Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Just wanted to share this e-mail with y'all. "Anne -- I have some important news that I want to make official. I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate. Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago. I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change. Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it: http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe Thanks for your support, Barack P.S. -- Make sure to turn on your TV at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to join us or watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com." You didn't know I was on a first-name basis with Senator Obama, did you? And, for the record, I haven't sent him a penny.

Hundreds of current and retired New York City firefighters are on their motorcycles today, escoring a steel beam from the World Trade Center to Shanksville, Pa. The 2-ton, 14-foot long steel beam is intended to become part of the memorial to the victims of United Airlines Flight 93 who died on Sept. 11. The bikers are members of the New York City Fire Riders. For more information, go to Iron and Steel -- NYC to Shanksville .

Firefighters from three departments battled a blaze at the Midtown Bar in Port Allegany for about 2 hours early Saturday morning. Star Hose Company Chief Terry Royce says they received the call at about 4:20 a.m. and smoke was coming from the back of the building when they arrived. The fire was contained to the bar area on the first floor. Damage is estimated at $50,000. Royce says about 50 firefighters from the Star Hose Company, Smethport Fire Department and Roulette were on the scene. No one was hurt.

when parents and newborns get pack-n-play cribs .

A Kennedy, New York, man was $100 dollars richer – for a little while. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies say 26-year-old Scott Thompsett Jr. stole a $20 scratch off lottery ticket from the counter at the Kennedy Super Market. A few minutes later he walked up to the outside window and gave the winning ticket to the cashier, who gave him $100. The incident was captured on the store's security camera. Thompsett was charged with petit larceny and will appear in Town of Poland Court at a later date.

In case you're just waking up and haven't heard any news yet ... CNN confirms Sen. Barack Obama has chosen Delaware Sen. Joe Biden to be his vice-presidential running mate. We ran a story on the air Thursday saying that Governor Ed Rendell believed Biden would be the best choice. I guess this means Rendell and Obama agree on something.

The death of a Sigel man is now being investigated as a homicide. 50-year-old Timothy Finucan was found dead in his home on Wednesday as the result of a gunshot wound. Police say the results of an autopsy performed Thursday indicate the death is a homicide. Anyone who had contact with the victim prior to his death, noticed any suspicious people or vehicle in the area, or who has any information that would help in the investigation is encouraged to contact Ridgway-based state police.

As part of a manufacturer’s recall, Tops Markets has removed from shelves 54-ounce, 12-pack cartons of "HOT POCKETS PEPPERONI PIZZA" brand stuffed sandwiches. The product may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. They have not said what the 'foreign material' is that has been found. This recall affects 54-ounce, 12-pack cartons of "HOT POCKETS PEPPERONI PIZZA" brand stuffed sandwiches. Printed on the side of each carton is "8157544614D," "EST 7721A," and "BEST BEFORE JAN2010." Each carton bears the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on June 5 and distributed to retail establishments nationwide. No reports of illnesses or injuries associated with this product have been received. Consumers who purchased the above product are urged to return them to the store for a full refund. Consumers with questions about the recall should conta...

Former world champion Bryan Clay stayed on course in the lead from the first to the last event to clinch the Olympic gold medal in the decathlon. He had won the 100 meters and long jump and consolidated his position by winning the discus throw. He finished 23rd in the 1500 metres, but had enough lead to win the gold. Clay is the grandson of Shirley Vandenburg of Falconer, NY.

Scarnati Leads Senate with Principle and Tact PDF

The slopes at Holiday Valley will be full this weekend – but not with skiers. Some of the best bow hunters in the world are competing in the 2008 International Bow hunting World Championships in Ellicottville. This year, 1700 contestants are in town from the United States and as far away as New Zealand, Australia, and Italy. $200,000 in cash and prizes will be handed out to the winner on Saturday. Holiday Valley will be home to the bow hunting championships for the next three years.

