Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sunoco Inc. will eliminate 750 jobs — about 20 percent of its salaried work force — in an effort to remain competitive during a downturn in its oil-refining and chemical-manufacturing businesses, the company announced. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

Seussical the Musical is coming to the Bradford Area High School Auditorium Thursday, Friday and Saturday. More than a dozen of the actors, along with Chad Young, will be my guests on Monday's LiveLine.

All they know is they both saw a strange, reddish, barrel-shaped creature very early in the morning in the New Danville area on two separate occasions in the past six weeks. "The way I described it is it slithered, it moved so strangely. It was almost like a bear with four broken legs. It looked like a giant beaver." For the full story, go to Lancaster Online .

A dispute, apparently rekindled after a decade, ended with one man hospitalized and another in Berks County Prison following a fight in a Muhlenberg Township bar, police said Thursday. MacWilliam claimed he beat up Berman in high school, witnesses told township police. But Berman turned the tables on MacWilliam and got the best of his former tormentor, investigators said. For the full story, go to the Reading Eagle .

The FBI is reassessing its search for victims of mob violence who may be buried on Long Island. Agents spent three days digging at sites in East Farmingdale this week. An informant said bodies were buried in the area; agents came up empty. For the full story, go to the Staten Island Advance .

St. Bonaventure University’s Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication named senior Jennifer Sherman as the recipient of the 2009 Dr. Mary A. Hamilton Woman of Promise Award. St. Bonaventure’s Woman of Promise Award is presented to a female senior who excels in and out of the classroom and sets a good example for her peers. Sherman, a double major in journalism and mass communication and political science, is involved with several on- and off-campus activities and has worked in several prestigious internships, including at The White House. The awards presentation will be at 4 p.m. March 19 in Walsh Auditorium of the William F. Walsh Science Center. Janet Bodnar, ’71, editor of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, will serve as the keynote speaker. Throughout her career, Bodnar has written about a wide range of topics on investing, money management and the economy. In addition, she has been editor of Success With Your Money, a special Kiplinger publication. Bo...

St. Bonaventure University alumnae from the ’50s and ’60s will share their experiences as some of the first resident women on campus during a panel discussion on Monday, March 16. “In honor of the University’s 150th anniversary and in celebration of Women’s History Month, St. Bonaventure is proud to welcome these extraordinary women back to campus,” said Dr. Emily Sinsabaugh, vice president of University Relations. The program, “Early Women of Bonaventure,” will be held at 7 p.m. March 16 in Rigas Theater of The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The panelists will include Mary Hamilton, ’59, of Eldred, Pa., Rita (O’Brien) DeRose, ’58, of Allegany, and 1962 graduates Marguerite “Marge” (Ballak) Drake of Allegany, Patricia “Pat” Dunn of Boston, and Donna (Donato) Peppy of Jamestown. The alumnae will be joined by current St. Bonaventure students for a discussion about their undergraduate experiences. “We’re looking forward to some engaging dialogue to learn more about what trails o...

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth was involved in a traffic accident that killed a pedestrian this morning in Miami Beach, Fla., a police spokesman said. Stallworth, who has not been cited, was questioned and released on his own recognizance. For the full story, go to Ohio.com .

A Clinton Township couple surrendered Thursday to face charges stemming from the alleged sexual abuse of a school-aged girl in the township during a two-year period, according to state police. Gary Eugene Segraves, 35, of 62 Grandview Drive was arrested on 197 felony and misdemeanor counts of various charges ranging from rape to aggravated indecent assault. For the full story, go to the Williamsport SunGazette .

"I don't think it was a particularly attractive logo, but I've never been accused of being an art critic," said Governor Ed Rendell. For the full story, go to the Washington Whispers blog.

COATESVILLE, Pa. (AP) — The arson-plagued Philadelphia suburb of Coatesville was struck by yet another deliberately set fire early Saturday, the 20th in the city so far this year, authorities said. John Hageman of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the fire was determined to be arson, but he declined to provide details on how the blaze was set. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

Earlier this week, the US House defeated a bill that would have designated about 54,000 acres of the Allegheny National Forest as protected wildnerness areas. But Kirk Johnson, executive director of Friends of Allegheny Wilderness, says the issue is not dead and will probably come before Congress again. For more, go to the Warren Times Observer . Friends of Allegheny Wildnerness .

