Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for several arsons, including one that resulted in the death of a firefighter. State police are investigating arsons in Jordan, Chest, Beccaria and Gulrich townships as well as the boroughs of Ramey, Irvona and Westover in Clearfield County. The fires were started between April 13 and October 25 between the hours of 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All the fires were in abandoned or unoccupied buildings, mostly located in isolated areas. Between 10:30 p.m. October 23 and 12:12 a.m. October 24, a fire destroyed a two-story abandoned wood-framed structure off Route 36 in Westover. 41-year-old Roy Westover Jr. died after suffering a heart attack while responding to the fire. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. All callers remain anonymous. (Case #1464) fax from PA Crime Stoppers

Two University of Pittsburgh at Bradford professors have successfully defended their dissertations and earned their doctoral degrees. John Levey, assistant professor of music and director of the music program, earned his degree in composition and music theory from the University of Michigan. Soo-Rhee Ryu, visiting professor of political science, earned her degree in political science from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Levey’s composition dissertation, “Concertino,” is an extended work for flute soloist, harp and string quartet. He wrote the piece for Sarah Tiedemann, a flutist he met while earning his bachelor of music in composition at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. The two will collaborate in premiering the work this spring. In his theory dissertation, Levey examined the vocal music of Peter Lieberson, a contemporary American composer. His research centers on some of the technical changes that have occurred in Lieberson’s music d...

Anyone visiting the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Hanley Library got quite a surprise today if they visited the facility’s second floor. The usually-quiet study area resembled an elementary classroom, complete with teachers, students and several colorful lessons and activities. The annual event, organized by Pitt-Bradford education instructor Julie Kleinberger, gives Pitt-Bradford education students the opportunity to work with second-graders from George G. Blaisdell Elementary School in a small, supervised environment. “It’s really a great opportunity for the Pitt-Bradford students to try out some of the lessons they’ve been writing,” Kleinberger said. “They observe and work in the schools throughout the year, but this gives me an opportunity to see them in action as well.” This year, Mary Gracy-Dalton brought her class of 14 students to learn language arts and math from students in Kleinberger’s educational methods classes. “My students absolutely love this,” Dalton said. “T...

An 18-year-old is facing charges for allegedly starting a fire then misleading investigators to conceal the cause. State police fire marshal Greg Agosti says Kyle Clark recklessly discarded a cigarette in a linen closet in a building owned by Mike Simanowski at 117 Williams Street on September 6. Jacqueline Laird and a 17-year-old boy were living in the apartment. No one was hurt, but the fire caused $12,300 worth of damage to the building. Clark is charged with criminal mischief and false reports to law enforcement. PSP Kane

Minard Run Oil is a spotlight business in the Fall 2009 Energy Today magazine. The article shares the Fesenmyer family legacy. You can find the article here . Thanks to the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce for passing this along. You never know what you'll find in the chamber newsletter!

OLEAN, NY— Olean General Hospital and Bradford Regional Medical Center have taken a significant step aimed at providing greater health care opportunities in the region by integrating under a new parent company, the Upper Allegheny Health System. Approved and effective as of November 5, 2009, the integration will enable both hospitals to better respond to health care needs of the region and financial challenges that are the result of reductions in reimbursements from health insurers and payers. "The integration of our two hospitals will position us to provide even greater care and service to the 150,000 area residents who depend upon our two hospitals for health care services,” said Timothy J. Finan, President and CEO of Upper Allegheny Health System. Prior to the hospitals’ integration and formation of the parent company, Mr. Finan was President and CEO of Olean General Hospital. According to Finan, the hospitals’ integration will enhance the hospitals’ ability to introduce new an...

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett announced that agents from the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit have arrested a high school chemistry teacher from Ohio accused of using the Internet to sexually proposition what he believed was a 13-year old girl, along with sending sexually explicit webcam videos to the girl. Corbett identified the defendant as Robert Mark Fickenscher, 57, 105 Bryn Mawr Drive, Painesville, Ohio. Corbett said that Fickenscher allegedly used Internet chat rooms and instant message programs to approach and sexually proposition an undercover agent from the Child Predator Unit who was using the online profile of a 13-year old child. Fickenscher is also accused of sending numerous sexually explicit webcam videos to the girl. According to the criminal complaint, Fickenscher initially identified himself as a 35-year Erie man who enjoyed racing cars. He allegedly attempted to entice the girl into meeting him at a motel near her home with the promise of provi...

At least eight people have been shot in an Orlando, Florida, high-rise office building, CNN affiliates report. Watch live coverage now on http://CNN.com/Live

Listen to The Morning Buzz Monday for your chance to win tickets! Buy tickets here .