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that agents from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Unit have arrested two men, including a high school science teacher from the Pittsburgh area along with a factory worker from Clearfield County, both accused of using the Internet to send sexually explicit photos and videos to what they believed were young girls. The “girls” were actually undercover agents from the Child Predator Unit who were using the online profiles of children. Corbett identified the defendants as Nicholas E. Salvo, 34, 60 Rocklynn Place, Pittsburgh and Robert C. Dunlap, 36, 716 Good St., Houtzdale. Corbett said that Salvo and Dunlap are both accused of Internet chat rooms to sexually solicit what they believed were 13 or 14-year old girls. Both men also allegedly sent nude or sexually graphic photos and webcam videos to the girls. "Internet predators are aggressively using chat room and teen networking sites to search for young victims online, q...

Ridgway/Cyclone Pa. (August 22, 2008) PENNDOT ELK/McKEAN COUNTY Has announced work for the week of August 25, 2008 through August 29, 2008. Maintenance work planned by McKean County employees includes: Ø PIPE FLUSHING – SR 3003, Coontown Road Ø CRAFCOING – SR 6, Kane to Lantz Corners – SR 321, East Kane Area Ø FILL LOW SHOULDERS – SR 321, SR 59 to SR 346 Ø BRIDGE DEPOSITION REMOVAL – SR 46, Crosby Ø SIGN REPAIRS – Various Routes, County wide Ø SIDE DOZING – SR 6, Mt. Jewett to Port Allegany – SR 219, Lantz Corners to Tacks Inn Ø GRATE DIRT ROADS – SR 1001, Doyle Hollow Road – SR 1003, Sartwell Road Ø SEAL COATING – SR 59, Smethport Borough to SR 219 – SR 3009, Beagle Club Road Maintenance work planned by Elk County employees includes: Ø CRACK SEALING – SR 219, Boot Jack Hill Ø DITCH CLEANING – SR 1008, West Creek – SR 1005, Theresia Street Ø PATCHING – SR 219, Ridgway Area Ø BRIDGE REPAIRS – SR 219, Wilcox Ø BASE REPAIRS – SR 4003, Tam...

when even one child learns how to be safer through Safe Kids McKean and when the American Red Cross trains someone to be a baby sitter.

State Police say they made a major pot bust in southern Erie County near Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. Troopers arrested 42-year-old David Thies at his home in Brant on Tuesday. He's charged with criminal possession of marijuana. State Police say a search of a nearby property uncovered 263 marijuana plants growing in a field. Troopers confiscated the plants and are now trying to determine who was growing them.

The man whose suicide threat caused a massive traffic jam for three hours on the Niagara Thruway in May has pleaded guilty. 66-year-old James Gilchriese faces a possible state prison term of up to 7 years when he's sentenced October 3. Gilchriese stopped traffic on the Thruway after pulling off the road to argue with his girlfriend and put a gun to his head. He held a cell phone to his ear in his right hand to talk with hostage negotiators and the gun to his head with his left hand before being disarmed by state police and the Buffalo Police Department SWAT team. Court-ordered mental tests confirmed that Gilchriese is mentally sound and staged the Thruway drama after an overdose of alcohol.

Lest you think I was being crass by wondering what would happen should (heaven forbid) Catherine Baker Knoll not be able to serve out her term as lieutenant governor, believe me, I am not the only person thinking about such things. Here's another blog: PolitickerPA . Wally Edge asks Does CBK’s illness prevent Rendell from joining the administration if Obama were to win?

A Mentor, Ohio, woman has completed her 325-mile swim of the Allegheny River, a month after beginning her journey. 21-year-old Katie Spotz reached Point State Park, where the Allegheny and Monogahela rivers form the Ohio, at just before noon today. She now plans to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, some 2,500 miles from West Africa to South America, in December to raise money and awareness for the Blue Planet Run Foundation, a nonprofit whose goal is to bring clean drinking water to the estimated 1 billion people worldwide who don't have it. To see a picture of Katie in Coudersport, go to Solomon's Words .

