Posts

Showing posts from July 8, 2012

KOA Speer Receives Top Supplier Awards

Image
KOA Speer Electronics is pleased to announce they have once again earned the TTI Supplier Excellence Award for 2011, as well as the Diamond and Best Quality awards. KOA Speer is the recipient of the Platinum Level TTI award, an honor that can only be reached by receiving the Supplier Excellence Award for a minimum of 5 consecutive years. KOA Speer has been an award recipient in 16 of the 17 years TTI has presented this recognition. The TTI Supplier Excellence Award represents the highest recognition possible of a supplier's performance within TTI. The program is centered on quality measurements that include: on-time delivery, receiving quality, customer-reported quality, administrative quality, operations and business systems. In addition, there are performance measurements such as sales and management support. In addition to maintaining Platinum status, KOA Speer was also awarded the Diamond and Best Quality Awards for the second consecutive year. Introduced last year, the Diamon

Glen Hazel Bridge to Open Today

Image
Ridgway – Once new guide rail is installed, PennDOT will re-open the Glen Hazel Bridge late this afternoon, July 13. The bridge is located on Route 1001 (Glen Hazel Road) near the village of Glen Hazel in Elk County. Rehabilitation work to extend the useful life of the bridge and improve its safety has been on going since late March. Once the bridge is open to traffic, PennDOT will lift the detour that’s been in place since early April. Work included deck and beam replacement, abutment repair, new approach slabs, guiderail updates and miscellaneous construction. L.C. Whitford of Wellsville, New York was the contractor on this $450,000 project. Drivers are reminded to be cautious in all work zones and always buckle up. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAStateCOLL . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

National Fuel Warns of National Scam

Image
National Fuel is warning customers of a national scam that promises a new program that would pay utility bills for customers. The scammers use a variety of methods to contact customers including phone calls, emails and even door-to-door visits as they attempt to obtain personal information. Scammers tell customers they can register for the utility bill payment program by completing information, their social security numbers. The scammers then provide customers with bank routing and account numbers to use when paying their utility bills by computer or phone. This type of payment request isn't automatically rejected by utilities, making it appear that the utility accepted payment. But after a few days the fraudulent routing and account numbers are discovered and any payments are removed from the customers’ accounts. National Fuel wants to remind customers that its employees carry company identification at all times. Customers should never give out personal information, including s

Ridgway Man Charged with Arson

Image
A Ridgway man is facing charges for intentionally setting a house on fire in Johnsonburg back in 2008. 29-year-old Anthony Milliard was arrested Tuesday and charged with three counts of arson, one count each of reckless burning, felony criminal mischief and making a false insurance claim. On December 4 of 2008 he allegedly poured a substantial amount of gasoline in the house at 115 First Avenue and ignited the fire, according to papers filed in District Judge Tony King’s office. During a meeting with police in April he said the ignition “actually blew him off of the porch.” Also during the meeting that Milliard requested he told police he started the fire at the request of his father, so he could collect insurance money for the loss. His father, Francis Milliard, has not been charged. Anthony is jailed on $25,000 bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 25. He is also facing a charge of simple assault for an alleged incident on Sunday. Police say he hit 19-year-old Kelsey Sta

NY Issues More Than 20,000 Tickets Since
Texting While Driving Ban Started

Image
Authorities in New York State have issued more than 20,000 tickets to motorists in the first year under a tougher law against using handheld electronic devices while driving. According to the governor's office, police issued four times as many tickets for texting while driving after it was made a primary traffic offense last July compared to the year before. In Cattaraugus County the number went from 10 to 45. It Chautauqua County it went from 23 to 130. Pennsylvania’s ban on texting while driving started in March. http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/7122012-texting-while-driving The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Shroyer Sentenced for Hammer Attack

Image
The Derrick City man who hit another man in the head with a hammer 18 times will spend the next five to 12 years in state prison. 19-year-old Larry Shroyer Jr. pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for the January 2 attack on 56-year-old James White in the Hotel Holley. Shroyer assaulted White during a drug deal when Shroyer tried to buy drugs from White. White wanted $80 but Shroyer only had $60 with him. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Schiappa Pleads No Contest

