Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has announced the addition of Max Laurore, MD who joins the obstetrics/gynecology practice of Dr. Celso Backes. Dr. Laurore earned a medical degree at the State University of Haiti and completed a residency at Synergy Medical Education Alliance in Saginaw, Mich. He also worked as a clinical instructor at Michigan State University and is an American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology junior fellow. Drs. Backes and Laurore and their staff will move their practice to the ground level of the Irwin Medical Arts Center in August. They also plan to see patients at some of Charles Cole’s Rural Health Centers starting this fall. New and returning patients can schedule an appointment by calling 274-7101.

The Main Street hanging basket program has again had a successful fundraising year with the help and support of the Bradford community. The following individuals, businesses and merchants have participated in the program: The Betty Jane Monjar Garden Society, the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, The Jack Graham Family, Bill and Terri Leven, Rev. Leo J. Gallina, Zippo/Case Visitors Center, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Ott & McHenry Pharmacy, Hailie and Art Cox, Jan Caruso, Jen Eakin, David and Linda Newman, Triple A Nail, Just Riding Along, Futures Rehabilitation Center, and Stanley E. Pecora Jr., Attorney-At-Law. “We really couldn’t do this program without the support of these individuals and organizations,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “Their help is really appreciated and the baskets look beautiful,” Dolan added. Signs recognizing the supporters are in the process of being made and will be placed with each basket.

By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department Children between the ages of 7 and 12 who’ve suffered any kind of loss are being urged to attend the free Helping Hands Retreat at Camp Penuel in Eldred on Aug. 14-16. To enable a child to attend the camp, call Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) McKean County VNA & Hospice office at 814-362-7466 by Aug. 1. “If you know of a child who has experienced the loss of someone close to them, encourage their family to call the VNA,” said Martha Dibble, RN-C, hospice coordinator for VNA & Hospice. “We can accommodate 20 to 25 children at the fifth annual camp that’s filled with fun and meaningful activities,” said Mrs. Dibble. “In case more children register than what’s expected, we’ll be able to accommodate them by bringing more counselors,” she noted. Children can be from anywhere, not just McKean County. Also, “Children who’ve attended before are welcome to come again,” Mrs. Dibble said. The camp is staffed by full-...

To supplement the cardiac imaging capabilities for The Heart Center at BRMC, Bradford Regional Medical Center is now performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the region’s cardiac patients. “The cardiac MRI is the gold standard for evaluation of heart volumes, valvular heart disease, and myocardial viability,” said Steven C. Herrmann, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.S.E., medical director of Cardiovascular Services at The Heart Center at BRMC. “This level of imaging expertise is usually reserved for university and academic programs, and we are the only place for over 100 miles to offer this expertise,” noted Dr. Herrmann. “The cardiac MRI program will be used in conjunction with the echocardiography, nuclear, and catheterization labs to offer the absolute finest cardiac imaging in the region. The spatial and temporal resolution is amazing,” the cardiologist explained. To date, BRMC has performed four cardiac MRIs on local patients, and is now collecting preliminary data on correlation...

Several offices at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital are relocating this summer. Charles Cole will make every effort to minimize any disruption and inconvenience to its patients and visitors. • Dr. Meller moved from the Patterson Cancer Care Center to the first floor of the Irwin Medical Arts Center, in the space previously occupied by Dr. Bhat. The office can be contacted at its new number, 274-8036. • Mammography/DEXA will move to the ground floor of the IMAC July 8. For information, call 274-5470. • Dr. Neerukonda will move July 21 to the first floor of the IMAC. For information, call 274-4837. • Champion Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will move from the IMAC to the space previously occupied by Women’s Health the week of August 9. For information, call 274-0900. • Dr. Backes and Dr. Laurore will move to the ground level of the IMAC, previously occupied by Champion Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, the week of August 23. For information, call 274-7101.

HARRISBURG – Just 20 years after the last eaglets were brought into Pennsylvania from Canada, bald eagles have recorded remarkable nesting successes here, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. And, with the Fourth of July just around the corner, the opportunity for Pennsylvanians to see a bald eagle in the wild continues to increase, thanks to the recent completion of a bald eagle nest viewing platform on State Game Land 180 in Pike County. “The story of the bald eagle’s recovery is living proof that responsible natural resource management and conservation make Pennsylvania a better place to live and ensure wildlife will be around for future generations to enjoy,” explained Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “As our nation’s symbol, the bald eagle’s presence is essential in America’s outdoors. They immediately add a touch of true wilderness to any area they inhabit, whether it’s on the shoreline of Philadelphia or a remote stretch of one of the Commonwealth’...

