Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that coyotes will become legal game under the Mentored Youth Hunting Program (MYHP) effective Saturday, Dec. 20. The addition, which was given final approval by the Board of Game Commissioners at its Oct. 24 meeting, is slated to be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the Commonwealth’s official compendium of regulatory actions, which is the final step required for the change to take effect. Roe noted that the logic behind the MYHP is simple and clear: create expanded youth hunting opportunities without compromising safety afield. “This program paves the way for youngsters to nurture their interest in hunting early and allows them to take a more active role in actual hunting while afield with mentoring adults,” Roe said. “The program accommodates hands-on use of sporting arms and can promote a better understanding and interest in hunting and wildlife conservation that will help assure hunting’...

Baily’s Beads, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s award-winning literary magazine, is now accepting writing submissions through Feb. 20. The magazine accepts poetry, short stories, novel excerpts, memoir, travel writing, personal essays, plays and translations. Written work should have a cover sheet with the author’s name and contact information, but the author’s name should not appear anywhere else on the manuscript. Poetry should be single spaced, while prose should be double spaced. Writers may submit up to 20 pages. Submissions may be dropped off at 103 Blaisdell Hall or mailed to Baily’s Beads, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford, Pa., 16701. Mandy Colosimo, a writing major from Bradford, will be the editor of the next issue. Dr. Nancy McCabe, associate professor of writing, serves as the magazine’s advisor. Last year the magazine earned a Gold Medalist Award from Columbia University’s press association for content, organization and design, earni...

After learning that Senate Restaurants no longer offer Snyder’s Pretzels and Utz Potato Chips both of Hanover Township in York County, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) sent a letter to Acting Director of Senate Food Services, Dan Cassil, and General Manager of Restaurant Associates for the United States Senate, Andrew Lisi, urging them to reconsider the decision. “The fact that these products were on the shelves for more than a decade is a testament to their universal appeal,” wrote Senator Casey. “If the complaints my office has received are any indication, numerous patrons are unhappy with your decision. As you continue the management transition of Senate Restaurants operations, I urge you to reconsider any action that will fundamentally restrict access to products that your customers have come to enjoy.” Due to new management, Senate Restaurants no longer offer Snyder’s Pretzels and Utz Potato Chips. Utz Quality Foods has been a Pennsylvania staple for almost 90 year...

State Representative Scott Conklin plans to introduce legislation that would allow Pennsylvania voters to cast ballots in advance of Election Day. Conklin says early voting presents many benefits to voters, including reducing lines on Election Day and reducing the impact of variables such as the weather or work schedules on voter participation. Under Conklin's plan, eligible voters would be able to vote in person at their county board of elections, or in other locations as the board might approve, beginning 10 days prior to Election Day.

Fire investigators say they may never be able to determine the cause of a blaze that killed two children in Olean last Sunday. They say the South Second Street house was so badly damaged that clues to what started the blaze are nearly impossible to find, although they are continuing their investigation. 18-month-old Jamar Gayton and 3-year-old Aubriana Gayton died in the fire. Their father, Cecil, is still in the burn unit at ECMC after trying to rescue the children. He was able to rescue his third child, 4-year-old Raemont. The Gayton Relief Fund has been set up at Community Bank. Donations of food, clothing and Christmas presents may be dropped off at Mayor David Carucci's office.

Joel Horowitz, Ph.D., a noted scholar on Argentina and professor of history at St. Bonaventure University, has written a new book about Argentina’s government in the early 20th century. “Argentina’s Radical Party and Popular Mobilization, 1916-1930” examines democracy’s first appearance in a country that appeared to satisfy all the criteria that political development theorists of the 1950s and 1960s identified as crucial. This experiment lasted in Argentina from 1916 to 1930, when it ended in a military coup that left a troubled political legacy for decades to come. “This book sheds new light on a crucial chapter in the struggle for democracy in Argentina. Drawing on approaches from political and labor history, Horowitz’s study examines the complex negotiations between party leaders, state officials and working people that shaped public life during the heyday of Radical Party rule,” said Eduardo Elena, history professor at the University of Miami. “In the process, it questions familiar ...

