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Showing posts from August 8, 2010

Saturday at the Festa

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Today at Festa Italiana: 1 to 4 p.m. Strolling Mandolin Player Edgidio Faiella 1:30 to Bradford YMCA Flames Gymnastics Team 6 to 10 p.m. The Carl Motyka Band 10 p.m. Raffle drawing and fireworks Kids rides go until 9 p.m.

Senior Expo at Pitt-Bradford

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State Representative Marty Causer poses for pictures during his annual Senior Expo Friday at Pitt-Bradford. People filled up the Sport & Fitness Center to get information from dozens of exhibitors ranging from health care providers to financial advisers to the McKean County SPCA and Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.

Five Indicted for Murder

A federal grand jury has indicted a Jamestown man and four Rochester men for their involvement in the 2008 murder of 31-year-old Quincy Turner of Jamestown. The indictment alleges that Turner was murdered to stop him from talking to police about an investigation into the Q-Dog drug ring. The Jamestown man indicted is 42-year-old Jose “Noelle” Martinez. All five men face the death penalty if they’re convicted. Turner was shot to death on May 30, 2008, in a fire hall parking lot. The shooting came two months after he was implicated as a co-conspirator in a drug ring allegedly run by Quentin Leeper of Jamestown. Turner was among 11 people charged in the raid.

Corbett Making Stops in Area Saturday

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett will kick off his first bus tour of the gubernatorial campaign in Northwest Pennsylvania. The six county bus tour on Saturday will begin in Tioga County and end in Elk County. As the Republican candidate for governor, Tom Corbett is touring the state talking with Pennsylvanians about his positive message of job creation and fiscal discipline in Harrisburg. The media is not permitted on the Tom Corbett for Governor bus, but are welcome to attend any of the events on the bus tour. WHAT: Tom Corbett for Governor Bus Tour WHEN: Saturday, August 14th WELLSBORO Wellsboro Airport 112 Runway Road Wellsboro, PA 16901 7:30am – 8:00am COUDERSPORT Main Street Tour 9:30am – 10:00am Meet and Greet at Gazebo 10:00am 10:30am Gazebo behind the Potter County Courthouse 1 East Second Street Coudersport, PA 16915 SMETHPORT Smethport Business District Tour 11:15am – 11:45am Meet and Greet at Courthouse 11:45am – 12:15pm McKean County Courthouse 500 Wes

UPB Professors Present Papers

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Two University of Pittsburgh at Bradford professors presented papers at the 38th annual convention of the North American Society for Sport History. Dr. Rick Knott, assistant professor of health and physical education, presented a paper titled “‘Improvements Come too Late’: A Historical Examination of the Contradictory Roles of Sanctioning Bodies in Automobile Racing.” Dr. Keary Rouff, assistant professor of sport and recreation management, presented a paper titled “1st and 50: The Impact of the American Football League on the Current Day NFL.” Knott’s paper is an examination of the contradictory roles of sanctioning bodies as they seek to reconcile the quest for speed and advancements in technology against the need for safety, the whole time recognizing the economic realities of participating in an expensive sport. Knott said he has received a lot of interest in his work on motorsports because few scholars are studying them. A

Man Threatened Person with Scissors

A Frewsburg man is accused of threatening another person with a pair of scissors early this morning. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies say they received a call about an intoxicated and disorderly man in the Town of Carroll. When they arrived on the scene they saw 40-year-old Rory Davis Sr. threatening the other person. They took the scissors away from Davis, arrested him and charged him with menacing and disorderly conduct. He was sent to jail on $1,000 cash bail.

McKean County Fair Queens

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This year's McKean County Fair queens stopped by the studio today to talk with Scott on The Morning Buzz. Pictured, current McKean County Fair Queen Tate Slaven; Miss Bradford Emily Frederick; Miss Otto Eldred Kerri Ann McVinney; Miss Port Allegany Renee Edgell; Miss Smethport Kayla Woods. Not pictured, Miss Kane Christina Cecchetti. The new queen will be crowned Monday during the 105th annual McKean County Fair.

