Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A Kennedy, New York, man is accused of sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl over several months this summer. 28-year-old Dale Johnson has been charged with course of sexual conduct against a child for alleged incidents that happened between June and August. He's in Chautauqua County Jail pending a court appearance

An Emporium man has been charged with failing to register his employment under Megan's Law. 56-year-old Ralph Bennett of West Allegany Avenue was charged with failure to comply with registration of sexual offenders requirements. He was arraigned and sent to Potter County Jail, unable to post bail.

Warren, Pa. – The Allegheny National Forest announced today that the Rocky Gap, Timberline and Marienville ATV trails will remain closed until further notice. These three trails were scheduled to re-open for the winter season on December 20th; however mild temperatures over the past several months have not allowed portions of the trails to freeze completely. Trail conditions will be re-evaluated after January 1, 2010, to determine whether conditions have improved sufficiently to allow safe operation without risking trail and resource damage. The Forest encourages all winter-season ATV riders to call one of its offices or check the Forest website prior to riding as trail conditions can change rapidly. Trail conditions can be obtained by calling the Supervisor’s Office in Warren at (814) 723-5150 or the Marienville Ranger District at (814) 927-6628, or by visiting our website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/ .

An arrest in the murder of a Delevan man is imminent, according to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department. In a news releases, Lt. Tom Bradigan said the sheriff's office is still investigating various aspects of the case but is prepared to say that "we are very encouraged and optimistic that an arrest of a person of interest is … forthcoming following the results of forensic evidence testing that is currently underway." On December 1, 80-year-old Wilbur Norton was found dead in his home at the Delevan Terrace Apartments by a Meals on Wheels worker. Autopsy reports indicated that Norton's death was a homicide.

An Eldred woman is featured in an MSNBC story about the cost of "air ambulances." You can read the story here .

With Christmas just a week away, it's time for a reminder about NORAD's Santa Tracker .

New York dairy farmers will be getting a Christmas present from the federal government. Senator Chuck Schumer says the USDA will soon start mailing $40 million in emergency money. It's part of a bill that passed in October that's providing $290 million in direct relief to the nation's struggling dairy farmers. http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=320968 &

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The cafeteria in Pennsylvania's state Capitol had to be shut down after inspectors found evidence of a rodent infestation. Get the full story from The Associated Press . ( Then come back here and leave your jokes in the comments. )

Pennsylvania voters say allowing marijuana to be used for medical purposes is a good idea, according to a Quinnipiac University poll. 67 percent of Democrats and 61 percent of independent voters favor the use of medical marijuana. Republicans are pretty much split with 49 percent in favor and 47 percent opposed. According to the poll, medical marijuana wins support from all age groups, ranging from 62 percent among voters 18 to 34 years old to 56 percent among voters over 55. State Attorney General Tom Corbett says he opposes a House bill that would legalize marijuana for medical purposes, saying that even limited legalization of marijuana could compound the dangers that drugs present to society. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1406

Two Shinglehouse men are facing charges for stealing from a number of camps in Potter County and one in McKean County. 24-year-old Nicholas Brown and 20-year-old Ethan Turner also allegedly took items from a scrap yard owned by Gas Field Specialist. Brown is accused of burglarizing 7 camps and conspiring with Turner in 4 of those burglaries as well as the scrap yard theft. Police say most of the thefts were of gas, scrap metal and tools, but Brown's alleged crimes also included theft of guns and generators. Turner is free on bail. Brown is in Potter County Jail.

The man who carjacked a vehicle from a Barbour Street parking lot in August has pleaded guilty in McKean County Court. 24-year-old Michael Blum took the vehicle from its owner at knifepoint. He was caught in Limestone, New York, the next day after a police chase. Blum will be sentenced January 13. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/accused-carjacker-waives-hearing.html

A former PennDOT equipment manager has pleaded guilty to stealing from the department. 48-year-old Timothy Brem of St. Marys bought items with state money for his personal use between March of 2004 and April of 2007. The cost of the items is about $6,000. Brem will be sentenced in January in Potter County Court. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/ex-penndot-supervisor-charged.html

