Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Potter County officials are investigating the death of 24-year-old Austin resident Brock Hooftallen. Austin Borough Police Chief Kyle Day says Hooftallen was found dead at his residence on Main Street Friday morning. Day says an autopsy is planned for today in Erie. Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury and the Potter County District Attorney's office are also involved in the investigation.

You may have heard this story on 1490 WESB: A study completed today among 768 Americans revealed that people have become less tolerant of their neighbor’s elaborate Christmas decorations this year compared to last year. HCD Research compared this year’s results to an identical study conducted during the 2007 holiday season. You can find more information HERE .

Federal prosecutors yesterday called witnesses and presented canceled checks to show that former Senator Vince Fumo had a South Philadelphia charity pay the $27,000 for a bulldozer to dig a pond at his farm. For the full story, go to philly.com .

The search and recovery group Texas Equusearch will join the effort to find 36-year-old Corrie Anderson, whose been missing since late October. Members of the group will be in the Jamestown area sometime next week. Currently cadaver dogs are being tested to see if the animals can track scents deep in the snow. Texas Equusearch has participated in over 900 searches to date. They work with both law enforcement and family members to organize searches for missing and endangered people. They also have specialized equipment that may not be available to all law enforcement agencies. Find Corrie.com

An ex-partner of former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, stole $179,000 from a company Kelly started, and has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. Kelly's former partner, Trent Orbaker, used his 15 percent ownership share in Hall of Fame Life Promotions to access a line of credit Kelly thought had been closed. Orbaker abused the account to pay his own personal bills and to put a new roof on his house. He must pay $204,000 in restitution. Orbaker Plea News Release (PDF)

30 pit bulls and the remains of a badly mauled puppy have been removed from a Duquesne home, and authorities are investigating the possibility of dog fighting in the house. They say many of the dogs had severe injuries that appear to have been inflicted by other dogs. The surviving dogs are being treated at Triangle Pet Control facilities, and are expected to live. And in another case of cruelty to a dog ... SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (AP) - A dog weighing more than 120 pounds survived being frozen to a sidewalk overnight, probably because he was insulated by layers of fat, authorities said. For the full story, go to the Sheboygan Press .

Despite a new administration coming into power, U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan said she plans to stick around. For the full story, go to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .

State Rep.-elect Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) will be opening the first of his planned two 75th Legislative District offices at 9 a.m., on Monday, Dec. 8, in DuBois. "Monday morning, we will start handling residents' questions and concerns face to face when we open our office in Suite 10 of the DuBois Area Plaza at 1221 East DuBois Avenue," Gabler stated. "My staff and I are anxious to meet one-on-one with the people of our district and provide them the level of constituent service that we promised and that they deserve." Gabler and his staff are currently finalizing plans to open a district office in St. Marys. Both offices will be staffed full-time. "Constituents may also get in touch with me through my Harrisburg office," added Gabler. Until we have phone numbers for our local offices, I can be reached by calling toll-free 1-866-901-2916." You can find out the latest news concerning Gabler on his Web site, RepGabler.com, where you may also ...

A Corry man will be on probation for a year after pleading guilty to stealing a baby cow from a Crawford County farm in April. 20-year-old Justin Cooper took the week-old calf then sold it at the Mercer County Livestock Auction for $200. The person who bought the calf took it to another auction, where the owner recognized it and called police. Cooper also was ordered to undergo mental health and drug and alcohol assessments, and to get a job while serving his probation.

The search for a missing Sykesville woman continues. Police say although they have received numerous tips on the whereabouts of Joey Lynn Offut since her story appeared on "America's Most Wanted," they haven't been able to confirm any of the sightings were actually her. Offutt has been missing since a fire destroyed her home in July of last year. The body of her 6-month-old son was found inside the house. Her car was found several days later in State College. For more information, you can go to findjoey.org .

The father of a woman who was killed by a teenager in Salamanca told state officials last night that closing youth detention facilities in Limestone and Great Valley is a bad idea. Jerry Lockwood told the crowd at a public forum that 15-year-old Edward Kindt fell through the cracks of the system when he wasn't sent to a residential facility to get services before he killed Lockwood's daughter, Penny Brown. Cattaraugus County Undersheriff Timothy Whitcomb said the community failed both Kindt and Brown, and warned that something like that could happen again if youth detention facilities are closed. Governor David Paterson has proposed closing the facilities as a cost-cutting measure.