In round 4 chess league action at School Street Elementary, the Lang Surveying Team, league champion last year, was slaughtered by the Northwest Savings Bank Team. Hamlin Bank battled back after a feeble third round attempt and scored powerfully against Smith’s Watch & Clock Repair. Hamlin Bank and Lang Surveying are now tied for first overall. The Tasta Pizza Team remains in third place with Northwest Savings Bank trailing by only half a point. In the JV division, the field has narrowed considerably for top challengers. Only Leah Swineford, captain for Tasta Pizza, and Mitchell Forbes, captain for Hamlin Bank, remain undefeated in league competition. In the varsity section, the Parkview Super Market Team retains possession of first place followed by Ed Shults Toyota and Bradford Window’s teams, who are tied for second. Dr. Laroche’s team, Dr. Gonzalez’ team, and Dexter’s Service Center’s team, and are only half a point behind. Vying for first place individual in the varsity ...

Charlotte Beimel, a freshman nursing student from St. Marys wraps gifts for area children and senior citizens. (Photo Courtesy of Pitt-Bradford) University of Pittsburgh at Bradford nursing students have enjoyed giving $750 in gifts to area seniors and children this holiday season, including new games for the residents of Chapel Ridge in Bradford and presents for needy children, seniors and adults. Members of the Student Nurse Organization raised money this fall by selling candles. As part of Pitt-Bradford’s Make a Difference Day activities in October, members visited Chapel Ridge to play games with residents and were surprised to find few choices. Since they had enjoyed playing games with the residents, they used $250 of their earnings to purchase games for Chapel Ridge and wrapped them and delivered them for opening on Christmas morning. “We here at Chapel Ridge were just so pleased that the Student Nurse Organization remembered us at this holiday ...

Priya Mohanty, M.D., a member of the Olean Medical Group who specializes in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism, gives a presentation Friday during a “Diabetes 2008” seminar at Bradford Area Public Library. (Photo Courtesy of BRMC) By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department Diabetes is a metabolic disease, rife with potential life-threatening complications, that shows no signs of decreasing in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world. This is why those with pre-diabetes, diabetes and at-risk individuals need to learn about the disease, be aware of possible telltale symptoms and undergo screenings. Also, it’s critical of those diagnosed with the disease to follow their physician’s treatment advice and get help from diabetes educators who can set them on the right course to make necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. During a “Diabetes 2008” seminar, held Friday at the Bradford Area Public Library, more than 30 individuals learned about the disease, symptoms and treatmen...

National City Bank in Bradford will not be one of the 61 branches PNC Financial Services must sell before finishing the deal to acquire National City. A PNC spokesman said earlier in the day that transfers of the branches will take place shortly before or after the Pittsburgh-based bank closes on its deal to acquire Cleveland-based National City. The branches to be sold include 50 in the Pittsburgh area, six in Erie County, four in Crawford county and one in Warren county. Customers and accounts of the affected branches will be transferred to whomever acquires those branches.

The new Crosby's/Tim Hortons officially opens on Friday, but some people got a sneak peak of the new store Thursday evening. Speaking to a crowd of local dignitaries, store associates and their families, Doug Galli, vice preisent and general manager of Reid Stores Inc. said the company is "very excited about this relationship that Crosby's and Tim Hortons are about to embark upon. We hope this is the beginning of a great relationship." Galli praised the associates, vendors, contractors and others involved in getting the store ready to open on the target date that was set four months ago. As for what everyone accomplished within the last couple of days, he said, "all the work to shut down a store (and) in two days, empty it, tear it down and a few days later have it up and running … it was a Herculean effort." Galli said this is the largest effort Reid Stores has ever undertaken. Once the Ransomville, New York, store is open, they will have 31 locations. He a...

Bellefonte, PA – Congressman-Elect Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-Howard, announced today that he has hired Jordan Clark to serve as his Chief of Staff and Peter Winkler to serve as his District Director. Jordan will be based in Thompson’s Washington Office, while Peter will run the district operations from offices in Bellefonte, Pa. and Titusville, Pa. “Having worked with Jordan and Peter in various capacities over the years, I have come to respect their judgment, work ethic and extensive knowledge of the Fifth District,” said Thompson. “As a newly elected Member of Congress, I have a clear vision of what I want to accomplish on behalf of the constituents and could not think of two more qualified professionals to assist me in that effort. “Jordan brings a wealth of experience to the table. With strong Pennsylvania roots, Jordan has served as Chief of Staff to several Members’ of the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation, was a high level official at the Department of Energy under Presid...