If everything goes as planned, the southbound lanes of Route 219 starting at Hillside Drive in Limestone will be opened before Thanksgiving. PennDOT says the work schedule is currently on track for opening the lanes by November 20. After the southbound lanes are open, any work performed would be done under daylight signing. Also, the anti-icing system on the Route 219/Mill Street Bridge will be activated next week. Testing will be performed on Thursday and workers will be close to the travel lane of traffic. All other restrictions and work schedules remain the same. e-mail and fax from PennDOT

HARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, and Senate Democratic Leader Robert Mellow announced that they will jointly introduce a set of Rules of Ethical Conduct for the state Senate. "Events over the past several years have shown that we need to formalize a clear set of rules so that everyone understands what is permissible and what is not," Scarnati said. "The Senate Rules of Ethical Conduct are the result of months of work, and I believe they achieve that objective." "Over the past three years, we have made good progress in terms of reforming state government," Pileggi said. "It is important to continue that work to help re-establish public confidence in the Legislature, and these rules are another significant step forward." "Senators and Senate staff will know what conduct is acceptable," Mellow said. "The new rules are clear, easily understood and meaningful. They provide...

New York Governor David Paterson is calling the Legislature back to Albany for a special session to cut the budget and possibly vote on legalizing same-sex marriage. Paterson wants the Senate to give final legislative approval to same-sex marriage. But there's no guarantee there are enough votes to carry the measure, which has already passed in the Assembly. While the Legislature must attend the extraordinary session called by Paterson for Tuesday, lawmakers don't have to act on his agenda. http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_1105092.html

Officials at Bradford Regional Medical Center are announcing the addition of a nurse practitioner for local obstetric, gynecologic and women's health consumers. Lucinda Harden, CCRN, WHNP-BC, has joined the practice of BRMS OB/Gyn in the Suzzalo Medical Arts Building, 159 Interstate Parkway in Bradford. Ms. Harden will provide services to patients of Kenneth B. Goodrich, M.D. The medical practice, located across the street from BRMC, can be reached by calling (814) 368-5000. New patients are being accepted. Ms. Harden is a graduate in the master's degree nursing program and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program from the State University of New York at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. She is certified in women's health by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is certified in critical care nursing by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Corporation. Most recently, Ms. Harden provided critical care nursing services to patients in St...

The Portville man accused of attacking a woman in September has been indicted by a Cattaraugus County grand jury. 35-year-old William Phillips had been released from jail because his case didn't go the grand jury within 45 days of his arrest. District Attorney Ed Sharkey said he was waiting for paperwork from Georgia, where Phillips had been in jail before returning to Portville. On Thursday, Phillips was indicted on charges of second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and second-degree menacing. He's accused of attacking a woman after she left the Wilson Farms store on South Main Street in Portville on September 16. Phillips is a registered sex offender in New York and has a history of being a violent sex offender. He's currently not in jail. An arraignment is scheduled for Monday, according to the Cattaraugus County District Attorney's office.

The Foster Township Board of Health will be presenting an H1N1 Flu panel discussion featuring local doctors and public health leaders at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the University Room in Pitt-Bradford's Frame-Westerberg Commons. The event is free and open to the public.

Andrea Wurster and Shane Oschman rehearse a musical number for next weekend's 52nd Annual Kiwanis Kapers -- Legally Kapers. Tickets are available at all Northwest Savings Bank locations in Bradford, Graham Florist and Ott & McHenry Pharmacy. Shane was on Thursday's LiveLine talking about the show, and you can listen to that here .

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named five new members to its Advisory Board and reappointed 18 members. Newly elected to the board is John M. Marasco. Sara Andrews, Eric Bridges, Linda Devlin and state Rep. Matt Gabler, R.-DuBois, were named ex officio members. Also, former Congressman John E. Peterson was moved from ex officio to honorary status. All of the appointments were made by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg. Marasco, who lives in Bradford, is senior vice president with Anderson & Kime Employee Benefits Inc. in Ridgway. He has been in the employee benefits profession for the last 17 years, starting with Blue Cross of Western New York, then working with Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Pennsylvania. He joined Anderson & Kime in 1999 and was promoted to senior vice president in 2001. He has been an active fundraising volunteer for the Bradford Family YMCA, the American Cancer Society and the Zachary Vigliotta Scholarship Fund. Andrews is...

Holiday paraphernalia from "The Christmas House" is being moved into place at its new location, Beacon Light on East Main Street.

A Bradford man has waived his preliminary hearing on burglary charges. 44-year-old Ace Ferry is accused of stealing $1,400 worth of jewelry and $1,100 in cash from a Duke Center home, then taking some of the jewelry to a pawn shop in Olean, according to papers filed in District Judge Rich Luther's office. Ferry is free on $50,000 bail.

OK. OK. I'm a Phillies fan, but I'll congratulate the Yankees' fans anyway -- especially if they enter the Tailgate at Home contest. You still have a couple more hours to enter -- and possibly win a $100 gift card from Tops.

