Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The Defense Department says a soldier from Pennsylvania has died in Afghanistan. 29-year-old Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small of Collegeville died Feb. 12. His unit was attacked at Faramuz with a rocket propelled grenade launcher and weapons fire. Small was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg.

A former Olean resident, whose daughters graduated from St. Bonaventure University, is one of the victims of Flight 3407. Kevin Johnston, a graduate of Olean High School, worked at Henkel Corporation in Buffalo and was returning from a business trip. The plant was closed Friday in honor of Johnston and Douglas Wielinski, the man killed when the plane crashed into his Long Street home. He worked at Henkel until 2003 Johnston's daughter Melissa is a 2005 graduate of St. Bonaventure. Amanda Johnston graduated last year. St. Bonaventure President Sister Margaret Carney says the university community is saddened by Johnston's death and offers heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and friends, as well as the others touched by the tragedy.

Smethport attorney Tony Alfieri has become the third person to announce his candidacy for judge of the McKean County Court of Common Pleas. Alfieri has practiced law in McKean County for 25 years, and is a partner in the law firm of Mattie & Alfieri, which has offices in Smethport and Eldred. Alfieri has never run for political office before but has served as solicitor for boroughs, townships and authorities in the county. He intends to cross-file and seek the nomination as both Republican and Democrat. Current McKean County District Attorney John Pavlock and Kane attorney Erik Ross have also announced their intentions to run for the vacant seat.

The cousin of a Bradford woman is one of the people who died in Flight 3407 in Clarence Center Thursday night. 49-year-old David M. Borner, of Pendleton, who worked for Kraft Foods, was returning from a business trip in New Jersey. He had planned to leave for a Florida cruise with his family this morning. He has one child in Starpoint High School and another in Starpoint Middle School. Borner is the cousin of Patti Arlington.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director US Senator Bob Casey says rural Pennsylvanians will make out just well as people in large cities when the federal stimulus money comes into the Commonwealth. During a conference call with reporters Friday afternoon, Casey also talked about why he feels the urgency of passing the bill. "We're staring down a gun barrel right now," he said. "A lot of families don't have the luxury of waiting. A lot of state and local governments don’t have the luxury of waiting. They have to make decisions." Among the items in the package he says will benefit the non-urban areas are increased broadband access, money for Pell Grants and Head Start, and funding for law enforcement agencies at all levels. The bill includes a total of $27.5 billion for infrastructure improvements and also includes money to help state and local governments get transportation grants. Money will also be invested in air transportation, rail and US Army Corps of ...

Washington, DC – With an ailing economy and unemployment on the rise, U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today reiterated the urgent need for Congress to pass legislation that will stimulate the economy and provide meaningful tax relief to middle class families and small business owners, invests in our nation’s infrastructure, and provide assistance for the unemployed. “Our economy is struggling and America is looking to Washington for leadership,” said Thompson, a Member of the Small Business Committee. “Congress must act responsibly by crafting legislation that is timely and targeted – not simply throw more money at the problem, as the Federal Government did with the Wall Street bail out, and again today, that will have little effect on getting this economy back on track.” The American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which passed the House largely along party lines – 246-183 – has a price tag of $789 billion and measures 1,071 pages in length. Thompson voted...

Washington, D.C. (February 13, 2009) – U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced the following six bills that protect First Amendment rights, the Attorney-Client privilege, and correct inconsistent treatment of tax liabilities related to litigation: Free Flow of Information Act (the “Media Shield” bill)—Establishes a qualified privilege, like the one that exists in 49 States, for reporters to withhold from Federal courts, prosecutors, and other Federal entities, confidential source information obtained or created under a promise of confidentiality. The bill takes into account that, in certain instances, the public’s interest in national security, law enforcement and fair trials outweighs the public’s First Amendment interest in permitting reporters to protect the identify of sources. The bill includes exceptions to the privilege to protect national security, prevent an act of terrorism, or stop a kidnapping or a crime that...