Dr. Michael Klausner, associate professor of sociology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, presented a paper at the Pennsylvania Sociological Society’s conference held in Harrisburg last month. Klausner’s paper, titled “Environmental Racism and Classism: Sociological Perspectives,” dealt with the nature, prevalence and responses to environmental racism and classism. Environmental racism and classism is the disproportionate siting of various kinds of facilities, including toxic waste dumps, oil, lead, chemical refineries and other structures in areas populated primarily by members of minority groups (mainly African Americans) and those at the lower end of the socioeconomic scale. The phenomenon also refers to the differential enforcement of environmental laws both in specific communities and in the workplace. A variety of studies have indicated that environmental racism and classism in one form or another has and still exists in many communities in the ...

Governor Ed Rendell has announced a $30 million investment in PennDOT's Rail Freight programs, and part of that money is going to Elk and Warren counties. In Elk County, Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad will receive $1.5 million to connect the Allegheny & Eastern and the Buffalo & Pittsburgh main lines in Johnsonburg to bypass the Johnsonburg Yard for thru trains. “Rail freight is a vital link in the economy of our region and the commonwealth, and this grant will help improve the timely delivery of goods, which is critical in today’s marketplace,” said Senator Joe Scarnati. “Rail is not only a celebrated part of our history, it’s a key component of our region’s future, and to remain competitive it is important that the rail lines continue to improve to serve 21st century needs.” In Warren County, Elkhorn Propane will get $215,000 for the construction of new siding off the Allegheny & Eastern main line for transloading natural gas liquids produced by Elkhorn. And in Ar...

New York Governor David Paterson has 10 day to either sign or veto a bill requiring collection of taxes on sales of cigarettes by Indian retailers to non-Indians. Paterson asked the Assembly to hold onto the bill since its final passage in August so he would have more time to try to negotiate a resolution to the tax impasse with the Indians. Last week, Paterson met with Seneca Nation leaders but no deals came out of that meeting. The bill would make it illegal for tobacco companies to supply wholesalers that ship cigarettes to retailers that sell tax-free. It follows a bill previously passed, but not enforced by the Paterson or Spitzer administrations, to collect the taxes at the wholesale level. Paterson has said he wants to collect the tax, but believes forcing the issue would only result in litigation, more delays.

Remarks of U.S. Senator Bob Casey As Prepared December 10, 2008 Yesterday, I came before the Senate to pay tribute to Pennsylvanians who gave, as Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Therefore, today, I would like to honor the men and women of Pennsylvania who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This struggle began in the weeks following the gravest terrorist attack on American soil – and it was a direct response to eliminate the sanctuary of those who plotted the horrific events of 9/11. The men and women who have served in Afghanistan have faced extreme danger, but have persevered with a can-do spirit. Our men and women of the United States Armed Forces are in a class all their own. And, like their brothers and sisters serving in Iraq, they mourn the sacrifices of their own. So here in the Senate, I would also like to enter into the Congressional Record the names of those twenty five Pennsylvania heroes who may have...

Due to the struggling national economy and the estimated $2 billion 2009-2010 state budget deficit, State Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) announced today that she will return the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that was automatically added to all state lawmakers’ salaries as of Dec. 1. She also announced her support for state Sen. Dominic Pileggi’s (R-Chester/Delaware) legislation that would suspend the automatic COLA and corresponding pension increases that were enacted into state law in 1995. “Just as I did with my original votes against the 2005 pay raise and for its repeal, and against all four of the governor’s fiscally irresponsible, debt-increasing state budgets since taking office in 2005, I am again basing my decision to return and support the repeal of my automatic COLA on one undeniable factor: the median income of the three counties I represent,” said Rapp. “As a lawmaker representing some of the most financially depressed areas in all of Pennsy...

