Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A Bradford man is facing charges for writing nearly $2,000 worth of bad checks to Hertz at Bradford Regional Airport. State police say 60-year-old John Mulauski Jr. wrote three bad checks totaling $1,700.20 between August 8 and 23. Bad checks charges will be filed in District Judge David Engman’s office. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Lafayette Township firefighters were called to Bradford Regional Airport at about 4:45 this afternoon for an “aircraft emergency.” The McKean County 911 Center tells WESB an airplane was malfunctioning, but everything is OK. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following steps taken by the Department of Transportation to remove Bradford, Venango and Lancaster from the Essential Air Services Program. “I’m disappointed in that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken steps to remove Bradford, Venango and Lancaster from the Essential Air Services Program (EAS). EAS plays an important role in providing air services to communities across Pennsylvania, which in turn has positive impact on our economy. Reliable and effective air transportation is a necessary building block for economic growth. If DOT makes this decision final, I will actively support these communities should they choose to appeal.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The airline that provides service to Bradford Regional Airport plans to end that service by May 15. Silver Airlines today said it provided the US Department of Transportation with a 90-day notice of its intent to discontinue service between Cleveland and airports in Bradford, Jamestown, DuBois and Franklin, as well as Parkersburg, West Virginia. Dave Pflieger, president and CEO of Silver Airways, said in a news release that “multiple factors have combined to make it economically impossible for us to continue flying” between Cleveland and the five markets. Shortly after Silver’s announcement Senator Bob Casey said he’s committed to ensuring that Northwestern Pennsylvania has access to safe and reliable air transportation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

One Book Bradford has chosen Melanie Benjamin's "The Aviator's Wife" as its "community read" for this season. This work of historical fiction gives reader's look into the lives the Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh, through Benjamin's eyes. Often overshadowed by her husband, Anne was accomplished in her own right -- a successful author and the first licensed female glider pilot in the United States. As always, One Book Bradford has lined up events to complement the book. The first is an "Aviator's Lunch" on October 5 at The Runway Bar & Grill at Bradford Regional Airport. Airport Manager Tom Frungillo will give a presentation on the history of the airport. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Bradford Area Public Library. Bruce Klein will be on hand to give people rides in his biplane (for a fee) at the peak of fall foliage season. The One Book Bradford season will culminate with a visit ...

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will celebrate the campus’s history as Bradford’s original airport as part of celebrations for its 50th anniversary. Today’s Pitt-Bradford is located on a tract of land that served as Harri Emery Airport from the 1920s until the Bradford Regional Airport was constructed in the early 1950s. Pitt-Bradford retiree and local historian Linda Delaney has researched and curated an exhibit with the help of Bruce and Beverly Perry and Bernie Picklo. The exhibit will open Tuesday as part of Founders’ Day events planned at Pitt-Bradford for its 50th anniversary and remain on display in the KOA Gallery in Blaisdell Hall through Oct. 6. The gallery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Special hours are planned for Alumni and Family Weekend Oct. 4 through 6, when the exhibition will be op...

Bradford Regional Airport is getting a $197,500 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to help pay for terminal and runway safety enhancements. “These investments will help Bradford Regional Airport continue offering safe and reliable transportation services to the residents of McKean County and the broader region,” said Congressman Glenn “GT “ Thompson. “These projects benefit the local economy and businesses alike, and will provide all traveling custumers with greater safety.” “These funds will make considerable improvements to the terminal apron, replacing damaged and crumbling concrete, which has been in place since the 1950s,” said airport manager Thomas Frungillo. “The funds will also help improve airfield safety and complete the third and final phase to remove trees and brush from Runway 14/32’s primary surface areas.” “On behalf of the Bradford Regional Airport Authority, we certainly appreciate the Congressman's assistance and support in the release of these f...

