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Showing posts from October 18, 2009

LiveLine Schedule for the Week of
October 26, 2009

Monday: Our series on United Way funded agencies continues with Amy Pierce, director of the Bradford YWCA Tuesday: Our series on Domestic Violence Awareness Month concludes with Safety Issues Wednesday: Michelle McCann, president of the Kiwanis Club of Bradford Thursday: Jeff Hendryx, Reiki Master Practitioner http://fullcirclereiki.com/testimonials.html Remember you can hear the LiveLine live online at 12:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Chautauqua County Unveils New
Dining Out Program for Seniors

Cassadaga, NY -- An innovative program that allows Chautauqua County seniors to have a delicious and nutritious meal at a variety of local restaurants was unveiled Thursday by Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards. The Senior Restaurant Dining Program is a partnership between the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging (OFA) and local restaurants. Grandma's Family Kitchen in Cassadaga hosted the program's announcement. "This program offers Senior Citizens a unique opportunity to remain connected to their family, community and home by allowing them to eat what they want, when they want in local area restaurants," Edwards said. Edwards worked with OFA Director Dr. Mary Ann Spanos and her staff to create the Senior Restaurant Dining Program as a means to address the declining numbers of people using County sponsored Meal Sites. Under the new program, seniors can obtain tickets from the OFA Office for a donation of $3. Seniors can then go out to eat at one of the

Clearfield County Firefighter Dies

A Clearfield County firefighter died in the line of duty early Saturday morning. 41-year-old Lt. Roy Westover was among the firefighters battling a blaze at an abandoned vacant structure. While on the scene, Westover reported that he did not feel well. Paramedics who were already on the scene started treatment and transported him to Miners Hospital. At the hospital, Westover apparently had a heart attack and died. Westover is survived by three teenage sons, two of whom are junior firefighters; his parents; and a number of brothers and sisters. State police are investigating the fire, which is being treated as suspicious because there have been other suspicious fires in the area since April. http://www.firefighterclosecalls.com/fullstory.php?95110

Guilty Plea in Bar Fight Death

A Tidioute man charged with killing another man in a fight outside a bar in May has pleaded guilty to simple assault. 25-year-old Brandon Bynum was scheduled to go on trial Monday for killing 37-year-old Troy McFarland. He was charged with criminal homicide and simple assault. District Attorney Ross McKeirnan said his office felt they didn't have proof of intent to support the homicide charge. Bynum admitted that he hit McFarland in the face and knocked him to the ground. McFarland's head hit the ground and his skull was fractured. He died at the scene. Bynum faces up to two years in prison when he's sentenced on December 4.

Toddler's Death Ruled Homicide

The death of a 2-year-old Jamestown boy has been ruled homicide. District Attorney David Foley says the ruling was made after receiving the full autopsy report on Auston Morales, but he can't release any further information at this time. Auston died on October 17 at Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo, a day after being found unresponsive at his home. His father, 31-year-old Agustin Morales, was taken into custody a short time later on an active warrant charging him with endangering the welfare of a child, which is unrelated to the child's death and stems from a previous incident. Agustin Morales is still in the Chautauqua County Jail on the warrant and is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail. No one has been charged yet with Auston's death. JPD

Deputies: Man Punched Girlfriend,
Held Knife to Brother's Throat

A Portland, New York, man is accused of punching his girlfriend and threatening to kill his brother. Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies say 22-year-old Kevin Lack punched Christena LaVoice in the face. She ran behind his brother, Jason Lack, for protection. Lack then allegedly grabbed a knife, placed it to his brother's throat and threatened to kill him. He eventually dropped the knife and punched his brother in the face and head. When deputies arrived on the scene, Kevin Lack ran out the back door of the home and into the woods. When deputies found him he was arrested without incident. He was arraigned on charges of menacing and harassment and sent to Chautauqua County Jail. e-mail from Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department

