Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The 31st annual Tony Dolan Ski for Cancer is going on until 4 p.m. today at The Westline Inn. Pictured from top, enjoying the snowy weather, and getting ready to head out to the trail. Teachers from all the Kane schools gather every year to raise money for the Cancer Society. Fran Stewart and Chris Perkins of the Cancer Society talk about the baskets full of goodies that were being raffled off. Fran, along with Betsy Dolan Esrich show off print being raffled off (during their visit to the LiveLine Wednesday). And last, but definitely not least, before they took to the trail, Ed and Deb Fidurko of East Resources (center) donated $2,000 to the Ski for Cancer. Also pictured are Cancer Society volunteers Marlene and Bill Walb, and Tim and Leda Lyon of Schlumberger.

No one was hurt when a minvan hit a school bus this morning in Eldred Township. State police say the van driven by 59-year-old Stephen Baldoni of Eldred was following the school bus on Route 446 when the bus stopped, and the van hit it. Neither Baldoni nor the bus driver, 58-year-old Karen Aames of Bradford, was hurt. Baldoni was charged with careless driving.

The Bradford Area Public Library is sponsoring Kids Derby Day, the first event of the Triple Crown leading up to the annual Derby Gala 2010. This free event is to provide a wholesome experience for our community children, while they enjoy the opportunities our public library offers. On Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 1:00 – 3:00p, Kids Derby Day will be held as a free event for our area youth. Organizers have lots of fun activities for kids to participate in. One series of events planned include horse games, facilitated by Lorraine Jacobs. Ms. Jacobs is affiliated with the Penn State Cooperative Extension of McKean County. She is the Youth Development Educator in Environment for Forestry and Natural Resources, and will be gearing her games around horse breeds. Additional fun activities include cookie decorating, story time, and a horse sticker craft. To highlight the afternoon, Missy, a Welsh / Haflinger pony will visit the library. Kristen Matheson, with Dun Dreamin’ Stable...

Watch the story from WIVB's Lorey Schultz:

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. –Tops Friendly Markets announced today that it has completed the previously announced court-approved acquisition of a majority of Penn Traffic’s assets, including its 79 supermarkets over a four-state area. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved the Tops’ bid for these assets earlier this week. The stores are located in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and New Hampshire. “We are very eager and excited to begin working with store managers and associates to best serve the grocery shopping needs of our new neighbors and customers,” said Frank Curci, Tops’ president and CEO. “We’d like to thank everyone who worked and supported us in our efforts with this acquisition to retain as many jobs as possible, especially UFCW Local One, C&S Wholesale Grocers and Sen. Charles Schumer, and his staff, without whose help this deal would not have been possible. ” he said. Curci said all stores will remain open and operating through a transition services agreement with Penn Traffic wh...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford recognized 10 faculty members celebrating service anniversaries at dinner held at Kelly’s Restaurant. Dr. Marvin Thomas, professor of history and senior member of the faculty, was honored for 40 years. Thomas is a recipient of the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association’s Teaching Excellence Award and regales the community with a public multimedia lecture each year. Past topics have included Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. He holds a doctoral degree in history from Penn State and a master of arts in history from Columbia University. Dr. Richard Frederick, professor of history, was honored for 30 years. Another popular lecturer, Frederick has given talks on the election of 1800 and the assassination of John F. Kennedy and has sat on panels for several discussions. Recently he finished a manuscript for the biography of William Howard Taft. Honored for 25 years service were Dr. Assad Panah, pro...

WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), who has outlined a job creation tax credit to provide a 20% credit to small businesses and a 15% credit to larger businesses on increases in payroll, welcomed the continued discussion of the details of a job creation tax credit as President Obama outlined his proposal. “I’m pleased that President Obama is continuing to advocate for a job creation tax credit. Economists and the Congressional Budget Office have identified such a credit as one of the best ways to put Americans back to work and to boost the economy. “The Senate is expected to take up jobs legislation soon. I look forward to continuing to work with the White House and my Senate colleagues to pass a job creation tax credit and to help small businesses and the 560,000 unemployed Pennsylvanians.” Senator Casey’s proposal builds upon the jobs tax credit enacted in 1977 and was responsible for the creation of 700,000 jobs. Employers who increase their payroll by hiring new employees ...

An earful of toe-tapping music, tasty food and a chance to laugh and mingle are the ingredients that will draw many residents from The Pavilion at BRMC and other guests to attend the fourth annual SNO-Ball party on Friday, Feb. 12, starting 6:30 p.m., at the facility’s second-floor lounge. Another highlight of the Valentine’s Day-themed party will be crowning the king and queen from among Pavilion residents. Music performed by accordianist John Berne will give corsage- and boutonniere-adorned Pavilion residents an opportunity to dance with University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students who will be in formal attire. There also will be food and refreshments for all guests who attend,” said Karen Sutherland, ADC, CDP, The Pavilion’s activities director. “It’s a very nice event for us,” said Pavilion resident Dawn Taylor. “We appreciate all the work the students do for us at this annual event.” The SNO-Ball was started by Pitt-Bradford’s Student Nurses’ Organization (SNO) as a way to give T...

