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Showing posts from December 15, 2013

Corbetts Deliver Christmas Cards to Veteran's Home

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First Lady Susan Corbett, along with Governor Tom Corbett (not pictured) delivered Christmas cards to residents at the Delaware Valley Veteran’s Home in Philadelphia. The cards were signed by staff at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs (DMVA) headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Dispatcher Receives SmartSave Award

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Pictured, Dispatcher Michael Katta (left) and Sheriff Joe Gerace Photo provided by Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Northwest Savings Bank Announces
AuToMatic Deposit in Bradford, Kane

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Northwest Savings Bank upgraded Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Bradford and Kane to accept cash and check deposits. The new service will allow Northwest customers to make a deposit through the ATM, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without envelopes or deposit slips. “We are extremely excited to bring our new depository ATMs to Bradford (and Kane). The upgrade will give our customers the ability to make deposits 24/7. This is just one more way Northwest makes banking more convenient,” said Joe Schwind, the electronic funds transfer manager of the bank. Deposits made before 8 p.m. on a business day using the new full service ATMs will credit to the account on the same day. Customers may deposit up to 30 checks or 50 bills at one time without an envelope and will receive a receipt with optional check images for detailed record keeping. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Target to Offer New Yorkers Affected by Breach
One Year of Free Credit Monitoring

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(News Release) NEW YORK – The following can be attributed to Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman regarding Target’s decision to provide free credit monitoring services to all potential New York victims of this week’s announced data breach, at the urging of the Attorney General’s Office. “Following the news this week of a massive breach of personal financial data belonging to millions of Target shoppers, I urged Target to offer affected New Yorkers one year of free credit monitoring to ensure they are not victims of identity theft. I’m pleased to report that, just a short time ago, Target agreed to our request. "We urge shoppers to take advantage of this offer, and exercise additional precaution to ensure their identities and personal accounts are protected. In the coming days and weeks, I will continue to use every power at my disposal to determine the extent of this breach and help holiday shoppers protect themselves from the potential consequences of this incident and any i...

Three ANF ATV Trails to Remain Closed

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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 tentatively scheduled to open for the winter season on December 21st; however mild temperatures predicted for over the weekend will result in snow melt and softened conditions. Trail conditions will be re-evaluated after January 1, 2014, 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/. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Johnsonburg Fire Under Investigation

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The investigation is continuing into a fire that damaged a two-story Johnsonburg home early this morning. State Police fire marshal Greg Agosti say the fire at 204 Blaine Avenue was reported at about 12:30 a.m. and did about $150,000 worth of damage. Four adults were in the house at the time, but they were able to escape without injury. George and Lisa Pontious are the owners of the house. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Brother Facing Weapons Charges
After Shooting of 8-Year-Old

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The brother of an 8-year-old boy who was accidentally shot last week has been arrested. 20-year-old Eli Wengard of Leon is charged with criminal possession of a weapon because, according to sheriff’s deputies, the gun was not registered and he does not have a valid New York State pistol permit. Wengard is scheduled to appear in Leon Court. On the morning of December 12 Wengard and his brothers were playing with a .22-caliber gun when it discharged and hit the 8-year-old. He was treated at Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bona Students Raise More Than $16,000

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Students in the fall section of Event and Sponsorship Marketing (MKT 310) created and implemented five events this semester, raising more than $16,000 for charities. Dr. Michael Russell taught the class this semester. The events included the second annual John J. Watson 3-on-3 Memorial Basketball Tournament, the Andrew Revello Memorial Dodgeball Tournament, Walk for Warmth, KanJam Tournament and the Windsync Concert Raffle and Reception. Margaret McDonald, a junior journalism and mass communication major, said she hoped the Walk for Warmth — held Nov. 24 to benefit the student-run Warming House soup kitchen in Olean — reminded students what the holiday season is all about. “The Walk for Warmth is a good reminder for students to give back to this community, especially around the holidays when people less fortunate need our help,” she said. Students obtained nearly 60 sponsors for the events, Russell said, with proceeds going to the Andrew Revello Scholarship Fund, To...

Howell to Serve as Executive Associate to
Pitt-Bradford President Livingston Alexander

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Dr. Tracee Howell has joined the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Office of the President as the executive associate to President Livingston Alexander. As executive associate, Howell will work at the president’s direction to oversee and support various university projects and programs; she will also serve as the officer responsible for compliance with institutional affirmative action policies and procedures. Howell has taught American literature and composition at Pitt-Bradford since 2007 and has also served as a writing consultant in the Writing Center. Before coming to Pitt-Bradford, she worked with the thirteenth and fourteenth presidents at the University at Buffalo as assistant to the president for communications from 2001 to 2005, and as a staff writer from 1998 to 2001. At UB, Howell taught courses in American literature, cultural studies, women’s studies and composition. She has also taught philosophy and composition at the Cattaraugus County Campus ...

