Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

This is from an editorial in the Jeffersonian Democrat : "Not long ago when the Senator was elected as the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, I asked him how he should be addressed. He said, 'How about just plain Joe?'" Similiar situation here. I jokingly asked if I could still call him Joe. He said something along the lines of "You better." Anyway, this editorial is good. I think it'll be an especially good read for people who don't know him personally.

Well, according to the WESB/WBRR Offical Snow Measurer atop the Official WESB/WBRR Official Snow-Measuring Site ... ... not as much as it seemed like when it was coming down. Actually, it's a little bit more than the 2 1/2 inches the snow measurer says because I couldn't get the thing to stand up straight. Anyway, Mike Cejka says we can expect more snow today -- possibly another four inches. But we'll see sunshine for part of the day Sunday. Yay Mike! (I only give him credit for the good days. I don't blame him for the bad ones.)

"... that day in 1963 will never be forgotten — it's a landmark like Dec. 7, 1941, before it, and Sept. 11, 2001, afterward." For one of, I'm sure, many stories remembering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, go to The Cape Cod Times .

In the Junior Varsity Division, Hamlin Bank and Lang Surveying remain tied for first place followed by Tasta Pizza. Team captains Nico Alvarado (Lang Surveying), Leah Swineford (Tasta Pizza), and Mitchell Forbes (Hamlin Bank) remain undefeated in league competition. In the Varsity Division, Parkview Super Market and Dr. Laroche are tied for first with Dr. Gonzalez only half a point behind. There will be no chess next week due to Thanksgiving vacation. League matches will resume on Wednesday, December 3 at School Street Elementary. More than a dozen students from Bradford will be competing in the Southern Tier Scholastic Chess Championship this weekend in Olean, NY. Good luck!

The man who broke into the Warren Eagles Club and beat a female bartender until she was unconscious wanted to delay his sentencing until he received a psychiatric evaluation. A Warren County judge said no, and sentenced 27-year-old Jason Lee Wilson to 8 ½ to 17 years in state prison. He was also sentenced to 2 to 4 years for running from the courthouse during a bail hearing.

A Sheffield teenager who brutally attacked an elderly woman then stole her car and fled to Florida has been sentenced to up to 16 years in state prison. Jeremy Hoden, who was 17 years old when he attacked 77-year-old Irene Rice in August of last year, is already serving a three-year state sentence in Florida for fleeing and eluding police. The sentences for burglary and robbery imposed Friday in Warren County Court will be served consecutively to the Florida sentence.

KOA Speer is offering its employees a voluntary layoff for the month of December because many of the company's customers will be going through shutdowns next month. KOA CFO Lance Eastman says the company has received a number of notices from customers – primarily in the automotive industry – that they will be shutting down for part of December. The number of people laid off will depend on how many volunteer, and is not expected to go into January.

Two former aides to State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo testified yesterday that they were unhappily made to toil in an environment where there were no barriers among political, personal and Senate assignments. The two aides also helped federal prosecutors lay the groundwork for an obstructing-justice case against their old boss, saying that computer security was stepped up after the FBI investigation became publicly known. For the full story, go to philly.com .

A 75-year-old Coudersport woman escaped injury when she tried to give a snow plow more room on the road. Police say Shirley Saulter was on Peet Brook Road just north of Route 49 when she steered toward the edge of the road. But she went off the road and eventually hit several trees while traveling down a 40-foot embankment. The car had to be towed from the scene.

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has announced that Dr. Amit Khanna, M.D., D, ABSM, D, ABFM, will oversee Coudersport Primary Care, located at the hospital’s Irwin Medical Arts Center. In his new role, Dr. Khanna will serve in a supervisory capacity as well as see patients. A member of the medical staff since 2006, Dr. Khanna also practices family medicine at CCMH’s Northern Potter Health Center and is medical director of the CCMH Sleep Disorders Center, where he will continue to see patients. “I’m very excited to join the Coudersport Primary Care office,” Dr. Khanna said. “I am fortunate to be joining a great team of providers. The office and nursing staff have a long history with this office and community which has made my transition very smooth. The Coudersport community is fortunate to have such a great resource available to them and I feel honored to become a part of that.” “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Khanna as a member of the Charles Cole family. His dedication and compassio...

