Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

An inmate at FCI-McKean has been indicted on escape charges. 32-year-old Patrick Akins is accused of leaving the grounds of the prison camp with 27-year-old Terri Batts of Buffalo. Batts has been indicted on a charge of assisting escape for driving Akins from the prison camp. Akins and Batts each face a total of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 fine or both. Akins sentence would be consecutive to his current sentence. The US Attorney's office says FCI-McKean officers conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

A Warren County jury found Susan Yeager and Cory Altman guilty of first-degree murder Thursday in the shooting death of Yeager's estranged husband Shawn last December. Altman was convicted of actually shooting Shawn Yeager, and Susan Yeager was convicted as an accomplice who hatched the plot. The jury of 10 women and two men deliberated for about two hours before returning the verdicts. The two face life in prison.

Bradford Regional Medical Center’s employees were honored and recognized for their contributions and dedication during the annual Service Awards Banquet at The Bradford Club on Thursday. The banquet’s theme was “As One Person I Cannot Change The World, But I Can Change The World For One Person.” It was held during National Hospital Week, which runs from May 10-16. Banquet co-host Dennis Geitner, BRMC’s vice president of Human Resources, aid, “This is an opportunity to recognize our employees who have reached service milestones and for their dedication and hard work in providing quality care to the communities we serve.” He added, “We’re celebrating our most valuable asset - BRMC employees.” Other banquet co-hosts were Tina Hannahs, director of revenue management, and Kerry Payne, supervisor of coding in Health Information Management. Mrs. Hannahs spoke about BRMC’s new Culture Committee. “The mission of the Culture Committee is to create a culture of service for our family, friends, c...

Sheriff Tim Howard's Address Pictured, (top photo) Chief Mike Close (left and Jim Erwin of the Bradford City Police Department lay a wreath in honor of local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty: Carl Whippo of Johnsonburg, Dave Distrola of Bradford and Steve Jerman of Kane; From left, Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Joseph Scarnati and Erie County (N.Y.) Sheriff Tim Howard wait for the color guard to pass out of the auditorium; Erie County (N.Y.) Sheriff Tim Howard speaks to those gathered in the Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. ( Photos by Kimberly Marcott Weinberg )

Crosby's/Tim Horton's store manager Crystal Payne cuts the ribbon on the E85 pump at the Foster Brook Crosby's fueling station Friday afternoon. Reid Petroleum President Paul Quebral (wearing a suit) says this is the only E85 pump from Buffalo to Pittsburgh. The Crosby's celebration continues Saturday as Scott Douglas broadcasts live from the store on 100.1 The HERO from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our condolences to Doug Galli, who couldn't be at the ribbon cutting because of the death of his father.

In response to the current business conditions, Zippo announced today a temporary reduction in staffing levels. The company is implementing a plant shutdown effective Thursday, May 21 through Friday, May 29. This time period includes the Memorial Day holiday. According to Zippo President and CEO, Greg Booth, the shutdown will affect the majority of positions in the factory, except for those positions that are needed to meet order shipments, to maintain the facilities and to continue ongoing internal improvement projects. Currently, adjustments in work hours and schedules for all office staff are being evaluated, with changes pending. During the layoff period, Zippo offices will continue to be open during regular business hours. Booth said, “Zippo strongly regrets these temporary layoffs, but current economic factors, particularly in overseas markets, have forced Zippo to adjust the staffing levels. Despite the fact that sales in the U.S. domestic market remain solid, they are not stron...

Former Lt. Gov. Ernest Kline died of heart failure at Hershey Medical Center on Wednesday. Kline served eight years as lieutenant governor in the 1970s under Gov. Milton Shapp. He served six years in the state senate before he became lieutenant governor. Kline was a radio news reporter when he broke into politics, winning a seat on the Beaver Falls council.

A battle is brewing in Harrisburg on whether municipalities and school districts should have to pay to place legal notices in newspapers. Three bills are pending on the issue, and the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on it this morning. The Pennsylvania Newspaper Association is against the bills, but some municipalities and lawmakers say legal notices are a waste of taxpayer money. Judiciary Committee Chairman Tom Caltagirone says he's not sure if the bill will get a committee vote, but thinks if it gets to the floor it will pass. No date has been set for voting.