While viewing nesting bald eagles is a thrilling experience, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials encourage caution because human disturbances can cause adult eagles to abandon their nests and young. Also, anyone charged with disturbing a bald eagle nest can be charged by federal and state wildlife officials. “Even though some eagles have built nests near urban and suburban settings, it remains critically important for people to stay a considerable distance away, preferably at least 1,000 feet,” said Brenda Peebles, Game Commission biologist aide, who recently was called to testify as an expert witness in a case involving the disturbance of a bald eagle nest in Springboro, Crawford County. “A landowner gave permission to another individual to cut down trees near a newly constructed bald eagle nest,” Peebles said. “This person then agreed to allow a second individual to cut the tops up for firewood. As this second person was cutting the tree tops, a volunteer helper, who watches this...

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co has laid off another 45 employees, cutting the production crew down to one shift. In a news release, Case CEO Tom Arrowsmith said the reduction of the workforce is due to the current economic environment. He said the company will continue to evaluate staffing needs until the economy regains strength. He said in the meantime they are focused on improving their internal process and outperforming their competition. Marketing director John Sullivan says “Case consumers are some of the most loyal enthusiasts of any brand, and the company is confident their new knife offerings planned for fall will spur demand and stimulate sales.

Even before a practically unknown guy from Chicago started saying, "Yes we can" and making people believe it, some people in Bradford were saying it, believing it and making things happen. A few people are starting to get the old Bradford negative attitude again and I think it's time to nip that in the bud before it infiltrates to other segments of the population. Several years ago I was covering a meeting at which former Bradford City Clerk Peggy Comilla said people in Bradford are always coming up with excuses as to why projects can't be done in Bradford. She said it was about time to start thinking of reasons projects can be done in Bradford. The meeting was regarding the restoration and renovation of Old City Hall. Not long after that, a small group of people made similar comments about a brand new project. That meeting led to the formation of the Tuna Valley Trail Association. At about the same time, the community learned that the refinery was going to close. Bu...

And ... happy birthday to Bob Onuffer!

With all of the trauma and desecration one is not surprised to find out that there have been paranormal happenings along the Kinzua Dam and Lake Perfidy. But one would be amazed at the cornucopia of high strangeness that has manifest itself along the shores and beneath the waves of this cursed lake. But finding out these nuggets of Fortean happenings is not an easy task. Most of the campers and fishermen who spend their days and nights along the site are not the kind to openly share their incredible stories of the unexplained. But once in a while you get some who are willing to share their stories, and sometimes they are in the strangest places. For the full story, go to Examiner.com .

Think you could balance the state budget? Thousands have tried it at www.youbudgetpa.org , where people can play the online state budget game. Keystone Progress launched the Web site, which actually lets people forward their plan to lawmakers, but executive director Michael Morrill says few have done that. The actual state budget talks resume Monday.

New York State Senate leaders, and would-be leaders, met with Governor David Paterson this afternoon in an attempt to come to a power-sharing agreement. After a one-hour closed door meeting there's no agreement and the senate remains gridlocked. The Senate has been evenly split following a June 8 coup by Republicans and two dissident Democrats, and then the defection of one of the Democrats back to his own party. Leaders say there's no power-sharing deal in sight. Meanwhile, hundreds of pieces of legislation that affect the finances of municipalities across the state remain untouched.

Sarah Palin says she will step down as governor of Alaska in a "few weeks" -- before the end of her term, CNN reports. Her last day is expected to be July 26. Speculation is that she is clearing the way for a run at the presidency in 2012. More from CNN .

A North Dakota man is accused of making a phone call threatening the life of Senator Arlen Specter. The man, whose identity was not released, was interviewed earlier this week in North Dakota at the request of the US Capitol Police. The telephone message indicated that he would travel to Washington, DC, and assassinate Specter. During the police interview he told authorities he was drunk and making the call was stupid. He didn't give a motive for making the call. Capitol Police haven't said how they're going to proceed regarding the incident.

