Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A man on a riding lawn mower is dead after an accident at about 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon on Spring Creek Road in Elk County. State police say 55-year-old Roger Davis was riding the lawn mower on Spring Creek Road when it was hit from behind by a pickup truck driven by 38-year-old Paul McConville of Sigel. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are continuing their investigation.

The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Wednesday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 54 East Corydon St. This year’s theme is “A Feast of Faith”, and will feature speakers from area churches. Participating speakers will include Gautam Mukerjee, Javed Ahktar, Rick Weinberg and Lee Beckes, all representing various faiths. Churches participating will be Emanuel Lutheran, Church of the Ascension, First Presbyterian Church, and Temple Beth El. This annual event has become an inspirational service during the approaching Thanksgiving time of year with significant messages being shared. A special choir presentation, directed by Bill Howe, will be performed by members of area churches. Mac Sue, director of music and organist of the First Presbyterian Church, will be the organist. Child care will be available for small children. A reception will be held following the service with ethnic desserts being served. The public is welcome to attend. For more in

"Legally Kapers" was a huge success and a lot of fun. Congratuations! And thanks to the great audiences all three nights.

The Pitt-Bradford swim team set five school records in a 252-125 non-conference loss to Buffalo State at the Duke Aquatic Center on Friday. Allison Beyerl broke the old record in the 1650 Freestyle by over four minutes with a time of 19:49.83. Other school record-setters were David Taylor in the men's 200 Freestyle (1:54.30) and the 100 Fly (59.55), Rachel Davis in the women's 100 Fly (1:07.94) and Morgan Kinville in the women's 100 Breaststroke (1:19.05). The Pitt-Bradford women also won the 200 Medley Relay (Rebecca Carlson, Anne Morgan, Rachel Davis and Kinville) with a time of 2:07.92 and the 200 Freestyle Relay (Beyerl, Carlson, Sarah Mihalko and Davis), and Cameron Lanich captured the men's 1650 Freestyle (17:56.66) and the 100 Backstroke (58.89). Buffalo State won the women's events 122-71 and the men's races 130-54. Pitt-Bradford will travel to Notre Dame College next Saturday.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure women’s basketball team started its season off right shutting down Binghamton in a 63-42 victory in the Events Center on Friday night. With the victory, the Bonnies earned their fifth straight win to start the new season and their seventh opening day victory overall under head coach Jim Crowley. Tonight's win is also the Bonnies fourth in four tries against America East member Binghamton, all of which have come in the past three seasons. “It was a good start to the season. We defended well, but our offensive isn’t where it needs to be,” said head coach Jim Crowley. “We did get the contributions from people like Jess Jenkins and Alaina Walker that we needed today.” The Brown and White return home on Sunday to face Akron on Bob Lanier Court at the Reilly Center. Tip-off against the Zips is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team jumped out to a 19-point halftime lead and never looked back as it cruised to a 72-62 wire-to-wire season-opening win over defending Horizon League Tournament champ Cleveland State on Friday night at the Reilly Center. The opening 20 minutes looked like anything but the Brown and White’s first half of the season, as their 41-22 advantage at the half brought the crowd of 4,860 fans to their feet. St. Bonaventure was sharp on the offensive end, shooting an unheard-of 77 percent from the floor over the opening 20 minutes. “I thought we played a terrific first half and got out to a great start shooting 77 percent from the field,” said head coach Mark Schmidt. “That was the best half of basketball from both an offensive and defensive standpoint that we’ve had in a long time.” The Bonnies received a trio of big performances, led by senior Jonathan Hall’s (Miami, Fla./South Plains CC) game-high 20 points

With your help, your animal shelter could win $10,000. Tell your friends, family and neighbors about this contest and ask them to vote for the McKean County SPCA! Click the link to vote http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/77612?refer=19937.05.1258167325.198869

American Refining Group LLC in McKean County has been awarded a $609,422 state grant to reduce energy costs and promote alternative and clean energy production, Senator Joe Scarnati said the grant was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which administers the state’s $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund. “American Refining Group is extremely pleased to be the recipient of this CFA grant. We are faced with many large expenditures to comply with both state and federal mandates for biofuels and emissions controls,” said Harvey L. Golubock, President & COO of American Refining Group, Inc. “We are particularly appreciative of Senator Scarnati’s understanding of our plight and of his assistance in receiving these funds. It would not have happened without the Senator’s personal intervention on our behalf.” American Refining Group LLC will use the grant to build and install two above-ground biofuels storage tanks in Bradford -- one 65,800-gallon biodiesel ta

New traffic patterns on the Route 219 Bradford Bypass Project are expected to start Monday. PennDOT says southbound traffic will be moved back to the newly constructed southbound lanes. After those lanes are opened, any work will be done under daylight signing. Northbound traffic will remain restricted to one lane during the removal of the temporary concrete barrier. Motorists are asked to watch for workers close to the travel lanes while this is being done. The Foster Brook ramps will open sometime next week. The Kendall Avenue southbound on ramps will have new southbound approaching traffic. Access at Hillside Drive remains restricted, but should be opened by the end of next week.