Mayville, NY - As part of a nationwide effort to spread the word about women and heart disease, the Chautauqua County Health Department will join thousands of Americans in celebrating National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 5, 2010. You, your family, friends, and coworkers are also encouraged to wear red to unite in the national movement to give women a personal and urgent wakeup call about their risk of heart disease. A simple Red Dress works as a visual red alert to get the message heard loud and clear: "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear-It's the #1 Killer of Women." One in every three women dies of heart disease. One in 30 dies of breast cancer. Two-thirds of American women who have had a heart attack don't make a full recovery. "Women often do not take their risk of heart disease seriously and fail to make the connection between risk factors and their own chance of developing heart disease," said Christine Schuyler, County Public Health Dire...

The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive $52,079 from the federal government. The funding is contained in Round 1 of the competitive Fiscal Year 2009 Fire Grants Award announcements. These awards are administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. U.S. Senator Arlen Specter made the announcement today.

John Chaney and Rollie Massimino have been inducted into Philadelphia's Big 5 Hall of Fame. Chaney finished his coaching career with 741 wins and led theTemple Owls to 17 NCAA tournaments, while Massimino led the eighth-seeded Villanova Wildcats to the 1985 national championship over heavy favorite Georgetown. The Big 5 is made up of St Joseph's, Villanova, La Salle, Penn and Temple. Temple, LaSalle and St. Joseph's are also in the Atlantic 10.

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the plans, and unveiled the likeness, for the Bill Mazeroski statue, which is scheduled to be erected at PNC Park later this summer – the 50th anniversary of the Pirates 1960 World Championship season. The announcement was made by Pirates Chairman of the Board, Bob Nutting. The statue will feature the likeness of Mazeroski rounding the bases after his famous home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the heavily favored Yankees in the 1960 World Series. The “Tribute to Maz” is scheduled to be unveiled on Sunday, September 5, prior to the Pirates taking on the Washington Nationals. “Bill’s story is an inspirational one, not only because of his Hall of Fame career on the field, but for the way he continues to represent himself and the Pirates off of it. He has set a high bar for humility and grace that we should all strive to reach,” said Nutting. “His famous home run did much more than win the World Series, it was a moment that has inspire...

The Free Family Film Fest will kick off its fifth season on Saturday, January 30th with the movie “Madagascar”. Released in 2005, this animated film follows four best friends, a loin, a zebra, a giraffe and a hippo. When one of the four is missing from his cage at the New York Central Park Zoo, the other three escape and go searching, only to find him on a ship en route to Africa. The four friends then learn what life is like in the wild after being raised in captivity. The Film Fest is open to children of all ages. However, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The program will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and attendees are encouraged to arrive early at the Bradford Main Street Movie House so that they can register and enter the drawing for a bicycle, donated by Just Riding Along. The drawing for the bicycle will be held at the conclusion of the series on Saturday, February 27th. Additionally, each child will receive a free bag of candy and will be eligible t...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford African-American Student Union will hold an all-night dance-a-thon this weekend to benefit hunger relief programs in Bradford. The event begins at 9 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 30) night in the Tom L. McDowell Fieldhouse in the Sport and Fitness Center and ends at 9 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 31). Supervision will be provided by Pitt-Bradford faculty and staff. The public is welcome. Cost to participate is $3. Entry fee for non-participants is $1. Water, snacks and energy bars will be served. Proceeds from the event will go to the Let’s Can Hunger Campaign, which will provide food for The Friendship Table, Bradford YWCA and Salvation Army. For more information or dance rules, contact Angelique Lindsay at (267)471-4374 or arl40@pitt.edu . For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or arj4@pitt.edu .

An Olean man has been indicted on burglary and robbery charges. 20-year-old Alan Miller is accused of breaking into a North First Street home on December 4. He allegedly stole money and assaulted a resident. He's scheduled for arraignment Monday in Cattaraugus County Court.

A Marienville man has been indicted on child pornography charges. 47-year-old Gregory Lee Best allegedly received and possessed computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

Bradford Township Police are asking that people use caution while driving in the area of the Pennhills Club. An accident this morning knocked down a utility pole, which is being replaced.

WASHINGTON, DC – Tomorrow in Baltimore, Maryland, President Obama will announce details of the Small Business Jobs and Wages Tax Cut, one of his new proposals to create good jobs in America. In last night’s State of the Union Address, President Obama outlined a series of ways he will fight to create good paying jobs and continue our economic recovery. One of these proposals, the Small Business Jobs and Wages Tax Cut, will put more Americans back to work by giving businesses – particularly small business – a tax cut for new hiring. The new proposal will also provide tax incentives for businesses to expand wages for their employees. Through the Small Business Jobs and Wages Tax Cut: · Businesses will receive a $5,000 tax credit for every net new employee that they employ in 2010. The total amount of the credit for any one firm will be capped at $500,000, to ensure that the majority of the benefit is targeted at small businesses. Start –ups will be eligible for half of the t...

