Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

There's been another fatal accident involving a pedestrian in Warren County. Police say 49-year-old Pamela Simpson of Sugar Grove was walking on Catlin Hill Road 4/10 of a mile south of the New York State line at about 7:30 Friday night when she was hit by a pickup truck driven by 20-year-old Justin Roberts of Ashville, New York. Simpson was thrown into a ditch and died instantly. No charges have been filed, but the accident remains under investigation. On Thursday, 43-year-old Shirley Cearfoss was walking in the southbound lane of South State Street when she was hit by a Brinks Tour & Charter bus. Police say because this is the second pedestrian fatality in two days, they are recommending that people walking along the road at night wear light-colored or reflective clothing and that they consider carrying a flashlight. They also advise people to move off the travel lanes as vehicles approach.

The November Issue of the Penn State Cooperative Extension Ag Safety Newsletter offered an article on hunter safety. The hunting season is upon us and local Extension Educator, Jim Clark, says these ten ideas every hunter should be aware of and follow. Responsible hunters respect wildlife, landowners, and other hunters, as well as themselves. They support conservation efforts, encourage excellent marksmanship, obey all game laws, and always get permission to hunt on private property. Laws vary by state, city and county; so it’s important to check with local officials. Keep these 10 tips for hunting safety in mind during the season: Wear orange for safety You need to be seen…..so you need to wear a color that stands out. That’s why hunters wear fluorescent or­ange clothing. Wear a vest and/or jacket that is bright orange. Orange gloves and an orange hat will make you stand out even more. Know how to use treestands Use treestands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (T...

An Oswayo man has been charged for saying he was a victim of a crime so he wouldn't be a suspect. Police charged 22-year-old Damien Perry on Friday with theft, receiving stolen property and making false reports to law enforcement for an alleged incident that happened August 29 at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport. At that time, Perry and Dorothy Rhinehart of Port Allegany both reported that money was stolen from them while they were at work at Sweden Valley Manor. Police say their investigation revealed that Perry was not a victim.

Three more people have been arrested on drug charges in Bradford. Amanda Szelangowski and, Arnold Pond were each charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver and related offenses. Jeffrey Mackey was charged with possession of a controlled substance. The Bradford City Street Crimes Unit seized Oxycontin, Valium, a vehicle and an unspecified amount of cash during the arrests.

A Salamanca man who was convicted of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl is now considered to be a sexually violent predator and has been sentenced to ten to 20 years in a Pennsylvania state prison. David Nordlund had been found guilty of two felony counts of aggravated indecent assault and one count of indecent assault. The incidents happened in the City of Warren in November of last year.

One brother had to be taken to a hospital and the other was taken to jail after they got into bar fight Thursday night. Police say 55-year-old Norton Cole and 44-year-old Timothy Cole got into a fight at Mosch's Tavern in Coudersport. Timothy Cole suffered injuries to his face, including a severe contusion, scrapes, cuts and swelling. Norton Cole was charged with simple assault and was sent to jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

An Olean man has been indicted on charges of rape and unlawful imprisonment. 21-year-old George Portlow Jr. allegedly made sexual advances toward a woman he had known for years. The victim says when she resisted, Portlow put her in a choke hold, grabbed her hair and raped her. The alleged incident happened between June 17 and 18, in Olean.

11/14/08 - Woman Hit By Bus, Dies A Spring Creek woman died after a bus hit her Thursday night near Warren. State Police say 43-year-old Shirley Cearfoss was walking in the southbound lane of South State Street at its intersection with Ditmar Street when she was hit by a Brinks Tour & Charter bus. Cearfoss was taken to Warren General Hospital, where she later died. 11/14/08 - Antrim Pleads Guilty A man pleaded guilty Thursday in McKean County court to improper sale of fishing licenses at his Lantz Corners store. 66 year-old Wilber Antrim pleaded to failure to make required disposition of funds, issuing a license without proper fees and issuing a license without adhering to regulations. The State Fish and Boat Commission was unable to obtain over $3,800 in fees that Antrim’s Allegheny Crossroads business had collected from the sale of fishing licenses in April and May of this year. He’ll be sentenced on Decmeber 11. 11/13/08 - Smock and Coon Plead No Contest The Bradford man and wom...