Olean Murder Case Goes to Grand Jury

The case of an Allegany man accused of shooting an Olean man to death is headed to a Cattaraugus County grand jury. 33-year-old Martez Johnson is accused of shooting 27-year-old James Williams to death at a home in Olean earlier this month. Johnson's girlfriend testified during a hearing that she dropped him off at the scene of the murder. She says the couple later poured gasoline on a pile of clothes and burned them. She eventually led police to the gun and burned clothes. The grand jury is expected to convene early next month.

Corbett to Make Stop in Smethport

Attorney General and Republican Candidate for Governor Tom Corbett is scheduled to make a campaign stop in Smethportfrom 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Saturday. The campaign stop in Smethport is part of a bus tour across Route 6. His bus will park in front of the courthouse, and he will give brief remarks on the front steps of the courthouse. Corbett will also be visiting a couple of local businesses. The public is invited to attend.

History of the Italian Festival

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Saxophone player Kevin Freaney of the band Dick Otto and the Music Makers entertains the Festa Italiana crowd Thursday evening. The festival continues through Saturday on Festival Way with food, games, kids rides and more. The festivities will be capped off with a fireworks show at about 10 p.m. Saturday.

Colella Sings Italian National Anthem

Francis "Tubby" Colella's rendition of the Italian National Anthem has been a staple of Bradford's Italian festival for many years. But, he says, this was his last year.

Friday at the Festa

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Mary Bean and Chelsey Colosimo are almost hidden behind the balloons they were passing out to children during Thursday's opening ceremonies for Festa Italiana. Earlier in the evening, Mary and Chelsey performed a beautiful rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." Today at the Festa: noon to 2 p.m. -- Local Talent Showcase featuring Barb Pedersen, Marissa Buchheit, Melanie Bizzaro and more 3 to 7 p.m. -- The John Kytic Band with Diane Davies 4 to 8 p.m. Bubbles the Clown 8 to 10:30 p.m. Nick Batistella The Festa opens at 11 a.m. and includes food, kids rides and games, along with the entertainment

Japanese Students Visit Pitt-Bradford
From Yokohama College of Commerce

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Six students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s sister college in Japan arrived in Bradford on Wednesday for a two-week stay in the United States. The students from Yokohama College of Commerce arrived with their instructor, Dr. Akiko Sakai, and will hone their English as part of Pitt-Bradford’s Summer Intensive English Program. Students will live on campus and visit local attractions such as Chautauqua (N.Y.) Lake, the Zippo/Case Museum, Festa Italiana, the Seneca Iroquois National Museum in Salamanca, N.Y., Crook Farm and the McKean County Fair. On Sunday, the students will visit Niagara Falls, and next week they will attend the Potter County Bowhunter Festival at Ski Denton. Members of the community will host the students in their homes for dinners, barbecues and game nights. Before returning to Japan, the students will visit New York City, where they will see the off-Broadway show STOMP and explore the city.

Farmers Market on Saturday

The Bradford Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday, August 14 from 8 a.m. to Noon and will run the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month through October 9. The event is coordinated by the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority, in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Center for Rural Health and is sponsored by Real Living Avista Properties. The location for the Farmer’s Market is the Old City Hall parking lot located on Boylston Street. Naturally grown fresh produce from Canticle Farms in Allegany, NY will be available at each market. Additional items for sale include blueberries, vegetables, shrubs, herbs, plants, fresh baked breads and baked goods, canned goods, jams, pies, sugar-free pies, honey and honey products. New vendors are invited to join the group. Vendor set up will be from 7 – 7:45 a.m. Reservations are not required. For more information contact the Main Street Manager at 598-3865.