Man Charged with Having Sexual Contact with 12-Year-Old Boy

A Barto, PA, man is accused of having sexual contact with a boy four times in a camper trailer in Keating Township, Potter County. State police say 62-year-old Richard Rinehart Sr. had the contact with the in November and December of last year when he was 12 years old. The other two alleged incidents happened earlier this month. The boy is now 13. Rinehart was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and arraigned by District Judge Delores Bristol, who set bail at $150,000. He's in Potter Jail. fax from Coudersport-based state police

Comedy Night Sells Out

The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department "Comedy Night" has sold out for tonight, according to BTVFD Chief Dan Burkhouse. call from Dan Burkhouse

Live from the Sportsman's Outlet

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Frank Williams chats with Ben Wentworth of The Sportsman's Outlet during The HERO's live broadcast from the Chestnut Street store. Isaac gives it his best shot in the Kids Casting Contest, organized by Tom Means. The Bradford High Soccer Boosters are there, too, selling hot dogs, hamburgers, chili and potato soup. Frank Williams shows off this pink fishing pole and says it's perfect for that female in your life who loves fishing. Frank has decided he doesn't want a new fishing pole for Christmas (but I'm sure he wouldn't send it back if you gave him one). Instead, he wants a fishing kayak. Just so ya know.

SPCA Open House

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Chloe's Mom & Dad look over some of the items in the McKean County SPCA silent auction, while Chloe looks at some of the items for sale (and probably wonders if they're going to buy her a nice, new Christmas outfit.) These Shelties are just two of the many four-legged visitors to the open house, which is going on until 3 p.m. The SPCA is also holding a rabies clinic until 3 p.m. It's only $5 per cat or dog. You think Wade Aiken's job as a photographer for The Bradford Era is easy? Well, it can be a little difficult when one of the subjects of his photo insists on not facing the right way. That's Humane Officer Tony Danias looking on. Thanks to J&K Pets, Ott & McHenry Pharmacy, Northwest Savings Bank, Crescent Beer, Little Caeser's and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company for making our broadcast possible.

Around the Home
with Master Gardner Bob Harris

Video clips at Ustream Stayed tuned for the news, sports, The Weekend Wrap and Ad Line.

Tom Tessena on Sports Forum

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Bradford High track and cross country coach Tom Tessena was one of Frank's guests on Sports Forum today, and he talked about the dedication of the cross country course at GGB (pictured above). Listen to Sports Forum by clicking here . ( photo by Frank Williams )

'Listening is an Act of Love' Author
to Visit Bona's on October 29

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St. Bonaventure University’s First-Year Experience program and All Bonaventure Reads Committee will welcome author and journalist David Isay for a lecture at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Reilly Center Arena. Isay is author of “Listening Is An Act of Love,” the 2009 All Bonaventure Reads selection for incoming students. “Listening” is a celebration of American life from the StoryCorps project, which travels around the country and allows everyday people to collect and record stories by interviewing friends and family who have something to share. At the end of each 40-minute interview, one copy of the audio is given to the participants, a second becomes part of an archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Excerpts of interviews are broadcast each Friday on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” program. The “Listening” book is a compilation of a handful of StoryCorps’ most remarkable stories, which deal with family, work and struggle that paint a port

Bolivar Drive

Kelly Laird, owner of the Lighthouse Restaurant, our brand new sponsor, just called to let us know that Bolivar Drive is open. Apparently, PennDOT has finished painting the Route 219 bridges.

Immunization Records Needed for
Children at BRMC Flu Clinics

Parents must bring immunization records for their children who will be receiving an H1N1 flu vaccination at free clinics being held Monday and Tuesday, from noon to 6 p.m. both days, in the Outpatient Services Center lobby at Bradford Regional Medical Center, say hospital officials.