President Barack Obama said today that the federal government was guilty of mistreating Native Americans in the past, and promised to forge a new relationship between the federal government and tribal leaders. "You deserve to have a voice," Obama told representatives of 386 tribes at a White House Tribal Nations Conference. "You will not be forgotten as long as I'm in this White House." Obama has directed federal agencies to submit recommendations within 90 days on how to improve tribal participation in government policy decisions. Leaders of all 564 federally recognized tribes were invited to the daylong meeting. Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder Sr. is attending the conference.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Student Nurse Organization is collecting nonperishable food to distribute to less fortunate families in McKean County for Thanksgiving. The SNO is collecting nonperishable food through Nov. 20 at several sites on campus: Frame-Westerberg Commons, campus police, Hanley Library, Fisher Hall, Swarts Hall, Blaisdell Hall and the Sport and Fitness Center. In addition, those attending Panther sporting events in the Sport and Fitness Center can get $1 off their ticket price by bringing a nonperishable food item to the event. The organization will deliver donations to food banks within the community before Thanksgiving. “As nurses, we are giving great service to those in the community by promoting health and wellness,” said SNO president Angelica West, a nursing major from Brackney. “As another service to the community, we can help those in need during the approaching holiday season.” Mary Bose...

A Lakewood, New York, man is hospitalized and facing charges after his vehicle crashed through a garage in Westfield. Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies say 29-year-old Brock Zampogna was driving on Route 20 when his vehicle left the road, crashed through the garage and eventually stopped near some pine trees. Zampogna was trapped inside the vehicle. After emergency crews got him out, he was flown to Hamot Medical Center in Erie, where he's in fair condition.

The former office manger of Elk County's Tax Claim Bureau has waived her preliminary hearing on charges that she stole more than $36,000 from the office. Stephanie Kilhoffer of Ridgway is charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and theft by failure to make required disposition of funds. According to papers filed in District Judge Tony King's office, Kilhoffer took a total of $36,768 between March of 2007 and May of this year by not depositing money people had paid for their taxes. The investigation started after people who paid their taxes, and had receipts to prove it, got notices saying they hadn't paid and started complaining. Kilhoffer is free on $10,000 bail.

A Punxsutawney police officer has been fired after a man who was picked up for public drunkenness died in a police cruiser. Mayor James Wherle says he can't comment on Brian Andrekovich's firing because the officer has the right to appeal the decision. 48-year-old Stephen Obbish was found dead in the car on August 15, five hours after he was picked up. A coroner says Obbish died from a combination of his own medications and a blood-alcohol content nearly four times the legal limit. The state attorney general is investigating Obbish's death.

Meadville – The Department of Environmental Protection and Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. have executed a consent order and agreement that will provide a long-term solution for migrating gas that has affected 13 water supplies in Dimock Township, Susquehanna County. The affected area covers nine square miles around Carter Road. The consent order and agreement outlines a process that will give DEP more oversight of Cabot’s new well construction work in the affected area. Prior to drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or hydro fracking, the company will submit well casing and cementing plans to DEP. Once DEP provides written approval, Cabot may proceed. “The goal of the consent order and agreement is to ensure a long-term resolution to issues that have emerged in Dimock,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch. “The company will focus on the integrity of the wells in the affected area in an attempt to determine the source of the migrating gas.” This past week, Cabot has provided an inter...

New York City restaurateur Mechel Thompson will visit the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Monday, Nov. 16, to speak to students of Dr. Philippe van Berten, assistant professor of business management and marketing. The public is welcome to attend. The lecture by Thompson, who co-owned Maroons Jamaican-Southern restaurant in the Chelsea section of Manhattan until earlier this year, will take place from 11 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. in Room 162 of Swarts Hall. Thompson will speak to students about creating and managing a concept restaurant and about his brand experience in the luxury industry. Following the closing of the highly successful Maroons, Thompson now works for one of the world’s largest luxury retailers. “He is a recognized leader in the hospitality industry, and his firsthand knowledge is sought after in the areas of marketing and business development,” van Berten said. Thompson has appeared on the Food network, in various magazine and newspaper articles and in “The Magical...

HARRISBURG – Last year’s black bear harvest was the second highest on record, and weather permitting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission expects hunters to have similar opportunities afield in the upcoming bear seasons. “Pennsylvania’s black bear population has numbered near 15,000 for almost a decade,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Because our bear population now covers more than three-quarters of the state – and includes a number of world-class trophy bears – Pennsylvania is recognized as one of the top states for bear hunters. Every year, we have a number of bears exceeding 500 pounds included in the harvest.” The 2008 bear harvest of 3,458 is second only to the 2005 bear harvest, in which hunters took a record 4,164 bears. “Our black bear population is a remarkable resource,” said Mark Ternent, Game Commission black bear biologist. “Every year since 2000, more than 100,000 hunters have headed afield in pursuit of bears, with harvests exceeding 3,000 bears mo...