Warren County's district attorney hasn't decided yet if he'll seek the death penalty against a man accused of killing his friend's estranged husband. 28-year-old Cory Altman is has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Shawn Yeager of Tionesta. Yeager's wife 33-year-old Susan Yeager and 26-year-old Robert Pessia have been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. District attorney Ross McKiernan says he's still considering all the factors involved in the shooting to see if it meets Pennsylvania's guidelines for a capitol case. Police say Susan Yeager hatched the plot because she wasn't getting as much time with her sons as she thought she should.

The former owner of La Herradura restaurant, along with men from Salamana, Allegany and Dunkirk, have been indicted on charges of harboring and concealing illegal aliens. Jesus Francisco Escalante of Dunkirk, was one of those arraigned Wednesday in the Western District of New York along with Sergio Antonio Resendiz Martinez of Salamanca; Honorio Banda Mireles of Bradford; Maurilio Bautista Feria of Allegany. The US Attorney's office says they smuggled the undocumented Mexicans into the United States to work in seven Mexican restaurants, including establishments in Bradford, Allegany and Dunkirk. Harboring illegal aliens carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Board and membership will celebrate their first year at their new location, 121 Main Street “in the theatre district”. The open house will take place from 5:00-7:00 pm and refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend. The drawing for our “One of a Kind” Zippo Collectible lighter hand-painted by Jack Clark will be held during the open house. Raffle tickets are available from the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce or many Bradford Area High School Booster Clubs. The open house is in conjunction with Living Windows, December 12, 2008 6:00-8:00pm around Downtown

Tops Friendly Markets, the leading full-service grocery retailer in Western New York, Central New York, including Rochester, and Northwestern Pennsylvania, today announced that the Tops stores at 2401 W. State Street in Olean, NY and 150 Main Street in Bradford, PA are part of the launch of a new $3.99 Generic Prescription Drug Program aimed at helping the underinsured and uninsured during this time of economic hardship. The new program is initially being offered at participating Tops stores, including the Olean and Bradford locations. Effective immediately, consumers who shop at the Olean or Bradford locations can get up to a 30-day supply of one of more than 300 common generic prescription maintenance medications that treat conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure at a cost of $3.99 each. All consumers are eligible for the program by paying a $5 annual enrollment fee. “The number of Americans without adequate health insurance is staggering,” said Frank C...

Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) today announced that his staff member Tim Nyquist has been named Chief of Staff to Senator Jake Corman, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Nyquist, who served as Scarnati’s Director of Policy and Communications will start his new position effective immediately. The Senate Appropriations Committee is one of the most powerful of the standing committees. It reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in developing the state budget. Nyquist, a native of Youngsville, has worked for Sen. Scarnati for eight years. “Tim has worked tirelessly for the people of this district and is a loyal friend who will be missed, but I’m confident that he will be successful in his new position,” Scarnati said.

Pennsylvania faces a difficult financial situation in the months ahead as the national economy remains in recession, Sen. Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) said. Costa is encouraged, however, by the prudent actions of the Rendell Administration, and by the spirit of cooperation among lawmakers of both parties. Costa was among 10 legislative leaders who shared the stage with Gov. Ed Rendell Tuesday at the State Museum auditorium as the governor, during his annual mid-year briefing, predicted a revenue shortfall of $1.6 billion by the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year in June. Rendell also outlined the steps he is proposing to balance the state budget. ‘The governor deserves credit thus far for the way he has handled this economic crisis,” said Costa, who was newly chosen last month to the influential position of Democratic Senate Appropriations Committee chairman. “He has been forced to make some painful budget cuts, but he has done so in a way that I believe has spread the burden evenly and fair...

(AP) — When Baby Jesus disappeared last year from a Nativity scene on the lawn of the Wellington, Fla., community center, village officials didn't follow a star to locate him. A GPS device mounted inside the life-size ceramic figurine led sheriff's deputies to a nearby apartment, where it was found face down on the carpet. An 18-year-old woman was arrested in the theft. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has announced that more than $3 million is available to develop and implement projects that benefit fishing, boating, and aquatic resources in McKean, Cameron, Elk and Potter counties, with primary emphasis on projects within the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed. This funding is available through a 2007 settlement with Norfolk Southern as restitution for environmental damages from a June 30, 2006, train derailment that spilled sodium hydroxide into the Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek. Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay the Commonwealth $7.35 million as restitution for environmental damages.