OLEAN, NY -- COED 4 A Cause, a private group funding sports-related projects in the area, is looking for softball teams to participate in a 2010 WINTER MUSH BALL SOFTBALL TOURNEY. The tourney, scheduled for Saturday, January 2, at the Forness Fields in Olean, seeks co-ed teams. Team Entry Fee is $150 per team which must be paid before first pitch with all waivers signed. Winners receive Championship shirts and second place gets tourney shirts, which will also be on sale. Entry rules include rosters with five men and five women with a man and woman as designated hitters for a total of 12 people. Any type of bat is allowed for both men and women. The ball is a mushball, a lot like softball, except the ball is so much softer and larger. There is also an unlimited arc. Spectators are welcome with coffee, hot cocoa, hamburgers and hot dogs for sale. The cause also seeks tournament sponsors and volunteer umpires. The tourney is being held to purchase a break away fence for Forness 1 f...

Chris Abrams is a Limestone resident who volunteers his time with several youth minstries in Bradford. He has served as a volunteer with First Nazarene church's Club Naz, Open Arms Community church's Revolution and Youth for Christ's Campus Life ministries. Chris also spends times with students at Grace Lutheran Church's Community Life Center on a daily basis and has been involved in service trips to Guatemala. Chris plans to attend Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY in 2010 in order to further his credentials for working with young people. A benefit show is planned both to thank Chris for his work in the community and raise funds for his schooling. "A lot of time, we put on benefit shows for people when something really terrible has happened. We're excited to put this on to help someone do something good!" says Larry Petry, Director of Youth for Christ of the Bradford Area. The concert will take place Saturday, December 19th at Grace Lutheran's Comm...

For the 12th consecutive year, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Alumni Association has earned a Gold Banner Award from the University of Pittsburgh’s Alumni Association. “A Banner Award at the Gold Level comes with a $500 scholarship, so we are most proud to be able to provide a student with financial assistance in this meaningful way,” said Lindsay Hilton Retchless ’98, director of alumni relations. The Pitt Alumni Association gives the Gold Banner to constituent alumni groups in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in serving as the link between alumni and the university. The Association’s Gold Banner Status is the highest level of award and is reserved for those groups demonstrating exceptional performance in alumni communications, student involvement and other partnerships. Alumnus Christopher Luke, who is the PBAA’s representative to the Pitt Alumni Association, said, “Being a recipient of the Gold Banner Award for the 12th consecutive year is a true testament to the...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A dozen members from the Pennsylvania House and Senate who represent districts along the Interstate 80 corridor met with four high-ranking members of the Federal Highway Administration about their concerns regarding the tolling of the highway on Thursday during a meeting on Capitol Hill. That agency currently is considering an application on behalf of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to toll the 311-mile highway. The meeting included Reps. Martin Causer (R-McKean/Potter/Cameron), Michele Brooks (R-Crawford/Mercer/Lawrence), Mario Scavello (R-Monroe), Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong), Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk), Brad Roae (R-Crawford), Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean), Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer/Butler), Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango/Butler), Russ Fairchild (R-Union/Snyder), Merle Phillips (R-Northumberland/Snyder), along with Sens. Bob Robbins (R-Mercer) and John Gordner (R-Columbia) and Congressmen Glenn Thompson (R-Centre), Paul Kanjorski (D-Luzerne) a...

U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today joined 13 members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly for a briefing with the Federal Highway Administration, FHWA, to let them know of their strong opposition to the plan to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s recent application to toll I-80. “Eleven representatives and two Commonwealth senators made the trip to Washington, despite the fact that they were in session in Harrisburg, in order to let the people who will make the decision on advancing the application for tolling I-80, know just how much this topic means to them and the people they represent,” said Thompson. At the conclusion of the meeting, Thompson told the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, Greg Nadeau, that there are two ways to make this decision. “It can be made under the rule of law, or it can be made based on politics. I hope you follow the intent of the law in your decision.” On November 19th, Thompson and his House of Represent...