Marian Hamilton, the daughter of Marshall and Deborah Hamilton has been diagnosed with Congenital Hyper Insulinism. This is a rare disease that affects roughly 1 in 50,000 people throughout the world. The disease affects the insulin producing cells on Marian's pancreas causing her to produce too much insulin. At birth, her blood sugar level was in the teens. Marian has been receiving treatment at the Childrenâ?Ts Hospital of Philadelphia over the past 18 months. She is living with an NG tube since birth as a means of delivering dextrose to her stomach and helping her maintain blood sugar over 70. Marian is truly a miracle. With a birth weight of 1lb 4 ounces, she has come a long way. Her team of endocrinologists has determined that pancreatic surgery is needed to help Marian maintain healthy blood glucose levels. Children's Miracle Network of Elmira, NY helped fund a trip for Marian and her parents to travel to NYC to learn more about congenital hyperinsulinism and talk with ...

American Refining Group will be conducting annual fire extinguisher training for employees starting at 12:30 Friday after non. The training involves extinguishing live fires at the fire training grounds off Bolivar Drive at Foster Brook. People may notice smoke from the fires. Other training days are February 5, 12 and 19.

One of the Bradford City firefighters injured while battling a blaze on Euclid Avenue this afternoon is being treated in a Buffalo hospital. Firefighter Todd McClain breathed in hot smoke and gasses, and is being treated at ECMC. Firefighter Greg Lewis was hurt when he fell from the roof of the house. He was treated at Bradford Regional Medical Center and released. Lt. Chris Angell said firefighters were called to 122 Euclid Avenue at 2:15 p.m. Heavy smoke and flames were showing when they arrived. Angell said they called a second alarm, which means all off duty personnel are called in and Derrick City is called to stand by at the East Bradford Station. Tower One, Engine One and Engine Two, along with 15 firefighters, were on the scene for almost 2 1/2 hours. The house was a total loss. Angell said Fire Chief Boo Coder is trying to track down the owners.

Fire damaged an old gas station in Fox Township early this morning. The Old Laurel Run Food and Fuel at the intersection of Fern Lane and Route 255 had been closed for several years. The electricity to the building had recently been turned back on and remodeling work had begun on the inside of the building, according to State Police Fire Marshal Greg Agosti. Agosit and Fox Township Fire Chief Scott Surra investigated and determined the fire was accidental. Damage is estimated at $125,000. The owner is Sultan Rahman of New York, New York. No injuries were reported.

Governor Ed Rendell says his administration is taking new steps to ensure public safety while drilling companies rush to the Marcellus Shale gas formation, but a state representative says the Commonwealth should just put the brakes on drilling. Rendell said today the DEP is hiring 68 more inspectors to monitor a growing number of well sites, and writing tougher rules to prevent gas from leaking into nearby homes and water wells. The new rules would require companies to inspect wells more often and restore water supplies polluted by drillng. The new inspectors would be paid for by drilling permits fees. Meanwhile State Representative Greg Vitali, a Democrat from Delaware County, says the state should stop leasing state-owned land for Marcellus Shale drilling. His legilsation would place a five-year moratorium on leasing additional state land in the Marcellus Shale region for drilling He said with thousands of wells expected on state land, no one knows what will happen to the land. ...

Starting next week, there will be a temporary change in blood-draw hours at Smethport Family Practice at 406 Franklin St., a satellite location of Bradford Regional Medical Center. “Due to decreased testing volumes at this time, we are adjusting the hours at the draw site. Blood-draw hours will be 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday,” according to Ron Truax, BRMC’s laboratory technical director. “These new hours will begin next week.” During this period, “We will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” he said. “We will notify the public when blood-draw hours are expanded,” Mr. Truax noted.

Accused murderer Greggory Theobald appeared in McKean County Court today for his formal arraignment on charges related to the murder of Megan Konopka in September. Theobald and Thomas Haggie allegedly killed Konopka and her unborn child in a room at the Riddell House. Konopka was 8 1/2 months pregnant at the time of her murder. McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn has informed Theobald and Haggie that he intends to seek the death penalty in the case.

A Port Allegany man died in the crash that had Route 6 in Potter County closed for most of the day. 46-year-old Joseph Engl of Sartwell Creek Road was taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, then transferred to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, where he died. Police say the crash happened at around 8 a.m. when Engl's car went out of control on the snow-covered road, started fishtailing and entered the opposite lane of travel in front of a tractor trailer driven by 53-year-old Dale Hagerich of Johnstown. The vehicles collided head on and Engl was ejected from his car. Hagerich was not hurt. The collision caused a large amount of fuel and oil to spill onto the road. HazMat crews were on the scene for 6 hours to clean up the spill. The Coudersport Volunteer Fire Company, Roulette Fire Department, Coudersport Ambulance Service and Potter County EMA were on the scene.

Route 6 between Roulette and Coudersport has been re-opened. It had been closed since about 8:20 this morning when a tractor-trailer and another vehicle collided, causing a hazmat spill. Police say they will release further information about the crash when it's available.