HARRISBURG – Last year’s black bear harvest was light, but weather permitting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission expects hunters to have good opportunities afield in the upcoming bear seasons. “Pennsylvania’s black bear population has numbered 14,000 to 15,000 for at least eight years now,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Because our bear population now covers almost three-quarters of the state – and includes a number of world-class trophy bears – Pennsylvania has become one of the top states for bear hunters. Every bear hunter heads afield in Pennsylvania knowing he or she has a chance to see a bear and to possibly take a huge one that weighs 700 to 800 pounds.” Weather impacted the opening day of last year’s traditional three-day November bear season, but hunters still took 2,360 bears by the time the state’s slate of bear seasons closed. The opening day is almost always the best day of any season, because hunter participation is generally the highest. The 2007 ...

Despite a 16-0 run to start the game, the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team had to fight off a gusty second half performance by Robert Morris for a 72-62 season-opening win Friday evening on Bob Lanier Court at the Reilly Center. Juniors Jonathan Hall and Chris Matthews were the offensive stars of the game, combining for 37 points and 11 rebounds. Hall led the way with a team-high 19 points on 6-of-14 from the field and also chipped in with six rebounds. Matthews buried a career-high five three-pointers to finish with 18 points, while his five rebounds were also a career-best. The game looked everything like the first contest of the season for both clubs as they combined for 56 free throw attempts, 48 fouls and 34 turnovers. “I thought the first half, the whole first half, we played great defense, switching and getting some energy and picking them up full court.,” said head coach Mark Schmidt, who coached Robert Morris for six seasons prior to ...

Georgia-Pacific's Bradford plant has eliminated its third shift, leaving 28 people temporarily out of work. The layoff is expected to be temporary, and is a result of the country's economic situation. Company officials say if manufacturers don't need boxes for their products, Georgia-Pacific doesn't need to make the boxes. The first and second shifts were not affected by the layoff.

An off-duty Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Deputy and his son rescued two fishermen whose boat capsized in the Kinzua reservoir at the state line Friday evening. Brian Mohr and his son were returning to their camp on the banks of the reservoir when they heard the men calling for help several hundred feet from shore. Mohr and his son went into the water and pulled one of the men to shore. The Salamanca City Fire Department Water Rescue Team got the second man out of the water. 46-year-old Francis Parry of Spencer, New York, and 52-year-old Arthur Jacobson of Salamanca were taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center, where they were treated and released. The Cold Spring, Seneca Nation, Salamanca and Bradford fire departments all responded to the scene.

An appeals court in Rochester has turned down a bid by Ralph "Bucky" Phillips to withdraw his guilty pleas and go to trial. The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court upheld Phillips' pleas in a decision issued this afternoon. The panel of judges says the 46-year-old Phillips voluntarily admitted his intention to kill a trooper who was staking out his former girlfriend's in Chautauqua County. Phillips was convicted of shooting three troopers, one of them fatally, while on the run for five months in 2006. He was captured in a Warren County field, ending one of the largest manhunts in state history.

PennDOT expects to open both Route 6 bridges in Port Allegany on Tuesday. One bridge spans the Allegheny River. The other spans the railroad tracks. Once the bridges are open, PennDOT will lift the detour around the project. Work to replace the bridges that were about 65 years old began in late February. Miscellaneous finish work will take place on the project in the spring of 2009.

Ann Dunwoody, a former resident of Randolph, NY, is the country's first woman four-star general. For the full story, and pictures, go to The Associated Press .