Former state House Speaker John Perzel is one of 10 people connected to the House Republican caucus who are being charged in a new phase of the investigation into misuse of money by the Legislature, known as Bonusgate. Perzel, his former chief of staff Brian Preski and former House GOP counsel Brett Feese are among those charged with misuse of public resources and employees for campaign purposes, according to Attorney General Tom Corbett. Corbett announced the latest charges in the ongoing grand jury investigation during a news conference today in Harrisburg. These charges come 16 months after Corbett's office charged 12 people connected to the House Democratic caucus, including former Democratic Whip Mike Veon, with similar offenses. To see a list of the defendants and the charges against them, go to the attorney general's Web site .

American Refining Group will receive a $609,422 alternative and clean energy program grant from the state to build and install two above-ground biofuels storage tanks in Bradford. One will be 65,800-gallon biodiesel tank; the other will be a 237,930-gallon ethanol tank. The total project cost is $1.5 million and American Refining will provide $914,035 in matching funds. In Potter County, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital will receive a $1 million alternative and clean energy program loan toward a biomass combustion unit and boiler unit to provide heat for the hospital. Projected energy cost savings are $385,000 per year. The total project cost is $2.7 million, with the hospital providing $1.7 in matching funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These were among the projects announced today by Governor Ed Rendell. In all, more than $23 million was approved for 36 new solar and other alternative and clean energy projects that Rendell says will help maintain Pennsylvania’s status as a

Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell today released the following statement recognizing the first anniversary of the death of Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: “One year ago today, Pennsylvania lost one of its most beloved daughters, a trailblazer who inspired other women to pursue elected office, my friend Catherine Baker Knoll. “She fought for all Pennsylvanians throughout her decades of public service, as she fought her illness to the very end. Her partnership was invaluable, and she is deeply missed. “When Pennsylvania finally elects its first female Governor, she will owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the women who paved the way – chief among them, Catherine Baker Knoll.”

The Pitt Improvers, a student improvisational club, will perform a comedy show from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The all-ages show is free and open to the public. The group also plans to reprise its appearance at Kiwanis Kapers at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 13 and 14 at Bradford Area High School. Kristin Asinger, visiting instructor of sports medicine, and her husband, Tim, are advisers for the student group. This is the Improvers second year on campus. During the performances, members of the cast play a variety of improv games and perform them based on suggestions given by the audience. Additional shows will take place from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 25 and April 1 in the Mukaiyama University Room. Also planned are an improv workshop for teens and adults Feb. 6 and special charity show from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. The Improvers recently attended an improv workshop in Chic

The 19th annual Bradford Businessmen’s Chess League competition is underway. There are a total of 18 teams in two divisions. There are 8 teams in the varsity section and 10 teams in the junior varsity. Each team will face every other team in its division during the season, which runs through March 17th and pits the best players against each other. At the end of first round action at School Street Elementary, the Wal-Mart Supercenter Team is in first place in the varsity division. In the junior varsity division, Lang Surveying is in first. Judging from the first round results, the teams appear to be very evenly matched. Time will tell which teams have the most competitive drive. For information about the league, contact Robert Ferguson at excedir@amchess.org or visit the club's website at www.bradfordchessclub.com/ . Standings after round 1: Varsity Division Wal-Mart Supercenter 1.5 Dexter’s Service Center 1 Dr. Gonzalez 1 Dr. Laroche 1 Parkview Super Market 1 Pharmacy at Union Squa

