Butler County Teen Laid to Rest
1/31/2010
One of three Butler County teenagers who perished in last week's accident just outside of Zelienople, was laid to rest Saturday. About 300 people attended the funeral for 18-year-old Sam Bucci, who was also a volunteer firefighter for Zelienople's fire department. Bucci and his fellow firefighter, 18-year-old Elijah Lunsford, along with 17-year-old Trevor Barkley, all perished in the crash where the SUV they were driving allegedly skidded on some loose gravel, hit a tree and flipped into an icy pond. Barkley will be laid to rest tomorrow, and Lunsford on Tuesday.
O-I Employees and Company Officials To Work Together As Company Plans July Closure
1/31/2010
The Owens-Illinois glass plant in Clarion will close it's doors July 1st. The abrupt announcement came late last week as the company issued a press release stating the "loss of volume associated with supply agreements for some customer locations" as the driving factor toward the decision to close the plant. Production will be moved to other factories. Owens-Illinois operates 78 manufacturing plants in 21 countries. The plant employs about 420 people. It employed 537 in early 1994. Since 1995, it has employed about 400 people. O-I's operations in the region will include two glass factories and a machine shop in the Brockway area. In May, those operations employed 550 workers. When Owens-Illinois merged with Brockway Inc., formerly Brockway Glass, in the last 1980s, operations also included a mould shop (which was sold but is still in operation) and a plastics closure division in Brookville, which is no longer part of O-I's operations. In 1994, total employment by O-I, including the Clarion plant, was nearly 2,100 workers. The company will offer support services for all of the employees. Company and union representatives will meet soon to discuss details.
Scouts Celebrate 100th Anniversary! Pinewood Derby! Klondike Derby! Dinners Blue and Gold, Red and Green!
1/31/2010
Over the next couple of weeks or so we will be bringing you some features related to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts. February is traditionally the time when Cub Scout Packs mark the occasion with Blue and Gold Dinners and events like the Pinewood Derby, a parent scout project resulting in a working model pinewood race car run in competitions throughout the country. The Col. Drake District Pinewood Derby is set for next Saturday at the Seneca Volunteer Fire Hall. Three Sandycreek Scouts won bragging rights and a spot at the district race yesterday as Pack 37 ran a well organized race at the Sandycreek Volunteer Fire Hall. Those top three racers are…placing third David Ferraro, placing second Connor Richey and first Colten Aaron. You may remember Connor Richey is the son of Pennsylvania State Trooper Paul Richey who last month lost his life in the line of duty in Cranberry Township. Cubmaster Brian Spaid remembered Richey and several Scouters with a moment of silence before the race.
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For the Cubs at yesterdays race, the business of the day was mostly fun. But as always they also stopped to remember what their mission is scouting is all about.
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Race judges also named most creative car…Will Heller, Most Original Car Bradley Nilson, and judges choice Chase DeWoody. The very youngest boys…the Lion Scouts placed 1,2,3, and 4 Noah Taylor, Reed St. Claire, Morgan Alford and Johnny Carr. For Boy Scouts, February is traditionally the month of the Klondike Derby, a winter time contest of scouting skills performed in the outdoors, in the cold, in the snow all the while racing Klondike style sleds. The Col. Drake District Klondike happened Saturday on the grounds of the Fryburg Sportsmans’ Club in Clarion County. Ten patrols from area Troops competed in Ice Rescue, Knots and Lashings, Orienteering, Sled Racing, and Survival, Coming down to the finish line
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Be sure to listen for more scouting news this week…we’ll be talking with Boys Scouts from Seneca and Venture Scouts from Oil City.
Actuality moment%20of%20silence.mp3
For the Cubs at yesterdays race, the business of the day was mostly fun. But as always they also stopped to remember what their mission is scouting is all about.
Actuality Cub%20Scout%20Promise.mp3
Race judges also named most creative car…Will Heller, Most Original Car Bradley Nilson, and judges choice Chase DeWoody. The very youngest boys…the Lion Scouts placed 1,2,3, and 4 Noah Taylor, Reed St. Claire, Morgan Alford and Johnny Carr. For Boy Scouts, February is traditionally the month of the Klondike Derby, a winter time contest of scouting skills performed in the outdoors, in the cold, in the snow all the while racing Klondike style sleds. The Col. Drake District Klondike happened Saturday on the grounds of the Fryburg Sportsmans’ Club in Clarion County. Ten patrols from area Troops competed in Ice Rescue, Knots and Lashings, Orienteering, Sled Racing, and Survival, Coming down to the finish line
Actuality klondike%20derby%20winners.mp3
Be sure to listen for more scouting news this week…we’ll be talking with Boys Scouts from Seneca and Venture Scouts from Oil City.
Catholic Schools Week in Venango County
1/31/2010
Catholic Schools week this week across the USA. Here in Venango County there are activities each day this week. Today is Guardian Angel Day, Tuesday is Bring a Guest to Lunch Day. Wednesday…Wear pajamas to school, a feature movie, teacher luncheon, and making valentine cards for nursing home residents. Thursday is the Crazy George Basketball Show at St. Stephen’s School and a prayer service. Family entertainment and fellowship at Venango Catholic Highschool at 7 p.m. Friday, Students from St. Stephen, Venango Catholic and St. Patrick will spend the day together at VC with a Mass at 1 p.m. to which all are invited.
We Have Met the Government, and It Is Us!
1/31/2010
If that’s not enough for you…this is the first Monday of the month….thirteen…count em…thirteen Venango County townships, boros and cities meet tonight for regular governing body meetings. Get up, get out and participate....Clinton Township, Cornplanter Township, President Township, Cooperstown Borough, Mineral Township, Oakland Township, Rouseville Borough, City of Franklin, City of Oil City, Emlenton Boro, Plum Township and Cherrytree Township. We have met the government...and it is us!
