Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

BRADFORD, Pa. - One of Megan Konopka’s weak points was that she trusted people too much, said friends who knew the young woman who was murdered last weekend in Bradford. Read Kate Day Sager's story HERE .

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Governor Ed Rendell and legislative leaders have agreed on a nearly $28 billion spending plan that would raise cigarette taxes and extend the state's sales tax to concert and theater tickets. The plan would also take money from the state's rainy day fund and the account that helps doctors pay for malpractice insurance, as well as legalize table games at casinos. "We are all very pleased, extremely pleased, to bring something to the table that has taken a lot of time (and) we wish we would have been able to do sooner," said Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati. "But it has met the priorities and the goals of those of us here. Although there are compromises made, none of us compromised our principles." Pennsylvania's fiscal year started on July 1, and the state is the last in the country to agree to a budget plan. The plan still requires legislative approval, and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said the bills will start...

Governor Ed Rendell and legislatiave leaders are holding a news conference right now announcing an end to the 80-day-long budget impasse. We'll have more information shortly.

Pennsylvania's jobless rate rose again last month, but there are still signs of improvement. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a point to 8.6 percent, as the state lost 8,800 non-farm jobs in August. Although the job loss was higher than July, it's still below the numbers the state was seeing earlier this year. The national rate in August was 9.7 percent. US Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, (center), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (right), and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman today provided an update on negotiations to reach a state budget agreement. Pileggi says, with a $28.9 billion proposal on the table, they're only $1 million to $2 million apart. The parties are meeting at the governor's mansion tonight.

Trooper Ron Milliard of the Pennsylvania State Police installs a new car seat during the car seat check held in Smethport on Friday, one of the many checks held statewide in recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, September 12-18. Four Troopers that are certified technicians from the Kane Barracks checked 17 seats during the 6 hour event. Seven child seats that were found to be old, worn, or recalled were able to be replaced with seats provided by Safe Kids McKean County through grant funding provided by Safe Kids Pennsylvania and the PA Department of Health. Members of Safe Kids McKean also handed out child safety materials and items. For more information on child passenger seat safety or other child safety issues visit Safe Kids McKean’s website at www.careforchildren.info . ( Photo courtesy of Safe Kids McKean )

Dr. Bradley Giannotti, orthopedic surgeon at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Champion Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, spoke to a group of Army surgeons in Texas recently to promote more advanced surgical care for patients with shoulder injuries. Dr. Giannotti educated the group on a new repair technique that can be done arthroscopically. Traditional surgery requires a two or three inch incision in the shoulder. Arthroscopic surgery uses a smaller incision and, while easier on the patient, was more difficult for surgeons in the past. Dr. Giannotti wanted to find a way to do the surgery in a way that would allow patients to heal faster while providing a secure fixation. After brainstorming some design samples and working with a group of bioengineers, Dr. Giannotti and two others co-founded the company, Kfx Medical, to stand for knotless fixation. Based in California, the product has been used in over 1,500 patients since FDA approval three years ago. In fact, Dr. Giannotti said the pr...

Navy Seaman Recruit Trevor L. Watson, son of Leah A. Frederick of Rixford, Pa. and Daniel F. Watson of Smethport, Pa., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Watson completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy''flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be...

Conservation Consultants and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford are hosting a workshop next month to teach contractors, entrepreneurs and career changing professionals solar energy economics and installation. Recent developments in local energy markets, landmark state energy legislation and a more favorable national climate toward green business and job growth finds western Pennsylvania poised to undergo a tremendous growth spurt in the clean energy and conservation sectors in general and an emerging solar energy market in particular. In light of this movement Conservation Consultants has decided to host Solar-PV training workshops made possible by a grant from the Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Pennsylvania Green Business Initiative of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.October 5-9 at Saint Bernard Parish Center in Bradford, PA. Representatives from Solar Energy In...