Shults Salutes Community Heroes

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The Shults Auto Group launched their Heroes program earlier this year in an effort to strengthen their commitment to the communities where they have dealerships. Donation objectives were established at all dealerships who would retain a portion of each vehicle sale to support the various local charities and organizations in their community. Customers purchasing a vehicle were given a choice of several organizations that they could support and their donations were accumulated for the various organizations during the four month long program. As a result, twenty one different organizations and charities, as selected by Shults dealerships, will share a portion of a substantial amount in donations. Shults Toyota, Edmond Chevrolet and their customers have enjoyed participating in the Shults Heroes program. Pictured is Steve Hopkins, General Manager, presenting checks to Kurt Wallace, Bradford Rotary Club; Shane Launer, American Cancer Society; Dorie Meabon, American Cancer Society;...

National Fuel Offers Flood Precautions

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National Fuel offers customers the following information should they experience flooding in their basements: * If flooding has affected customers' natural gas appliances (furnaces, hot water tanks, etc.), they should not attempt to re-light the pilot lights on that equipment. If furnace or hot water tank controls were submerged, the floodwater may have caused damage that could affect the safe operation of the equipment. A qualified contractor should be called to inspect the appliances. * While the basement is flooded, customers should NOT attempt to adjust any gas equipment or their gas meters. * Customers should not turn on any gas valve that has been turned off by National Fuel or emergency personnel when flooding has occurred. Once the water has subsided, contact National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234, and the company will test and restore the service at no charge to its customers. Appliances affected by floodwater will remain turned off and the customer will be required to contact ...

Flood Watch for the Weekend

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A flood watch is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon in McKean, Warren and Elk counties in Pennsylvania, and through Sunday night in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Allegany counties in New York. The National Weather Service says heavy rain, along with snow melt, will contribute to potential flooding, with excessive runoff leading to significant rises on rivers, streams and creeks across the Allegheny Basin. In Pennsylvania the flood watch is from noon Saturday to 6 o’clock Sunday night. In New York, it’s from 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon until 10 o’clock Sunday night. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Obituary
Wayne Buchanan

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Wayne L. Buchanan, 89, of Bradford, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. He was born on August 7, 1924, in Lottsville, a son of the late Andrew L. and Minnie M. Abott Buchanan. On August 30, 2002, in Bradford he married Louella L. Boggs Unferdorfer who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II; who served in the European theatre. He was a lifetime member of the Lt. John C. Roche Post 212 VFW; he loved playing lead guitar in the Hobo's band. He was an avid civil war book and artifact collector and a civil war reenactor; he also enjoyed travelling. In addition to his wife of 11 years, Louella Buchanan, Bradford, he is also survived by one son, Warren (Darlene) Buchanan, Bradford, one daughter, Barbara (Dick) Austin, San Tan Valley, AZ, five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his first wife and five brothers; on...

Bradford Chamber Announces Holiday Hours

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Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce will be open Friday, December 20th from 10am-4pm and Monday, December 23rd from 10am-5pm to accommodate last-minute holiday gift certificate shoppers. Bradford Gift Certificates are available in increments of $5, $10, $25, and $50, or any combination of those denominations. If you have a large gift certificate order, the Chamber encourages you to call ahead to 814-368-7115, so that your order can be prepared for you in advance. Also available at the Chamber office are tickets for the 2nd Annual Bradford Brewfest on Saturday, February 8th. Advance tickets are on sale now for just $20 per person and would make a great holiday gift as well! At the door, tickets will be $25 per person. The Chamber office will be closed for the Christmas holiday from Tuesday, December 24th through Friday, December 27th, and re-open on Monday, December 30th from 10am-4pm. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Firefighters Commend Cuomo

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(News Release) ALBANY, NY – The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) today issued the following statement on Governor Cuomo’s veto of a bill which would have legalized fireworks: “The Governor has made the right choice by vetoing this bill, which we feel was not in the best interest of public safety, especially as it relates to our youngest New Yorkers, said FASNY President James Burns. “Many of the fires and emergencies our first responders encounter each year are preventable tragedies caused by the possession and use of illegal fireworks, and we thank the Governor for ensuring this bill did not become law.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Man Who Posed as Modeling Agent
Sentenced on Child Porn Charges