Meadville – The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking northwestern Pennsylvania residents who are concerned about the environment and want to help the state improve the policies and programs that keep the air, land and soil clean. Become a volunteer member of DEP’s Northwest Regional Roundtable by attending the group’s next meeting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Venango County Courthouse Annex, 1174 Elk St., Franklin, Venango County. The meeting will focus on the impact of environmental regulations on local planning. In the coming months, the roundtable will cover topics such as energy resources, water and watershed management, and air and sewage management. According to Dave Sterrett, chairman of the Northwest Regional Roundtable, even if a person is unwilling to make the commitment necessary to become a member, the meetings are still an opportunity to get involved. “Roundtable members have more than a single-issue interest, are willing to make the commitment to a...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is holding a course on “green” building for local commercial contractors, residential homebuilders, real-estate agents, bankers and interested members of the public. Jerry Leach, director of building codes and National Association of Home Builders- accredited instructor for the Pennsylvania Builders Association, will teach “The ABCs of Green Building” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Room 237 of Swarts Hall. The cost is $20 for builders association members and $30 for nonmembers. “Green” building is the practice of creating healthier and more resource/energy-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition. “All of the rage seems to be in ‘going green,’” said Ann Robinson, director of the Pitt-Bradford’s Business Resource Center. “We selected this course to introduce builders and homeowners to the concept of ‘green’ building.” Topics of discussion include site orientation, design and planning, energy a...

The dynamic Ethos Percussion Group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the third concert of the Friends of Good Music season at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Ethos Percussion Group has inspired audiences throughout the United States since 1989 with its exceptional music-making and collective devotion to the world of percussion music. The group plays with “expert togetherness, sensitivity and zest,” raved the New York Times following a concert at Lincoln Center. The ensemble members are all accomplished solo artists whose distinctive musical perspectives combine to create Ethos’ diverse programming and performances. Equally at home in contemporary classical repertoire as in music from non-Western traditions, Ethos integrates global instruments and playing styles into percussion chamber music for a compelling experience in sight and sound. The ensemble’s critically acclaimed performances regularly feature numerous commissions and world prem...

Marienville, Pa. – On October 28, 2009, Robert T. Fallon, Marienville District Ranger, Allegheny National Forest (ANF), signed the Decision Memo to maintain, through pruning and releasing from competing vegetation, approximately 5,000 apple trees scattered throughout the Marienville Ranger District in Elk, Forest and McKean Counties, Pennsylvania. Copies of the Decision Memo and project map are available upon request from the Marienville Ranger District and on the ANF website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/projects/vegetative_management/ . This decision is not subject to an administrative review or appeal pursuant to 36 CFR 215. This decision may be implemented immediately. The contact for additional information is Kevin Treese, (814) 927-5759.

The race for mayor in Olean got the most attention in the city, but there were a couple of Common Council seats up for grabs, too. The only newcomer after Tuesday's election is Gary "Casey" Jones. He beat incumbent Rick Smith 261 to 227. In Allegany, Patrick Eaton retained his supervisor seat. John Hare and Jim Hitchcock won seats as councilmen. In Salamanca, incumbent aldermen Bill Ferguson and Michael Smith kept their seats. Incumbent Mayor Jeffrey Pond ran unopposed. Timothy Whitcomb, who has been serving as Acting Cattaraugus County Sheriff since the death of Dennis John, ran unopposed. Kevin O'Rourke ran unopposed for coroner. Michael Fox ran unopposed for Town of Carrollton Highway Superintendent. Thanks to the fine folks in Little Valley for the faxes! (We're still workin' on 'em.)

A Bradford woman accused of letting a four-year-old wander half a mile by himself has waived her preliminary hearing. 27-year-old Tora Boyer was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after a railroad worker brought the boy to the police station on the afternoon of July 8, saying he found the child in a wooded area off Hilton Street near the railroad tracks. The boy was crying, hungry and thirsty and said he had been outside all day and was afraid. The boy had to cross several streets in high traffic areas to get from Boyer's home to where he was found, according to papers filed in District Judge Dom Cercone's office. Court records say that at about the same time the boy was taken to the police station, Boyer called the station to say the boy she was babysitting was missing. She said she fell asleep at around 9 a.m. and, when she woke up at around 3 p.m., he was missing. Police say when they questioned Boyer she was "highly uncooperative and argumentative" an...

An assault charge against a Bradford woman has been bound to McKean County Court. 27-year-old Amber Walker is accused of hitting another woman with a beer bottle on Mechanic Street at 1:30 a.m. on September 13, according to papers filed in District Judge Dom Cercone's office. Police say when they saw the victim at Bradford Regional Medical Center she had "a hole in her bottom lip." Walker is in jail on $1,000 bail.

Olean Mayor David Carucci isn't giving any concession speeches just yet. According to unofficial election results, Linda Witte beat Carucci yesterday by a vote of 1,808 to 1,623. Carucci says because there's only a 185 vote difference, he's waiting for an official count that will include absentee ballots. He says about 300 absentee ballots have to be counted.

Rodney W. Rohl of 1321 Route 446, passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 in the Erie County Medical Center Buffalo, NY. Mr. Rohl was born on July 21, 1933 in Lancaster N.Y., and was the son of Walter R. and Evelyn E. Cimmer Rohl. On August 18, 1962 in Lakeshore N.Y., he married his wife of 40 years, Judith L. Long, who predeceased him on July 13, 2002. Mr. Rohl graduated from Lancaster High School. He served in the US Army for two years from 1952 to 1953. Mr. Rohl received a Bachelor's Degree in the Teaching of Industrial Arts in 1958 from Buffalo State Teachers Collages In the fall of that year he started teaching industrial arts at Hinsdale. Mr. Rohl retired 31 years later in 1989. Coach Rohl had an extensive coaching career at Hinsdale Central School from 1958 to 1991. He coached basketball, golf, bowling and boy's volleyball. Mr. Rohl was a head football coach in Hinsdale from 1963 to 1991. During that 28 year time he had 11 Football Championship, 3 undefeated seasons with a 24 g...