Temple is going to the NCAA tournament for the second straight year. Dionte Christmas scored 29 points and the four-seeded Owls became the first team to win consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference tournaments in eight years with a 69-64 victory over Duquesne on Saturday night. Aaron Jackson led the Dukes with 20 points.

The outcome of Madoff's June sentencing is still up in the air, but he'll likely spend more than a weekend in a Federal prison. For the full story, go to Newsweek.com .

The economy doesn't seem to be affecting campers. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation says advance reservations are up 6 percent over last year. There are already 45,300 advance reservations for campsite, cabins and cottages for the 2009 season, a level that is more than 2,650 ahead of the total at same time last year. Advance reservations at state parks campgrounds have been steadily increasing in recent years, with a record 137,000 bookings in 2008. For more information, go to the the NY State Parks Web site .

Merrill Gonzalez!

Bradford High Athletic Director Tim Walter has been named the 2009 Pennsylvania Region III Athletic Director of the Year. Walter is on the PIAA swimming steering committee and is a representative of District 9 on the executive council of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association. THE PSADA will recognize Walter during its annual awards banquet March 26 in Hershey.

State Auditor General Jack Wagner is getting involved in the hullabaloo over a $173,000 contract to teach state liquor store employees how to be more polite to customers. The contract went to a Pittsburgh firm called Solutions 21, whose president is married to a regional manager of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Wagner said today hhe will conduct a thorough review to ensure that the contract was properly awarded.

Pennsylvania's acting labor and industry secretary says she's entering an alcohol treatment program following her arrest at a Harrisburg hotel bar. Sandi Vito issued a public statement through her office today saying she was getting help and asking for understanding and patience. Vito says Deputy Secretary Patrick Beaty is overseeing the department in her absence. Harrisburg Police issued Vito a summary citation for public drunkenness after an incident at the Harrisburg Hilton. Vito has been acting secretary since February 2008 and is waiting for a Senate vote on her nomination to serve in the position permanently.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - It may take a mediator to settle a dispute over who should control Pennsylvania House Democrats' files related to an investigation into alleged corruption in the Legislature. Dauphin County Judge Lawrence F. Clark Jr. on Friday gave the Democratic caucus and its former legal consultant, Bill Chadwick, until Wednesday to decide if they want to have a retired county judge help them settle the matter. For the full story, go to philly.com .

Work on the Route 219 Bradford Bypass project is about ready to get underway for the season. Contractor Glenn O. Hawbaker expects to start full-scale operations on March 23. Work will include setting traffic control signs and erosion control measures from the Forman Street on-ramp to Hillside Drive in New York State. Route 219 northbound will be restricted to one lane from the Forman Street on-ramp to Hillside Drive.

Pittsburgh police say they've picked up one of their most wanted graffiti vandals. 21-year-old Ian DeBeer of Buffalo is accused of spraying sprayed "HERT" on 100 locations around Pittsburgh since April 2007 and causing about $212,000 in damage. Police say they found more than 500 spray paint cans at DeBeer's Pittsburgh home, along with his graffiti photos, breathing respirators and a computer containing video of DeBeer spraying his tag. DeBeer is charged with 73 counts of criminal mischief and one count of possession of an instrument of crime covering the paint and tools police say he used to make graffiti.

A York man who says his wife's electrocution death was an accident while they were having sex has been convicted of third-degree murder. A jury did acquit 38-year-old Toby Taylor of the most serious charge of first-degree murder. The district attorney says he will seek the maximum sentence of 20 to 40 years in prison. In addition to third-degree murder, Taylor was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the Jan. 23, 2008 electrocution of 29-year-old Kirsten Taylor Taylor has said he used an electric shock to stimulate his wife during sex.

Barry Snyder Sr. has been removed as chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation by the company's board of directors. In a surprise vote, the board got rid of Snyder then elected Norman "Cochise" Redeye to replace him. Snyder's control of Seneca Gaming has been questioned recently. Construction projects have been halted and employees have been laid off because of declining revenues. Seneca Gaming's annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission reported a 13.9 percent drop in earnings last year. Snyder remains as president of the Seneca Nation of Indians.

