First Picture of 'Little Ben'

Introducing....

Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger, Jr.

According to his Facebook page, this is Big Ben’s favorite photo so far…and dad’s new screen saver for his phone!

Sheriff's Deputy Hurt in Crash

A sheriff’s deputy suffered minor injuries after her patrol car slid on some ice and collided with a tractor trailer at around noon today in Salamanca.

The sheriff’s office says the deputy was in the process of stopping at a stop sign on Parkway Drive when her car slid head-on into the rig on the Clinton Street bridge.

The tractor trailer driver was not hurt.

Port Allegany Rolls Past Clarion

Port Allegany beat Clarion 47-8 Saturday afternoon at Bradford's Parkway Field to capture the District 9 Class A title. The Gators move on to the quarterfinals on Friday, when they play Sharpsville at a site to be announced.

See more photos at Shawn Murray Photography.

Santa Claus Lane Parade Winners:

OLEAN – Fifty units and more than 812 adults and children took part in the 27th Annual Santa Claus Lane Parade held Friday, November 23 in downtown Olean. Judging for this season’s parade was done by Al Wager, National Grid Co.; Paula Snyder, Jamestown Community College; Max Bullers, Home Depot of Olean; and Lori Babcock of Microtel Inn of Olean.

The Elves Award, sponsored by Family Partners Group, a float or unit that best typifies the holiday through the eyes of a child; went to Hinsdale Cub Scout Pack. Angelic Spirit Award sponsored by Mandy’s Flowers, awarded to the Greater Olean Association of Churches as the most spiritual/religious float or unit. Blitzen Award, sponsored by Times Herald went to Continental School of Beauty as the most photogenic float; Jingle Bells Award, sponsored by Microtel Inn of Olean, the best theatrical (music/dance) float was awarded to Rock-it-Out DJing and Olean Dance Arts; The Rudolph Award, sponsored by National Grid Co., for the float with the most or best use of lights was awarded to Richburg Volunteer Fire Department; the Seasons Greetings Award, sponsored by Community Bank, NA, to the best newcomer to the parade, and one that typifies a welcoming theme - this unit must be a first-time entrant went to Freestone Contracting; The Snowflake Award, sponsored by the Street Classics Car Club for the unit with the most participants in the parade was awarded to East Olean Cheerleaders; and new this year -- The Sleigh Award, presented by Hammond’s Furniture, was a tie between Bolivar Fire Department and J&R Auto the most decorated larger truck (fire truck, flatbed, utility vehicles, etc.)

“With the weather forecast, we were unsure if Mercy Flight would be able to kick off the parade. But in fact, Mercy Flight did kick start the parade and did a fantastic flyover up the parade route. The greater Olean area is a well-diversified community and as such, people from all walks of life and religion attended the parade to celebrate the gifts and graces of the holiday seasons. It is truly a night when the community comes together,” stated Meme Krahe Yanetsko, GOACC COO

GOACC is also encouraging organizations to participate in the Portville Holiday Celebration AND the Allegany Holiday Celebration scheduled for Saturday, November 24 at dusk. For more information, call Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce at 716-372-4433 or email santa@oleanny.com
.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Large Drug Operation Found in Elk Co.

A Brockport man is in jail after a federal search warrant uncovered an elaborate drug operation in his home.

A federal warrant was executed earlier this month at the home of 54-year-old James Volpe following a four-month investigation.

At the house, police found 65 marijuana plants growing behind a false wall in the basement, along with growing equipment and digital scales. They also found more than a pound of methamphetamine, $2,600 in cash, and a pill-making machine with, according to the criminal complaint, hundreds if not thousands of pills. Police also found a .22 caliber handgun in Volpe’s garage.

He is charged with possession and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal possession of a firearm. He is on federal probation, and prohibited from having a firearm.

Volpe is in jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in front of District Judge Tony King.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Swearing Buys Shopper Time in Custody

Some early Black Friday rage bought a Falconer man some time in police custody.

Police say Matthew Minekime was using profanity at Wal-Mart at around 10:15 on Thanksgiving night. They say he was loud and making a scene so they asked him to stop swearing. When they walked away he started yelling profanities again.

