Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Governor Tom Corbett and his Democratic challenger Tom Wolf are putting in a full day of campaigning the day before tomorrow’s election. Corbett will be attending rallies in every media market in the state today, ending in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Wolf will also be in Pittsburgh, and also Lancaster. He spent the weekend in southeastern Pennsylvania, and was joined by President Barack Obama at a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia. Corbett’s running mate is current lieutenant governor Jim Cawley. Wolf’s running mate is current state Senator Mike Stack of Philadelphia. In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo is being challenged by Rob Astorino. In race for the Twin Tiers’ representatives in Washington – the incumbent Republican men in both Pennsylvania and New York are up against Democratic women. In PA, Kerith Strano Taylor is challenging Glenn Thompson. In New York, Martha Robertson is challenging Tom Reed. In Salamanca, Mayor Carmen Vechhiarella is pitted against Ronald ...

RIDGWAY - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) joined Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley in Elk County today to meet with local officials and emergency management personnel to assess local flood damage. During a tour of the region, Senator Scarnati and Lt. Gov. Cawley were also joined by Rep. Matt Gabler, to view and evaluate areas affected by the severe flooding which began impacting the region last Wednesday. “I want to express my gratitude for the quick response and tireless efforts of emergency responders, local police, local firemen, municipal workers, local officials and area volunteers who have been working to help victims recover from this disaster,” Scarnati stated. “Last year communities within our region also experienced terrible flooding. While we cannot stop these occurrences, we will continue to work together to re-build and return our community to normal as quickly as possible.” Scarnati explained that damage assessments by PEMA already began last w...

McKean County Democrats voted like the rest of the state in Tuesday's primary and chose Tom Wolf to challenge Governor Tom Corbett in this fall’s General Election. But, while Senator Mike Stack of Philadelphia got the nod for lieutenant governor in the state, he came in third in McKean County behind Mark Smith and Mark Critz. Stack faces off against current Lt. Governor Jim Cawley in November. Kerith Taylor of Brookville beat her challenger in the Democratic primary for the 5th Congressional District seat and will face incumbent Glenn “GT” Thompson in November. Voter turnout in McKean County was dismal with only 2,677 of 21,024 registered voters casting ballots. That’s less than 13 percent. Of the 1,790 Republicans who voted 1,474 voted for Corbett; 1,516 voted for Cawley; 1,602 voted for Thompson; and 1,681 voted for Marty Causer. 1,573 people cast ballots for Stacy Wallace to be the Republican State Committeewoman. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947 ...

Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley spent part of Monday and Tuesday in a hospital before being released with a prescription for blood pressure medication. Cawley was presiding over the Senate on Monday when he started feeling lightheaded. After a Capitol nurse looked at him, he was sent to Harrisburg Hospital, where he spent the night. He was released this afternoon. The 44-year-old plans to work from home for a few days and hopes to resume his normal schedule next week. In the meantime, President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati will preside over the Senate. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley will once again host a three-day, 100-mile charity bike ride from Gettysburg to Annville to raise money for three children’s hospitals in Pennsylvania. Scarnati explained that this is the fifth annual charity bike ride for children’s hospitals. Money raised during the ride will go to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. “Over the past four years, through the generous contributions of many people, organizations and businesses we have raised more than half a million dollars for the children’s hospitals,” Scarnati said. “These hospitals provide outstanding health care to numerous children from Pennsylvania and across the country as well,” Scarnati continued. “My family has experienced first-hand the exceptional and compassionate care provided by the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and ...

WARREN — Resolutions sponsored by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) and Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Warren/Butler/Clarion/Erie/Venango) commemorating the life and achievements of Charles Warren Stone on the 170th anniversary of his birth unanimously passed both the state House and Senate on Monday. Born on June 29, 1843, Stone was elected to serve the people of Warren County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1869. “From his humble beginnings as a school principal and local attorney to proudly representing the citizens of Warren County at some of the highest levels of elected office, Charles Warren Stone personified what it means to be a lifetime public servant who was truly dedicated to bettering his community, his Commonwealth and his country,” said Rapp. “The purpose of my resolution is to make sure his tremendous legacy is never forgotten.” In 1876, Stone was elected to the Senate of this Commonwealth where he served as chair of the Judiciary General Com...

Governor Tom Corbett gets an assist from Lt. Governor Jim Cawley and his son Nicholas (5), along with First Lady Susan Corbett (right), and Suzanna Cawley (left) as they light the Capitol Christmas tree in a Tuesday evening ceremony on the Capitol steps. The ceremony, held outside for the first time in recent memory, brought together members of the community for a holiday celebration. The ceremony featured Christmas caroling led by the Hanover High School Victorian Singers. The 15-member vocal group specializes in singing acapella and they dress in Victorian-period garb. Photo provided by PA Internet News Service

Lt. Governor Jim Cawley has a secret he wants everyone to start spreading: There's a primary election coming up in two weeks. Obviously, this is not a real secret but Cawley says too many people are focused on issues other than the election and -- speaking at the McKean County Republican Party annual spring dinner Tuesday -- he urged people to help turn the focus of others back to the election. President, senator, congressman, attorney general, and auditor general are among the offices being contested in the April 24 primary. Also speaking Tuesday were state Senator Joe Scarnati and Representatives Marty Causer, Kathy Rapp and Matt Gabler. Causer and Rapp noted that the new updated legislsative maps are expected to be released Wednesday. In the last maps, which were rejected by the state Supreme Court, Rapp's 65th District would no longer include McKean County. That part of the county would have gone to Causer's 67th District. Neither of them knew as of early Tuesday night ...