The Bradford District Flood Control Authority is sharing in more than $1 million in grant money to help flood protection projects across the state. The $26,000 coming to Bradford will go toward removal of sediment deposits and restoration of channel slopes. Coudersport will get $65,000 to clean out debris from the Mill Creek sedimentation basin. Emporium will get $32,378 to buy a compact excavator and flatbed trailer for sediment removal and $25,128 to buy a skid steer loader, commercial grade lawn mower and trimmers. Johnsonburg will get $31,500 to buy a replacement pump for the flood control pumping station.

A Gowanda woman has pleaded guilty to stealing $20,000 from a Wheatfield man who thought he might want to marry her. 30-year-old Crystal Lewis befriended the 46-year-old widower, who considered her a possible future wife. They had an agreement in which she would cash his paychecks and pay his bills. But, although she paid some bills, she kept most of the money for herself. Because of that, the man's car was repossessed, his utilities were shut off and he was evicted from his mobile home.

Somebody swiped 11 banners from the Steelers Super Bowl victory parade. The City of Pittsburgh paid $95 each for 50 banners that lined the parade route last month. Five were stolen from the parade route, and the city offered the other 45 to the public for $150 each. Fans quickly bought all the banners through the city's Web site and had picked up all but 13 by Thursday. Only two were there this morning, though. Police are investigating.

A husband and wife have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a robbery and murder at a home near Binghamton, New York. Twenty-three-year-old Anthony Carnevale and his 20-year-old wife, Ashley, are charged in the January 20 killing of 39-year-old Jean Clark of Parsons, Pa. Police say Carnevale went to a house to steal prescription drugs from 39-year-old Ethan Button when he shot Clark and Button. Button survived. Ashley Carnevale allegedly took part in the break-in.

Financially strapped schools unable to send a bus loaded with kids to St. Bonaventure’s arts center can now ask for a bus loaded with art to visit them. The university Friday formally dedicated its new Artmobile, a mobile arts education bus that will target K-12 schoolchildren in the region whose districts often don’t have the resources to send them to the museum. State Sen. Catharine Young (R-Olean) helped secure the $50,000 state grant used to purchase and equip the vehicle. She spoke at the dedication ceremony inside the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. “This means a lot to me personally,” Sen. Young said. “I had the good fortune of growing up on a dairy farm in Livingston County … but my mom was a teacher and she always made sure that we had opportunities to see the philharmonic in Rochester, or go see a play or an art exhibit. “Those experiences helped shape the person I am, and I want to make sure that our young people have those chances to enrich themselves culturally. We a...

The Open Arms Mission Team arrived safely in Bradford, PA late Tuesday night. The team, comprised of Open Arms Pastor Mike McAvoy, Shawn Murphy, Josh Hatcher, Dr. Brad MacNeill, and his two daughters, Bethany and Jennifer MacNeill were in Conakry, Guinea for a week working with New Family Church and Gateway International School. The team worked throughout the week assisting with a Pastor's conference, which equipped ministers from across West Africa to be able to meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs within their communities. The team also worked students from the school, bringing gifts to the students, and encouragement to the school staff. "Sometimes you never know what to expect on these kinds of trips. I guess I thought our work would be even more humanitarian, and our work turned out to be more spiritual in nature," said Hatcher, "This is a city racked by poverty, prejudice, and corruption. A lot of the work that we wanted to do would have been like ...

The acting head of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has been charged with public drunkenness. Police issued a citation to Sandi Vito after a dispute Wednesday night over whether she would take a taxi home from the Harrisburg Hilton. Vito issued a statement Thursday apologizing to the public, her agency and Governor Ed Rendell. For the full story, go to the Centre Daily Times .

The City of Salamanca has decided on a price tag for the proposed water park resort. The city has decided it will sell the property to Ross Wilson and Associates of Williamsville for $884,520. The developer/construction company has plans for a conference center, sculpture park and hotel as well as the water park. They expect to buy the land in January of next year. The property is near the Seneca Allegany Casino on the east side of State Park Avenue. For more information, go to Enchanted Mountain Waterpark Resort .