Help the Family of Trooper Paul Richey...Eat Hoss' this Weekend
1/29/2010
Hoss’ Family Steak and Sea restaurant in Cranberry Township Venango County is pledging help to the family of a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Paul Richey, killed in the line of duty a couple of weeks ago. Blair County-based Hoss's Family Steak and Sea says 20 percent of all sales made this Saturday at the Cranberry Township location on Route 257 will go to the family of slain Trooper Paul Richey.
Seneca VFD 2009 Reports 75% of calls medical, public service
1/29/2010
The Seneca Volunteer Fire Department logged about 3300 hours responding to 663 fire and rescue calls in calendar 2009. The information is found in the department’s annual Fire and Rescue Report released last night by the Cranberry Township Board of Supervisors. The report notes the Seneca Volunteer Fire Department took delivery of a 2009 HME pumper/tanker. The department also received a state grant used to replace the tires on one of the other tankers. Also obtained with the grant was 800 feet of new attack hose and a new Rapid Intervention Team kit used for the rescue of a down firefighter. Over half the calls the Seneca Firefighters responded to were medical calls, while about 20 percent were public service calls. There were zero boat calls in 2009. The month with the most activity was March while February was the month with the fewest calls. The report notes the Seneca firefighters answered 60 fewer calls last year attributed to fewer assists, fewer motor vehicle accidents, commercial and residential alarms and public service calls. Finally the report notes last year there were 18 calls dispatch by 911 not responded to for lack of available firefighters.
Cranberry Township revises the way it runs its public meetings
1/29/2010
You may recall last year the state implemented a completely new right to know law. In addition to improving citizen access to most public documents, the law also mandated changes to public meeting agendas for most municipal governing bodies. To wit: a revised meeting agenda approved by the Cranberry Township Supervisors Thursday night. The revised agenda features two public comment periods…one to comment on the agenda itself and the second comment on specific issues brought up during the meeting itself. In the approved resolution it is noted residents and or taxpayers may make comment. The resolution notes the supervisor chair will preside at the meeting over each comment period. The chair may recognize speakers, may allocate time for comment, may request one person to speak for multiple speakers on the same subject and may rule out of order scandalous, impertinent or redundant comments. Supervisors asked to add a provision comments be directed only to the chair and not to other individuals.
McKean County man formally arrained, DA seeks death penalty
1/29/2010
Accused murderer Greggory Theobald appeared in McKean County Court today for his formal arraignment on charges related to the murder of Megan Konopka in September. Theobald and Thomas Haggie allegedly killed Konopka and her unborn child in a room at the Riddell House. Konopka was 8 1/2 months pregnant at the time of her murder. McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn has informed Theobald and Haggie that he intends to seek the death penalty in the case.
Lawrence County man jailed on two child rape charges
1/29/2010
A Lawrence County man is charged with raping a child over a period of about four and a half years. According to State Police at New Castle, 30-year-old Zearl Fowler of New Castle was arrested on four counts each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault, and corruption of minors; and two counts each of rape, reckless endangerment, and unlawful restraint. Fowler is accused of sexually assaulting a six-year-old female and a seven-year-old male from October of 2004 to March of last year. Fowler is slated for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, February 2nd. He's currently in the Lawrence County Jail on $50,000 bond.
More wintry weather, drivers beware!
1/28/2010
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PITTSBURGH HAS A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY OUT FOR SNOW... IN EFFECT FOR THIS AFTERNOON. SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE AFTERNOON HOURS. EXPECT TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS ACROSS THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS...AND ALONG PORTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE 80 CORRIDOR. IN ADDITION...WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH THIS AFTERNOON...CREATING AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. REPORT YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772. SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE MID MORNING HOURS...AS A COLD FRONT SWEEPS ACROSS THE AREA. EXPECT ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF ONE HALF TO ONE INCH ACROSS THE LOWER ELEVATIONS...WITH 1 TO 2 INCHES ALONG THE HIGHER TERRAIN. TRAVELERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR RAPID REDUCTIONS IN VISIBILITY...AND FOR SNOW COVERED AND OR ICY SURFACES...ESPECIALLY ON SECONDARY ROADS...AND ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. -0- With weather forecasters are predicting the chance for blinding snow squalls today as an arctic front is expected to cross Pennsylvania. PennDOT is urging you to slow down, pay attention and use caution. If you do encounter snow squalls while traveling, PennDOT offers this advice: 1. Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions. 2. Turn on your headlights. 3. Stay in your lane. 4. Increase your following distance. 5. Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient. -0- Streams and creeks in the northern part of the KQW listening area are starting to recede. The Allegany river is also starting to drop as runoff from Monday’s storm has slowed. Many of the roads, which were closed Monday after the heavy rain and snowmelt, have re-opened. Some flooding remains, but those waters are receding too.
Titusville Apt. residents breifly evacuate during structure fire call
1/28/2010
A reported structure fire in a small Titusville apartment house is reported to have been most likely caused by a floor mounted furnace or heating device. Fire fighters from Titusville, Hydetown, Pleasantville and Cherrytree tripped out for the call at 1008. Emergency radio transmissions indicate residents who had evacuated the building were quickly allowed to return. The structure, a two story wooded affair is located at 218 East Walnut Street in Titusville. Emergicare Ambulance assisted at the scene. No one was reported injured. All units were back in their stations by 1030.
Peterson calls S.O.U. address disjointed, out of focus
1/28/2010
Former Fifth District Congressman John Peterson visited the studios of WKQW Thursday morning…in commenting on President Barrack Obama’s first state of the union address last night, Peterson calls the address disjointed saying the administration appears to have lost it’s focus as evidenced BY a speech rewritten just before air time last night.