HARRISBURG - Republican House members along the Interstate 80 corridor continued their fight against tolls on the 311-mile highway today by urging U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters to deny the application by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to toll the interstate. The letter to Secretary Peters was signed by Reps. Russ Fairchild (R-Union/Snyder), Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana/Armstrong), Karen Boback (R-Columbia/Luzerne/Wyoming), Michele Brooks (R-Crawford/Mercer/Lawrence), Garth Everett (R-Lycoming), Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango/Butler), Fred McIlhattan (R-Clarion/Armstrong), David Millard (R-Columbia), Merle Phillips (R-Northumberland/Snyder), Kathy Rapp (R-Forest/McKean/Warren), Brad Roae (R-Crawford), Richard Stevenson (R-Butler/Mercer), and Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin). The members specifically cited new updates since the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) returned the original application with numerous deficiencies last December and emphasized continui...

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman T.J. Rooney today offered the following statement regarding Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll who publicly acknowledged having cancer: "The entire Pennsylvania Democratic Party considers Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker-Knoll as part of the family. We love and admire her dearly not just as an exemplary Democrat but a remarkably compassionate human being who genuinely cares about working families in Pennsylvania. We have always known her to be a fighter and someone who doesn't give up. "Democrats and Republicans throughout Pennsylvania can look to her as a source of inspiration and hope as she battles valiantly and continues to perform her duties with diligence and enthusiasm. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with her continuously."

Works continues Thursday on the "new" Crosby Mart in Foster Brook.

Gas prices continue to fall in Bradford. Tops typically has the lowest price in town, and that was the case Wednesday night.

State Police are investigating a suspicious death in Elk County. They say 50-year-old Timothy Finucan died as a result of a gunshot wound sometime between Monday and Wednesday. Elk County Coroner Lou Radkowski pronounced him dead Wednesday, after an area resident discovered him in his home in Sigel. An autopsy is being performed today. Police say results will be released after completion of the forensic examination and associated tests. Police are asking anyone who had contact with Finucan within the last few days, or who has any other pertinent information, to contact them at the Ridgway barracks.

More than 560 freshmen arrived at St. Bonaventure University Thursday, marking the second year in a row the university surpassed its enrollment goal. “Our admissions team did a fantastic job recruiting this class and we’re excited that the time has finally come for them to arrive,” said Tom Missel, director of marketing and media relations. “To beat our goal for the second straight year is a credit to those admissions counselors, and to all the tremendous improvements we’ve made the past few years.” SBU’s incoming freshman class is the largest since fall 2004. The goal for fall 2008-2009 was 550 freshmen. Both freshmen and returning students, who come back this weekend, will have access for the first time to the new William F. Walsh Science Center, which will be formally dedicated Wednesday. The new center, a 46,500-square-foot addition to De La Roche Hall, houses state-of-the-art computer science, laboratory and classroom space, biology labs, organic and general chemistry labs, a Nat...

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati spoke with WESB and The HERO this morning concerning Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll’s announcement that she is being treated for cancer: "As somebody who had cancer surgery earlier this year and was blessed with a full recovery I send my heartfelt prayers to her and her family as she goes through her treatment. And, certainly, we pray to see her back presiding over the senate this fall."

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today issued the following statement in response to Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll’s announcement that she is being treated for cancer: “Midge and I are deeply saddened to learn that Catherine is facing this health challenge, but we are not surprised that she is fighting back and continuing to serve the citizens of our commonwealth. “To know Catherine is to understand that she is a person of incredible strength and determination. These qualities will help her through this difficult time. “I join all Pennsylvanians in wishing Catherine and her family all the best as they confront this challenge.”

Police have made an arrest in the 1985 killing of a 13-year-old boy whose body was found in a thicket months after he left home on a bicycle. 43-year-old Joseph Geiger is accused of killing David Reed of Schuylkill Haven. Geiger was arrested today – the 23rd anniversary of David's disappearance. He is scheduled to be arraigned later today on charges of third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, abuse of corpse and tampering with evidence. State police exhumed the body in January after turning up new evidence in the case. The boy's family had welcomed the renewed attention, saying the original investigation was inadequate.