He was taken into custody, but was later released and issued an appearance ticket for Town of Busti Court.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Actor Larry Hagman Dead at Age 81

By NBC News staff and wire

Actor Larry Hagman — who became a global icon playing the cunning J.R. Ewing in the television series "Dallas" — died on Friday at the age of 81, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported.

Hagman was at Medical City Dallas Hospital when he died Friday afternoon from complications of his recent battle with cancer, the Dallas Morning News reported, citing members of his family.

A statement from Warner Bros. described Hagman as "a giant, a larger-than-life personality whose iconic performance as J.R. Ewing will endure as one of the most indelible in entertainment history."

Earlier in his career, Hagman was known for his role as Maj. Anthony Nelson, the master-turned-husband of a beautiful genie played by Barbara Eden in the sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie."

In July 1995, he was diagnosed with liver cancer, which led him to quit smoking, and a month later he underwent a liver transplant.

Read more at NBCNews.com

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Several People Injured in Morning Crash

Three people were flown to out-of-town hospitals following a crash at about 4:30 this morning near the top of Minard Run Road.

Bradford Township Police say 18-year-old Garret Hoy of Smethport was traveling east when he swerved to miss a deer, but his car crossed the center line and hit another car head-on. 19-year-old Ashley Shonts of Cyclone was driving the second car, and had to be extricated by emergency responders. She was flown to ECMC in Buffalo for treatment of serious injuries. She is in fair condition.

A passenger in Shonts’s car, 18-year-old Sarah Hurd of Bradford was first taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center, but was later flown to UPMC Hamot, where she is also in fair condition.

30-year-old Frank Deblaso of Smethport, a 15-year-old boy from Gifford and a 16-year-old girl from Port Allegany were all passengers in Hoy’s car. They were all taken to BRMC, but Hoy was later flown to UPMC Hamot. He is also in fair condition. Both vehicles were totaled. Police are continuing their investigation and say charges are pending against Hoy.

CBB Blood Drive on Monday

Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday season and the Community Blood Bank hopes to make through another one without a blood shortage and a strong turnout before December 1st will help.

The Community Blood Bank is holding a blood drive this Monday November 26th at St. Bernard's Catholic Church located at 95 East Corydon from noon to 5:30pm, long before things get too crazy for No appointment is needed just walk in to save a life.

With all of the travel Thanksgiving is typically the fifth busiest weekend of the year for blood usage.

"I can't believe the holidays are here again!" Says Dan Desrochers Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. "We are hoping for a good holiday season with no problems for local hospitals."

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Lake Effect Snow Advisory

Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Southern Erie


There’s a Lake Effect Snow Advisory in effect for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and southern Erie counties from 6 o’clock tonight until midnight Saturday.

The advisory area includes Olean, Allegany, Salamanca, Jamestown, Springville and Orchard Park.

Accumulation of 2 to 4 inches tonight and 3 to 5 inches Saturday is possible in the advisory area.

Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Roethlisbergers Welcome "Little Ben"

Steelers fans don’t have to worry about quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missing a game for the birth of his baby.

Little Ben arrived at 10:06 p.m. Wednesday.

Roethlisberger posted a message on his web page Thursday reading: “Ashley and I welcomed a healthy, beautiful baby boy into this world. Benjamin Jr. is 7 lbs., 1 oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing well."

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Woman Jailed After Thanksgiving Fight

A Forestville woman is in jail following a fight early on Thanksgiving morning.

Sheriff’s deputies say that at about 5 a.m. 45-year-old Cindysue Hale harassed and choked another person while preventing the person from leaving the house.

She is charged with harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing and unlawful imprisonment.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Johnsonburg Man Hurt in Crash

A Johnsonburg man suffered major injuries in a one-vehicle crash Thursday morning on Johnsonburg Road just south of Route 255.

Police say 28-year-old David Boylan was north on 255 when his pickup truck went out of control on a curve, crossed the road, hit a guardrail, and spun around.