In Chautauqua County, Greg Edwards won his bid to serve a second term as county executive by a margin of 7,790, not including absentee ballots. Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard survived a challenge from John Glascott to win his re-election bid. Glascott had criticized Howard for deaths and wrongful releases at the jail, and also blamed him for the escape of prisoners, including convicted cop killer Ralph "Bucky" Phillips. For comprehensive coverage of Potter County elections, go to Solomon's Words . (Jim Jones did an outstanding job!) We're still working on bringing you more results from Tuesday's elections.

The man accused of attacking a Portville woman in September has been released from jail because his case wasn't presented to a grand jury within 45 days. District Attorney Ed Sharkey says the case against 36-year-old William Phillips will go to a grand jury Thursday. He says he was waiting for paperwork from Georgia, where Phillips had been in jail. Phillips is a registered sex offender in New York and has a history of being a violent sex offender. On September 16, he allegedly attacked a woman after she left the Wilson Farms store on South Main Street in Portville. Thanks to the person who commented on this post at Solomon's Words -- and thanks to Jim for passing the comment along to me.

Several townships in McKean County elected supervisors Tuesday. Jim Connelly Jr. got 411 votes for Foster Township supervisor. Jim Erwin received 478 votes for Bradford Township supervisor. There were 11 write-ins in Foster Township and 4 in Bradford Township. Both men ran unopposed. In Norwich Township, Democrat Paul Lathrop defeated Republican Terry Miller. In Sergeant Township Democrat James Morgan defeated Republican Patricia Miller. Republican John Moffett defeated Democrat Bob Okerlund in Hamlin Township. Republican Clair Sweeley defeated Democrat Joe Irons in Keating Township. Others who ran unopposed are: Keith Howard -- Annin Township, Gary Turner, Fred Ernst III -- Liberty Joseph Neal, Kerry Mulkin -- Ceres Patrick Cobb -- Corydon Mark Palmer -- Otto David Crowe -- Eldred Bill Ryding -- Wetmore Nora Yasurek -- Hamilton Ronald Himes -- Sergeant (second open seat) Bob Butters -- Lafayette results are unofficial until certified by the McKean County Board of Elections

Some people ran unopposed in Tuesday's election. McKean County Sheriff Brad Mason received 4,123 votes. Among the 33 write-in votes that were cast for the position were one for Elmer Fudd and one for Santa Claus. McKean County Judge John Pavlock, who was appointed to the bench shortly after he won the primary election, received 4,103 votes. There were 28 write-ins. Acting District Attorney Ray Learn garnered 3,863 votes. There were 18 write-ins. Lewis Run Mayor Albert Montecalvo got 64 votes. Smethport Mayor Ross Porter, who was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident last week, received 242 votes. Doug Caldwell received 285 votes for Kane Borough Mayor. There were 8 write-ins. As for the numbers in the contested elections, Dave Feely garnered more votes than the other Bradford Area School Board candidates with 1,688. Pat Vigliotta took in 1,642; Carla Manion 1,584; Joe Troutman 1,422, Shane Oschman 1,413; and Rita Dincher 862. Jim Evans received the most votes in the Bradfor...

Bradford will have two new city councilmen in January. Jim Evans and Fred Proper won seats on council, according to unofficial totals from the McKean County Board of Elections, while current councilman Rick Benton retained his seat. Democrat Bob Onuffer was voted out. As for Bradford Area School Board, Dave Feely is in and Rita Dincher is out. Pat Vigliotta, Joe Troutman and Carla Manion retained their seats. Shane Oschman, who has been filling the unexpired term of the Rev. Art Cox, also won a seat. In Eldred, Bill Luce seems to have defeated Steven Green for mayor. In the race for Port Allegany borough council, the apparent winners are Andrew Johnson, Francis Dynda, Judith Taylor and David Fair. In Lewis Run it's almost too close to call but it seems that Albert Montecalvo and Frank Langianese will be serving together again. Montecalvo was running unopposed for mayor, but Langianese was one of four people running for three seats on borough council. Steve Falconi got 60 votes. Lan...

It seems Olean will have a new mayor next year. According to unofficial numbers posted by the Cattaraugus County Board of Elections, Linda Witte beat incumbent David Carrucci by a count of 1808 to 1623. With 74 of 79 districts in the county reporting, challenger Lori Rieman has a lead of 7730 to 4709 over incumbent district attorney Ed Sharkey.

CENTERVILLE, MA. -- Pitt-Bradford's Alisa Cornell was named ECAC Division III South Region Defensive Player of the Week in women's soccer by the ECAC on Tuesday. Cornell, who is a freshman keeper from Philadelphia, was outstanding in goal in the Lady Panthers' first-ever playoff victory in the 13-year history of Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. Cornell made seven saves in the 1-0 win at Medaille College on Saturday.

