Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

One firefighter was hurt while battling the blaze that destroyed the historic Punxsutawney Hotel early this morning. The injured fireman suffered minor injuries when debris from the building fell onto his head. Falling debris also damaged a couple of vehicles. Firefighters were called at just before 3 a.m. to Smugler’s Inn, which is right behind the hotel. Within half an hour the hotel started to collapse, and flames engulfed the building. A state police fire marshal has been called in to investigate. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Andover, New York, man is facing charges in connection to a string of burglaries in Allegany County and Northern Pennsylvania. 52-year-old Ronnie Farrow Sr. is accused of stealing ATVs, snowmobiles and about 200 other items. The burglaries started in September. Farrow is charged with burglary, criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny and petit larceny. He’s in Allegany County Jail on $25,000 bail. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The historic Punxsutawney Hotel was destroyed by fire early this morning. Firefighters got the call at around 3 a.m., and by 4 a.m. it ended up being a 6-alarm fire. Part of the building collapsed and several streets in downtown Punxsutawney were blocked off. Firefighters haven’t said yet if anyone was hurt. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Weather is being blamed for two accidents last night in Chautauqua County – one in the Town of Chautauqua; the other in the Town of Hanover. In the first accident 23-year-old David Dituri of Brocton lost control of his vehicle, crossed the snow-covered road, went into a ditch and hit a utility pole. A passenger, 27-year-old Amanda Coleman of Brocton suffered a head injury and was taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital for treatment. In the second accident, 29-year-old Michael Stitzel of Forestville lost control of his vehicle and hit a trailer in the Angell Road trailer park. Sheriff’s deputies say two passengers suffered what appeared to be minor injuries. They, and three children, were taken to Lakeshore Hospital for treatment and evaluation. The trailer had only minor damage. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The crackdown on welfare fraud continues in Cattaraugus County. 40-year-old Dawn Perrington of Delevan is the latest to be charged with welfare fraud and offering a false instrument for filing. She allegedly submitted altered doctor’s slips to the county department of social services from June of 2010 to July of this year to get food stamps. Perrington is scheduled to appear in City of Olean Court on December 20. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A member of the Jamestown School Board resigned Friday after being charged with stealing thousands of dollars from Jamestown Area Medical Associates while she worked there. 42-year-old Barbara Piazza of Jamestown allegedly took more than $19,000 in cash between 2007 and earlier this year when she pocketed the money she received as payments to JAMA. The investigation began when JAMA officials contacted police November 8 after discovering a discrepancy in their books. Piazza turned herself into police Friday after a warrant had been issued for her arrest. She was arraigned in Jamestown City Court and was released on $5,000 bail. She could face up to seven years in jail. Piazza began serving on the school board in July 2010. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Dresser-Rand plans to buy a Virginia company for about $50 million. The transaction between Dresser-Rand and Synchrony is expected to close next month. Synchrony is a technology development company with a portfolio of world-class technologies and products including active magnetic bearings, high speed motors and generators, and power electronics for clean, efficient, and reliable rotating machinery. http://investor.dresser-rand.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=631503 The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two students at Pitt-Bradford have been awarded a total of $1,350 in NEXT STEP Business Grants to start their own businesses. Winners were Steven L. Hurd, a psychology major from Bradford, who received an $850 grant to develop Runk Pock, a feasibility study to identify artists in McKean County who want to be involved in a community art center to sell and promote art and teach artists. Matthew Covert, a hospitality management major from Bradford, received a $500 grant for Royalty Clothing Couture. With the grant, Covert plans to test ideas for a T-shirt design company. The NEXT STEP competition is sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford entrepreneurship program to help student entrepreneurs move their businesses forward. The next round of grants for students will be awarded in the spring. For more information, visit the Pitt-Bradford entrepreneurship program website at www.pittpowerofe.com The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Sandra M. O'Connell, 72, of 155 Pleasant St., passed away on Thursday, December 8th, 2011 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born November 1, 1939, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Antoinette (Piscitelli) Caputo. She was a graduate of St Bernard High School. On May 14, 1960 in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church she married Robert W. "Bob" O'Connell who died on September 19, 2007. She was a member of St. Bernard Church. She worked as a secretary - receptionist at Beacon Light for 38 years. Surviving are two daughters: Kelly (Bill) Gleason and Karen (Norm) Strotman, all of Bradford, one brother, Thomas (Margaret) Caputo of Boardman OH, one grandson, Kyle Burgess of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two nephews. Family will be receiving friends on Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 3:00 to 6:00pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., East Main Street, where a prayer service wi