Forest Road 123 that runs between the Kane Experimental Forest and Twin Lakes Campground near Wilcox will be closed temporarily beginning today. Officials with the Allegheny National Forest say the road will be closed for two to three months while major road reconstruction and repairs are done. The project was one of the local projects funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

After the fifth round of play at School Street Elementary, Wal-Mart is in first place. Only half a point behind in second are Pharmacy at Union Square and Dexter’s Service Center. Five of the eight team captains in the varsity remain with perfect scores. In the JV section, Jessica Yost (member of Drs. Rhinehart team) is in first place. A half point behind in second is Brent Kennedy (captain for Smith’s Watch & Clock Repair). Nate Evan, a member of the Edmond Chevrolet Team, is in third place. The top JV team at the end of round 5 is Lang Surveying followed closely by Smith’s Watch & Clock Repair and Dragonfly Guitar Studio. There will be no chess club over the holiday break. Matches will continue on Wednesday, January 6. For additional information about the league, email execdir@amchess.org or visit www.bradfordchessclub.com. Results and Standings after round 5: Varsity Division Dr. Laroche defeated Bradford Window Company, 1.5-0.5; Parkview Super Market tied with the Pharmacy ...

A group of teachers and education advocates is suing New York Governor David Paterson over his plan to withhold state aid to schools. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in Albany challenges Paterson's ability to delay 10 percent of upcoming aid payments. It claims that Paterson is illegally withholding funds already set aside by the Legislature. Paterson says holding back $750 million is needed to keep the state from running out of cash

Nearly a year after remains were found in the woods south of Punxsutawney investigators have determined they belong to a woman who was murdered 5 to 15 years ago. Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat of the Applied Forensic Sciences Depart-ment at Mercyhurst College in Erie determined that the victim died from a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. Her body was then dismembered. State Police say the woman was either black or Hispanic, and likely between the ages of 20 and 50. The remains were found December 29 by someone walking in the woods in North Mahoning Township.

Two Florida residents suffered minor injuries after a tractor-trailer rolled onto its side this morning in the Town of North Harmony. Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies say 23-year-old Everett Halfhill of Hollyhill, Florida, was driving the rig on Interstate 86 at 5:20 when it went out of control, went off the road into a ditch and rolled onto its side. Halfhill and his passenger, 22-year-old Shannon Dunn, were treated at WCA Hospital in Jamestown. UPDATE from Sheriff's Department at 11:16 a.m. -- Because of the accident, the westbound lane of I-86 in the Town of North Harmony has been reduced to one lane. G&B Towing is in the process to remove the overturned tractor-trailer. Both lanes may be shut down temporarily during the process.

While you may think some politicians' plans are full of you-know-what, this one really is. The state House held a hearing Wednesday on using sewage sludge as an energy source. State Representative Bud George, who chairs the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, says the hearing focused on health concerns related to the plan. An expert at the hearing testified that drying sludge reduces pathogens and odors and has the potential to reduce disposal costs by 80 percent, provide a cleaner fuel source to power plants, boilers and cement kilns. Methane produced in the drying process also at can be recycled to help power sewage treatment plants. http://www.pahouse.com/george/

A Brockway man has pleaded guilty to homicide by motor vehicle in connection to an accident that killed two sisters and severely injured another. 34-year-old Eric Veltri will be sentenced Monday in Jefferson County Court. In March of 2008 Veltri was driving under the influence when he crossed the center line of Route 219 in Snyder Township and traveled into the path of a car driven by Delora Burrow-Bradish of Bradford. Burrow-Bradish was severely injured. Her sisters, Connie Bailey of Brockway and Karen Peters of Newark, Delaware, died in the crash.

Congressman Glenn Thompson and several of his colleagues have invited their counterparts in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to meet with the Federal Highway Administration today about the proposed tolling of Interstate 80. Among those attending will be representatives Kathy Rapp and Matt Gabler, and staff members for Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati and House Republican leader Sam Smith. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's application to toll I-80 is under consideration by the Federal Highway Administration for the third time.

Fredonia, NY -- The Chautauqua County Office for the Aging has announced their office is offering tutorial computer training lessons free of charge to all interested senior citizens (55+ years of age) throughout Chautauqua County. These lessons are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through Senior Services of America, Inc.’s Digital Inclusion Program. Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards said the purpose of the Digital Inclusion Program is to bring seniors up to date with current technology. "The tutorial sessions will teach the seniors basic computer skills using the 'Generations-On-Line' registered software program," Edwards said. "This software was specifically designed to be used by seniors." The skills include mouse mastery, keyboarding, e-mailing, internet navigation, web searching, and link usage. Each participant will complete the tutorial sessions at their own pace, utilizing the computer for approximately one ho...

Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) did not receive any shipments of H1N1 vaccine for children which has been recalled across parts of the country because of some lost strength. “We want the public to know we did not have any of those lot numbers associated with that recall,” said Gary Malacarne, Pharm.D., the hospital’s pharmacy director. “The H1N1 vaccines we’ve administered to children were from an entirely different lot number and do not have any lost strength. We want to stress that to parents and family members to ally any concerns,” Dr. Malacarne said.

AAA is projecting 87.7 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more away from home during the year-end holidays. This is a 3.8 percent increase from the 84.5 million Americans who traveled during the same Christmas / New Year period one year ago, and is the largest projected increase for any major holiday this year. The number of travelers by automobile is expected to be 77.7 million in 2009 compared to 74.4 million last year; an increase of 4.4 percent. The number of travelers by air is expected be 4.2 million compared to 4.1 million in 2008; an increase of 2.9 percent. The number of those traveling by “other” means, including, trains, watercraft, buses and multiple-modes of transportation, is expected to be 5.8 million compared to 6.0 million last year, AAA said. Last year, the total number of travelers during the year-end holidays was 84.5 million; a decline of 4.7 percent from 2007. “An increase in holiday travel signifies that consumers are more optimistic about their pers...

New York Governor David Paterson's approval rating has gone up. He still has more people viewing him unfavorably than favorably, but the Quinnipiac Polling Institute says Paterson's tough talk on the budget crisis boosted his number. The poll shows 38 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of the governor while 44 percent view him unfavorably. 40 percent say they approve of the job Paterson is doing while 49 percent disapprove. Those are the best numbers for Paterson since February. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1318.xml?ReleaseID=1404

Another assault has been reported at Warren State Hospital. Police say 32-year-old Buddy Steadman punched 53-year-old Terry Wolfe and 36-year-old Michael Smoot at the hospital. Wofle and Smoot's injuries required medical attention.

A Corry man has pleaded guilty to making child pornography and keeping it on his computer. 52-year-old Mark Brecker admitted that he sexually exploited a 1 1/2-year-old child between August and October 2008 and filmed the abuse. He faces at least 15 years in federal prison when he's sentenced April 9. Prosecutors traced seven movies depicting the sexual abuse of children to Brecker's computer. When they executed a search warrant at his home they found 180 images of child pornography, as well as movies that depicted Brecker performing sex acts on a child in his home.

The state House has passed Senate Bill 711, the table games bill. The Senate still has to act on the measure. The Senate will be back in session in the morning.

State Representative Bill DeWeese has just resigned his position as Majority Whip. DeWeese was charged earlier in the day in connection with the Bonusgate investigation.

Kathy Pascarella, director of Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) McKean County VNA & Hospice, has been re-elected to the Pennsylvania Homecare Association (PHA) Board of Directors for a three-year term. The PHA board represents the state’s homecare and hospice industry which provides medical, personal and end-of-life care in the homes of approximately 750,000 Pennsylvanians each year. Mrs. Pascarella also has been appointed chair of the Education Committee which develops educational programming, including continuing education and professional development workshops and PHA’s annual conference. She has also served on the board’s executive committee and PHA Foundation since first being elected in 2006. “I’m honored to once again have the opportunity to represent my peers in homecare,” Mrs. Pascarella said. “The PHA board brings a collective strength in addressing the issues that impact home health care and challenges me to be a better director and stronger advocate for homeca...

The Bradford Owls travel to Warren tonight to battle the Dragons in a non league basketball matchup. Owls pregame on the air at 7:20 with Dave Fuhrman’s coaches show on 1490 WESB and on the web at WESB.com . Warren is 2-0 and the Owls are 1-0. Voice of the Owls Frank Williams and Tom Bowes will call the game.