New Castle Police hold man in Sharon shooting
1/28/2010
Police in western Pennsylvania have arrested a man suspected of killing a woman and beating two others after a four-hour standoff.
Police say they arrested 25-year-old Calvin Young on Wednesday night in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Authorities say Young shot and killed 21-year-old Carolyn McVehil earlier in the day in nearby Sharon.
Investigators say Young shot McVehil in the head and beat two other women with a handgun.
New Castle police responding to a call about a man barricading himself in an apartment were able to take him into custody around 10 p.m.
Young was transported with an ambulance with unknown injuries. He faces charges of homicide and aggravated assault.
Police say they arrested 25-year-old Calvin Young on Wednesday night in New Castle, about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Authorities say Young shot and killed 21-year-old Carolyn McVehil earlier in the day in nearby Sharon.
Investigators say Young shot McVehil in the head and beat two other women with a handgun.
New Castle police responding to a call about a man barricading himself in an apartment were able to take him into custody around 10 p.m.
Young was transported with an ambulance with unknown injuries. He faces charges of homicide and aggravated assault.
"Sick of being poor" bank robber jailed in Erie
1/28/2010
An Erie man who told the FBI he was "sick of being poor" has been jailed on charges he robbed a northwestern Pennsylvania bank. The FBI says 23-year-old Cameron Minniefield was arrested Tuesday at a bus station in Erie where he planned to take a Greyhound to Cleveland. Police say Minniefield to a bus to Meadville, about 30 miles south of Erie, and robbed the First National Bank there Tuesday afternoon. Police say Minniefield gave a teller a note, left with $1,010 and took a taxi back to Erie.Police say witnesses who saw Minniefield at a library across the street from the bank before the heist later identified him as the robber. The FBI says Minniefield has confessed. Minniefield is jailed and his federal public defender didn't immediately return a call Thursday.
Erie police searach for man abducting female drivers
1/28/2010
Police in Erie are looking for a man who briefly abducted a female driver last week then apparently tried to do the same thing to another woman. Police say two men entered a 19-year-old woman's car on Tuesday just as she left the drive-through lane of a fast-food restaurant. Police say she jumped out of the car and called 911 on her cell phone.
Police believe one of those men also attacked another female driver on Friday, about 2 p.m. The suspect asked that woman for directions, told her he had a gun and forced his way into the car. Police say the man forced the woman to drive to several automatic teller machines and withdraw money before she escaped when he briefly left the car at a convenience store.
Police believe one of those men also attacked another female driver on Friday, about 2 p.m. The suspect asked that woman for directions, told her he had a gun and forced his way into the car. Police say the man forced the woman to drive to several automatic teller machines and withdraw money before she escaped when he briefly left the car at a convenience store.
PETA wants Phil replaced by a robot
1/28/2010
PETA wants organizers of the Groundhog Day festival to replace Punxsutawney Phil with a robotic stand-in. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says it's unfair to keep the animal in captivity and subject him to the huge crowds and bright lights that accompany tens of thousands February 2nd in Punxsutawney. PETA is suggesting the use of an animatronic model. But William Deeley, President of the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, says the animal is, “being treated better than the average child in Pennsylvania." The groundhog is kept in a climate-controlled environment and is inspected annually by the State Department of Agriculture. Deeley says PETA isn't interested in Phil from February 2nd on, and is looking for publicity.
3 Teens, 2 of them Volunteer Firefighters mourned after tragic crash
1/28/2010
Zelienople is mourning the loss of teenagers pulled Wednesday morning from an icy pond where their vehicle crashed. Two were firefighters for their Zelienople’s volunteer department. Zelienople Fire Chief Rob Reeb says two 18-year-old firefighters were killed. They are Elijah Lunsford and Sam Bucci. Police Chief Jim Miller says the third victim was 17-year-old Trevor Barkley. All three attended Seneca Valley High School in Butler County, but Reeb says Barkley was not affiliated with the fire company about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh . The teenswere reported missing hours after they never showed up for a weekly drill session Tuesday nightl. It isn’t clear whether they were on their way there when they crashed The first two bodies recovered around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday were those of Zelienople Volunteer Fire Department members. They were found in the vehicle, while the third victim was pulled out of the pond around 10:30 a.m. after the vehicle was removed tAt the fire house in Zelienople, a town with three traffic lights that's nestled among farmland and woods about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, flags were lowered to half-staff and a firefighter hung two black wreaths.
Amish boy dies after accidental gun shot to head
1/28/2010
An 8-year-old Amish boy accidentally shot in the head while raccoon hunting late Monday night is dead. Rudy Shetler, 8, was hunting near Bower Road in Delaware Township, Mercer County with two brothers about 10 p.m. Monday, according to. Reports indicate the boy was in the family's buggy, where a rifle was propped inside. The rifle went off when their dog jumped into the buggy, according to the reports.After the shooting, Shetler was taken to UPMC Horizon Greenville Campus Hospital and transported by medical helicopter to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he died Tuesday afternoon.
Warren man dies in one car crash
1/28/2010
A Warren man is dead following a one vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon on Route 1015 in Pine Grove Township, Warren County. State Police say a vehicle driven by 38 year-old Sheri Hawkins went off the road, struck an embankment and rolled over onto its roof. A passenger in Hawkin�s vehicle, 48 year-old Michael Piazza, was partially thrown from the vehicle and became trapped underneath. Piazza was pronounced dead at the scene. Hawkins was taken to Warren General Hospital for treatment of injuries.
Elder Grampian man dies in one car crash
1/28/2010
An Elderly Grampian man is dead, the result of an early morning crash Tuesday.Donald Zorger crossed over the southbound lane of Route 219 in Bloom Township, Clearfield County and hit a tree head on. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, 76-year-old Alma Zorger was taken to DuBois Regional Medical Center with major injuries.