Verizon Wireless announced today that it has expanded the national rollout of its high-speed wireless network to portions of Elk, Cameron and McKean counties including the towns of Bradford, Smethport, Port Allegany, Kane, Johnsonburg, Ridgway and Saint Marys, and along portions of U.S. Route 219 in Elk County and U.S. Route 6 in McKean County. “Our high-speed wireless network gives our customers three key advantages in wireless communication—speed, mobility and security,” said Roger Tang, president–Ohio/Pennsylvania/West Virginia Region, Verizon Wireless. “With these advantages, business customers and mobile professionals can increase productivity and see bottom-line business benefits. In addition, our V CAST services, such as V CAST Music with Rhapsody, help keep customers entertained while on the go—on the same devices they carry with them every day.” BroadbandAccess The network expansion in these counties offers Verizon Wireless’ business customers a truly mobile office experienc...

The NFL players' union says executive director Gene Upshaw has died at age 63 after battling pancreatic cancer, according to CNN. Upshaw, the Hall of Fame guard, as union head helped get NFL players free agency and the benefits that came with it. His outstanding 15-season playing career was entirely with the Oakland Raiders and included two Super Bowl wins and seven Pro Bowl appearances. Upshaw's biography is posted on the front page of the Hall of Fame Web site along with his enshrinement speech from 1987.

Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll is being treated for cancer but plans to resume a full work schedule and preside over the state Senate, "gavel in hand," when the Legislature reconvenes next month. She made the announcement on her website . Should she not be able to perform her duties, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati would be lieutenant governor. ( And then, if Barack Obama is elected president and names Governor Rendell to a cabinet post, Scarnati would be governor. I wonder if he'd still be guest on the LiveLine every couple of months if that happens. I don't think it'll come to that, though. Cathernie Baker Knoll is one tough lady. If anyone can beat cancer, she can. )

Happy Birthday to Frank Williams!

From the US Forest Service: Warren, Pa. – Cleanup work continues at the site of a major oil spill in McKean County. The Allegheny National Forest is coordinating with several other federal, state, and local agencies and Snyder Brothers, Inc. to clean up a major oil spill that impacted an area on the Forest. Over the weekend, vandals opened valves on six crude oil storage tank batteries in Corydon Township and Hamilton Township causing several thousand gallons of crude oil to flow from the storage units. The exact amount is still being assessed; however, the initial report of 10,000 gallons or more has been increased to an approximate total of 45,000 gallons released. The leaking oil was discovered early Sunday morning by an employee of Snyder Brothers, Inc., the company that owns the vandalized tanks. Approximately 17,000 gallons of the crude oil entered the North Fork of Chappel Fork, Chappel Fork, and Indian Run, which flow to Chappel Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir. Approximately ...

Bail has been raised for the two men accused of leaking more than 10,000 gallons of crude oil onto the Allegheny National Forest. During an arraignment last night, District Judge Rich Luther raised Christopher Horton's bail from $50,000 to $550,000. Bail for his father, Andrew Horton, is $500,000. The younger Horton's bail is higher because he is accused of actually opening the valves on the tanks that caused the spill. His father is accused of transporting his son to the scene. The Hortons had to be re-arraigned because of a computer error. District Attorney John Pavlock asked that bail be increased after their criminal records were evaluated.

By Matthew Roberts SALAMANCA, NY – The Center Street Bridge was officially re-opened to alternating one-lane traffic today, easing a major headache that hurt local businesses, residents and emergency services. The ceremony was led by State Senator Catharine Young, who spearheaded a task force focused on reopening the bridge. She secured $200,000 in state Capital funds to match more than $800,000 in federal aid and nearly $30,000 from the City. State and local officials, Seneca Nation President Maurice John, and dozens of community representatives celebrated the repairs that will keep the bridge opened until it can be permanently replaced. Originally the bridge was slated to be reconstructed starting in 2011. Senator Young and DOT officials successfully pushed to move up the schedule so that the project will be let in September 2009, and construction will begin in Spring 2010. The Center Street Bridge was closed in January by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) after they co...