Friday w is Police Memorial Day, and a service will be at 1 p.m. in the Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Besides attending the service, Dan Songer, director of Campus Security at Pitt-Bradford is asking residents to do something else. He's encouraging all residents and businesses to lower their flags to half-staff. "It just shows that they're thinking about us, and thinking about those that have passed on before us, just going out and doing their job like everybody else," Songer said. Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati and Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard will speak during the service. Pictured, Scarnati speaking at the Police Memorial Day service in Harrisburg on May 4.

Four St. Bonaventure University sophomores were recently inducted into Pi Mu Epsilon, the National Honorary Mathematics Society. Courtney Bosse, an engineering physics major from Carmel, Ind., John Hasper, a physics major from Great Valley, N.Y., Nicole Markert, a mathematics major from Auburn, Ohio, and Troy Mulholland, a physics major from Dewittville, N.Y., make up this year’s class of inductees. All four students have excelled not only in mathematics, but in their own specific fields of study as well. The National Honorary Mathematics Society, Pi Mu Epsilon, was established at Syracuse University in 1914. Since its founding the honorary has expanded to 300 chapters in North America. St. Bonaventure belongs to the New York Omega chapter. The goal of the society is to encourage intellectual and scholarly activity among mathematics students. To be inducted one must be an undergraduate with two years of math courses, including calculus, with a B average, and a ranking in the top...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford inducted 26 students into Alpha Lambda Delta, the national honor society for first-year students. Induction took place in a ceremony held in the Mukaiyama University Room last month. To be eligible for membership, a student must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.5 during the first term of study or obtain at least a 3.5 average after two terms. Among those inducted were Brianna Nichole Barrick, a nursing major from East Berlin; Paul Bourgeois, a computer information systems and technology major from Meadville; Maria G. Costanza, a public relations major from Pittsburgh; Meagan Marie Culver, a nursing major from Port Allegany; Sarah Diana Devine, a nursing major from Pittsburgh; Joshua Flowers, a chemistry education major from New Columbia; Jeremy Scott Freer, a broadcast communications major from Cyclone; Sara Gligora, a sociology major from Milton; Mary Gross, an athletic training major from Ford City; ...

"The Valley that Changed the World," a co-production of WQED Pittsburgh and the Oil Region Alliance, is now available in DVD format. The 57 minute production, which premiered on WQED, Pittsburgh's public television station in April, chronicles the discovery of petroleum in the Oil Creek valley in 1859 through modern times. The DVD features a wide range of local historians and experts in the petroleum industry. The production covers the historical role of northwest Pennsylvania in the story but also discusses the challenges faced by the industry worldwide. Randy Seitz, President of the ORA said: "This is an excellent production that appeals to a wide range of audiences, from the casual history buff to anyone with an interest in the history of our region". The retail price for the DVD is $19.95 plus shipping and PA sales tax. It can be ordered at the online store at www.oil150.com, or purchased at The Alliance on Seneca, 206 Seneca Street, 4th Floor, Oil City and ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Science In Motion program has received a new van thanks to a donation from Bradford Fairway Sales and Leasing. The 2006 Ford Freestar will be used to transport the Science In Motion team to area middle schools and high schools to bring high-quality, state-of-the-art science equipment into the schools to enhance existing programs and to expand the science knowledge of the students. Earlier this year, the budget of each Science In Motion program was reduced nearly 9 percent by the state. This resulted in the Pitt-Bradford program going from a two-van operation to a one-van operation. In order to help address the fiscal crisis, a van that required very little maintenance, would get fairly good gas mileage and had ample storage space was required. “Because Science In Motion educators travel more than 15,000 miles visiting 33 schools per year, the Freestar is ideal,” said James Baldwin, assistant dean of academic affairs, registrar and director of ...