From the USFS: Seven years of data collection across the 75,000 acre Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC) in McKean County have yielded some interesting results, but none more interesting than the differences in deer herd numbers on private lands, as compared to public lands. The deer herd is larger in numbers on private lands. And why?... When both public and private lands open roads for firearm deer season? When both public and private lands managers use DMAP, as needed? When both public and private lands managers provide the same hunting information to hunters? Managers struggle with the ‘why’s’. The deer herd on public lands within the KQDC boundary is within goal to sustain habitat. But, this is not the case on private lands. And such is the quandary… how to get an adequate harvest on private lands directly adjacent to public lands where harvest is deemed adequate. One theory behind the disparity of harvest on a 75,000 acre area composed of 50,000 acres of public lan...

It’s hunting season. Employees of the Allegheny National Forest (NF) have some timely tips for hunters and other visitors. All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile trails : All motorized trails are closed for the big-game hunting seasons. ATVs or snowmobiles may not be used to drag your harvest back to camp. The ‘after the hunt’ processing of harvested game is all part of the hunting experience. Hunt with a friend and use the ‘buddy’ system to remove your harvest from the woods. Tree stands: Portable hunting stands are allowed on the Allegheny NF provided they do not damage trees during their placement or use. Permanent hunting stands are not allowed on the Allegheny NF. Hunter orange : Always wear hunter orange in the woods. The Hunting and Trapping Digest of the Pennsylvania Game Commission has defined minimum amounts of hunter orange clothing required while hunting or moving in the woods. This same advice is recommended for forest visitors that are not hunting – make yourself visib...

Pittsburgh-based Foundation Radiology Group (FRG) signed a multi-year contract with Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, making FRG the hospital’s exclusive provider of diagnostic imaging services effective December 31, 2008. “We are pleased to be working with Foundation Radiology,” Ed Pitchford, chief executive officer at CCMH, said. “Having continuous access to professional radiology services within the same group will be of great value to our providers and patients. We are also pleased to now obtain specialized interpretations from neurologic, pediatric or women’s health specialists without having to refer patients out of the area. Foundation’s operating model of using a combination of on site physicians and central services via teleradiology technology is ideal for rural and remote hospitals such as Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.” FRG’s board certified radiologists are available 24/7, 365 days per year to provide readings in musculoskeletal radiology, neuroradiology, mammography, card...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released results from its first national assessment of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care, known as the mPINC survey, in which Charles Cole Memorial Hospital exceeded scores among the state, national, and centers of comparable size. The Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation conducted the survey for the CDC between August and December 2007. The survey reported that CCMH’s composite quality practice score was 54 whereas the national score was 27 and state and centers of comparable size scores were each 34. “We have an excellent nursing staff on our maternity unit and strive to maintain up-to-date training and education in ‘best practices’ for our breastfeeding mothers,” Judy Zeigler RN, OB nurse manager at CCMH, said. CCMH reported 265 births in 2007 and was one of 2,690 birth facilities who completed the survey which detailed the hospital’s breastfeeding-related maternity care practices and polic...

ONLYforPETLOVERS.com , a free online pet community catering to all pet owners is inviting its members and the public at large to participate in its Free Presidential Pet Contest. The contest is based on President elect Barack Obama’s promise to his daughters of bringing a new puppy to the White House. He made this announcement public during his acceptance speech. ONLYforPETLOVERS.com , is offering $1,000.00 USD to the first person that can correctly guess the name and breed of the new Presidential Pooch. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, and be United States Citizens. If no one guesses the puppy’s name and breed, then the first two entries to guess the name of the dog will win $250 each. If only one person guesses the name of the dog, the prize will be $500.

WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the public face around the world for the administration of the man who beat her for the Democratic presidential nomination, two confidants said Friday. For the full story, go to The New York Times .

"Catherine, as her family knows, when she had an idea that she wanted to get across, she was relentless. Relentless. It's been nine days now since Catherine passed, and my guess is that Catherine has been relentless with St. Peter." — Governor Ed Rendell. "One of her great passions was encouraging and helping women to participate in politics. She shattered glass ceilings and she wanted to others do that as well." — Senator Hillary Clinton. "I'll always remember her for her smile on her face, the compassion in her eyes and her ability to forget about party affiliation when we're in the Senate. She just wanted us to get along and Catherine was a person who wanted to see results." — Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati. For more, go to pennlive.com .