Over 150 individuals participated in the Smethport Comprehensive Blood Analysis on September 12 which was sponsored by the Smethport Rotary Club and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. Screenings included testing for coronary heart disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, liver disease, bone disease and respiratory disease along with optional prostate and thyroid testing. A portion of the event’s proceeds go to the Rotary to benefit their events, scholarships, and rotary involvement in the community. Blood draws were done by Carol Cole, CCMH laboratory; Tammy Peterson and Valerie Tinder, occupational health; Melanie Bishop, Port Allegany Community Health Center; and Sara Collins, Bowman Health Center. The next CBA will be held in partnership with the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library from 7 to 10 a.m., Saturday, November 7 at the Oswayo Valley Elementary School in Shinglehouse. CBA events are held to provide commonly ordered blood screenings at a greatly reduced cost to patients and the com...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has had its first confirmed case of H1N1—or swine flu – a student who has since recovered and is back on campus. Health officials on campus received the confirmed diagnosis late Thursday afternoon. The student became ill in the early morning hours of Sept. 10. Campus Police drove him to the emergency room at Bradford Regional Medical Center, where he was tested. He returned to campus in the afternoon, and his father came to take him home later that day. As a precaution, Bonnie McMillen, director of Health Services on campus, called the sick student’s roommate, suggesting he go home right away. The roommate agreed since he lives close by. Also, additional precautions were taken, including cleaning and disinfecting the entire apartment that evening. The student was able to return to campus on Monday, Sept. 14, after being free of a fever for at least 24 hours, as recommended by the Centers for Diseas...

In North Huntingdon, people who knew Konopka remembered her as a nice person who enjoyed working with animals. For the rest of the story, go to the Pittsburgh Tribue-Review

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce announces their 17th annual public auction. The event is crafted following the objectives of the chamber. Through donations and sponsorship, area businesses, retailers, professionals, and organizations have an opportunity to acquaint the public with their products and services, advancing the economic welfare of the area. As the Chamber’s primary fundraiser, monies raised allow the Chamber to create a broad understanding and appreciation of the great opportunities in the Bradford area and to promote the advantages and assets of our region. Sponsors have the opportunity to get their name on several different advertising and marketing pieces for the Annual Auction. Donors will have their name located on the package plus the program. This is a great way for the area businesses to be recognized of their support to the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and the community. We greatly appreciate all the area businesses that donate to our Annual Auction...

Linda Lamborn poses in a "rounder" or "saucer" hat Thursday afternoon at Chapel Ridge. Her presentation on hats was one of the activities planned for Assisted Living Week.

A Warren County judge has denied motions by convicted murderers Cory Altman and Susan Yeager to overturn their convictions. They were convicted in connection with the death of Yeager's estranged husband Shawn Yeager late last year. Their post-conviction relief motions argued that there wasn't enough evidence to convict them. Altman is accused of actually shooting Shawn Yeager. Susan Yeager was the mastermind behind the plot.

Robert W. Tahara, M.D., director of Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Peripheral Interventions Program and also Allegheny Vein & Vascular, speaks Wednesday to more than 140 people who were the Outpatient Services Center lobby. His presentation was part of an open house for Allegheny Vein & Vascular’s new outpatient suite on the third floor. (Photo courtesy of BRMC) By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department The growing problem of vein and vascular disease can be treated far more quickly with less invasive procedures at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC), which has just unveiled a state-of-the-art outpatient suite featuring spa-like comforts and conveniences. The community got a first-hand look with tours of Allegheny Vein & Vascular’s new outpatient suite on the third floor of the Outpatient Services Center. The event included leg screenings and also a presentation on “Varicose Veins and Treatment” by Robert W. Tahara, M.D., director of BRMC’s Periph...