UPB Receives Gifts for Wick Chapel

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford announced it has received more than $100,000 in additional gifts for the Harriett B. Wick Chapel, which will soon be completed on campus. The largest of the gifts is $50,000 from the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, which was established by Zippo Manufacturing Co. founder George G. Blaisdell in honor of his parents. Harriett Wick is the daughter of George Blaisdell. “We are very pleased to be able to do this in support of Harriett, who has been a member of our board,” said Howard Fesenmyer, executive secretary of the Blaisdell Foundation. In addition to the gift from the Blaisdell Foundation, a $25,000 gift was received from American Refining Group. “ARG is proud to be a participant in this project,” said Harvey Golubock, president and chief operating officer of ARG. “It is a project that has been discussed for many years, and it is exciting to see it finally becoming a reality. “It is a major piece of the puzzle to complete the campus. It

Today at Festa Italiana

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6 to 9:30 p.m. Dick Otto and the Music Makers 6:30 p.m. Opening ceremonies with master of cermonies Stan Pecora and peformances by Tubby Colella, Mary Bean, Chelsey Colosimo and Melanie Bizzaro. Father Leo Gallina will provide the blessing. Area children will release red, white and green balloons. Some of the food and game booths will open at 4 p.m.

A Thank You for The HERO, Zippo

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I would like tp thank HERO Radio and Zippo for the tickets I won on the radio. It was awesome! The seats, the race, everything! I'm sending a picture of Marcus Ambrose parked in front of us when the race got red flagged. Really cool the Zippo car won! Thanks again, Joe Reynolds You're welcome. We're glad you had fun -- and we think it's cool that the Zippo car won, too!

Eldred WWII Museum in USA Today

Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Director Linda Devlin passed this on to us: The Eldred World War II Museum made USA Today's list of the most underrated museums in the country. http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2010/08/what-are-the-most-underrated-museums-in-the-us/104910/1?csp=TravelC Linda also passes along a suggestion: If you haven't visited the museum yet-please make it a must-do for you, your family & friends.

70-Year-Old Woman Facing Drug Charges

A Sheffield woman has been arrested for forging prescriptions and possession of a controlled substance. Police say 70-year-old Martha Smith took blank prescription slips from a doctor’s office during regular visits between March and July. She then wrote out more than 60 prescriptions for Percocet , forged her doctor’s signature and took them to seven pharmacies. One of those pharmacies contacted police. Smith is facing charges of theft, forgery and possession of a controlled substance. She’s free on $10,000 bond.

Arson Fire in Ridgway

A 16-year-old boy had to be treated for breathing difficulties after an arson fire that did $100,000 worth of damage to his home this morning in Ridgway. State police say the fire at the home of Jacqueline Lockard of 204 Depot Street started at just before 1 a.m. outside the two-story house while people were inside. Everyone escaped without injury but the 16-year-old was taken to Elk Regional when he started having difficulty breathing several hours after the fire.

Man Sentenced for Exploiting Children

A Panama, New York, man has been sentenced in federal court in Erie for sexual exploitation of children. 22-year-old Kyle Rice was sentenced to 10 months in jail and 10 years’ probation. The US Attorney’s office says Rice possessed numerous movies on his computer depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/pr/2010_august/2010_08_09_04.html

Rebert Charges Bound to Court

Homicide charges against an Emporium man have been bound to court following a preliminary hearing today in front of District Judge David Inzana at the Jefferson County Courthouse. 45-year-old Steven Rebert is accused of killing Wayne and Vicky Shugar of Brockway in April after breaking into their home and stealing rare coins and paper currency. A trial date hasn’t been set yet. Rebert is jailed without bail. Rebert is also a person of interest in the unsolved murders of Bill Fickel of Genesee County, New York, and Kevin Smith of Orleans County.

Looking Festa-ive

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Riley gets a cool drink of water while taking a break from helping her grandfather Dave Monago set up some of the food booths in preparation for the annual Festa Italiana, which gets underway Thursday afternoon. Below, Mary Ann Colestro is one of the people getting some of the new features ready under the new red, white and green tents. The Festa goes through Saturday night, and will be capped off with a fireworks display.