The man convicted of infecting at least 13 women and girls in the Jamestown area with HIV in the late 1990s has another parole hearing next month. Nushawn Williams – who goes by the name of Shyteek Johnson in prison – still maintains that he did not knowingly infect the women. But officials say he had been tested, and told of the results, before he traded sex for drugs. All of the girls, now grown women, are alive. However, one woman who had sex with someone who had sex with Williams does have full blown AIDS. One of the girls he infected was 13 years old. He was also convicted of statuary rape. Williams has been up for parole before but he was deemed a sexual predator and a threat to the public's safety.

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of their 2009 Awards. Each year the membership receives a ballot with three nominees in each category; Business Person of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Large Business of the Year. This enables the membership to recognize those organizations, businesses and individuals furthering the chamber’s mission of economic growth and quality of life. Business Person of the Year, Harvey L. Golubock, President and Chief Operation Officer of American Refining Group, has presided over the growth of the Bradford refinery since 1997 when it was purchased from Witco Corporation. He has provided consistent leadership, support and volunteerism for over 11 years touching nine non-profit organizations, affecting the inner core of our community. When Mr. Golubock took the helm of ARG, the refinery was in jeopardy of being shut down. Since then, employment has more than doubled to over 325, the facility has built a finished...

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Arlen Specter, Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Bob Casey announced final approval of federal funding for several central Pennsylvania health care, education and labor projects. The projects are contained in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill. “I am pleased that Congress has approved this important funding for Central Pennsylvania,” Senator Specter said. “Health and education are our nation’s greatest capital assets, and these projects are vital to ensuring quality health care and education for the area’s residents.” This money is great news for Central Pennsylvania and I am pleased that members of the committee approved this funding,” said Senator Casey. “I will continue working with Senator Specter to ensure residents of the area have access to quality health care and education.” Projects in the bill include: $95,000 for Elk Regional Health Center in Elk Cou...

The Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) has announced a fundraising benefit to help fund the Southern Tier Biennial (STB) art exhibition on Saturday, March 28 from 6-10pm at the Other Place tavern on Main Street in Allegany, NY. The evening will feature music by Dave Dorson, Andy Hannon and Bill O’Connell’s Wild Rovers, and the Mojo Hand Blues Band. Free pizza will be served and a portion of the bar receipts will go towards the fund. Tickets at the door are $10. All event proceeds will go to the close the budget gap for this year’s Southern Tier Biennial exhibition. In early January, the Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC), producers of the STB contemporary art exhibition, were informed that there would be no funding for the 2009 Biennial. The STB endowment fund, managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, had dropped well below the original investment and according to law would be frozen until the fund recovered. Through careful strategizing and many donations of se...

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) will hold public forums this month for McKean and Potter County communities that surround the Allegheny River and its tributaries – Oswayo, Potato, and Tunungwant creeks – as well as neighboring communities. At these events, community residents will discuss the natural and community resources of the region and help to create a vision for the future of the region. If you live or work in the area, own a business or land in the region, enjoy outdoor recreation, or are interested in natural resources, historic preservation, tourism, or community enhancement, please plan to attend one of these meetings. Local support is critical to the success of this locally driven planning process. The public meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: • Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at the Coudersport Elementary School Large Group Instruction Room, 802 Vine Street • Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at the Port Allegany Veterans Memorial Home (VFW/American Le...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold the fourth Empty Bowls and Baskets Dinner of homemade soup and bread to raise awareness of the fight against hunger and to raise money for The Friendship Table. Sponsored by the Women’s History Month Celebration committee, the dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 19, in the Mukaiyama University Room. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door. Diners are invited to select a handcrafted ceramic bowl or a basket as a reminder that someone else’s bowl might be empty. According to Dr. Holly J. Spittler, associate dean of student affairs and chairwoman of the event, “The premise behind the dinner is to offer a simple meal of homemade soups and breads and a place at the table for all as a way to increase our awareness of the fight against hunger.” In the spirit of community Pitt-Bradford students and volunteers spent an evening together weaving baskets for the event. Third-grade students from School Street Elementary, S...

Bradford City Firefighters Local 655 invites you to their Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. at Callahan Park. The hunt is divided into three ages groups: 2-4; 5-7; and 8-10. Rain date is April 11.