Bradford City Police have found a knife that they believe was used in the homicide of 21-year-old Megan Knopoka Sunday night at the Riddell House in Bradford. Police received assiatance from several people who offered mowing equipment and metal dectectors which aided in the recovery. Police and the McKean County District Attorney's Office have expressed sincere thanks to all those who donated their time and effort to this cause. "These efforts are a prime example of the result of cooperation between law enforcement and the public," the news release said. "Such cooperation is deeply appreciated."

For the second time this month, the Tuna Valley Council of Governments didn't have enough members at its meeting to conduct business. Only Foster Township Supervisor Chris Wolcott and Bradford Mayor Tom Riel showed up for Wednesday night's meeting. A meeting was also scheduled for September 2, but not enough voting members showed up for that meeting either. They'll try again at 7 p.m. September 30 in City Council Chambers. Besides the city and Foster Township, other representatives are from Bradford Township and the Bradford Area School District. Lewis Run officials have not appointed a member yet. Lafayette Township has opted out. Bradford City Councilman Bob Onuffer, Foster Township Supervisor-elect Jim Connolly Jr. and Seaward Avenue resident Tom Perry also attended Wednesday's would-be meeting. Earlier this month, and Wednesday, the Bradford Regional Master Plan was discussed. Riel said "by no means is the master plan dead," but added that some aspects of ...

The company than owns BiLo and Quality markets is continuing to lose money. The Syracuse-based supermarket chain says it lost $7 million in its second quarter, more than doubling the loss in the same period a year ago. Sales fell nearly $20 million to $208.8 million. Penn Traffic says same-store sales were off nearly 7 percent from a year ago. Penn Traffic now operates 79 supermarkets in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and New Hampshire. A year ago, it had 86. The company owns BiLo and Quality markets in St. Marys, Ridgway, Kane, Sheffield and Ellicottville, as well as other towns in the region. There's no word on whether Penn Traffic plans to close any local stores.

Jessie Vaughn of Ulysses has a variety of artwork on display at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Irwin Medical Arts Center as part of the hospital’s Community Art Showcase. Vaughn, a self-taught artist who began working with oils at the age of 14, works primarily with watercolors. Her realistic style typically centers on nature scenes. Included in her CCMH display are pieces that were painted at the hospital. “Christine’s Babies” was painted while her sister was a patient in the hospital’s intensive care unit and “Waiting” came about while visiting a friend at the hospital. She has earned awards for her art and had a display at the Chautauqua Institute. Her work, which has been sold internationally, is currently on display at Frosty Hollow Bed & Breakfast in Coudersport. Vaughn teaches art classes for all ages at Frosty Hollow and Penn York Camp in Ulysses. She has also taught at an orphanage in Guatemala for the last several years. Artists are feature...

Murder suspect Thomas Haggie was arraigned this afternoon at District Judge Rich Luther's office. Haggie was arrested in Elmira, New York, Monday night in connection with the Sunday night murder of 21-year-old Megan Konopka in a room at the Riddell House. Konopka was 8 ½ months pregnant. Still wearing an orange jumpsuit from the Chemung County Jail, Haggie was arraigned on charges of criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, conspiracy to commit homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide of an unborn child. Haggie was taken to McKean County Jail in Smethport, where the other suspect, Greggory Theobald, has been since Monday morning.

High Holiday services for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur will be held at Temple Beth El at 144-146 Clarence Street, Bradford. Services will be led by Rachel Grant Meyer, a rabbinical student at the Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion. Services for Erev Rosh Hashanah will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Morning services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, followed by taschlich at noon at Callahan Park in Bradford. Yom Kippur will begin with Kol Nidre at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Morning services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28. Yizkor services will begin at 4 p.m. Sept. 28, followed by a break fast at 5:30 p.m.

A Ridgway man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography charges. 52-year-old Robert Yonker is accused of receiving and attempting to receive, and possessing and attempting to possess computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. State police and the FBI conducted the investigation. If convicted, Yonker faces a maximum of 30 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both.