A Bradford teenager was hurt in a rollover crash at 4:15 Friday afternoon on West Washington Street. Bradford Township Police say a car driven by18-year-old Nichole Tyger of Gates Hollow went out of control while rounding a curve on the slushy, snowy berm of the road. The car went across the road and into the drainage ditch, where it hit a culvert and rolled over, coming to rest in the water-filled ditch. Tyger was taken to BRMC by Bradford City Ambulance. The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Next Friday will mark 10 years since Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman was shot to death while making a traffic stop just outside the borough. In order to honor Jerman and support his family, a ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. next Friday at the Steve Jerman Memorial Site on Route 6. Organizers are hoping that all local law enforcement departments and citizens of Kane will attended the ceremony. Read more about Jerman on the Officer Down Memorial Page .

One of the men accused of intentionally spilling 46,000 gallons of oil onto the Allegheny National Forest will have a second preliminary hearing. Christopher Horton's lawyer filed a motion challenging the finding of District Judge Rich Luther that there was enough evidence to hold his client for trial. Judge John Yoder remanded the case back to the preliminary hearing phase. District Judge Michael Kennedy will preside over the hearing March 19, in Bradford. Horton remains in jail, and is facing charges of causing a catastrophe, risking a catastrophe, two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, seven counts of disturbance of waterways and watersheds, and eight counts of pollution of waters. On August 17, 2008, Andrew Horton allegedly drove his son Christopher to a Snyder Brothers oil lease and dropped him off. Christopher Horton then allegedly opened valves on tanks releasing the oil into the ground and into Chappel Fork and the Allegheny R...

Two hundred and fifty-four full-time students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2008 term at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. To qualify for the dean’s list, full-time students must have earned at least a 3.5 grade point average during the fall semester. Additionally, students must have earned all letter grades and not have any temporary grades. Of those full-time students, 37 have earned a perfect 4.0 grade point averages: Leslie K. Shallop, a freshman pre-veterinary medicine major, Kaitlin M. Zapel, a freshman human relations major, Charlotte J. Corey, a junior nursing major, Ashley Shade, a junior criminal justice major, Jamie Jean Keane, a senior business management major, Stephanie Lynn Pascarella, a senior psychology and sociology major, Juliane Elizabeth Rees, a senior business management and economics major and Ashley D. Whiteman, a senior nursing major, all from Bradford; Heather Renee Rochford, a senior psychology maj...

Three charges of cruelty to animals have been filed against a Warren County woman. Dawna Kraker of Lander is accused of mistreating a horse who was malnourished and didn't have available water and shelter. The horse was 300 pounds underweight. Also, she allegedly tied a Pomeranian outside in frigid temperatures. Kraker also allegedly had two kittens and three dogs insider her house, and they weren't living in sanitary conditions and didn't have proper veterinary care.

Three people charged in the first-degree murder of a Tionesta man have pleaded not guilty. Cory J. Altman, 28, of Endeavor; Susan E. Yeager, 33, of Tionesta; and Robert A. Pessia, 26, of Warren, are charged in the December 2008 shooting death of Yeager's husband, 39-year-old Shawn L. Yeager was found dead by his two sons on the back porch of his home. Police say Altman, Shawn Yeager's brother-in-law , pulled the trigger, shooting Yeager once in the back with a rifle. Susan Yeager, who had been estranged from her husband for three years, is accused of hatching the plot because she was upset that she didn't have the access to her children that she felt she deserved.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, will appear live on the Pennsylvania Cable Network’s (PCN) Call-In Program, Monday, February 16. Congressman Thompson will take viewers’ calls beginning at 7:00 p.m., with a rebroadcast of the program airing Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Thompson, who was is serving in his first term representing the sprawling Fifth Congressional District, is a Member of the House Agriculture, Education and Labor, and Small Business Committees. Among other topics, Thompson will focus his discussion on the state of the economy and the recently debated economic stimulus package. “I welcome the opportunity to field questions from my constituents and look forward to discussing a few smart government solutions to aid our ailing economy,” said Thompson. “There is no question our economy is in dire straits – but simply throwing taxpayer money at the problem is not the answer. I look forward to sharing with the citizens of the Co...

