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Showing posts from September 5, 2010

Senator Bob Casey Statement on 9/11

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the anniversary of the September 11th attacks: “On the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I join with all Americans in remembering those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget that terrible day. We also must not forget the selflessness of the first responders, the service of the men and women who have been fighting to keep us safe and the vigilance required to prevent another terrorist attack. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives on September 11th.”

When Should You Harvest Your 'Crops?'

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Last Saturday, a gentleman asked Master Gardener Bob Harris when, and how, to harvest sunflowers for their seeds. (He was talking about "mammoth" sunflowers, not the variety pictured here.) That question prompted Bob to do this week's show on when to harvest vegetables from your garden. Tune in to 1490 WESB and 8:30 a.m. today for the information and/or to ask Bob a question.

Main Street Furniture Store Closing

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Employees of Bradford Furniture and Carpet Gallery at 45 Main Street hang up "Store Closing" signs at about 4:30 Friday afternoon. You may see small signs throughout the area advertising 70 percent off all inventory.

Sarah B. Dorn House Dedicated at UPB

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford dedicated its newest residence hall, Sarah B. Dorn House, this afternoon. Dorn is co-owner of Zippo Manufacturing and a benefactor of the university. Howard Fesenmyer, executive director of the Blaisdell Foundation, spoke about Dorn during the ceremonies. "She, like her father (George G. Blaisdell) was well aware of the needs of the community and, being in a position to help she came through with flying colors," Fesenmyer said. "No one here really knows the total needs that have been satisfied through her generosity. Until recently, she would not permit her name be used in her giving. We refer to her as 'Miss Anonymous.'" You can hear the rest of Fesenmyer's remarks, as well as other, by clicking on the links following the videos. Dr. Livingston Alexander, University President Craig Hartburg, Advisory Board Chairman Joseph Fink, Associate Vice President Facilities Management Howard Fesenmyer, Executive Member Pitt

Stromberg Artwork Featured at CCMH

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Joan Stromberg of Port Allegany has a variety of artwork on display at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Irwin Medical Arts Center as part of the hospital’s Community Art Showcase. Stromberg has been painting all her life and prefers painting barns, landscapes and flowers using watercolors and oils. “I like looking out the window and painting what I see.” Her work has been displayed at the John White Studio in Coudersport, the annual art show in Port Allegany and the Meadville Fine Arts Show. She has won several blue ribbons and best of show awards. “Painting is my way of preserving an important part of our heritage.” The Community Art Showcase features artists for about six to eight weeks. The project has featured Jessie Vaughn of Ulysses, Karen Wolf of Sweden Township, Pat Bosworth of Port Allegany, Alyson Leach, Leslie Kelley, and Suzan Richar of Galeton, Curt Weinhold, Naomi Keller, Heather Chilson, Lindsey Francis, and Maxine Shear of Coudersport, Mercedes Schwartz of Smethport, a

Man Charged with Killing His Son

A Jamestown father has been accused of killing his two-year-old son last October. 31-year-old Agustin Morales is charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and criminal contempt in the death of his son Auston Morales. Auston died October 17, 2009 at Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo, a day after he was found unresponsive in his home. At the time of his son’s death, Morales was already wanted on an active warrant for endangering the welfare of a child in a previous incident. Morales is also charged with making terroristic threats for threatening employees of the Chautauqua County Department of Social Services. Morales is due back in court September 27. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/toddlers-death-ruled-homicide.html

Presentation on Seneca Nation at SBU

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Gerald “Pete” Jemison, an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, will give a presentation titled “A History of the Seneca Nation & Current Issues” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, in Doyle Dining Room on the St. Bonaventure University campus. The program is free and open to the public. Jemison is a member of the Heron Clan and a Faithkeeper of the Newtown Longhouse. He is the site manager of Ganondagan (ga·NON·da·gan), a State Historic site located in Victor, N.Y. Ganondagan was a village that at one time was the Seneca capital of the Iroquois Confederacy. This site was once occupied by 5,000 Seneca people in the 17th century. Jemison has worked in the area of education, serving as the Seneca Nation education director in the 1970s. He is also an accomplished artist. More information about Ganondagan State Historic Site is available at www.ganondagan.org .