Police in Portville are investigating a reported attack on woman last night near the Wilson Farms store on South Main Street. A woman was reportedly attacked with a knife. Police say they'll provide us with more information as soon as possible.

The Route 120/155 intersection in Emporium will be closed Friday, September 18 from 9am to 3pm, as filming takes place for the movie "Unstoppable." Motorists should choose alternate routes around this closure. Drivers can follow PennDOT’s official detour that uses Routes 155, 120, 555 and 255 or they can choose alternate roads they prefer. Emergency response vehicles will be allowed to travel through the intersection closure. Drivers may also encounter intermittent traffic delays on Friday along Route 120 between East Allegheny Avenue and Britten Hill Road in Emporium. Closures and traffic delays will continue on area roads through October, as filming requires. PennDOT will issue travel advisories on those restrictions as necessary.

WASHINGTON, DC- The National Farmers Union and U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) today backed legislation to support dairy farmers. The Senate in August passed an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill to provide an extra $350 million for milk price supports and to increase government purchases of surplus dairy products. Casey said, “Dairy farmers in Pennsylvania continue to be forced out of business by the dairy crisis,” said Senator Casey. “Providing assistance and support to Pennsylvania dairy farmers is essential to not only the livelihood of family farms, but also for the Pennsylvania economy and rural communities. Addressing this crisis will be a top priority of mine as Chairman of the Production, Income Protection and Price Support subcommittee.” Sanders said “These are tough times but, working together with senators from diffe...

The One Book Bradford committee will cruise into the new season with a special event next month. That event is the Autumn Cruise on the Chautauqua (N.Y.) Belle which is set to take place at 3 p.m. Oct. 11. The cruise takes off from Mayville, N.Y. The cruise, which starts at 3 p.m. and ends about 5 p.m., will harken back to the days of Mark Twain and riverboats. This year’s One Book Bradford selection is “Becky: The Life and Loves of Becky Thatcher” by Lenore Hart. Hart picks up where Twain left off and creates a grown-up Becky and follows her throughout adulthood. But the cruise and autumnal scenery is just one of the facets of the day. Rick Richards, one of the One Book Bradford Committee members, will give a talk about the book and John Shinaberger of Bradford will speak about steamships. There will also be other activities appropriate for this time period. This event is the perfect kick off for One Book Bradford activities, according to committee member Terry Sturm. “It’s the era … ...

Grand Dérangement, an award-winning Acadian musical group from Canada, will perform on Monday, Sept. 28, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The musicians will take to the stage at 7:30 p.m.in the Bromeley Family Theater of Blaisdell Hall, as part of the Prism Series, formerly the Season Subscription Series. Admission is $22 in advance and $26 at the door for the public and $9 in advance and $11 at the door for all students. Taking its name from the exodus of Acadians from Canada in 1755, the Nova Scotia group sings English and French folk, Celtic, rock and Broadway songs. Grand Dérangement, which means “great disturbance,” also performs poetic songs, blended with insights of French, Acadian and Cajun culture. “Acadian music is fun and an important part of the history of eastern Canada, and its impact spills over in the New England and mid-Atlantic region as well,” said Randy Mayes, director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford. “Grand Déran...

The Mount Jewett Charter School Coalition has a new potential site for its school. Gary Geer has offered the coalition the use of his building at 8 West Main Street, according to coalition president Skye Ognen. She says the Geer Contractors building has enough space so the building could be subdivided into seven classrooms. She says fundraisers will be held to help the coalition come up with money for the renovations. The state Charter School Appeal Board denied the coalition's previous application, in part, because it would be location in the educational wing of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church and students would be exposed to religious symbols.

A truck hauling a load of gravel to a construction site on Zoar Valley Road went out of control, flipped over and knocked out two utility poles earlier today. Route 62 in the Town of Dayton was closed for several hours during the cleanup. Authorities say the driver was not seriously hurt.