Butler Car Dealer, Mike Kelly, Announces Run Against 3CD Dahlkemper
1/28/2010
A well-known Butler County car dealer and former Butler city councilman is announcing he will enter the race for Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District.61-year-old George P. "Mike" Kelly, Jr., Wedneday said he will seek the GOP nomination in the May primary to square off against Democrat incumbent Kathy Dahlkemper in the fall general election. In a statement, Kelly says he decided to run because the U.S. is moving further and further away from the values and concerns of everday people. He cites daily happenings in the news as evidence that what he called the "leftward tilt" is hurting families.Kelly graduated from Butler High School and the University of Notre Dame, where he attended on a football scholarship. He currently serves on the boards of the Butler County Housing Authority, Community Development Corporation of Butler County, the Redevelopment Authority of Butler County, and the Redevelopment Authority for the city of Butler. He's also the second-generation owner of Mike Kelly Chevrolet-Cadillac-Kia-Hyundai, in Butler Kelly is married and resides in Butler with his wife Victoria. He has four children and three grandchildren.
No Text, No Drive Bill Advances to PA Senate
1/28/2010
Drivers won't be able to text or use hand-held cell phones under a state house bill that's on its way to the senate. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 189-6 Tuesday to give its final approval to a measure that would give police the authority to pull over drivers suspected of texting or using cell phones without hands-free capability. Violators would face a $50 fine. The measure's fate is uncertain in the senate.
Disaster Emergency in Potter County
1/28/2010
Potter County has been declared a disaster emergency by the county�s emergency management agency. Heavy rains and snowmelt pushed the Allegheny River and several tributaries over its banks flooding a large portion of Potter County. The flooding led to school and road closures, home evacuations and lots of property damage. Potter County Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Glenn Dunn says residents who sustained property damage to report damage to their local municipality along with photographed documentation. 11 Potter County townships have reported major road or infrastructure damage.
Zippo recalls candle lighters
1/28/2010
Zippo is recalling its Zippo Slatkin & Co. Candle lighters because it could possibly burn consumers, although no injuries have been reported. This is a voluntary recall in cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The hazard is that the lighters can produce an excessive flame when adjusted to the maximum flame setting, posing a burn hazard to consumers. The lighters are sold at Bath & Body Works and White Barn Candle stores, as well as online. They're made in China, not in Bradford. Consumers are being advised to stop using the product and contact Zippo for information on how to return the black adjuster knob, and receiving a free replacement candle lighter.
Casey Touts Recovery Spending To End Recession, Locals Present Specific Recovery Needs During Teleconference
1/27/2010
Creating jobs & promoting growth…the theme of a 90 minute video conference w/ Pa Senator Bob Casey & a who’s who of Venango County community & business leaders Tuesday at the Venango Campus IN Oil City. The event, closely orchestrated by the Casey staff w/ the help of the Venango Campus & the Oil Region Alliance was a by invitation event only & only revealed to the media over the weekend. The scope of questions from a select panel was vetted thru the Senator’s offices. Sen Casey presented a short power point summarizing the recession to this point & the Casey Plan for accelerating job growth….Strengthening the safety net, investing in infrastructure, promoting access to credit for small business & smart energy incentives. & this is where the discussion was centered by moderator Randy Seitz COO of the ORA. The panelists…Oil City Mayor Sonja Hawkins, Venango County Commissioner Jan Beichner, owner of Specialty Fabricating & Powder Coating Rod Griffin, Sam Wagner from Oil City Career Link, Dr. Chris Reber, executive dean at Venango Campus, Emily Gill owner of Moxie Media & Jim Martin regional president of Northwest Bank. 25 people including media, staffers, panelists, moderator & audience. Mayor Hawkins stressed the importance of a solid infrastructure in redeveloping an economy & the need to level the playing field so small cities can compete for federal dollars more fairly w/ big cities. Rod Griffin stressed the Governor’s Action Team must act faster or risk losing start up companies. Dr. Reber stressed the importance of educational partnerships between the university & industry. Emily Gill told Senator Casey young professionals are willing to do what it takes to chart their futures but the cost of new business start up is daunting. Jim Martin told Casey regional & community banks are lending, taking a closer look at balance sheets. He asked Casey to work for auxiliary funding to help banks make lending a little easier for those w/ challenges. Casey says current banking bills aim to reduce the abuses allowing the all too easy credit that precipitating a world wide recession. Martin stressed banks should not be painted with a broad brush & warned of over regulation. Over all Casey stressed increased federal spending for the social safety network & recovery bill projects showing the Obama administration gets more bank for its buck than the Bush administration tax incentives. Asked if the Obama administration could buy its way back to prosperity Casey says…Actuality
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West Unit Will Most Likely Get Independent Building Inspection
1/27/2010
Then there was the Venango County Commissioners meeting Tuesday night. A very short 15 minute meeting, everything was pretty routine until the very end…this is Commissioner Jan Beichner.
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In the end the Commissioners decided to advertize a request for proposals, even though Commissioner Chair Tim Brooks reported architect Harold Best of Struxures in Seneca had the leaking roof inspected and repaired under warranty. Expect to hear more about this at the next commissioners meeting on February 9th.
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In the end the Commissioners decided to advertize a request for proposals, even though Commissioner Chair Tim Brooks reported architect Harold Best of Struxures in Seneca had the leaking roof inspected and repaired under warranty. Expect to hear more about this at the next commissioners meeting on February 9th.