Bradford Regional is one of 19 airports across the state that will be sharing more than $2 million in grant money. The airport will get $37,500 to buy airfield maintenance equipment. “Smaller, regional airports are extremely important to jobs, economic development and quality of life, particularly in rural areas,” said Senator Joe Scarnati. “I’m pleased that these grants will provide needed assistance to ensure that our airports continue to operate safely and help contribute to the communities they serve.” Air transportation across the Commonwealth helps to support tourism, agriculture, emergency medical services and public safety. Pennsylvania’s public-use airports support over 300,000 jobs, generate $9.2 billion in annual payroll and produce $23.6 billion in annual economic activity. “Providing individuals with access to safe and reliable transportation across our state is a core responsibility of state government,” Scarnati stated. “Our airports and the aviation industry hel...

Washington DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has written a letter to Silver Airlines CEO, Darrell Richardson, urging the company to work to reduce cancellations at Bradford Regional Airport after a series of cancellations. In his letter, Casey made the case that the certainty of air service is critical to attracting business travelers to the area and for preserving the airports’ Essential Air Service contract. “The Essential Air Service program plays a vital economic role for airports throughout the Commonwealth. Keeping the Bradford Regional Airport’s Essential Air Service contract in place goes hand in hand with economic growth,” Senator Casey said. “Recent cancellations have created too much uncertainty for businesses and travelers. I’m hopeful that Silver Airlines will take immediate steps to fix this issue.” The full text of Senator Casey’s letter to Silver Airlines can be seen below: Mr. Darrell Richardson Chief Executive Officer Silver Airlin...

Bradford Regional Airport will be getting more than $1 million in state grant money. The $1.1 million will go toward building and expanding multi-tenant facilities. “Providing individuals with access to safe and reliable transportation across our Commonwealth is a core responsibility of State government,” said Senator Joe Scarnati. “I’m pleased that we are investing in Pennsylvania’s smaller regional airports, which are crucial to transportation, jobs, economic development and quality of life, particularly in rural areas.” “Investing in our airports is a significant part of creating a strong transportation infrastructure across Pennsylvania, and will provide our communities with an important resource to draw in new businesses and local jobs,” Scarnati said. Governor Tom Corbett made the announcement today. The grants are distributed through the Capital Budget/Transportation Assistance Program, which is funded through state capital bond dollars in the General Fund budget. The n...

Senator Bob Casey thinks flights from Bradford to Pittsburgh would benefit the local economy more than flights to Cleveland do, and he has written to Silver Airlines’ CEO to tell him that. In his letter to Darrell Richardson Casey says adding a direct flight from Bradford to Pittsburgh would help the region take better advantage of the economic activity generated by natural gas, and give McKean County residents a more convenient option to travel to southwestern Pennsylvania. He added that Bradford Regional Airport has seen a decline in passengers over the last several years because of the elimination of direct service to Washington, DC. Casey also said he believes a flight from Bradford to Pittsburgh would spur continued economic growth and job creation in the region.

Bradford Regional is one of 19 airports across the state that will share $3.7 million in grant money. The Bradford airport will receive $365,000 to continue improving its fueling facility, acquire land for airport development and improve runway approach areas. Also, the DuBois Regional Airport in Jefferson County will receive $75,000 to rehabilitate an aircraft maintenance hanger. “Pennsylvania recognizes that smaller, regional airports are becoming more and more important to jobs, economic development and quality of life, particularly in rural areas,” said Senator Joe Scarnati. “By improving these airports, we give local leaders another marketing tool to draw in new businesses and jobs to our area, which is currently seeing a great deal of growth due to Marcellus Shale development.” The grants are provided by PennDOT’s aviation development program. Funding for the aviation program comes from the state’s jet fuel tax and leverages more than $1.2 million in local matching funds. Public...

On my return to Smethport from a year-long teaching assignment at a university in China, I was told of a biplane ride that operated out of Bradford Regional Airport. Would I be interested? Picturing a rickety crate that would wobble down the runway before risking a tepid leap into the air, it was easy to dismiss the idea. After all, I could quench my thirst for adventure in a variety of other ways — without having to entrust my soul to a patchwork machine ushered back to life with long forgotten parts exhumed from a scrap yard. Read the rest of Matt Muller's story -- and see video -- here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch attended a forum in Bradford this morning concerning transportation issues in the state. Other issues were discussed as well with Senators Joe Scarnati and John Rafferty, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and State Representative Marty Causer. ARG Resources President Harvey Golubock said, although it’s federally funded, he wanted to hear their thoughts about the Essential Air Service Program. “We struggle here at the airport trying to maintain the Essential Air Service,” Golubock said. “I’d like to know what your thoughts are on the support and how we can ensure continued EAS for our Bradford airport because it’s critical to the growth of our infrastructure here.” Scarnati said nothing irks him more than having to play a “game” with the federal government on whether they are going to continue funding the EAS program. “I think that whether it’s airports, whether it’s hospitals, whether it’s schools – if the federal government’s intent is to ...