Question and Comment

A couple of people e-mailed me today and asked if I'll still be posting LiveLines, City Council meetings and other audio clips on the blog now that we're streaming. Well, our first audio/video was posted in March of 2008 so there's no reason to stop now. (That doesn't include the Buzz Week in Review, which we started in February of 2008). I know some people can't listen live, and I like to be able to give them a chance to listen at their leisure. For people who don't know, you can also go to WESB.com to hear the Noon and 6 p.m. newscasts at your leisure. My comment is to the nice gentleman who said the blog is an excellent "companion" to our station because he gets to know a little more about me, Scott, Frank, Igor and what's happening at the station. Thank you! It's always nice to be appreciated. Video clips at Ustream

PGC: Pair Grew Pot on State Land

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HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Southwest Regional Director R. Matthew Hough announced that charges recently were filed against two individuals for growing marijuana on State Game Land 117 in Smith Township, Washington County. On June 7, Washington County Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Daniel Sitler and Deputy WCO James Lorch, while on routine patrol on SGL 117, encountered two individuals who were acting suspicious during the brief conversation. “After this odd exchange, we decided to try and determine what they had been doing while visiting SGL 117,” WCO Sitler said. “We back-tracked where they had been and soon discovered 21 marijuana plants planted in thick vegetation along a Game Commission food plot.” Following this discovery, the officers used video surveillance technology to establish the connection between the suspected individuals and the marijuana plants. “The Game Commission has a long history and tradition of passing down our investigative techniques from

Tops Tailgate at Home Winner #2

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Congratulations to Dean Meacham of Bradford and his granddaughter -- this week's winners of a $100 gift card from Tops in the Tailgate at Home contest. What are they doing with the winnings? Having a tea party. You still have two more chances to win a $100 gift card. Here's where you can find all the details. http://www.wbrrfm.com/tailgate.html

You Asked for It ...

You got it. We're streaming Video clips at Ustream You can hear: The Morning Buzz* 6 to 9:35 a.m. Ad Line 9:35 to 10 a.m. a.m. Midday Magazine 12 to 1:06 p.m. Ameriprise Financial Business Briefs 5:55 p.m. The WESB News Review 6 p.m. Today's LiveLine/Sports Forum guests are Nancy Chesnut, director of the YWCA Victims Resource Center; Tom Tessena, Bradford High Track and Cross Country Coach; and John Place and Paul Pfaff of the Big 30 Committee. Thanks to our Midday Magazine sponsors: Bill Chapman of Ameriprise Financial; Bradford Regional Medical Center (health report); Fairway Ford Lincoln Mercury (Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Community Calendar); and Tops Friendly Markets (Mike Cejka's weather forecast). *We're not streaming music yet because of licensing issues that we're working out, and we want to be legal. But you can still hear local news, sports, local birthdays, the community calendar and Scott and Frank's "witty banter.

PA Milk Prices Going Up

The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board is temporarily raising the minimum price of milk across the state to help struggling dairy farmers. That means that from November 1 through December 31 consumers will pay about 4 cents more a gallon for milk. Farmers get an extra 50 cents, or $2.65 per 100 pounds of milk (11.6 gallons). “Farmers have been struggling with lower than expected prices for the milk they produce. By increasing the premium, the PMMB recognized that quick action needed to be taken to account for the extended period of low milk prices,” said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Carl T. Shaffer. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau .

Swim Team Opens Season Saturday

The Pitt-Bradford women's and men's swim team will open their 2009-10 season with the Pitt-Bradford Panther Relays on Saturday at 1 p.m. Penn State Altoona, Penn State Behrend, Notre Dame College of Ohio and Bethany College from West Virginia will be the opponents. The Pitt-Bradford swim team is coached by Ed Bahan and assisted by Pam Digel. "Our kids have been training hard for this season," said Bahan. "They've swum over 55 miles, which is the equivalent of the width of Lake Erie." There is no admission charge for the meet.