Susan A. Otto, 56, loving wife, mother and grandmother of 7546 Rt. 59, Lafayette, passed away, Thursday, December 8th, 2011 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born July 8, 1955, in Kane, she was a daughter of the late Carolyn (Anderson) Hoop and Jack Hoop who survives her of Fairplay, SC. On December 31, 1980 in Lafayette she married Theodore E. Otto who survives. Mrs. Otto attended M. J. Ryan school and was a 1973 graduate of Bradford Area High School. She had been employed at Jaguar Manufacturing in Smethport and then worked as a teacher's aide at M.J.. Ryan School. She had an extreme love for gardening and ran Otto's Gardens out of her home, making wreaths with dried flowers arrangements. She loved animals, but above all she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and being the Godmother of Cayla. In addition to her husband Ted of 31 years, she is survived by two daughters, Jennifer L. Otto of Lafayette, and Janelle C. (David) Gingerich of Gra

Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) announced today that he will be attending a public hearing on Monday, December 19th at 6:30pm at the Jefferson County Courthouse. The hearing was called by the Jefferson County Commissioners, in conjunction with the Snyder Township Supervisors, in order to address community concerns with the “Just for Jesus” Group Home, located in Snyder Township. Scarnati mentioned that he supported legislation passed last year that gave local governments the authority to hold a public hearing in regards to a group home which provides housing to a convicted murderer. “Obviously, the Jefferson County Commissioners and Snyder Township Supervisors recognize the merit of such a hearing and I applaud them for their decision to allow the public to express their concerns,” said Scarnati. “In addition, I will take the opportunity to make remarks and listen to the concerns of local residents.” Scarnati also addressed comments made by the ACLU in regards to Jack Wisor’s re

The National Weather Service has issued Lake Effect Snow Advisories for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Warren counties. The advisory in New York, which includes the cities of Jamestown and Olean, is in effect until 6 o’clock tomorrow morning. The advisory for Warren County, which includes the City of Warren, is in effect until 4 o’clock tomorrow morning. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Coudersport businessman has been charged with fraud and stealing cash and property from a Galeton woman. State Police say 38-year-old Jim Mills Jr., who owns M & M mechanical, did work for 75-year-old Margaret Andrews and convinced her to invest in properties in Tioga County that had mineral rights. Mills is accused of starting projects for Andrews and accepting payment, but not competing the jobs. He allegedly took more than $363,000 dollars in cash payments, and stole a pickup truck, backhoe, lawnmower and other items from the victim. Mills is jailed on $250,000 bail. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two men were seriously injured, and one of them is facing charges, following an accident late Monday night in Allegany. Sheriff’s deputies say 26-year-old Zachary Harter of Kane lost control of his vehicle on South Nine Mile Road, then hit a tree and a house. Harter and his passenger, 21-year-old Ronald Baer, were taken to Olean General Hospital, then transferred to ECMC for treatment of serious injuries. Harter is charged with driving while intoxicated and will appear in Town of Allegany Court at a later date. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Salamanca woman is in jail on drug charges following a six-month investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. 27-year-old Alicia Tyger is accused of selling controlled substances in the Salamanca area, and is charged with criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance. She was arrested Thursday and sent to jail to await arraignment. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – A Lancaster County resident was cited for poaching a record-book class buck, according to charges filed by Pennsylvania Game Commission in the court of District Justice William Wenner, in Harrisburg, on Wednesday. Wildlife Conservation Officers Mike Doherty of Dauphin County, and John Veylupek, of Lancaster County, filed the charges against Scott M. Garner, 33, of Bainbridge, Lancaster County, who was charged for exceeding the bag limit for antlered deer in a license year by killing a second buck. Under long-standing bag limits, Pennsylvania hunters are limited to one antlered deer per license year. On Dec. 1, Garner killed a 14-point buck in Londonderry Township, Dauphin County, during the two-week firearms deer season after having killed a five-point buck in archery season on Oct. 31. He re-used and altered his buck tag, originally used on the buck taken on Oct. 31, to tag the second buck illegally harvested on Dec. 1. For killing the 14-point buck, Garner faces penalt