WASHINGTON - Earlier today, Chrysler announced the specifics of its planned dealer consolidation. This announcement, which has been part of Chrysler’s plan for some time, is one of several steps the Company is taking to restructure to achieve financial viability. A month ago, Chrysler faced the real prospect of liquidation, which would have eliminated all 3,200 of the company’s dealers. As a result of the successful Chrysler-Fiat partnership and the backing of the President’s Auto Task Force, Chrysler is now positioned to move forward with a plan that retains 75% of its dealers – representing 87% of Chrysler sales. Consistent with the Task Force’s role in the restructuring process, it was not involved in the specific design or implementation of Chrysler’s dealer consolidation plan. The Task Force played no role in deciding which dealers, or how many dealers, were part of Chrysler’s announcement today. We understand that this rationalization will be difficult on the dealers that will no...

DOYLESTOWN – For the second time in 13 years, Pennsylvania Game Commission and Philadelphia Zoo officials teamed up to foster a zoo-hatched eagle into a wild nest in the Commonwealth. This time the eaglet was placed in a wild nest already holding two eaglets near Doylestown on Thursday. “Fostering is a process that the Game Commission has used successfully in the recent past to place eaglets that were in trees in which their nest was situated was blown down,” said Dr. John Morgan, Game Commission Southeast Region Wildlife Management Supervisor. “In fact, in August of 2007, we fostered an eaglet into a Berks County nest that was separated from its parents when its nest in Lancaster County blew down in a wind storm. “The decision of where to foster this Zoo-hatched eaglet was based on being able to find a nest with no more than two eaglets of similar age and size. This is not always an easy task.” A leading wildlife conservation and education institution, the Philadelphia Zoo has been...

U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today used a parliamentary procedure on the floor of the House of Representatives to add a deficit trigger into a bill called The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187). The vote split on party lines and the measure failed 182 to 247. “With this bill, the federal government bites off more than it can chew or our future generations can digest,” Thompson said. “Nationalization and regulation of the bricks and mortar of our schools is not the direction we should be heading when the federal government has yet to make good on funding commitments for education programming.” This bill could cost as much as $40 billion over five years, and it undermines the state and local control of school construction while expanding the role of the federal government. It requires states and school districts to modernize school buildings while meeting regulations that building materials meet certain environmental rules...

While legislators are still debating whether Pennsylvania should institute graduation testing, the state Department of Education executed a $200 million contract with a company to start developing the tests. Data Recognition Corporation of Maple Grove, Minnesota, will work on the Keystone Exams. House Minority Leader Sam Smith says he has major concerns about the contract. "This is just one more layer on top of another assessment system that they apparently don't think works. So one, I think it's a waste of money. It's going to be like $8 million this year and $200 and some million over the next four or five years," Smith said. "Secondly, in a year when we have a very, very tight budget, to even be thinking of starting a new program such as this is just not common sense. There's not a lot of support for this in the legislature, I think they may be actually violating the law by signing this contract. "I don't believe the average school board membe...

A Jamestown man is dead following an accident on Route 27 near Sugar Grove Thursday afternoon. State police say 46-year-old John Jackson was attempting to negotiate a curve when the truck went off the road, went back onto the road and flipped over. It slid along the road, then hit a guardrail and concrete bridge. Warren County Deputy Coroner Stanley Taydus pronounced Jackson dead at the scene. The truck was removed by Ostrom Enterprises Heavy Duty Recovery.

A Gowanda man has been indicted by a grand jury for shooting a person who was sitting in a car. Rafael Sanjuro is accused of shooting the gun at a vehicle, which was within 500 feet of a house, and shooting one of the people in the vehicle. Three children younger than 17 were in the house when he fired the gun. The allegedly incident happened March 15 on Queen Street in Olean. Sanjuro had previously been convicted of a crime and is not allowed to possess firearms. Besides that violation, he's charged with assault and endangering the welfare of children.