The United Way of the Bradford Area is once again including the general public in the traditional “naming of the pig,” which coincides with the organization’s 10th annual Pig Roast/Clam Bake. “This was something new we incorporated into the event last year,” says Mandi Wilton Davis, Assistant Director, “and we had so much fun receiving the entries. We’re really looking forward to the creativity again this year!” Anyone interested in entering the contest can log onto the United Way’s website, uwbanews.org , and the link to the entry form is on the homepage. Entry forms are also available for pick up at the United Way office at 93 Main Street. All entries are due by 3:00 pm on Friday, August 29th. The United Way Board of Directors, this year’s campaign chairs, will vote on the names, with the winner to be announced on Wednesday, September 3, on WESB's LiveLine. That person will receive one complimentary admission to the Pig Roast, scheduled for September 4 at the West Branch Commu...

Officials at Bradford Regional Medical Center are announcing the start of an additional dentist to provide services Monday through Friday at the McKean County Dental Center in Bradford. Craig Miller Buccialia, DMD, recently joined the staff at the hospital-operated center, located at 600 Chestnut Street in Bradford. Appointments can be made by calling(814) 362-8478. A New Jersey native, Dr. Buccialia obtained his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. He is a member of the American Dental Association and served as a participant in the Donated Dental Services Program for the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped from 2003 to 2005. Prior to his present appointment, Dr. Buccialia provided dental services at a privately-owned practice in Allentown, Pa., for five years. In addition, he provided dental services as an associate dentist in practices located in Marlton, N.J., and Willow Grove, Pa. and as a general dentist i...

With a growing betting problem more evident from emerging casinos, horse racing and easy access through the Internet, Bradford Recovery Systems (BRS) has launched Problem Gambling Treatment Services. The program offers individual services for problem and pathological gambling issues in which a person may be struggling. This program addresses not only the individual but also family issues and guides them in re-establishing a healthy lifestyle. Leading the program at Bradford Recovery Systems is state-certified counselor Ronald Tanner, one of only a few in the region. "By adding this service, we are recognizing an important need already growing within our region, affecting individuals as well as their families," says Jackie Shine-Dixon, director of BRS, the Psychiatry Department and a Center of Excellence at Bradford Regional Medical Center. "We believe this will strengthen the level of support that we can provide to clients seeking recovery, rehabilitation and help nurtur...

An international journal article and also a medical school textbook chapter, both focusing on cardiology, have been authored by Steven Herrmann, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, FASE, medical director of Cardiovascular Services at The Heart Center at Bradford Regional Medical Center. The article, entitled “Comparison of Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography Derived Myocardial Perfusion Reserve With Invasive Determination of Coronary Flow Reserve,” will be published in a fall edition of the European Journal of Echocardiography. Essentially, Dr. Herrmann’s article states coronary blood flow can be accurately determined through a procedure called myocardial contrast echocardiography, which allows heart images to be seen more clearly. “Through this procedure we can clearly see areas of the heart that are not getting normal blood flow,” he says. Furthermore, “This measurement with myocardial contrast echocardiography can be done in a non-invasive manner, compared to Doppler flow wire,” says Dr. Herrmann. ...

George Nianiatus at Bradford Regional Medical Center has been working really hard all week, but I've been blog-slackin' so you wouldn't know about all the interesting stuff he's sent me. But I'm going to get caught up this afternoon! Let's start with this: Shown in the dining area are (seated, from left) Mary Ann Calla, program account executive for SYSCO Food Service of Jamestown, LLC, and Virginia Comilla, assistant director of Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMCs) Food & Nutrition Services; and (standing) Mariann Kahle, director of BRMC’s Food & Nutrition Services, and Terry Palmer, BRMC’s chief information officer and senior manager for Food & Nutrition Services. Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC) Food & Nutrition Services Department was recently profiled in a regional culinary publication that highlights businesses operated by SYSCO Food Service of Jamestown, LLC, hospital officials announce. The article in “Market Spotlight” d...