Alex Safran, Maddy Weinberg and Preston Weinberg get ready to sell lemonade (and other beverages) as a fundraiser for the McKean County SPCA. They're also selling chances to win a Zippo Fashion Italia handbag filled with lots (and I mean lots ) of Zippo gift items. They're holding their sale until 2 p.m. today in front of Tops Market. Please support them and the SPCA.

WIVB-TV reporter and anchor Mylous Hairston suffered a mild heart attack over the weekend and had to have two surgeries to open an artery. He is now recuperating, and expects to be released from the hospital tomorrow or Saturday, and back on the air in a couple of weeks. WIVB-TV I met him during the Holy Family "Virgin Mary Sighting" days. Very nice man.

Democratic Senators Bill Stachowski of Lake View and Antoine Thompson, who represents part of Erie and Niagara counties, sent a letter to Republican senators in Western New York calling on them to lay aside political self interest and support the Power for Jobs legislation. The Republican senators, including Cathy Young, say they are pleased that Senate Democrats have finally decided that the Power for Jobs program is important to Western New York. The program, which provides low-cost power to hundreds of businesses in exchange for a commitment to create and retain jobs, was initiated by Senate Republicans in 1997. The Republicans say that by seeking to make the Power for Jobs program a political football in the dispute over Senate leadership, Senate Democrats have hit a new low. They say if the Democrats were serious about protecting jobs in Western New York they would not have swept hundreds of millions of dollars from the program earlier this year to pay for additional State spendi...

... Or, What Anne Does When She Has an Intern Actually, it's what Anne does when she has an intern, doesn't feel well and it's the day before a holiday weekend.

The Salamanca Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for our First Allegany River Fest, July 10-12, 2009. Our new festival showcases two of Salamanca’s greatest assets, the Allegheny River and Veteran’s Memorial Park. Saturday afternoon events will showcase the performance of several great country music groups, including superstars Heartland, Sean Patrick McGraw and The Bobby Hartle Band. This is sure to be the summer’s ultimate place for country-western fun and entertainment the whole family will enjoy! The Bobby Hartle Band performs Country to Bluegrass and Country Rock. This band presents a fast-paced country show offering solos, three part harmonies and instrumentals that are tailored to meet the interests of a variety of audiences. They have performed with acts such as Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson, Mark Chestnut, Jack Green, Alen Jackson, Blake Shelton and most recently The Marshall Tucker Band and Black Foot! Bob Hartle started playing guitar at the age of eight but did n...

Forest Service employees have completed the repairs on a key bridge crossing a stream on the southern portion of the Timberline ATV/Bike Trail. A pipeline fire early Friday morning, June 26, burnt the bridge. The section of trail from the Play Pit on Forest Road 339 to the Buehler Corners Trailhead on the Timberline ATV/Bike Trail has now been reopened. Jodie Vanselow, Marienville Deputy District Ranger, said, “Our crews worked hard all week knowing the big weekend of the 4th was coming. We wanted to have this section of trail open so riders could enjoy all of the Timberline ATV/Bike Trail. We’re proud to say the bridge is repaired and the trail is open in its entirety. Enjoy the weekend and ride safely!”

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced a $292,706 Department of Education Grant to four area school districts: Oswayo Valley, Austin, Galeton and Northern Potter. “These funds come under the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program,” said Thompson. “It is a highly competitive program and it says a lot for these school systems that they collaborated to obtain this grant and achieve their goal of helping 1727 rural, underserved students in kindergarten through 12th grade.” C. Robert Wicker, superintendent of the the Oswayo Valley Area School District, said, “This federal funding will improve student performance on federal/commonwealth assessments; make possible the enriched delivery of family literacy programs; and enable our districts to increase community access to and employment of library text/technology resources.” Superintendents Matthew Hutcheson, Austin, David Wishard, Galeton, and Scott Graham, Northern Potter said the f...

HARRISBURG – State safety and law enforcement officials reminded residents today about the laws governing fireworks usage and safety tips. “It’s tragic that every year, we hear about deaths and injuries caused by careless use of fireworks,” said State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. “These tragedies are avoidable by not using illegal devices, or by simply leaving the fireworks to the professionals.” Pennsylvania state law specifically permits the use of sparklers, trick noise makers, and other such novelties, and is one of only a handful of states that permits the use of “novelty” fireworks. These fireworks can be sold and used in Pennsylvania. “Fireworks are an Independence Day tradition that, when purchased and used legally, can provide much enjoyment,” said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “Before buying fireworks, help keep yourself and your family safe by checking that they are legal and from a reputable in-state dealer.” Consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and...