Rink Brothers, the oldest original Chrysler dealer in the country, is one of the 789 dealerships the automaker wants to close as part of its bankruptcy restructuring plan. But Rink Brothers General Manager Tom Colewell says don't count them out yet, although they weren't totally surprised by the announcement. He says once Chrysler announced the bankruptcy earlier this month they had a feeling they would be on the list to close because the company is concentrating on keeping its higher volume dealerships operating. Colewell says that's related to Chrysler's new alliance with Fiat, and trying to bring that to the US. "There not going to be selling Fiats in Bradford, Pennsylvania," he said. "I mean, let's be honest." He says the dealers will have a right to appeal to get off the closure list, and they are looking into that option. Another option, he says, is operating Rink Brothers as a used car dealership. For the time being, Colewell says, Rink ...

Seneca Nation officials are expected to be in Sullivan County Thursday to formally announce and sign a contract to build a 2 million-square-foot casino and resort in the Catskills. The Seneca Nation Legislative Council and Sullivan County lawmakers approved a deal in which the municipalities surrounding the casino receive a $15.5 million payment every year from proceeds generated by the gaming operations. In Cattaraugus, Erie and Niagara counties, the payments are based on a percentage of the slot machine revenues. The casino will have 6,000 slot machines, 120 game tables and 30 poker tables. The complex will also feature a 1,500-room hotel and spa, a 5,000-seat arena, 12 restaurants and other retail space. The project is the largest economic development proposal in the Hudson Valley.

The budget deadline is more than six weeks away, but Governor Rendell has notified nearly 80,000 state workers Wednesday by e-mail that they will stop receiving paychecks if there's a budget impasse – but they should still show up for work. "I know that delayed pay would present a significant financial challenge for many of you," the governor wrote. "I wanted to provide you with as much advance notice as possible so that you might begin planning for this potential disruption." The state workers would get back pay after the budget passes. The deadline to pass the budget is June 30, but no budget has been passed on time since Rendell became governor.

The number of police pursuits in Pennsylvania and the number of people killed in those pursuits dropped last year, State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski announced today. Pawlowski said law enforcement agencies across Pennsylvania reported involvement in 1,809 vehicle pursuits in 2008, a drop of 6.3 percent from the 1,931 pursuits in 2007. The number of deaths resulting from those pursuits fell from 13 in 2007 to nine last year, he said. The statistics are contained in the 2008 Pennsylvania Police Pursuit Report, which was compiled by state police and can be accessed through the Police Pursuit Reporting System link at http://ucr.psp.state.pa.us Other information contained in the report shows that: *603 of the pursuits resulted in crashes, with 212 of those crashes resulting in injuries. *Slightly more than half of all the pursuits (910) were initiated because of traffic violations, including speeding. The other most common reasons for police to initiate pursuits were felony crimi...

Check out the Justin Willoughby story at WGRZ-TV.com

Legislation introduced by Senator Jake Corman (R-34) to extend health care coverage for young adults under their parents’ insurance plans is headed to the Governor for enactment into law following the House of Representatives’ approval (192 to 2) of the measure today. The Senate unanimously approved the bill on March 25. Senate Bill 189, introduced by Senator Corman, would extend health insurance coverage, at the expense of policyholders, to adult dependent children up to the age of 30 who are not married, have no dependents, are residents of the Commonwealth or enrolled as a full-time student at an institution of higher education and are not provided insurance coverage or eligible for government benefits. Insurers would be able to determine increases in the premium to cover this additional benefit. “I am pleased that the House acted quickly to move Senate Bill 189 on to the Governor’s desk for enactment into law,” Senator Corman said. “This bill is particularly important in these toug...