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today issued the following statement after Judge Sean McLaughlin of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania issued an injunction lifting the ban on drilling permits in the Allegheny National Forest: “I’ve had confidence all along in the State’s ability to take care of the environment in the Allegheny National Forest—confidence in the local industry and the citizens of the four-county area, who have been exceptional stewards of the environment for decades. “The local stakeholders have taken care of the Forest for 86 years with the State Department of Environmental Protection providing some of the best enforcement in the Nation. It looks as if the Judge agreed the Commonwealth does not need outside environmental groups to come in and tell them how to do things. “This ruling allows companies to bring their employees back to work and plan for the future. The decision by the U.S. Forest Service t...

Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger announced today that 265 miles of streams in Pennsylvania will receive increased protection after being designated as “exceptional value” waterways by the Environmental Quality Board The waterways receiving the new designation include Young Womans Creek in Clinton, Lycoming and Potter counties; and Blue Eye Run and East Hickory Creek in Warren County.

Dr. Marius Buliga has been promoted to associate professor of mathematics with tenure at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. “Dr. Buliga is a dedicated and effective teacher,” said Dr. Yong-Zhuo Chen, professor of mathematics and chairman of the Division of Physical and Computational Sciences. “His research record is of good quality and more than sufficient to support the promotion. He is also a collegial colleague and plays a crucial leadership role by serving as the mathematics program director. I believe he will continue to make valuable contributions to our university in the years ahead.” Among the classes he has taught since joining the faculty in 2002 are Calculus I and II, Linear Algebra, Operations Research, Abstract Algebra and Numerical Analysis. Buliga’s area of research includes graph theory and the use of mathematical software and Java applets for teaching math at an undergraduate level. He is co-author of the book, “Th...

You’d think it was the middle of summer on the west coast with as quickly as the United Way of the Bradford Area is heating things up in the local community! “How is this for an update?” asked Executive Director Kelly Case, announcing that the organization has currently raised 83% of its $325,000 monetary goal. “We’ve raised that thermometer almost thirty percent in a little over a week’s time!” The annual fundraising drive ended on Tuesday, but officials say that there is still time to submit your pledge. “We are planning to make an announcement regarding goal status on January 5,” says Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “Obviously any pledges that are sent our way prior to March 31, 2010 will be counted towards this appeal, but we want to be able to say in a few short weeks where we will stand.” The office is encouraging the local community members and businesses to commit to giving to the 2009 appeal, adding that payments can be received throughout the entire 2010 calendar ...

Ten students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford presented original research about topics ranging from Otavalan textile culture to the impact of technology at the 10th Annual Penn-York Undergraduate Research Association Conference held at Hilbert College in Hamburg, N.Y. Aimee Appleby, a sociology major from Bradford, presented “Beyond the Stigma of Disabilities.” Her research looked at how non-disabled people alter their behavior when interacting with those who are visibly physically or mentally disabled. Jennifer Callahan, a sociology major from Bradford, presented “What You See and What You Can Get: Finding Romance on MySpace.” Her research examined the influence of MySpace and other social networking sites on relationships and dating. Jessica Northeimer, a sociology major from Coudersport, presented “Behavioral Changes Among Correctional Officers.” Northeimer interviewed correctional officers in a local prison to see how working with criminals has ...

Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell today said that additional spending cuts are needed to keep the current budget in balance as a result of a continuing decline in state revenues caused by a slow national economic recovery. Without additional cuts, the administration projects a revenue shortfall of $450 million when the current budget year ends June 30. That amount would represent 1.5 percent of estimated General Fund revenues. The revenue shortfall for the first five months of the fiscal year was $217 million. To address the projected shortfall, Governor Rendell has directed a freeze of $170 million, which is a less than one percent reduction in state expenditures. The state will also recoup $50 million from prior-year unspent funds and will plan to draw $230 million from a year-end surplus originally projected at $354 million. That will leave $124 million to serve as a cushion against further erosion of finances. "In developing the current budget, we were very conservative ...