PITTSBURGH – Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that consumers can now contact the Attorney General’s Office to check on the registration status of any home improvement contractor in Pennsylvania by visiting www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 1-888-520-6680. Corbett said that the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, which requires all contractors who perform $5,000 or more in home improvements in a year to register with the attorney general’s office, went into effect July 1. “We strongly encourage consumers to contact our office before selecting a contractor,” Corbett said. “And we encourage consumers to use only contractors who are registered with our office. Corbett explained that the intent of the act is to protect consumers from unscrupulous contractors, to provide new protection for consumers who hire home improvement contractors and to authorize criminal penalties for home improvement fraud. Corbett said that complaints involving home improvement or repair ...

Warren, Pa. – Forest Supervisor Leanne Marten said that all recreation facilities on the Allegheny National Forest (NF) were opened and have been fully operational since Memorial Day weekend. The recreation sites will remain open for the summer recreation season. Fees: Fees for campgrounds range from $10 to $28. Each campground has sites that are first-come, first-served, and many have sites that can be reserved. Group camping areas require reservations, except at Hearts Content, and fees range from $45 to $50 per night. Six rustic cabins are available at Willow Bay Campground for a fee of $45 per night. Please check our website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/recreation/camping or call 814-362-4613 for fee information. Double Sites: In response to many requests for adjacent family campsites, some double sites that can accommodate up to 14 people per night have been identified at Buckaloons and Twin Lakes Campgrounds. The double sites are listed with the National ...

The McKean County SPCA offers holiday safety tips for pets this Independence Day. “The celebrations that come with the 4th of July can cause some serious stress for pets,” says shelter manager Heidi Mackowski. “The loud noises, bright lights, and parties and cook-outs that are so much fun for humans are scary for many pets.” In order to reduce stress for pets, Mackowski offers the following tips: · Keep pets at home during fireworks celebrations. Public fireworks displays mean big crowds and scary noises for pets, so it’s best to leave them at home. · Don't share holiday food and drinks with your pets. Alcohol and a lot of human foods are poisonous for animals. In addition, any changes in an animal's diet can cause digestive problems. · Pets should be left indoors in a quiet, safe place. Frightened pets are more likely to run away from loud noises, even if it means running away from home. Carriers, crates, or quiet rooms are good choices for all pets to...

Four people were hurt and one person is in jail following a two-vehicle crash Wednesday on Routes 5 and 20 in the Town of Hanover. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies say a vehicle driven by 64-year-old Inez Jimerson of Collins pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by 65-year-old Alice Reed of Dunkirk and the vehicles collided, causing extensive damage to both of them. Reed and a passenger in Jimerson's vehicle, Loreen Spruce of Irving, were taken to ECMC in Buffalo for treatment. Jimerson was treated at Lakeshore Hospital for her injuries. She was then arraigned on charges of Felony Vehicular Assault, DWI and related offenses. She's in the county jail on $15,000 cash bail.

Traffic may be backed up on Route 219 in Johnsonburg next week as work continues on the Route 219 Elk County Bypass project there. The contractor will be placing reinforced concrete beams on the substructures of the new bridge at the south end of the project near Grant Street. The beams will be delivered Monday in over-sized loads and could cause slow or stopped traffic on Route 219. The beams will be put up Tuesday through Friday.

Andrew Horton will spend the next two to 10 years in state prison for conspiring with his son to cause an oil spill in the Allegheny National Forest because he was upset with his former employer. Horton pleaded guilty in April to charges that he dropped off his son, 22-year-old Christopher Horton, to vandalize Snyder Brothers oil storage tanks in August. Christopher Horton opened valves spilling 46,000 gallons of oil onto the forest and into a stream, killing thousands of fish and other aquatic life as well as several small mammals. Christopher Horton is serving three to six years in prison for state and federal convictions. The Hortons have also been ordered to pay more than $600,000 in restitution.

Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) clinical laboratory has earned another two-year accreditation with an overall score of 96 percent following an inspection by COLA, the accrediting agency. COLA of Columbia, M.D., is a physician-directed organization whose purpose is to promote excellence in laboratory medicine and patient care through a program of voluntary education, consultation and accreditation. The accreditation through June of 2011 means BRMC’s clinical laboratory is operating in full compliance with the regulations set forth by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments and also the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said Ron Truax, BRMC’s laboratory technical director. “They looked at our policies and procedures, quality control, proficiency testing, and educational requirements of our staff,” Mr. Truax said. “The study was not just a look at the work of a few people over three days. It was a rigorous review of what has been done over the past two yea...