Boylan was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Altoona Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Accident on Minard Run Road

Emergency crews were called to an accident near the top of Minard Run Road at about 4:30 this morning.

They set up a helicopter landing zone at the Pennhills Club. Multiple patients are being taken to the BRMC emergency room.

At least two tow trucks were called to the scene.

We'll have more information as it becomes available.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Fire Destroys Town of Busti Home

A Chautauqua County woman and her grandson are homeless this Thanksgiving after fire destroyed their home Wednesday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to 1972 Hoag Road in the Town of Busti at around 1:30 p.m. and found the inside of the house fully involved in fire. The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team determined that the fire started in the kitchen, where a burner on the stove had been left on.

No one was home at the time of the fire, and there were no injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the homeowner and her grandson.

The house was a total loss and an emergency demolition was ordered.

The Ashville Fire Department was assisted by firefighters from Bemus Point, Busti, Celeron, Chautauqua, Kiantone, Lakewood, Panama and Sherman.

A Day to Give Thanks

I’m thankful for everyone at UPMC Hamot who treated my mom – and our family – so well for 15 long days. I’m thankful for an understanding employer and co-workers who pitched in and helped during those 15 days, too. And, for my friends (including cousins) who offered help, support and prayers. I’m also thankful for the pumpkin caramel mocha at Rose’s in the Hamot lobby.

I’m thankful for lunches with Pat and Sandy at The Aud, and The Aud’s Tarport Burger; the Port Allegany Gators and Randolph Cardinals; Bret Michaels and George Clooney; Law & Order: SVU and Chelsea Lately; fall foliage and warm rain; Chautauqua Lake and the Allegheny Mountains.

I’m still thankful that Dr. Livingston Alexander and Sister Margaret Carney continue to lead my two favorite universities into the future.

As always, I’m thankful for the Bradford Area Public Library and books – real, pick-‘em-up-turn-the-pages-and-read-‘em books. (Nothing against kindles and nooks, but I really do like books.)

And Breathe Right nasal strips.

What are you thankful for?

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Enjoy Your Holiday!

Free TwitterBackgrounds.org

Local Pastor Talks About Thanksgiving

As the holiday season approaches, and Americans express their gratitude by spending time with family, one local pastor points out that even in tough times, thankfulness is important.

"Thankfulness keeps you grounded in reality, that there is good in life in spite of the difficulties we face," says Mike McAvoy, Pastor of Open Arms Community Church.

McAvoy says that taking the time to be thankful helps adjust perspective, "Thankfulness is taking a big picture perspective on life, enjoying the good as well as accepting there will be bad, rather than being imprisoned to a little picture perspective that life is all bad because of your current situation."

As many are facing economic woes, personal and relational struggles, and a number of situations, he says it is important not to address those issues head on, without becoming a victim, "Thankfulness is not ignoring or pretending that you don't have problems, it's not allowing the pain of your problems rob you of the joy of all your blessings."

McAvoy also says that while it's good to be thankful, it's better to direct that thanks in the right direction, "Thankfulness reminds us that God is faithful and he is bigger, smarter, and stronger than whatever we face in life."

The Open Arms facebook page is encouraging the community to share sentiments of gratitude as a comment on their wall.

Open Arms Community Church is wrapping up their series entitled dotGov this Sunday, and next week will launch a series of holiday messages entitled, "Give: The Key to Greater Blessing" which addresses generosity.

For more information about Open Arms Community Church, visit http://www.openarmsbradford.org

Picture of the McAvoy family taken from Facebook, hoping they don't mind.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Corbetts Serve Meals to Needy

Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett helped serve a Thanksgiving meal to about 600 people in need at the Water Street Mission in Lancaster earlier tonight. The Mission's annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet helps to feed hundreds of people each year.

PA Internet News Service photo

Congressman Thompson's Thanksgiving Message

“As families and friends across Pennsylvania gather together in recognition of our nation's many blessings, it’s important we remember and thank those now serving in harm's way around the globe in the military.

We are a nation blessed with prosperity and opportunity because of brave men and women who selflessly serve their county in protection of our freedoms.