OC Southside Assocdiation Hears Dennis McCune...new VC Substance Abuse Director/ Gets Weed and Seed Update From OCPD Chief Wenner
1/27/2010
The Southside Neighborhood Association of Oil City continues to keep its strong membership active and informed. The group gathered for its monthly meeting hearing from Dennis McCune (pictured left), the new director of the Venango County Substance Abuse and Prevention office. He briefed the group in on jobs his office tries to accomplish daily….Assessment, outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial outpatient, residential detox, intensive case management, prevention and student assistance. McCune says his office is committed to the prevention of substance use by youth and abuse by adults and to the early identification, assessment and treatment of those experiencing problem. McCune says in substance abuse, the success stories are there, but few and far between. A theme echoed by OCPD chief Bob Wenner who told the Southside Neighborhood Association last night you take your victories where you can. Wenner also told the group the Weed and Seed program will meed with the aid team from the state tomorrow to work on details of the Weed and Seed program. The Oil City program, which was approved by the state late last year will get more money and time to make Weed and Seed Work. This is OCPD Officer Hank Johnson who is the Weed and Seed Law Enforcement Liason.
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SNOW SHOWERS TODAY, MOST RIVERS BELOW FLOOD STAGE
1/26/2010
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PITTSBURGH SAYS SNOW SHOWERS WILL PROVIDE DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS TODAY. AN AREA OF SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE THROUGH THE REGION TODAY. LOCATIONS WHICH EXPERIENCE A PERIOD OF HEAVIER SNOW CAN EXPECT A QUICK INCH OF NEW SNOW AS WELL AS GREATLY REDUCED VISIBILITIES. WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES. AS TO RIVER STATES ON THE ALLEGHENY RIVER, THE ONLY STATIONS REPORTING EVEN MINOR FLOODING ARE LOCATED IN PITTSBURGH AND POINTS SOUTH. WARREN, WEST HICKORY AND FRANKLIN REPORT NO FLOODING AND FROM PARKER SOUTH TO SHARPSBURG JUST NORTH OF PITTSBURGH, ALL STATIONS REPORT THE RIVER AT ACTION LEVEL BUT BELOW FLOOD STAGE.
19 Year Old Franklin Woman Gets 6-24 Months W/Work Release After Cocaine Bust in Her Apartment
1/26/2010
Over the last couple of weeks or so we have been bringing you up to date on news stories pre empted by coverage of the tragic deaths of State Trooper Paul Richey, Nancy-Frey Smith and her husband Michael January 13th in Cranberry Township. Over the last couple of days we have brought you up to date on several current court cases in the news and now we’ll up date you on a high profile case closed out on January 22. You may recall from late last March the story of a cocaine bust in Franklin at the Arbors Apartments in which three Venango County residents and two men from Columbus, Ohio were arrested on literally dozens of charges. Police recovered $4700 worth of cocaine and $2500 in cash. One of the women charged was Brandi Owens, of Franklin. She had earlier last year been a volunteer facilitator for a self proclaimed youth advisory panel seeking to keep Venango County Social Services agencies informed on youth opinion and ideas. Owen had even made a presentation to the Venango County Focus On Our Future Collaborative Board, a county clearing house of social services agencies regarding the youth advisors. The cocaine bust took place at her apartment. She was originally arrested on 18 charges in two related cases in connection with the incident. She waived her preliminary trial and eventually pleaded guilty in October to one count of Criminal Conspiracy Engaging in Manufacturing, Delivery, Pocession with intent to Manufacture or Deliver. Last Friday, January 22, Owens was sentenced for one count of felony Criminal Conspiracy/Delivery of Cocaine to pay costs, a $500 fine, 6 to 24 months in Venango County Jail less 1 day with credit for two days, work release and job search, SAP evaluation Eligible Re entry plan followed by 12 months of probation. Franklin City Police had responded to Owens’ apartment by way of anonymous caller who complained of the smell of marijuana emanating from Owens’ apartment. As to the codefendants…Dimitri Jordan…original charged with 16 counts including two felonies…the case of each involved were joined together…pleaded guilty in October to one count of felony Criminal Conspiracy. He petitioned last month to withdraw the guilty plea and the hearing on that motion is scheduled for Tuesday January 26th. Camaria Dolan originally charged with 14 offenses, 3 now withdrawn, is apparently still awaiting adjudication. John Henry…originally charged with 16 offenses, pleaded guilty in July to two misdemeanor possession charges to 24 months probation. As of November 19th Henry is listed in violation of parole and he is the subject of a bench warrant. Finally Antonio Harris…7 charges including two felonies…Harris pleaded guilty and was sentenced in September for Felony Criminal Conspiracy, Felony Possession with intent, possession of drug paraphanelia, and False ID to law enforcement. Total of 27 months to 120 months with 5 years of probation.
FLOOD WARNING UPDATE
1/26/2010
THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE CLARION RIVER AT COOKSBURG AFFECTING CLARION...FOREST AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. RIVERS CONTINUE TO RISE IN RESPONSE TO YESTERDAYS HEAVY RAIN AND SNOW MELT. MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST FOR MOST LOCATIONS. DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. THE WATER MAY BE BE DEEPER THAN IT APPEARS. STAY TUNED TO KQW RADIO OR NOAA WEATHER RADIO FOR LATER DEVELOPMENTS. AT 730 PM MONDAY THE STAGE WAS 15.0 FEET. FLOOD STAGE IS 13.0 FEET. MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND MINOR FLOODING IS FORECAST. THE RIVER WILL CONTINUE TO FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE BY TUESDAY MORNING. IMPACT...AT 14.0 FEET...ABOUT 1 FOOT OF WATER COVERS RIVER ROAD NEAR THE COOK FOREST STATE PARK OFFICE. FOR THE ALLEGHENY RIVER ONLY JOHNSONBURG IS SHOWING A RIVER LEVEL AT THE ACTION LEVEL UP STREAM OF FRANKLIN. DOWNSTREAM FROM PARKER TO PITTSBURGH RIVER LEVELS ARE AT THE ACTION STATION WITH MINOR FLOODING IN SEVERAL PITTSBURGH LOCATIONS. NOW,FOR ALL OF THE KQW LISTENING AREA SNOW SHOWERS MAY CAUSE SLICK TRAVEL INTO TUESDAY MORNING...SNOW SHOWERS WILL INCREASE IN COVERAGE OVERNIGHT AND INTO THE TUESDAY MORNING RUSH HOUR. HEAVIER BANDS OF SNOW SHOWERS CAN QUICKLY REDUCE VISIBILITY AT TIMES AND MAKE UNTREATED ROADS AND WALKWAYSSLICK AND HAZARDOUS. TRAVELERS OVERNIGHT INTO TUESDAY MORNING SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION.