Joseph Scarnati III might be the lieutenant governor, but those who know him best say that they doubt his new title or duties will change him. "I'll be very surprised if you see much change in Joe's day-to-day behavior," House Minority Leader Sam Smith said. Smith and Scarnati are natives of Jefferson County. Smith has roomed with Scarnati in Harrisburg and characterized him as the "Felix" in their "odd couple" relationship. For the full story, go to the Harrisburg Patriot-News .

Fifth-graders at School Street Elementary are spearheading a community project to send cookies to the men and women serving in the military. They are looking for names and addresses of local men and women serving in the military either in the U.S. or abroad, especially in Iraq or Afghanistan. The fifth-graders are also writing letters to the soldiers in hopes of brightening their spirits during the holiday season. Students in grades three through 5 are making cards to put in boxes that will contain candy and gum. If you have names you'd like to pass along, send them to "Cookies for the Military Project" 76 School Street, Bradford, PA, 16701, ATTN: Mrs. Arrowsmith; or e-mail them to parrowsmith@bradfordareaschools.org

A Jefferson County company will be mining and reclaiming 293 acres of abandoned mine lands in Lumber and Shippen townships in Cameron County. The state Department of Environmental Protection has given Allegheny Enterprises permission to conduct surface mining activities on 52 acres and restoration work on surrounding land. Mining will include exposing and removing 16 acres of coal from abandoned underground mine workings within the permit area. The company will also build a mine drainage treatment system at an historic mine discharge in the Portable Run watershed that has been degraded by acid mine drainage. The project will help improve water quality in the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed. Once mining is finished, aspen, red oak, white oak and white pine trees will be planted.

Police say a central Pennsylvania man tried to rob a bank — but tellers' empty cash drawers thwarted his attempt. Springettsbury Township Police Lt. Scott Laird said the tellers were waiting for their cash drawers to be filled when a man entered a Susquehanna Bank branch Thursday morning and demanded money. The first teller fainted and the next two showed him their empty cash drawers. Laird says the robber then threatened to file a complaint with bank management before leaving. A customer at the drive-through called 911. A 48-year-old man was arrested about 10 blocks away and was held in the York County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. He was charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery.

CHICAGO (AP) — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is among the candidates that President-elect Barack Obama is considering for secretary of state, according to two Democratic officials in close contact with the Obama transition team. For the full story, go to The Associated Press .

Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that agents from the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit have arrested two Clearfield County men who are both accused of using the Internet to sexually proposition what they believed were 13-year old girls, as well as sending sexually explicit webcam videos. The "girls" were actually undercover agents from the Child Predator Unit who were using the online profiles of children. Corbett identified the defendants as Michael Shawn Whelpley, 38, 181 Mockingbird Lane, Brockway, and Randall Scott Luzier, 30, 314 Little Clearfield Creek Road, Olanta. "Both of these men are accused of using Internet chat rooms to sexually proposition what they believed were young girls," Corbett said. "It is important for parents to understand how quickly online conversations between their children and strangers can progress to sexual conversations, the transmission of graphic photos or webcam videos and, in some cases, attempts to ar...

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The death of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll has catapulted a former northwestern Pennsylvania restaurant owner who is fond of his small town roots into the state's second-highest elected post. Sen. Joe Scarnati will pull double duty as Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor and the Senate's president pro tempore, his present job — forcing him to balance not only the demands of two branches of government, but the often-conflicting interests of Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and the Republican Senate majority that he leads. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

WARREN- Due to the unfortunate passing of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati will be the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The swearing-in and transition of Senator Scarnati will be determined in the near future. Under the state constitution Scarnati is required to hold both Lieutenant Governor and State Senate positions at the same time. “While I am proud to serve as the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, my emotions are significantly tempered due to the passing of Catherine Baker Knoll,” Scarnati said. “She was a champion for working families and a true leader for Pennsylvania. Her presence and commitment will be sorely missed.” Scarnati also mentioned that he sees very little conflict in being from a different political party than the Governor. In fact numerous other states currently have Governor and Lt. Governors of differing parties. “I realize that my role in the executive branch may...