Washington DC -- Vice President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Chu today announced Pennsylvania will receive $352,477,062 in weatherization and energy efficiency funding – including $252,793,062 for the Weatherization Assistance Program and $99,684,000 for the State Energy Program. This is part of a nationwide investment announced today of nearly $8 billion under the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – an investment that will put approximately 87,000 Americans to work. “This energy efficiency funding for states is an important investment in making America more energy independent, creating a cleaner economy and creating more jobs for the 21st century that can’t be outsourced,” said Vice President Biden. The funding will support weatherization of homes, including adding more insulation, sealing leaks and modernizing heating and air conditioning equipment, which will pay for itself many times over. “Even as we seize the enormous potential of clean energy sources like wi...

A federal judge has dismissed several claims in a lawsuit filed by Duhring Resource Company against the Allegheny National Forest. The lawsuit, which was filed in November of 2007 by the Sheffield-based oil company, claims that the U.S. Forest Service “imposed unfair, unjustified and economically unreasonable conditions" on Duhring to prevent the company from accessing its mineral rights on forest land. The judge has thrown out five of the suit’s 12 claims.

The U.S. House has defeated a bill to set aside more than 2 million acres in nine states as protected wilderness, including parts of the Allegheny National Forest. Democrats agreed to amend the bill to clarify that it wouldn't impose new limits on hunting, fishing or trapping on federal land. The National Rifle Association asked for that amendment. A majority of House members supported the bill, but it failed because it didn't get the needed two-thirds vote. The vote was 282-144 in favor, two votes short of approval. Democratic leaders vowed to bring the bill back, but did not say when or in what form. Here's how Pennsylvania lawmakers voted: Democrats — Altmire, Y; Brady, Y; Carney, Y; Dahlkemper, Y; Doyle, Y; Fattah, Y; Holden, Y; Kanjorski, Y; Murphy, Patrick, Y; Murtha, Y; Schwartz, Y; Sestak, Y. Republicans — Dent, Y; Gerlach, Y; Murphy, Tim, N; Pitts, N; Platts, Y; Shuster, N; Thompson, N.

State Sen. John N. Wozniak wrote Wednesday to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati urging a change in Senate rules to limit the distribution of religious texts to first-term Senators. “There are times when adherence to tradition is simply being stubborn and insensitive to the people we serve,” Wozniak said. “There is difficult work to be done and these controversies and distractions are not needed.” Wozniak sent the letter in response to public outcry over news reports that lawmakers had spent in excess of $12,000 on religious texts, one for each term in office. He said he’s asking the Senate’s chief presiding officer to consider a change in the Senate rules to end the practice as a way of recognizing the difficulties faced by many Pennsylvanians. “In these trying financial times, I believe it would be prudent,” Wozniak wrote.

Pittsburgh City Council has given unanimous preliminary approval to an ordinance that would ban couches and mattresses from porches. Violators would face a fine of $200 to $500 per day. For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .

State Sen. John N. Wozniak has reintroduced a plan to help revive Pennsylvania’s small cities by providing help with crime prevention, housing improvement and pension relief. “It is not a coincidence that our small and medium sized cities suffer from similar problems and financial pressures,” Wozniak said. “We need to understand that everyone has paid a price for the years of decline. Restoring their vitality and preserving their solvency could spur economic development and stem the advance of urban sprawl, ease traffic congestion and even decrease oil dependency.” Senate Bill 606, the “Renaissance City” plan, would provide grants to Third Class and Second Class A class cities in an effort to combat crime, remove blight and foster economic development. “Targeted tax relief through gaming revenue was a first small step toward helping our cities recover,” Wozniak said. “Now we must follow through with targeted investment.” Wozniak crafted his plan after reviewing the results of a needs s...

A leader of an Albion-area methamphetamine distribution ring has been sentenced five to 10 years in state prison. 43-year-old Ronald Frey pleaded guilty in January to one felony count each of corrupt organizations, criminal conspiracy, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and a misdemeanor charge of possessing liquid ammonia. He was among the last to be sentenced in connection with the Operation Family Cookout meth ring that was broken up in 2007 by the state Attorney General's Office. The other ringleader Frey's brother, 46-year-old James Frey was sentenced in January to serve five to 20 years in state prison. Ronald Frey's wife, Patricia Frey was sentenced in February to nine to 18 months in the Erie County Prison on charges of criminal conspiracy and manufacturing meth. The Attorney General's Office says the Frey's operated the meth ring for more than 10 years at neighboring houses in Conneaut Township. Twenty-nine people were charged in the ...