My wife Penny and I send our thoughts and prayers to our service members and veterans, and wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving."

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

...Chats with Anne Holliday

"Mom on the Run" Colleen Burns chats with Anne Holliday about how to do everything you want to get done during the holiday season and keep your sanity.

Mom on the Run by wesbnews1

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Obama Pardons Cobbler, Gobbler

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Cleland: ABC Can Have Pictures

ABC TV has gotten clearance for access to pictures used as exhibits during the Jerry Sandusky trial.

Judge John Cleland issued his order late this afternoon granting ABC permission to get copies of 15 pictures related to Victim 1, Aaron Fisher.

ABC asked for the pictures last month as the network was producing a report on Fisher’s book, “Silent No More,” about his experiences with Sandusky.

Cleland's order noted that prosecutors and Sandusky's lawyer were not opposed to the release, and that Fisher and his mother supported it. ABC must pay $10 per exhibit.

Sandusky, the 68-year-old former Penn State assistant football coach, is serving a 30- to 60-year prison sentence for abusing Fisher and nine other boys over a period of 15 years. He maintains his innocence and is asking for his conviction to be overturned, or for a new trial. Arguments on those motions are scheduled for January 10.

Man Sentenced on Drug, Weapons Charges

An Allegany man will spend up to six years in prison on drug and weapons charges.

29-year-old Carstarphan Thomas was in possession of stolen guns on June 25, 2011, in Olean. He had previously been convicted of a crime that prohibits him from having guns. He was sentenced to two years in prison on that charge.

On May 16 of this year, in Allegany, he sold a controlled substance. He was sentenced to two to four years in prison on that charge. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assaults

An Emporium man has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman and a teenage girl in separate incidents back in June.

32-year-old Adam Eckert supplied alcohol to an 18-year-old girl from Kane and a 16-year-old girl from Emporium and then assaulted the 18-year-old between 10 o’clock on the night of June 26 and 2 a.m. on June 27.

At about 2:30 on the morning of June 27 Eckert broke into a woman’s bedroom and sexually assaulted her. She chased him from her bedroom with a nearby hatchet.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Hundreds of Potential Christmas Trees Stolen

Someone stole a pickup truck and box trailer this morning carrying 350 would-be Christmas trees.

The truck was stolen from the Rochester-area sometime between midnight and 6:30 this morning. The 350 Douglas fir trees are valued at more than $12,000.

The trailer is 8 feet high and 28 feet long with a license plate of BC485OZ. It’s black and has “Niagara Landscaping” on the rear-ramp door.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Food, Candy, Beef Jerky Stolen

Four St. Marys residents are facing charges for stealing about $1,000 worth of food, candy and beef jerky from the St. Marys Walmart between Christmas Day and last week.

A 38-year-old woman stole $110 worth of items between Christmas Day and October 14. A 60-year-old man stole $264 worth of items from Christmas Day through November 14 and, during the same period, a 42-year-old man stole $165 worth. A 23-year-old man stole $434 worth of items between April 3 and November 14.

Police say the four all ate the food, candy and beef jerky in the store. Their names were not released.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

PGE Contribution to Pitt-Bradford Benefits Area High School Students

Pennsylvania General Energy Co. of Warren has made a $40,000 contribution to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford that will allow more high school students to take advantage of programs that allow them to earn college credit.

The contribution is made possible through a tax credit program offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Pitt-Bradford has two kinds of programs in which students can earn both high school and college credits for the same course, College in the High School and Bridges. Both programs will benefit from PGE’s contribution.

“PGE is pleased to make a contribution that will provide the direct benefit of improving educational experiences to students in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier counties, including a dozen school districts and more than 450 high schoolers,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Douglas E. Kuntz. “Pitt-Bradford is a great partner in making the most of this important program and supporting students that are so important to our future workforce.”

Donations from PGE and others have allowed more students to take part in College in the High School, in which students receive college credit for courses they take in high school. Twelve districts with 466 students currently participate: Austin Area, Bradford Area, Cameron County, Coudersport Area, Galeton Area, Northern Potter, Oswayo Valley, Otto-Eldred, Ridgway Area, Smethport Area and St. Marys Area. Sheffield Area Middle/High School is taking part for the first time this year.