Two Ohio congressmen who have criticized the federal government's role in the sale of National City Corp. say the banking deal probably won't change. National City is being acquired by PNC Financial Services Group Inc. for $5.6 billion. Congressmen. Steven LaTourette and Dennis Kucinich say the deal was brought on by National City's financial troubles, and they have questioned why PNC got federal bailout money and National City didn't. They met this week with officials involved in the rescue program.

The trial for defendants in the Bonusgate case is being pushed back for several months. A judge has issued a new court timetable for the 12 people associated with the House Democratic caucus who are accused of conflict of interest, theft and conspiracy. Trial had previously been scheduled for January 12. Now pretrial motions won't be due until April 15, and a hearing on them will take place in mid-June. In July, the attorney general's office filed the charges as part of an ongoing investigation into the use of government workers and resources for electioneering and other illegal purposes.

A Punxsutawney man is dead after an accidental shooting on Thursday. Police say 53-year-old Timothy Kramer was in his garage getting dressed to go hunting when his .45-caliber handgun fell to the floor, discharged and hit him in the abdomen. Kramer was taken to the Punxsutawney hospital, where he died. Another hunter has died of natural causes while in the woods. Victor Ciana, a retired Pittsburgh police officer, died in a treestand near his hunting camp in Crawford County on Thursday. Officials say he suffered a heart attack while waiting for a trophy buck to get into shooting range.

Hamot Medical Center and Kane Community Hospital have announced a joint venture in the Johnsonburg Medical Park, and are exploring other opportunities for the organizations to work together. The hospitals didn't give details about the partnership in the Johnsonburg Medical Park, but did say it will serve as only the first joint venture between the two. They say by working together they can improve efficiencies and service quality while enhancing recruitment and retention efforts for doctors and additional medical staff.

A jury has convicted a man of assault for stabbing a man behind Bradner Stadium last Valentine's Day. 48-year-old Cyrus Reed, who has no permanent address, stabbed Ernest Braxton. Braxton's neighbors called police, who followed footprints in the snow and found Reed in a nearby parking lot. Reed will be sentenced in January.

Retiring U.S. Rep. John Peterson, a leading force against tolling I-80, attended a transportation symposium in Clarion today and characterized Act 44 as "destructive" because it requires the turnpike commission to borrow $2.5 billion to turn over to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He also warned people and businesses living along the I-80 corridor to "be on alert," predicting turnpike and state officials will try again to win federal approval for tolling the highway because there will soon be a Democratic President and Democratic-controlled Congress. Meanwhile, Joe Markosek, chairman of the House Transportation Committee said Act 44 will generate the $2.5 billion in new transportation funding in a three-year period without I-80 tolls. He also said Act 44 represents a clear long-range solution to the state's funding crisis, all without raising taxes or relinquishing control of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

New York Governor David Paterson held closed-door negotiations with Seneca Nation representatives today as pressure increases on Paterson to start collecting sales tax from Indian cigarette retailers. The state says it loses about $400 million dollars in tax revenues through the Indian sales. Lawmakers say collecting tax from the Indians would help close a $15 billion budget deficit. The Seneca Nation declined comment on the afternoon talks but Seneca leaders have said in the past that they have little to negotiate because the tax-free sales are protected by treaties dating back to George Washington. The Paterson administration had no comment on the meetings either

WASHINGTON (AP) — Caroline Kennedy has spoken to New York Gov. David Paterson about the Senate seat that will come open when Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes secretary of state, according to a person familiar with the conversation. Kennedy reached out to the governor to discuss the Senate seat, according to the Democratic source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the conversation was private. The source would not disclose the details of the conversation. For the full story, go to The Associated Press .

Five Bradford teens have been indicted by a Cattaraugus County grand jury on a number of charges related to robberies that happened earlier this year. James Baribeau, Kyle Grandinetti and Benjamen Trumbull are accused of robbing the Olean Sugar Creek store on September 23. Baribeau, James Munday and Douglas Carnahan are accused of an attempted robbery October 9 at Domino's Pizza in Allegany. Baribeau, Trumbull and Carnahan are in McKean County Jail on similar charges they face here. Grandinetti and Munday are in Cattaraugus County Jail.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, who was sworn in Wednesday as Pennsylvania’s 31st lieutenant governor, will address the graduating Class of 2009 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford next spring. Scarnati, who was recently elected to his third term in the Senate as the representative from the 25th District, will deliver the keynote address during commencement exercises at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, in the Sport & Fitness Center on the Pitt-Bradford campus. “Senator Scarnati has emerged as one of the most highly respected public officials in the commonwealth,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford president, “and we’re grateful that he has agreed to address our graduates at the 2009 commencement.” “Senator Scarnati has much to share with our graduating students as they seek to find their way in a complex world,” Alexander continued. “He exemplifies the values of hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. His remarkabl...