Harrisburg –Governor Tom Corbett today unveiled his 2012-13 budget to the General Assembly, asking legislators to continue the path of fiscal restraint and to encourage free enterprise for a more prosperous Pennsylvania. “Last year, we accomplished much of real consequence. For the first time in 40 years, we spent less,’’ Corbett said. “Pennsylvania took its first steps toward changing the culture of tax and spend. Together, we showed we can make reforms that count. It is time to show citizens, weary of empty promises…that we can accomplish more. “Today I bring before you a budget grounded in difficult realities but framed in the optimism that we are solving our problems,’’ Corbett said. “Once again, revenues do not match mandated, escalating costs. That means we must continue the course bravely charted by this assembly in the year just passed.’’ The $27.14 billion proposal maintains Corbett’s commitment to balance the state budget. The budget closes a projected revenue shortfall of mo...

Lt. Governor Jim Cawley (right) admires the 2012 PA Farm Show butter sculpture while Secretary of Agriculture George Greig (left) and butter sculpture artist Jim Victor (center) enjoy the moment. Provided by Commonwealth Media Services The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Tom Corbett today declared a statewide disaster emergency to enable state, county and municipal governments to respond effectively to the impact of Hurricane Irene, a massive storm expected to impact much of the eastern half of the state. The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel as necessary to cope with this emergency situation. Corbett issued the disaster proclamation this morning after meeting with Glenn Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and other emergency officials at their headquarters in Harrisburg. “We are urging all Pennsylvanians to take action now to be prepared,’’ Corbett said. “We will continue to monitor this changing situation statewide and plan for all possible emergencies. Should the need arise, we will be able to help as quickly and efficiently as possible.’’ Citizens can find a full list of helpful suggestions on how to plan for an emergency by visiting the state’s pre...

Pittsburgh – Governor Tom Corbett underwent successful back surgery this morning at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. The surgery, performed by orthopaedic spinal specialist Dr. Mark A. Fye and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Patrick J. DeMeo, was considered to be routine for the treatment of spinal stenosis. The surgeons described the procedure as successful and said Corbett was resting comfortably. Corbett’s wife, Susan, was at the hospital during the procedure. In accordance with articles of the state constitution, Lt. Gov. James Cawley was acting governor while Corbett was under general anesthesia. Corbett was awake and alert by 10:30 a.m. and physicians cleared him to resume the powers and duties of his office. After spending one or two nights in the hospital, Corbett will recuperate for a few days at his home in suburban Pittsburgh. Doctors expect Corbett will return to Harrisburg within the week. The governor suffered from spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal cord, which r...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett will undergo back surgery for treatment of spinal stenosis on Monday morning, May 16, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. The surgery, to be performed by orthopaedic spinal specialist Dr. Mark A. Fye and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Patrick J. DeMeo, is considered to be a routine procedure, but will require Corbett to stay in the hospital one or two days. Corbett expects to resume his duties by Tuesday, while recuperating at his home in Shaler Township, and return to Harrisburg by the end of the week. During the time when the governor is under general anesthesia, Lt. Gov. James Cawley will be “acting governor,’’ in accordance with articles of the state constitution, until Corbett is able to resume the powers and duties of the office. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in a compression of nerves, which leads to persistent pain and decreased physical activity. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the natural aging pr...

Lt. Governor Jim Cawley visits Gettysburg Middle School 8th grade students to discusss their studies of the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation, during Science teacher Justin Klinger's class. Photo provided by Commonwealth Media Services

The Annual Warren County Winterfest starts Friday at Chapman State Park and runs through Sunday. One of the highlights of the event is the Polar Bear Plunge, when hundreds of people take a dip in the icy cold waters of the West Branch of the Tionesta Creek. This year's plunge is being held at 1 p.m. Saturday and includes a special guest -- Lt. Governor Jim Cawley. Cawley made a promise during his campaign to do the plunge if he got elected, and he's making good on it. Governor Tom Corbett is expected to attend Winterfest next year, but will not be doing the plunge. "Grizzly" Gary Wert, who is the master of ceremonies for the plunge (and has done it himself several times), tells us to get to the park well before 1 p.m. if you're plunging, or watching. Shuttle buses are available to take people from the parking areas to the event areas for free. Other events include sled dog races, cardboard box derby, geocaching, ice skating, snow sculpting and sleigh rides. For mo...

Lt. Governor Jim Cawley joins Judge Mike Fisher, his wife Suzanne and his son Nicky following swearing-in ceremonies in the State Senate. Photo provided by Senate Republican Communications

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Joe Scarnati says he’s enjoyed serving as lieutenant governor, but now he’s looking forward to spending more time in his senate district. Scarnati has been serving as senator, Senate President as well as Lt. Governor since the death of Catherine Baker Knoll in November of 2008. The current lieutenant governor’s term ends January 18, 2011, at 11:45 a.m. when Jim Cawley is sworn in. “It’s been a very difficult last several years,” Scarnati said of holding all three jobs, as well as dealing with difficult budget issues. “I hope to be back in somewhat of a routine to get around a lot more often (in the district) than I’ve been able to in the last two years.” “It’s been a pleasure serving as lieutenant governor,” he said, then added with a smile, “maybe not as lieutenant governor to Ed Rendell -- but it’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve the Commonwealth in that capacity. But I like being the state senator from the 25th District.” He does plan ...