Image
The former Bradford Area High School employee accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a female student has pleaded no contest. 25-year-old Stephen Schiappa Jr. is charged with corruption of minors for having a consensual sexual relationship with the girl. He will be sentenced August 9. Schiappa worked as a general aide and assistant baseball coach before resigning in February when school officials learned of the allegations. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Nephew Running for SNI President

Image
Seneca Nation Council Chairman Richard Nephew has announced that his running for the nation’s presidency. Current President Robert Odawi Porter endorsed Nephew and announced his own candidacy for nation treasurer. Nephew is in his 14th year on Council, and has been elected to four consecutive four-year terms as Councilor from the Cattaraugus Territory. The Seneca presidency is a two-year term that rotates years between the Cattaraugus and Allegany territory. The Seneca election will be held on November 6. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Nine People Facing Charges

Image
Nine people are facing charges following a four-month investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. Curtis Short, Randy Cole, Donavon Austin and Tara Sirline all of Cuba, New York, are all charged with theft and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Short is also charged with unlawfully growing cannabis. Shariff James and Kellee Lewis, both of New Jersey, are each charged with theft and possession with intent to sell. Two 17-year-old girls are also facing charges. One is charged with theft and possession with intent to sell. The other is charged with trespass, and she is the only one of the nine who was not sent to jail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Soldiers Help Crash Victim

Image
A Smethport man escaped injury when his Mack truck crashed on Route 59 at just after noon on Wednesday, and he got some help from some Good Samaritans in uniform. Police say the truck driven by 51-year-old John Baker left the road, hit a guardrail and then went down a steep embankment and hit a tree. US Army National Guard soldiers Specialists Beau Gross and Sean Davis and Privates First Class Robert Harper and Robert Micale travelling in a US Army vehicle stopped and rendered aid. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Teen Seriously Hurt in One-Car Crash

Image
A Stockton, New York, teenager was seriously injured in a one-car crash at about 2:15 this morning on Barnes Road in the Town of Stockton. Sheriff’s deputies say 17-year-old Brenden Winder was traveling at a high rate of speed when his vehicle went off the road and hit a tree. Emergency crews had to use the Jaws of Life to get Winder out of the vehicle. He was taken by Starflight helicopter to UPMC Hamot. Winder will be charged with driving while intoxicated, driving at an unreasonable speed, driving after 9 p.m. on a junior license and a couple of traffic violations. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Sandusky Appeals Conviction

Image
On the day that former FBI director Louis Freeh released his report on how Penn State officials handled the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, Sandusky’s lawyers filed a notice of appeal, claiming Judge John Cleland worked against them. Karl Rominger wrote that Cleland ordered defense counsel to reveal who they shared discovery materials with, which the filing described as being similar to forcing the defense to reveal its “thought process and/or strategies.” He also said Cleland lacked the authority to retroactively impose such an order, and is an error because it does not require the attorney general's office to make the same disclosure. He also cites Cleland’s denial of continuance requests which, he says, deprived Sandusky of due process. Sandusky was convicted last month on 45 criminal counts that he sexually abused 10 boys over 15 years and is expected to be sentenced in September. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Catt County Meth Lab Shut Down

Image
A Cattaraugus County meth lab has been shut down. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task force, working in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency in Buffalo, arrested 24-year-old Donald Johnson of Ischua and charged him with unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine. Task force and DEA members seized lab equipment and items used in the production of meth from Johnson’s Yankee Hill Road home. Johnson is in Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail following his arraignment by Judge Stephen Riley in Town of Ischua Court. Additional arrests and charges, including federal charges, are pending the completion of the investigation. The task force and DEA were assisted by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police K-9 Unit and the New York State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET). Also assisting at the scene were Cattaraugus County Emergency Services Unit and members of the Ischua Volunteer Fire Department. Cattaraugus County District Attorney L