State police say Route 6 between Roulette and Coudersport is still closed and will not re-open until the HazMat spill is cleaned up, which could take several more hours. The accident happened when a tractor-trailer and another vehicle collided at about 8:20 this morning in Eualalia Township near the Roulette Township line. Detours are in place. Police say they will release more information when it beceomes available.

All evening activities in the Oswayo Valley School District have been canceled for tonight because of the weather.

From CNN: J.D. Salinger, author of "The Catcher in the Rye" has died, according to his literary agent. From a news release: J.D. Salinger, author of the classic “The Catcher in the Rye,” has died at the age of 91 of natural causes. Gaining almost as much notoriety for his reclusive nature as for literary work Salinger spent decades living in near isolation in his remote home in Cornish, New Hampshire. He had refused to give interviews for the past thirty years and hadn’t published a new piece of literature in nearly fifty years. Despite Salinger’s desire to slip away from the public eye he remained a central figure in literature due in large part to a character he introduced in a short story entitled “Slight Rebellion off Madison.” That character, Holden Caulfield, would reappear in Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and he quickly became the symbol of the teenage protagonist and rebellion. While Salinger never intended for his most famous work to be embraced by teenagers t...

New York State will be receiving $151 million in federal stimulus money for railroad projects, and some of it is going to Buffalo. U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand says. “Building high-speed rail here will connect more commuters and businesses, create jobs immediately and help rebuild our economy for the long term. We’ve worked hard for a long time to bring high-speed rail to New York. This round of funding is just the first step in our efforts to secure what New York needs to achieve true high-speed rail connectivity. I will keep fighting to make sure New York gets more high speed rail funding in future rounds.” Part of the money will go toward rehabilitation of the Buffalo-Depew station facilities to a state of good repair and accessibility upgrades to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Baritone Sidney Outlaw performed this morning for students in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s freshman seminar on campus. Outlaw is this semester’s Marilyn Horne Foundation Residency Recitalist. He spent Wednesday performing for and giving a master class to students from Olean (N.Y.) and this afternoon performing for students from St. Bernard Elementary School and the Bradford Area Christian Academy. He will perform for the public at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 30) in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. Tickets are $10 for the public. All students are free. Outlaw takes the place of contralto Meredith Arwady, who was unable to perform due to illness. This is the final Marilyn Horne Foundation recital in Bradford. ( Photo courtesy of Pitt-Bradford )

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett joined colleagues from several other Great Lakes states in calling for a national discussion concerning the environmental and economic threat posed by Asian Carp. Attorneys General from Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin contacted the White House on Monday, January 25th, formally requesting participation in a proposed state-federal summit to address the Asian Carp crisis. "As chief legal and law enforcement officers for our states, we all serve on the front-lines of a struggle to protect the ecology and economy of our region," Corbett said. "Any discussion about addressing the threat posed by Asian Carp should include the Attorneys General from all concerned states." Corbett said that Pennsylvania has joined with Michigan and other states in a federal lawsuit to close shipping locks near Chicago, in an effort to prevent Asian Carp from entering Lake Michigan. The states have argued that the spread of this in...

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding stands with the top five contestants in the 2010 PA Fair Queen contest on Jan. 23. From left to right are Franklin County Fair Queen Sarah Signore, 2010 First Runner-Up PA Fair Queen Tate Slaven, 2010 PA Fair Queen Casey Hall, Redding, Butler Fair Queen Gretchen Perschke and Somerset County Fair Queen Emily Maurer. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding congratulates 2010 First Runner-Up PA Fair Queen Tate Slaven of McKean County and 2010 PA Fair Queen Casey Hall of Bradford County at the contest on Jan. 23. Tate is a senior at Bradford Area High School. Photos provided by the State Department of Agriculture

Stae Police say Route 6 between Roulette and Coudersport is still closed due to a motor vehicle accident with a fuel spill. Police anticipate that "the road closure will be lengthy." The accident happened in Eulalia Township near the Roulette Township line at around 8:20 a.m.

Route 6 is closed between Roulette and Coudersport because of a two-vehicle crash with a fuel spill. State police say the road will be closed for a lengthy period of time. Detours are Dingman Road to Fishing Creek Road to Route 6 in Roulette; and Route 155 in Port Allegany to Route 607 to Austin, Route 872 to Coudersport.

Harrisburg – All services at PennDOT Driver License and Photo Centers across the state will resume during regular business hours today, Thursday, Jan. 28. Centers were temporarily unable to issues driver’s licenses, identification cards or take photos yesterday, due to a fiber optic line cut by a contractor working near one of PennDOT’s facilities.

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, made the following statement on the President’s State of the Union speech based on an early outline received from the White House: “Tonight the President asked both Democrats and Republicans to work on health care reform. I have been ready to work with them since I came to Congress a year ago. I hope the President is serious in looking at some of the reforms we have proposed that do not raise taxes, cut Medicare or put government in the business of running our health care. These include bringing costs down for everybody with tort reform, allowing buyers to cross state lines to purchase their health care packages, and allowing states to develop high risk pools so that those with pre-existing conditions can purchase health care. “The President wants a jobs bill that includes investments in small businesses, road, bridge, rail and port projects and in what he calls `Green jobs and clean energy.’ If green jobs and clea...