A New Jersey woman is suing a Pennsylvania sports bar and restaurant, saying she got stuck inside a toilet bowl for 20 minutes when the seat broke. Kathleen Hewko, who weighs about 135 pounds, says she was in the bathroom at Starters Pub in an Allentown suburb when the handicapped toilet seat she was sitting on cracked and dumped her into the bowl. Hewko claims in the lawsuit filed in November in U.S. District Court in Allentown that she had hip surgery prior to the Nov. 19, 2006 incident and was re-injured when the seat broke.

Fifth graders at School Street Elementary sent 62 boxes of Christmas cheer to local people serving in the military. 30 of the boxes were sent to Iraq. The rest were sent to our local National Guard Unit at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The students baked 50 dozen cookies, which were included in boxes that also contained instant oatmeal, powdered drink mix and hard candy. The students also sent cards and letters to the troops. Their teacher, Patsy Arrowsmith, says the students got a good response from the community and quite a few community organizations chipped in.

Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer is back in the media – this time as a member of it. Last night, the online magazine Slate posted Spitzer's first column , which argues against government bailouts to financial institutions. Spitzer's semimonthly column will focus on the financial crisis, regulation and government. Spitzer resigned earlier this year after getting caught in a prostitution scandal. Last month, federal prosecutors announced they would not bring criminal charges against him.

St. Bonaventure University has inducted eight students into Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society for counselors-in-training, counselor educators and professional counselors. To be eligible for the St. Bonaventure chapter, Phi Rho, students must be enrolled in graduate-level counseling programs with a grade point average of 3.5 or above. Membership in Chi Sigma Iota provides students and professionals with a network of others, who like themselves, reach for high standards of scholarship and practice in the field of counseling. Dr. Mary O. Adekson, associate professor of counselor education, is the faculty adviser for Phi Rho at St. Bonaventure. The honor society president is Crystal Rublee, the secretary is Kathleen Crowley, and the treasurer is Melissa Andrus. Six students doing their graduate work on the main campus were inducted. They are: Nicole Arzner of Jamestown, N.Y.; Amy Barger of Limestone, N.Y.; Jessica Blatchley of Olean; A.J. Goodman of St. Bonaventure; Brittany M...

State Senate Democratic Leader Robert J. Mellow today said he will forego this year’s cost-of-living adjustment. He provided the following statement: “In view of the continued deterioration of the economy in Pennsylvania and the United States, I will forego my cost-of-living adjustment for this year in response to the worsening state budget revenue shortfall. “While this amount of money is relatively small, it symbolically represents one way to demonstrate leadership and solidarity with struggling working families during these extraordinarily difficult economic times. “I will continue working with all legislators to cut government costs, improve efficiency and respond to this very difficult economic challenge.”

From the Game Commission: JERSEY SHORE, Lycoming County – Following an investigation into an incident in which a hunter was injured by a bear in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer David Carlini said that he has concluded that no illegal actions took place and was simply a matter of the hunter being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” On Nov. 25, in Lawrence Township, a hunter was following fresh bear tracks in the snow that went into the cornfield. While he was in the middle of the cornfield he heard and then saw a bear run away from him from about five or six cornrows away and then it turned and ran back toward the hunter. As this bear ran by him at about three feet away, the hunter sensed something to his rear and, as he was turning around to look, was hit by a second bear. The victim suffered puncture wounds, bites and gashes, but nothing life threatening. As the two bears ran off, the hunter walked to a dirt road and was taken for ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named eight new members to its Advisory Board and reappointed 16 members to the board. The new elected members are Timothy B. Fannin, Dr. David Jardini, Dr. Sandra Macfarlane, Stephen J. Quinn and Richard B. Seager. Mary K. Colf, Joseph C. DeMott and Stacy Sorokes Wallace were named ex officio members. Also, the Hon. Kenneth M. Jadlowiec was moved from elected to emeritus status, and Richard L. Kessel was added as an honorary member. All of the appointments were made by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg. Fannin, a resident of Clearfield, is a partner with the accounting firm Catalano, Case, Catalano & Fannin. Fannin, who graduated from Pitt-Bradford in 1978 and earned a master of business administration degree from Clarion University, has been a certified public accountant for 27 years and an adjunct professor of accounting/finance at Penn State University for two years. ...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Players, students, parents and coaches showed up at Wednesday's school board meeting to show support for Jerry Pattison, who was not rehired as a Bradford High football coach after 15 years in the position. Even Pattison's father spoke to the school board. "What I'm really appalled at is the abuse of power that the school board is allowing the superintendent (Sandra Romanowski) and (Director of Human Resources) Sam Johnson …." The rest of his statement was drowned out by applause from the audience that, at one point, flowed into the hallway outside the Large Group Instruction Room at Fretz Middle School. He asked the school board to look into why anybody "can take a personal vendetta and turn it into this bunch of crap." Pattison, himself, told the board he wasn't given a reason for not being rehired. He said he was told that if he asked why he wasn't rehired he was to be told it was a personnel reason and...