PA Taps into Hydrofracking, While NY Waits http://www.wkbw.com/home/PA-Taps-into-Hydrofracking-While-NY-Waits-139510723.html The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – An economic impact study commissioned by PennDOT reveals that Pennsylvania’s aviation industry is creating jobs and significant revenue that reinforces the impact of airports on local economies. “This study proves that investments we’re making in aviation in Pennsylvania are paying dividends for Pennsylvanians,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “Airport access stimulates businesses, supports five percent of the state’s workforce and provides transportation options.” The study found that Pennsylvania’s public-use airports support approximately 304,462 jobs, generate $9.2 million in annual payroll and produce $23.6 billion in annual economic activity. Approximately 1,000 Pennsylvania businesses were surveyed to measure the importance of certain factors when planning relocation or expansion. A sizable majority -- 78 percent -- said having a commercial service airport nearby is an important factor in choosing a business location, while 54 percent said having a general a...

Bradford Regional Airport is getting $225,000 in state grant money to expand its security screening area. In announcing $4 million in aviation grants today Governor Tom Corbett said, “Aviation provides nearly 5 percent of Pennsylvania’s jobs. Investing in these improvements and safety measures helps those thousands of people do their jobs better, and will improve airport operations.” The grants are provided by PennDOT’s aviation development program, which gets money from the state’s jet fuel tax and leverages more than $1.3 million in local matching funds.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director American Refining Group should not be treated by the Environmental Protection Agency like giant refineries. That’s the opinion of US Senator Pat Toomey who visited the Bradford Refinery Wednesday morning. Toomey said he visited the refinery because it’s “an important employer in McKean County. It’s got a wonderful, long, rich history. It has a very high average wage, certainly for this area and so the workers here are important constituents.” “I’m on a continuous effort all across the Commonwealth to learn about what we could be doing in Washington differently to encourage and to enable a company like this to grow and expand and hire more workers,” Toomey said. He said he often hears about things Washington is doing that’s the exact opposite. For example, he said, big regulators including the EPA treat all refiners as though they are the same, and impose the same regulations on refineries like ARG that they impose on “gigantic r...

Following is a letter Bradford Regional Airport Director Tom Frungillo sent to business and community leaders in the region: As many of you have read of the ongoing debates concerning the FAA reauthorization bill and the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. Senator Casey’s staff has reached out to us regarding the Essential Air Service (EAS) language in the compromised FAA extension and it very encouraging. The Senator is still very much in support of the continuation of this important program for our region and the other airports at risk in the Commonwealth. Senator Casey has been stalwart in working hard for Pennsylvania. Please encourage your business contacts and friends to FLY BRADFORD! and support Senator Casey and Representative GT Thompson throughout this funding debate of our commercial air service program. Also it’s important that you let Senator Toomey know we disapprove of his position on Essential Air Service (EAS). EAS is n...

From CNN: Congressional leaders have reached "a bipartisan compromise between the House and the Senate" to fully fund the Federal Aviation Administration, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says. The deal will "put 74,000 transportation and construction workers back to work," Reid says. "This agreement does not resolve the important differences that still remain," Reid said in a written statement. "But I believe we should keep Americans working while Congress settles its differences." http://cnn.com U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement: “This agreement is good news for Pennsylvania jobs as well as travelers across the Nation. It is frustrating that things got to this point in the first place but I am gratified that a bipartisan agreement was reached. Moving forward, I will continue to fight for communities that rely on regional airports and work to ensure that they are not needlessly targeted. “I hope that this agreem...