
"While I commend House and Senate Republican leaders for successfully cutting the governor's original spending plan by nearly $1 billion, I believe this budget still spends more than the people of Pennsylvania can afford," Causer said.
Although the budget does not require any new taxes to balance, it creates a "structural deficit" of at least $3 billion that will have to be addressed in the next fiscal year. That could lead to tax increases people cannot and should not have to pay, Causer said.
Another concern is that the budget bill relies on more than $2.7 billion in stimulus funding from the federal government. Of that, $850 million has not yet been authorized by Congress, and recent efforts in Washington to move that legislation forward have come up short.
"It is absolutely irresponsible to balance the state budget on money we may or may not get from Washington," Causer said. "And regardless of what happens with the $850 million this year, the federal stimulus funds will run out next year, leaving us with a major funding shortfall, especially in the area of public education."
The passage of House Bill 2279 marks the first time in the administration of Gov. Ed Rendell that a budget bill was passed on time by both houses of the General Assembly. The governor cannot sign the bill until a number of other supporting measures are also completed and on his desk. That is expected to take place by week's end.
Visit www.pahousegop.com/statebudget.aspx for budget details.
The $28.04 billion plan represents a reduction of just under $1 billion from the governor's original proposal.
"While I commend House and Senate Republican leaders for successfully cutting the governor's original spending plan by nearly $1 billion, I believe this budget still spends more than the people of Pennsylvania can afford," Causer said.
Although the budget does not require any new taxes to balance, it creates a "structural deficit" of at least $3 billion that will have to be addressed in the next fiscal year. That could lead to tax increases people cannot and should not have to pay, Causer said.
Another concern is that the budget bill relies on more than $2.7 billion in stimulus funding from the federal government. Of that, $850 million has not yet been authorized by Congress, and recent efforts in Washington to move that legislation forward have come up short.
"It is absolutely irresponsible to balance the state budget on money we may or may not get from Washington," Causer said. "And regardless of what happens with the $850 million this year, the federal stimulus funds will run out next year, leaving us with a major funding shortfall, especially in the area of public education."
The passage of House Bill 2279 marks the first time in the administration of Gov. Ed Rendell that a budget bill was passed on time by both houses of the General Assembly. The governor cannot sign the bill until a number of other supporting measures are also completed and on his desk. That is expected to take place by week's end.
Visit www.pahousegop.com/statebudget.aspx for budget details.
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