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed May 14 as “Shoofly Pie Day” in recognition of Pennsylvania’s tasty treat, and to help launch the state’s new spring and summer tourism promotion: the Peter Arthur Stories. “No dessert is as uniquely ‘Pennsylvanian’ as a piece of shoofly pie,” Governor Rendell said. “We wanted to celebrate this pie, which was made famous by the Pennsylvania Dutch, and give it a cameo role in our new tourism campaign starring a guy with just the right initials, Peter Arthur.” The Peter Arthur Stories follow the character’s quirky odyssey to recapture a lost slice of his youth. “At age 12, Peter became captivated with shoofly pie and Meg, the waitress who served it,” Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Tourism Mickey Rowley said. “Now a young man, Peter is traveling across the state on a voyage fueled by dreams of his first love and held together by molasses.” The Peter Arthur Stories include four Web-based short film...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has inducted seven students into the Upsilon Phi Beta chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the premier national honor society for nontraditional students. Students were inducted in a ceremony in the Mukaiyama University Room. In order to qualify for membership in Alpha Sigma Lambda, a student must have earned at least 30 credits at Pitt-Bradford and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50. Those inducted were Benjamin F. Babcox (AKA Intern Ben), a broadcast communications major from Smethport; Eric Hund, a public relations major from Great Valley, N.Y.; Diane M. Marold, a human relations major from Kane; Luke E. Morley, a social studies 7-12 major from Coudersport; Brenda Porter, a nursing major from Ridgway; Mary Jo Stuckey, a sociology major from Coudersport; and Harold Allen Yale, a psychology major from Kane. Dr. K. James Evans, vice president and dean of student affairs, is advisor for the group.

PA CleanWays of McKean County is sponsoring an Unwanted Medication Collection Program this Saturday, May 16, 2009, from 8AM to Noon at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. This event is free to the public, who should come to the hospital at the new entrance off of North Bennett Street. No personal information will be requested and participants are asked to use a black marker to cover any personal information including names, addresses, and account numbers. Please do not cover product names or dosages as an inventory needs to be taken. Unwanted Medication Collection Events have only been organized in Elk, Cumberland, Philadelphia and Erie Counties in Pennsylvania. Local residents are encouraged to empty their medicine cabinets, participate in this event, and help protect our local water resources and young people. Everything collected will be safely disposed of at an approved medical waste incinerator.

A Chautauqua County man accused of kidnapping his estranged wife Tuesday afternoon in the Town of Busti has been caught in Ohio. The victim, Julie Hall, is alive. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies say 57-year-old Harold Hall of Harmony ran his wife off the road, then took her away in his vehicle. Deputies say Hall was believed to have a hammer with him at the time of the incident, but they didn't know if he had any other weapons in his vehicle. They say he has a violent history. A news conference is scheduled for noon today at the Lakewood-Busti Police Department.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The state budget crisis could have a major impact on the City of Bradford. During Tuesday's Bradford City Council meeting, City Clerk John Peterson talked about the city's recycling program, which currently receives some state grant money. "Does it cost the City of Bradford money to recycle?" Peterson asked rhetorically. "You betcha." The Department of Environmental Protection awards performance grants that go toward paying for part of the cost of the program. The city also receives grants for equipment, trucks, maintenance costs and more. He said the grants help defer the cost of the program and, without those, there would be an additional burden on the city. If that grant program is eliminated, Peterson said, it would be an unfunded mandate because, under the Third Class City Code, Bradford is required to recycle. "It's absolutely essential that the recycling grant program continue," Peterson said. The...

Glenn O. Hawbaker has been working on PennDOT's resurfacing project on a portion of East Main Street. Tuesday, Bradford City Council opened bids for the East Main Street paving project from Main Street to East Avenue. They expect to award the contract soon.

Local rock bands will gather on May 30 to face off in a competiton sponsored by the Bradford Youth Network. The event, to be held at the Grace Lutheran Community Life Center is meant to reach out to middle and high school students. Youth for Christ Executive Director Larry Petry said, "We are really looking to support and encourage the students, to say that we love them and appreciate them, and that we appreciate their art and their music. That's important to them, so it's important to us. We want it to be a fun event for the students attending and for the bands." Petry said the Bradford Youth Network is a collection of churches and church youth groups and youth organizations that are working together to create healthy and exciting youth events in the community. "It's our goal to create a culture where kids can connect with each other and have a great time, and also connect with Christ." "We hear a lot about a lack of activities and events for young...