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today offered his praise to the House of Representatives for its overwhelming and bi-partisan support of House Bill 92, which will enable the agency to fully transition to an electronic, point-of-sale license system, commonly referred to as Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS). Roe specifically noted his appreciation to House Game and Fisheries Committee Majority Chairman Edward Staback (D-60), who sponsored the bill, and to House Game and Fisheries Committee Minority Chairman Craig A. Dally (R-168), who co-sponsored the bill. “Transitioning to PALS has been something that our license buyers and members of the General Assembly have been urging the Game Commission to do for a number of years,” Roe said. “We are excited about the many benefits that this new license sale system will provide to our license buying customers, our issuing agents and the agency. “I want to thank Reps. Staback and Dally, as well ...

A former Potter County Jail Guard has been sentenced 20 days to 16 months in jail for providing contraband to an inmate. Edward Davis allowed his son, Zach Easton, to use his cell phone while Easton was an inmate at the jail on June 27, 2008. Davis now lives in Massachusetts. He must also perform 25 hours of community service.

BRADFORD, Pa. – Russian National Ballet choreographer Yuri Vetrov will teach a master class for dancers prior to the ballet’s performance of “The Sleeping Beauty” on March 24. The master class will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the dance studio of the Sport and Fitness Center. The class is free, but enrollment is limited to 20 and reservations will be required. Vetrov is a former Bolshoi dancer who has been awarded the highest honor the Russian government can bestow upon an artist, the Order of the People’s Artist of Russia. “This is the first time I have ever heard of a dancer this prestigious teaching a master class,” said Randy L. Mayes, director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford. Mayes said that although Vetrov doesn’t speak English, he will have an interpreter for the workshop. Upon graduation from the Moscow Choreographic School, Vetrov joined the Bolshoi and immediately became a leading character dancer, portraying such rol...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford's College-Community Choir will sing famous Italian, German and French opera selections during its annual concert on Wednesday, March 18. Students, faculty, staff and community members will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. in the Bromeley Family Theater of Blaisdell Hall. A part of the university’s Spectrum Series, the hour-long program is free and open to the public. “Usually the community choir has done oratorios and sacred music from Masses and Requiems,” said Dr. Samuel Wong, former assistant conductor of the New York Philharmonic, who is leading the choir this semester. “This concert is a departure because of the secular and entertaining nature of the pieces with themes of love, betrayal, freedom, captivity, seduction, guilt, yearning and celebration.” Highlights of the evening include Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fidelio,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Magic Flute,” Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata,” Rich...

Employees of a Philadelphia pet store expecting a shipment of tropical fish instead got a corpse intended for a medial research laboratory in Allentown. For the full story, go to the Allentown Morning Call .

Jennifer Hix told a Westmoreland County jury Tuesday that she lost her left eye after her former boyfriend jabbed her with an umbrella during a fight. For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review .

A Wilcox woman wanted for elder abuse in Michigan has been taken into custody by Ridgway state police. They say Michigan State Police contacted them saying they had a warrant for 60-year-old Carol Ann Maneke for aggravated assault/elder abuse. Ridgway state police arrested her at about 6:30 Monday night. She was arraigned and sent to Elk County Jail on $25,000 bail.

At least for now, New Yorkers don't have to worry about new taxes on sugared drinks, manicures, bowling, skiing or movies. Governor David Paterson and legislative leaders today announced an agreement to eliminate $1.3 billion in tax increases included in the proposed 2009-10 Executive Budget. Paterson says they were able to eliminate the taxes because of the $6.5 million the state is getting in federal stimulus money. For more information, go to the governor's Web site .

The U.S. Senate yesterday approved $5.475 million for the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County as part of the 2009 appropriations bill. The bill is now awaiting the signature of President Barack Obama. For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (AP) — State prosecutors are charging the former superintendent of Binghamton's water department with dumping sludge into the Susquehanna River. Former superintendent Kevin Transue and former plant employee Daniel Rose are free on their own recognizance after being arraigned Wednesday in county court on 17 charges of breaking state environmental laws. Both men pleaded not guilty. For the full story, go to pennlive.com . At least he's not a state senator.