The American Red Cross is looking for members of the community willing to share their Thanksgiving dinner with a Meals on Wheels recipient who does not have family in the Bradford area. This entails picking up containers at the chapter house on Congress Street before November 26; sharing a portion of the dinner; and delivering it to a Meals on Wheels client. Anyone interested in sharing their dinner may contact the Red Cross at 368-6197.

Thanks to Linda Devlin of Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau for passing along this video produced by the Eldred World War II Museum:

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett released the following statement on the death of Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: "Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll embodied the spirit of the people of Pennsylvania. Throughout her public career she demonstrated determination and resiliency which was a tribute to her southwestern Pennsylvania roots. "Lt. Governor Knoll was a role model of what a public servant should be, overcoming personal and political setbacks she persevered to become our state's first female Lt. Governor. "I had the honor of serving with Lt. Governor Knoll for the past four years on the Board of Pardons, where she showed firmness, fairness and compassion to those who came before the board. "We have lost an inspirational and great leader. We are all better off for having the honor of knowing her and being in her presence. "On behalf of all the employees of the Office of Attorney General, our prayers and sympathy are with her family at...

As we told you last month, a crew from the television show "America's Most Wanted" was in Jefferson County to film a segment on Joey Lynn Offutt, who has been missing since July of 2007. That show will air Saturday night. Offutt hasn't been seen since a fire destroyed her Sykesville home. During the investigation of the fire, the remains of Offutt's 6-week-old son were found in the house. Her car was found several days later in State College. For more information on Joey Lynn Offutt, you can go to findjoey.org

Last week, we told you about the bald eagle that was released back into the wild. Now we have the video: For the original story, go HERE .

Senator Arlen Specter today made the following statement on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: “Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll’s passing is a great loss to Pennsylvania and the nation. She had an exemplary record in public and community service, including serving as State Treasurer. She was a pioneer, being the first woman to hold many key positions. I knew her very well and considered her a friend and extend condolences to her family.”

If you would like to send thoughts and condolences to the family of Catherine Baker Knoll, you can go to the Lieutenant Governor's Web Site .

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati issued the following statement regarding the death of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: “My thoughts and prayers are with Catherine’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Scarnati stated. “She was a tremendous leader for the Commonwealth and embodied the type of character expected of true, effective public servants. Her passion and commitment to bettering the lives of Pennsylvanians will be sorely missed, as it was certainly a staple of her public service.”

Upon the passing of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement: “Terese and I as well as the entire Casey family want to express our condolences to the family of Lieutenant Governor Knoll. Pennsylvania has lost a dedicated public servant who served our Commonwealth with distinction as State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor. ”Catherine's life was one of service and sacrifice, courage and commitment to the common good. ”She was a proud native of Allegheny County, who was elected four times to statewide office, often by record margins. ”She will be remembered for generations because of her work in creating the Tuition Account Program which has made it possible for tens of thousands of young people to attend college. ”On a personal note, she was my friend, and I, like many Pennsylvanians will miss her indomitable spirit and her compassion for those without a voice.”

State Senate Democratic Leader Robert J. Mellow tonight issued the following statement on the passing of Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll. “I am deeply and profoundly saddened by the death of Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to the entire Knoll family at this very difficult time. “Pennsylvania lost one of its finest citizens today. Gov. Knoll was a woman of immense strength and character who dedicated her entire life to helping people and serving the public. Her work will leave a lasting imprint on our Commonwealth. “From roots that ran deep into her beloved western Pennsylvania, Gov. Knoll launched a career in public service that sought to help those in need. She gained a well-earned reputation for being a champion of children and seniors. She was a pathfinder and pioneer for women seeking elective office and a role model for those who aspire to a career in public service. “Gov. Knoll was conscientious and diligent about attending S...