Unlike the Advanced Placement exam, which requires that students make a final score on an AP test at the end of the semester or year, College in the High School students follow the same syllabus as the students at Pitt-Bradford, cover the same material and take the same final exam. Students have the added benefit of studying a semester’s worth of college material over the course of an entire academic year.

Courses offered range from first-year math and composition to more specialized first-year courses such as petroleum technology, cinema, geography, Spanish, accounting, sociology and more.

The additional funding provided through PGE and other local businesses has allowed Pitt-Bradford to reduce its cost to students from a regular cost of $125 to $25 this year for College in the High School. For the Bridges program, the regular total cost of $1,594 has been reduced to $250 for the student, and his or her school district’s portion has been eliminated.

PGE has a 30-year history of successfully producing indigenous oil and natural gas in the Appalachian Basin. The company uses the best available technologies and management practices to develop wells in both conventional and unconventional formations, with a focus on safety, partnerships and the protection of the environment. PGE currently operates nearly 1,400 oil and natural gas wells in Pennsylvania.

This is PGE’s second year of support. The company contributed $35,000 in 2011.

PGE made its contribution through a special state program that allows it to receive tax credits for its gift. Companies have to pre-qualify with the state on a strict schedule, as did Pitt-Bradford.

Interested businesses that must pay certain types of taxes in the state of Pennsylvania may qualify to redirect up to $300,000 of their PA tax liability to an approved Educational Improvement Organization such as Pitt-Bradford. The taxes include Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock Franchise Tax, Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax, Title Insurance Company Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax and some Subchapter S-corporations.

For more information on whether a business may qualify for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, contact Rick Esch, vice president of business affairs at Pitt-Bradford, at (814)362-0992 or esch@pitt.edu.

Pictured, from left, Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford; Douglas Kuntz, president and CEO of Pennsylvania General Energy Co.; Katharine Pude, superintendent of Bradford Area School District; and Matt Splain, superintendent of Otto-Eldred Area School District, discuss the benefits to area high school students from PGE’s contribution to Pitt-Bradford.
Photo by Shawn Murray

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

PA Army National Guard Funeral Honors Progam Now Limited to Philadephia, Annville Areas

Scarnati 'Shocked, Saddened' by Decision

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senator Lisa Baker (R-20), Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, have significant concerns with changes made to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Funeral Honors program.

“The attached letter to Adjutant General Wesley Craig addresses our concerns. We urgently request a reversal of this policy so that all veterans, regardless of their place of passing, can be honored with the final farewell they have so courageously earned through their honorable service to our nation and our Commonwealth”.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Genesee Teen Dies in ATV Accident

A Potter County teenager is dead following an ATV accident Tuesday night in Allegany County.

State police say 16-year-old Kyle McPherson of Andover, New York, was on Heselton Gully Road in the Town of Independence when the ATV left the road on a curve and traveled down a ravine. McPherson and his passenger, 17-year-old Joceyln Saunders of Genesee, were both thrown from the vehicle.

Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene by Allegany County Coroner Maynard Baker. McPherson was flown to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, where he is being treated for head, neck and leg injuries.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Body of Missing Kane Man Recovered

The body of the Kane man who went missing on the Allegheny Reservoir on November 11 has been recovered.

The body of 57-year-old Mike Snyder was found at about 5 p.m. Tuesday in the same area where his wife’s body was found after their canoe capsized at 11:30 a.m. on Veterans Day while they were fishing. The body of his wife, 62-year-old Terry Snyder, was recovered shortly after police arrived on the scene last Sunday.

State police thanked the Fish & Boat Commission, the Ludlow Fire Department, The Kane Fire Department and the Glade Township Rescue and Dive Team for their continued efforts in the search.

NY Murder Suspect Picked Up in Clearfield Co.

The New York murder suspect who was picked up in Clearfield County late Monday afternoon has now been charged with killing his sister-in-law during an argument over money.

