Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

BRADFORD, Pa. - One of Megan Konopka’s weak points was that she trusted people too much, said friends who knew the young woman who was murdered last weekend in Bradford. Read Kate Day Sager's story HERE .

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Governor Ed Rendell and legislative leaders have agreed on a nearly $28 billion spending plan that would raise cigarette taxes and extend the state's sales tax to concert and theater tickets. The plan would also take money from the state's rainy day fund and the account that helps doctors pay for malpractice insurance, as well as legalize table games at casinos. "We are all very pleased, extremely pleased, to bring something to the table that has taken a lot of time (and) we wish we would have been able to do sooner," said Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati. "But it has met the priorities and the goals of those of us here. Although there are compromises made, none of us compromised our principles." Pennsylvania's fiscal year started on July 1, and the state is the last in the country to agree to a budget plan. The plan still requires legislative approval, and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said the bills will start...

Governor Ed Rendell and legislatiave leaders are holding a news conference right now announcing an end to the 80-day-long budget impasse. We'll have more information shortly.

Pennsylvania's jobless rate rose again last month, but there are still signs of improvement. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a point to 8.6 percent, as the state lost 8,800 non-farm jobs in August. Although the job loss was higher than July, it's still below the numbers the state was seeing earlier this year. The national rate in August was 9.7 percent. US Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, (center), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (right), and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jake Corman today provided an update on negotiations to reach a state budget agreement. Pileggi says, with a $28.9 billion proposal on the table, they're only $1 million to $2 million apart. The parties are meeting at the governor's mansion tonight.

Trooper Ron Milliard of the Pennsylvania State Police installs a new car seat during the car seat check held in Smethport on Friday, one of the many checks held statewide in recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, September 12-18. Four Troopers that are certified technicians from the Kane Barracks checked 17 seats during the 6 hour event. Seven child seats that were found to be old, worn, or recalled were able to be replaced with seats provided by Safe Kids McKean County through grant funding provided by Safe Kids Pennsylvania and the PA Department of Health. Members of Safe Kids McKean also handed out child safety materials and items. For more information on child passenger seat safety or other child safety issues visit Safe Kids McKean’s website at www.careforchildren.info . ( Photo courtesy of Safe Kids McKean )

Dr. Bradley Giannotti, orthopedic surgeon at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Champion Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, spoke to a group of Army surgeons in Texas recently to promote more advanced surgical care for patients with shoulder injuries. Dr. Giannotti educated the group on a new repair technique that can be done arthroscopically. Traditional surgery requires a two or three inch incision in the shoulder. Arthroscopic surgery uses a smaller incision and, while easier on the patient, was more difficult for surgeons in the past. Dr. Giannotti wanted to find a way to do the surgery in a way that would allow patients to heal faster while providing a secure fixation. After brainstorming some design samples and working with a group of bioengineers, Dr. Giannotti and two others co-founded the company, Kfx Medical, to stand for knotless fixation. Based in California, the product has been used in over 1,500 patients since FDA approval three years ago. In fact, Dr. Giannotti said the pr...

Navy Seaman Recruit Trevor L. Watson, son of Leah A. Frederick of Rixford, Pa. and Daniel F. Watson of Smethport, Pa., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Watson completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy''flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be...

Conservation Consultants and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford are hosting a workshop next month to teach contractors, entrepreneurs and career changing professionals solar energy economics and installation. Recent developments in local energy markets, landmark state energy legislation and a more favorable national climate toward green business and job growth finds western Pennsylvania poised to undergo a tremendous growth spurt in the clean energy and conservation sectors in general and an emerging solar energy market in particular. In light of this movement Conservation Consultants has decided to host Solar-PV training workshops made possible by a grant from the Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and the Pennsylvania Green Business Initiative of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.October 5-9 at Saint Bernard Parish Center in Bradford, PA. Representatives from Solar Energy In...