Governor Edward G. Rendell tonight announced the passing of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll. “On behalf of all Pennsylvania, Midge and I extend heart-felt sympathy to Catherine’s family,” Governor Rendell said. “Today we mourn the passing of one of the strongest, most dedicated public servants in Pennsylvania’s history. Our thoughts and prayers are with Catherine’s family. She will be deeply missed. “Even as she fought cancer in recent months, she remained upbeat and dedicated to serving the commonwealth,” he said. “Catherine was a very passionate and exuberant advocate for many worthy causes. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the many people whose lives she touched.” Knoll died Wednesday at approximately 6 p.m. at National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she was recovering from treatment for neuroendocrine cancer. She was surrounded by her family. Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, Knoll will be replaced as Lieutenant Governor by the Senate Presid...

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Catherine Baker Knoll, who at age 72 became the first woman to be elected as Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor, died Wednesday. She was 78. Knoll died at National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she was recovering from treatment for cancer, Gov. Ed Rendell said in a statement. Under the state Constitution, Knoll will be replaced by the Senate President Pro Tempore, Joseph B. Scarnati III, R-Jefferson, who plans to retain his Senate seat. For the complete story, go to pennlive.com .

Cattaraugus County Sheriff Dennis John has announced Buddy has died. Although Buddy retired from the K-9 unit in 2005, he continued to contribute to the community through special events and remained part of the sheriff's office on many levels. Buddy suffered a debilitating stroke last Thursday and had to be euthanized. In 2000, Buddy assisted the Pennsylvania State Police in finding a missing person. Within minutes of arriving at the Willow Bay Boat Launch, he was able to lead the officers to the deceased victim. He is also credited with finding more than 100 pounds of marijuana in his career. Deputy Robert Rinfrette was Buddy's handler.

Two people were sent to McKean County Jail after allegedly selling crack cocaine in the Country Fair parking lot. At about 10 p.m. Monday, the Bradford City Street Crimes Unit and McKean County Drug Task Force conducted a controlled purchase from Amanda Myers of Bradford. She was charged with possession of crack, possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy to possess crack with intent to deliver, along with three misdemeanors. As a result of the investigation, police also arrested Samuel McKenney of Buffalo for conspiracy to possess crack with intent to deliver. Myers' bail was sent at $20,000. McKenney's was set at $25,000.

Several people are sharing the $100,000 in reward money offered by the New York state troopers' union during the 2006 search for fugitive Ralph "Bucky" Phillips. A lawyer for the Police Benevolent Association said today that the money was quietly paid out earlier this year with an agreement that the recipients' identities would be kept private. Attorney Thomas Burton said some of those who helped authorities catch Phillips are afraid of retribution from his acquaintances. Phillips is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for shooting three state troopers, one of them fatally, after escaping from a jail near Buffalo in April of 2006. He was captured in a Warren County field in September of 2006. The PBA originally offered a reward of more than $300,000 for Phillips' capture. The four Pennsylvania residents sharing the money negotiated the amount that was paid out. A lawsuit filed on behalf of Jack and Gloria Young of Warren has been withdrawn. T...

The annual Living Windows event is scheduled for Friday, December 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Bradford’s Historical District. The theme for this year is 1859 and Living Windows is one of many events planned throughout the year to help celebrate 150 years of oil production in Bradford and the surrounding areas. The live window displays will depict what life was like in Bradford in the year 1859. Participants and store front windows are still needed for the event. The deadline to sign up for windows is Wednesday, November 19th. The Living Windows are part of an evening of holiday fun on Main Street. Other activities planned throughout the evening include horse drawn carriage rides, caroling, refreshments and shopping. Santa Claus will also make an appearance! Groups or individuals interested in being involved can contact the Main Street Manager’s office at 598-3865 for more information.