A Jamestown resident is one of the crew members who died in the crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence Center. Captain Joseph Zuffoletto was off-duty, but was the fifth employee of Colgan Air on board the flight.

Go Bonnies! They've already won four more games than they did last year, having their best season since the 2002-03 campaign. They have gone from being among the bottom of the barrel in the Atlantic 10 Conference two seasons ago in field goal percentage defense, points allowed and rebounding to ranking among the top three, four or five teams. Armed with three transfers, a candidate for the A-10 Rookie of the Year, and seven wins already this season on the road, Mark Schmidt could be a candidate for the A-10 Coach of the Year. For the full story, go to The Sun Chronicle .

UNIVERSITY PARK — Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati told Centre County Republicans on Thursday that if the Democrats win the state Supreme Court election this year, Pennsylvania’s new election districts after the 2010 census won’t be drawn fairly. Scarnati, a Jefferson County Republican and president pro tempore of the Senate, spoke before about 200 people at the Centre County Republican Committee’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner. For the full story, go to the Centre Daily Times .

“Earlier tonight, Continental Airlines Flight 3407, operated by Colgan Air Inc., crashed just miles outside of Buffalo Niagara International Airport after departing from Newark Liberty International Airport. The devastating crash took place at approximately 10:20 p.m. “Forty-four passengers were killed along with four crew members and at least one person on the ground, according to New York State Police. A team of emergency responders and aviation officials are still evaluating the situation and working to gather as much information as possible. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. “As we continue to monitor the situation in the Town of Clarence, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were on board, and with the people of the Buffalo metropolitan area. We will work closely with law enforcement and aviation officials to give families, loved ones and the public updated information as it becomes available. “Families and loved ones seeking information sh...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Governor Ed Rendell said today that Pennsylvania will get close to the $5 billion in budget aid that he was counting on to help the state's financial situation. The $790 billion stimulus plan, on which Rendell made his assumptions, is expected to be ready for votes on Friday. During a conference call with reporters Thursday evening, Rendell said there will be no need for any more major cuts in his proposed budget, or additional layoffs of state workers. "That's good news for Pennsylvania," he said. Rendell also said more than 100,000 jobs will be created because of the stimulus. The White House estimates 143,000 new jobs. Without the money, he said, an additional 1,500 to 1,600 layoffs would have been necessary. "It would have been a disaster for people and services and for Pennsylvania's jobs," he said. He added that, without the federal money, the $50 million the state sends to its 67 counties would have been go...

A psychiatric aide at Allentown State Hospital is accused of giving nails to a patient who then swallowed them last month. Police charged 27-year-old Athena Marie Sidlar with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after four nails were removed from the stomach of an 18-year-old patient. They say the patient told them Sidlar gave her nails and told her she had swallowed nails herself. Police say Sidlar was interviewed Jan. 24 at a hospital in Bethlehem where she was being treated for swallowing numerous metal objects, including nails. Sidlar denies the allegations.

Washington, DC – Reaffirming his opposition to the current spending bill making its way through Congress, U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, took to the House floor yesterday to voice his strong opposition to the process by which the legislation was crafted and its potential negative effect on the economy. Click HERE to see Thompson delivering his floor remarks.