Keystone Exams Approved

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission voted 4-1 today to approve the Keystone Exams, although the new rules allow local school boards to substitute their own alternatives. The regulations must undergo a technical review by the attorney general's office, but they're expected to be published and become law in about two months. If the federal government gives its approval, the Keystone Exams will replace the 11th grade PSSAs. School districts can develop their own assessments as long as they meet certain standards. They can also allow students to substitute advanced placement or International Baccalaureate exams if the content is similar to the Keystones. From the Independent Regulatory Review Commission

Six New Full-Time Faculty at UPB

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford announces the addition of six full-time faculty members for the 2009-10 academic year. They are Claudine M. Cooper, instructor of hospitality management; Larry W. Kerns, visiting instructor of petroleum engineering; Dr. John C. Levey, assistant professor of music; Dr. Sooh-Rhee Ryu, visiting assistant professor of political science; Dr. Jesse Steinberg, assistant professor of philosophy; and D. Reece Wilson, assistant professor of education. Cooper holds a master of science degree in hospitality and tourism from the University of Wisconsin – Stout. She has 22 years’ experience in hospitality, international banking and technology as well as four years in teaching college-level hospitality and business programs. She is a past president of the Minnesota chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. Kerns, a trained engineer, has 28 years’ experience in the petroleum industry as a petroleum enginee

Obituary
Elizabeth Sheeley

Elizabeth M. Sheeley, 93, formerly of 282 East Main St. passed away Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. Born January 5, 1916, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Harry T. and Elsie (Cowan) Mills. On June 24, 1939 in Eldred, she married Max H. Sheeley who died on June 1, 1987. She was a 1934 graduate of Bradford High School, attended Mansfield College, and graduated from Clarion College. She worked as a teacher at Marienville and Limestone School Districts. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the Eastern Star, and the Current Events Club. Surviving are two sons: Thomas (Diane) Sheeley, and Richard (Barb) Sheeley all of Bradford, two grandsons: Mark Sheeley, and David Sheeley both of Bradford and one nephew Bob Mansfield of Vallejo, CA. At the family's request there will be no visitation. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park. Memorials, if desired, may be made to

Cabot Fined $56,650

Cabot Oil and Gas has been fined $56,650 after reporting three chemical spills in Susquehanna County. DEP is fining Cabot for violating the Clean Streams Law, Solid Waste Management Act and Oil and Gas Act. Last week, DEP allowed the Houston-based company to resume fracking. The company was ordered to stop its operations after three spills of a liquid-gel lubricant within seven days. gleaned from news release e-mailed from DEP

Flammable Blair Robes Recalled

Flammable women's robes sold by Blair Corporation of Warren are linked to nine deaths, and the company is expanding a recall to include more products imported from the Pakistani manufacturer. Blair first recalled the robes in April after learning that three had caught on fire and one person suffered second degree burns. Later, the Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of five deaths related to the robes. Since June, the agency has received reports of four more deaths. The full-length women's chenille robes sold in Blair catalogs and at their stores in Warren and Grove City present a risk if exposed to open flame, the agency said. The expanded recall includes more chenille robes and three other chenille products, all made by A-One Textile & Towel of Karachi, Pakistan. For more information, go to http://www.blair.com/content.jsp?pageName=recall

Life in Prison for Parent Killer

A Brookville man who killed his parents will spend the rest of his life in prison. Richard Reed pleaded guilty earlier this month to first-degree murder for killing Mary and John Reed in March of 2008. He was sentenced Wednesday in Jefferson County Court. After shooting his parents, he attempted to flee to Canada but was stopped at the border, where he confessed to the crimes.

Arrests in Operation Diamond Drop

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HARRISBURG — Attorney General Tom Corbett today announced that agents from the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, assisted by local police officers from across Erie County and the Pennsylvania State Police, are in the process of arresting 41 suspects linked to a nearly $5 million drug organization operating in and around Erie. Corbett said the nearly 2-year long grand jury investigation, known as “Operation Diamond Drop,” used court-ordered wiretaps, undercover surveillance and controlled drug purchases to identify large-scale cocaine and marijuana traffickers in the region. “Drug trafficking at this level is ‘big business’, including upper-level suppliers, mid-level distributers and street-level sales people,” Corbett said. “Our investigations focus on following the drugs and money to their source, allowing us to attack an entire drug distribution network when we make our arrests.” Corbett said the chief figure charged today is Miguel Angel Burgos, 31, 9891 Holly