Reid Stores, Inc. will open a new Bradford Crosby’s convenience store that will house the city’s first Tim Hortons quick serve restaurant next week. The new 4,800 square foot store replaced the existing Crosby’s on 1002 East Main Street. A ribbon cutting ceremony will mark the grand opening on December 12, 2008 at 9 a.m. The Morning Buzz will be broadcasting live from the grand opening. The Bradford Crosby’s/Tim Hortons will serve a full menu, including breakfast sandwiches, donuts, bagels, muffins, sandwiches, soup and an assortment of cold and hot beverages. The quick serve restaurant will also have a convenient drive thru window and will operate 24 hours a day. Tim Hortons, founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, is one of the fastest growing quick service restaurant chains in Canada, and has become increasingly popular in some Northeastern states in the U.S.A. The chain specializes in baked goods, homestyle lunches and is famous for their signature Tim Hortons coffee. “We’re excited...

From Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati's news conference (answering a question by RadioPA's Matt Paul, I might add.) "Pennsylvanians are looking for one thing. They're looking for some hope. They hope that what we do today will make a better day tomorrow. They're looking to see that we understand the plight that's going on." Scarnati said if he could reflect one issue during the next two years, it would be telling people that "we (legislators) get it, that we understand and we're doing something about it. "We hear and see what's happening across the Commonwealth. I'm not sure if Pennsylvanians – if they're polled – believe that there's any hope some days," he said. He said there's something wrong if husbands and wives are working two jobs and still can't make ends meet.

Sixty-eight students expected to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford this month will be recognized with a reception on Sunday, Dec. 7. Students will be honored during an informal event beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president; Dr. Steve Hardin, dean of academic affairs; and Dr. K. James Evans, dean of student affairs, will speak. Refreshments will be served afterward. The reception is held for students graduating at the end of the fall term who may not be able to return for the April commencement. Those from Bradford expected to graduate are Allison Rene Armstrong, a psychology major; Timothy E. Burkhouse, an engineering science major; Anna Jude Chiodo, a public relations major; Lisa Marie Gelormini, a business management major; Jessica L.Keane, a business management major; Daniel Steven Kermick, a biology education major; Tarah Marie L...

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9), Majority Whip Jane Orie (R-40), Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman (R-34), Caucus Chairman Mike Waugh (R-28), and Caucus Secretary Bob Robbins (R-50) today announced that they would not accept the annual COLA, instead returning the money to the state Treasury. “As we have said consistently, everything is on the table in terms of spending cuts as we address the state budget deficit,” said Senator Scarnati. “Government must live within its means, and this announcement is part of our commitment to do exactly that.” Senator Pileggi said he will personally introduce a bill to officially suspend the COLA for legislators. “We congratulate the House Democratic leaders for their decision,” said Senator Pileggi. “Now, we call on them to embrace additional initiatives which will cut costs and make government operations more transparent.” In early 2007, Senate Republican leaders pushed to cut legisl...

BERWICK, Pa. (AP) — A man spit in the face of an 88-year-old retired state police trooper, then mooned him and punched him after the elderly man criticized the way he parked. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

A Warren County hunter apparently died of natural causes in the woods on Tuesday. The body of the hunter, identified only as a 45-year-old man from Pleasant Township, was found in a wooded area off Hemlock Road at about 8:30 last night. The Glade Volunteer Fire Department says the man went into the woods at about 8 a.m. and, when he didn't return home, family members started searching for him at around 5 p.m. He was unresponsive when they found him.