NEW YORK (AP) — A pedestrian was hit by an SUV, then was caught under a van and dragged nearly 17 miles through New York City early Wednesday before the driver realized what had happened, police said. The mangled body had not been identified. Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said investigators were tracing the route searching for remains. To read the rest of the story, go to The Associated Press . To view the graphic video:

Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) is several thousand dollars closer toward purchasing an Evita XL ventilator from Draeger Medical Inc. because of three donations made to the Bradford Hospital Foundation. The donations were from Kids & Cancer, $4,000; Dallas-Morris Drilling Inc., $1,000; and Zonta Club, $565. Shown (from left) in the photo are Fran James, Zonta Club president; Bridgette Wells, community affairs coordinator at Dallas-Morris; Elayna Oaks, a Bradford Area High School senior who’s continuing the “First Breath” fundraising campaign to purchase the ventilator for BRMC; and Ken Eddy and Gage Brien, Kids & Cancer committee members. The donations were made Wednesday at The Print Shop on Barbour Street. All totaled, $10,730 has been raised toward purchasing the ventilator. Once the $34,000 ventilator is obtained it will be able to serve 1,200 patients of all ages over a five-year period. Donations to First Breath are being accepted at www.brmcgiving.com and at th...

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — Two Pennsylvania judges charged with taking more than $2 million in kickbacks to send youth offenders to privately run detention centers pleaded guilty to fraud Thursday in one of the most stunning cases of judicial corruption on record. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

A 27-year-old Columbia, PA, woman is accused of selling her neighbor's purebred dogs for $150. Brandi Anderson says she found the dogs dirty and without tags. She says she didn't know the owner, so she kept the two dogs for a few days, then sold them so they'd have a good home. For the full story, go to Lancaster Online .

PNC Financial Services Group CEO James Rohr and clients of PNC flew on a corporate jet to the Super Bowl game in Tampa, Fla., a bank spokesman said today. Rohr was joined by several clients for the trip to the big game on Feb. 1, said spokesman Fred Solomon, who declined to name them. PNC received $7.6 billion in government aid Dec. 31 when it acquired National City Corp. For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .

Former Senator Vincent Fumo is on the witness stand for a fourth day in his public corruption trial. He's charged with defrauding the state Senate and two nonprofits out of more than $3.5 million. Fumo concedes that he had senate staffers install a stereo on his boat, work his re-election campaign and keep track of payments for his rental properties. But he says he never "ordered" anyone to perform what he termed favors from friends. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pease, though, noted that Fumo set the employees' salaries and annual raises. On the witness stand today, Fumo said "In retrospect, I wish I never got elected to the Senate." Read more HERE . ~~~ From Wednesday: After establishing that Fumo had served on the Senate Ethics Committee, the prosecutor asked, "So you're interested in ethics, are you?" Fumo smiled. "Yes. I think everybody's interested in ethics." For more on the Fumo trial, read Daniel Rubin's column in the ...

HARRISBURG - Individuals seeking relief on this year's school property tax bills are being urged to apply for homestead/farmstead exclusions prior to March 1, according to Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint). Many individuals may have already filed applications for this benefit several years ago when the Homeowner Tax Relief Act was enacted. Applications remain valid for a minimum of three years. Homeowners may want to verify the status of their applications by consulting their county assessment office. Individuals qualify for a homestead exclusion so long as the property for which they are applying is their primary residence. A farmstead exclusion is also available for buildings and structures that are used for commercial agriculture production on a farm of at least 10 acres. Again, the farm must be the primary residence of the owner to qualify. If one's application is accepted, a portion of the property's assessed value is exempt from the property tax, thus lowering the o...

Students from Falconer, Allegany-Limestone and Tapestry Charter School advanced to the national MATHCOUNTS competition after competing in the regional phase Feb. 7 at St. Bonaventure University. Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from four area schools participated in the regional MATHCOUNTS competition: Allegany-Limestone Middle School, Cheektowaga Central School, Falconer Central School and Tapestry Charter School from Buffalo. Results of the competition are: Top Individuals: · First-place — Eliza Feero, Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo · Second-place — Peter Marciano, Allegany-Limestone Central School · Third-place — Brandon Norris, Falconer Central School Top Schools: · First-place — Tapestry Charter School, Buffalo o Team members: Eliza Feero, Margaret Davis, Anya Schulman, MacKeever Craik · Second-place — Falconer Central School o Team members: Weston Young, Brandon Norris, Rebecca Hartling, Joe Hadley · Third-place —...