116 fighting roosters have been found at a western New York house and the homeowner has been charged with animal fighting. 74-year-old Concepcion Virella was arrested today by Chautauqua County sheriff's deputies, who say he kept the roosters in cages in the basement of his Dunkirk home and other buildings on his property. Some of the birds were worth up to $3,000 each. Authorities also found a fighting pit and boxing gloves to put over the birds' spurs.

Pennsylvania is looking at a possible $1.6 billion budget deficit, but that doesn't mean Governor Ed Rendell can't dole out money for economic development projects. The Old Charm Bed and Breakfast in Elk County is getting a $50,000 tourism loan to go toward the purchase of a $200,000 property in St. Marys. Rendell says this and other investments throughout the state encourage private development to generate jobs and help the commonwealth weather the national economic storm. He says funding will help create 2,200 new jobs throughout the state.

by Lowman S. Henry CEO, Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research Let us try not to get to optimistic, yet, but it appears that Pennsylvania's new Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati (who is also President Pro Tempore of the state Senate) actually gets it. Addressing Pennsylvania's growing budget crisis Scarnati has ruled out raising taxes. He said that if Republicans raise taxes: "what's the reason to vote for us?" He went on to tell the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that voting for higher taxes is the reason why Republicans have tanked at the national level. Exactly! You can read Lowman Henry's complete column HERE , and listen to Lincoln Radio Journal at 9:30 Sunday mornings on WESB.

The Environmental Protection Agency wants to tax dairy and beef cattle because of greenhouse gases resulting from methane produced when they pass gas. New York Senator Chuck Schumer says that's ridiculous. He says the proposed regulation under amendments to the Clean Air Act would impose a tax of $175 per dairy cow and $87.50 per beef cow. Schumer says the cow tax would devastate upstate New York family farms, putting many at risk of going out of business. He added that a "cow tax" would put local farms at a competitive disadvantage in the world agriculture markets.

The 2008 campaign of the United Way of the Bradford is currently at 50% of its $375,000 goal, according to agency representatives. “We’re so appreciative of the donors who are included in this latest update,” says Assistant Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “We understand the choices that so many in our community are having to make during the current economic situations, and are grateful that their choices include a contribution to the United Way.” Executive Director Kris Luther says that although it may seem like it has taken a bit longer to reach 50%, expect the thermometers to rise quickly in the coming weeks. “This figure does not include quite a few substantial accounts which we are looking to secure and finalize soon,” she says. The members of the United Way Board of Directors, serving as this year’s campaign chairs, have been working to solidify various pledges throughout the local area, as well as to educate the community on the agencies and programs which benefit from the annu...

Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati has written a letter to Governor Ed Rendell asking that he urge the turnpike commission to not re-submit their application to impose tolls on Interstate 80. He says asking people who live and work along the I-80 corridor to bear the brunt of the financial burden to repair decaying roads and bridges is not the answer to the state's transportation funding problem. Scarnati added that President-elect Barack Obama has indicated he's interested in providing infrastructure funding to states and Pennsylvania should work with the new administration to make sure any new federal funding is directed toward projects in the commonwealth. Rendell hasn't commented yet. You can read Scarnati's letter HERE . PDF