From WIVB.com 70,000 bowlers in New York State have filled out cards to send the Albany lawmakers opposing a plan that would put sales tax on bowling for the first time.

A 36-year-old Bethlehem Township man is facing charges after allegedly encouraging high school cheerleaders to dance on a stripper pole in his basement during a party he had for his 16-year-old son. For the full story, go to Lehigh Valley Live.com .

A man accused of driving drunk says Pennsylvania courts have no jurisdiction over him because he's his own country. For the full story, go to Lehigh Valley Live.com .

A Falconer man has been arrested in connection with a double-stabbing last month. 51-year-old Garry Hill allegedly got into a fight with a 49-year-old woman in the apartment above the Blue Fin Pet Shop. Police were called to the scene about 1 a.m. on February 20 and found both people with stab wounds. Hill was treated for serious stab wounds at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, while the woman was treated for a wound to the arm at a Jamestown Hospital. Following an investigation, police charged Hill with assault and unlawful imprisonment. He's in jail without bail.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Rough road conditions caused by the Route 219 Bypass project, and other factors, were a topic during Tuesday's Bradford City Council meeting. Bradford resident Brad Mangel suggested that, because of the "inordinate amount of traffic" due to detours, the streets deteriorated more than they normally would have. City Clerk John Peterson said some repairs have been made and pictures are taken before a project starts to document any damage that's done. OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews said it's obvious that the construction vehicles had something to do with the current condition of Forman Street, and said it wouldn't hurt to ask PennDOT if repair work there could be added to another project. On a related note, Mayor Tom Riel said the city tried to get federal stimulus money for a citywide resurfacing project, but city roads don't qualify. Also Tuesday, Councilman Rick Benton talked about comments – good and bad – he ...

Seneca Nation leaders met with New York State legislators Tuesday to talk about the plan to develop a casino in the Catskills. Robert Porter, the Seneca's senior policy adviser, says the strategy is to build support for the project with state officials, including Governor David Paterson, then get a law through Congress permitting the off-reservation development deal. Porter says the casino could mean $160 million a year in revenue-sharing payments, which is more than the Seneca Nation gives Albany in shares for the Salamanca, Buffalo and Niagara Falls casinos combined. Federal Interior Department officials have stopped off-reservation casino deals recently, and it is unclear what the Obama administration's approach will be.

A Tioga County man is in jail after allegedly making threats with a gun. Police say they were called to Fred's Lobster Garden Motel Saturday morning and found 45-year-old Larry Goodman waving a rifle in the parking lot and pointing it at motel rooms. They say that earlier Goodman and his friends were at the motel drinking when a argument broke out. Goodman was taken home, but that's when he got the rifle, went back to the motel and starting threatening to kill people. Police say Goodman was taken into custody after a struggle.

A jury has finished a third day of deliberations without a verdict in the corruption case against former state Senator Vincent Fumo. Fumo, 65, is charged with defrauding the state senate, a nonprofit and a museum of more than $3.5 million. He is also charged with trying to destroy evidence during the FBI probe. The jury is working four days a week and is expected to resume deliberations tomorrow. The jurors heard opening arguments on October 22. The trial included more than 100 witnesses and 1,300 exhibits.

A former prosecutor in suburban Philadelphia is getting three to 23 months of house arrest and seven years of probation for corrupting three teenage boys. Anthony Cappuccio pleaded guilty to three counts each of endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and giving alcohol to minors. He also pleaded guilty to one count of criminal use of a telephone and a computer. Deputy Attorney General Marc Costanzo says he's not satisfied with the sentence since Cappuccio isn't going to jail.

With Bradford being the “Oil Metropolis of the World,” it seems like everyone here has some connection with the oil industry. The Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau is hoping to get some insight into Bradford’s – as well as the region’s - relationship with the oil industry for the past 150 years. The Vacation Bureau has teamed up with Butler, Venango and Crawford counties to develop a book commemorating our rich oil heritage. Paul Adomites of Emlenton will do the writing while Ed Bernik of North East is in charge of the photography. A major part of this book, which is still untitled, will be the photos along with the stories told. The Vacation Bureau is asking for help in gathering photos of the past 150 years that show the various aspects of the oil industry in McKean County. Perhaps you have a photo of oil workers or a view of the oil derricks that once dotted the Alleghenies. The Vacation Bureau would like to see what you have for possible inclusion in the book. Any photos us...