Police say a man who was found dead in his vehicle probably died of a drug overdose. 18-year-old Douglas Reid of Ulysses was found Thursday in a wooded area about a mile west of Hillcrest Road in Bingham Township. Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury ruled the cause of death as a probable drug overdose.

A Galeton man has been charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence in connection with an accident in September. 20-year-old Dustin Rinehart and one of his passengers, 25-year-old Michael Stahli of Galeton, were severely injured in the accident that happened at 11:55 p.m. September 12 on Route 6 in Roulette Township. During their investigation, police determined that Rinehart was driving under the influence at the time of the accident. He was arraigned earlier today and sent to jail in lieu of $3,500 bail.

The search for a missing Ashville woman has been postponed for safety reasons, but police say the investigation into Corrie Anderson's disappearance is continuing. They say the heavy snowfall and the onset of hunting season would put searchers at risk. The 36-year-old mother of three was last seen October 28 at a car dealership in Jamestown. Her family called police when she didn't pick her son up from school. Anderson's van was found two days later near the New York, Pennsylvania state line. Evidence in the van has been processed by a state police crime lab.

HARRISBURG – During a memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda, Governor Edward G. Rendell today remembered Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll as a lifelong teacher, an important partner in public service, and a tireless advocate for the people of Pennsylvania. “As the first woman elected lieutenant governor, Catherine was a noted and storied public servant,” said Governor Rendell. “Her family and her faith were driving forces in her life and, until the time of her illness, she was a passionate advocate for everyone, especially children, who she loved to teach. “Catherine worked hard because she wanted you to know that she was for you and that she wanted to help you. She was one of the most enthusiastic, passionate, caring and compassionate people to ever serve Pennsylvania in elected office. She will be missed in this building and throughout the commonwealth.” Governor Rendell extended condolences to Knoll’s many family and friends, who were joined by members of Congress, the P...

State Rep.-elect Matt Gabler (R-Elk/Clearfield) is anxiously preparing to begin his first term in office representing the 75th Legislative District. "I am honored and humbled by the people of the district who are sending me to Harrisburg," Gabler said. "I plan to hit the ground running as soon as I officially assume the title of state representative." By state law, Gabler's term in office begins Dec. 1. His official swearing-in will take place on Jan. 6. "Upon assuming my new office next month, my staff and I will able to serve our constituents full-time with their legislative needs such as driver's license and vehicle registration applications and renewals," Gabler stated. "After initially ceasing operations prematurely and directing constituents to call me directly with their concerns, our current state representative has decided to re-open his office and serve out his term." Until district offices are opened and local phone numbers est...

An Olean man has been indicted by a grand jury on burglary and menacing charges. The indictment says 29-year-old Benjamin Bloomfield broke into an Olean house on May 27, intentionally damaged property and intentionally placed a person in fear of physical injury by displaying a weapon and restraining the person. An arraignment date hasn't been scheduled yet. A South Dayton man has been indicted on charges of sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of children. The indictment says that between May of 2004 and August of 2007 in the Town of Little Valley 47-year-old Dana Reimer engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child younger than 11 years old; subjected another person younger than 11 to sexual contact; and subjected someone younger than 14 years old to sexual contact. An arraignment date hasn't been set yet.

The man who set fires that destroyed a ballroom at Conneaut Lake Park and damaged a church as been sentenced to three to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay $1.7 million restitution. Twenty-year-old Nickolas Dean Pope of Hartstown pleaded guilty to two counts of arson on August 28. He set fire to the 164-year-old Harmonsburg Presbyterian Church on January 13, causing $180,000 in damage. He also set a February 1 fire that destroyed the 99-year-old Dreamland Ballroom at Conneaut Lake Park, causing an estimated $1.5 million in damage.

HARRISBURG -- Gov. Ed Rendell, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Rep. John Murtha and Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati today praised former Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll as a woman who was a pioneer in Pennsylvania politics, "a woman of steel but also a woman of compassion." For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .

Reacting to the announcement that Pennsylvania lost 7,300 more jobs in October, Governor Edward G. Rendell expressed concern that mounting losses could put a strain on families and businesses and continue to depress state revenue collections. “The nation’s economic downturn is affecting the lives of workers across the country and here in Pennsylvania,” Governor Rendell said. “The fact that Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remains well below the national rate shows that we are weathering the storm better than many states, but economists are predicting things could get worse before they get better. “We need to remain vigilant about cutting and controlling state spending wherever possible, while we continue strategic investments that can provide immediate economic stimulus that will create jobs for hard working Pennsylvanians. “We have already identified hundreds of millions of dollars in spending cuts without significant negative affect on services. This week, I directed my cabinet to l...

A school bus driver will be charged with endangering a 10-year-old boy for intentionally braking suddenly so the boy would fall down, police said. For the full story, go to the Beaver County Times .

A former Mercyhurst College college volleyball player who suffocated her baby after secretly giving birth in a campus apartment has been sentenced to nine to 18 years in prison. Twenty-year-old Teri Rhodes, of Commerce, Mich., pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in August. She was sentenced Friday in Erie County Court. Rhodes was a sophomore at Mercyhurst when she gave birth to the full-term baby girl on Aug. 12, 2007. Prosecutors charged Rhodes after learning she searched the Internet for ways to kill her fetus.

New York State is looking at a $2 billion budget deficit – but people in the governor's mansion are looking at a $21,000 antique Turkish rug. As Governor David Paterson was ordering state agencies to cut spending and warning of dire economic hardships, the rug was being sent to the mansion. A spokesman with the Office of General Services says the 10-foot-by-15-foot custom-stitched rug was part of routine maintenance at the mansion. For the full story, go to the Albany Times Union .

The driver of a car that plunged down a steep embankment off Route 33 north of Wind Gap on Thursday crawled out of the wreckage and scrambled back up to the highway, where minutes later he was struck and killed by a firetruck, police said. A wedding ring lay on the driver's seat of his crumpled 2008 model car, and pictures of two young children were propped in the instrument cluster by the speedometer. For the full story, go to the Allentown Morning Call .

From The Associated Press : Her husband just signed a smoking ban into law in April. Now Iowa first lady Mari Culver admits she already broke it. The wife of Gov. Chet Culver released a statement Thursday saying she quit smoking last year but started again a few months ago and smoked in a state vehicle. The ban outlaws smoking in most workplaces, including cars of employers.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati told reporters that he would consider taking away the cost-of-living raises for legislators in discussions about cutting spending to offset a deepening budget deficit. "Nothing is off the table," Scarnati said. "It's all on the table and we need to work as four caucuses and the governor to come up with a solution." Scarnati is taking over for the late Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll, who died Nov. 12 after a four-month battle with cancer. He will also take the higher salary of her office, which rises to nearly $147,000 on Jan. 1. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee explored the possibility of hunting license fee increases during a public hearing Wednesday, according to Committee Chairman Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery). Carl Roe, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, testified that a hunting license fee increase was needed to maintain current programs to protect the Commonwealth’s wildlife. He expressed support for Senate Bill 1527, legislation sponsored by McIlhinney that would increase adult resident hunting license fees from $19 to $25 in 2009, $30 in 2012 and $35 in 2015. Roe added that cost of a license would still be the cheapest part of the hunting experience. “Senate Bill 1527 is vital to ensure that we can continue to provide the services for our hunters and trappers and the general public,” Roe said. “I believe that the Game Commission and sportsmen of this state have come too far over the past 110 years to compromise our outstanding wildlife conservation programs.” McI...

From Congressman John Peterson: U.S. Representative John E. Peterson, R-Pleasantville, Member of the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee – which has jurisdiction over the Forest Service and the Allegheny National Forest – issued the following statement responding to yet another baseless, fact less, frivolous lawsuit by radical environmentalists designed to destroy the economic engine of Northwestern Pennsylvania and prevent our country from producing oil and natural gas domestically: “Today’s lawsuit filed in Federal Court by the Sierra Club and the Allegheny Defense Project – two of the most radical, misguided groups in the country – only further demonstrates their eagerness to increase dependence on foreign energy sources and ship good paying jobs overseas. “Having represented the ANF first in Harrisburg as a state official and now in Washington as a congressman, I remain committed to a healthy environment, while at the same time ensuring mineral right owners a...