Nicholson Gets A-10 Honors

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St. Bonaventure men’s basketball sophomore forward Andrew Nicholson (Mississauga, Ontario/Father Michael Goetz Secondary) has been named to both the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference second team and All-Defensive team, announced during the league’s annual media day on Thursday. Nicholson is the first Bonnie since 2005-06 to garner any kind of A-10 preseason accolade. The Mississauga, Ontario native is the eighth player in program history to earn preseason All-Conference status and just the fourth to be named to the All-Defensive team. The reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year, Nicholson exploded onto the scene in 2008-09, averaging 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. Nicholson led all A-10 rookies in six different categories, while ranking 11th and 12th in the nation, respectively, in blocks (81) and field goal percentage (.602). His .602 clip from the field established a new program single-season record, while his 81 blocks were the fourth most by an A-10 freshmen in leag

H1N1 Vaccine Clinics at BRMC

( We're running this again as a public service ) Bradford Regional Medical Center is planning its first two H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine clinics for certain high risk groups, starting next week. Pregnant women and people six months to 24 years old can obtain the vaccine from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26 and Tues., Oct. 27. Patients will be screened for appropriateness and registered in the Outpatient Services Center lobby, N. Bennett Street Ext. No appointments are necessary and supplies are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Children under 10 will need two shots to be fully protected, given 28 days apart. A reminder card will be given to their care giver at the time of the first vaccine date. Parental or guardian consent is required for those under 18 years of age. Officials said future H1N1 clinics will be scheduled as additional vaccine becomes available. Those with questions about the vaccine should contact their physicians. The public is asked to listen to 1490 WESB for upda

Obituary
Robert F. Hartle

Robert F. Hartle, 68, of 1359 Big Shanty Road, Lewis Run, passed away Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born October 16, 1941, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Walter S. Hartle and Margaret (Gault) Hartle who survives him of Bradford On August 16, 1980 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Mt Alton, he married Jane W. (Ward) Hartle who survives. He attended Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church. Mr. Hartle was a 1959 Graduate of Bradford Area High School. He was employed for 25 years at the Bradford Regional Airport, retiring in 2003. Following his retirement he worked part-time as a licensed treatment operator at the Lafayette Township water treatment facility for the Bradford Sanitary Authority. All who knew him, will miss his musical talents, his sense of humor, his love of family and above all his humble and gentle ways. In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by two daughters; Sheila Peacock of Cuba, NY and Jessica (Scott)

AKtion Club Elects Officers

Mike Walter has been re-elected president of the AKtion Club. Chelsea Albright was re-elected vice president; Rose Colella, secretary; and Ashley Peterson was elected treasurer. Directors serving until 2010 are Tracy Carson and Jeff VanScoter. Directors serving until 2011 are Pete Carlson and Joe Lee. Swearing in of officers was done by District Judge Dom Cercone. Walter says the club's plans are working on Kiwanis Kapers, participating in the Salvation Army's Kettle Drive, continuing to raise money and plan for Relay for Life and working on First Night. "We're scattered all over the place," Walter said of First Night. "We go wherever they need us."

Traffic Tie-Up Update

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Traffic looked like this on East Main Street at around 7 p.m. Wednesday. (Thank goodness the family emergency I had to go home for wasn't life or death.) But the good news is, as I learned when I came back to the station, they got a lot of work done and we have a smooth road.

Wagner Calls for Reform of
Methods for Awarding Contracts

Auditor General Jack Wagner today called for the Rendell administration to reform its process of awarding contracts to private vendors after finding the state paid $592 million to Deloitte Consulting LLP for computer-related services over a four-year period while also giving it an additional $2.25 million in economic-development grants to help it service those same state contracts. The 179-page report on Pennsylvania's dealing with Deloitte concluded that a single state agency should coordinate all contract awards and the Legislature should consider new laws to "tighten up and centralize" the bidding process, Wagner said during a news conference Wednesday. "This is a textbook case of what happens when accountability, competition and transparency are not present in the daily operation of state government," Wagner said. Department of General Services Secretary James Creedon said Wagner's report concludes that no laws were violated in the way contracts were awa

Traffic Tie-Ups

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Anyone who had to drive on East Main Street Wednesday knows how long the delays were. This photo was taken at about 2:30 p.m. when the line of traffic stretched from the Kendall Avenue intersection to Woodlawn Avenue. The delays were due to work being done at the intersection and the alternate route, Bolivar Drive, being partially closed while Route 219 bridges are being painted. The situation hadn't improved by 6:30 p.m. I just looked outside and found tail lights as far as I could see on South Kendall, and more stalled traffic on East Main.

