Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Casey Provision Will Hold Industry Accountable, Speed Replacement of Dangerous Pipes WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Congress has passed legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) to improve pipeline safety and address the need to replace aging cast iron pipes like the one that ruptured and caused an explosion in Allentown, Pennsylvania earlier this year. The legislation will now move to the White House to be signed into law. “I am gratified that this legislation to improve pipeline safety is finally set to be signed into law, and I’m especially pleased that my provision to hold the industry accountable for the replacement of dangerous, aging cast iron pipes is included in the final legislation,” said Senator Casey. “Pennsylvania’s communities deserve to know that pipelines in their communities are inspected and adhere to rigorous safety standards.” Senator Casey pushed for the language addressing the replacement of aging cast iron pipes in a letter to the Committee on Commerce...

A Tioga man is facing charges after being found with a loaded handgun and two knives in his carry-on baggage at the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport. 53-year-old Michael Rinehart is charged with a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of a weapon, but authorities say it’s possible he could face federal charges as well. They have, however, ruled out terrorism. The Transportation Security Administration says the .38-caliber revolver, a 9-inch knife and a utility knife were found in Rinehart’s bag during screening. He told Chemung County sheriff’s deputies and the FBI that he forgot the gun and knives were in his bag. Rinehart was released on $100,000 bail. He's due back in court January 3. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Genesee – The new School Street Bridge on Route 244 in Genesee will officially open to traffic on Friday, Dec. 16. Work to build the new bridge across the Genesee River has been underway since fall of 2010 and completion of the project comes about five months ahead of schedule. The old bridge was replaced with a new, wider, one-span box beam bridge. Work also included roadway improvements, drainage and guiderail updates and installation of a dry hydrant. The old bridge has been out of service since the end of 2003. The new bridge eliminates a short, local detour and provides a safer, more efficient route for emergency responders and the public. Area officials and local residents will mark the completion of the project with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning. Dolomite Products Company, Inc. of Hornell, New York was the contractor on the $1.5 million job. Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAStateCOLL . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

by State Sen. LeAnna Washington (D-Phila./Montgomery) It’s time that we begin treating child rape for the serious crime it is -- and setting bail that fits the crime would be a good place to start. The bail set for accused child abuser Jerry Sandusky was woefully inadequate. The bargain basement $100,000 unsecured bail spoke volumes about the District Justice Leslie Dutchcot’s underlying friendship (she donated money and volunteered at Mr. Sandusky’s “Second Mile” charity) and unrelenting hero worship stature for Sandusky. Her bail minimized and marginalized the victims, likely deterred other victims and witnesses from coming forward and potentially endangered other children in that community. In reviewing the grotesque and disturbing testimony specified in page after page of the Grand Jury report, one has to wonder why any judge would think a man accused of such repugnant crimes is worthy of leniency. It’s safe to say that many, many people accused of far lesser crimes have been requi...

A man wanted in three counties for scamming homeowners out of money has been picked up. 47-year-old James Fielding Sr. was picked up at a gas station Saturday in Blair County. He is accused of running a fictitious business called Lone Wolf Timber that would buy timber rights from homeowners then resell the contract to legitimate companies to make double the profit. Police say he owes about $70,000 to homeowners in Jefferson, Warren and Crawford counties. He had been on the run since April. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An 18-year-old from Little Valley is facing charges for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party at her home on Saturday. Crystal Lore is accused of having nearly two dozen minors in her home during the party. Sheriff’s deputies issued tickets to 20 minors for underage possession of alcohol. Lore is charges with unlawfully dealing with a child. She’s scheduled to appear in Little Valley Court at a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Add one more person to list of Cattaraugus County residents who have been arrested for welfare fraud. 48-year-old Lorena Weldon of Franklinville is also charged with grand larceny and offering a false instrument for filing. Weldon is accused of not reporting rental income she was receiving when she submitted applications to the county department of social services from June of 2008 to May of this year, and received nearly $2,000 in food stamps her family was not entitled to. She’s scheduled to appear in City of Olean Court on January 10.