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director After some number crunching, and other work, Mayor Tom Riel said the 4.46 millage rate proposed in the city budget will be lower. "We don't know how much yet," Riel said during Tuesday's City Council meeting, "because we're still getting money in from timber and all kinds of other things." "I can't promise you how much lower it's going to be, but it's not going to be the 4.46 mills." Riel said they don't have their final numbers in, and don't want to make the situation seem any better or any worse than it is until they do get the numbers. Council did, however, have to vote for the 4.46 rate Tuesday because that was the rate given in the first reading of the budget. Riel said council will explain the budget to city residents on the radio and in the newspaper when they get the final numbers. Later in the meeting, council approved a measure that will allow the city to charge other munici...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Petroleum Technology program has received $13,500 from an annual Oil and Gas Industry charity auction that has purchased equipment and given scholarships to students to help pay for books and supplies. Each full-time student in the program will receive $250 and each part-time student $125. Dr. Livingston Alexander, university president, said the donation represented a vote of support for the reinstatement of the petroleum technology degree program two years ago. “In re-establishing the program we hoped to secure the support, endorsement and good will of representatives of the oil and gas industry. This generous gift is a clear indication that our friends in the industry support what we are attempting to do. “We are deeply grateful to the local Oil and Gas Industry for its generous support of students enrolled in the program and for making it possible for us to secure vital equipment.” Dr. Assad Panah, director of the petroleum technology progr...

Two former Coudersport residents have been charged with a burglary at Mahley's Track Repair back in May. On Monday, police obtained a warrant for 19-year-old Evan Ross Heller for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and theft. He's currently in Centre County Jail. On Saturday, police arrested 19-year-old Robert Muirhead on the same charges. He's free on $35,000 bail. They're accused of breaking into the building by throwing a rock through the window, then stealing 3 new Stihl chainsaws and a new Stihl leaf blower. They also allegedly took money and stamps from the cash register. Police say they recently received information that lead to the recovery of one of the chainsaws at home in Smethport.

Sheriff's deputies say a Salamanca woman found lying in the snow along a railroad bed died of hypothermia and complications from an excessive amount of alcohol in her system. They say 36-year-old Leslie Farmer was found in Jimerstown along Old Route 17 by two people spotting deer along the road. Farmer was pronounced dead at Olean General Hospital. 41-year-old Glenn Miller, also of Salamanca, was found with Farmer. He was admitted to Olean General for treatment of hypothermia and excessive alcohol consumption. Deputies have determined that no foul play was involved.

Cattaraugus County Fire Investigators say they believe the fire that killed an Olean brother and sister was accidental. Three-year-old Auribana Gayton and her 18-month-old brother Jamar Gayton died in the fire that started late Sunday night in the South Second Street home. Their father, Cecil Gayton, is in serious condition at ECMC after suffering severe burns to his arms while trying to save his children. Gayton was able to save his four-year-old son, Raemont, who was not hurt.

The Capitol Rotunda glowed much brighter today as children of Pennsylvania National Guard members helped Governor Edward G. Rendell light a more energy-efficient Christmas tree. Approximately 80 family members and 25 children of members of various Pennsylvania National Guard units were the guests of honor at the annual ceremony. The children helped the Governor push the button to light the tree, which – for the first time – uses light-emitting-diode, or LED, lights. “Again this year, we show our gratitude to the men and women who are spending this Christmas serving here and abroad in our nation’s military,” said Governor Rendell, who also asked for a moment of silence to honor of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in order to protect America’s freedoms. “This year, we especially want to honor the families of military service men and women—most importantly, the children—because of the many sacrifices they, too, have made over the years. “Not having your loved ones around ...

WASHINGTON, DC- On the Senate floor today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) honored Pennsylvania servicemembers who are proudly carrying out their duty protecting our country during the holiday season. Senator Casey also paid tribute to the 190 Pennsylvanians killed in action during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Continuing a practice he started last year, Senator Casey read the name and hometown of 21 Pennsylvanians killed since he last read the names of fallen troops. A copy of his remarks follows: As we bring the 110th Congress to a close, our nation confronts a daunting set of challenges. While we face the gravest economic crisis since perhaps the Great Depression, we must also remember that we are a nation at war. From Iraq to Afghanistan, from the Pacific to Europe, and countless places in between, American servicemen and women are proudly carrying out their duty to protect our country and our way of life. Under stressful conditions and the constant threat of danger, members ...

State Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) announced plans to convene a work group to review the permitting process of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The group will include officials from DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other experts involved in the permitting process for projects that require DEP approval. "The group will make recommendations as to how improvements can be made to most efficiently address environmental concerns, while providing a systematic and streamlined process for infrastructure development and repair projects," said Erickson. "This is especially important in light of the recent voter approval of the $400 million bond referendum for the improvement of drinking water and wastewater treatment systems in the Commonwealth. This will enable us to get projects started in a timely fashion and create jobs in this economy." In addition to drinking water and wastewater projects, Erickson believes that an efficien...