Rodney W. Rohl of Hinsdale, NY, died Monday, November 2, 2009, in Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced in a full obituary by the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home Inc. , Olean. Read Jim Melaro's column in the Olean Times Herald .

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today joined his Republican colleagues in a group effort to read the almost-2000-page Speaker Pelosi Health Care Bill, H.R. 3962. The bill has more than a $1.2 trillion price tag and cuts basic programs like Medicare and Medicare Advantage to help pay for it. “The bill has 111 new boards, commissions and programs that we have been able to count so far,” said Thompson. “They include the National Medical Device Registry and a Special Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange. That is full employment in Washington, D.C., but the bill is a job killer for small businesses.” For example, on Page 297, section 501 imposes a 2.5 percent tax on all individuals who do not purchase exchange approved health insurance. The tax would apply on individuals with incomes under $250,000 thus breaking a central promise of President Obama’s campaign to not raise taxes on this group. On Page 313, section 512 imposes an 8 percent...

Emerald Ash Borer beetles have been found in Juniata County, bringing to 11 the number of Pennsylvania counties where the ash tree-destroying pest has been identified. Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding says a state-imposed quarantine is being expanded to include Juniata County. He's reminding people to use only locally harvested firewood, burn all of the firewood on-site, and not carry it to new locations. The invasive beetle was first detected in Pennsylvania in the summer of 2007 in Butler County, and subsequently was found in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Mifflin, Washington and Westmoreland counties. It's also been found in Cattaraugus County, New York, near Randolph. http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?A=390&Q=153457

A Wellsville couple is facing felony charges after allegedly defrauding customers of their wood pellet company out of about $200,000. State police say Paul and Iasia Ceglia, the owners of Allegany Pellets, have been charged with scheme to defraud and 12 counts of grand larceny. Police say they took presale orders for about 1,900 tons of wood pellets and then failed to deliver the product to their customers and were unable to refund the customers’ money. The investigation started after state police received complaints from victims in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Section has recovered more than $1.5 million on behalf of the state's Medicaid program as part of a national agreement with three pharmaceutical companies involving drug pricing. Corbett said the settlements involve Mylan Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in West Virginia; AstraZeneca, based in the United Kingdom; and Ortho McNeil Pharmaceuticals, of New Jersey. Corbett said the settlements resolve allegations that the companies improperly manipulated prices by incorrectly classifying numerous drugs, resulting in lower rebates being paid to the Medicaid program. "Medicaid is intended to serve Pennsylvania families who are struggling with limited incomes or disabilities," Corbett said. "Any money unfairly diverted from Medicaid directly impacts the quality and availability of care for our most vulnerable residents and increases expenses for taxpayers - who ult...

New York Governor David Paterson has submitted legislation that would close a loophole that allows convicted felons to become eligible for parole earlier than intended. Paterson's proposal would require all A-I felons and second child sexual assault offenders to serve their sentences consecutively to any time still to be served on a previous sentence. The legislation would also ensure that all inmates required to serve half of their sentence in order to be considered for medical parole do, in fact, serve half of that sentence. “We cannot allow an inconsistent provision that benefits the most serious offenders stand,” Paterson said. “I ask that the Legislature join me in fixing this obvious error, ensuring that the public is fully protected from dangerous, repeat offenders.” http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_11020911.html

Six inmates will stand trial for allegedly assaulting 10 officers at the State Correctional Institution in Houtzdale in March. Rhonshawn Jackson, Paul Ford, Nathan Izzard, Donny Jackson, Curtis Gibbs and Gregory Cain have been charged with aggravated assault, riot, assault by a prisoner, and related offenses. The alleged assault started when Rhonshawn Jackson dropped a meal ticket on purpose and a guard asked him several times to pick it up. Jackson eventually hit the guard in the face, then other inmates and guards got involved in the fight. The altercation lasted for about 10 minutes in the dining area and hallway. The seventh defendant, Deablo Clientscale, who faces the same charges, will have his hearing later this month. He's in quarantine because he may have the H1N1 flu.

A Clarion County woman has been cited after driving with a dog tied to her car. State police say 44-year-old Barbara Heinen of Fryburg was trying to get her aggressive dog to the Venango County Humane Society and, after several unsuccessful attempts to get the dog into the car, she tied it to the car and slowly drove away. Police say she had driven less than two miles when witnesses stopped her. Police say the dog was aggressive and had a wounded paw, so they had to kill it. Heinen was cited for cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct.

A jury has been selected in the fraud case against former New York State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. The 80-year-old Bruno is accused of using his position to collect more than $3 million in commissions and gifts. The proseuction says it has a clear paper trail linking him to the crimes, but Bruno says he expects to be found innocent. The judge has instructed the jury to focus only on the evidence, and leave their political biases out of their decision.

Gulfstream International Airlines hopes to start offering regional flights out of Pittsburgh International Airport by early next year. Gulfstream currently offers Continental Connection service to popular cities throughout Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean and flies from Continental’s Cleveland hub to Bradford, Dubois and Jamestown. There's no word yet on how, or if, Bradford Regional Airport would be affected.