Harrisburg, PA – Mayors and local government officials from across the Commonwealth, representing the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities (PLCM), as well as local business chamber executives, rallied in the Capitol Rotunda earlier today, to make an urgent call to the General Assembly for measures to prevent municipalities from entering Act 47 – the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act – by providing the necessary tools for municipal self-reliance. Local officials also called for immediate legislative correction to the October 19 PA Supreme Court decision regarding Act 111 arbitration awards under Act 47. The press conference was held following a joint committee hearing of the House and Senate to discuss amending Act 47, where several League members testified, urging reform of the antiquated laws under which local government currently operates. One of the primary reasons a governing body enters Act 47 is for the ability to hold the line on personnel costs. For 25 years

Ninety-two students expected to graduate from Pitt-Bradford this month will be recognized with a reception on Sunday, Dec. 11. Students will be honored during an informal event beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president; Dr. Steven Hardin, dean of academic affairs; and Dr. K. James Evans, dean of student affairs, will speak. Refreshments will be served afterward. The reception is held for students graduating at the end of the fall term who may not be able to return for the April commencement. Those expected to graduate with an associate degree are Beth Christman, a petroleum technology major from Bradford; Brandon Meacham, a petroleum technology major from Shinglehouse; Karen L. McManigle, an information systems major from Emporium; and Cody J. Sheasley, a petroleum technology major from Ridgway. Those expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degre

Western New York will be receiving more than $100 million for economic development plans. Governor Andrew Cuomo annouonced the grants today as part of his plan to redesign the way state government works to help economic growth and create jobs. Among the grants are $787,000 to replace about 3 miles of rail and 7,000 ties on the railroad tracks between Carrollton and Salamanca; $1 million to rebuild East State Street in Olean from Front Street to King Street, including replacement of the water and santiary sewer lines and installation of new storm sewers; $630,000 to build a hangar for small planes at the Olean airport; and $200,000 for complete a Grape Discovery Center in Chautauqua County. To see a list of the projects, and how much money they are receiving, click here . PDF The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

UPDATE: Virginia Tech's website says :Suspect remains at large. A police officer has been shot. A potential second victim is reported at the Cage lot CNN is reporting that Virginia Tech is on lockdown after shots were fired on campus. The university's website says the suspect is a white male wearing gray sweatpants, a gray sweatshirt and a maroon hoodie. He is carrying a backpack and was last seen on foot. Check out CNN.com for updates. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Community Blood Bank has experienced a slight increase in donors over the past week, but the blood supply remains hundreds of units below optimum safe levels. Blood Bank officials hope to get close to 100% before the holidays hit and the supply begins to fall again. More donorswill be needed to accomplish this. The Community Blood Bank is taking donors on Saturday at 24 Davis Street, Union Square in Bradford from 9-1pm. No appointment is needed to save a life. "Things are slowly improving," said Dan Desrochers, Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. "But not at nearly the pace needed to be ready for the holidays. Please help by giving blood." All donors are strongly encouraged to donate. The Community Blood Bank is located at 24 Davis Street in Union Square across from the Sports Café in the BRMC Laboratory. Hours are on Saturdays 9am to 1pm. No appointment is necessary. All donors are strongly encouraged to donate. Donors must be at least 17 years o

St. Bonaventure University has tripled the speed of its Internet service on campus in a move aimed at meeting the expectations of students whose appetite for technology seems to know no bounds. The university has increased its Internet connection to 300 megabits per second, which represents a three-fold increase of its Internet capacity and five times more bandwidth than was available just 18 months ago, said Michael Hoffman, executive director for Information Technology. “Basically, this means that the speed of the Internet on campus is three times faster than it was before the upgrade,” said Hoffman. What’s that mean for students? Plenty, said Hoffman. “They’ll see faster web browsing, faster web gaming, faster delivery of video, faster delivery of audio – basically, faster delivery of any Internet content a student would consume, which is a lot,” said Hoffman. Students arrive on campus today with an array of technology based devices such as laptop computers, iPads, iPods, e-readers,

BELMONT, NY -- Defense attorney Mark S. Williams says that on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, in Allegany County Court, his client, Steven Rhodes, 22, of Cuba, entered a guilty plea to one misdemeanor count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, in full satisfaction of two multi-count indictments which alleged that on May 29, 2010, in the Town of Clarksville, Mr. Rhodes gave or sold prescription drugs and marijuana to two 14 year olds and that he also endangered their welfare by doing so. The case, which had been scheduled for trial today, was resolved by Mr. Rhodes plea and admission that he was present and did not intervene when one of those teenagers consumed a narcotic drug not prescribed to her. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on February 8, 2012, at 1:00 P.M. Mr. Williams went on to say that his client “Never sold or gave any drugs to anyone that day. An acquaintance of Steven’s gave hydrocodone to one of the girls and Steven should have stopped him from doing so, but did n