Update on Entertainment at Casinos

Image
NIAGARA FALLS and SALAMANCA, NY – Seneca Casinos will make it an October to remember will an all-star lineup of entertainment. Coming to Seneca Niagara Events Center on Oct. 5 is GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award–winner Tony Bennett, followed by legendary female country singer Martina McBride on Oct. 6 at Seneca Allegany Events Center. Canadian icon Gino Vannelli will perform on three consecutive days at Seneca Niagara Casino’s Bear’s Den Showroom from Oct. 5 through 7, with 1980s rock band Asia coming the following weekend on Oct. 13. Timeless, sophisticated and smooth: these are words that describe the masterful Tony Bennett, one of the all-time best singers of jazz and standards. He has earned 17 GRAMMY® Awards – including the Lifetime Achievement Award, two Emmy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and countless other accolades throughout his storied career. Bennett will perform his signature hits such as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “Rags to Riches,” as wel

Freeh Report: Paterno Concealed Facts

Image
Former FBI Director Louis Freeh released his report this morning on the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal. In a press release issued before the report itself, Freeh said that the university's president and football coach Joe Paterno "repeatedly concealed critical facts relating to Sandusky’s child abuse from the authorities, the Board of Trustees, Penn State community, and the public at large. Although concern to treat the child abuser humanely was expressly stated, no such sentiments were ever expressed by them for Sandusky’s victims." For continuing coverage on this story go to MSNBC.com To read the report go here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Obituary
Esther Sammons

Image
Esther M Sammons, 90, of 220 Barbour St. Bradford, passed away Sunday, July 8th, at the Health Park Medical Center, in Fort Myers FL. Born April 23, 1922 in Union City, PA she was a daughter of the late Edward and Mabel (Shreve) Mallick. She was a 1940 graduate of Union City High School. On February 27, 1943 at Ft. Campbell KY, she married Charles D. Sammons, who died on November 27, 1991. They enjoyed retirement trips together throughout the USA and Hawaii. Mrs. Sammons was a homemaker until her children were raised. Then she went to work in the Cafeteria for the Bradford Area School District retiring after 17 years of service. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and enjoyed participating in the Esther Circle and Wimodausis. Esther volunteered at the Red Cross preparing Meals on Wheels and at the Friendship Table. Surviving are two daughters; Marie (Frank) Caroselli, of Ft. Myers FL. and Ruth (Joe) Oleksa, of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded

Obituary
Howard Burkett

Image
Howard Reynold Burkett, 86, of 423 Derrick Road, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at his residence surrounded by all of his children and his wife of 58 years. Born in Bradford on September 13, 1925, he was a son of the late Florence (Wilson) and Howard David Burkett. On April 3, 1954 in Reno, NV he married Sara "Sally" (Alexander) Burkett who survives. A 1943 graduate of Bradford HIgh School, he attended The Pennsylvania State University and The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on August 30, 1943. He served in combat as an aircrew member during the Korean War. He was the Commander of the 449th Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron at Kincheloe Air Force Base in Michigan. He was honorably discharged as a Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Air Force on August 31, 1970. Up until his illness, he was a familiar face and took care of the accounting duties at the Fran Charles Shop. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a da

Rep. Matt Gabler to Host
Vietnam Veterans Recognition Event

Image
HARRISBURG – State Rep, Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) is planning an event to honor all residents of the 75th Legislative District who served during the Vietnam War Era, and is conducting a search for veterans from all branches of the Armed Services to recognize that day. “We have a significant number of veterans in both Clearfield and Elk counties,” Gabler said. “As a country, we don’t give thanks often enough to those who served in war time, and this is an opportunity to do that to those who fought during the Vietnam War Era.” Anyone who is a Vietnam War Era veteran, or knows someone who is, should contact one of Gabler’s district offices so pertinent information may be collected and invitations to the event may be sent. You may contact either Gabler’s DuBois office at (814) 375-4688 or his St. Marys office at (814) 781-6301. The 75th district is comprised of all of Elk County, as well as, in Clearfield County, the City of DuBois, Troutville Borough and the townships of Brady, Husto