Gulfstream Will Continue to Provide
EAS at Bradford Regionanl Airport

Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has re-selected Gulfstream International Airlines (Gulfstream) to provide Essential Air Service at Bradford, DuBois, and Oil City/Franklin, Pennsylvania. The duration of the contract will last from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2012. In 1978 the commercial airline industry was deregulated. To ensure continued access to the national air transportation system, Congress created the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, which provides a minimum level of service required at each eligible community. “I commend all three of these communities - Bradford, Dubois, and Franklin – for taking such an active role in the selection process. In the past Pennsylvania has suffered from severe cutbacks at connecting airports, despite the downturn, the Commonwealth is beginning to see a bright economic horizon as a result of the Marcellus Shale natural gas play. I will continue to work in

Marcellus Shale Coalition Launches
Online Marcellus Jobs Headquarters

Today, the Marcellus Shale Coalition launched an interactive website dedicated to connecting job seekers with its member companies operating throughout the Marcellus region. The site -- http://www.marcelluscoalition.org/site/jobportal.html -- offers in-depth descriptions of the broad range of jobs available in the industry, as well as current openings and employment opportunities. Kathryn Klaber, president and executive director of the coalition, says the industry is committed to putting Pennsylvanians to work, strengthening their workforce and putting the country on a path toward a cleaner and more secure energy future. news release http://www.marcelluscoalition.org/site/jobportal.html

Regulators Approve FirstEngery Deal

Virginia regulators have approved FirstEnergy's proposed acquisition of Allegheny Energy. The companies announced the deal's approval by the State Corporation Commission today. FirstEnergy, Penelec’s parent company, announced in February that it was buying Greensburg, Pa.-based Allegheny Energy in a stock deal that would form one of the biggest power companies in the country, made up of 10 utilities serving 6.1 million customers from Ohio to New Jersey. The companies needed approval from Virginia regulators because Allegheny Energy owns transmission assets in Virginia through Potomac Edison and the Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company. The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year, but needs approval from regulators and shareholders. http://www.4-traders.com/FIRST-ENERGY-USD-1-12586/news/FIRST-ENERGY-USD-1-FirstEnergy-Allegheny-Energy-Merger-Application-Receives-Approval-From-Virginia-R-13454033/

Bridge Work in Potter, Cameron Counties

Bridge preservation work in Potter and Cameron counties will feature temporary signals, starting Tuesday, September 14. The temporary signals will enforce an alternating traffic pattern across each of the bridges. Crews will rotate repair work between three bridges—two in Potter County and one in Cameron County. Work zones include: · Bridge on Route 872 in the village of Wharton, Potter County · Bridge on Route 1003(Loucks Mills Road) in Potter County; south of the village of Loucks Mills · Bridge on Route 4004 (Rich Valley Road) in Cameron County, near the village of Lockwood Work will include structure rehabilitation, sub-structure repair and new latex concrete bridge deck surfaces. Work is expected to last until early October, weather permitting. Swank Associated Companies, Inc. is the contractor on this $2.3 million project to rehabilitate five bridges in Clearfield, Potter and Cameron counties.

Elk County Visitor Center Opens

The Elk County Visitor Center in Benezette is open to the public, just in time for elk watching season. The Elk Country Visitor Center is run through a joint effort between the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, a newly formed nonprofit organization. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for October 6. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/newsreleases/2010/0810-elkcenter.htm

No Changes in Bradford Bypass Work

PennDOT has no changes planned for the Route 219/Bradford Bypass project next week. If you want more information, here's the news release: PennDOT issues the following travel update for the Route 219 Bradford Bypass project in McKean County. This update is for the week of Sept. 13. All work is weather and schedule dependent. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $28 million job. · Work on the Route 219 southbound ON-ramp at Elm Street continues. Traffic is using the existing shoulder. Contractor crew will be working close to the roadway placing bituminous pavement for a new barrier wall. Expect delays during work hours. · Northbound traffic is sharing a lane with southbound traffic, separated by temporary concrete barrier from Mill Street to north of Hillside Drive. · Northbound ramps at Foster Brook Interchange are closed. Traffic is to follow the posted detours. · No construction activity is expected on Bolivar Drive/State Route 346. Bridge painting

Court Delays Indian Tax Ruling

A New York appeals court has delayed its decision on whether to extend or lift an order blocking the state from collecting taxes on cigarettes sold by Native American retailers to non-Indian customers. The court didn’t say when it would issue a ruling. On September 1, a state appellate judge restored a restraining order that kept the state from collecting a $4.35 per pack tax. A federal judge in Buffalo has already temporarily blocked tax collections from the Seneca and Cayuga nations. The appellate court order will apply all nine tribes in New York.