Crosby’s and Reid Petroleum will mark an environmental milestone on Friday, May 15 with the launch of Bradford’s first E85 fuel station at the new Crosby’s site at 1002 East Main Street and Derrick Road in Foster Brook. A ribbon cutting ceremony will mark the occasion at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon along with comments from General Manager and Vice-President of Crosby’s, Doug Galli, and the President of Reid Petroleum, Paul Quebral. E85 is the term for motor fuel blends of 85 percent ethanol and just 15 percent gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. “We are very excited to be a part of the introduction of ethanol fuel into Bradford and McKean County. Crosby’s has always looked to the future in our store development and what we offer to our customers. Giving the people of McKean County the option to purchase a fuel that has been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is another example of our focus on the future.” said...

Nursing units at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital celebrated National Nurses’ Week by conducting community projects. The projects included: The medical/surgical and intensive care units held a clothing and small appliance drive for the Church Attic which sells the items and donates proceeds to the local food bank. The obstetrics floor accepted donations for the Maternity Closet at St. Eulalia’s Church. The emergency department adopted two hospital staff members whose spouses are battling cancer. The department accepted donations during Nurses’ Week to make care baskets. Home health and hospice gave back to the community by setting up a free blood pressure clinic. The inpatient behavioral health staff visited those in senior housing centers to take blood pressures, visit, and discuss health concerns they may need some help with as well as provide patient education handouts. The long term care staff is sponsoring five area students who have been selected to perform at Lincoln Center in New...

The Marienville Ranger District will host two special evening programs on Saturday, May 23, at the Marienville Ranger Station. The programs begin at 5:00 p.m. with Camp Fire Cooking. Learn how to cook your food (without burning it) using Native American Indian techniques. Participants will also learn a few Indian recipes to practice your newly acquired skills. The second program Survive, Lost in the Woods will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will cover what one should and should not do when lost in the woods. A one half hour time slot between programs will allow time for questions. Both programs will be presented by Forest Service employee Herb Clevenger. For further information on these programs contact the Marienville Ranger District Office at 814-927-6628.

Two St. Bonaventure University students have been selected to participate in a highly competitive summer research program sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Jacob Donius, a junior, will attend a program in physics at the University of Idaho, while Troy Mulholland, a sophomore, will participate in a physics program at the University of Florida. Students selected for the competitive Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program conduct research at a number of host colleges or universities across the nation. The REU appointments, awarded to students studying science, engineering or mathematics, are among the most prestigious summer programs available to undergraduates. “The program was started by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as a way of getting undergraduates involved in the type of research projects that are funded by the NSF at the large research institutions in the United States,” said Dr. John F. Neeson, chair of the Department of Physics at St. Bonavent...

Officials at Bradford Regional Medical Center are inviting the community to an informational session for anyone interested in learning more about a new Diabetic Volunteer Program. "We are going to start a service for individuals who need emotional support in dealing with that aspect of their diagnosis," explained Stacy Williams, Director of Annual Giving & Volunteer Services at BRMC. The informational session will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 18 in the Same Day Surgery Waiting Room at BRMC's Outpatient Services Center, N. Bennett St. access. According to Mrs. Williams, the meeting is open to diabetics or family members. In addition, staff from the hospital's Center for Diabetes & Nutrition Education will also be available to answer questions and meet patients and their families. The Center for Diabetes & Nutrition Education Fund was established in 2005 to provide philanthropic support for specialized equipment for patients of all ages who may have a...

One-fifth of the 3.4 million households in Pennsylvania lack adequate income to meet their basic needs, representing a large and diverse group of families experiencing distress. That's one of the findings from PathWays PA's latest study of the economic needs of the state's working families, Overlooked and Undercounted: Struggling to Make Ends Meet in Pennsylvania. The first-ever study, done in partnership with the state Department of Labor and Industry, measured the number of families in economic distress using the Self-Sufficiency Standard for Pennsylvania. The Standard calculates the wages 70 different family configurations must earn to pay for basic necessities such as child care, nutritious food, adequate housing and health care in each of the state's 67 counties. Based on real market costs, the Standard provides a more accurate portrait of economic distress than federal poverty guidelines, which are based only on food costs. More than half of the households with in...