Although the cleanup in Chappel Fork and Indian Run streams is still underway, it's still safe to boat and fish in the Allegheny Reservoir. US Forest Service spokeswoman Kathy Mohney says although a minimal amount of oil did reach the reservoir causing a slight sheen, the booms are containing the oil. As for long-term affects the spill might have, Linda Devlin Executive Director of the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau tells WESB and The HERO that because a full-scale assessment of the damage from the weekend's intentional oil spill hasn't been completed yet, they really don't know what affect the spill could have. "We're at a stand still," she said Wednesday afternoon. Dead trout, shiners, amphibians, reptiles and small beavers have been found along Chappel Fork and Indian Run.

Jazzabilly performs during Lunch in the Square Wednesday at Veterans Square. Fred Pysher and Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Director Diane Sheeley (left) and Mayor Tom Riel and Police Chief Mike Close (below) were among the people who attended Lunch in the Square. For the second month in a row, I did LiveLine from the Square. My guest today was Fran Stewart from the American Cancer Society

An artists' rendering of the Allegheny Reservoir: An artists' rendering of the Allegheny Reservoir with 5 gallons of oil in it: Can we all please stop concentrating on any oil getting into the reservoir, and concentrate on the six miles of stream that were damaged? Isn't the big story that one of the few streams where trout naturally reproduce was damaged? Aren't tourism and the local economy of major concern here? Five gallons of oil in the reservoir? Isn't that like spitting in the ocean?

when people with disabilities can maximize their ability to become participating members of the community. During the United Way of the Bradford Area annual appeal, I'll be reminding the community every day about a way "We ALL Win" when a United Way agency is funded through your donations.

LUDLOW, Pa. (AP) — State environmental officials tried Tuesday to determine how many thousand gallons of oil spilled into streams that empty into a northwestern Pennsylvania reservoir in what police allege was an intentional act by two former oil company workers. For the full story, go to pennlive.com . It's a good condensation of the events that transpired since Sunday.

... the Marching Owls previewed their 2008 show -- "Thriller." And, the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band previewed their pre-game and halftime shows. This is the 20th year the band has held band camp at Pitt-Bradford. The beginning of the Marching Owls' show: The Pitt Band takes the field: The band's halftime show is "The Music of Bon Jovi." This is "Livin' on a Prayer."

Sometime this week, the Department of Environment Protection is expected to start its complete evaluation of the damage caused by Sunday's oil spill on the Allegheny National Forest. Freda Tarbell, DEP Community Relations Coordinator, tells WESB and The HERO "It will probably be later this week when DEP and other agencies are going to begin a full-scale biological assessment." She says on Monday officials began seeing dead trout, shiners, amphibians and reptiles along the six miles of stream where the oil flowed. Tarbell says "The vast majority of the impact is on the stream -- about 6 miles of stream. … Chappel Fork and Indian Run were impacted by the spill. About 2 miles of Chappel Fork were heavily polluted. The remaining four miles were moderately damaged." "There was a slight sheen on Chappel Fork Bay, which is in the Kinzua Reservoir, but that is very, very minimal," she says. Andrew and Christopher Horton, a father and son from Bradford, have be...

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (AP) -- Authorities freed British glam rocker Gary Glitter from prison in southern Vietnam on Tuesday, sending the convicted child molester into an uncertain future after nearly three years of confinement. His most successful song, the crowd-pleasing anthem "Rock and Roll (Part 2)" cracked the top 10 in the United States, where it continues to bring sports fans to their feet with its rousing one-word chorus: "Hey!" For the full story, go to CNN .

when senior citizens have someplace to go for fun, fellowship and more. During the United Way of the Bradford Area annual appeal, I'll be reminding the community every day about a way "We ALL Win" when a United Way agency is funded through your donations.

wouldn't it be interesting if John McCain picked Tom Ridge and Barack Obama picked Ed Rendell? For other thoughts on this, go to CNN and CNN's Political Ticker Blog . The blog explains why Rendell probably isn't even a dark horse in the veepstakes anymore.