Joe Scarnati has been sworn into office as lieutenant governor to replace Catherine Baker Knoll. The ceremony in the Senate chamber was witnessed by Gov. Ed Rendell and a few dozen family members and Senate officials. No news photographers, tape recorders or television cameras were allowed in. Superior Court Judge John Cleland administered the oath of office. Knoll died Nov. 12 after being diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in July. She was 78. “I am honored to have been sworn in as Lieutenant Governor, but given the circumstances surrounding the ascension, this certainly is not a celebration,” Scarnati stated. “Catherine was a tremendous public servant and will be sorely missed. However, know that I respectfully accept this responsibility and will carry out the duties of this office with dignity and integrity. Scarnati becomes Pennsylvania's 31st lieutenant governor. He will also retain his senate seat. “I look forward to serving in both capacities and am prepared for the many...

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — In 2001, state Sen. Vincent Fumo's staff asked a fellow lawmaker to be the public face of a political lawsuit against high-ranking Sen. Robert Jubelirer, the lawmaker testified Tuesday. Fumo did not want to be linked to the suit, which challenged Jubelirer's right to remain a senator while also stepping into the vacant Lt. Governor's post, former Rep. John Lawless said. For the full story, go to Lehigh Valley Live.com .

By Emily L. Ciraolo SBU ’10 Two months after Hurricane Ike came crashing ashore in Galveston County, Texas, the search for the missing continues and the cleanup of debris seems never-ending. Out of concern and a passion for helping those in need, students at St. Bonaventure University are once again ready to respond. For the first time, BonaResponds, a disaster-relief group based at the university, will be heading to Bridge City, Texas, for its annual winter break trip from Jan. 5 –17, 2009. In the wake of the storm, Bridge City had been flooded entirely. BonaResponds will be working with the Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team to help with the relief effort by distributing supplies, cooking and serving meals to the community as well as gutting and cleaning flooded houses. The trip is open to the public. “I encourage people of all ages to come and join us in Bridge City,” said Dr. Jim Mahar, associate professor of finance and founder of BonaResponds. “Young or old, student or p...

From Pheasants Forever: There is nothing more satisfying then sitting down to a meal that you have harvested for yourself. If you have pheasants in the freezer, you should be sure to thank your favorite 4-legged hunting buddy by giving them a share of your wild game supper. The following are 2 recipes shared by our Pheasants Forever Chapter 630 members. You can substitute grouse or chicken depending on your luck in the field so far this fall. Remember that small game season resumes after rifle deer season ends! Pheasant with Cream Cheese Pound the debone breast meat of a pheasant flat. Soften a package of Philadelphia cream cheese and mix with some chopped onion and hot or mild peppers. Spoon this mixture on to the flatten meat. Roll it up and wrap it with bacon. Secure this with a tooth pick. Grill or bake for 10 minutes or to your liking. How could anything wrapped in bacon be bad? Oven Fried Pheasant Heat the oven to 350F. Debone 2 pheasants and cut or pound the meat until it is all...

I know a lot of non-profit organizations are looking for new ways to raise money, especially now that everyone is competing for the every-decreasing "extra" couple of dollars people might have. Anyway, as I was updating our Regional Events Calendar , this really caught my eye -- especially since lasagna is one of my all-time favorite foods. December 12 -- Garfield Grub Fest -- Lasagna Bakeoff 5 to 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Chambers Street. Includes salad, lasagna, dessert and drink $7. Proceeds benefit Bradford Youth for Christ. I'm not going to be able to make because of work and a prior committment, so I need as many of you to go as possible so they have it again when I can go. Thanks!

The Friends of Hanley Library at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will present its 16th annual “Seasonal Readings” at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, on WESB’s LiveLine. Dr. Donald Ulin, associate professor of English, will share unpublished letters about Christmas written by Emma Alderson, a Quaker immigrant in the 1840s, to her family back in England. Alderson's letters contrast Christmas on the American frontier with the Christmases she remembers in England. They share her loneliness so far removed from her family but also her excitement about new traditions in a new land. They are part of the research Ulin has been have been conducting over the last five years for a book of immigrant correspondence. The annual radio readings on WESB began with the late Dr. Robert C. Laing, Jr., professor emeritus at Pitt-Bradford, in 1990. Since 2001, Dr. Donald Ulin has carried on this treasured Bradford tradition. WESB broadcasts at 1490 AM. The Friends of Hanley Library was founded i...