Narcotics Trafficker Turned Over to
Authorities at Buffalo Border Crossing

BUFFALO, N.Y.– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations announced the arrest of a Cuban National wanted on federal narcotics trafficking charges. Today, CBP officers received notification from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that Rolando Morales-Yanes, a 35-year-old Cuban National with lawful US permanent resident status, was being deported from Canada and returned to the United States, according to an e-mail sent to WESB and The HERO by CBP. Morales-Yanes attempted to enter Canada on June 19 via the Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada, but was detained by CBSA because of an active warrant. Mr. Morales-Yanes was subsequently given an order of deportation from Canada and returned to the United States today via the Peace Bridge border crossing in Buffalo. Upon his return to the United States, CBP officers verified the validity of the nation-wide federal warrant and confirmed the extradition. The warrant was issued on March 11, 2010 by the United Stat

Three in District Court on Drug Charges

Three Bradford residents were in court today on charges of delivery and possession of drugs and conspiring to deliver drugs. 21-year-old Natasha Skaggs sold eight Ecstasy pills to a confidential informant with the McKean County Drug Task Force for $210 on February 20, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office. On March 9, she allegedly sold .6 grams of cocaine to an informant for $180. Skaggs is free on unsecured bail. 32-year-old Kyley Hogue sold 2 ½ Oxycontin pills to a confidential informant for $290 on March 2, according to court papers. Hogue is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child because her young daughter was in her vehicle when the exchange took place. She’s free on $10,000 bail. Skaggs and Hogue both waived their preliminary hearings. Charges against 23-year-old Todd Davis were bound to McKean County Court following his hearing. He’s accused of selling an 8-ball of cocaine to a confidential informant for $275 on April 22. Davis is f

Pitt Marching Band Coming to Bradford

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band for its annual pre-season camp Aug. 20 to Aug. 24. This will be the 22nd year that the band will hold practice sessions and the 15th that the band will be lead by Jack Anderson, band director. Practices during the band’s stay will be open to the public. They are held from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. Evening practices are held on the soccer field along Campus Drive. Daytime practices are held on the field in front of Hanley Library or in Swarts Hall or Blaisdell Hall. The band will be unable to give a public performance this year due to its participation in arrival events at the Pittsburgh campus. This will be the 99th season of performing for the Pitt band, which has about 250 members. Pictured, members of the Pitt Varsity Marching Band marching in the Oil150 parade in downtown Bradford last year. Photo by Harry Bloomber

Fairs, Festivals Round Out Summer Fun

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By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau With the end of summer in sight, there’s one staple yet to come – fairs – and McKean County, located just 90 miles south of Buffalo, N.Y., has its fair share of events this month. The McKean County Fair, held annually in East Smethport nearby to scenic Pennsylvania Route 6, has festivities, rides, animals and food for the entire family, with the week-long events beginning on Sunday, Aug. 15, and ending Saturday, Aug. 21. The fair, in its 105th year, has many of the staples of an old-time fair as well as some new and exciting shows. The action begins at the fairgrounds, located on Route 46, with an antique tractor pull Sunday at 11 a.m. Starting at 1 p.m., there will be a tractor/farm equipment show and parade. Throughout the week, there will be livestock judging. Among the highlights of the event are amusement rides that begin at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16. Terry Lee Goffee will take the stage at 8 p.m

Crawford County Treasurer Accused of
Stealing Money from County Fair

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The state attorney general’s office says Crawford County’s treasurer literally pocketed money from the county’s fair. 71-year-old Frederic Wagner, 71, who also serves as treasurer of the county fair, is charged with a felony count of conflict of interest and misdemeanor counts of theft and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds. Surveillance cameras that were installed by private detectives before last year's fair showed Wagner taking money and putting it in his wallets or pocket on seven occasions. Wagner surrendered to state agents and was arraigned by district judge Michael Rossi of Meadville on Tuesday. He is free on $25,000 unsecured bail. http://attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=5485

Man Charged with Indecent Assault

A Brookville man is in jail after being charged with aggravated indecent assault of a child. Punxsutawney-based State police say 20-year-old Joshua Westover assaulted a child younger than 13 on April 30. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 23.