New York Governor David Paterson wants to cut the growth in school aid in the current fiscal year by more than half and increase tuition for state colleges. His plan to eliminate billions of dollars in deficits calls for a 5 percent increase in aid to public schools, instead of a projected 9 percent. He also proposes a 15 percent hike in tuition at the State University of New York. Paterson said in the address today an increase in the state's gas tax could be in the mix, although he has said he would try to avoid any tax increases. A special legislative to address the state's fiscal crisis is scheduled for Nov. 18.

The body of a missing 51-year-old Fredonia man was discovered by his brother. in a wooded area near his home late Tuesday afternoon. Jim McCoy found the body of Francis McCoy face-up in a ditch, and he says it looked as if he had a massive heart attack and fell down an embankment. Francis McCoy did have a heart condition. He had been missing since October 31.

Interstate 80 near State College was closed for several hours Tuesday while emergency crews rounded up some cattle. A bull, a cow and a calf got loose when their trailer blew a tire and overturned. The cattle gathered in the median and traffic backed up near the Philipsburg interchange. Centre and Clearfield County animal rescue teams went to the scene and went to work rounding up the longhorns. The cattle were a little bruised but otherwise not hurt. They were herded onto a trailer, and I-80 was fully cleared in about four hours.

A 16-year-old boy is under arrest after allegedly huffing gasoline fumes with two teenage girls. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies say a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl were taken to an area emergency room after inhaling gasoline. They say the girls and the boy met at Portland Town Park with the intention of huffing fumes from a small pop bottle containing gasoline. The boy allegedly provided the gasoline. The girls were treated at the hospital, then released. The boy has been issued an appearance ticket for Portland Town Court.

Though she was the only suspect and was in the house at the time, Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the 1892 ax murders of her father and stepmother in their Fall River, Mass., home because of a lack of evidence. This year, students in the forensics and criminal justice departments at Point Park University will reopen the cold case. For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .

AKtion Club President Mike Walter listens as Mayor Tom Riel reads a resolution proclaiming November 19 AKtion Club Day in the City of Bradford. The AKtion Club, a division of the Kiwanis Club, is the first service club established in the area in more than 30 years. American Refining Group provided grant money to the Kiwanis Club to start the group. Dallas-Morris Drilling and Evergreen Elm are co-sponsors. The Aktion Club has already worked on a project at Hanley Park and is working on several other community projects. By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Plans for the newest portion of the Tuna Valley Trails – the Community Parks Trail – would include the restoration of the Pine Street footbridge and connections to Callahan and Hanley parks. Members of the trail association detailed the plans to Bradford City Council members Tuesday night. The newest part of the trail will make a loop from the Richard E. McDowell Community Trial to Callahan Park to School Street and eventually Barb...

Veteran performer Duane Pletcher and newcomer Max Shanks will portray the grownup and nine-year-old Ralph Parker, respectively, when Bradford Little Theatre mounts "A Christmas Story" Dec. 19-21 at the Bromeley Family Theatre. On Monday, director Nanci K. Garris announced members of the cast and crew for Philip Grecian's stage version of the iconic holiday movie now marking its 25th anniversary. The script is based on the motion picture "A Christmas Story," copyright 1983 by Turner Entertainment Co., distributed by Warner Brothers and written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark based on the book "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by Shepherd. As narrator, Pletcher, last seen in The Diary of Anne Frank, tells the story of his favorite childhood Christmas, the Christmas he wanted "an official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle." "I'm excited to be working with both veterans and ingénues on stage and bac...