Stoneboro Woman Dies in One Car Crash, Unrestrained, Thrown From Car 80 Feet
1/26/2010
A Stoneboro woman is dead following a Sunday afternoon one car crash in which she was thrown from the small car she was riding in. State police at Franklin identify the woman as 37 Rhonda Leigh Hopkins. The 911 call went out for the fatal crash on Route 157 in Pinegrove Township near McPherson Road. at about 2:15 p.m. Emergency radio transmissions indicate Hopkins suffered massive head injury. The driver, an Henry Gadsby, Jr, also of Stoneboro, was also injured in the crash. Initial reports indicate both driver and passenger were un restrained, later confirmed by the police. Police say Gadsby was traveling east and left the roadway on the northern berm. After leaving the highway, the car crashed into a stomp and steel post causing Hopkins to be thrown from the car a distance of 80 feet. Police say she died as result of her injuries.
Updates On Court Cases: Heckathorne, Phillips, Ebbert and Carbaugh
1/26/2010
Yesterday afternoon I told you about the latest developments in the case of Oil City resident Amanda Heckathorne, again facing five misdemeanor charges in connection with a fight outside Double Play Sports Bar in Oil City last March. She says the police disrespected her during the incident. The Venango County District Attorney says the police were acting to keep the peace and this incident was …a course of behavior… for Heckathorne. Judge Michael Wherry reinstate three of the misdemeanors previously withdrawn…this action on January 14th, the day after Trooper Richey was shot and killed in Cranberry Township. Heckathorne now awaits an Omnibus Pre Trial Motion hearing set for March 2nd with Venango County President Judge Oliver Lobaugh. This was one of several stories pre empted by the Richey case. Several other court cases we’re keeping tabs on include that of Rene Phillips charged with aggravated assault earlier this month in Franklin in an incident in which among other things she is alleged to have stabbed a man in the groin during an altercation. Phillips remains jailed on $30,000 bail, her preliminary hearing now continued a second time to February 3. There is the case of Raymond Ebbert of Meadville, who is charged with desecration or sale of sacred objects in connection with actions between June and November last year in which it is alleged he took brass grave markers for military and firefighter veterans, cut them up and sold them for scrap. His preliminary hearing was continued yesterday until February 3rd. Ebbert remains jailed on $100,000 straight bail. Lastly in this report, a listener inquired as to the case of John Carbaugh, 43, of Oil City, presently jailed on $10,000 bail charged with Felony Criminal Attempted and Aggravated Indecent Assault in which the complainant is Unconscious or Unaware, and misdemeanor Indecent Assault of an Unconscious Person. Carbaugh was arrested by Oil City Police back in October and was formally arraigned in November. A motion to lower Carbaugh’s bail from $10,000 was denied and he remains jailed in the Venango County lock up apparently awaiting trial. Carbaugh has a 16 year criminal history including indecent assault and arson.
Rising Retest Scores In OCASD, Board Endorses Football Co Op
1/26/2010
Some good news from the Oil City Area School Board…this is Assistant Superintendent Pat Gavin…you will also hear the voice of Superintendent Dr. Joseph Carrico toward the end of the sound bite….
Actuality 012510%20Pat%20Gavin%20talks%20about%20improved%20pssa%20retest%20scores.mp3
Other good news…the board’s unanimous approval of Athletics Resolution #2…Be it resolved that the Oil city Area School district and the Cranberry Area School district and the Venango Catholic High School, all of Venango County, Pennsylvania, request PIAA approval of a cooperative sports agreement fr the next sports enrolment cycle which covers school years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 in Football. Dr. Carrico says community feedback to the resolution remains positive. Among the personnel issues at last night’s regular Oil city School Board meeting was split vote on the hiring of Thersa Wilson as a custodian. There was no explanation, but board members Jeffrey Albaugh and Joseph McFadden both voted no.
Actuality 012510%20Pat%20Gavin%20talks%20about%20improved%20pssa%20retest%20scores.mp3
Other good news…the board’s unanimous approval of Athletics Resolution #2…Be it resolved that the Oil city Area School district and the Cranberry Area School district and the Venango Catholic High School, all of Venango County, Pennsylvania, request PIAA approval of a cooperative sports agreement fr the next sports enrolment cycle which covers school years 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 in Football. Dr. Carrico says community feedback to the resolution remains positive. Among the personnel issues at last night’s regular Oil city School Board meeting was split vote on the hiring of Thersa Wilson as a custodian. There was no explanation, but board members Jeffrey Albaugh and Joseph McFadden both voted no.