Rebert in Court Today

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An Emporium man charged with the murder of a Brockway couple is facing a Jefferson County judge today. 45-year-old Steven Rebert is charged with killing Wayne and Vicky Shugar. Their bodies were found in the basement of their home on April 12. Rebert was arrested in New York State on June 12 on unrelated charges, then turned over to Pennsylvania State Police, who charged him with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and burglary. He’s in Jefferson County Jail without bail. Rebert is also a person of interest in the unsolved murders of Bill Fickel of Genesee County, New York, and Kevin Smith of Orleans County.

Man Accused of Having Sex with Girl

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A Chautauqua County man is in jail after being accused of having sexual contact with a young girl. Sheriff’s deputies say 43-year-old James Cole had the contact with the child at his home in Frewsburg between March of 2008 and last December. He's charged with sexual abuse and child endangerment and is jailed on $7,500 bond.

Man Marinated Cat He Planned to Eat

In case you haven't seen this story, check out the video from WIVB-TV. http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/buffalo/Traffic-stop-saves-cat-from-being-eaten

300 Pot Plants Seized in Allegany County

Police in Allegany County, New York, have arrested two men in separate cases for allegedly growing more than 300 marijuana plants. 22-year-old David Burch of Almond was arrested after police discovered of 164 marijuana plants on his property and in his home. 35-year-old Kevin Kopinak of Wirt was arrested for having 128 marijuana plants growing on his property. Both men are charged with unlawfully growing cannabis and unlawful possession of marijuana. Police found another 32 plants at other locations in Allegany County but have not made any arrests yet in connection to those plants.

Woman Pleads to Homicide by Vehicle

A Jamestown woman has pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle in connection to a January 26 accident that killed her passenger. 38-year-old Sheri Hawkins, who lived in Warren at the time, was driving on Old Route 62 in Pine Grove Township when her vehicle hit a culvert and rolled over. Her passenger, Michael Piazza, was trapped under the vehicle and died at the scene. Charges of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and involuntary manslaughter were dismissed. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/woman-charged-after-fatal-crash.html

NY State Seizes Seneca Cigarette Truck

New York State has seized a truck belonging to a Seneca Nation cigarette retailer as the truck was on its way from the Cattaraugus to the Allegany reservations. The state Office of Taxation and Finance says there were thousands of cigarettes in the truck owned by A.J.’s Wholesale and none of the packs had the proper state tax stamp. The Senecas say because the cigarettes were being transported between reservations they didn’t need stamps. Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder Sr. says the Senecas are weighing their options to determine what steps to take and preserve the sovereign rights of the Seneca people.

Rape Suspect Caught in Canada

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The man police say kidnapped a woman from the Allegheny National Forest and raped her is in custody. 35-year-old Mike Beaulieu of Anson, Maine, was arrested at a campground in New Brunswick, Canada, by Canadian Mounted Police. The arrest came after Warren state police got a tip from a Maine state trooper saying Beaulieu left his truck in the Fort Kent, Maine, area and crossed a river into Canada. The charges include aggravated assault; rape, aggravated indecent assault, unlawful restraint; terroristic threats and illegal possession of a handgun. Beaulieu is accused of approaching a couple at Kinzua Point Information Center in Mead Township on Tuesday, Aug. 3, and showing them a .45 caliber pistol. He tied up the man, ordered the woman into his pickup truck, and then drove her to a secluded area of the national forest in McKean County, where he sexually assaulted her at gunpoint. Police say after the assault Beaulieu told the victim he would be back in two minutes and drove away. The vi