BACC Summer Soiree on July 18

Image
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce announces its 5th Annual Summer Soiree to be held Wednesday, July 18th from 5:30-7:30pm at Heritage Suites, 139 Minard Run Road, Bradford. The Summer Soiree is an adult networking event, open to the public, which will include hearty hors d’oeuvres and desserts by Mascioni Catering. The menu will include: seafood jumbo with shrimp, scallops, and sausage; pulled pork BBQ with fresh rolls; grilled New York strip sandwiches with smoked mozzarella and caramelized onions; meatballs with roasted garlic and fresh rolls; grilled vegetable kebabs; and chilled artichoke salad with farfalle. Dessert will feature fresh strawberries and blueberries with whipped cream, angel cake tiramisu, and warm German chocolate cake with fruit. Refreshments are also included in the admission cost. Live music will be provided for the evening by local favorite Take 3, and Heritage Suites will offer tours during the event. The Summer Soiree is an opportunity to socialize and net

Man Charged for Open Lewdness

Image
A Shinglehouse man has been charged with open lewdness in connection to an incident that happened on December 26 of last year. 22-year-old Benjamin Broscious was chatting with an 18-year-old boy from Potter County when Broscious made comments about the boy’s sexuality and allegedly sent a nude photo of himself. Broscious is charged with misdemeanor counts of making false reports and open lewdness and a summary count of harassment. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Elderly Man Charged with Larceny

Image
A 74-year-old Mayville man is accused of shoplifting from a hardware store. Sheriff’s deputies say they were called to the Mayville Hardware Store on South Erie Street and learned that Gordon Mattson took merchandise from the store without paying for it. He was released on his own recognizance and was scheduled to appear in Town of Chautauqua Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Port Allegany Teenager Facing Charges

Image
A Port Allegany teenager is facing charges following an incident Wednesday afternoon on 720 East Valley Road in Keating Township. The 17-year-old, who police did not name, is accused of going into the house, pushing an 18-year-old Smethport girl and 38-year-old Smethport woman, and threatening to do physical harm to a 32-year-old Smethport man. The boy was told to leave the property but refused. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Four Arrested on Drug Charges

Image
Four Kane residents are in jail after being arrested on drug charges Wednesday following an investigation by the McKean County Drug Task Force, State Police and Kane Police. 27-year-old Travis Whipple, 45-year-old Virginia Milner, 31-year-old Terry Morton and 44-year-old Marlene Dyne were charged with a variety of offenses. Whipple was charged with two felony counts of drug delivery and two misdemeanor counts of a controlled substance. on January 13 he allegedly sold heroine to a confidential informant with the task force. On February 15 he allegedly sold morphine to a confidential informant. Milner was charged with two felony counts of drug delivery. She allegedly sold morphine to a confidential informant on February 8 and 11. Morton was charged with one felony count of drug delivery. On January 30 he allegedly sold Suboxone pills to a confidential informant. Dyne was charged with two felony counts of drug delivery. On October 13 she allegedly sold Xanax pills to a confidential inform

Man Sentenced on Federal Drug Charges

Image
A Cattaraugus County man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for manufacturing marijuana. 51-year-old Dean Maynard of Mansfield, New York, was arrested in September of last year after agents in a US Border Patrol helicopter spotted 211 marijuana plants in a large garden in Mansfield. During the execution of a search warrant at Maynard’s home, law enforcement officials recovered three rifles, a loaded shotgun, an undetermined amount of processed marijuana, drying marijuana plants in each of the bedrooms, and scales used for weighing and distribution. Maynard’s son Brandon is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 9 in connection with the same incident. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Truck Stolen from Well Site, Damaged

Image
Someone stole a truck from a well site in Cameron County and did significant damage to it before abandoning the vehicle. Police say someone went to a fenced-in area of the W Operating Company site in the May Hollow area sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning got into the truck, found the keys that were hidden inside and drove it to another well site, where they hit it with a number of objects and shot it with a firearm. They then drove it to another location, caused additional damage and abandoned it. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Trooper John Whitcomb or Trooper James Yoder at 814-486-3321. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two Arson Fires in St. Marys

Image
State Police are investigating two arson fires in St. Marys driveways that happened Monday and Tuesday night. The first happened at about 11:30 Monday night on North St. Marys Street when someone set fire to Michael Scolari’s Coleman camping trailer while it was parked in his driveway. Damage is estimated at $6,000. The second happened at about 11:30 Tuesday night on Rettger Street when someone set fire to Marcia Salters car that was parked in her driveway. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Olean Woman Allegedly Stole $62,000