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) today voted for a $3.3 billion tax cut that will help grow jobs. “Everyone who pays state personal income taxes gets a break no matter which tax bracket. People will keep more of their hard earned money in their paychecks,” said Senator Young. “Small businesses and upstate manufacturers will gain much-needed tax relief so they can grow private sector jobs,” she added. “It will help family budgets while giving a real boost to the economy,” Senator Young said. “In fact, after these tax cuts, middle income earners will see the lowest state personal income tax in 50 years. They will have more money to spend, save or invest,” she said. “High taxes have hurt our economy by making our state hostile to business growth. This legislation slashes the corporate tax rate on upstate manufacturers in half to help them add more jobs,” Senator Young said. “The reduction in the personal income tax also helps thousands of small businesses, especially those

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) today voted in committee to support legislation that would require all unconventional oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania to be assigned Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates. Senate Bill 995, which was passed by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, is now eligible for consideration by the full House. “Marcellus Shale development has resulted in changes to the landscape that outdate conventional maps,” Gabler said. “This legislation allows us to keep pace with those changes and equip our emergency responders with the tools they need to protect our citizens and the workers on these sites.” Senate Bill 995 requires the operator of each unconventional oil and gas well to adopt GPS coordinates at both the access road entrance and wellpad site. These coordinates along with the site address and emergency contact information must be posted at the entrance to each site. Operators must also develop an emergency respo

Dene P. Wesmiller, 81, of 187 Constitution Ave. passed away Tuesday, December 6th, 2011 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born November 8, 1930, in Bradford he was a son of the late Clarence G. "Smiles" and Helen I. (Parsons) Wesmiller. On May 4, 1953, in Bradford he married Barbara J. (Case) Wesmiller who survives. Mr. Wesmiller was a 1948 graduate of Bradford High School. On September 5th, 1950 he entered the United States Army, served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on September 28, 1951. He had been employed for many years as a car salesman at Fairway Ford, Star Garage and then at Dale Phillips Auto Sales. Mr. Wesmiller was very involved in the local city government, he served on the Redevelopment Authority and was a member of the Bradford City Council for two terms. He attended the former East End Presbyterian Church In addition to his wife, Barbara of 59 years he is survived by one daughter, Trudy L. Cucuzza of Bradford and two sons Colin D. We

Emmy-winning character actor Harry Morgan, possibly best-known as Col. Potter on television's "M*A*S*H," has died. He was 96. He died in his California home in Brentwood after suffering from pneumonia. Before M*A*S*H Morgan appear on several TV shows, including "Dragnet," where he played Sgt. Joe Friday's partner in later episodes. He earned an Emmy for his portrayal of Col. Sherman Potter on CBS-TV's long-running series.

HARRISBURG - Agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police today filed new criminal charges against Gerald A. "Jerry" Sandusky, age 67, of 130 Grandview Road, State College, as part of an ongoing grand jury investigation into alleged sexual assaults of children. "Today's criminal charges were recommended by a statewide investigating grand jury, based on evidence and testimony that was received following the initial arrest of Sandusky on November 5th," Kelly said. "At that time, Sandusky was charged with sexually assaulting eight victims, all of whom first encountered Sandusky as children through The Second Mile, a organization that he founded to operate programs for disadvantaged young people." Kelly said these latest criminal charges come following grand jury testimony from two additional young men, identified as Victim 9 and Victim 10, who were allegedly targeted by Sandusky when they were chil

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that ushered the U.S. into World War II. Then-president Franklin D. Roosevelt uttered the most famous description of the tragedy in an address to Congress the next day. "December 7, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy ..." To hear the entire speech and learn more about Pearl Harbor and FDR go to http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/aboutfdr/specialtopics.html The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) to protect both private and Commonwealth property rights in the Allegheny National Forest that were not acquired by the United States when this national forest was originally established was advanced by the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee today. More specifically, House Bill 1904 clarifies that national forest acquisition did not empower the federal government to limit the development of private oil, gas and mineral rights within Allegheny National Forest or supersede Pennsylvania laws governing water and mineral resources. “When the Commonwealth approved the creation of Allegheny National Forest, it did so with the understanding that the federal government would respect and uphold the rights and interests of the individuals and companies who share ownership of this wonderful natural resource as required by law,” said Rapp. “The U.S. Forest Service’s most recent attempt, through its 200