All Bradford Schools Show Improvement
in Math, Reading Test Scores

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Bradford Area School District received the results of reading and math assessment scores for the 2009-2010 school year, and learned that every school showed improvement. Assistant Superintendent Katy Pude made the announcement during last night’s school board meeting. “All buildings in the Bradford school district made adequate yearly progress,” she said, adding that Bradford Area High School made substantial improvements in math. “Both School Street and Fretz did a phenomenal job as well,” she said. “We are so proud of our students, our teaching staff and our administrative staff,” Pudy added. A presentation on the results, and where the district goes from here, will be given at next month’s school board meeting. Pudy also talked about the summer school programs, saying that they were fabulous and very successful. She said one of the highlights of the program was the autism camp. The progress the students made in a short period of time was

Mother of Alleged Rape Victim Charged

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The mother of a five-year-old allegedly raped by an Olean man is facing charges in connection to the incident. Police say 30-year-old Brandy Irvin of Cuba knew 33-year-old Paul Leonard was having sex with her daughter, but never reported it to authorities. Irvin is charged with reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child. She’s in jail on $2,000 bail. Leonard is jailed on $50,000. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/cops-olean-man-raped-5-year-old.html

Free Concert Features Five Bands

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The Dunkirk Cultural District a partnership between the Adams Art Gallery, The Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse Museum and Veteran’s Park, and the Dunkirk Historical Society has announced that as their first joint venture they are putting on a free concert at The Dunkirk Lighthouse. “We want to do this for the community; this community has been there for our organizations now we want to give something back.” said Dave Brisca the Vice President of the lighthouse. The concert will be on August 20th the gates will open at 3pm and the concert will go until 11pm. Five bands will be performing through out the event. Opening the show around 4pm will be “The Outsiders” with their tribute to Punk Rock legends The Ramones, loud, fast and hard is their motto. Next up will be an acoustic set by “Three Dollar Bill” playing a mix of folk and original material. “Cloud Called Nine” will take the stage third playing their original mix of Rock, Jazz and Blues; it’s all three and none of the above all at th

Man Accused of Molesting Boys

A Dunkirk man is in jail after being accused of molesting two boys over a five-month period. 29-year-old Michael Rivera is accused of abusing the boys between December and April in Dunkirk. Rivera is jail on $40,000 cash bail.

Man Sentenced for Attempted Child Rape

A Cattaraugus County man has been sentenced to 12 years in prision for attempted rape of a child. 20-year-old Randy Lee Baker was sentenced Monday in Cattaraugus County Court. Baker tried to have sex with a child younger than 11 last November in the Town of Randolph.

Major Enhancements Underway at
Lodge at Glendorn

Established as a family retreat for the Dorn family, which made its fortune during Pennsylvania’s oil boom in the 1920s, the 1,280 acre Lodge at Glendorn was transformed in 1995 into a private retreat for the public. And now, under the caring guidance of new owner J. Clifford Forest, this historic estate which is nestled next to the Allegheny National Forest, is undergoing yet another major transformation, with $5 million in enhancements being made over the next two years. “Glendorn was in the process of being auctioned off last year,” observes Glendorn general manager Christopher Hampton. “And as soon as Mr. Forest, who had visited the lodge on many occasions in the past, got wind of the fact that a logging company was seriously looking at buying the property, he decided that he had to buy it so that he could preserve Glendorn as an oasis in the woods. And now that he is the new owner, his mandate is to make the overall visitor experience even more unique.” Many of the improvements to

Fire Damages Summit Motel

A fire damaged the Summit Motel on Boot Jack Road at just before 4 o’clock this afternoon, but the motel was able to stay open for business. State police fire marshal Greg Agosti says the fire started in an unoccupied room and was quickly discovered by occupants of the building. The fire did about $20,000 worth of damage and has been ruled accidental. No one was hurt. The Ridgway Fire Department was assisted by the Fox Township Fire Department.