Image
An Olean woman is accused of stealing more than $62,000 by using credit cards that did not belong to her. 36-year-old Amy Buchanan allegedly used the Olean Family Health Center credit card between December of 2011 and January of this year to rack up about $36,000 worth sales. From November of 2011 to mid-March of this year she allegedly stole nearly $26,000 from Zia Sheikh by using his credit card for her personal use. Sheriff’s deputies believe she also had three forged prescriptions that she used to defraud Rite Aid in Olean from December 23 to January 6. She was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument, and then released on her own recognizance. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Assault Charges Bound to Court

Image
Assault charges against a 31-year-old Bradford man accused of assaulting a 73-year-old man have been bound to court following a preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Dominic Cercone. Robert Denman Jr. and Martin Howard were barhopping on the night of June 2 and morning of June 3 when, after leaving the Hotel Holley, Denman allegedly punched Howard in the face three or four times. Later, at Denman’s home, he allegedly punched Howard a few more times. Howard suffered several broken bones in his face and police say when they were interviewing him at BRMC his eye was swollen shut, his forehead was severely swollen and he had difficulty speaking. Denman is jailed on $50,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Dr. Terry Hoover Dies at Age 65

Image
Terrance J. Hoover, Ph.D., 65, of 65 Ann Lane, passed away Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at Olean General Hospital. Born September 24, 1946, in Clearfield, he was a son of the late Edna Mae (Smith) and John Claire Hoover. On August 1, 1970 in the Heinz Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh, he married Linda J. (Popovich) Hoover, who survives. A 1964 graduate of Curwensville High School, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts in 1964. He then received a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1969 from the University of Pittsburgh and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration, also from the University of Pittsburgh in 1981. He worked as a teacher and Assistant Principal at South Park Area Junior/Senior High School from 1968 until 1973. He then was the Assistant Principal at Indiana High School from 1973 until 1979. In 1979, he moved to Bradford with his family and was the Principal of School Street Junior High School until 1988, when he

Fatal Crash in Elk County

Image
A 23-year-old St. Marys woman is dead following a crash early this morning on Route 255 in the Village of Byrnedale. Savannah Straub was a passenger in a car that crashed after it went out of control at about 2:50 a.m. and hit a tree, a guide rail and a bridge. She was thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the driver, 24-year-old Brandon Weidow of Byrnedale, suffered moderate injuries and was flown to Altoona General Hospital for treatment. Police are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Scenes from the Carnival

Image
The carnival continues in the Bradford Mall parking lot through Saturday. It opens at 5 p.m. tonight, tomorrow and Friday and at noon on Saturday. WESB photos The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Gov. Corbett Supports Route 219 Project

Image
Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett on Tuesday thanked Congressman Bill Shuster of Hollidaysburg for his leadership in making sure language to fund Route 219 in Somerset County, was included in the recently passed federal transportation bill. “I certainly share Congressman Shuster’s enthusiasm in making this project happen and I pledge to do all I can to help Route 219 be completed as soon as possible,” Corbett said. “Congressman Shuster and I know how important a four-lane, limited access Route 219 will be for the economy of Somerset County and the entire Southern Alleghenies Region.” “Completing Route 219 has long been one of my highest priorities in Congress. This critical north-south route will open the door to greater economic development and a higher standard of living for everyone in central Pennsylvania. Including toll credits language in the transportation bill removed a barrier that has been standing in the way of completing Route 219 for too long,” Shuster said. The old trans

Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing, Selling Metal

Image
A Steamburg man has pleaded guilty to breaking into camps along the Allegany River stealing metal and selling it for scrap. In September and October of 2010 54-year-old Ward Wheeler stole items in the Coldspring and South Valley areas, mostly along the Route 280 river bank, then sold the items for scrap. In April of that year Wheeler allegedly stole a pontoon boat and dock system from a camp site, cut it up and sold it at a local scrap yard. Wheeler will be sentenced on September 24. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Three in Court on Drug Charges