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Feb. 12, 2009 — Rick Trietley’s job title just got a little shorter; the interim tag no longer applies. Trietley accepted an offer Wednesday to become vice provost for Student Life at St. Bonaventure University, just three months after agreeing to fill the job on an interim basis when Stephen Pugliese stepped down. Trietley was also serving as director of Campus Safety and Security, a position that will now be filled on an interim basis by Joe Becker, assistant director of Campus Safety and Security. The Office of Student Life includes residence life; housing; the Center for Activities, Recreation and Leadership; Counseling Center; Damietta Center; Campus Safety and Security; and Health Services. “To add someone of Rick’s caliber and integrity to our administration is a windfall for this university,” said Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., university president. “He’s clearly demonstrated in his short time as interim vice provost the capacity to lead and inspire people....

Mayville: -- Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards is pleased to announce that over 200,000 copies of the 2009 Chautauqua County Visitors guide are now available. Both Edwards and CCVB Executive Director Andrew Nixon said the travel guide is used by thousands of area visitors each year to make decisions about visiting Chautauqua County and to learn more about what to see and do while here. "The Chautauqua County Visitors Guide for 2009 is a must read for everyone in Chautauqua County," Edwards said. "I say that because even though I have lived here my whole life I found new and exciting things in the guide that my family and I will be doing this year. It is also a source that we should be recommending to anyone who is coming to our County or who we meet when visiting Chautauqua County. There is no easier way to assure that people get the most out of their time here than to just say, 'check out the visitors guide available all over the county or on line at to...

Police have charged a Jamestown man with firing a gun out of a taxicab at around 9 o'clock Wednesday night A taxi driver told police that a customer pulled out a pistol and fired a shot through the cab's windshield while it was traveling on East Second Street. The customer then fled on West Third Street. Police arrested 29-year-old Kenneth Whitney in a downtown business, and charged him with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and unlawfully discharging a weapon within the city limits.

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg has selected James L. Baldwin of Bradford as a recipient of the 2009 Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University. Baldwin is the assistant dean of academic affairs, director of enrollment services and registrar and director of Science in Motion at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. He is one of three staff members university-wide to receive the award, which was created to recognize staff members who make a significant impact on the university through their commitment and performance. The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence is the highest honor a staff member can receive. Baldwin and the other recipients will be honored at Pitt’s honors convocation Feb. 27, 2009. In his letter of congratulations, Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said Baldwin was chosen based on “the number of letters you received as an outpouring of support attesting to the magnitude of ...

Washington, DC – U.S Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, joined his Pennsylvania colleagues and freshman classmate, Representative Tom Rooney, R-Fla., to honor the Pittsburgh Steelers on their sixth National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl Championship. Thompson, who cosponsored H.Res. 110, a resolution congratulating the Steelers on winning Super Bowl XLIII, issued the following statement on the House Floor: “Growing up in Steeler Country, I have long viewed this franchise as the gold standard of the NFL. Now with their sixth Super Bowl title, the entire world knows what we in Central and Western Pennsylvania have known for some time – the Steelers are the greatest professional football franchise of all-time. “Form the ownership, to the coaching staff, the players and fans, the Steelers organization continues to impress me both on and off the field. Their commitment to enriching the lives of Western Pennsylvania’s youth and their partnership with the community is as str...

LOS ANGELES, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Controversial "American Idol" contestant and former child star Joanna Pacitti has been booted off the talent show, apparently due to her past in the music business. Pacitti, 23, was put through to the Top 36 in an episode of the show broadcast on Wednesday, but her name was missing from a Fox television news release late on Wednesday on the Top 36. "It has been determined that Joanna Pacitti is ineligible to continue in the competition," the statement said, adding that Felicia Barton had taken her place. For the full story, go to Reuters .