Copper Wire Stolen from RR Tracks

State Police are investigating a theft of copper wire that happened on the Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad tracks and overpass on Route 59 in Keating Township. They say someone took about 200 feet of the wire between Sunday and Monday. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Kane-based state police.

Casey, Shelby Bet on PSU, Tide Game

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Richard Shelby entered into a friendly wager over the outcome of Saturday’s matchup between two of the winningest programs in NCAA football history. Penn State will play the University of Alabama this weekend in a meeting of two top-25 teams. Senator Casey bet ice cream from Penn State’s legendary Berkey Creamery against a smoked turkey from Bates Turkey Farm in Fort Depost, AL. "It’s going to feel like Thanksgiving has come early when I get to enjoy that smoked turkey in celebration of Penn State’s big win this weekend,” said Senator Casey. “With the duel rushing threat of Evan Royster and Stephfon Green and the ever tenacious defense of Linebacker U all under the direction of legendary coach Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions will have no problem knocking off the defending national champions in the prime-time lights of Bryant-Denny Stadium." “The University of Alabama and Penn State have two storied programs with a rivalry forged by

Maintenance Work Planned at Rimrock

The Allegheny National Forest has announced that maintenance work will be conducted below the Rimrock Overlook and that portions of the area will be closed until at least October 15, 2010. To address deferred maintenance and safety concerns, the Allegheny NF will be replacing portions of stone work at the bottom of the stone staircase that allows visitors to travel from the Overlook to the trails and area below the Overlook. In addition, a stone staircase will be added that allows visitors to travel more easily and safely to the newly constructed Rimrock Trail. “We apologize for the temporary inconvenience that this may cause, but it is critical that this work be done to ensure the future integrity of this popular recreation site, provide safe conditions for visitors, and to improve the recreation experience on the Forest.” Beginning September 13, 2010, the area below Rimrock Overlook will be closed. This means that visitors will not be able to take the staircase or the trails from the

McCord Launches RetirePA.com

HARRISBURG – Treasurer Rob McCord today unveiled a new resource aimed at improving the economic security of Pennsylvanians – RetirePA, Treasury’s Retirement Security Initiative. “RetirePA is my effort to start an important, ongoing process. People need to learn about the long-term challenges they face – and the acute need to save for retirement,” Treasurer McCord said. Treasurer McCord designed this communications and education strategy to help Pennsylvanians work on a difficult but critical issue – how to plan and save for retirement. The centerpiece of this Retirement Security Initiative is www.RetirePA.com , an online tool to help all Pennsylvanians plan, save and retire with full financial comfort. “I am sounding the alarm about retirement saving and the need to save NOW, even in these challenging times. The RetirePA site also offers tools that can help people plan, save, and – ultimately – retire with full financial security,” McCord said. “The Employee Benefit Research Institute

Casey Applauds Petition Against
Unfair China Trade Practices

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) applauded a trade petition filed today that takes issue with unfair trade practices by China involving manufacturing in the clean energy sector. The petition filed with the Obama Administration under Section 301 of the Trade Act seeks remedies against Chinese subsidies and other policies that have unfairly put U.S. workers at a disadvantage. “It is clear that Chinese subsidies and other unfair trade practices have violated trade laws and given Chinese manufacturers an unfair boost in new clean energy technology,” said Senator Casey. “Action must be taken to force China to level the playing field to allow U.S. manufacturers and workers to compete. There is tremendous potential in the clean energy sector to create more high-paying jobs in Pennsylvania and around the country. If the U.S. doesn’t aggressively deal with unfair Chinese trade practices we risk losing this industry and these jobs to China.” “Senator Casey understands how impor