Downtown Bradford will be getting into the holiday spirit a little early this year when it hosts its’ first ‘Cruisin’ Into Christmas Parade’ on Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m. The parade, which is sponsored by the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority and the Street Dreams Car Club will feature units comprised of local bands, clubs, and of course, Santa Claus and his helpers. “We are kicking off the holiday season early this year,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “It is important for people to shop locally and support their locally owned businesses, especially this year, and we hope to get a jump on the holiday shopping season. We have some wonderful shops on Main Street,” Dolan added. The DBBDA and the Main Street promotions committee decided to hold the parade before Thanksgiving because the Thanksgiving weekend is always so busy with family activities, travel and the beginning of hunting season. “Kids love to see Santa arrive and what better way to do it than to have hi...

Due to an increase in flu activity in our area, Kane Community Hospital is now restricting visitors to those over 18 years of age as a precautionary measure. ~~ Amy Peterson, Infection Control Professional, KCH

Public relations specialist John Schlimm will demonstrate how to choreograph a spectacle with an event-planning workshop at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford next week. “Choreographing a Spectacle” will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11 in Room 218 of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The cost is $45. The program is sponsored by Pitt-Bradford’s Office of Outreach Services. Schlimm, an occasional adjunct member of the communications faculty, will share a five-step process to make an organization’s event a success, an initiative he presented at the annual convention of the International Festivals and Events Association, the world’s largest organization for event planners. “There are a large number of organizations in the McKean County area, many of which are nonprofits, which plan and sponsor special events as fundraisers or community gatherings,” said Ann Robinson, director of the Business Resource Center at Pitt-Bradford. “We thought that this course, which teaches you how ...

Shop locally and start your holiday shopping early with the Country Roads Holiday Tour! The tour takes place in and around the Bradford, Pa area on Saturday, November 7. Maps are available at these participating businesses: Main Street Mercantile, Roseart Gifts, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, Kimberly’s Cool Beans Café, Grandma’s House Tea and Gifts, Orris Jewelers, Graham Florist, John Williams European Pastry Shop, Singer’s Country Corners. Special sales, demonstrations and tasty treats will be available. This event is made possible through Bradford’s Main Street Program and the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. For more information contact the Bradford Main Street Manager’s office at (814) 598-3865.

Mayor Albert Montecalvo and his right-hand man, Council President Frank Langianese, both 87 years old, are up for re-election, seeking their 15th and 16th terms. The pair, who were next-door neighbors as children, have worked together for 56 years on matters like water, sewer and garbage collection. For the full story, go to the Wall Street Journal .

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Foster Township residents may be looking at an increase in taxes and sewer rates. When asked at Monday's supervisors meeting if a tax increase is in the future, Supervisor Chris Wolcott said it's a "good possibility." Among the reasons is a 24 percent increase in health insurance. Township Secretary Jennifer Gorrell said, however, that they're "not close enough yet to know what it's going to be yet." Wolcott added that they "still have some things they're going to try" so they don't have to raise taxes. Later in the meeting, Wolcott said he thinks they might have to raise the rates of sewer customers who are currently paying $24 a month. He said the township is facing "a lot" of expense related to inflow and infiltration issues, adding that the cost of grouting one 3,000-foot section of sewer line will cost $32,000. "This is just the tip of the iceberg of what we have to do to...

A Yorkshire man has pleaded guilty to trying to break into a church. Stephen Frank is charged with burglary and attempted burglary for trying to break into the Central Baptist Church in Yorkshire on April 26. On May 29, he broke into a building owned by John Phillips in the Town of Machias. Court papers did not list a date for sentencing. ~~~ An East Otto, New York, man has pleaded guilty to rape. On July 11, in East Otto, Jeffery Williams had sex with another person without the person's consent, according to court papers. Williams will be sentenced on January 19. ~~~ A Great Valley man has pleaded guilty to selling cocaine in Salamanca. Kenneth Wilson allegedly sold the drug on February 9, 2008. He'll be sentenced January 19. fax from DA's office

Eight of the people arrested in a drug bust last week in Olean have pleaded not guilty in Cattaraugus County Court. Derek Brantley allegedly sold oxycodone and heroin. Frank Cole allegedly sold a narcartoic that court papers did not name. RJ Shaffer, Intisar Ramadhan-Spencer, Gennie Galmer and Obidah Ramadhan allegedly sold cocaine. Buddy Landgon and Clifford Thompson allegedly sold Dihydrocodeine. The alleged incidents all happened earlier this year in Olean. All the matters have been adjourned for motions. fax from Catt County DA's office

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter today introduced a resolution to commend the performance of the 56th Stryker Brigade who in September returned home from a nine month tour in Iraq. “Next week our nation will celebrate Veterans Day – a day to acknowledge the sacrifices made by all those who have worn our nation’s uniform and sacrifice in the name of honor and for the love of country. Pennsylvania’s 56th Stryker Brigade continued this tradition with a successful deployment to Iraq,” said Senator Casey. “For these reasons, I am proud to introduce a Senate resolution recognizing their contributions, valor and honor to our nation, and I know that the people of Pennsylvania and the nation thank them for their service.” “I applaud the members of the 56th Stryker Brigade for their honorable service to our nation while deployed in Iraq,” said Senator Specter. “This Senate resolution is a small token of gratitude for the sacrifices the members have made to keep our n...