Lil Miss Street Dreams

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Lil Miss Street Dreams Kylie Stiles, Street Dreams Car Club President Gary Hoy and Polly Mills of the Make-A-Wish Foundation pose for Bradford Era photographer Alan Hancock outside the WESB/WBRR studios Wednesday afternoon. Kylie, Hoy, Mills and Tubby Colella (owner of the Thunderbird) were guests on LiveLine and talked about the more than $3,000 the Lil Miss Street Dreams contestants raised for Make-A-Wish this year. They were also the first guests on our first offical show that streamed live online. You can hear tomorrow's show live online at 12:40 p.m. at http://www.wesb.com/liveline/index.html Thursday's guest is Dr. Robert Tahara, director of Bradford Regional Medical Center's Peripheral Interventions Program and also Allegheny Vein & Vascular (and one of my very favorite people in Bradford).

Koresh Dance Company to Offer
Workshop at Pitt-Bradford

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Koresh Dance Company assistant artistic director Melissa Rector will teach a master class for area dancers prior to the company’s performance at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Monday, Nov. 2. The master class will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, in the dance studio at the Pitt-Bradford Sport and Fitness Center. The class is free, but enrollment is limited to 24 students and registration is required. Dancers should have at least a rudimentary knowledge of dance to benefit from this master class. Normal dance studio attire is expected. “Last season we presented the Russian National Ballet, and their workshop was so popular we had to cut off the number of students who applied,” said Randy L. Mayes, director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford. Mayes said that he expects to see the same response this year for Rector’s Koresh Dance Company master class. Rector will be teaching the master class along with some of the Koresh dancers to assist and demonstrate. “The partic

KidShape Geared to Help Children

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A weight-management program called KidShape for children between the ages of 6 and 14 is now seeking registrants throughout McKean County to participate in a nine-week session. KidShape is a program for children who are in the 85th percentile for their body-mass index or above. The family-based program also requires a parent or guardian to attend each class for added support and reinforcement of what’s taught. “The activities are fun and designed to promote healthy behavior changes such as increasing activity and choosing more nutritious snacks, drinks and meals,” says Mariann Kahle, Bradford Regional Medical Center’s worksite wellness coordinator who thought it was necessary to make KidShape available to overweight children in the county. “When I saw this program I knew we had to bring it here,” she says. KidShape is made possible through funding provided by Highmark Healthy High 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation. The first nine-week KidShape session will be held Thursday, J

Halloween Harvest Festival at Tops

Tops Friendly Markets is holding a Halloween Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24 to celebrate and recognize the growers who supply fresh, locally-grown produce to all Tops stores everyday. Since transitioning back to a locally operated and managed grocer, Tops has increased by 40 percent the number of local growing partners it uses. Tops has more than 170 farms and grower co-operatives in Western and Central New York now providing fresh produce to its stores. “One of our objectives from day one has been to ensure that we are providing our customers with the freshest, locally-grown produce available,” said Frank Curci, president and CEO of Tops. “Local growers are very important to the economies of the regions we serve and we believe in not only supporting this industry but highlighting what they do and this festival is just one part of that effort.” Curci added that there are various benefits associated with choosing products from local farms. He cited the positive impact on the loc