If you received a check from Hanfield Financial Group saying you won a consumer lottery and thought it was too good to be true, you were right. The Better Business Bureau has received many complaints about Hanfield, which also goes by the name of Starmark and more than a dozen others. And don't think about calling the company to file a complaint or get more information. This is the only message people ever get. SCAM CALL . The person who called to tell us about it was made aware of the scam when his 15-year-old son received a check. He did exactly what the Better Business Bureau says you're supposed to do: Independently verify that the check is drawn on a legitimate financial institution or company, and represents an actual account. The bank he called told him to call his local radio station to get the word out.

The Verizon Wireless Network for McKean and surrounding counties is currently unavailable for any cell phone calls, including emergency calls to 9-1-1. We'll update you when information becomes available.

HARRISBURG – Samples taken from the 39 hunter-killed elk during the state’s 2008 hunting season have all tested negative for chronic wasting disease (CWD), according to Dr. Walt Cottrell, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s wildlife veterinarian. Samples also tested negative for brucellosis and tuberculosis. Cottrell noted that the Game Commission still is awaiting the results of CWD testing for the 4,247 hunter-killed deer samples collected during the 2008 rifle deer season. “Currently, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania,” Cottrell said. “Conducting these tests on hunter-killed deer and elk will help to assure us and the general public that it is unlikely that CWD currently is present in wild deer and elk in the state. “We obviously need to keep a watchful eye on our wild and captive deer and elk. Working closely with the state Department of Agriculture and other agency representatives on the state’s CWD Task Force, we hope to prot...

Pittsburgh, Pa., Feb. 12, 2009 – Veterans of the U.S. armed services will be able to earn a degree tuition-free at Robert Morris University (RMU) under the newly created RMU Military Service Award, the university announced today. To assist veterans in enrolling and earning their degree, the university will open the RMU Veterans Education and Training Services Center (VETS Center), which will provide a host of transitional services to veterans and their families under the direction of retired U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Dan Rota. Under the Post-9/11 G.I. bill, veterans and other qualified military personnel will be eligible starting this fall to receive a subsidy for tuition that is equivalent to the highest tuition of any public institution in the state. The RMU Military Service Award will cover the difference between that subsidy and RMU’s tuition for qualified veterans who enroll at the university as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student. “Since 9/11, thousands of vete...

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) is pleased to work with the Potter County Exhibit Committee and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital to bring its traveling photo exhibit “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Potter County from March 12 - 23. The photo exhibit will be displayed in the Irwin Medical Arts Center at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 at 6:00pm. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. To RSVP for the opening reception, please call 1-800-377-8828 This work of art features women from each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, along with a message about how breast cancer has touched their lives. The women reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania, and their stories reflect the impact of breast cancer on themselves, their families and their communities. The exhibit encourages women to learn about early detection and celebrates life, courage, ho...

HARRISBURG – Beginning Feb. 14, the public can review and comment on a proposal that will better enable the Department of Environmental Protection to cover the increased costs and staffing needs for overseeing Pennsylvania’s booming natural gas industry. DEP hopes to replace the $100 flat fee for drilling permits—a fee that has not been increased since 1984—with a sliding scale based on well depth and type. The change will help ensure adequate funding to cover program expenses for permit reviews and well site inspections. “Pennsylvania’s oil and natural gas industry is booming with a record 7,924 permits issued and nearly 4,200 new wells drilled in the past year, yet the cost of a drilling permit has not changed in a quarter century,” Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger said. “Natural gas exploration, particularly in the Marcellus Shale, promises billions of dollars in investment and economic growth for the commonwealth. This proposed new permit fee structure will all...