The special prosecutor named to look into the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department says part of the investigation will center on a sexual harassment allegation. Wyoming County District Attorney Gerald Stout said rumors and allegations are circulating, and they need to be brought out and dealt with. He didn't say the allegations involve Sheriff Dennis John, who died last month of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but added it would be useless to pursue charges against John.

At about 7:30 Monday night the Elmira Police Department received information that a person wanted in relation to a homicide investigtion in Bradford was at the Elmira Bus Terminal. Police responded to the bus terminal, but the suspect was not immediately located. Witnesses at the station were interviewed, and reported that a subject matching the description had just left the area on foot. Police found Thomas Haggie at Langdon Plaza. He was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice and put in the Elmra City Jail. He's awaiting extradition to Bradford. Thanks to Brian O'Neil, AM 1480, WLEA, Hornell

Penn State Cooperative Extension and the University of Pitt at Bradford Outreach Services are teaming up to offer a series of three educational seminars on Marcellus Shale at the University of Pitt at Bradford Campus in Bradford. The first session is entitled “Marcellus Shale Gas Wells: What You Need to Know About the Natural Gas Infrastructure, Development, and the Economics of it All” and will be taught by Penn State Extension Educator, Tom Murphy, who is based in Lycoming County and leads the Extension Marcellus Shale team for Penn State Extension. The first session is set for this Thursday, September 17, 2009, from 6 to 8 PM in the Webb/Bradford Forest Rehearsal Hall. The second session is entitled “Natural Gas Wells and Drinking Water” and will be taught by local Extension Educator, Jim Clark, and Extension Water Specialist, Bryan Swistock, based at PSU. This session will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2009, from 6 to 8 PM in room 237 of Swartz Hall. The third and final session is en...

MAYVILLE, NY -- Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards is thrilled with the recent news that $2.5 million in Restore NY funds have been awarded to the City of Dunkirk. The money will be used to "reinvigorate" Progress Park, stimulating redevelopment. "This is great news coming from Governor David Paterson's office," Edwards said. "These funds will keep this project moving forward, leading to more jobs and development for the City of Dunkirk." Edwards, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency and the City of Dunkirk Department of Development, in conjunction with the Krog Corporation and Cliffstar Corporation, worked together to secure the funds. The Dunkirk project includes approximately 27 acres over three contiguous brownfield sites located along the eastern side of Roberts Road. The proposed development would include two structures that will encompass in excess of 200,000 square feet of new manufacturing and warehousing facilit...

Two Bradford men are in jail in connection to the murder of a pregnant woman Sunday night. 30-year-old Thomas Haggie of Bradford was arrested Monday night in Elmira, New York, after authorities received a tip from the San Bernadino, California, Sheriff's Department. 20-year-old Greggory Theobald was arrested Monday morning. 21 year-old Megan Konopka was found dead in a room at the Riddell House late Sunday night. Police believe Konopka was first strangled and later killed by a knife wound to her throat. Both suspects are facing double homicide charges.

From CNN: Actor Patrick Swayze, star of "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost," has died after a battle with cancer, his publicist tells KTLA.

Henry W. Lush of Galeton, Pa., will receive the prestigious NOAA National Weather Service Thomas Jefferson Award on Sept. 16, 2009, for his 40 years of outstanding service to the nation through the Cooperative Weather Observer Program. Lush is one of five 2009 recipients of the award, presented annually to long-serving volunteer citizen weather observers in the United States. A ceremony honoring Lush will be held at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 16, at the National Weather Service Forecast Office in State College, Pa., at 328 Innovation Blvd. Suite 330. “Henry is known as the local historian-scientist. He maintains a small museum in Galeton of historical treasures that span over 100 years, including his grandfather’s original weather records from 1931,” said Bruce Budd, meteorologist-in-charge at the National Weather Service office in State College. “Weather observing is a Lush family tradition that has continued for 79 years.” The Thomas Jefferson Award, named for the nation’s third president, or...