State House Democratic Whip Bill DeWeese and former state Revenue Secretary Stephen Stetler, who resigned this morning, have been charged in connection with the Bonusgate investigation. DeWeese is the second former House speaker named in the investigation. Former speaker John Perzel of Philadelphia is among 10 people with ties to House Republicans who have been charged. 25 people connected to the House of Representatives have been charged so far. Thursday, in the first trial stemming from the investigation, former state representative Sean Ramaley was found not guilty of all charges. For more on this story, including video and the grand jury presentments, you can go to the attorney general's Web site .

Maureen Kohl has been appointed Olean General Hospital’s Emergency Department Manager, announced Cathleen Wright, the hospital’s Vice President/Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Maureen brings a wide array of experience to the position, holding staff and management positions in the private and public sectors,” said Ms. Wright. A graduate of Jamestown Community College’s business administration and nursing programs and also Houghton College’s business program, Ms. Kohl recently served as Emergency Department Manager at WCA Hospital in Jamestown. She also is a certified sexual assault nurse examiner and a former flight nurse and paramedic. An active member on numerous community services boards and committees, Ms. Kohl also has been recognized for her leadership in domestic violence and sexual assault. ( Photo courtesy of Upper Allegheny Health System. )

Four free H1N1 flu clinics for anyone older than six months of age will be held, starting this week, in Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) main lobby. First- and second-dose vaccination clinics will be held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday of this week and also Monday and Tuesday of next week, said BRMC officials. Those being inoculated will first have to register in BRMC’s main lobby, located off North Bennett Street. Getting the H1N1 vaccination is considered one of the best ways to reduce chances of getting the virus which has caused a global pandemic. Health officials are recommending all individuals to be inoculated. “This is the perfect time to be immunized during the current downturn before the next H1N1 flu surge occurs,” said Terrie O’Brien, BRMC’s infection control practitioner. “Ample doses of the vaccine will be available for all four days at BRMC so people should not be concerned about supplies running out during the clinics,” she said. The federal Centers...

Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m. today to announce more charges stemming from the Bonusgate investigation.

You can listen to Lady Owls/Lady Terrors basketball on 1490 WESB and online at WESB.com at 7:20 tonight. Stefan Arlington and John Marasco will call the game.

By George Nianiatus, senior writer/media manager Communications & Marketing Department Upper Allegheny Health System The chance of getting the H1N1 flu can be greatly reduced by getting a vaccination, as supplies become available, practicing good hygiene etiquette and making sure those who’ve contracted the flu stay home until their symptoms subside so it’s not spread to others. Those are just a few of the key points being made by Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) Brian Walters, D. O., Emergency Department chairman, and Rebecca Truax Miller, M.D., of Pediatric Associates as they strive to inform the public about what should be done as the global pandemic continues to unfold. Dr. Miller also is chairman of Pediatrics and president of BRMC’s Medical Staff. “Getting the vaccine is the most important prevention measure people can take,” said Dr. Miller. As more H1N1 vaccine becomes available, BRMC will schedule additional clinics, the physicians said. The H1N1 vaccine, procur...

ALBANY, NY—The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) announced today that it has made safe the 700th tractor via its innovative rollover protection system (ROPS) rebate program, the only program of its kind in the United States. Cattaraugus County fruit farmer Dave Wilbur’s International tractor was retrofitted with the assistance of the ROPS program, bringing the program to this significant milestone. “Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous industries in the U.S., with tractor overturns producing the greatest number of agricultural-related fatalities. Apart from the pain and suffering from the loss of loved ones in fatal incidents, there are many more roll-overs resulting in serious injury that have left farming families in ruin because a member of the family has been permanently maimed. The ROPS rebate program has been an important and proven means of preventing this type of heartbreaking tragedy from happening and I am proud to have worked with our far...

The Northwest Pennsylvania Adolescent Alcohol Research Cooperative has received a $3.2 million grant from the National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism to test an intervention to reduce alcohol use among rural adolescents. The cooperative is comprised of three University of Pittsburgh Centers: the Center for Rural Health Practice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the Pittsburgh Adolescent Alcohol Research Center and the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Health Care. “Rural youth are at risk of having more alcohol-related problems and earlier, too,” said Dr. Youmasu Siewe, director of the Center for Rural Health at Pitt-Bradford. “Because of the bio-psychosocial roles that physicians play in their rural medical practice communities, this study will enhance teen-physician interaction in the clinical setting and allow better assessment of under-age drinking, prevention of related psychosocial problems and fatal motor-vehicle...