Governor Edward G. Rendell, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Rep. John Murtha and Lt. Governor Joseph Scarnati III will address a memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda at noon on Friday, Nov. 21, to honor Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who died Nov. 12. Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg, will lead the invocation and benediction. The service will include performances by the Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir, which is made up of 150 students from across the state. An Honor Guard that will include representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania State Capitol Police and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will serve as pallbearers. The program is as follows: Performance by Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir Honor Guard carries Lt. Gov. Baker Knoll’s casket to Rotunda Invocation - Bishop Kevin Rhoades, Diocese of Harrisburg Governor Edward G. Rendell U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, New York Lt. Gov. Joseph S...

Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that agents from the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit have arrested a Luzerne County man accused of using an Internet chat room to sexually proposition what he believed was a 14-year old girl, as well as sending nude photos to the girl. The "girl" was actually an undercover agent from the Child Predator Unit using the online profile of a child. Corbett identified the defendant as Emory Earl Faux III, 22, 21 South Welles Avenue, Kingston, Luzerne County. Corbett said that Faux, using the screen name "ttrojan12," allegedly used an Internet chat room to approach an undercover agent using the online profile of a 14-year old girl. During their initial chat, Faux allegedly posed as a 17-year old boy. According to the criminal complaint, Faux asked the girl to send him a picture of herself and quickly sent her two photos during their first chat, both showing an exposed penis. Faux then allegedly asked the girl, ...

The new Appropriations Committee chairman for the state Senate Republicans is Jake Corman of Centre County. The position was decided in a closed-door, secret ballot vote held Thursday to set the party's leaders for the new two-year legislative session that begins in January. The job was up for grabs because Sen. Gibson Armstrong of Lancaster County retired. Corman is in his third term. The GOP also elected Dominic Pileggi of Delaware County to a second term as floor leader.

State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th Senatorial District has been nominated by his Republican colleagues to once again be President Pro Tempore in the Pennsylvania State Senate. “I am honored and humbled by the trust that my colleagues have shown in giving me the opportunity to lead this great institution,” Scarnati stated. “Without question, I once again stand ready to accept the many challenges that lie ahead and look forward to my continued involvement in both policy matters and budget discussions.” While it was evident that voters were not pleased with many of the initiatives taking place around the country, they did acknowledge that the Senate of Pennsylvania was moving in the right direction toward reform. With a difficult election cycle, Republicans were successful in maintaining control of this body with a 29-20 margin. “Certainly, the General Assembly has placed reform measures at the top of the agenda, but we also worked together in an effective, efficient manner to mov...

Officials from Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital are taking the first steps toward fulfilling requirements for the integration of the two facilities to create a healthcare system to meet the needs of patients in northwest Pennsylvania and southwestern New York State. According to BRMC President/CEO George E. Leonhardt, Steering Committee meetings have begun for the purpose of reviewing regulatory requirements and setting time frames to complete what's expected to be a nearly one-year process. On Oct. 20, officials from both facilities announced to the media and respective hospital groups a decision by their Boards of Directors to sign a non-binding letter of intent to integrate the two not-for-profit organizations under a new parent company. This week, hospital employee work groups met for the first time to begin fact gathering in the "due diligence" process. "We are gathering information that will be reviewed by Olean General Hospital, and ...

Environmental groups and U.S. Forest Service employees are suing the Forest Service over its approval of several oil and gas drilling projects in the Allegheny National Forest that they say will hurt wildlife and the environment. The suit says the forest service approved the plans without the necessary environmental review. The suit was filed today in federal court. The Allegheny Defense Project says gas and oil drilling has increased dramatically in the forest, and that numerous roads built to support drilling can destroy wildlife habitat and hurt recreation opportunities. The employees are members of the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics. The forest service says it hasn't seen the suit and can't comment.

The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team says it can't determine yet what caused a fire that destroyed LaScala's Restaurant in Jamestown Wednesday morning. They say it appears the fire started in the basement but the unsafe condition of the building limited their hands-on investigation. They say nothing appears to be suspicious.

St. Bonaventure University will help usher in the holiday season on Wall Street when its president and a student ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange Tuesday, Nov. 25. Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., and Mark Larry, a senior finance major from Grand Island, N.Y., will ring the bell together in celebration of the university’s 150th anniversary. A live webcast of the event can be seen at www.nyse.com. CNBC’s “Closing Bell” with Maria Bartiromo also broadcasts the 4 p.m. ringing of the bell. The Franciscan university in Western New York was founded on Oct. 4, 1858. A 15-month celebration of the sesquicentennial began March 31 and continues until the class of 2009 graduates on May 17. Joining Sr. Margaret and Larry on the bell podium shortly before the 4 p.m. closing will be Michael Fischer and Brenda Snow, university vice presidents; alumnus William Foster; and several university trustees, including chairman John McGinley Jr. The original signal was a gavel, but during the la...