An Amish teenager from Cattaraugus County has been charged with having beer in his horse-drawn buggy when police pulled him over Monday night. 17-year-old Chris Slabaugh of Conewango was charged with underage possession of alcohol. Cattaraugus County Sheriff's deputies say he admitted to drinking beer, but passed a field sobriety test. 22-year-old Emanuel Miller of Conewango Valley, who was in the buggy with Slabaugh, was charged with providing the beer. Deputies say they stepped up their patrols after an Amish elder's property was vandalized when he confronted youths about drinking and listening to radios.

A Bradford Area High School student is a regional finalist in the annual Doodle 4 Google contest. 16-year-old Jeff Warner now has a chance to win a $15,000 college scholarship and a $25,000 technology grant to improve the computer lab at Bradford High. Jeff's doodle is named "Hope on the Horizon." He did all the hard work. Now all you have to do is vote for him. Click HERE to vote. Go to "Grades 10 -12" and "Region 2" then click on "Vote for this doodle."

Ann Nuzzo has been named coach of the Bradford Lady owls basketball program. Nuzzo replaces Doug Lloyd, who wasn’t re-instated in March. Nuzzo has coached in the program before and also played for the Lady Owls. The Bradford Area School Board approved the appointment Monday night.

Pennsylvania Tim Thomas, Coudersport High School 5’8” 150lbs. Tailback, Defensive Back Tim plans to attend Penn State Behrend for a year then transfer to main campus and major in exercise science. Tim’s honors include; Offensive Player of the Year in football, All-Star-Northern Division, scored the most points for track, Offensive Player of the Week 3 times, Defensive player twice, Impact Yardage Player of the Week. Tim was asked why he would like to play in the Big 30 Game and he said, “I’m not playing college football so I want to play one last game.” Preston Birtcil, Smethport High School 5’11” 165lbs. Halfback, Defensive Back Preston plans to attend college in the fall and major in Criminal Justice. Prestons Honors include; Offensive MVP for the Smethport Hubbers, D9 Sports Runner-up player of the week, Picked twice for Wayne Paving Yardage Player of the Week. Preston was asked why he would like to play in the Big 30 game and he said, “I think it will be a g...

ALBANY –Inquiries by Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C-Olean) regarding hefty fines levied against hair salons in her district have resulted in a less punitive approach by the state. Sen. Young met with Secretary of State Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez to express her concerns about surprise inspections conducted by the Department of State (DOS) Licensing Division that have caused financial hardship to small businesses. Secretary Cortes-Vasquez has agreed to change tactics by first informing salon owners about little-publicized laws and regulations, and giving them a grace period to fix any minor violations before they are slapped with a penalty, Sen. Young said. "Excessive fines are a huge concern because our hair salons are important to our downtowns and local economy. Times are tough on small businesses, and the state should be more helpful, rather than trying to nail people for fines. These inspections seemed like a money grab by Albany to raise money for t...

HARRISBURG – As more people are dusting off their bicycles and getting ready to ride, PennDOT reminds bicyclists to follow the rules of the road. “Bicycling is a great activity for children and adults,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Regardless of your age, it’s important that you ride safely at all times. Motorists should watch for bicyclists and demonstrate courtesy by sharing the road.” According to PennDOT, there were 1,423 bicycle-related crashes in Pennsylvania last year, which was a slight decrease from 2007. Bicycle fatalities fell by more than 50 percent from 20 in 2007 to nine in 2008. Before getting on a bicycle, everyone should consider receiving training in the skills necessary to ride safely on the road. Another important safety tip is to be visible by wearing lightly-colored or reflective clothing. Pennsylvania law mandates that children under 12 years of age must wear an approved safety helmet. PennDOT suggests all bicyclists wear an approved helmet and ...