49-year-old Larry Frank of Phoenix, New York, is charged with second-degree murder for the death of 53-year-old Patricia Gryczka of Geddes.

Acting on a call from a resident who heard a noise at the back of his property, police found Gryzcka's body in a ravine south of Syracuse early Monday morning. The resident saw a man crouching then get into a car and drive off. The resident wrote down the license plate number.

Detectives in New York were monitoring Frank’s financial transactions, and called Lawrence Township police at about 5:30 p.m. Monday to say he’d just made a purchase at Wal-Mart. He had a loaded handgun in his car when police picked him up.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

New Pictorial History Book: The Great Kinzua Bridge

In the spring of 1882, throngs of people gathered in the remote Allegheny Mountains to watch as a crew of 125 workers began building a bridge spanning the wild Kinzua Valley. In September, after just 94 working days, construction was completed. Nearly half a mile long and as high as the Statue of Liberty, the Kinzua Viaduct was the greatest rail bridge ever built and immediately dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

First built of iron in 1882, rebuilt in steel in 1900, partially destroyed by a tornado, and then reinvented as the Kinzua Sky Walk this amazing engineering marvel is Located within the Kinzua Bridge State Park, in Mt. Jewett, Pennsylvania. The Kinzua Sky Walk provides stunning vistas of the Kinzua Gorge at a height of 234 feet as you walk out 600 feet into the Kinzua Gorge. Peer through the partial glass floor to admire the steel structure below as you marvel at the power of man and the power of nature.

Forest Press, a division of Seneca Highlands Association, Inc., announces the release of The Great Kinzua Bridge, a pictorial history of the building of the phenomenal rail viaduct. Using vintage photos from historical archives and contemporary images captured by Ed Bernik, award-winning Pennsylvanian photographer, the book chronicles the design and engineering of the original iron bridge, its refurbishment in steel, and its ultimate transformation into a monument celebrating American ingenuity and optimism. The story is punctuated by profiles of the people whose stories are intertwined with the bridge, from Civil War hero and builder Thomas L. Kane to renowned design engineer Octave Chanute and daredevil Odo Valentine who flew an aircraft between its towers.

The Great Kinzua Bridge is 112 pages long and features more than 150 photos and illustrations, including rare nineteenth century mages of the construction of the viaduct, and detailed photos of the steel restoration project undertaken in 1900. Vintage photography is complemented by dramatic contemporary images portraying the devastating destruction wreaked by a tornado in 2003, and aerial views of the new skywalk opened in 2011. The 6” x 9” book can be ordered from Forest Press for a price of $24.95 plus shipping. To place an order, call (800) 473-9370. To place an order online, go to www.visitANF.com. The Great Kinzua Bridge is an ideal item for residents, students, historians, visitors and anyone interested in events that shaped northwestern PA. It’s highly informative and easy to read, and makes a perfect gift.

Forest Press is a non-profit multimedia publishing company whose mission is to celebrate authentic American experiences in the Allegheny National Forest and the Oil and Lumber Heritage regions. The company has previously published two illustrated histories of northwestern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest, and Pennsylvania Crude: Boomtowns and Oil Barons. Forest Press supports geo-tourism in keeping with the National Geographic Society’s guideline of sustaining or enhancing the geographical character of a place—its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture—and the wellbeing of its residents.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Tree Trimming Underway inMcKean, Elk Counties

Clearfield – Work to enhance safety along some northern Pennsylvania roadways got under way this week. Yesterday, crews began to trim trees and selectively remove others in Elk and McKean counties.

While the tree removal will eliminate some trees close to the road, the tree-trimming projects in Elk and McKean counties will remove tree branches. This process of trimming or removing overhanging branches is referred to as “daylighting.” Daylighting is performed to allow more sunlight to reach the road surface, preventing ice accumulation. Visibility is also increased through this practice.

The tree work could bring short travel delays through early December for area drivers. Motorists need to be alert for flaggers along the roadway and the possibility of stopped or slowed traffic near the tree-trimming activity. Roadways that will see trimming or removal activity in the two counties are:

• McKean County Route 219, north of the 219/Route 59 intersection

• Elk County Route 66 in the area of James City
Route 948 west of Johnsonburg
Route 1001 (Glen Hazel Road) north of Saint Marys

After the first of the year, crews will begin similar operations at a number of sites in Clearfield County. PennDOT will issue an update on that work prior to Jan. 1.