David and Dawn Jardini have established a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford that helps them support the institution and give back to the region. David Jardini is the co-founder and president of C/G Electrodes LLC in St. Marys. He’s also a University of Pittsburgh alumnus, as are several members of his family. David Jardini earned his master’s degree in social history at Pitt-Oakland, where his wife, Dawn, earned her master’s of business administration degree. David Jardini’s father was the first generation of his family to attend Pitt-Oakland or college of any kind. After immigrating to the United States from Brazil, he earned his bachelor’s degree and eventually his doctoral degree in Spanish. David Jardini’s mother earned her master’s degree in audiology from Pitt-Oakland, and Jardini’s son will attend Pitt-Oakland beginning in the spring term. David and Dawn Jardini moved to Elk County seven years ago

WILLIAMSVILLE, NY – Tops Friendly Markets and Tim Hortons today announced that one million cups of fresh-brewed Tim Hortons coffee have been sold inside of Tops stores during the first year of the Tops and Tim Hortons strategic partnership, which brought full-service Tim Hortons restaurants and self-serve kiosks to all Tops full-service supermarkets and Tops Express locations. Tops today honored Art Steele of Hamburg, NY who purchased the one-millionth cup of coffee inside the Tops Friendly Markets location on S. 6150 South Park Ave. in Hamburg, NY. Mr. Steele was awarded a prize package including Tops and Tim Hortons items, and a Buffalo Sabres Ultimate Fan Pack, including a limo ride, dinner, and tickets to an upcoming game. “We are very pleased with the overwhelming success of this partnership because it has been a real win-win for our customers, Tops and Tim Hortons, as we knew it would be,” said Frank Curci, Tops’ president and CEO. “The joining together of two locally prominent a

Part of a building at 26 Edwards Street was heavily damaged by fire this afternoon, but no one was hurt. Bradford City Fire Department Lt. Chris Angell tells WESB and The HERO that firefighters received the call at 1:32 p.m. and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the back of the two-story, wood-frame structure and heavy smoke coming from the front door when they arrived. The fire was in the kitchen and on the back porch, which were heavily damaged. Angell said there was some smoke damage throughout the building, but very little water damage. "It went out for us very well," he said. He said one woman was home at the time of the fire. She called 911 and left. The owners of the building are Greg and Susan Hoover of 4 Aspen Way. Martha VanSickle and Tom Leakes are the tenants. Three fire trucks, two ambulances, the chief's car and code enforcement were on the scene, along with 13 firefighters, until 3:05 p.m. Angell noted that at the same time they were on the fire scen

A Kane man and a Crawford County man are facing charges for allegedly spending money stolen in a McKean County burglary. 19-year-old Shane Hurlburt of Kane and 25-year-old John Hollabaugh of Vernon Township are each charged with receiving stolen property. According to an affidavit of probable cause in District Judge Michael Rossi's office, state police were investigating a burglary that happened July 8 in Wetmore Township, where a large amount of cash and a safe were taken from a bedroom. The investigation led police to Vernon Township, where they found $14,000 of the stolen money and a number of items purchased with the money at Hollabaugh's home. Some of the money was used to buy a television and a video-game system; a dog cage; and trips to Waldameer, Splash Lagoon and Cedar Point. Hurlburt accepted some of the stolen money and used it to pay for car insurance and registration and to buy clothing, a cell phone and jewelry, according to the affidavit. Hurlburt is free on $25

Bradford City firefighters are currently on the scene of a fire at 26 Edwards Street. The report of the fire was called in at about 1:30. Smoke and flames were showing when firefighters arrived. Everyone in the building got out safely. We'll have more information as it becomes available.

By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department Robert W. Tahara, M.D., director of Bradford Regional Medical Center's (BRMC's) Peripheral Interventions Program and also Allegheny Vein & Vascular, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. This enables Dr. Tahara to use the credentials F.A.C.S. after his name to indicate his elevation from Associate Fellow to Fellow, says Cynthia Hicks, supervisor of the credentials section of the Division of Member Services at the American College of Surgeons in Chicago. Becoming a Fellow means the surgeon's education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation and are consistent with the high standards established by the American College of Surgeons, she says. "I'm very pleased and honored to be named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons," says Dr. Tahara, who's been with BRMC for the past seven years. The

A Cattaraugus man is dead after tractor-trailer hit his pickup truck Tuesday night in the Town of Concord. State police say 33-year-old Joseph Nebrich was pronounced dead at the scene. They say the tractor-trailer driven by 22-year-old Daniel Taft of Steuben County didn't stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Genessee Road and Springville-Boston Road and it hit Nebrich's pickup. Taft suffered minor injuries. Police say no drugs or alcohol were involved and that Taft told them he didn't see the stop sign. Parts of both roads were closed for several hours after the accident.