An expansion of a major Texas-to-New England gas pipeline is being proposed to handle a drilling rush on the Marcellus Shale gas formation in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has begun notifying local authorities of its intention to conduct an environmental review of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline's proposed expansion. El Paso Corp. owns the Tennessee Gas Pipeline. The Houston-based company wants to expand the pipeline in Pike, Potter, and Susquehanna counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Passaic and Sussex counties in New Jersey.

Most members of the Army National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade have arrived in Iraq. They're stationed about 15 miles north of Baghdad. A large part of the unit is in the country conducting ride-alongs with the units they will replace. Communication with the troops is still unstable, and e-mail systems are still being set up.

This is my interview with Rachel Fershleiser and Larry Smith, editors of "Six-Word Memoris on Love & Heartbreak." Click HERE to hear it. For more information, visit Smith Mag.net/SixWords .

Sen. William Stachowski praised Congress for including Buy American provisions in the final version of the economic recovery package. “I’m pleased that Congress has included the Buy American provisions in the economic recovery package. Buy American provisions will ensure this recovery package puts thousands of Americans back to work and lays the foundation for a healthy economy over the long term,” Sen.Stachowski said. Sen. Stachowski (D-Lake View), Chair of the NY Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee, is meeting with the NY congressional delegation in Washington Thursday to discuss funding from the stimulus package and creating as many jobs as possible, as quickly as possible. “Western New York has the green hydropower and industrial know-how to produce the energy efficient vehicles and renewable energy generating equipment that will move our country and the world forward in the 21st Century. And Western New Yorkers are some of the best workers in the state. We mu...

At 12:40 p.m. on 1490 WESB we'll be whetting your appetite with the music of baritone Eugene Chan. Keep reading for more about Saturday's concert and this year's Marilyn Horne Foundation recitalist. Baritone Eugene Chan will sing romantic songs from the worlds of opera and Broadway during a Valentine’s Day concert at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The Marilyn Horne Foundation Residency/Recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Bromeley Family Theater at Blaisdell Hall. The concert is part of the University’s Spectrum Series. Chan will also be in residency with local students throughout the week. Tickets are $6 for public, $5 for faculty and staff and free for any student with an ID. “Eugene Chan has embraced the Valentine’s Day concept and has agreed to include Robert Schumann's masterpiece cycle ‘Dichterliebe,’ which describes the poet’s journey through life and love, in addition to other more modern romantic songs from popular Broadway musicals,” said ...

Listeners to 100.1 The HERO may have heard Igor talk about this story: Reading, PA - A Muhlenberg Township man tried to cut off a Reading mechanic's head with a circular saw Monday morning after the men fought about a broken-down car, city police said. For the full story, go to the Reading Eagle .

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A former high-ranking Pennsylvania lawmaker admitted at his corruption trial Wednesday that he set up no firewalls to keep his state staff from mixing Senate, campaign and personal work for him. A courtroom showdown between former Sen. Vincent Fumo and federal prosecutors capped a four-month trial and five-year FBI probe. The long-powerful Philadelphia Democrat is charged with defrauding the senate, a charity and a museum of more than $3.5 million to help fund his lavish lifestyle. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

Remember, you can still hear Mike Monday through Friday on 1490 WESB and 100.1 The HERO (and we're very happy about that!)

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2009 — A new book by St. Bonaventure University faculty member Dr. Phillip G. Payne explores how Warren G. Harding’s name became synonymous with corruption, cronyism, and incompetence and how it is used to this day as an example of what a president should not be. Payne’s book, “Dead Last: The Public Memory of Warren G. Harding’s Scandalous Legacy,” was published by Ohio University Press (January 2009). Payne traces the history of Harding’s image from the election of 1920 to the current debate over George W. Bush’s place in history examining such things as presidential rankings, commemoration and legacy formation, political uses of history and memory, and the role of scandal in popular and political culture. “Harding is generally considered among the worst of the presidents, typically ranking dead last or as a failure in presidential rankings,” said Payne, associate professor of history at St. Bonaventure. Ironically, Payne explained, during the 1920 el...