Richardson Tree Service of New Wilmington will perform the work in Elk and McKean counties. Drivers are reminded to obey posted speed limits, use caution in work zones and always buckle up.

In 2011, Pennsylvania experienced 1,286 highway fatalities, 58 percent of which involved a vehicle that left the roadway.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Soccer Team Honored For Academic Excellence

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The St. Bonaventure women's soccer team has been recognized for its collective academic excellence by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

The Bonnies earned the NSCAA's Team Academic Award for the 2011-12 academic year by achieving a team grade point average of 3.40. Men's and women's programs across all levels of the NCAA and NAIA that garnered a grade point average of 3.0 or better qualified for the award.

The St. Bonaventure women also achieved the NSCAA team award last year after producing a 3.41 grade point average.

Coach Manoj Khettry's team also excelled on the field this during the 2012 season, advancing to the Atlantic 10 Championship tournament for a fifth straight year.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Essay by Pitt-Bradford Professor Named a Notable Essay of 2012

An essay by Dr. Nancy McCabe, associate professor of writing at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, was chosen as a notable selection for two of Houghton Mifflin’s “Best American” 2012 collections.

Her essay “Threads,” which was first published last fall in Prairie Schooner, was named a Notable Essay of 2012 by Best American Essays and a Notable Work of 2012 by Best American Nonrequired Reading. This is the fifth time she has been recognized by Best American Essays and her first time being recognized by Best American Nonrequired Reading.

The essay is the prologue and a chapter from McCabe’s latest book, “Crossing the Blue Willow Bridge: A Journey to my Daughter’s Birthplace in China,” and is the story of her and her daughter, Sophie’s, visit to a remote village in China to meet the man who had taken care of Sophie when she was a baby.

“Crossing the Blue Willow Bridge,” which was published last year by the University of Missouri Press, is about traveling to China with Sophie to trace Sophie’s connection to her native country. It is a sequel to her book “Meeting Sophie: A Memoir of Adoption,” which relates McCabe’s story of adopting her daughter.

McCabe is currently writing the final chapters of her fourth book, “Medium-Sized House on the Prairie: A Memoir About Imaginative Heroines and Literary Landscapes,” which is forthcoming from the University of Missouri press.

An excerpt from that book appears in the current issue of The Looking Glass: New Perspectives on Children’s Literature as “Rereading Childhood: Journeys into Female Imagination,” which is about the portrayal of female imagination in classic books for girls.

Another new work appears in American Literature, for which she reviewed Ned Stuckey-French’s “The American Essay in the American Century” and Tim Aubry’s “Reading as Therapy.”

McCabe is the director of the writing program at Pitt-Bradford and is also the author of “After the Flashlight man: A Memoir of Awakening.” Her work has appeared in literary journals and mainstream media, and she has won several awards, including a Pushcart Prize for memoir.

In addition to teaching at Pitt-Bradford, McCabe teaches in the brief-residency Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing at Spalding University.

She and Sophie live in Bradford.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

USGS Measuring Landscape Disturbance of Gas Exploration in Greene, Tioga Counties

RESTON, Va. — Landscape change in Pennsylvania's Greene and Tioga counties resulting from construction of well pads, new roads and pipelines for natural gas and coalbed methane exploration is being documented to help determine the potential consequences for ecosystems and wildlife, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report released today.

USGS researchers, using geospatial data and high resolution aerial imagery from 2004-2010, documented spatially explicit patterns of disturbance, or land use, related to natural gas resource development, such as hydraulic fracturing, particularly disturbance patterns related to well pads, roads and pipeline construction.

Spatially explicit data on the level of landscape disturbance -- which is geographic information systems data, mapped to a high degree of spatial accuracy -- is critically important to the long-term study of the potential impacts of natural gas development on human and ecological health.