Venango County United Way Closes Out 2009 Fundraiser Well Below Previous Years
1/26/2010
This is most surely a sign of the economic times. A staff of 37 Venango County United Way fundraiser volunteers marked the end of their 2009 efforts on Thursday afternoon at the Oil City YWCA. Normally a pretty joyous occasion, this event was also positive and upbeat. But it was overshadowed by the fact this year’s fundraising campaign brought in just over $300,000, well over a hundred thousand dollars short of some recent campaigns. Venango County United Way contributes to 16 agencies all located in Venango County. From the Allegheny Region Red Cross to Youth Alternatives, each took a significant hit in allocations this time around. Hope is of course for a better 2010. Kay Hopwood and Terri Wood are both honored in their capacity as the 2009 fundraising co chairs. Amy Uhler will be one of those holding that position for the 2010 campaign. Lets hope and pray for a better 2010.
Flood Advisory Remains in Effect for KQW Listening Area
1/25/2010
The Flood Advisory remains in effect for most of the KQW listening area until Monday evening. Clarion, Lawrence and Allegheny Counties remain under a Flood Watch while more eastern counties remain under a flood warning. This according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh. The combination of runoff from Sunday’s heavy rainfall and snow melt from the Appalachian Mountains and northwestern Pennsylvania may cause flooding along small streams today. A Flooding Advisory means flooding which is generally only an inconvenience (not life-threatening) to those living in the affected area and is issued only when heavy rain will cause flooding of streets and low-lying places in urban areas. Small rural or urban streams are expected to reach or exceed bankfull. Some damage to homes or roads could occur. A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts. A Flood Warning means flooding along larger streams in which there is a serious threat to life or property. A flood warning will usually contain river stage (level) forecasts. So far only Johnsonburg is reporting minor flooding and Ridgeway is reporting river stages near flooding. All other hydrologic river stations in the Allegheny Basin are well below flood stage. However, you should monitor all later forecasts and be alert for possible further flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Stay tuned to KQW radio or NOAA Weather Radio, or go to weather.gov on the internet for the latest on the flooding hazards.
Charges Restored in Heckathorne Case Stemming From Double Play Fight
1/25/2010
During the week of the widely reported and tragic shooting of Franklin State Trooper Paul Richey and well known Cranberry Township resident Nancy Frey Smith by Smith’s husband Michael, many news stories went by the way side. Some we have already told you about and there are several still to tell. Most of the rest of these high profile cases. One of those cases rode the headlines off and on from last March on. That was the case of 27 year old Amanda Heckathorne of Oil City, who later publicly asserted the Oil City Police did not treat her with respect, arrested during a fracas outside of the Double Play Sports Bar an Seneca Street. In all, police arrested seven people including Hechathorne and her husband during the incident. All but Amanda Heckathorne have had their cases adjudicated. As an aside, all of those persons had some sort of court record. Amanda Heckathorne was the only one charged without a current court record at the time. Listeners may recall Heckathorne was finally formally charged in the fracas in May 2009 with five misdemeanors…Failure to Disperse Upon Official Order from a Police Officer, Disorderly Conduct Hazardous, Disorderly Conduct Engage in Fighting, Disorderly Conduct Unreasonable Noise, Disorderly Conduct Obscene Language/Guesture. The charges were all bound over to Commonwealth Court during a preliminary hearing in which Heckathorne was represented by Oil City Attorney Neil Rothschild, the attorney who had successfully represented Amanda husband regarding the same case. In a later hearing during 2009, Rothschild succeed in having three of the disordlerly persons charges withdrawn. On January 14th this year, the day after Trooper Richey was killed in Cranberry Township, Judge Michael Wherry, during a summary hearing, restored the thre charges. Heckathorne, again is charged with five misdemeanors stemming from the original fight outside Double Play. During the preliminary hearing, the Venango County District Attorney’s sought to show police acted to keep the peace, protect themselves and control a potentially riotous situation. Defense Attorney Rothschild sought show Heckathorne’s actions did not meet the criteria of the misdemeanor disorderly persons statute and officers were disrespectful to Heckathorne. Listeners may recall hearing and reading about the original fight in which 3 officers dealt with two fights in the same place. There was a crowd of about 50 people, heckling the police, gathered at the second fight. 1 officer controlling the crowd, 2 handling the second fight. 2 men on the ground, one of them Amanda Heckathorn’es husband. Amanda standing next to one of the officers and allegedly refusing to leave the scene and be quiet in spite of several orders from police. While Rothschild sought to have the charges against Heckathorne dismissed, Brenda Sevidio, the Assistant District Attorney said, “This is a course of conduct, not just a single incident.”
37th Annual March for Life Draws Venango Participants
1/24/2010
L I F E 012210%20L%20I%20%20F%20E.mp3
The short story is that is what the 37th annual March For Life was all ab out. Over a quarter of a million people from around the country including a couple of contingencies from Venango County rallied and marched supporting the 2010 theme of Stand Up Now! Unite for the Life Principles--No Exception! No Compromise!. A group of about 40 from Oil City and Franklin joined organizer Judy Anderton and a smaller group from Franklin…Not One More Life…were among the tens of thousands In Washington D.C. Friday for the 37th Annual March for Life. And they were plenty motivated…
actuality….. 012210%20the%20motivation%20of%20pro%20lifers.mp3
During the two hour ralley preceding the march the folks heard speeches from March For Life President Nellie Gray…..
actuality…. 012210%20Nellie%20Gray%20Roe%20v.%20Wade%20must%20be%20overturned.WMA
.and Chris Smith head of the Congressional Pro Life Caucus and even Representative Glenn Thompson the Congressman representing most of Venango County. The group led by Anderton had a 40 minute interview with Thompson in his office before the rally and march. Warmed up by music from Liberty University’s Sounds Liberty , the marchers stepped off at 7th and Constitution Streets to walk the seven blocks to Supreme Court. Their enthusiasm could be felt and heard along the way….
actuality….
they sang, they prayed and they chanted….all the way to the Supreme Court opposite the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol where they met a very small group of county demonstrators who were all but drowned by the Pro life message. Actuality Preparations are already happening for next years March…KQW will be there.