A convicted sex offender indicted for attacking a Portville woman in September has pleaded not guilty, but he is back in jail. 35-year-old William Phillips of Portville pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing. His bail is set at $100,000 and he's scheduled to return to court on January 15. On September 15, Phillips allegedly attacked a woman as she came out of a Wilson Farms store in Portville. Phillips served 15 years in a Georgia prison for convictions of rape and aggravated sodomy of a 13- year old girl. When he was released from prison in Georgia, he returned to Portville to be with his family. He was jailed after the incident in September, but was released when his case wasn't brought before a grand jury within 45 days.

Please try to attend the Veterans Day service in Veterans Square in Bradford at 10 a.m. today.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Bradford City Council asked city employees to come up with ways to find or save money to help the city get out of it's current financial situation, so that's what they did. Prior to Tuesday's council meeting, union representatives presented some of the ideas. They range from discontinuing payments to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for athletic field maintenance to cracking down on people who don't recycle to allowing wind turbines on water authority property. During the work session, Department of Public Works employee Don Neis said he estimates that only 1 in 10 households in the city recycles. Deputy City Clerk Teri Cannon noted that if people are putting recyclable items into the trash, those items are going to the landfill, and the city is paying that much more in tipping fees. She also said if there's less recycling, there's less grant money to help pay for the program. Matt Rettger of the firefighters'

The Bradford City Police Station will remain manned 24/7. Bradford City Council voted 3-2 during its meeting Tuesday night to keep an officer working the desk at the Kennedy Street station instead of transferring dispatch duties to the McKean County 911 Center in Smethport. Following the meeting Police Officer Chris Lucco told WESB and The HERO he wanted to thank the members of council who voted to keep the station manned with a uniformed officer 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He says he thinks they took into consideration "what the taxpayers and the community wanted in the city for the public safety." Mayor Tom Riel and Councilman Rick Benton voted to move the dispatch duties to Smethport. Councilmen Ross Neidich, Bob Onuffer and Bob Tingley voted to keep it the way it is.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has started construction on several new projects, including a $5.42-million, 103-bed residence hall and 104-space parking lot. Even as it begins that housing project, construction is continuing on the Harriett B. Wick Chapel and the electrical service upgrade for the campus. “This is part and parcel of the continued transformation of our campus as we seek to accommodate our fast-growing student population,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president. “All of the new facilities will reflect a consistent design and accentuate the beauty of the campus.” Preparation of the site for the new residence hall began this week after the project was approved by the University of Pittsburgh board of trustees on Oct. 30 and a key roadblock to construction was removed on Nov. 2, when the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection gave the Bradford Sanitary Authority permission to add 45 equivalent dwelling units to its sewage tre

A team of students from Johnsonburg Area High School took first place in the 5th Annual Pitt-Bradford SIFE High School Business Plan Competition. The contest was sponsored by the Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the university’s chapter of Students in Free Enterprise. The second place team was Bolivar-Richburg (N.Y.) Central School. In third place was Smethport Area Junior/Senior High School. Also competing was Cameron County Junior/Senior High School. All schools in McKean, Warren, Cameron, Elk, Potter and Cattaraugus (N.Y.) counties were invited to submit a written marketing plan for a business that they could realistically start today. SIFE students and Pitt-Bradford faculty and staff helped the students fine tune their plans to present before a panel of judges. Others speaking or teaching were Jill Foys of the North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission, Carl Knoblock and Karan Waigand of the

Pitt-Bradford junior Jackie Podrasky of Medina (OH) and senior Tabitha Ryan of Albion were named to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference First Team on Tuesday. Podrasky ranks third in the AMCC in aces per game (0.57), fourth in kills per game (3.05) and eighth in digs per game (3.53). Ryan leads the NCAA Division III in digs per game (7.74). Freshman Brittany Kellogg of Shinglehouse was named to the Second Team and freshman Maggie Johnson of Hilton (NY) was Honorable Mention. Kellogg is second in the AMCC in kills per game (3.36). The Lady Panthers (18-5), who were eliminated in the AMCC semifinals on Friday, will travel to Gallaudet University (Washington D.C.) on Wednesday for the ECAC South Region playoffs.

Pitt-Bradford's Toby Abdul-Razaq was named to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Second Team in men's soccer on Tuesday. Abdul-Razaq, who is a sophomore from Glenside, led the Panthers with seven goals and three assists this season.