240 Pounds of Cocaine Seized at Border

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations seized nearly 240 pounds of cocaine when a Canadian resident was trying to get back into his country at the Lewiston-Queenston border crossing. Officers say 29-year-old Ravinder Arora appeared extremely nervous during primary questioning, so they selected him for an enforcement examination. During the inspection of Arora’s empty commercial trailer, officers noticed that the floor of the vehicle had been tampered with and replaced with non-factory screws. When they removed the floor boards, they found 97 vacuum-sealed bricks of cocaine. “This is the largest cocaine seizure to date in the Port of Buffalo and has a street value of approximately $3.6 million,” said Buffalo Port Director Joseph J. Wilson in a news release. Arora is charged with narcotics possession and has been turned over to agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorne

71-Year-Old Man Facing Drug Charges

A 71-year-old Wellsville man is facing charges for allegedly selling a controlled substance to undercover agents with the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. 71-year-old Charles Booth is accused of selling Oxycodone pills to the agent. He was charged with criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance and sent to Allegany County Jail.

Our Town: Bradford Premiers Tonight

Just a reminder that “Our Town: Bradford” premieres at 8 o’clock tonight on WPSU-TV. You can also watch the show at http://wpsu.org . About a dozen area residents will be working the phones, and taking donations, at the WPSU studios tonight. Among them are Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Director Ron Orris and our own Mike Walter. The Option House is also hosting a viewing party.

PennDOT Holding Aviation Art Contest

Harrisburg – PennDOT invites young artists to express their creativity through its annual aviation art contest, sponsored by the department’s Bureau of Aviation. “We’ve been very pleased with the participation and creativity students showed in this contest in the past,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Aviation supports thousands of jobs in Pennsylvania, so we’re glad that kids are learning about an important industry and having fun at the same time.” “The View from the Pilot’s Seat” is the theme of this year’s contest. Entries will be judged in two divisions: first through third grades, and fourth and fifth grades. There will be 22 statewide winners, with one winner from each division selected from each of PennDOT’s 11 district offices. Winners will receive a certificate signed by Secretary Biehler and a mounted, full-color, 16-by-20-inch copy of their entry. The students’ schools will also receive a mounted copy of the artwork for display. Artwork should be submitted on

Murder Trial Re-enactment in Kane

Kane, PA —The Kane Chamber of Commerce and the McKean County Historical Society are pleased to present A Murder Trial: The Regis Mutzabaugh Legacy. The Reenactment will take place in the Kane Middle School Auditorium, 400 West Hemlock Avenue in Kane on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 7pm. In 1932, Beatrice Sullivan of Kane was put on trial for the shooting death of her husband, Neil Sullivan. In a sensational trial that rocked the county, prominent Bradford attorney Regis Mutzabaugh defended the woman on the charge of murder. Did she do it? You decide! Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased at the following locations until Wednesday, September 22nd: Kane Chamber of Commerce, 54 Fraley Street, Kane Kane Borough, 112 Bayard Street, Kane The Kane Motel, 80 Greeves Street, Kane Lorenzo Optical, 59 Fraley Street, Kane SMP Pharmacy, 190 Fraley Street, Kane WE Swanson Agency, 31 Fraley Street, Kane McKean County Historical Society, 502 West King Street, Smethpor

Play Tennis with Chris Evert

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Tennis legend and Hall of Famer Chris Evert is giving people a chance to win a VIP weekend at her Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic in Boca Raton, Florida, and a chance to play a few sets with her . You can hear my interview with Chris Evert here . For more on the contest, you can go to Be Simply Smart.com .

Route 46 Near Rew to Close for 2 Weeks

Box culvert work will close Route 46 in Foster Township, starting Monday, September 20. Crews from McKean County PennDOT Maintenance will be working to replace a box culvert on Route 46, northwest of the village of Rew in McKean County. Work is expected to take about two weeks, weather permitting. The work will require a closure of Route 46 and a detour will be in place. The detour will direct drivers to Route 646 in Rew and Route 246 (Looker Mountain Trail Road). Drivers are reminded to obey posted speed limits, follow detour signs, and always buckle up. PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Hearing Waived on Forgery, Theft Charges

A former accounting manager for Microtech waived her preliminary hearing on theft and forgery charges today. 39-year-old Kareline Gonzalez of Vero Beach, Florida, is accused of altering numerous deposits and money orders, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office. Also several checks had been written to a ficticious company, and these checks were eventually deposited into her personal checking account. The money orders added up to nearly $10,000. The checks added up to more than $8,000. Gonzalez is free on unsecured bail.