The Street Dreams Car Club is now taking registrations for its annual Little Miss Street Dreams contest. The contest is available to any girl ages six to ten years old. Contestants must be six years old by September 13, 2009, and not turn 11 years old before September 13, 2009. Contestants will be introduced at the Summer Daze event that will be held in Downtown Bradford on Friday, July 17. The contest will end with the Autumn Daze event that will be held on Sunday, September 13. Money raised throughout the contest will benefit local programs. Each participant will receive a tiara and sash and the opportunity to participate in many downtown events and parades. Collection containers bearing a picture of each contestant will be available at area businesses throughout the contest. For more information contact Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan at 598-3865.

Are you Ready? Get ready, because here it comes – the 9th Annual Kane Area Relay For Life (RFL). RFL posters popped up around town last week. A banner now hangs in uptown Kane. Twenty Relay teams are making their final fundraising push toward their goals. The 24-hour culminating event after a year of "raising Kane" begins at the Kane Area High School Track at 12 noon on Friday, July 10 and ends at noon on Saturday, July 11. We invite and encourage everyone to be there for all or part of this extraordinary event. Relay Reminders While you can obtain luminaria up until a few moments prior to the 9 p.m. Luminary Ceremony on Friday, July 10, the deadline for having a luminary in honor or memory of a loved one published in the program book is this Friday, July 3. If you wish your donation published then Luminaria sell sites in Kane include Zook Motors, Erie Insurance, It’s Judi’s Place, and the KCH Hospital Gift Shop and in Mt. Jewett Sure Save and Kafe’ Sol. Otherwise, arr...

These are just three of the feathered and/or furry creatures we see every day outside the station. They were nice enough to pose for me when I left last night.

State police say two men accused of robbing a gas station might have gotten away if they'd done something before robbing the place – put gas in their car. The two men from the Carbondale area are accused of using a knife to rob a clerk at a stpre near the New York-Pennsylvania border, then driving away. But their getaway car ran out of gas a mile down the road, where New York state troopers found them. The clerk wasn't hurt. The men are in jail without bail.

New signs are now in place across the Allegheny National Forest as a reminder to visitors – burn it where you buy it! The purple panel trap in the upper right is one of many across the forest. These traps are monitored throughout the summer to detect emerald ash borer. The emerald ash borer continues on its relentless move across the United States, but only with the help of people moving firewood. A weak flyer, the emerald ash borer, can normally only expand its range less than ½ miles per year on its own. But, this disastrous critter has been hopping from state to state in firewood being transported from home to camps, or vice-versa. It has recently been found in Randolph, New York, near Allegany State Park. Please leave your firewood at home over the Fourth of July weekend if you plan to come to the Allegheny NF. If you do buy or collect firewood once you arrive on the forest, burn it where you buy it. Protect your forest.

Due to the relocation of its primary medical staff physician, administration officials at Smethport Family Practice are announcing a change in staff. Rhonda Chilson, Practice Management Director for Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC), said recruitment efforts are under way to fill a full-time position at the practice. Family practitioner Ferdinand Magno, M.D., who joined in December 1998, is relocating with his family to Texas. "The staff at the practice and his patients wish him the best and appreciate the quality care he has provided as part of the BRMC family," Mrs. Chilson said. Starting at Smethport Family Practice on July 1 is Robert C. Guadagno, M.D., who served previously at the BRMC satellite. "We're pleased to have Dr. Guadagno return to the Smethport practice for continuity of care for our patients during this recruitment phase," Mrs. Chilson said. "He'll be joining a well-known office staff and longtime family nurse practitioner Bonnie ...

The Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad will have a contractor working next week to upgrade railroad warning devices at the Fraley Street crossing in Kane. Work will take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday and drivers may encounter lane restrictions and slight delays through the area. Work will include installation of new light masts, short arm cantilevers and new circuitry. The rail line will remain operational during this work and motorists are reminded to take all necessary precautions as they cross these tracks.