A district attorney won't oppose or support the stiffer-than-expected sentence for a woman who killed her newborn child while she was a student at Mercyhurst College. The attorney for 20-year-old Teri Rhodes is appealing the nine-to-18 year sentence Rhodes received, saying it's too excessive. District Attorney Brad Foulk says his office left the sentence to the discretion of the judge and it would be dishonest to change that position now. Rhodes pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing her newborn in August 2007 after hiding her pregnancy and researching ways to kill a fetus on the Internet.

An Olean man hospitalized following a fire that killed two of his children has been upgraded to serious condition at ECMC. Cecil Gayton suffered severe burns while trying to rescue his one-year-old son and three-year-old daughter from the fire Sunday night in their South Second Street home. A third child, a four-year-old boy, did escape without any injuries. The fire started at around 11:20 Sunday night. Fire Chief Robert Bell says they haven't determined a cause of the blaze yet. Back in September 10-year-old Dawson McKinnon and his 3-year-old brother Clayton died in a house fire in Fredonia.

State police say a Tionesta woman charged with plotting her estranged husband's murder wanted it to look like a hunting accident. State police say they were called after 39-year-old Shawn Yeager's 12- and 15-year-old sons found him shot on the rear deck of his home in Warren County. A preliminary hearing is set Dec. 16 for 33-year-old Susan Yeager and her brother, 28-year-old Cory Altman. Police say Altman shot Shawn Yeager with a hunting rifle then joked to a friend that he "got his buck for the year." Twenty-six-year-old Robert Pessia is also charged in the plot. Police say Susan Yeager hatched the plot because she was upset about not having the access to her children she thought she should have. During a news conference, Warren County District Attorney Ross McKeirnan said, "This was an incredibly cold-hearted murder scheme, hatched by three very stupid people,"

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Governor Ed Rendell will be meeting with legislative leaders on Tuesday to take a look at the state's fiscal crisis. Senate President Pro Tempore and Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati says this is a chance for lawmakers to "come together as one body to try to come up with some solutions." In a news conference following his swearing-in as lieutenant governor last week, Scarnati was asked about Rendell's plan to freeze spending and make budget cuts. He said he was glad to see that Rendell was embracing "conservative Republican" values and thinking. Scarnati tells WESB and The HERO that he thinks that "shows the gravity of the issue … when the governor recognizes we need to make some freezes and cuts." "There's definitely going to be pain in what we have to do," Scarnati says, "but like working families have done – balanced their budgets, and cut back and figured out how to make ends meet – Without a...

Olean Police have confirmed that a second child has died in an Olean house fire. The remains of a 3-year-old girl were found this afternoon. The fire started in the South Second Street home at about 11:20 last night. A one-year-old boy also died in the fire. A four-year-old boy escaped uninjured. The childrens' father, Cecil Gayton, suffered serious burns while trying to rescue the two younger children. He's in critical condition at ECMC.

A one-year-old boy is dead, and firefighters believe they may have found the remains of a 3-year-old child after a late night house fire in Olean. Firefighters had been searching what was left of the South Second Street house all day looking for any signs of the 3-year-old. At around 5 p.m., they found what they think could be the child's remains. A four-year-old boy escaped the house without being hurt. The childrens' father, Cecil Gayton, suffered severe burns while trying to get back into the building to save his children. He's in critical condition at ECMC. Gayton and his children lived in a first floor apartment. The occupants of the second floor apartment were not hurt.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Student Government Association has adopted the 53rd Joint Movement Control Battalion of the U.S. Army currently serving in Bagram, Afghanistan. The 53rd is lead by Capt. Justin Demiter, a 2004 Pitt-Bradford graduate who also served as SGA president for two years. This is his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, SGA sent 80 letters to soldiers thanking them for their service. Last week SGA asked students, faculty and staff to sign 170 Christmas cards for the battalion and a 6-foot-long banner wishing members happy holidays. The battalion plans to thank the students by sending them a flag that flew in military aircraft, on a ground convoy and at battalion headquarters in Afghanistan. The flag will then be sent back and put on display in the Frame-Westerberg Commons next semester. SGA also collected food, magazines, toiletries and other items for the soldiers and will send holiday care packages. A second ro...