Kane Community Hospital joins hospitals across the state and nation in celebrating National Hospital Week during May 10-16. National Hospital Week is the nation’s largest annual healthcare event. This year’s theme “A Healthy Commitment in Changing Times,” is a phrase organizers believe provides a positive view of the future. “While change is inevitable, our mission is constant: to deliver compassionate, high quality, cost-effective healthcare to those we serve,” stated J. Gary Rhodes, CEO of KCH. “Our KCH family wants the very best for each of our patients, and that’s what they bring to their work at the hospital and ancillary clinics every day.” The celebration only lasts one week, but KCH’s dedication to delivering on its mission is a 365 day a year, seven day a week, 24 hours a day commitment to residents and guests of the Alleghenies, a commitment KCH has kept for over eight decades. “Our staff is a committed, compassionate group of individuals united by a call to serve others,”...

St. Bonaventure University wraps up its 150th anniversary celebration this weekend with its 149th Commencement Exercises. Commencement activities begin at 8:45 p.m. Friday, May 15, with the traditional Candlelight Ceremony for graduating seniors on the steps of Plassmann Hall; the rain site is the Richter Center. The ROTC Military Science Commissioning Ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, in the Rigas Theater of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. That will be followed at 11:30 a.m. with the invitation-only Honors and Awards Ceremony in the Reilly Center Arena; a reception follows at Hickey Dining Hall. Fr. Dan Riley, O.F.M., honored May 1 with the university’s Gaudete Medal, will be the homilist at the Baccalaureate Mass at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Graduation ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17, with the processional starting at 10:08 a.m. Seniors and graduate students will wear 150th anniversary medallions specially made for the university’s sesquice...

The first “Lunch in the Square” of the season will be held on Wednesday, May 13; at Veterans’ Square from 11:30 until 1:30 pm. Entertainment will be provided by the Floyd C. Fretz Middle School Show Choir and Jazz Band. Participating restaurants include Chu Lee Gardens, The Grocery Stretcher, John Williams European Pastry Shop, The New Broaster, Fratelli’s Restaurant, The Lighter Side and Cin Cin Biscotti. “We have something for everyone - Chinese, , BBQ port sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, subs, croissants and of course, desserts,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “We are really excited to kick off this new season. Area restaurants have been very supportive of this program and it is a great opportunity for people to meet with friends, relax, enjoy great food and listen to great entertainment!” The ‘Lunch in the Square’ program is sponsored by The Downtown Bradford Business District Authority.

Nurses at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital were presented the Nightingale Award during National Nurses’ Week which is celebrated May 6-12 each year. The awards recognize the nursing professionals who best exemplify the philosophy and practice of Florence Nightingale, a 19th century nursing pioneer. The nurses were nominated by their peers in categories reflecting the areas of nursing practice. Specific criteria for the Nightingale Awards were drawn from the hospital’s Guiding Principles – Communicate, Create an Image, Maintain Safety and Honor One Another. Pictured from left are Luke Mosier, CNA, inpatient behavioral health; Ron Billings, RN, nursing supervisor; Kori Woodruff, RN, obstetrics; and Tom Hurrle, LPN, float nurse. ( Photo courtesy of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital )

A school bus driver in the Alfred-Almond Central School District has been arrestd for Driving While Intoxicated. 55-year-old Martha Thompson of Almond, New York, was arrested on Friday after some of the students on her bus that afternoon noticed her driving erratically. When the bus stopped on south road in the Town of West Almond, some of the older students opened the emergency door and got out. A witness noticed the students leaving the bus and called police. Students on the bus ranged in age from 5 to 15.

A Salamanca man has pleaded not guilty to rape and related charges in connection to an incident between August 23 and 24 of last year in Salamanca. 29-year-old Mark Pierce allegedly had sex with a person younger than 17 and restrained and injured that person. He also allegedly gave alcohol to two people younger than 21. The matter has been adjourned for motions.

Cattaraugus County Judge Larry Himelein has denied requests by Guy Maybee to withdraw his guilty plea to a manslaughter charge. Maybee admitted causing injuries that led to the death of his 3-year-old daughter Ianna in March of 2008, but then wanted to withdraw the plea. Ianna suffered broken bones, internal injuries and bleeding in her brain before she died. Guy Maybee is scheduled for sentenced next week.