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University was represented again this year on the panel of judges for the annual New York qualifying round of the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition in Vienna, Austria. Among the judges for the New York competition, held in May at The Metropolitan Opera, were Joseph A. LoSchiavo, associate vice president and executive director of The Quick Center, and Ludwig Brunner, the center’s director of programming. Brunner has organized the New York qualifying round since 1990 and has served as a judge since 1998. LoSchiavo has been a judge in the event since 2000. The panel included a roster of international singers including Faye Robinson and Kenneth Riegel, both of whom have been quest performers at The Quick Center. New York was one of 50 cities around the world that hosted qualifying rounds in the international competition. About 3,000 young singers took part in the event, with 159 of them – five from the New York...

As you may have heard on The Morning Buzz: POINT MARION, Pa. (AP) — A 17-year-old is in police custody after an 85-year-old woman held him at gunpoint and forced him to call 911 after police say he broke into her home. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

The University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band rehearses Monday night at the Pitt-Bradford soccer field on Campus Drive in preparation for this afternoon's performance at Parkway Field. The Pitt Band will take the field at 2:30, preceded by the Bradford High Marching Owls.

A father and son from Bradford are being accused of causing an intentional oil spill that has polluted a stream in Allegheny National Forest. Forty-two-year-old Andrew Horton and his son, 22-year-old Christopher are being held in the McKean County Jail on $50,000 bail each. They are charged with causing a catastrophe and other crimes. The Hortons both worked for the Kittanning oil firm, Snyder Brothers Inc. They are accused of opening the valves of six of the company's oil tanks, allowing more than 10,000 gallons of crude oil to spill into the forest. Christopher Horton is also accused of damaging a $500,000 generator and smashing eight meter boxes on the fuel tanks, valued at $2,000 each.

Allegheny National Forest officials are coordinating with several other federal, state, and local agencies to investigate the spill on the forest. Officials say the oil was contained before it reached the Kinzua Reservoir or Chappel Bay. On Sunday, an environmental clean-up company hired by Snyder Brothers of Kittanning installed a containment dam on Chappel Fork to cause the crude oil and water to separate so the oil can be siphoned off to a vacuum truck. About six miles of stream was affected by the spill: four miles of Chappel Fork and nearly two miles of Indian Run. The two-mile stretch of Chappel Fork above the containment dam was heavily polluted while the remaining four miles was moderately damaged. Chappel Fork is a unique waterway because wild trout naturally reproduce there. Officials began seeing dead fish (trout and shiners), reptiles, and amphibians as they inspected the streams today. An in-depth assessment will continue as response efforts proceed.

With another year of record enrollments projected, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will be forced to once again house some of its students for the fall term at the Best Western Bradford Inn. “Accommodating the needs of all students seeking housing is a problem we’re dealing with for a second year in a row,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president. “We’re happy that students are coming to our campus in record numbers, of course, but eventually we will need to develop a permanent solution to the housing shortage on our campus.” Despite the opening of a new 144-bed residence hall this fall, demand for housing continues to outstrip the number of beds available on campus, said Rhett Kennedy, associate dean of student affairs and director of residential life and housing. The new residence hall brings the number of beds on campus to 841. This is the second year Pitt-Bradford has worked with Best Western co-managers Jerry and Deborah Stover to create a home away from campus for stude...

A Franklinville woman was injured when her car swerved into the path of a tractor-trailer on Route 16 in Hinsdale. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's deputies say when 44-year-old Sandra Smith grabbed for an item in her car it swerved into the path of a tractor-trailer driven by 45-year-old Donald Whitney of Roulette. Smith was taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment of various injuries, and was charged with failure to keep right. Whitney wasn't hurt.

The camp burglaries in Potter County are continuing. Police say the latest incidents happened on Bailey Run Road in Wharton Township, where camps owned by Michael and Loretta Gulvas of DuBois and Dwyane Frey of York Springs were broken into and damaged.Another burglary was on East Fork Road, where someone broke into a camp owned by Jeffrey Weinhold of Stevens and stole a VCR and DVD player.