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, cosigned a letter that was sent to President Obama today, encouraging him to create an Office of Rural Policy within the White House. This request comes on the heels of the newly formed White House Office of Urban Policy. “Rural America, like urban America, faces unique challenges, and having a coordinated effort within the White House to manage the federal programs in rural communities is critical to the revitalization of small town America,” said Thompson, Vice Chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus. “By creating an Office of Rural Policy, it will ensure that rural America has a seat at the table when important policy decisions are made.” The Congressional Rural Caucus is a bipartisan group of legislators who are committed to addressing the needs of rural America and represent rural communities. The Caucus will host speakers and experts on a wide range of issues to help educate the members on the constantly ch...

Dr. Jean Truman, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, will receive the 2009 Chairs’ Faculty Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. “In addition to receiving highly favorable feedback from students, Dr. Truman uses innovative teaching methods in her classroom,” wrote Dr. Lauren Yaich, chairwoman of the Division of Biological and Health Sciences, in recommending Truman for the award. “She has played an important part in the effort to incorporate computerized simulation mannequins into the nursing curriculum.” Yaich also explained that the nursing students have almost always given Truman teaching evaluation scores that were well above the average, including perfect scores on certain specific teaching skills. Truman’s evaluations were compared not only to the Pitt-Bradford nursing faculty, but also those of nursing professors in the School of Nursing in Oakland. Truman will receive her award during Honors Convo...

ALBANY, N.Y., March 10, 2009 —Marc Vachon, physical educator and aquatics director at Mohonasen Central Schools in Rotterdam, was among 21 people honored by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu). Vachon was honored March 2 during the 2009 Independent Sector Alumni Hall of Distinction Awards Ceremony and Legislative Reception at the state Capitol. Vachon graduated in 2003 from St. Bonaventure University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He completed his master’s degree in 2007 at The College of St. Rose in Albany. The Alumni Hall of Distinction was created in 2000 to recognize New York’s Independent Sector graduates who make contributions to society through their careers and community involvement. This year, cIcu recognized elementary school educators and school leaders to bring attention to the pivotal role that private colleges and universities play in preparing New York state’s teachers. In addition to his school-based activities, Vachon is acti...

The state Senate today approved Sen. Sean Logan’s (D-Westmoreland/Allegheny) resolution calling on federal and state governments to utilize “Buy American” strategies when implementing provisions of the new federal stimulus investment. “It is imperative that government target these stimulus dollars for American workers in America’s economy,” Logan said. “My resolution (Senate Resolution 21) simply urges federal and state officials to target these American taxpayer dollars to help American workers and industries. “Targeting taxpayer stimulus dollars for American workers to build and manufacture with American products is just good common sense. If we can’t help American working families out in America’s job-sustaining industries, then what is it that our government is trying to stimulate?” With limited exceptions, the federal stimulus plan bans the use of stimulus dollars for public buildings or works unless all the iron and steel used in the project are American-made. “The new stimulus...

The US Forest Service is holding a public hearing tonight concerning the environmental impact statement for oil and gas standards and guidelines. The hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Rice Auditorium in Fisher Hall at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Forest Supervisor Leanne Marten says analyzing and deciding on these standards and guidelines is a challenge, and she's asking people to get involved and share their comments.

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Students at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford raided the university’s closet last week and turned what they found into something useful. The first Pitt-Bradford Innovation Challenge yielded nine objects created with items no longer used at Pitt-Bradford that were being stored by the campus’s facilities management department. Nine teams of students got their pick of objects from storage and a $25 gift certificate for purchasing supplies at Worth W. Smith Co., which co-sponsored the challenge, along with the Pitt-Bradford Entrepreneurship Program and the Students in Free Enterprise club. The teams had 100 hours in which to make their creations. Cash prizes were awarded for the most economic value, most social value, most creative value and people’s choice award given to the entry getting the most votes from those who viewed the projects on display last w...