You may have heard Dan talking about holiday tipping on WESB this afternoon. Here are some guidelines: Babysitter : One evening's pay, plus a small gift from your child Letter carriers : U.S. government regulations permit carriers to accept gifts worth up to $20 per occasion, not cash For more, go HERE Radio announcers (including news people) will gladly accept money or food.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., in Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC) Outpatient Services Center lobby for families of hospice patients and others who have passed away in the community. “This ceremony will serve as a remembrance of hospice patients who were in BRMC’s hospice program and for anyone who would like to remember a loved one,” says Stacy Williams, director of Annual Giving and Volunteer Services. “The names of those who passed away in the past two years under the care of the hospice program by BRMC’s McKean County VNA & Hospice will be read during the service,” she explains. “But anyone who has had a family member or friend pass on is welcome to attend this memorial service.” Those attending can have the name of a loved one placed on a decorative dove that will be hung on a “Peace Tree” during the service, Mrs. Williams says. The 30-minute service will be led by Pastors Lynn Gatz and Max Miller, BRMC’s hospice spiritual counselors, wit...

Joe Scarnati's formal swearing-in as Pennsylvania's next lieutenant governor is scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow. Superior Court Judge John Cleland will administer the oath of office in a private ceremony for family and staff members. Scarnati is assuming the office following the November 12 death of Catherine Baker Knoll. Scarnati will also keep his senate seat.

From the Game Commission: Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Michael D. Wojtecki recently filed four Game and Wildlife Code charges against Michael James Renzi, 31, and Maurice Allen Page, 28, both of Erie, for a poaching incident on Nov. 5. All charges were filed in District Judge Christopher MacKendrick’s office in Erie. Renzi and Page were each charged with one count of unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife, which carries a fine up to $800 each, plus court cost. Renzi and Page also were each charged with one count of restrictions on recreational spotlighting, which carries a fine up to $200 each, plus court cost. The charges stem for an incident that occurred on Nov. 5, in Conneaut Township on Finley and Old Albion roads. The two suspects were apprehended at 12:30 am on Old Albion Road with a Remington .30-06 and a spotlight in Renzi’s Ford pick up. They had shot a large eight-point buck, with heavy antlers, long tines and a spread of 19.5 inches...

The federal Department of Energy is making its recommendations on how to continue the cleanup of the former nuclear site in Cattaraugus County, but a citizen's group says it's not satisfied with those recommendations. The West Valley Demonstration Project housed a commercial nuclear fuel reprocessing operation in the 1960s, but was shut down in 1972, leaving behind contaminated buildings and buried waste. The D-O-E is recommending that some of the buildings be torn down, but is also calling for phased shutdown of the site that would take 30 more years. Advocates for removing all the waste released a study today saying that removing all the waste would be cheaper than leaving some of it buried and having to maintain it for thousands of years.

From the Game Commission: HARRISBURG – A two-year investigation by Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Joe Wenzel came to a close as three New Hampshire residents recently were found guilty of unlawfully killing deer and assessed nearly $5,000 in fines and related costs by District Judge Jonathan Wilcox in Troy, Bradford County. Russell W. Hammond, 43, and Paul L. Hammond, 51, both of Raymond, New Hampshire, were found guilty of unlawful taking and possession of game or wildlife and failure to report big game harvests, for which they were fined $825 each. In addition, they each were assessed a $500 restitution fee for the deer, $217 in restitution for DNA laboratory fees and $124 in court costs. The third New Hampshire resident, Dean B. Nash, 51, of Epping, was found guilty of unlawful taking and possession of game or wildlife, and was fined $800. He also was assessed a $500 restitution fee for the deer, $217 in restitution for DNA laboratory fees and $6...

Visual artistry in the Kane Area is developing and growing. Members or participants in three groups are often asked the differences between the Kane Creative Arts League, ArtWorks at the Depot and the Art in the Wilds. Nothing about art fits neatly into a box. Even so, a quick explanation of each group might help clarify what each offers. Some confusion may lie in the fact that many artists and art lovers are members or participants in each of the groups. The Kane Creative Arts League (KCAL) is a group of people who love art – whether an established or aspiring artist, or a promoter or admirer of the arts. Started in November 1990 by artist Jenifer Robinson the mission of the KCAL is to promote all arts in the Kane area, and to support continuing art appreciation and exploration. The KCAL hosts quarterly gatherings on the second Thursday evening of February, May, August and November at Friends' Memorial Library to learn or experience something new or different about an art te...