Ceres Man Hurt in Route 46 Crash

A Ceres man suffered minor injuries when his car rolled over in an accident at 1:45 this afternoon on Route 46, just east of Bordell Crossroads. Police say 30-year-old Brian Parker was traveling south when his car went out of control while rounding a curve, slid across the northbound lane and hit an embankment. The car rolled over and came to rest on its passenger side.

Drug Charges Bound to Court

A man who was riding a bicycle on East Main Street with no headlamp is headed to McKean County Court on drug charges. 26-year-old Justin Jenkins is charged with delivery and possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. According to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office, after Jenkins was stopped by police for the headlamp violation he was acting nervous and making movements toward his pockets. He eventually admitted to having a marijuana cigarette, but police also found several small packages of crack cocaine and $880 in cash, according to court records. Following his preliminary hearing, the charges were bound to court. Jenkins remained jailed on $50,000 bail.

Pitt-Bradford Gets Federal Grant Money

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced the U.S. Department of Education has awarded $238,491 to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford through a competitive grant process for Student Support Services (SSS). The grant is expected to cover the period of September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011 and is expected to be continued for a total of five years and more than a million dollars. “I’m extremely delighted that the U. S. Department of Education decided to renew our program for another five years,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford president. “Our staff members in the Student Support Services program are outstanding professionals who focus on helping first-generation students complete a college education. Obviously, officials in the Department of Education were sufficiently impressed with the outcomes of their work as to award another $1.1 million to continue the work.” “Under the Student Support Services (SSS) program, the funds

Pitt-Bradford Plans Second Annual
Auction for the Arts Gala

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The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will roll out the red carpet for its second annual gala art auction to benefit the Pitt-Bradford Arts Endowment. The Hollywood-themed evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in Blaisdell Hall at the university and includes a live and silent auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and entertainment both before and after the auction. “The auction committee has outdone itself in putting together a Hollywood-venue event that will ‘wow’ everyone,” said Gail McDonough, chairwoman of the committee. “While last year’s event was extremely successful, this year’s promises to be even better.” Tickets for the auction are $65 and may be purchased by calling Patty Colosimo, assistant director of arts programming, at 814-362-5155. Tickets will not be available the night of the auction. A pair of musicians from the Southern Tier Symphony will play classical music and movie themes with Emily Tunstall-Frack on cello and Julia Tunsta

Young: Veto Will Hurt Fredonia Schools

ALBANY – Legislation that would authorize the Fredonia Central School District to receive state aid for an already approved and completed capital funded project was vetoed for the second year in a row by Governor Paterson earlier this week, according to the bill’s sponsor Senator Catharine Young (R, I, C – Olean). “I am extremely disappointed by the Governor's veto of this bill. In the past, it has been the practice by every other New York State Governor to allow schools to recoup state aid that the State Education Department withheld for building projects due to paperwork filing mistakes,” said Senator Young. “The school districts already is struggling to maintain its educational programs as a result of state aid cuts this year. The last two budgets have made a mess of things, and taxpayers and our students shouldn’t have to suffer,” she added. During the work on a Final Cost Report (FCR) in 1998 for two separate security system projects, one at Wheelock

Thompson Attending Seminar at UPB

Students from high schools throughout the Western part of the 5th Congressional District, will attend a government seminar at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford the morning of Friday, September 10, 2010. “Government Outreach 2010” is hosted by U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard. The event will include a welcome from the University and a presentation on the Pitt-Bradford Experience. Two guest speakers are Larry Schardt, National Resource Conservationist with Community Partnership Resource Conservation and Development, who will speak on “The Magic in Every Moment,” and Robb Armstrong, a cartoonist who draws the comic strip, “Jump Start.” The strip runs in more than 450 newspapers in eight countries, including The Philadelphia Inquirer. He will speak on how students can achieve their goals. His talk is being sponsored by Joy Mining Machinery. Students from the Western part of the congressional district will attend this event and students from the Eastern part of

DEP Investigating Source of Methane Gas

DEP is continuing to investigate the source of methane gas found in the North Branch Susquehanna River and six private water wells in Bradford County last week. DEP Secretary John Hanger says the gas probably migrated through the ground as a result of Marcellus Shale drilling in the area, but is most likely not from the Marcellus Shale. Chesapeake Energy tested 26 residential wells within a half-mile radius of the river and found six of them had elevated methane levels. Methane was also detected in a crawl space of a seasonal home. A team of DEP inspectors went to the river, where bubbling had been reported, and collected sample to analyze that will be used to identify the source. Analysis of the lab results is expected to be finished within two weeks. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=14034&typeid=1