The newly formed Bradford AKtion Club officially received its charter during a celebration last night at Togi's. Kiwanis Club President Todd Peine had this message for AKtion Club President Mike Walter and the rest of the members, "With all the stuff you guys have already done, it shows you have been wanting to do things for your community; you have the ability to do things for the community. Now you have an avenue to do that." Other AKtion Club officers are Chelsea Albright, vice president; Rose Colella, secretary; and Renee Chittester, treasurer. Board members are Tom Miller, Sheridan Phillips, Tracy Carson and Jeffrey VanScoter. Other members of the club are Jay Furman, Henny Keller, Ashley Peterson, Patty Price, Robert Tubbs, Lisa Williams and Jackie Wolfe. Bradford Mayor Tom Riel read a proclamation declaring November 19, 2008, "AKtion Club Day" in Bradford. City Clerk John Peterson, on behalf of State Representative Marty Causer, read a resolution from the...

Pennsylvania lawmakers and judges are in line for 2.8 percent cost-of-living raises. Rank and file members of the state House and Senate will see their base pay increase to just over $78,000 starting next month. Members of leadership will get even more. The pay for county judges will be about $162,000. The increases are tied to the regional consumer price index. The same increases are due for Gov. Ed Rendell and his Cabinet secretaries. Rendell says he might suspend them as part of budgetary belt-tightening.

HARRISBURG – With millions of motorists planning to travel for Thanksgiving, PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., today announced that the department will launch Operation Safe Holiday to improve highway safety. PennDOT will work with state and local police to increase traffic safety enforcement. While police will crack down on all traffic violations, increased focus will be placed on unbuckled, impaired and aggressive drivers throughout the holiday season. “I am calling on each and every motorist on our highways to drive safely this holiday season,” Biehler said. “Although we can all be distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season, please remember these important driving tips: buckle up, slow down and never drive impaired.” As part of Operation Safe Holiday, police will use checkpoints and roving patrols in addition to regular traffic safety patrols. Departments may also introduce BOLT operations, which is when a safety checkpoint later turns into a sobriety checkpoint at t...

Unanimously re-electing state Sen. Robert J. Mellow (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) to a new term as Democratic Caucus leader, Pennsylvania Senate Democrats today elected their new leadership team for the next session. “We have outstanding leaders and are well-positioned to advance the Democratic agenda on crucial issues facing Pennsylvanians,” Mellow said. “Senate Democrats will continue our work to create good jobs during these challenging economic times, fight to give working families access to health care, and renew our efforts to cut consumer energy costs.” First elected in 1970, Mellow has served longer than any current senator. He has been the Democratic leader since 1988. Mellow also served as Senate President Pro Tempore between 1992 and 1994. Voting today, Democrats also re-elected Sen. Michael A. O'Pake (D-Berks) as Democratic Whip, elected Sen. Jay Costa Jr. (D-Allegheny) as Democratic Appropriations chairman, re-elected Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-Fayette/Somerset) as De...

A Bradford man accused of assaulting his wife and threatening police officers has waived his preliminary hearing. 22-year-old Robert Girdlestone allegedly hit his wife then made threats against police officers and their families while he was being held in the Bradford Police Station. Girdlestone is free on $10,000 bail. A Bradford man accused threatening police officers, paramedics and a doctor has waived his preliminary hearing. On November 9, paramedics were called to West Washington Street to treat 66-year-old Charles Britton, who had been found unconscious. Britton allegedly threatened to kill the paramedics and police officers, and later the doctor and other staff in the emergency room at Bradford Regional Medical Center. He also allegedly threatened to go to a police officer's home and kill him. Britton is free on unsecured bail. A Bradford man who was allegedly drunk and shooting a gun while babysitting has waived his preliminary hearing. On November 9, police were called to...

A Brookville church will be able to house homeless people after all. The borough had said the First Apostles' Doctrine Church was violating a zoning code by allowing homeless people to stay at the parsonage. The ACLU, on behalf of the church, filed a lawsuit on Monday claiming the borough violated the church's religious beliefs. Today, a judge signed an order allowing the church to house up to eight homeless people and two staff members.