Clarion County will be getting $500,000 in federal funding for a project that will enhance communications during emergency situations. Clarion County will work in partnership with the Northwest Central Emergency Response Group, which consists of Clarion, McKean, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk and Jefferson counties. The purpose of the project is promoting seamless interoperability capabilities among counties, hospitals, and regional, state and federal agencies. Also, the Area Transportation Authority of North Central PA will receive $360,000 to replace public transit vehicles in McKean, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson and Potter counties. And, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and Elk Regional Health Center will each receive $100,000 in federal funding. Charles Cole's money will go toward expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department. Elk Regional's money will go toward buying digital mammography equipment. The funding was announced today by senators Arlen Specter and Bob Cas...

House Democrats have voted down the House Republicans' attempt to interrupt the vote on Senate Bill 711 and immediately vote funding for Penn State, Pitt, Lincoln & Temple. Thank you, Scott Little!

By Tom Missel Director of Media Relations/Marketing A 1993 St. Bonaventure University graduate’s documentary film on the life of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy during the Civil War, has won the coveted 2009 Peter Rollins Film Award for Best Documentary from the American Culture Association. “Jefferson Davis: An American President” was directed, edited, co-produced and co-written by SBU alumnus Brian Gary, co-founder and CEO of Flying Chaucer Films of Los Angeles, Calif. Gary isn’t the documentary’s only connection to St. Bonaventure. One of the Civil War scholars interviewed in the film is retired SBU history professor Dr. Edward Eckert, Board of Trustees Professor Emeritus at St. Bonaventure and a former academic dean and vice president. Additionally, Gary’s SBU classmate and roommate his junior and senior years, New York City-based entertainment attorney David Davoli, is the attorney for Flying Chaucer Films and helped secure the recent nationwide release of the do...

This year's Love Lights, a Kane Area Relay for Life event, will be extended to include a ceremony at Evergreen Park Gazebo, at the point of Birch and Chestnut in Kane, on Sunday, December 20 at 6:30 p.m. It will last approximately one hour. Everyone is invited to attend. This night of celebration and remembrance will include a reading of the names for whom Love Lights were given, Christmas caroling, and hot chocolate donated by the Kane Quarterback Club. You may send a gift from the heart along with the name of the individual in whose honor or memory it was made to Shirley Milliron, 5 Easton St., Kane, PA 16735 by December 15 or at the Night of Remembrance to Conni Smith. All love lights previously purchased, and those purchased that night will be included in the reading ceremony. The Love Lights hang on lighted Christmas trees in uptown Kane (It's Judi's Place and State Farm Insurance) and in Mt. Jewett (Kaffe Sol), where forms may also be completed and a gift made....

The Bradford Owls won the Hickory Wrestling Tournament over the weekend. The Owls had two champions with Mark Havers and Jake McMurtrie both going 6-0. Evan Smith placed second with a 6-2 record. Zach Britton placed second with a 7-1 record and Zach Smith placed second with a 7-1 record too. For details on tournament scoring, click here .

Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a fugitive on the county's 10 Most Wanted List. They say a tip led them arrest 20-year-old Glen Hurrel Jr. in Forestville this morning. Deputies say that around 4 a.m. they received an anonymous tip that Hurrel was staying at a Forestville home. When they checked the home, he ran and deputies chased him into a creek, where he surrendered. Hurrel was wanted on a probation violation. He was originally arrested three years ago on burglary charges.

A Marienville man is dead after an accident Sunday night when he was ejected from his SUV. 54-year-old Gary Stewart was on Route 66 when the vehicle went out of control, hit two ditches and went airborne. When it landed, the vehicle rolled over several times and flipped end over end. Police say Stewart was found dead at the scene late Sunday night. The investigation is continuing.

An article in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader features Judge John Cleland, chairman of the Interbranch Commission on Juvennile Justice. "Cleland cited his own experience in McKean County, a rural area with few resources for juveniles in the justice system. “Somebody said we were just too far out in the boondocks, and we said, ‘Well, let’s use what the boondocks have to offer.’ ” Read the full story here .