Accused murderer Greggory Theobald is scheduled to appear in McKean County Court Thursday for a formal arraignment on charges related to the murder of Megan Konopka in September. Prosecutors are expected to formally inform Theobald that they intend to seek the death penalty in the case. Theobald and Thomas Haggie allegedly killed Konopka and her unborn child in a room at the Riddell House. Konopka was 8 1/2 months pregnant at the time of her murder.

Zippo is recalling its Zippo Slatkin & Co. Candle lighters because it could possibly burn consumers, although no injuries have been reported. This is a voluntary recall in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The hazard is that the lighters can produce an excessive flame when adjusted to the maximum flame setting, posing a burn hazard to consumers. The lighters are sold at Bath & Body Works and White Barn Candle stores, as well as online. They're made in China, not in Bradford. Consumers are being advised to stop using the product and contact Zippo for information on how to return the black adjuster knob, and receiving a free replacement candle lighter.

Washington, DC — Senators Bob Casey and Barbara Boxer joined Leo Gerard of the United Steelworkers Union, Edward Wytkind of the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department and Dennis Slater of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers at a press conference this morning to discuss the importance of infrastructure investments as a method of putting Americans back to work. Last year, infrastructure companies, trade associations and labor unions banded together to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This year, the same coalition supports efforts to create jobs through infrastructure projects. Senate Democrats are currently working to develop and pass new initiatives that will spur job creation. Senator Casey said: “With 560,000 Pennsylvanians and 15 million Americans out of work, job creation is our number one priority. Investments we have made in infrastructure have helped create jobs and build local communities. We must continue to respond to the struggles of the American...

A Smethport man has waived his preliminary hearing on charges that he had sex with a teenage girl, who is now pregnant with his child. 26-year-old Stephan Belt is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, aggravated assault, indecent assault and corruption of minors in connection with incidents in April and/or May of last year at the Riddell House. State police say they learned from McKean County Children and Youth Services that a 15-year-old was pregnant. She told police she didn't know who the father was, but a couple of weeks later Belt told police he had sex with the girl two or three times, but not since they learned she was pregnant. Court papers field in District Judge Dom Cercone's office indicate that Belt and the girl are planning to get married when she turns 16 in June, and they have her parents' permission. Belt is free on unsecured bail.

A Bradford man has waived his preliminary hearing on three counts of failing to comply with Megan's Law regulations. 27-year-old Joseph Kelsey of West Corydon Street was released from McKean County Jail on September 9 and didn't report his status change for 54 hours and 6 minutes, according to papers filed in District Judge Dom Cercone's office. Megan's Law requires that offenders report a change within 48 hours. On September 16, state police received a report from the jail saying Kelsey had been released. They also learned from Bradford City Police that Kelsey didn't report a change of address. He also allegedly misrepresented his employment status. Kelsey is in jail on $5,000 bail.

Baritone Sidney Outlaw is replacing the previously announced contralto Meredith Arwady for the final Marilyn Horne Residency Recital Jan. 30. Arwady was unable to perform after becoming ill. Outlaw and his accompanist, Carol Wong, will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Bromeley Family Theater of Blaisdell Hall. Cost is $10 for the public, $8 for faculty and staff and free for students. This is part of the university’s Spectrum Series. Outlaw will perform works by Henri Duparc, Johannes Brahms, Ambroise Thomas, Modest Mussorgsky, Wayne Oquin and Hall Johnson. The piece by Oquin is based on texts by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including his “I Have a Dream” speech. Outlaw presented his debut recital under the auspices of the Marilyn Horne Foundation’s “On Wings of Song” recital series in February 2007. Later that year, he made his debut at Avery Fisher Hall as the soloist for The Beethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor. In addition, Outla...

Weather forecasters are predicting the chance for blinding snow squalls tomorrow as an arctic front is expected to cross Pennsylvania. PennDOT is urging drivers to slow down, pay attention and use caution on area roadways, especially during snow squalls that are possible in the region tomorrow. If snow squalls do impact the area, motorists need to be alert for rapidly changing road and weather conditions. Also, heavy squalls can cause whiteout conditions, virtually eliminating a driver's visibility. PennDOT offers this advice: *Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions. *Turn on your headlights. *Stay in your lane. *Increase your following distance. *Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient. *Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required. *Use defroster and wipers. *Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice. *During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible...

The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee today (January 26) unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) that will bar the state from citing groups that sell commonly prepared baked goods. Senate Bill 828 eliminates the ability of the Department of Agriculture to cite non-profit community groups such as churches, booster clubs and volunteer fire companies for selling non-potentially hazardous home-baked food at fundraisers. "I am pleased that the Committee reported out this bill," Senator Vogel said. "This is a good first step in moving this bill forward." Senator Vogel introduced Senate Bill 828 after the Department of Agriculture cited a local church for selling homemade baked goods prepared by ladies of the church at a Lenten fish fry fundraiser. "I believe we should all be concerned about food safety. However, I also believe that the Commonwealth could make much better use of its resources than to pursue volunteers ...