Specialized Natural Gas Emergency
Responders Locating in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania will be using a Texas company to help control blowouts and other accidents at natural gas wells. DEP Secretary John Hanger announced today that the state will use Cudd Well Control to help with emergency response. He says the Houston-based company is opening an office in Bradford County, which is considered the heart of Marcellus Shale country. Back in June, a well blowout in Clearfield County spewed gas and wasterwater for 16 hours until a crew from Texas brought it under control. That company, Wild Well Control, is considering opening a branch in Clearfield County. Hanger says Cudd's presence in Pennsylvania means emergency crews will be no more than five hours from any natural gas well in the state. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=13407&typeid=1

Man Arraigned on Numerous Charges

A Bradford man is in jail after being arraigned on multiple charges of burglary, theft, loitering and prowling at night. 25-year-old Howard Sturtevant is accused of stealing from a number of homes and vehicles in the Interstate Parkway area throughout the month of July. His bail is set at $85,000 for the charges he was arraigned on today by District Judge Rich Luther. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 25.

Restriction on Dorothy Lane Bridge

PennDOT has posted weight limit restrictions on the Tunungwant Creek Bridge on Dorothy Lane in Bradford Township, McKean County. PennDOT posted the bridge for a 26-ton weight limit for single vehicles and a 28-ton limit for combination vehicles. Vehicles exceeding the posted weight limit must use an alternate route. The decision to post weight limits on the bridge was the result of a recent inspection. The Tunungwant Creek Bridge was built in 1941 and is 108 feet long. The bridge carries an average of 1,903 vehicles per day, with approximately 19 of those vehicles classified as truck traffic. The new posting for the bridge will remain in place until further notice.

UPB Names Director of Energy Institute

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named Dr. Matt Kropf, a research associate at Penn State University, as director of its Energy Institute. Kropf currently splits his time between his new role at Pitt-Bradford and finishing a biofuel research project at Penn State. He will begin full-time at Pitt-Bradford in January 2011. “We’re very fortunate to be able to add to our staff someone with Dr. Kropf’s knowledge and background in both traditional and alternative energy sources,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “I anticipate that his impact will extend well beyond our campus as he lends his expertise to the efforts of the oil and gas industries in our region.” Kropf holds a patent for a biofuel process he developed as part of his doctoral research at Penn State. Kropf explained that his new process uses both microwaves to heat chemicals and ultrasound to mix them, allowing him to eliminate the use of a dangerous and e

Obituary
Sister Denise Mosier

Sister Denise Mosier died on Sunday, August 1, 2010 in a car accident in Bristow, Virginia. Born Jeanette Marie Mosier, Sister Denise grew up in Kane, Pennsylvania and became a Benedictine Sister at St. Joseph Monastery in St. Marys, PA in 1961. She later became a member of the Benedictine Sisters in Bristow, Virginia. An excellent teacher, Sister Denise spent many years in elementary and high school education. She was a missionary in Africa for eight years - two in Ethiopia and six in Tanzania - where she taught seminarians. That experience was a highlight of her life. She loved the people and the culture and stayed in touch with friends from there for the rest of her life. At Saint Benedict Monastery, Sister Denise was a spiritual director and also mentored women who were new to the community. She loved to do liturgical movement and often enhanced the services of the Benedictine Sisters with her gift of dance. Sister Denise will be most remembered for her deep faith, her love of life

Man Charged for Illegal Timber Harvest

An Oswayo man is accused of illegally harvesting hardwood trees worth nearly $2,300. Police say 29-year-old Kalub Hanchett was logging for an adjacent land neighbor on Wildcat Road in Potter County when he crossed the property line and harvested 55 trees. Hanchett was charged with theft and sent to jail on $15,000 bail.