Fiction Writer to Read Stories at
Pitt-Bradford October 27

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Author Jody Lisberger, who has had her short stories published in various anthologies and whose first collection was just released, will read from her fiction on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She will read at noon in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons as part of the university’s Spectrum Series. A question-and-answer session, reception and book signing will follow. “I like her stories’ complex and layered portraits of characters who discover that nothing is ever quite as it seems their wordplay and the risks they take with language and form,” said Dr. Nancy McCabe, associate professor of writing at Pitt-Bradford. “In addition to writing terrific stories, Jody is also a warm person and good teacher who I think will inspire and encourage beginning writers.” Lisberger’s story collection “Remember Love” was published in May 2008. Her stories have appeared in “Fugue,” “Michigan Quarterly Review,”

Natural Gas Caucus Launched

Congressman Glenn Thompson and other members of Congress officially launched the House Natural Gas Caucus today at a hearing to discuss the state of US natural gas. The hearing included testimony from industry experts, business officials and scholars, including Dr. Robert Watson of Penn State, who said over the next 5 years Marcellus Shale will probably transform Pennsylvania into a net exporter of natural gas. He said in 10 years the industry could be generating about 175,000 jobs. Thompson said the country works toward clean, sustainable energy development, renewable energy is not at the place yet where it can take over for the 85 percent of power and energy still generated by fossil fuels. T. Boone Pickens reinforced those views when he testified that, “Natural gas is the bridge to the next fuel. We have 2000 trillion cubic feet of untapped natural gas in this country, which is equal to 350 billion barrels of oil. That is one and one-half times more oil than in Saudi Arabia. This

BRMC Plans First H1N1 Vaccine
Clinics for Monday, Tuesday

Bradford Regional Medical Center is planning its first two H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine clinics for certain high risk groups, starting next week. Pregnant women and people six months to 24 years old can obtain the vaccine from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26 and Tues., Oct. 27. Patients will be screened for appropriateness and registered in the Outpatient Services Center lobby, N. Bennett Street Ext. No appointments are necessary and supplies are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Children under 10 will need two shots to be fully protected, given 28 days apart. A reminder card will be given to their care giver at the time of the first vaccine date. Parental or guardian consent is required for those under 18 years of age. Officials said future H1N1 clinics will be scheduled as additional vaccine becomes available. Those with questions about the vaccine should contact their physicians. The public is asked to listen to 1490 WESB for updates on the H1N1 flu vaccine supplies at BRMC.

Man Accused of Threatening to Burn Down House Waives Hearing

A man accused of threatening to a kill a family by burning down their house has waived his preliminary hearing. On September 13, Michael Schoonover called the family a number of times and made the threats, according to papers filed in District Judge Rich Luther's office. Ten people, including small children, were in the house at the time Schoonover allegedly made the threats. For those alleged incidents, he's charged with terroristic threats and harassment. On September 9, Schoonover allegedly hit a man several times in the Walmart parking lot. Courts papers say that he grabbed John Vanyo's hoodie, pulled it over his head and hit Vanyo 6 or 7 times, telling him that was for causing the breakup between him and his girlfriend. He then allegedly hit Vanyo 6 or 7 more times. For that incident, he's charged with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. from affidavits of probable cause filed in Luther's office in the Foster Township Municipal Building

Accused Carjacker Waives Hearing

A man accused of carjacking a vehicle from the Zippo parking lot on Barbour Street has waived his preliminary hearing. According to papers filed in District Judge Dom Cercone's office, 24-year-old Michael Blum of Congress Street approached Ryan Anderson on August 6 and demanded the keys to his vehicle. When Anderson refused, Blum pulled out a knife, held it to Anderson's throat and said "Give me your f***ing keys. I am not kidding." Blum's alleged accomplice, Jessica Gulledge, got in the car and backed it up while Blum was still holding the knife on Anderson, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Blum also demanded Anderson's wallet. The second time, Anderson gave him a pack of cigarettes. On August 7, the stolen vehicle was involved in a chase that started in Smethport and ended in Limestone, NY. Blum is charged with robbery, robbery of a motor vehicle, conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking, simple assault and reckless endangerment. He's in jail on

Woman Facing Theft Charges

A Genesee woman is accused of stealing money from her employer. State police say 20-year-old Tiffany Moag stole $13,500 from the cash register at the Acorn Market in Genesee between June 16 and September 9. Her bail was set at $10,000. fax from Coudersport-based state police

Don't Have a Radio Handy ...