Tops Friendly Markets is bringing fresh-brewed Tim Hortons coffee and baked goods to Bradford for the first time, thanks to a self-service kiosk now available at the Tops Bradford location at 150 Main St. Tops Friendly Markets and Tim Hortons announced an agreement in October to add either a Tim Hortons full-service restaurant or a self-serve kiosk to all 82 Tops full-service supermarkets and Tops Express locations. The Tim Hortons self-serve location at the Bradford Tops store features freshly ground, one cup at a time coffee, cappuccino and espresso based drinks and a variety of Tim Hortons baked goods. “We are excited to see the details of our exclusive agreement with Tim Hortons come to fruition,” said Frank Curci, Tops’ president and CEO. “Having Tim Hortons products in our stores will undoubtedly enhance our customers’ total shopping experience.” The agreement calls for up to 20 full-service restaurants and 62 self-serve locations. It is expected that several of the self-serve ki...

“Remember your loved one this holiday season with a ‘Love Light’ that will light the McKean County American Cancer Society Trees of Hope at It’s Judi’s Place and Photo and Sound, both in Kane, this holiday season,” Shirley Milliron announced this week. “A gift to the American Cancer Society made in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one enables much needed research, education, advocacy, and patient service programs, which truly save lives.” Your loved one’s name will be displayed prominently on the Trees at Judi’s and Photo and Sound. Love Light forms asks for the donor’s name, address and the name in whose honor or memory the Light will shine. The suggested gift per individual honored or remembered is a "gift from the heart". Make checks payable to the American Cancer Society. Those interested may pick up and complete a form and leave it with your "gift from the heart" at Judi's or Photo and Sound. The requests will be picked up weekly and processed. Yo...

National City Corp. was desperate to sell because it feared federal regulators would shut it down as soon as Oct. 24, PNC Financial Services Group said in a regulatory filing Monday. For the full story, go to The Cleveland Plain Dealer .

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received a $1 million gift that will yield $2 million in endowed scholarship funds. Agnes L. Thomas, a resident of Bradford for more than 50 years, provided in her will a bequest to the university that will be used to fund the Agnes L. and Lewis Lyle Thomas Scholarship Challenge. “This was a very pleasant surprise for all of us at Pitt-Bradford,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president. “Needless to say, we’re delighted that Mrs. Thomas saw fit to leave this generous gift for our institution. “The scholarship challenge comes at a crucial time, as many students are struggling to come up with the funds to cover college expenses. Mrs. Thomas would be pleased to know that her generous gift will give rise to a number of new scholarships and an expansion of existing scholarships. As a campus community, we take comfort in knowing that we’re not in this struggle alone.” For as long as ...

Albert Filoni of MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni Architects speaks to a group that attended a public forum on the "Bradford Regional Strategy." Among the issues discussed was an ordinance being put into place that will require very strict registration of all rental properties.

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that 40 of the 45 licensed elk hunters harvested an elk during the season that was held Nov. 3-8. Additionally, of the 10 licensed elk hunters who participated in the September season, two harvested an elk. “Elk are one of North America’s premier big game animals,” Roe said. “Pennsylvania is privileged to offer this unique hunting opportunity, a product of successful wildlife management that helps to finance wildlife conservation and supports Pennsylvania’s rich hunting heritage. It’s an unparalleled experience for hunters, particularly those who can’t afford to go on an expensive one- or two-week guided elk hunt out West.” Along with extracting samples needed for disease testing, the agency also collected samples necessary to examine food preferences and habitat use by elk. Also, hunters collected liver samples that will be evaluated for mineral contents. The largest antlered elk was taken by ...

Titusville, PA – In an effort to free-up the airwaves for increased wireless and emergency services, Congress passed legislation that requires all television stations to switch their broadcast format from analog to digital by February 17, 2009. What does this mean and how should you prepare? Below are instructions that will allow for a smooth transition. Please note that current satellite and cable TV subscribers will not be affected by this transition. ‘Rabbit Ears’ or Rooftop Antenna users: If you rely on the traditional, ‘over the air’ broadcast feed to watch television, you will need to take action before February 17, 2009 or you will experience an interruption in service until you take the necessary steps to convert your television from analog to digital. You may consider one of the following options: Purchase a Digital TV (DTV) converter box to convert the digital signal to an analog signal. The Federal government will provide each household with up to two coupons, valued at $40....