Due to a fiber optic line cut by a contractor working near one of PennDOT’s facilities, it is expected that PennDOT Driver License and Photo Centers across the state will be unable to issue driver’s licenses, identification cards or take photos for the remainder of Jan. 27. Knowledge and on-the-road skills tests are still being administered at all ocations. PennDOT will provide an update as soon as services are restored.

Mayville, NY -- Carrying on a tradition that has lasted for nearly two decades, the Chautauqua County Sports Fishery Advisory Board is again sponsoring the Annual "Spring Fishing Essay Contest for Chautauqua County". Now in its 18th year, the contest is for elementary and middle school students in Grades 3 through 6. The contest is open to all students attending public and private schools, and any home schooled student living in Chautauqua County. "Last year, we received well over 700 entries for the essay contest," said Sports Fishery Advisory Board Chairman Zen Olow. "This shows that there continues to be a real interest in fishing and lake ecology in Chautauqua County." The topic of the 2010 contest is; "Fishing in Chautauqua County is fun….Where would you go and who would you like to fish with?" Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards said, "Fishing is an important recreational activity within our region. I am excited to see the...

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) will be holding satellite office hours at six different sites in Clearfield and Elk counties over the next three months. "I believe it is important to reach out to citizens across the district and offer constituent services in the most effective and efficient way possible," said Gabler. "I am very excited that we will be able to partner with local organizations in towns throughout Clearfield and Elk Counties to bring these enhanced services at no additional cost to the taxpayers." Gabler's February satellite offices will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations: · Tuesday, Feb. 2, Jay Township Municipal Building, 81 East Teaberry Street, Weedville. · Thursday, Feb, 4, Wilcox Library, 536 Marvin Street, Wilcox. · Tuesday, Feb. 9, Huston Township Building, 12024 Bennetts Valley Highway, Penfield. · Thursday, Feb. 11, Johnsonburg Borough Office, 100 Main Street, John...

PETA wants Punxsutawney Phil to be replaced with a robot. The animal rights group say it's unfair to keep the groundhog in captivity and subject him to the bright lights and tens of thousands of visitors each February 2 in Punxsutawney. But William Deeley, president of the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, says Phil is treated better than the average child in Pennsylvania. The groundhog is kept in a climate-controlled environment and is inspected annually by the state Department of Agriculture. Deeley says PETA is looking out for publicity, not Phil's well-being. We're sure PETA got the idea of a robotic groundhog from the East Bradford Business Association's Tarport Tony.

Supermarket chain Price Chopper is suing Penn Traffic for breach of contract over its effort to buy 22 of the bankrupt company's 79 stores. Price Chopper, a 119-store chain based in Schenectady, New York, offered $54 million in December for 19 P&C stores in New York and three others in New Hampshire, Vermont and Pennsylvania. Tops Friendly Markets stepped in with a bid earlier this month to buy all of Penn Traffic's stores for $85 million in cash. The US Bankruptcy Court in Delaware accepted Tops' bid on Monday. Price Chopper is seeking $1.6 million in damages, saying Penn Traffic breached a private sale agreement negotiated in mid-December.

A South Dayton man has been arrested for assaulting and harassing his girlfriend. Sheriff's deputies say 28-year-old Jason Dunning assaulted the woman and called her on the telephone 114 times after being told not to. Dunning will appear in court at a later date.

A Warren man died in a one vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon on Route 1015 in Pine Grove Township. State Police say a vehicle driven by 38-year-old Sheri Hawkins went off the road, hit an embankment and rolled onto its roof. A passenger in Hawkin's vehicle, 48-year-old Michael Piazza, was partially ejected and trapped under the vehicle. Piazza was pronounced dead at the scene. Hawkins was taken to Warren General Hospital for treatment of injuries.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director A new restaurant may be coming to Bradford, and a restaurant that's already in town will be getting a liquor license. OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews said during Tuesday's city council meeting that at least two parties are interested in opening a restaurant at 109 Main Street, which was most recently La Herradura. The OECD is currently renovating the building and that project was more involved than they thought it would be. "We found that an entire floor of the building was rotted and we had to replace the entire floor," Andrews said. She said she hopes her crew is finished with the renovations by the end of the week. After that, she said, "we can start more aggressively working at (getting) some type of restaurant" back in the building. Also Tuesday, council approved the transfer of a liquor license from Mount Jewett to Pizza Napoli on West Washington Street in Bradford. Main Street resident David Newman said he...

City Council has taken another step toward "Building a Better Bradford." During its meeting Tuesday, council authorized OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews to execute a letter of intent with the Pennsylvania Alliance for Cooperative Innovation to define and develop a strategy to accelerate the Building a Better Bradford business vision. The letter of intent consists of a three-step process that will explore development projects in downtown Bradford by three collaborative partners, including the city's Office of Economic and Community Development the PA-AFCI and the Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corporation. The initial focus and planning will target a set of projects known as Pine Street revitalization, with an aqua-thermal energy district pilot component in concert with downtown housing revitalization. The letter of intent represents the first phase of the multi-step development, which is expected to take 90 days. Then, the project team expects to move immediately in...