A West Seneca man is in jail for allegedly attempting to bribe a sheriff's deputy who was trying to get his identification. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies say 22-year-old Michael Vanremmen was using profane language last night at Sunset Bay. When a deputy asked for his ID, Vanremmen allegedly handed the deputy several $20 bills and said "can't you just take this instead?" He was charged with Obstructing Governmental administration, Disorderly conduct and Attempted Bribery 3rd. He's in Chautauqua county Jail on $5,000 bail. A man with Vanremmen, 22-year-old John Carrow of Buffalo was also charged with obstructing governmental administration for not giving deputies his identification after Sunset Bay Beach Club employees said he was urinating in front of children. He was released on his own recognizance.

Work continues at the site of the "new" Crosby Mart in Foster Brook Monday afternoon. The expansion is expected to include more gas tanks, more parking and a Tim Horton's.

As two of the leadership officers of Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Employee Service League, Molly Kloss (seated), prenatal care coordinator at Healthy Beginnings Plus, and Stacy Williams, Volunteer Services director, review qualifying application guidelines. Typically, co-workers or supervisors submit the names of employees who should be considered as candidates for assistance. ( Photo Courtesy of BRMC ) By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department Striving for independence is an exceedingly common trait of people because it gives them a sense of strength and self-reliance. But sometimes people need help, whether they can admit it or not to themselves. It’s in these instances when Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Employee Service League shows compassion in a willingness to help co-workers and also the community. “The Service League can really lift your spirits with the help and support it offers,” says Molly Kloss, who’s prenatal care coordinator at BRMC’s Health...

Erin Hannon will be retuning to Lincoln, Nebraska, today. She's being flown by helicopter from Northern Colorado Medical Center to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. Jeremy Foote, Track and Field Media Relations Director at the University of Nebraska, says she's expected to be there for about three months depending on how much progress she makes. Foote says she's been up and walking, but is having to relearn some motor skills. She was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident August 10 in Colorado.

Fredonia pole vaulter Jenn Stuczynski took a silver medal this morning in Beijing, falling once again to world champion Yelena Isinbayeva. Stuczynski has been in a back and forth medal battle with Isinbayeva for years. It is Isinbayeva's second consecutive Olympic pole vault gold medal. Isinbayeva set the mark of 16 feet, 6 3/4 inches on her third and final attempt at that height. Stuczynski's top height was 15-9, while bronze medalist Svetlana Feofanova of Russia, the 2003 world champion, topped out at 15-7.

Two Bradford men have been arrested for dumping oil in the Chapel Fork Creek, which flows into the Kinzua Dam area of the Allegheny Reservoir. 22-year-old Christopher Horton and 42-year-old Andrew Horton are in McKean County Jail on $50,000 bail each after being charged with causing a catastrophe, risking a catastrophe and related offenses. Police say Christopher Horton opened the valves on 20 oil collection tanks, spilling about 10,000 gallons of crude oil into the creek. Andrew Horton dropped Christopher off at the location in McKean County, bordering Warren County. A dam and several oil gathering booms were set up along the creek to gather the oil. Freda Tarbell of DEP says there could be significant impact on the high-quality stream.

Nearly 900 people participated in Olean's Rally in the Valley over the weekend. On Sunday, 863 bikers participated in the dice run. That's up from 682 last year. Chris Parrish, Audra Steven, Larry Penman and Kimberly Wells were the winners of the 120-mile dice run. Kenneth Dabolt won the special dice roll and scoring the lowest was Bob Talbett with 92 points. Libby Stanton won the Harley-Davidson raffle. The winner of the Big Wheel Adult Race was Meme Yanetsko of the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, who beat out Mayor David Carucci and Police Chief Terry Schnell, among others. All proceeds from the event go to local charities.

when a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse gets crisis counseling. During the United Way of the Bradford Area annual appeal, I'll be reminding the community every day about a way "We ALL Win" when a United Way agency is funded through your donations.

when a child learns how to play basketball from the Lady Panthers. During the United Way of the Bradford Area annual appeal, I'll be reminding the community every day about a way "We ALL Win" when a United Way agency is funded through your donations.

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps wins a record eighth Olympic gold medal with his victory in the 4x100 medley relay.