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A Clarion County man has been sentenced to 4 to 8 years in state prison for soliciting pictures of naked children. Attorney General Kathleen Kane says 26-year-old Shane Niederriter of Knox used social media to pose as a modeling scout in order to solicit the pictures. A search of his computer after his arrest in February revealed at least 25 photos and videos of minors engaged in sexually graphic activity. He pleaded guilty to 25 counts of possession of child pornography and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. He’ll be on parole for 5 years when he’s released from prison. http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=7354 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Reaction to Supreme Court Decision to
Invalidate Part of Act 13

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Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Speaker Sam Smith (R-66) issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court Ruling on Act 13 Zoning Provisions: The decision made by four Supreme Court Justices today to invalidate a portion of Act 13 of 2012 is incredibly disappointing. While recognizing that a decision of this length will take weeks to fully absorb, we are stunned that four Justices would issue this ruling which will so harshly impact the economic welfare of Pennsylvanians. The majority decision seems to raise significantly more questions than it answers. Chief Justice Castille’s opinion relies in part on inaccurate antidotes and unproven science. The consequences of this decision will likely be the increase of natural gas prices for consumers, while at the same time costing a multitude of jobs in Pennsylvania. It is important to note that this decision resets the clock on zoning prior to the enactment of Act 13, therefore municipalities will contin...

DEP Launches New Interactive
Online Oil and Gas Well Mapping Tool

(News Release) HARRISBURG -- The Department of Environmental Protection announced today that it has published a new online “Oil and Gas Mapping Tool” on its website. “We understand how important it is for Pennsylvanians to have access to as much information as possible about the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania,” DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “For this reason, DEP created this easy-to-use tool to promote knowledge sharing, increase transparency and provide convenient access to well data.” The online mapping tool displays the location of wells across Pennsylvania and allows users to search and view specific types of wells by county, such as conventional gas, unconventional gas, oil or coal bed methane wells. Users are also able to filter search results based on the status of the well by selecting active, plugged or abandoned. After search filters are applied, users will have the ability to view wells via satellite photo view, topographic map view or animated map view. Once an...

Man Admits to Helping Make Fake Viagara

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A Brockport man who helped produce fake Viagara has pleaded guilty in federal court to violating drug and weapons laws. 55-year-old James Volpe distributed an imprint die on August 20 of last year that would help in the production of counterfeit Viagara. Then in November, he was found with more than 50 marijuana plants and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine he planned to sell. He also had a German Sports Gun pistol. As a convicted felon, he is not allowed to have a firearm. Volpe faces up to 58 years in prison when he’s sentenced April 29. http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/news/2013/2013_december/2013_12_18_04.html . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Catt County Schools Locked Down After
Convenience Store Robbery This Morning

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An armed robbery at a convenience store prompted a lockdown at Pioneer Central Schools this morning. The robbery was reported at the Yellow Goose store on Route 16 in Delevan at around 10 a.m. The lockdown was lifted at about 12:30. State Police say the white man displayed a handgun while robbing the store of an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect is about 6 feet tall with a thin build and was wearing all black with a black ski mask. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police Log for 12/18/13

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City of Bradford Police on Wednesday investigated a violation of drug laws on South Avenue, thefts on Chautauqua Place and Main Street and motor vehicle accidents on St. Francis Drive and at Elm and Davis streets. They were also called to a domestic incident on Linwood Avenue and disorderly conduct on Main Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Dr. Lisa Fiorentino Named New Director of
Center for Rural Health Practice at Pitt-Bradford

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Dr. Lisa Fiorentino, associate professor of nursing, has been named the director for the Center for Rural Health Practice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, which will enable the center and the nursing program to collaborate on projects. She succeeds Dr. Youmasa Siewe, who left the position for health reasons. Fiorentino, who also serves as director of the nursing and radiological sciences programs at Pitt-Bradford, will continue in those roles and to teach nursing. Her dual roles in the nursing programs on campus and with the center will allow both programs to work more closely with each other. For example, this spring a nursing student will be assisting with research for the Northwest Pennsylvania Adolescent Alcohol Research Cooperative, which is conducting research into rural adolescent drinking patterns. “There are so many opportunities here for collaboration,” Fiorentino said. “I really enjoy the challenge. This is a great model of ...