... but want to listen to the LiveLine live ? Starting today at 12:40 p.m. you can do that at http://www.wesb.com/liveline/index.html Today's guests include Polly Mills of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lil Miss Street Dreams Kylie Stiles and Street Dreams Car Club President Gary Hoy. (bear with us because we're still testing)

Coach Tom Tessena Honored

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Bradford High Cross Country and Track Coach Tom Tessena looks at the plaque bearing his name at GGB Cross Country Course. Tuesday afternoon, the permanent finish line was unveiled and dedicated to Tessena, who has been the coach for nearly 40 years. Below is the ribbon cutting ceremony. Photos by Frank Williams

Causer Opposes State Regulation of Outdoor Wood-Fired Boilers

HARRISBURG - Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is speaking out against proposed regulations from the state's Environmental Quality Board that would place significant restrictions on the use of outdoor wood-fired boilers in Pennsylvania. "These boilers are one of the last affordable forms of home heating for many rural Pennsylvanians," Causer said. "Government intervention has helped drive up the cost of electricity, oil and gas, and now it's going to do the same to wood-fired boilers. "This is just another example of 'big brother' government stepping in where it is not wanted or needed," he added. "Local governments are more than capable of regulating these boilers if they believe it is warranted." Under the proposed regulations: · A person may not purchase, sell, offer for sale, distribute or install a boiler unless it meets Phase 2 standards for efficiency. · New boilers must be installed at least a minimum of 150 feet from the near

Greenleaf Introduces Legislation Addressing “Sexting” by Minors

State Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf (R, Montgomery, Bucks) has introduced legislation in response to recent incidents of “sexting” by minor children in Pennsylvania. Sexting is a combination of the words texting and sex, and refers to the transmission of sexually explicit images and videos using a telecommunication device. There have been many incidences of sexting in Pennsylvania by minors, and district attorneys have struggled with finding the appropriate offense for this inappropriate activity. Teenagers have been charged with everything from disorderly conduct to child pornography. The proposed legislation would provide guidance for law enforcement, and an alternative to seeking a conviction for a more serious crime. Senate Bill 1121, now before the Senate Judiciary Committee, establishes the criminal offense of “dissemination of prohibited materials by a minor” (sexting), and prohibits a person under 18 years of age from using a computer or telecommunication device

More Information Released on Skeletal Remains Found in Sept.

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The Cattaraugus County sheriff's Office is looking for help in the identification of skeletal remains found on the shore line of the Allegheny Reservoir on September 26. A forensic exam showed that the remains are of a female between the ages of 25 and 45, but likely 30 to 40. She was 5' 1" to 5' 8" with a small build and probably weighed 105 to 125 pounds. It has also been suggested that the remains have been in the water from one to five years. An exam also revealed that a single rib shows evidence of a healed fracture, and there was a broken left tibia. The remains were found with one size 6 left winter boot made of tan suede. The boot is fleece-lined and made in China under the brand name Hotcakes. Dental records are on file with the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office for comparison and DNA is being obtained for the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Anyone who believes they have information about the identity of the person is asked to contact

Program Named for Hunter Kelly

The National Institutes of Health on Monday announced the establishment of a research program to enhance newborn screening, in memory of the son of National Football League Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. Hunter Kelly died in 2005 at age 8 1/2 of Krabbe disease, a rare, fatal genetic disorder affecting the nervous system. After Hunter's diagnosis in 1997, the Kellys and their family members established the Hunter's Hope Foundation to raise awareness and fund research for Krabbe disease and related disorders (known as leukodystrophies), and to support families affected by these conditions. Jim Kelly said that the principal focus of the Hunter Kelly Foundation is to educate and advocate for expanded and universal newborn screening for all possible diseases For more on this story, go to the National Institutes of Health .