On Sunday, July 26, from 1-5 p.m., Artist Marian Aranyos of Warren will offer a Watercolor Techniques Workshop at Olmsted Manor in Ludlow. The fee for the workshop is $25 per participant. The workshop is open to individuals of any age and any skill level -- beginning to advanced. If needed, supplies for the workshop will be provided for an additional onsite fee of $10. Those who have supplies, may bring their own. Space in the workshop is limited. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required to hold your spot. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. In person registration and payment by check or cash is available during ArtWorks Gallery hours (Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.). ArtWorks is located at the Depot at 1 South Fraley (at the light and intersection of Routes 6 & 66) in uptown Kane. Those unable to register in-person may e-mail to temporarily hold a spot until payment follows via mail. To hold a spot or send registration fee, obtain a supply ...

Aademy Award-winning actor Karl Malden, who was featuared in the films "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "On the Waterfront," died Wednesday. He was 97. He was best known for playing Lt. Mike Stone in the 1970s television crime drama "The Streets of San Francisco." Wikipedia

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said he would like to see an end to Governor Ed Rendell’s public scare tactics and begin sincere negotiations on a 2009/2010 final state budget. “In order to sell something that is not in the best interest of Pennsylvanians, which is a massive increase in the personal income tax, the Governor has come to his final option…threatening a doomsday scenario in the Commonwealth,” Scarnati said. “However, if we are to get to the point of significant progress on this budget, the Governor must be forthright with his information to the public.” Scarnati noted several examples of the Governor scaring and misinforming the public, including statements that state parks will close, hospitals will shut down, and most recently that 800 troopers will be laid off if the Senate Republican version of the budget is enacted. These accusations by the Governor have all proven inaccurate. “In fact, at a recent hearing of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, a rep...

Bradford Area School Board President Tim Bean congratulates Jesse Crum for earning a gold medal in golf at the Special Olympics Summer Games held last month at Penn State. Also recognized during Tuesday's school board meeting were Andrew Wilson for earning a 4th place medal in the 25-meter freestyle and a 5th place in the 25-meter backstroke, and Stephanie Heffner for earning a bronze medal in bowling. Later in the meeting assistant superintendent Katy Pudy recognized four students who earned awards during the Future Business Leaders of America national conference in California. Kaitlyn Russell and Lucas McMurtrie placed fourth in the nation with their financial business plan. John Siepierski and Colin Ulin placed third with their Web site. They competed with 8,000 students from around the country as well as Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Ontario.

WATTSBURG, PA – Vice President Biden today announced the availability of $4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act loans and grants to help bring broadband service to un-served and underserved communities across America. This is the first round of Recovery Act funding aimed at expanding broadband access to help bridge the technological divide and create jobs building out Internet infrastructure. Vice President Biden was joined today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper at Seneca High School, the first stop on the President’s National Rural Tour. “Today’s announcement is a first step toward realizing President Obama’s vision of a nationwide 21st-century communications infrastructure – one that encourages economic growth, enhances America’s global competitiveness and helps address many of America’s most pressing challenges,” said Vice Preside...

Cattaraugus County is getting $1.5 million in federal stimulus money to fix three roads. The money is going toward paving projects on the Back Buffalo Road and Five Mile Road in the Town of Allegany and Broadway Road in the Town of Persia. All the projects should be finished by winter. Governor's Web Site

A man injured two weeks ago in an off-road vehicle accident in Clarendon has died. 52-year-old Jay Schulz died at Hamot Medical Center from blunt force trauma. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook says Schultz was driving either an ATV or a dirt bike at a high rate of speed when he was thrown from the vehicle. Cook says Schulz's last address is in Lima, N.Y., but that he was believed to have been living in the Warren area.

By Senator Dominic Pileggi One fact – a simple, indisputable and painful fact – is at the center of the ongoing debate about Pennsylvania's state budget: the Commonwealth has a revenue shortfall of $3.3 billion. My view, and the view of the Senate Republican Caucus, is that we should do exactly what hardworking families across Pennsylvania are doing: cut our spending to match the level of available funds. The view held by the Governor and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly is that the state should increase taxes – including a 16.3 percent, $1.5 billion increase in the personal income tax – to spend more on government programs. I believe it is wrong to increase taxes at a time when so many people are losing their jobs, losing their homes, and struggling to make ends meet. Two months ago, the Senate passed a budget that does not increase taxes, relying instead on cuts to state spending. Since that time, the 203 members of the House have yet to debate or vote on a budget. Inst...