"The widespread use of hydraulic fracturing to produce natural gas and coalbed methane in these counties has unlocked new sources of energy, but it is also modifying the landscape at an unprecedented rate compared with other forms of energy development," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "The value of this study is that it documents emerging issues with a rapidly expanding practice, so that all involved in decision making can make informed choices."

Through programs such as the National Land Cover Database, and Land Cover Trends, USGS has a long record of studying the consequences of land-use and land-cover changes. The current level of natural gas development in much of the country, and its effects on the landscape, is an important contemporary land-use/land-cover issue.

"Large-scale landscape disturbance can have a significant impact on ecological resources and the services they provide. This study provides a quantitative look at the levels of disturbance, forest loss and other changes to land use and land cover," said Terry Slonecker, lead author of the research.

Data from this report will be used to assess the effects of disturbance and land-cover change on wildlife, water quality, invasive species and socioeconomic impacts, among other investigations.

The study found that in Greene County, 663 natural gas extraction sites resulted in more than 775 hectares of disturbance, including 241 kilometers (149 miles) of new roads and 126 kilometers (78 miles) of new pipelines. Disturbance in Greene County occurs mostly at the eastern side of the county with some activity at the north and south, and minor activity at the west of the county.

In Tioga County, 151 natural gas extraction sites resulted in more than 362 hectares of disturbance, including 46 kilometers (28 miles) of new roads and 78 kilometers (48 miles) of new pipelines. Disturbance in Tioga County is concentrated in the eastern half and through the central part of the county, almost in a linear fashion, in an east-west direction.

The study, "Landscape Consequences of Natural Gas Extraction in Greene and Tioga Counties, Pennsylvania, 2004 to 2010," Open File Report 2012-1220, is the second of a series planned relating to natural gas landscape disturbance and is available at http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20121220.

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Inmate Sentenced for Trying to Hire Hitman to Kill His Sex Abuse Victim

An inmate at the Gowanda Correctional Facility who tried to hire a hitman to murder the victim of the crime that put him behind bars will spend an extra five to 10 years in the lockup.

27-year-old Brendon Berndt was charged with conspiracy to commit murder after he tried to hire an undercover state police investigator posing as a hitman to kill the person he sexually abused.

The five to 10 years was added on to the sentence he’s currently serving for his sex abuse conviction.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Fire Damages Charlotte Home

Combustible material too close to a chimney caused a house fire in the Town of Charlotte this morning.

The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was called in to determine the cause of the fire that started at just before 7 a.m. at the home of Kevin and Beth Oakes. They say the fire started in a confined space where the home’s wood-burning furnace’s chimney was located. The fire has been ruled accidental.

Fire damaged was limited to the roof and a second floor bedroom.

Sheriff’s deputies say the Oakes’ adult daughter Erika was sleeping in another second floor bedroom when the fire started, but she was able to escape without injuries because of working smoke detectors in the house.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Thanksgiving Travel Information

Tomorrow is the busiest travel of the year, so to make sure you're prepared we're passing along some useful information.

For real time flight on flights in the US and Canada, go to FlightView.com

Traveling by road in Pennsylvania:

http://511pa.com/
You can also follow 511pa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/511PAStatewide. You can pick a specific region as well. http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/pdnews.nsf/centerTwitter?OpenPage

Traveling by road in New York:

http://www.511ny.org/
You can follow 511ny on Twitter, too: http://twitter.511ny.org/

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

...Chats with Anne Holliday

Food expert Ruth Reichl chats with Anne Holliday about ... No, not Thanksgiving cooking. Ruth talks about narrating her own audio books and how audio books can be a blessing for holiday travelers.
Ruth Reichl by wesbnews1

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Man Sent Porn to Teenage Girl

A Kill Buck man has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for sending pornographic pictures to a teenage girl and offering to pay her for sex.

40-year-old Frederick Mix was charged with disseminating indecent material to a minor, promoting prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child.

In November and December of last year, and January of this year, Mix electronically sent sexually explicit and pornographic pictures to a 16-year-old girl. On three separate occasions he also offered the same girl cash for sexual intercourse.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947