A final sign-up for the Era’s Less Fortunate Fund is scheduled for noon-4 p.m. Monday at the Bradford Area Public Library, 67 W. Washington St. Two groups of residents are eligible to receive help: Less fortunate senior citizens from age 60 on, and families with children age 15 and under. All applicants must reside in the Bradford Area School District. Eligibility is based on income guidelines used for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) government program. Those applying must bring with them identification for every person in the family for whom assistance is sought, including Social Security numbers. Also required are positive proof of income for everyone living in the home; and proof of all major and monthly expenses, including rent and utilities. Those unable to provide these documents at the time of application will be required to produce them prior to being considered for any Christmas aid. Families should be prepared to list toy and clothing request for children, along with pa

A package of legislation designed let workers in Pennsylvania decide whether or not they want to join unions has been introduced in Harrisburg. State Representative Kathy Rapp says her bill addresses teachers and other public education employees. "The real bottom line about any of the Right to Work legislation is freedom and liberty – the right to choose what organizations to belong to and not forcibly removing some of your paycheck," Rapp said. State Representative Darryl Metcalfe, who also sponsored one of the pieces of legislation in the package, says employers are moving out of Pennsylvania because it's not a Right to Work state.

CVS has reached an agreement with New York State to end an investigation into the sale of expired over-the-counter drugs, baby formula and other items. State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said in a news release that CVS will pay $875,000 in penalties, costs and fees and will commit to policies and procedures to prevent expired products from being stocked on its shelves. "New Yorkers should not have to worry that their neighborhood pharmacy is selling expired over-the-counter drugs that may be harmful to themselves or their families," Cuomo said in the release A previous investigation by the AG's office uncovered sales of expired products in more than 122 Rite Aid stores and 148 CVS stores in more than 40 New York counties. Besides the drugs and baby formula, milk and eggs were found to be on shelves past their expiration dates. http://www.oag.state.ny.us/media_center/2009/nov/nov10b_09.html

An Olean man has been sentenced to 2 to 6 years in state prison for promising to do construction work and not doing it. Between November of 2005 and January of 2008, in Salamanca, Jeffrey Wachwitz stole more than $3,000 worth of property from one person and engaged in a scheme constituting a systematic ongoing course of conduct with intent to defraud more than one person, according to the Cattaraugus County District Attorney's office. He was also sentenced to 2 to 6 years on a burglary charge for breaking into a Salamanca building in January of 2008. That sentence will be served at the same time as the grand larceny sentence.

Three people have pleaded guilty to drug charges in Cattaraugus County Court. Donald Watson Jr. of Salamanca attempted to sell crack cocaine in Salamanca on March 10, 2008. Christopher Downey of Kill Buck attempted to sell crack cocaine on March 7, 2008, in Salamanca. Stacie Calloway of Olean attempted to sell crack cocaine on September 25 in Olean. All three are scheduled for sentencing on January 25.

Roy L. Semrau II, AKA "Wrong Way", age 36, of Mentor, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 7, 2009. He was born in Canton on November 19, 1972, and was a graduate of Bradford Area High School in Bradford, PA, and the Pittsburgh Technical Institute. He was employed as a Computer Architect and was a member of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club. He loved his Harley and was always smiling. Roy will always be remembered as a wonderful father. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Carlene Lowden and Roy J. and Frances Semrau. Survivors include his wife, Kate Semrau of the home; his five sons, Taylor, Randy, Zack, Adam and Dylon; his parents, Roy and Betty Semrau of North Canton; his sister Rachael (Dan) Newman of Greentown; his brother, Ryan (Nancy) Semrau of North Canton and numerous other family members and friends. Funeral services will be Thursday at 1pm in the Reed Funeral Home North Canton Chapel, 801 Pittsburg Ave. NW, with Pastor Ted Blackwood of

Peterson Refrigeration in Kane is one of 165 small businesses across the state sharing in grant money from the Small Business Energy Efficiency Program. Peterson will receive $4,162 to buy and install high efficiency windows, HVAC and furnace to conserve energy. The 165 small business grant recipients, which employ nearly 3,000 people, will see a 48 percent reduction in their annual energy bills, which now total more than $3.7 million, according to a news release from the governor's office. Funds were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

A tractor-trailer carrying hazardous material rolled over on Interstate 80 in Clearfield County this morning. Westbound lanes in Lawrence Township are closed. The county Emergency Management Agency, Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT and a number of fire departments are on the scene. We'll have more information as it becomes available.

