Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Marilla, Gilbert reservoirs getting money HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced $500,000 in grants to develop and implement projects that benefit fishing, boating, and aquatic resources within in McKean, Cameron, Elk and Potter counties. This funding is available through a 2007 settlement agreement with Norfolk Southern as restitution for environmental damages from a June 30, 2006, train derailment in rural Norwich Township, McKean County. The accident spilled sodium hydroxide into Big Fill Run, Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay the Commonwealth $7.35 million as restitution for environmental damages. The PFBC received $3.675 million of the settlement and must use the funds to develop and implement projects that benefit fishing, boating and aquatic resources in Cameron, Elk, McKean or Potter counties. “The funds received through this damage se...

HARRISBURG (News Release) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) today announced an invitation for project applications to the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed Restoration Grant Program. Project applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and must use the application form specified in the grant application package. Project applications must be postmarked no later than Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014. The PFBC anticipates final selection and public announcement of grant awards by mid-May 2014. This funding is available through a 2007 settlement agreement with Norfolk Southern as restitution for environmental damages from a June 30, 2006, train derailment in rural Norwich Township, McKean County. The accident spilled sodium hydroxide into Big Fill Run, Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay the Commonwealth $7.35 million as restitution for environmental damages. The PFBC received $3.675...

The only survivor from last Friday’s fatal train accident in Chautauqua County says he and his brothers were not taking a dare. Ben Reed spoke with WIVB-TV from his hospital room at UPMC Hamot. To read the story go to WIVB.com . Survivor of deadly train accident talks: wivb.com The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two men are dead and another is hospitalized in serious condition after being hit by a Norfolk Southern freight train Friday night in Chautauqua County. 20-year-old Justin Halpainy-Livermore of Jamestown and 25-year-old Brian Reed of Westfield were pronounced dead at the scene. 26-year-old Benjamin Reed Westfield is being treated at UPMC Hamot for broken bones and head injuries. Police did say the three men are related. Autopsies on the two victims will be conducted today. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Ripley man and his son escaped injury when a Norfolk Southern train destroyed their car at about 6 o’clock Wednesday night on the Goodrich Street crossing. Sheriff’s deputies say 69-year-old Richard Swonger ignored warning lights and drove onto the tracks as the freight train approached. His 31-year-old son Jason was in the car with him. The train pushed the car off the tracks, but neither man was hurt and neither was anyone on the train. Richard Swoger was charged with failure to stop at a railroad crossing

A train smashed into a pickup truck on railroad tracks late Wednesday night in Chautauqua County. Sheriff's deputies say the pickup truck got stuck on tracks near Progress Drive and Werle Road in the town of Sheridan. 27-year-old Christopher Steward of Dunkirk was unable to get his truck off the tracks, but was able to escape before it was hit by a Norfolk Southern freight train. The investigation is continuing.

Norfolk Southern has unveiled a battery-operated prototype train to be used in its Pennsylvania rail yard, and the company says it looking at hybrid long-haul trains next. The 1,500 horsepower locomotive will be used to move cars around the rail yard It uses 1,080 rechargeable 12-volt lead acid batteries to store power, and can run for about a day on a charge. It also recharges using the energy from braking. The battery-only operation gives the train zero exhaust emissions. The company says a hybrid locomotive for long-haul use would run on a mix of electricity and a diesel engine, and it would channel energy from braking back to the batteries. The company hopes to test a prototype of that locomotive by the end of next year. from Norfolk Southern