WASHINGTON, DC — Postmaster General John Potter announced today that celebrated entertainer Bob Hope will be immortalized on a First-Class commemorative stamp next spring. The stamp image will be previewed on Nov. 24 in New York City at Ellis Island. “The Postal Service is proud to immortalize the achievements of Bob Hope,” said Potter. “He was not only one of our nation’s most revered entertainers, but he was also a true American who selflessly dedicated more than half a century of his life to entertaining our men and women serving in uniform overseas — both in war and peace.” Bob Hope (1903-2003) enjoyed a lifetime of success on stage and in radio, television and film. He moved to America from England a hundred years ago (1908) and quickly exhibited a natural talent for making people laugh. Hope traveled around the globe performing for U.S. troops and hosted numerous highly rated TV specials. Although Hope never officially served in the U.S. Armed Forces, he dedicated a significant p...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) introduced a bill to create new jobs by updating the nation’s crumbling infrastructure. The High-Speed Rail for America Act of 2008 would transform America’s outdated and underfunded passenger rail system into a world class system. “We must continue to focus our energies on building and maintaining a strong national passenger rail system in order to ease congestion of air and highway corridors connecting high-growth markets, as well as to meet energy and environmental goals,” said Sen. Specter. “The High-Speed Rail for America Act is an investment in our nation’s infrastructure and has the potential to provide tremendous economic opportunities throughout Pennsylvania and the nation.” “At a time when our economy desperately needs a jumpstart, we need an effective national investment that puts Americans back to work,” said Sen. Kerry. “A first-rate rail system would protect our environment, save families t...

11/17/08 - Bfd Police Chase-down a Four Wheeler A Bradford man was arrested Sunday night after a chase involving a four wheeler. Bradford City Police received complaints of an ATV traveling in the High and Grove Street area. Officers tried to stop the four wheeler driven by 21 year-old Greg Nichols, but he abandoned it and tried to hide in the woods. Police caught him and took him to BRMC for treatment of a leg injury. Charges are pending. 11/17/08 - Lewis Run Man Facing Indecent Assault A Lewis Run man has been charged with indecent assault with a five year-old female. State Police say that 49 year-old Roger Grover is facing several other charges including resisting arrest, harassment and corruption of minors too. Grover was sent to McKean County jail on $25,000 bail. 11/15/08 - Three Picked Up on Drug Charges 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...

Rescuers have found an 82-year-old Pennsylvania man who got lost in the woods of a state park and spent 32 hours braving snow squalls and sub-freezing temperatures. Charles Harrison of Mount Pocono was conscious and alert when rescuers found him shortly before 2 a.m. Wednesday in the woods of Tobyhanna State Park in the Poconos. For the full story, go to The Pocono Record .

The prostitute at the center of the scandal that led to the resignation of former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has apologized to his wife. Ashley Alexandra Dupre tells People magazine she was stricken by the pained expression on Silda Wall Spitzer's face on March 12 as the governor left office. Her message to Mrs. Spitzer is: "I'm sorry for your pain." Dupre says the FBI told her in early March they were investigating one of her clients. She found out which client when she recognized Spitzer on TV resigning. Dupre says she's now in psychotherapy.

Republicans have controlled the Pennsylvania Senate for most of the last three decades, and now they have new bragging rights: The Senate is the last state legislative chamber in the Northeast in GOP hands. Leading the GOP effort to keep Senate control was second-term Sen. Joe Scarnati, a former restaurateur from rural northern Pennsylvania elevated to Senate president pro tempore two years ago. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced plans for a memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda at noon on Friday, Nov. 21, to honor Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who died Nov. 12. The service will include tributes from public officials and performances by the Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir, which is made up of 150 students from across the state. An Honor Guard including representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police, State Capitol Police and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will serve as pallbearers. Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg, will participate. For reasons of security and crowd control, the Capitol Rotunda will temporarily close to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. During this period, visitors to the Capitol should use the East Wing entrance on Commonwealth Avenue. The Rotunda will reopen at 2 p.m. to allow the public to pay final respects to the Lt. Governor, who will lie in repose until 2 p.m. on Satur...