From McKean County District Attorney Christa Schott: In the evening hours of September 13, Bradford City Police were alerted to a possible homicide at the Riddell House. When police arrived to check on the occupants of a specified apartment, they discovered the apparent homicide of an unidentified pregnant woman. Although the female has since been identified, her name is not being released pending notification of her family. Bradford City Police, state police and the McKean County District Attorney's Office began an investigation into the incident and worked throughout the night to conduct as thorough and detailed investigation as possible. The investigative efforts lead to two suspects, and criminal complaints have been filed against both of them in connection with the death of the woman and her unborn child. Greggory Theobald was located in Bradford and is in custody. The other suspect, Thomas Haggie has not been located and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Haggie is 5 f...

A Brockway teenager is dead, and two people are seriously injured as a result of an accident on Route 219 about a mile south of Brockway Sunday afternoon. Police say 18-year-old Shane Horner was pronounced dead at the scene. They say his car went off the road, then re-entered the road in the opposite lane of travel and into the path of a van driven by 72-year-old James Aldcroft of Ontario, Canada. Aldcroft and his passenger, 66-year-old Patricia Aldcroft were taken by medical helicopter to Altoona Hospital for treatment of major injuries. No information is available on their conditions.

A Bradford man is in McKean County Jail on homicide charges in connection to an incident Sunday night at the Riddell House. 20-year-old Gregory Alan Theobald is charged with criminal homicide, criminal homicide to an unborn child and conspiracy. Theobald is being held without bail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Friday. The affidavit of probable cause, and the affidavit for the search warrant, have been sealed, according to the McKean County District Attorney's Office. The DA's office, however, expects to release some information soon. Police are still looking for 29-year-old Thomas Haggie in connection to the crime.

Staring next Monday, Bolivar Drive will be closed so crews can paint both Route 219 bridges that span the road. Traffic will be directed to follow the posted detours: Westbound traffic will travel to East Main Street to Kendall Avenue to Seaward Avenue and back to Bolivar Drive. Eastbound traffic will travel to Seaward Avenue to Kendall Avenue to East Main Street and back to Bolivar Drive. Painting is scheduled to run through October 6.

Smethport, PA – Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 3 to 6 and 8 to 14. In 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. That’s why the State Police is partnering with Safe Kids McKean and urging all parents and caregivers to attend the Seat Check event on Friday September 18th., part of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 12-18). The State Police will have certified technicians available to provide on-site child safety seat inspections and education from 9am to 3pm at Bowman Medical Center on Marvin Street in Smethport. “It’s the responsibility of every parent and caregiver out there to make sure their children are safely restrained – every trip, every time,” said Corporal Robert J. Clinger of the Pennsylvania State Police Kane Barracks. “We are urging everyone to get their child safety seats inspected. When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes.” In 2007, among children unde...

Area police agencies are looking for Thomas Haggie in connection to a possible homicide Sunday night at the Riddell House. Neither city nor state police have confirmed that a murder took place, but a CSI vehicle was parked outside the building earlier today. Sources did tell WESB and The HERO that they believed someone was murdered in an apartment at the Riddell House. When police first started looking for Haggie, they believed he was in the Jamestown, NY, area. It's also possible he could be hitchhiking to Maryland.

Kaitlyn Hallock sings The National Anthem. (She'll be my guest on Wednesday's Live Line.) Kylie Stiles poses for pictures after being crowned Lil Miss Street Dreams. Olivia "Barbie" Brown and Lil Miss Street Dreams 2008 Danielle Abbott look on. The Beverly Hillbillies and friends entertained the crowd.

Members of the the 56th Stryker Brigade Charlie Company arrived home Sunday at the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Team Readiness Center at Bradford Regional Airport. The 60 members of Charlie Company spent eight months in Iraq. Motorcycle groups, including the Patriot Guard, the American Legion Riders and the Wanderers were among those who took part in the welcome home.