Charges Related to Fire Bound to Court

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Charges against the South Center Street woman accused of leaving her four-year-old daughter alone in her apartment, which later caught on fire, have been bound to court. 32-year-old Susan Hassek allegedly told the fire department all of her children were out of the home with her when the fire started. But a neighbor who saw the fire went inside to look for people and found the little girl sleeping on the couch. The September 20 fire started when an aluminum pan was left on a stove for an extended period of time. Hassek, who is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person, is free on unsecured bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Assault, Drug Charges Bound to Court

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A Bradford man accused of choking his girlfriend and kneeing her in the face remains in McKean County Jail after charges against him were bound to court Wednesday. 24-year-old Axle Tankersley allegedly smashed windows in his girlfriend’s car on October 5 and then assaulted her to the point that she blacked out. She was treated at BRMC for severe facial injuries. Police say Tankersley also had 20 Vicodin pills he didn’t have a prescription for. Tankersley is charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief, harassment and possession of a controlled substance. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Blood Drive Monday at St. Bernard's

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The Community Blood Bank is holding a blood drive at St. Bernard's Church on Monday from noon to 5:30pm and is encouraging everyone who can to come donate. The blood supply just dropped in to shortage territory and it could worsen during Christmas week unless more people give blood. The weather has also been a factor; keeping donors away and contributing to accidents in which people need blood. The Community Blood Bank is the only supplier of blood to BRMC. One lucky donor will win a $25 Tops gift card just for giving blood. "With Christmas and New Year's both being on a Wednesday it's going to be tough this year," said Dan Desrochers, at the blood bank. "But if we get enough donors Monday we might make it through." The Community Blood Bank is licensed by the FDA and holds permits from the New York Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Health and has been saving lives since 1966. It is accredited by the AABB and CLIA and is a ...

Four Hurt in St. Marys Crash

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Four people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday night on Route 255 in St. Marys. Police say a pickup truck and a car collided, sending the truck over a guide rail and down a steep embankment, where it rolled over into a creek. Three people were ejected from or trapped in the truck. They were taken to Elk Regional Health Center for treatment of their injuries. The fourth person in the truck suffered minor injuries and was able to walk up the hill to the road. The driver of the car wasn’t hurt. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Fatal Crash Near Tack's Inn

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An Ohio man is dead following a crash with a tractor-trailer at 4 o’clock this morning on Route 219 about half a mile from Route 59. Police say 48-year-old David Scott of Jewett, Ohio, was traveling south when his car crossed the center line and hit a tractor-trailer driven by 52-year-old Denver Wellman of New Bremen, Ohio. McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill pronounced Scott dead at the scene. Scott’s passenger, 37-year-old Darnell Coram, also of Jewett, was flown to UPMC Hamot, where he is being treated for moderate injuries. Wellman was not hurt. The road was closed for about 4 ½ hours. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Confirmed Near Tionesta

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More hemlock woolly adelgid have been found on the Allegheny National Forest. The invasive insect from Asia was found in the West Fork area of the Tionesta Research Natural Area by DCNR personnel on November 20 and confirmed by the state Department of Agriculture on Monday. The hemlock woolly adelgid threatens trees and the biodiversity they support in parks and forests, according to the US Forest Service. An infestation causes environmental changes for some wildlife, fish and plants because of increased light and warmer temperatures when hemlock trees die. The insect was found in Cook Forest and Clear Creek state parks this past spring, and on the forest near the Clarion and Allegheny rivers and Webbs Ferry. The forest service is partnering with The Nature Conservancy, DCNR, game commission, New York Department of Environmental Conservation and New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to develop a strategy for the high Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania and Ne...

No Injuries in Morning Crash

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A Smethport teenager escaped injury in a crash at just before 8 o’clock this morning on Route 46 just east of Bordell Road. Police say 17-year-old Sarah Vinca was traveling south when her car got too close to snow on the side of the road and then got pulled off the road, where it hit a utility pole. Vinca was cited for driving at an unsafe speed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Option House Being Sold

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It's official: The owner of Kabob Kafe in Ellicottville is buying The Option House. Bradford City Council approved a $50,000 loan on Tuesday that completes the funding package he needed to buy the Main Street building from Sam Sylvester. Other money is coming from the McKean County Redevelopment Office and The North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission. Owner Sheikh Iqbal is also investing $40,000 of his own money. Debbie Huston of the Office of Economic and Community Development says the outstanding job Sylvester did in renovating the building is what attracted him to The Option House. In a news release, Huston added that Sylvester is pleased that Iqbal has decided to bring his highly popular restaurant to Bradford's Main Street as "he is a widely experienced restaurateur and caterer." She adds that over the past few months Sylvester and "Icky" -- as Iqbal likes to be called -- have developed a close personal and business relationship. Sh...