More Info Released on Kidnapping, Rape

State and federal law enforcement authorities say they believe a Maine man, possibly named Mark, could be responsible for last week’s kidnapping and rape in the Allegheny National Forest. State Police say the unknown suspect could be from the Gardiner, Maine, area and that his vehicle is registered in Maine. Police say the suspect approached a couple last Tuesday afternoon at the Kinzua Point Information Center, tied up the man with rope and duct tape, forced the woman into his pickup truck and took her to the Red Bridge area of McKean County, where he sexually assaulted her before releasing her. The suspect is described as white, 30 to 40 years old, with short hair, possibly balding and a dark scruffy beard. He identified himself as "Mark."

Teenager Drowns in Lake Erie

A 14-year-old drowned Sunday afternoon in Lake Erie after large waves prevented the child from getting back to shore. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies say the 14-year-old and a 13-year-old were playing in the water at about 3:40 when they couldn’t get back to shore. The teenager’s father, 45-year-old Joseph Polisoto of Dunkirk jumped into the water and was able to swim out to the teens. But then the current forced all three to where the sheer cliffs prevented them from reaching the shore. Rescue crews were able to locate Polisoto and the 13-year-old and throw them lines and life vest. The 14-year-old was found later and taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounce dead.

Big 30 Parade 2010

Disturbance-Filled Weekend in Bradford

It was a noisy, disturbance-filled weekend for Bradford City Police. Officers got reports of disturbances on Mechanic, Pearl, Barbour and Bushnell streets, and South Avenue, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. Police also receive noise complaints form South and Cole avenues and Congress Street. They also investigated reports of fights on South Avenue and West Washington Street, a motor vehicle accident on Jerome Avenue and suspicious people on South Avenue.

Sunday Book Talk
Philippa Gregory's 'The Red Queen'

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Philippa Gregory is the #1 New York Times best selling author of "The Other Boleyn" Girl, and has released a new book, "The Red Queen." We talked about the second book, as well as how it feels to have a book made into a successful movie with two of today's most talented young actresses. Listen here

Obituary
Harry Schreiber

Harry W. Schreiber, 73, of 178 Interstate Parkway, passed away Saturday, August 7th, 2010 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born January 5, 1937, in Sargent, he was a son of the late Arthur W. Schreiber and Betty Leah (Carlson) Schreiber. On March 2, 1962 St. Bernard Church he married Connie L. (Sullivan) Schreiber who survives. He was a 1956 graduate of Bradford High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958. After the service he attended Art School at the Art Institute. He returned to Bradford and worked as an artist at McCourt Label Company. He worked for Zippo Manufacturing Co. for over 39 years and prior to his retirement in 2002 he was the Art Director. He was a member of St. Bernard Church Bradford, a former member of the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, the Zippo Bowling and Golf Leagues. He was a coach for 17 years for both the Midget League and Little League. Mr. Schreiber was a member of the initial drive to raise money to build the new YMCA on Boylston St. In

Triathlon Raises More Than $11,000

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Story and Photos by Sandra Rhodes The winner of the Willow Creek Triathlon may have finished the race in less than an hour, but the effects of this annual event will be felt for a long time to come. Saturday’s triathlon amassed the largest number of participants to date as well as more than $11,000 for the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties. There were 255 participants – 104 more than last year – who swam, bicycled and ran to help to help the transportation network for veterans, which ensures veterans transportation to and from appointments at VA hospitals and clinics. In the end, the combined efforts of the participants and sponsors – as well as a group of girls who sold lemonade and donated their profits to the triathlon – raised $11,090.63 – 23 percent more than last year. “We are very grateful for all the participants and sponsors that made this happen,” said race director Shane Oschman. “And we are equally ecstatic to be able to give this check to the DAV for

Cops: Olean Man Raped 5-Year-Old

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An Olean man is facing charges for raping a 5-year-old girl in the Village of Cuba. Police say 33-year-old Paul Leonard had sexual contact with the girl while he was visiting a friend’s apartment. Town of Cuba police have charged Leonard with rape, criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child. Leonard is in Allegany County Jail on $50,000 bail.