Image
Three people appeared in Cattaraugus County this week on drug charges. Bridgette Steiner of Olean was sentenced to six months in jail for selling a narcotic preparation in Olean on December 18, 2010. Lacy Davis pleaded guilty to attempting to sell a narcotic preparation in Olean on October 28 and November 4 of 2010. She will be sentenced October 22. Kate Ventimiglia of Salamanca pleaded not guilty to selling hydrocodone in Salamanca on August 9 of last year. The matter has been adjourned for motions. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Troopers Investigating Man's Death

Image
State police are investigating the death of a 63-year-old Kersey man. The man, who they did not identify, was driving his vehicle on Route 948 about 2 miles west of Route 255 in Fox Township at about 8 o’clock last night when the car drifted off the road and onto private property. The man was taken to Elk Regional Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. Troopers say it appears the man died of natural causes and there are no apparent suspicious circumstances. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Lucy-Desi Center for Comedy Offering
New Audio Guide Tours Starting in August

Image
JAMESTOWN, NY – The Lucy Desi Center for Comedy is excited to announce that new audio guide tours will be launching in its dual museum attraction during Lucy Fest, August 1st-5th. The new audio guide tours, which will be narrated by Lucie Arnaz, were made possible thanks to a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, matching funds from the Lucy Desi Center, and the generous collaborative production efforts of Desilu, Too and exhibit designer David Weiss. “I wrote a grant to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, matched it with an investment of our own, and commissioned renowned exhibit producer David Weiss,” said Journey Gunderson, executive director of the Lucy Desi Center for Comedy. “He visited and said, 'It's got to be Lucie.' [Arnaz] and author Elisabeth Edwards got involved and brought the story together in a way that made it exponentially more special and insightful." In addition to narrating the audio tour guides, Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lu

PennDOT Seeks Driver Feedback
Through Online Safety Survey

Image
Harrisburg – PennDOT is asking Pennsylvania motorists to help the department monitor its highway safety efforts by sharing their opinions on traffic safety enforcement and driving behaviors through an online survey available through July 27 at www.JustDrivePA.com . The 22-question survey focuses on highway safety issues, including seat belts, impaired driving, speeding, motorcycles and distracted driving. People completing the survey may remain anonymous, but are asked to provide their gender, age and ZIP code. More than 3,500 people responded to last year’s survey. Last year’s notable results included that, in the previous 60 days, nearly 77 percent of respondents had not driven a motor vehicle within two hours after consuming alcoholic beverages. Also, 93 percent of drivers indicated they used a seat belt all or most of the time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires states to conduct this survey annually. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews

OSHA Announces Summer ‘Construction
Incident Prevention Initiative’

Image
PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a no-notice “Construction Incident Prevention Initiative” campaign this summer to curb construction fatalities. Compliance officers will focus enforcement efforts on construction sites covered by OSHA’s Erie Area Office, which includes Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties. The initiative is designed to identify and eliminate safety and health hazards at construction sites to prevent injuries and fatalities resulting from the four leading causes of incidents: falls, struck-by/crushing events, electrocutions and caught-in-between events. The initiative also will target health hazards involving silica, lead and hexavalent chromium, and will draw on OSHA’s national campaigns to prevent fall hazards at construction sites and heat illness among outdoor workers. During campaign periods, OSHA sends all of

Man Pleads Not Guilty to Stabbings

Image
A Jamestown man accused of stabbing three people in Olean back in January has pleaded not guilty in Cattaraugus County Court. 23-year-old Emanuel Mendez Ortiz allegedly stabbed the people on January 21 outside the Dugout Sports Bar. A grand jury indicted him on three counts of assault and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. The case has been adjourned for motions. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Woman Dies in Mobile Home Fire

Image
A Hinsdale woman is dead after fire swept through her home on Tuesday. 73-year-old Yolanda Bell died in the Lockwood Trailer Park. Neighbors say they heard some kind of explosion, and then saw flames shooting out the windows. The incident is under investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Hunter Who Hit School Bus Found Guilty

Image
The Randolph, New York, hunter whose gunshot hit a school bus full of children in November has been found guilty on all counts. A jury convicted William Squire of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and environmental conservation charges. Squire fired his gun across a highway and hit a school bus. No one was hurt, but the bullet just missed the school bus driver. Squire will be sentenced in September. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947