HARRISBURG — At a meeting in the state Capitol, state Sen. Mike Stack on Tuesday discussed the financial implications of potential liability lawsuits from the sexual abuse scandal at Penn State with the university’s President Rodney Erickson. “I am very concerned about how these potential lawsuits would be handled and how the university will pay for its representation. As the Democratic chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, I felt it was necessary to hold a serious discussion with President Erickson,” Stack said following the meeting. “The president assured me that no taxpayer funds, student tuition or donor dollars will be used, and he explained that the university’s liability policies are segregated from its general fund,” the senator said. Penn State will receive $214 million in funds from the 2011-12 state budget. The university’s budget for this Fiscal Year is $4.1 billion. “I made it very clear to the president that the investigations at Penn State and any acti...

A Russell man is dead following a one-car crash at 1:45 this morning on South Main Street in the village. State police say 31-year-old Patrick Weatherby lost control of his car on a curve. The car then hit a mailbox and a utility pole and rolled over several times. Weatherby was pronounced dead at the scene by Coronor Jerry Borden. Police were assisted at the scene by the Russell Volunteer Fire Department. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two people were hurt in a one-vehicle crash Monday evening on Route 120 about a mile east of Emporium. State police say 47-year-old Darlene Weaver swerved to miss a deer in the road and, when she did, she lost control of her SUV and it hit an embankment, spun around and hit the embankment again. She and her passenger, 25-year-old Robert Weaver, were taken to Elk Regional Health Center for treatment of moderate injuries. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

NIAGARA FALLS and SALAMANCA, NY – Just a few weeks after announcing a blockbuster lineup of entertainment for the spring, Seneca Casinos now delivers even more excitement for the coming months. Additional performers for February through June include Bobby Vinton, Rita Coolidge, Jim Messina, Grand Funk Railroad, Tommy Roe, Colin Hay and Sylvia Browne. Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel welcomes back romantic crooner Bobby Vinton less than a year after a full-house performance at Seneca Niagara Events Center in March 2011. Dubbed “the all-time most successful love singer of the Rock Era” by Billboard magazine, Vinton is most famous for his hits “Roses are Red,” “Blue Velvet,” “Sealed with a Kiss” and “Mr. Lonely.” He makes his return on February 4 at 8 p.m., and tickets starting at $30 go on sale December 21 at noon. Seneca Allegany Events Center welcomes two-time GRAMMY® award-winning singer Rita Coolidge for a 7 p.m. show on February 11. Known particularly for 1970s chart-topping ...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Questions about the sale of the Main Street Mercantile were raised during Tuesday’s Bradford City Council meeting. Calvin Court resident Patricia Demjan posed the questions. The Downtown Bradford Revitalization Corporation owned and operated the mercantile, but recently sold it to local businessman Todd Hennard. OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews, who is also treasurer of the non-profit DBRC, said Hennard approached them about the mercantile when he bought the building at 45 Main Street. “We felt it was time that the business be moved into the private sector,” Andrews said. “I think it will continue to grow and be an economic driver in our downtown community.” “It looks really nice,” Demjan said, then asked about the sale price. Andrews said the money the DBRC received went toward paying the old landlord and other expenses. The rest of the money will go toward promoting downtown activities. Demjan also asked why the it wasn’t put out to bid. A...

The U.S. Postal Service will delay closing or consolidating any of its mail processing facilities until May 15. The Postal Service announced the decision on its website this afternoon, citing a request made by multiple U.S. senators. Senator Bob Casey has said opposes the closing of the Erie General Mail Facility, which, along with Buffalo, processes mail from McKean County. http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2011/pr11_1213closings.htm The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in Western PA is $3.333. This current price is a half penny more than the previous week. According to AAA’s Fuel Gauge, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil finished down at $97.77 at the close of formal trading on the NYMEX Monday. The drop was attributed to the ongoing dismal outlook for the global economy, particularly in the euro zone where sovereign debt concerns remain front of mind. This sentiment resulted in global equities markets turning lower, while the U.S. dollar strengthened relative to foreign currencies. The same factors that have impacted crude prices for the last several months continued to exert pressure on prices last week, as global economic malaise and demand destruction remained the primary focus of traders. Early-week warnings that the sovereign debt of all 17 euro zone countries—including Germany and France—could have their ratings downgraded, along with Thursday’s news that the Euro...

HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that would help improve services provided by county veterans’ affairs directors in Pennsylvania is headed to Gov. Tom Corbett’s desk after passage Monday by the state Senate. “I wish to thank my colleagues in the Senate for acting on this legislation, which is well deserved by our servicemen and women,” said Gabler. “They have earned the right to have the highest level of care and services possible, and providing our county veterans’ affairs directors with additional opportunities to meet with their peers and obtain the latest information on state and federal laws allows them to do the best job for those who have given so much to our country.” Under House Bill 755, the County Code is amended to make it easier for county veterans’ affairs directors to attend annual statewide association meetings and stay up to date on the latest veterans programs. Similar legislation was first introduced in 2006 by state Rep....

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission today approved its plan to redraw state House and Senate district boundaries according to population shifts identified in the 2010 U.S. Census, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) said. Under the plan, Causer’s 67th Legislative District would see the following changes: All of Cameron County would become part of the 75th Legislative District served by Rep. Matt Gabler. In Potter County, the Borough of Galeton along with Pike and West Branch townships would become part of 68th Legislative District served by Rep. Matt Baker. In Warren County, Sheffield Township would become part of the 67th District. The township was represented by Rep. Kathy Rapp. All of McKean County would become part of the 67th District. The following communities are being added: the townships of Hamilton, Hamlin, Lafayette and Wetmore, and the boroughs of Kane and Mt. Jewett. “It is my honor and privilege to represent our area in the state House and ...

From CNN: The National Transportation Safety Board Tuesday called for a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones and text messaging devices while driving. The recommendation is the most far-reaching yet by the NTSB, which in the past 10 years has increasingly sought to limit the use of portable electronic devices. If adopted by states, the recommendation would outlaw nonemergency phone calls and texting by operators of every vehicle on the road. It would not apply to hands-free devices, or to passengers. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Mount Jewett Veterans Memorial on East Main Street in the borough has been cited for a violation of state liquor laws. The business was allegedly in violation of the small games of chance act by awarding more than $5,000 in cash or merchandise in any seven-day period. The alleged violations happened six times between August and October. The charges will be brought before an administrative law judge. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Lakefront Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host a “Women in the Outdoors” event on Saturday, February 18th , 2012, from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Chapman State Park in Clarendon, PA. Pre-registration is required for this event. Registration can be done by going to www.womenintheoutdoors.org, and then clicking on “PA WITO Event Manager Calendar” and then searching the calendar. A beneficial partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Game Commission helps provide outdoor opportunities such as this to women in the Keystone State. The Pennsylvania Game Commission recognizes a high interest level in the outdoors among women in the state and wants to provide more opportunities to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. Since 1998, the NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors program has organized events designed especially for women. By providing expert instruction and hands-on education, the NWTF helps members develop outdoor skills and emphasizes ...

Harrisburg - The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources today named John Hecker as manager of the Moshannon State Forest District based in Clearfield County. He formerly headed silviculture and timber management at the Bureau of Forestry’s headquarters in Harrisburg. “John brings a wealth of technical and administrative skills to his new post after having served most admirably in a variety of prior forestry positions,” said Bureau of Forestry Director Daniel Devlin. “His interpersonal skills will be a strong asset as he works with district employees, residents and state forest visitors.” Heading one of 20 state forest districts across the state, Hecker will oversee forestgrowth management, personnel coordination, infrastructure maintenance and fire prevention and suppression. He also will manage service foresters who provide support, direction and technical assistance to private forest landowners. Headquartered in Penfield, Clearfield County, Moshannon State Forest District i...