BRADFORD, Pa. – A chapter on influential Shakespearean director Michael Langham written by Dr. Kevin Ewert, associate professor of theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, appears in the new book “The Routledge Companion to Directors’ Shakespeare.” Langham was the artistic director at both the Stratford Festival in Canada and the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in the United States as well as director of theatre for many years at The Juilliard School. “Langham had a dual influence as a director and a teacher,” Ewert said. In writing his chapter for the book, which was edited by John Russell Brown, Ewert interviewed people who had worked with Langham as actors and students in order to describe the process he undertook for the final result on the stage. Ewert said he first became interested in Langham after seeing several of his productions at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. The Companion includes 31 articles on 31...

A Salamanca woman has pleaded guilty to stealing from the Seneca Allegany Casino. 36-year-old Sandra Whiteeagle was employed at the casino when she conspired with 37-year-old Bradley Stahlman and her mother, 55-year-old Brenda Whiteeagle, to steal the identities of several people by making false player's cards. Brenda Whiteeagle and Stahlman won more than $3,000 with the fraudulent player's cards between November of last year and April of this year. Sandra Whiteeagle will be sentenced on February 9.

From Matt Gabler's office: Friday's symposium on the possible tolling of Interstate 80 re-affirmed the opinion of state Rep.-elect Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that enacting such a measure would have a definite negative impact on his district. The event was sponsored by the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation and the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry and held at Zion Baptist Church near Clarion. Gabler released the following statement concerning Friday's symposium: "Everyone agrees that Pennsylvania is facing big challenges with regard to our aging infrastructure. We have roadways that have been allowed to deteriorate due to neglect and the impact of increased volumes of traffic. "We need to be better financial managers, especially in these difficult economic times and particularly with regard to our transportation needs. Having said that, Act 44, which calls for the tolling of I-80, is not the answer. We cannot borrow our way to prosper...

One child is dead and another is still missing after a late night house fire in Olean. A one-year-old reportedly died in the fire that started at about 11:20 Sunday nigh on South Second Street. Firefighters are searching the what's left of the house for another child. A four-year-old boy escaped the house without being hurt, but his father was taken to ECMC in critical condition. The names of the victims have not been released. All of those victims lived together in a first floor apartment. Four tenants from a second floor apartment of the same building escaped without injury. A woman who lives next door was taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. We'll have more information as it becomes available.

From Main Street Manager Anita Dolan: The public is invited to help celebrate the holiday season and the heritage of Bradford’s oil history with its annual Living Windows/Old Fashioned Christmas Event scheduled for Friday, December 12 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. The event will feature traditional holiday decorations and festively decorated displays of oil memorabilia, along with Living Window displays. The memorabilia is a salute to the area’s ‘Oil 150’ celebrations. Other activities scheduled throughout the evening include free horse drawn carriage rides, a Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Open House, wandering caroling groups, a performance by the Fretz Middle School Show Choir, a Garfield Grubfest Lasagna Bakeoff at the First United Methodist Church, and of course, shopping. Santa Claus and his elves will also be visiting Main Street! Families are encouraged to shop locally and relax from the hustle and bustle of a busy time of year. The horse drawn carriage rides are free and will b...

From Glenn Thompson's Office: Congressman-Elect Glenn Thompson (PA-05) joined area business leaders, interest groups and elected officials at a transportation symposium last Friday, hosted by the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation to discuss the transportation and infrastructure funding crisis in the Commonwealth and possible solutions to meeting the budgetary shortfall that will arise in 2010. Thompson, who is set to take office January 6, has vowed to oppose the tolling of I-80 at all costs once he is sworn into office. Below is a copy of his prepared remarks: "I'd like to thank the Clarion County Economic Development Corp. for holding this informative discussion today. I'd also like to thank the participants for their various ideas on how we can work together to ensure a sustainable funding stream for the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure, but most of all I would like to thank Congressman Peterson for his leadership on this issue from the...