A Fredonia mother and her 10-year-old son are dead, and her three-year-old daughter is hospitalized in critical condition following an accident at 7 o'clock this morning in the Town of Portland. Police say a car driven by 32-year-old Roberta Irwin went out of control on slippery pavement and traveled into the path of a car driven by 26-year-old Carl Philbeck of Brocton. Irwin and her son Grant were pronounced dead at the scene. Three-year-old Rose Irwin is at Children's Hospital n Buffalo. Philbeck was taken to Brook’s Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk for non-life threatening injuries.

HARRISBURG – Continuing its ongoing outreach and educational efforts to heighten the understanding of deer management and whitetails, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced the agency has expanded its website’s deer management section, created a new deer periodical and posted a deer management video on YouTube. “The Game Commission has made great progress in its efforts to help the public better understand why managing deer is so important to so many Pennsylvanians,” Roe said. “We have developed a variety of products that allow us to reach interested stakeholders and new audiences in faster, more efficient and friendlier ways. Feedback to the agency has been very positive.” The new approaches being used by the agency include the use of open houses, development of new brochures and a deer periodical called the “Deer Chronicle,” and greatly expanding the deer section of the agency’s website to include many top-notch references, deer photos and even ...

As our nation prepares to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have selflessly fought for liberty, justice, and freedom around the world, U.S. Representative John E. Peterson, R-Pleasantville, issued the following statement commemorating Veterans’ day: “From the Armistice that ended World War I, to the mountains in Afghanistan, and every battle in between, today we stand together as a nation to honor the men, women and families who serve this great nation in uniform. “While today marks a single day of recognition and thanks, like many Americans, there is not one day that goes by that I don’t pray for our military leaders, the troops on the ground and their families. It is truly humbling to reflect upon what our military has accomplished over the years and the sacrifice they endure in the name of Old Glory. “To our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and all American Veterans, this country is eternally grateful for the job you perform on a daily basis, and we will never forget tho...

The death of a Westfield man over the weekend has been ruled homicide. 55-year-old Jeffrey Johnson was found dead in his home Saturday evening. During a news conference this afternoon, Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace said Johnson died of blunt force trauma to the head. An autopsy was performed this morning. Investigators have not released any further details.

A vehicle went out of control on Route 380 in the Town of Stockton, then hit two other vehicles and an unoccupied house. One of the drivers of a car that was hit, had to be extricated with the Jaws of Life. Kari McKeever of Dewittville, New York was taken to Hamot Medical Center in Erie. Her passenger was taken to WCA Hospital in Jamestown for evaluation. The driver of the first car, Douglas Payne of Conewango Valley, was taken to the hospital for treatment a cut to his face. The driver of the third vehicle wasn't hurt.

Tops Friendly Markets today kicked off the grand re-opening celebration of its Olean, N.Y. store, following the completion of a renovation project. It was Tops’ first store renovation project since the chain once again came under local management in December 2007. Tops Chief Executive Officer Frank Curci and other executives were on hand to mark the grand re-opening during a ceremony this morning at the store, located at 2401 W. State St. “Tops is pleased to signify the completion of this important project in an area where Tops has a long tradition,” Curci said. “We take great pride in being able to serve the good people of Olean and the surrounding areas and we hope they enjoy the new look of their store.” Construction crews have been working at the store for the past several months. Among the changes are a new natural and organic foods section, new interior décor, and new meat and seafood display cases and dairy and frozen food display cases, which will provide a wider variety of pro...

A 32-year-old woman and her 10-year-old son died in a car crash at 7 o'clock this morning on Route 20 in the Town of Portland. Police say a 3-year-old was hurt, and was taken to a hospital for treatment. They say the woman's car spun out on the slush-covered road and was broadsided by another vehicle. Police have not released the victims' names. The road was closed for three hours after the crash.