Tom Oreck, president and CEO of Oreck Corp., will discuss Oreck’s management and service philosophies on Monday, Nov. 9, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford as part of the university’s Executive Speaker Series. Coffee and tea will be served in Blaisdell Hall at 10:30 a.m., followed by Oreck’s presentation in the Bromeley Family Theater from 11 a.m. to noon. Admission is free. Founded by David Oreck in 1963, Oreck Corp. began as a manufacturer of lightweight vacuum cleaners for the U.S. hotel industry. Today, more than 50,000 hotels throughout the world use Oreck vacuums. The corporation is a leading manufacturer in the homecare industry as well, offering a variety of cleaning products for industrial and in-home use. “Oreck is an excellent example of a company with a successful business model that is also a really good, socially responsible corporation,” said Lizbeth Matz, associate professor of business management at Pitt-Bradford. “I want our students to see executives like th...

The U.S. Department of Education has approved $1.4 billion in economic stimulus money for education in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is the last state to have its application for State Fiscal Stabilization Grant money approved because of the 100-day budget impasse. The state will use the money to help pay for basic education subsidies for elementary and secondary education as well as higher education. US Education Secretary Arne Duncan says, “The $1.4 billion Pennsylvania will receive today is part of the single largest boost in education funding in recent history." Pennsylvania will be eligible to apply for another $514 million later this fall. http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/11/11022009.html

A Curwensville man has been fined for illegally storing and disposing of vegetable oil in Clearfield County. DEP says William Gourley had 122 55-gallon containers, more than 1,000 5-gallon containers and several other containers that all had waste vegetable oil in them. Some of the containers were broken and leaking oil onto the ground, forming pools. Gourley told DEP inspectors that the waste vegetable oil had been collected to produce biodiesel, but that production had stopped more than a year ago. He has signed a legal agreement that requires him to contain all leaking oil within one week; remove all oil within 45 days; and remove 100 tons of oil-contaminated soil and sawdust each month. The work is to be completed within six months. http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/news/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=549461

New York Governor David Paterson today released a report outlining the distribution of more than $18 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act spending throughout the state. The report says Cattaraugus County received $135 million in food stamps, unemployment benefits and Pell Grants. County government and school districts received $18 million. $14 million went to highway repairs and weatherization projects. Paterson says money continues to be distributed to people for food stamps, unemployment and Pell Grants. http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_1102091.html

The Philadelphia Inquirer has apologized to its readers for mistakenly running a Macy's ad congratulating the Philadelphia Phillies on winning back-to-back World Series titles. The ad was in the paper today, a day after the New York Yankees beat the Phillies to take a 3 games to 1 lead in the World Series. The three-quarter-page ad is on the back of the front section and features a T-shirt with the Phillies logo, the commissioner's trophy and the phrase "Back To Back World Series Champions." The Inquirer released a message to readers saying the paper deeply regrets the error. http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/A_message_to_our_readers.html

Three Elk County teenagers are hospitalized after an accident Sunday morning in Clarion County. State police say a car driven by 19-year-old Michael Schaut traveled off Route 28 at 6:25 a.m. and hit a tree. Schaut, 18-year-old Brittany Dilley of St. Marys and a 16-year-old girl from Kersey whose name was not released were all flown to UPMC in Pittsburgh for treatment of major injuries. Police say none of them was wearing a seatbelt. Police are continuing their investigation.

At least two deaths and 26 illnesses may be linked to ground beef recalled by a Chautauqua County company. Ashville-based Fairbank Farms recalled nearly 546,000 pounds of ground beef because it might have been contaminated with E. coli bacteria. A spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control says one of the deaths involves a person in New York who had underlying health conditions. The other is a death previously reported by officials in New Hampshire. Locally, BJs is the only store that was selling the ground beef from Fairbank Farms. The following items have been recalled from BJs ~~ 5-pound trays of "FRESH GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 15 % FAT" patties. ~~ 3- and 5-pound trays of "LEAN GROUND BEEF, CONTAINS 7% FAT." ~~ 2.5-pound trays of "MEATLOAF & MEATBALL MIX."

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is inviting area residents to two upcoming town hall meetings in Emporium and Smethport. The Emporium Town Hall Meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Emporium Fire Hall, 418 North Broad Street. The Smethport Town Hall Meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the McKean County 911 Building, 17175 Route 6. "Town hall meetings are a great way to share information about what's happening in Harrisburg and learn more about how that is impacting the people in Cameron, Potter and McKean counties," Causer said. "While I get constant feedback from people stopping by or calling the office, through e-mail, and at various community events, I always appreciate the conversation generated at town hall meetings." Causer said the meetings are open to anyone in the 67th Legislative District, and no reservations are necessary. People who cannot attend one of the town hall meetings may want to mark their c...