Another person plans to officially launch his campaign for Pennsylvania governor today. Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty is scheduled make the announcement at noon, making him the fifth Democrat to throw his hat into the ring. The others are state Auditor General Jack Wagner, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel and Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox. On the Republican side, state Attorney General Tom Corbett and Congressman Jim Gerlach have announced that they're running.

The panel investigating the "kids-for-cash" scandal in Luzerne County will reconvene today. The current Luzerne County District Attorney and public defender are scheduled to testify, as is a former DA who is now a judge. Two former judges face federal racketeering charges for allegedly accepting payoffs from two private juvenile detention centers. Last month, the state Supreme Court threw out thousands of juvenile cases, saying none of the young offenders got a fair hearing. The panel, headed by Superior Court Judge John Cleland of McKean County, was formed to investigate then recommend measures to prevent similar situations. http://www.pacourts.us/Links/Public/InterbranchCommissionJuvenileJustice.htm

The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources plans to open six tracts of land in state forests for natural gas leases. The 32,000 acres in Cameron, Potter, Clearfield, Tioga and Clinton counties was picked after a year of environmental reviews. The land is in the Elk, Moshannon, Sproul, Susquehannock and Tioga State Forests. DCNR Spokeswoman Chris Novak says the reviews are "meant to protect the health of the forest now and in the future." She said they look at ways to avoid wild and natural areas as well as vistas. She added that they try to make use of existing pipelines and roads. She says parts of the land cannot be developed in order to "protect wild or natural areas, water bodies, certain types of recreational opportunities." Novak says only a small portion of the total acreage would be used for actual well site location. State Senator Mary Jo White, chairwoman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee she is pleased that the depa

New York Governor David Paterson's plan to close a budget gap of more than $3 billion may affect Jamestown Community College. Paterson's two-year, $5 billion plan includes slashing $90 million in current-year spending from the State University of New York system and an additional $22.7 million from the state's community colleges. Community colleges such as JCC are considered local entities, meaning that the proposed cut to their budgets must pass through the state Legislature. JCC officials say it's too early to speculate how budget reductions would impact the college and its students.

School Street Elementary students finished second overall at the Genesee Valley Central School in Belmont on Saturday, November 7. Pioneer Central School District managed a ½ point win over Bradford in the final round to claim first. Top scorers for the Bradford elementary team were Rayelle Nelling, who along with Danny Fedak tied for second place overall, Brent Kennedy, Katie Wedge, and Jacob Yost. Other members of the Bradford team included Seth Nelling and Jess Yost. The Enterprise Charter School from Buffalo finished in third. Pioneer also took first place in the 7-12 division. Bradford was unable to field a full team; however, the Wedge brothers, Justin and Kyle, put up a strong fight and finished in fifth place. In other chess news, Wednesday, November 11 will mark the beginning of the 19th annual Bradford Businessmen’s Chess League. The sponsoring businesses this year include: Bradford Window Company, Hayden Auto Detailing, Dexter’s Service Center, Dragonfly Guitar Studio, Dr. G

Ridgway-based state police have released more information about the man who fled on foot from a traffic stop on Interstate 80 Thursday night. 36-year-old Johnny Richard Brown has no permanent home address but has been known to frequent the Clearfield area. An arrest warrant has been issued for fleeing and eluding law enforcement. At 9:48 p.m. Thursday, Brown fled from the Reynoldsville rest area in Jefferson County. Police believe he was armed with a handgun at the time. Brown is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds. He has short blond hair, blue eyes, and was wearing a tan Carhart-type jacket.

A former Bradford resident died in a motorcycle accident Saturday evening in North Canton, Ohio. 36-year-old Roy Semrau II of Mentor, Ohio, suffered head trauma when his motorcycle ran into the back of a parked pickup truck. He was taken to Mercy Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about half an hour after the accident. Semrau's wife Kathleen was a passenger on the motorcycle. She's hospitalized at Aultman Hospital in Canton. Police say neither of them was wearing a helmet. Roy Semrau was a 1991 graduate of Bradford Area High School.

The Governor's Veterans Outreach and Assistance Centers will be shut down. as of January 1 because of budget cuts. The centers are in Erie, Greensburg, Boyertown, West Pittston and Harrisburg. The GVOA centers have been operating since 1981 to help Pennsylvania veterans with disability claims, funeral benefits and more. They will continue to serve existing clients until the end of the year, then files will be forwarded to other veterans service groups. http://www.governor.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/governor%27s_web_site/2985