From Main Street Manager Anita Dolan: A special Men’s Night will kick off Downtown Bradford’s holiday shopping events this Thursday evening, December 4. Many Main Street merchants will extend their business hours until 7 p.m. Men are encouraged to shop early, shop locally and avoid the stress of last minute shopping by visiting Bradford’s downtown merchants on an evening that is targeted especially for them. Merchants will be selling gift baskets, gift cards, and ‘grab and go’ pre-wrapped gifts. There will be something for everyone on a man’s list! Free gift wrapping, special sales, refreshments and shipping will be offered at many of the participating businesses. Participating businesses include: Orris Jewelers, Main Street Mercantile, Roseart Company, Sunset Bay Tanning Resort, Melange, the Massage Spa, Cavallero Custom Framing and Gourmet Foods, Man’s World, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Graham Florist and Grandma’s House Tea and Gifts.

The Seneca Gaming Corporation is laying off more than 200 employees from its casinos and hotels in Salamanca, Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Officials also announced that a year-end bonus program has been suspenced and salary reductions will be imposed for senior management and members of the board of directors. Corporation Chairman Barry Snyder Sr. says they are confident in the strength of their business in the long term, but are being realistic about what's happening with the economy now. Seneca spokesman Phil Pantano is one of the people who lost his job. Seneca Gaming Corporation

A 65-year-old hunter from Tioga County had to be rescued from the Allegheny National Forest after suffering a stroke while hunting Monday morning. Tom Mehalko of the Wilcox Volunteer Fire Department says the man's hunting partner used a cell to call for help, but it took emergency crews nearly five hours to get him out of the forest and to the hospital because of nearly impassable roads. They used a 4-by-4 four-wheeler to get the man out of the forest, then Medic 12 took him to Elk Regional Health Center.

One of three relatives charged with running the Operation Family Cookout methamphetamine ring near Albion has pleaded guilty. 46-year-old James Frey will be sentenced on January 13. In March, the attorney general's office charged Frey, his brother and sister-in-law and 20 other co-defendants in what the office says was the oldest known meth ring in northwestern Pennsylvania. Frey is free on $100,000 bond. Ronald and Patricia Frey are jailed on $600,000 and $500,000 bond respectively.

Four hunters were rescued Monday night after being stranded on the Allegheny Reservoir near Elijah Run. The names of the hunters have not been released, but they are from McKean in Erie County, and had been camping on the reservoir since Friday. Terry Carlson, Chief of the Glade Volunteer Fire Department, says their canoe got overloaded when they put the deer they had shot into it. The pontoon supports broke, and they couldn't move the canoe. The fire department was called out at about 5:30 and it took them and the Ludlow Volunteer Fire Department about an hour to get to the site and another hour to get the hunters out of the water.

Just in case you couldn't make it to the parade, and didn't hear Scott's live broadcast on The HERO, here ya go:

HARRISBURG - Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is reminding are residents that the deadline to file for the state's Property/Tax Rent Rebate program is just a few weeks away. Eligible participants who apply by Dec. 31 can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2007. So far, more than 515,000 claims have been filed for this year's rebates. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. Eligibility income limits for homeowners were expanded last year to the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits: $0 and $8,000, up to a $650 rebate (Homeowners and renters) $8,001 to $15,000, up to a $500 rebate (Homeowners and renters) $15,001 to $18,000, up to a $300 rebate (Homeowners only) $18,001 to $35,000, up to a $250 rebate (Homeowners only) The Proper...

The chairman of the state House Appropriations Committee says it may be time to tap into the state's $750 million Rainy Day Fund. Representative Dwight Evans tells a Philadelphia newspaper that this is more than a rainy day; it's a hurricane. He says the legislature also should consider using its own $240 million surplus fund and the approximately $700 million in legislatively controlled grant money, known as "walking around money." Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati says no options are off the table. "I think we can put everything on the table, and not take anything off of the table at this time, he says. "This is a critical time. This is probably one of the worst economic spirals downward in decades that Pennsylvania has seen." Pennsylvania's budget shortfall may be about $2 billion by the end of the fiscal year. Tax revenues are lagging about 7 percent below projections.

Describing Scarnati as very conservative, Rendell said, "I could not leave the 19th largest economy in the world in his hands." For the full story, go to Reuters .

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director When you think about people being hungry and homeless, you might not think about Bradford. But YWCA Executive Director Amy Pierce says both are problems here. "Our homeless shelter is currently operating at full capacity with a waiting list of about 14 people," Pierce said on Monday's LiveLine on WESB. "As soon as someone finds a place, (the shelter) fills right back up." As for the food pantry, she says, "We had a record week right before Thanksgiving," serving 70 families in two hours. But the problem didn't start with the onset of the holiday season. Mandi Wilton Davis, executive assistant with The United Way of the Bradford Area, says that back in August she saw a 5- or 6-year-old boy standing in the food pantry line. Davis, who has a son that age, says she was struck hard when thinking "someone that small is standing in line at the food pantry." She says she noticed that the boy was crying and...