Students from the Springville-Griffith Institute in Springville, N.Y., and Portville (N.Y.) Central School took the top honors at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford-Jamestown (N.Y.) Community College Mathematics Competition held last week. Mitchell Steiner of Springville-Griffith was the overall winner. Steiner won by making the top score on a two-hour math examination administered to 85 high school students from nine New York and Pennsylvania high schools at Pitt-Bradford on Thursday. The competition is organized jointly by the mathematics departments of Pitt-Bradford and JCC. The location of the competition alternates each year. “The competition is a great opportunity for students to interact with students from other schools, to solve interesting math problems and to get familiarized with our campus,” said Marius Buliga, assistant professor of mathematics who organized the competition for Pitt-Bradford this year. As overall winner, Steiner w...

Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) officials focused on several bright spots on the horizon in reports given at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors, held during Tuesday's Bradford Hospital Foundation Community Relations Committee meeting. The event was held at The Bradford Club, featuring presentations by several hospital officials and special guest Timothy J. Finan, President/CEO of Olean General Hospital (OGH). Recently, BRMC and OGH officials announced plans to integrate to create a healthcare system to meet the needs of 150,000 patients across northwest Pennsylvania and southwest New York state. At the annual meeting, BRMC President/CEO George Leonhardt reported on the latest steps to bring the year-long plan to completion, noting that organizational meetings and time frames are currently being set by a Steering Committee and that employees are assisting with the task of assembling necessary information during this "due diligence" and planning process ...

26-year-old Ashley Susan Griffin died in a one-vehicle accident at just before 9 o'clock this morning on Hedgehog Lane. Bradford Township police say Griffin's SUV went out of control while traveling down the hill and rounding a curve. The vehicle slid off the road and hit a large tree. She died of injuries sustained in the crash. Her 5-year-old and 7-month-old children were treated at Bradford Regional Medical Center for minor injuries. Police were assisted by the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford City Ambulance personnel and McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill. Zippo Chairman of the Board George Duke issued the following statement today about the loss of Greg and Cherie Booth’s daughter, Ashley Griffin: “The company and employees are saddened by this tragic circumstance. We extend our deepest sympathies to Greg, Cherie and the entire Booth family.”

Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders failed to reach any agreement this afternoon on cutting $2 billion from the current state budget after an hour-long, often heated meeting at the state Capitol. State Senator Cathy Young released this statement: “It’s disappointing that the Governor wouldn’t send us a bill, when the Senate was prepared to vote in Extraordinary Session. “There is no question that we need to make cuts, but they have to be done in a rational, responsible and comprehensive manner.” “A major problem with the Governor's proposal is that he shifts state costs onto the backs of local property taxpayers, when their backs already are breaking.” “Hurting kids by cutting schools midyear, and hurting patient care by slashing hospitals and nursing homes already facing deficits are not solutions – it is a disaster.” “We in the Senate have offered, and will continue to offer, alternative solutions that address the short term and long term needs of our State.” “We are aski...

Money to pay for preliminary work on Bradford's Community Parks Trail has been approved by the state. The city will receive $175,000 for the planning work, which will include drawings, specifications and related documents to get ready for bidding and construction of about 2.9 miles of trail starting at the Richard E. McDowell Community Trail and connecting to both Callahan and Hanley parks. Funding for the grants comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax, Growing Greener I and II and the ATV/Snowmobile Fund. $25,000 is also going to a study that will look into the feasibility of a trail system connecting the Borough of Smethport and Keating Township, and to develop a master plan for a 325-acre county-owned park and 35-acre park, both in Keating Township.

Olean Mayor David Carucci has been named co-chairman of the New York Conference of Mayors' Legislative Committee. In announcing Carucci's appointment, the president of the New York Conference of Mayors said Carucci has fought new tax burdens on local taxpayers. Carucci has announced a new web site – stopthetaxshift.org – which tracks the impact of state budget cuts and unfunded state mandates on local taxpayers.

Route 60 in the Town of Charlotte was closed for just over two hours earlier today when a tractor-trailer went out of control due to wintry road conditions and blocked both lanes of traffic. A HAZMAT team was also called in because the rig was leaking diesel fuel. Sheriff's deputies say the driver, 50-year-old Kevin McKelvey of Rockaway Park, New York, was taken to WCA Hospital in Jamestown with minor injuries. No charges have been filed.