A Driftwood man is facing DUI charges after an accident Monday night in Cameron County. State police say 74-year-old Kenneth Kelso was driving on Route 120 when his pickup truck went off the road, over an embankment and hit several trees. Police say Kelso was not wearing a seat belt and suffered minor injuries. They added that DUI charges will be filed.

The cause of a fire that damaged a Ulysses home Monday evening is still under investigation. The fire was reported at about 6:25 p.m. Monday at 404 State Street. A state police fire marshal and Tri-Town Fire Department Chief Roy Hunt are investigating. Damage is estimated at $6,000

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Office of Outreach Services will hold a series of four 90-minute Web-based sessions called “Your Business & Marcellus Shale: Voices of Experience” beginning Jan. 27. Sessions take place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 27 and Feb. 3, 10 and 17 in Room 162 of Swarts Hall on the Pitt-Bradford campus. There is a cost of $20 per webinar, which includes continental breakfast. Attend all four for $70. The series will help entrepreneurs and established small- and medium-sized businesses understand and reply to Marcellus Shale-related business opportunities. Individual session topics are: Jan. 27, “Local Business Success Stories and Lessons Learned, Part 1”; Feb. 3, “Working with the Industry: Natural Gas Company Perspectives”; Feb. 10, “Local Business Success Stories and Lessons Learned, Part 2”; Feb. 17, “Partnering – Industry and Local Business Panel.” “We had a series like this in the fall, and it was so successful that we decided to host the second s...

HARRISBURG --The State House of Representatives today gave final approval to legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) that would honor a local soldier who died in Iraq by naming a bridge after him. The legislation would name a portion of Route 219 over the Little Toby Creek, Brockway Borough, the Christopher E. Loudon Memorial Bridge. Senate Bill 380 now goes to the Governor for his signature. “This is a fitting tribute to Second Lieutenant Loudon who died in Baghdad, Iraq, in October of 2006 while serving his country as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Scarnati said. “A sign displaying his name will be erected at the bridge to honor his memory and his brave service and sacrifice.” Loudon was born in the City of DuBois, Clearfield County, and graduated from Slippery Rock University with a degree in environmental science in 2005. After graduation, Loudon entered the United States Army on September 9, 2005, was commissioned as an infantry officer and was assigne...

A Chautauqua County man has pleaded guilty to shooting and killing his stepfather in September. The trial for 20-year-old Daniel Hyers was scheuduled to start today with jury selection, but Hyers entered the guilty plea instead of going ahead with the trial. Hyers shot 51-year-old Dean Nagel mulitiple times in the head inside Nagel's home in Villenova. Hyers faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

The Pennsylvania House has passed a bill that would ban the use of hand-held cell phones while driving in the Commonwealth. The measure would also give police the authority to pull drivers over if they're suspected of texting or using a hand-held cell phone. There is an exception for calling 911. Violators would face a $50 fine. The bill now goes to the state Senate.

State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is seeking information about Vietnam Era veterans living in the 67th District so he can honor them for their service to our country. "Like the soldiers who served before them and after them, Vietnam veterans made great sacrifices for our country," Causer said. "But their sacrifice was magnified by the fact that so few of these veterans were warmly welcomed home or thanked for their service because of the controversy surrounding that war. "It is time to extend our thanks and appreciation to the men and women who served during this difficult time in our nation's history." Causer is asking area veterans to contact his Bradford office at 814-362-4400 (toll-free 1-866-437-8181) to provide him with their names, mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers, branch of service and years of service. Veterans can also register online at RepCauser.com . All veterans who contact the office will be invited to a recognition c...

Clearfield –The following state roads in north central and south central Pennsylvania are currently closed due to flooding: Clinton County SR 1005 (McElhatten Drive/Park Avenue) in Dunstable Township from Woodward Avenue to Big Plum Run Road; SR 4001 (Kettle Creek Road) at the Bush Dam; Potter County SR 4017 (Shaytown Road/Oswayo Street/Sunnyside Road) in Sharon Township from Gadsby Hollow Road to Oswayo Street in the village of Shinglehouse; Mifflin County SR 103 from Wharton Road in Wayne Township to Licking Creek Road in Bratton Township

Hundreds of state troopers and other police officers from around the country attended funeral services today for New York State Trooper Jill Mattice who died last week in a crash near Binghamton. Family friend Nick Van Heeren spoke during the services about Mattice's enthusiasm and passion for life. "Super Trooper Jill was a young lady who spent her breath wisely," Van Heeren said. New York Governor David Paterson also spoke at the funeral to offer his condolences and support on behalf of the state. Paterson also ordered flags in the state to be at half-staff today in honor of Mattice. Mattice was the first female New York State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty.

Jury selection is scheduled to start today in the trial of a Chautauqua County man accused of shooting and killing his stepfather. 20-year-old Daniel Hyers is accused of shooting Dean Nagel in the head multiple times on September 9 in Nagel's home in the Town of Villenova. After a day-long search in Chautauqua and Erie counties, Sheriff Joe Gerace spotted Hyers walking down the street and arrested him.