PHILADELPHIA — Ex-Sen. Vincent Fumo secretly funded attacks against fellow Democrat Ed Rendell during his successful 2002 gubernatorial primary bid, according to testimony in Fumo's ongoing corruption trial. For the full story, go to The Evening Sun .

A Jamestown man faces insurance fraud charges after investigators say he staged a trip-and-fall accident in a supermarket in July. 46-year-od Benedict Harkins was arrested last week after a police investigation showed that he adjusted a rug on the floor of the Farm Fresh Market then laid on the floor to make it look as if he tripped on the rug. Harkins was taken to a hospital and treated for a back injury he claimed he suffered, then submitted an insurance claim but later withdrew the claim after being informed of the surveillance video. He did, however, submit an $800 bill for ambulance service to the store's insurance company. If convicted, Harkins faces up to one year in prison.

More bears were harvested in Potter County than anyplace else in the state, according to preliminary figures released today by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. 288 bears were taken last week's season. Two others were taken during the two-day archery bear season. Brian Ristau of Clarendon harvested the largest bear during the archery season. He got a 575-pound male in Glade Township, Warren County, on November 19. So far, the total bear harvest of 3,004 for the two seasons preliminarily ranks as the fifth highest statewide harvest.

A Webster, New York, man charged with shooting and killing another hunter a year ago today will face trial early next year. 39-year-old John Gisel is charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of 30-year-old Brandon Haugh. Gisel's trial is set to begin with jury selection on March 20 in Allegany County Court. Haugh was hunting near the Almond/Burns town line Dec. 1, 2007. Gisel and another hunting party were about 80 yards away. Gisel told police he thought he was shooting at a deer.

“Since the founding of our nation, New York has often sent our best leaders to Washington where they confronted the great challenges of their day. We are proud that Senator Clinton will join that venerable tradition as Secretary of State. She is the leader we need to partner with President-Elect Obama to confront the international challenges we face today. I can think of no one more qualified for the position at this critical moment in our history. “New York will lose a powerful voice in the Senate. But the nation will gain a powerful voice in the world. Senator Clinton's wisdom and record of leadership will make her a strong advocate for the cause of liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. Her courage and experience will give our nation a tested warrior in the fight against terrorism and extremism. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want to thank Senator Clinton for her service to this State. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new capacity. “In order to appoint...

11/26/08 - Smethport Man Dies in Plowing Accident A Smethport man died Tuesday night when the tractor he was driving while snow plowing tipped off a bridge and into a small creek. State Police say that the tractor driven by 61 year-old Dr. Douglas Bowman came to rest on top of him. Bowman was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident happened on a private road off Pumphouse Road in Liberty township. 11/26/08 - Salamanca Teacher Facing More Charges Additional charges have been filed against the Salamanca school teacher who is facing several counts of sodomy. Cattaraugus County Sheriff Deputies say Michael Dupont has had two additional counts of sodomy filed against him. Deputies say the charges against Dupont are a result of two more victims coming forward with accusations of sexual misconduct. Dupont was a seventh grade teacher at Salamanca high School when the alleged incidents happened. The Cattaraugus County Sheriff Department says the investigation remains open as further victims ...

Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers (WCOs) confirmed today that a serval, an exotic cat from Africa that resembles a small cheetah, was killed the evening of Nov. 25, along Garrett Mill Road in Willistown Township, Chester County. Montgomery County WCO Chris Heil received a call from a farm manager for a local farm about an exotic cat that was in his chicken coop killing chickens. WCO Heil told, under state law, the farmer had the authority to kill the animal to protect his livestock. On Nov. 26, Chester County WCO Scott Frederick retrieved the carcass and transported it to the Southeast Region Office in Reading. The owner has been identified and an investigation has been opened regarding the lawful ownership of the animal. ( In the photo provided by the Game Commission and the Willistown Township Police Department, Chester County WCO Scott Frederick holds the carcass of the serval killed in Willistown Township on Nov. 25.

If you love the smell of Penn State, now you can get that smell in a bottle. The university has an official perfume and cologne developed by Harrisburg-based Masik Collegiate Fragrances. The perfume smells like vanilla, lilac and rose, while the cologne smells of blue cypress and cracked pepper vapor. The company says the scents are based on "school colors, campus flowers and trees." A 3.4-ounce bottles cost $60.