A Jamestown man is in jail in connection with six robberies or attempted robberies in the last two weeks. 36-year-old William Buckley is accused of robbing a Kwik Fill, a Crosby’s and an Exxon station. He also allegedly attempted to rob a different Kwik Fill, a Red Roof Inn and an Arrow Mart. The crimes happened between November 21 and Sunday. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Jamestown man was picked up at the Chautauqua County Jail on an arrest warrant stemming from robbery charges in Randolph. 21-year-old Derrick Williams is now in Cattaraugus County Jail on $25,000 bail. Deputies didn’t provide details about the Randolph incident, but Williams was in jail in Chautauqua County in connection to a robbery and assault last month. Williams and three other men allegedly broke into a home, held a couple at gunpoint and kicked, punched and pistol whipped the man. The four allegedly stole cell phones, cash, a wallet and a flat screen TV. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/assault-during-home-invasion-robbery.html The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Here's the schedule of events for Bradford's Old Fashioned Christmas on Saturday Breakfast with Santa 9AM – 10:30 AM Aud Restaurant 30 Boylston Street Josiah and Tina Herne will be serving breakfast with Santa at The Aud Restaurant. One child per paying adult will eat free from a special Santa Menu. Horse-drawn Carriage Rides 11AM – 3PM Main Street Mercantile Board at the Merchantile, and let Prince & Otis take you on a tour of Historic Mainstreet before returning to the mercantile for Holiday shopping & festivities. Sponsored by Real living AVISTA & Hennard Construction. Letters to Santa Hey Kids! Drop your letters to Santa at his special mailbox at The Mercantile. Letters will be accepted throughout December. Happy Holiday Open House Friday 10AM – 7PM, Sat. 9AM – 5PM Grandma’s Tea House 16 Congress Street Stop in and have freshly brewed tea while you shop the unique items available in this historic shop. Blou Christmas Item Collection 9AM – 2PM Cavallaro Paint &am

PA Department of General Services Secretary Sheri Phillips, Governor Tom Corbett, 14-year-old Colin Vengen and Susan Corbett applaud after lighting the Capitol Christmas tree today in Harrisburg, honoring Pennsylvania's heroes who helped residents survive this year's storms and floods. In September, Colin, of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, was flown in a State Police helicopter to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to receive a liver transplant after flooding from Tropical Storm Lee made travel by vehicle impossible. Provided by Commonwealth Media Services The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Someone robbed Hoag’s Smoke Shop in Kill Buck at gunpoint at just before 9 o’clock last night and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. Sheriff’s deputies say a man wearing a bandana that was covering his face entered the store, approached an employee, displayed a gun and demanded money. The suspect is about 6 feet tall and slender. He was wearing dark-colored pants and a black sweatshirt. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 716-938-9191 The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Senator Joe Scarnati’s bill designed to keep public benefits out of the hands of illegal immigrants has made its way to the state House floor. The legislation would require people to prove they are legal residents before receiving state welfare benefits. While Democrats on the House State Government Committee complained the bill is based on anecdotes instead of facts, Chairman Daryl Metcalfe says it will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Earlier this year, Senate Bill 9 passed the Senate with a vote of 40 - 9. The House committee advanced the amended bill along party lines. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett has ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags in the Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities statewide to fly at half-staff on Wednesday, Dec. 7 in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor killed 2,403 Americans and led the United States to enter World War II. All Pennsylvanians are invited to join in this tribute. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford Mayor Tom Riel and mayors from several other cities are headed to Harrisburg Thursday to discuss how the state’s Act 47 plan should be amended. Act 47 is the program that allows the Department of Community and Economic Development to declare a city financially distressed, and provides measures to attempt to relieve the distress. Bradford participated in the DCED’s Early Intervention Program that helps cities before they reach distressed status. On Thursday, Riel, six other mayors and officials from across the Commonwealth, representing the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, will gather to ask legislators for measures to prevent municipalities from entering Act 47 by providing the necessary tools for self-reliance. The original news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – Working to ensure the health and safety of the Commonwealth’s citizens, a House committee today approved Rep. Martin Causer’s (R-Turtlepoint) resolution calling for an in-depth assessment of the emergency medical services (EMS) system statewide. House Resolution 315 calls on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) and the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to study the financial and administrative effectiveness of the state’s EMS system. The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, of which Causer is a member, voted unanimously to support the measure. “As a former dispatcher and emergency responder, I know a quick and coordinated response is vital to saving lives,” Causer said. “Improved technology, management systems, infrastructure and communications capabilities present many opportunities to enhance EMS services, and it is the responsibility of the Legislature to make sure we take advantage of those opportunities for the benefit of