St. Bonaventure University students will team up with area firefighters Friday morning for a boot drive to raise money for devastated Haiti. Students and firefighters will be stationed at busy intersections in the Olean area from 7 until 10 a.m. Friday. All the money raised will go toward Haitian relief efforts, including Food for the Poor, Hands on Direct Relief and the Carroll County Haiti Mission Project, said Dr. Todd Palmer, adviser for SBU’s Students in Free Enterprise. “St. Bonaventure has a history of working with local firefighters,” Palmer said. “We raised $45,000 during a boot drive after Hurricane Katrina.” The boot drive is co-sponsored at the university by SIFE, BonaResponds, University Ministries, and the Center for Community Engagement. Since 2005, BonaResponds and SIFE have been actively involved in local, national and international disaster relief efforts.

Several people have been sentenced in Cattaraugus County Court on drug charges. Stacie Callowy of Olean will spend 5 years in prison for attempting to sell crack cocaine on September 25 in Olean. Christopher Downey of Kill Buck will spend 2 years in prison for attempting to sell crack cocaine in Salamanca on March 7, 2008. Donald Watson Jr. of Salamanca will spend a year in prison for attempting to sell crack cocaine on March 10, 2008, in Salamanca. Traivel Daneils of Buffalo will spend 5 years on probation for possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it on March 27 in Olean. Several people have pleaded guilty to drug charges in Cattaraugus County Court. Vincent Marra Sr. of Olean attempted to sell crack cocaine on April 17 in Olean. Frank Cole, who is currently in Cattaraugus County Jail, attempted to sell a narcotic preparation on April 17 in Olean. Romaine Harris Jr., who is also in Cattaraugus County Jail, attempted to possess crack cocaine on May 29, 2008, in Olean with intent t...

Flooding is being blamed for an accident Monday morning in St. Marys. Police say 86-year-old Stephen Iorfido of Johnsonburg was drivng on Johnsonburg Road at around 11:25 a.m. when he came upon an area of the road that was flooded. He was unable to stop and the vehicle went out of control, hit an embankment and rolled onto its side. Iorfido refused medical treatment at the scene, but was later taken to Elk Regional Health Center by private vehicle.

A Portville man has pleaded not guilty to rape. Prosecutors say 21-year-old Daniel Cleason sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl at a home in Portville last May. Cleason is also charged with sexual misconduct and endangering the welfare of a child. The matter has been adjourned for motions.

Clearfield –The following state roads in north central and south central Pennsylvania are currently closed due to flooding: Cameron County Sinnemahoning Bridge on SR 2001 (Quehanna Highway/Wykoff Run Road) near the “Willows”; Clinton County SR 4002 (Keating Road/Keating Mountain Road) in East Keating Township from Vincent Road to Bucktail Trail Highway; SR 1005 (McElhatten Drive/Park Avenue) in Dunstable Township from Woodward Avenue to Big Plum Run Road; SR 4001 (Kettle Creek Road) at the Bush Dam; McKean County SR 155 at the intersection of Main Street in the borough of Port Allegany; Mifflin County SR 103 from Wharton Road in Wayne Township to Licking Creek Road in Bratton Township Potter County SR 3001 (East Fork Road) in Wharton Township at the intersection of Jordan Run Road; SR 4017 (Shaytown Road/Oswayo Street/Sunnyside Road) in Sharon Township from Gadsby Hollow Road to Oswayo Street in the village of Shinglehouse;

Potter County Commissioners have signed a disaster declaration because of the flooding that started Monday. All municipal officials are being asked to take pictures of the damaged roads before they are repaired and to submit the necessary documentation to the Potter County Department of Emergency Services as soon as possible. Potter County DES will be working with the PA Emergency Management Agency in hopes to obtain federal funding to assist the local municipalities.

New Table Games Act a Bad Gamble The new table games law is a bad gamble for Pennsylvania. It was pushed through following the governor’s threat that he would lay off state workers if a bill wasn’t signed by the first week of January. The political process should not operate that way. There are too many holes in the legislation, especially when it comes to special interests. There is still no measure in the bill prohibiting lobbyists and licensed gaming entity representatives from having a financial interest in a casino. Allowing lobbyists and their immediate family to have a financial interest can lead to corruption and it is inconsistent with the lobbying disclosure law, which is intended to prevent contingency basis lobbying. Under the law, lobbyists cannot receive pay or bonuses contingent upon legislative or administrative action. Why should lobbyists have the ability to exploit a loophole to enrich themselves and their families at the expense of taxpayers? In Philadelphia, there ...

McKean County has been awarded $32,459 in federal funding under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP). This award will supplement emergency food and shelter programs in McKean County. The National Board is comprised of representatives from health and human service agencies across the country. The United States Congress appropriates funds annually to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas nationally. The local board, made up of representatives from McKean County, will determine how the funds will be distributed. Local agency representation includes The Salvation Army, McKean/Potter Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of the Bradford Area, Catholic Charities, Ministerial Association and the YWCA of Bradford. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local organizations chosen to receive the funds must: 1) be private, voluntary non-profit organizations or units of government, 2) have an accounting syst...