Over 150 individuals participated in the Smethport Comprehensive Blood Analysis on September 12 which was sponsored by the Smethport Rotary Club and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. Screenings included testing for coronary heart disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, liver disease, bone disease and respiratory disease along with optional prostate and thyroid testing. A portion of the event’s proceeds go to the Rotary to benefit their events, scholarships, and rotary involvement in the community. Blood draws were done by Carol Cole, CCMH laboratory; Tammy Peterson and Valerie Tinder, occupational health; Melanie Bishop, Port Allegany Community Health Center; and Sara Collins, Bowman Health Center. The next CBA will be held in partnership with the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library from 7 to 10 a.m., Saturday, November 7 at the Oswayo Valley Elementary School in Shinglehouse. CBA events are held to provide commonly ordered blood screenings at a greatly reduced cost to patients and the com...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has had its first confirmed case of H1N1—or swine flu – a student who has since recovered and is back on campus. Health officials on campus received the confirmed diagnosis late Thursday afternoon. The student became ill in the early morning hours of Sept. 10. Campus Police drove him to the emergency room at Bradford Regional Medical Center, where he was tested. He returned to campus in the afternoon, and his father came to take him home later that day. As a precaution, Bonnie McMillen, director of Health Services on campus, called the sick student’s roommate, suggesting he go home right away. The roommate agreed since he lives close by. Also, additional precautions were taken, including cleaning and disinfecting the entire apartment that evening. The student was able to return to campus on Monday, Sept. 14, after being free of a fever for at least 24 hours, as recommended by the Centers for Diseas...

In North Huntingdon, people who knew Konopka remembered her as a nice person who enjoyed working with animals. For the rest of the story, go to the Pittsburgh Tribue-Review

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce announces their 17th annual public auction. The event is crafted following the objectives of the chamber. Through donations and sponsorship, area businesses, retailers, professionals, and organizations have an opportunity to acquaint the public with their products and services, advancing the economic welfare of the area. As the Chamber’s primary fundraiser, monies raised allow the Chamber to create a broad understanding and appreciation of the great opportunities in the Bradford area and to promote the advantages and assets of our region. Sponsors have the opportunity to get their name on several different advertising and marketing pieces for the Annual Auction. Donors will have their name located on the package plus the program. This is a great way for the area businesses to be recognized of their support to the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and the community. We greatly appreciate all the area businesses that donate to our Annual Auction...

Linda Lamborn poses in a "rounder" or "saucer" hat Thursday afternoon at Chapel Ridge. Her presentation on hats was one of the activities planned for Assisted Living Week.

A Warren County judge has denied motions by convicted murderers Cory Altman and Susan Yeager to overturn their convictions. They were convicted in connection with the death of Yeager's estranged husband Shawn Yeager late last year. Their post-conviction relief motions argued that there wasn't enough evidence to convict them. Altman is accused of actually shooting Shawn Yeager. Susan Yeager was the mastermind behind the plot.

Robert W. Tahara, M.D., director of Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Peripheral Interventions Program and also Allegheny Vein & Vascular, speaks Wednesday to more than 140 people who were the Outpatient Services Center lobby. His presentation was part of an open house for Allegheny Vein & Vascular’s new outpatient suite on the third floor. (Photo courtesy of BRMC) By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department The growing problem of vein and vascular disease can be treated far more quickly with less invasive procedures at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC), which has just unveiled a state-of-the-art outpatient suite featuring spa-like comforts and conveniences. The community got a first-hand look with tours of Allegheny Vein & Vascular’s new outpatient suite on the third floor of the Outpatient Services Center. The event included leg screenings and also a presentation on “Varicose Veins and Treatment” by Robert W. Tahara, M.D., director of BRMC’s Periph...

Bradford City Police have found a knife that they believe was used in the homicide of 21-year-old Megan Knopoka Sunday night at the Riddell House in Bradford. Police received assiatance from several people who offered mowing equipment and metal dectectors which aided in the recovery. Police and the McKean County District Attorney's Office have expressed sincere thanks to all those who donated their time and effort to this cause. "These efforts are a prime example of the result of cooperation between law enforcement and the public," the news release said. "Such cooperation is deeply appreciated."

For the second time this month, the Tuna Valley Council of Governments didn't have enough members at its meeting to conduct business. Only Foster Township Supervisor Chris Wolcott and Bradford Mayor Tom Riel showed up for Wednesday night's meeting. A meeting was also scheduled for September 2, but not enough voting members showed up for that meeting either. They'll try again at 7 p.m. September 30 in City Council Chambers. Besides the city and Foster Township, other representatives are from Bradford Township and the Bradford Area School District. Lewis Run officials have not appointed a member yet. Lafayette Township has opted out. Bradford City Councilman Bob Onuffer, Foster Township Supervisor-elect Jim Connolly Jr. and Seaward Avenue resident Tom Perry also attended Wednesday's would-be meeting. Earlier this month, and Wednesday, the Bradford Regional Master Plan was discussed. Riel said "by no means is the master plan dead," but added that some aspects of ...