Former Nurse Facing Drug Charges

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A former nurse at Brookville Hospital is facing charges for allegedly taking larger amounts of medications from the hospital's pharmacy than necessary to treat her patients. The state attorney general’s office says 37-year-old Tricia Haugh of Kittanning was working as an anesthetist in the hospital operating room in October of last year when was seen singing and talking to herself, was unable to remain still, had pinpoint eye pupils and tried to hide from co-workers. The charges state that Haugh was immediately removed from the operating room and asked to take a drug test, which she declined. Attorney General Tom Corbett says a sealed syringe, a full and sealed vial of Propofol and a full and sealed vial of Flumazenil were found in Haugh's employee locker. Narcotics agents found that between August 2009 and October 1, 2009 12 out of 21 patient records had discrepancies in Fentanyl administration during their procedure. Haugh is free on her own recognizance. http://attorneygener

Autumn Daze Car Show on Sunday

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Gary Hoy, President of Street Dreams Car Club and Jennifer Taylor with Brad Penn Lubricants meet to look over some of the trophies and dash plaques that will be handed out at the Autumn Daze Car Show this Sunday in Downtown Bradford. Over 100 trophies will be handed out and 250 dash plaques. According to Hoy, over 300 Cars are expected to be on display for the show. The Entertainment portion of the show starts at 1:00 where over 40 songs will be performed live. One of the songs featured will be the original Blues Brothers Song about Brad Penn Lubricants that was originally performed at ARG’s 125th Anniversary Parade in 2006. The Bradford Lions Club will also be there serving up their famous Chicken BBQ along with numerous other food and craft vendors. We'll be talking about Autumn Daze on today's LiveLine at 12:40 on 1490 WESB. You can listen live at WESB.com .

UWBA Pig Has a Name

The pink pig on the window of the United Way office on Main Street has a name. Campaign co-chairman MaryAnn Quinn made the announcement on today’s LiveLine. And the name is: Spamela Anderson. Nancy Tingley submitted the winning name in the annual name-the-pig contest that precedes the Pig Roast and Clam Bake, which is being held Thursday at the West Branch Community Club. For more information, you can go to http://uwbanews.org

Special Olympics Thunder Run Scheduled

“Special Olympics Thunder Run,” a motorcycle dice run sponsored by God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. and the McKean County American Legion Riders, will be held on September 18 beginning at noon. Proceeds will benefit the McKean County Special Olympics. Registration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Futures Rehabilitation Center. Cost is $10 per participant, which includes a buffet dinner and door prizes. The run will begin and end at Futures. “We are excited to be working with the Legion Riders to raise funds for the Special Olympics athletes,” said Stevee McGarvey, vice-president of God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. “This is our third year for the Thunder Run and we are expecting over 100 bikes to participate.” Motorcycles and all street legal vehicles are welcome to participate. For more information contact Stevee McGarvey at 642-2138 or Gerry Ford at 887-5439. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for over 360 mentally and physically chall

Tougher Penalties for Poachers

Tougher penalties for poachers went into effect today, and the game commission says they hope this will reverse the state’s reputation as a haven for chronic poachers. Under the new rules, poachers face heavier fines and the possibility of jail time. Game Commission Director Carl Roe says the state used to consider big game poaching the legal equivalent of a traffic ticket. Now they could face criminal court. Roe says the poaching of a single dear now carries a minimum fine of $1,000 and could result up to 90 days in jail and a five-year hunting license revocation. Heavier penalties including jail terms up to three years are possible for repeat offenders. For more information, go here .

Another Person in Thruway Crash Dies

A second person has died from injuries she suffered in a crash on the Thruway between the Jamestown and Dunkrik/Fredonia exits on Monday afternoon. 36-year-old Hanh Nguyen of Cleveland died this morning in Hamot Medical Center. 64-year-old Hang Phan, also of Cleveland, died of her injuries on Monday. Nine people in the same family were inside a van when it slammed into a tree after 39-year-old Hung Tran apparently fell asleep at the wheel. Tran is being treated for chest injuries. A two-year-old and an adult are hospitalized in critical condition. A 5-year-old is being treated for facial injuries. 48-year-old Michael Phan is being treated for spinal injuries. A 6-year-old boy has been released from the hospital. An 8-year-old was treated at the scene.

Two Emporium Residents Hurt

Two Emporium residents were hurt in an accident caused by three deer crossing the road in front of their SUV Saturday morning on Route 155. State police say the SUV driven by 29-year-old Cody Greene swerved to avoid hitting the deer, but hit one of them causing the vehicle to fishtail, and eventually roll over. Green and his passenger, 32-year-old Trisha Bauer, were taken to Elk Regional Health Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

Car Hits Utility Pole

An Eldred man was not hurt when his car hit a utility pole Thursday night on Route 120 in Cameron County. State police say 21-year-old Jeffrey Baker was traveling too fast for conditions when his car left the road and hit the pole, then hit an embankment. Baker will be cited for not traveling at a safe speed.

One Dead, Several Hurt in Thruway Crash

One woman is dead and several people are hospitalized following an accident on the Thruway in the town of Westfield on Monday. Police say a van driven by 37-year-old Hung Tran of Cleveland, Ohio, drifted into the median then crossed both westbound lanes before going down an embankment and crashing into a tree at just before 5 p.m. Police believe he fell asleep behind the wheel. Four helicopters flew 5 of the injured people to hospitals in Buffalo and Erie. Three people were taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital. One child was treated at the scene. 64-year-old Hang Phan was taken to Hamot Medical Center were she was pronounced dead as a result of her injuries. Police say all of the victims are from the Cleveland area, and are related. That area of the Thruway was closed for about an hour and a half.

Two Hurt When Deers Runs into Road

Two people were hurt in an accident Friday evening when a deer ran in front of their motorcycle on Route 449 in Genesee Township. Police say 46-year-old Scott Weller of Oakville lost control of the bike after hitting the deer. The bike fell onto its side and slid several hundred feet onto the shoulder of the road. Weller suffered minor abrasions from contact with the pavement. His passenger, 46-year-old Shelley Sheppard, also of Oakville, was taken to Jones Memorial Hospital for treatment of multiple abrasions to her head, leg and knee.

Jamestown Man Facing Charges

A Jamestown man is facing a number of charges following a domestic dispute when he threw a small sword at the front door and smashed the full length window. Police say Roger Lampman assaulted his wife then broke items in the house. He left before police arrived, but returned a couple of hours later to change his clothes because he knew police were looking for him. They say he slapped his wife before leaving the second time. Police found Lampman and charged him with assalt and three counts of endangering the weflare of a child because the couple’s four children, ages 6 to 18, were home during the indicent. He was later charged with three more counts of endangering the welfare of a child because of the filthy living conditions of the house.

Teen Bike Rider Hit by Car

A 13-year-old girl was hurt after she rode her bicycle into the path of a car on Route 6 at just before 10 o’clock Friday night. Police say 57-year-old Veronica Hill of Kane was not able to stop in time to avoid hitting the girl, who was taken to Warren General Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. Hill was able to drive her car from the scene.

Galeton Man Hurt in Crash

A Galeton man was hurt when his vehicle rolled over a 15-foot embankment and turned onto his roof early last week just east of Route 144. State police say 82-year-old Herman Gilbert was behind a slow moving excavator and traveled onto the edge of the road, where his pickup truck left the road and went down the embankment. Gilbert was flown by Life Net helicopter to Robert Pakcer Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Wilcox Man Charged with Assault

A Wilcox man is accused of hitting a woman in the back with a wooden baseball bat. Police say 24-year-old Brandon Dilley and 26-year-old Abby O’Rourke were in an argument that turned physical on Sunday morning when Dilley hit O’Rourke with the bat. Dilley is charged with simple assault and harassment.

Two Men Charged with Burglary

Two Coudersport men are in jail after being accused of burglarizing a warehouse in Shinglehouse in August. State police say 36-year-old Randy Aglira and 25-year-old Anthony Duell broke into the Friendly Core Company warehouse on Route 44 and removed a surveillance system, and an unknown number of catalytic converters. They are both charged with burglary, theft by unlawful taking, criminal conspiracy and criminal mischief. They are in jail on $25,000 bail each.