012210%20Evangelical%20Pro%20Life%20Rock%20Band%20at%20Supreme%20Court.mp3
012210%20Hey%20Hey%20Ho%20Ho%20Roe%20v%20Wade%20%20has%20got%20to%20go.WMA
012210%20Sounds%20of%20Liberty.mp3
012210%20We%20Love%20Babies.mp3
The short story is that is what the 37th annual March For Life was all ab out. Over a quarter of a million people from around the country including a couple of contingencies from Venango County rallied and marched supporting the 2010 theme of Stand Up Now! Unite for the Life Principles--No Exception! No Compromise!. A group of about 40 from Oil City and Franklin joined organizer Judy Anderton and a smaller group from Franklin…Not One More Life…were among the tens of thousands In Washington D.C. Friday for the 37th Annual March for Life. And they were plenty motivated…
actuality….. 012210%20the%20motivation%20of%20pro%20lifers.mp3
During the two hour ralley preceding the march the folks heard speeches from March For Life President Nellie Gray…..
actuality…. 012210%20Nellie%20Gray%20Roe%20v.%20Wade%20must%20be%20overturned.WMA
.and Chris Smith head of the Congressional Pro Life Caucus and even Representative Glenn Thompson the Congressman representing most of Venango County. The group led by Anderton had a 40 minute interview with Thompson in his office before the rally and march. Warmed up by music from Liberty University’s Sounds Liberty , the marchers stepped off at 7th and Constitution Streets to walk the seven blocks to Supreme Court. Their enthusiasm could be felt and heard along the way….
actuality….
they sang, they prayed and they chanted….all the way to the Supreme Court opposite the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol where they met a very small group of county demonstrators who were all but drowned by the Pro life message. Actuality Preparations are already happening for next years March…KQW will be there.
012210%20Evangelical%20Pro%20Life%20Rock%20Band%20at%20Supreme%20Court.mp3
012210%20Hey%20Hey%20Ho%20Ho%20Roe%20v%20Wade%20%20has%20got%20to%20go.WMA
012210%20Sounds%20of%20Liberty.mp3
012210%20We%20Love%20Babies.mp3
Memorial funds established for Richey, Frey-Smith families
1/21/2010
A memorial fund is now established to benefit the family of a state trooper who was ambushed and killed by a suicidal gunman in Venango County. Forty-year-old Trooper Paul Richey was shot responding to a domestic dispute near his barracks in Franklin on Jan. 13. Contributions may be sent to Richey Memorial Fund, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, 210 13th St., Franklin, Pa. 16323. Additionally there is now an avenue for those who wish to contribute to Two Mile Run Park in memory of Nancy Frey Smith who also died in the January 13th shooting. Frey-Smith was closely connected with the park, having grown up in a farm house now on park grounds and having been heavily involved in transitioning park from control of a park authority back to Venango County. Checks may be made payable to the Two Mile Run County Park. Include a notation indicating the check is for the Frey-Smith memorial fund. Those checks may be mailed to the park at 471 Beech Road, Franklin, PA 16323 or to Venango County Chief Clerk and Administrator Denise Jones at P.O. Box 831, Franklin, PA 16323.
Fundraiser for 2 children with major diseases
1/21/2010
Funds are also being gathered for the benefit of two young girls, both of Oil City, who are fighting against major diseases. Maria Hutchinson, 2, is under going therapy to restore her to where she should be as a two year old following the discovery of blood clots on her brain last summer. Ella McNellie, 4, is fighting a rare tissue cancer. There is a benefit dance for the two scheduled for Saturday night at the Oil City Moose Lodge on Halyday Run Road. Music will be provided by Southern Nights. Tickets are $5 and are available at Spanky’s Tobacco World on Riverside Drive in Cranberry Township and at J and J’s corner cupboard on Center Street in Oil City. Doors open at 7:30.
McKean County arraigned on murder, prosecution seeks death penalty
1/21/2010
Murder suspect Thomas Haggie is pleading guilty, this during a Wednesday arraignment in McKean County Court. Haggie was also told of the charges against him and the prosecution intends to seek the death penalty in his case. The 29 year-old Haggie is charged with the murder of 21 year-old Megan Konopka who was pregnant at the time of her death last September. 20 year-old Greggory Theobald, who is also charged in connection with the death of Konopka, will be during the week of January 24th.
PSP needs help in Mercer County animal cruelty case
1/21/2010
State police are looking for a man who shot a dog then ran over the animal with a pickup truck in Mercer County . State police in Mercer say they can't be sure if the dog died, since they've been unable to find the animal or the suspect since a witness reported the incident on Jan. 16. That's why they're turning to the public for help. Police say the incident happened about 9:30 a.m. on Route 358 near Interstate 79 in New Vernon Township, Mercer County, about 25 miles southwest of Oil City.
Fire destroys Mercer barn
1/21/2010
State Police are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a barn between New Wilmington and West Middlesex on Tuesday night. Officials estimate the loss at seventy-thousand dollars from that blaze along Vance Road in Lackawannock Township, Mercer County.
BC3 enrollment up, expansion plans too...
1/21/2010
Butler County Community College's Board of Trustees met this week and are once again reporting enrollment is up. As a whole, enrollment is up 29 percent. It's up 11 percent in Butler County, 24 percent in Lawrence County, and 32 percent in Mercer County. Elsewhere, it's up over 28 percent. BC3 is also showing an increase in summer enrollment figures...up 15 percent. While the Mercer County campus is slated for expansion next month, another expansion could be in store for Lawrence County, if enrollment there continues on its rising course. And Butler County Community College moved two steps closer towards that expansion of its Mercer County campus. During this weeks meeting of the Butler County Commissioners, the board voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance of a Butler County General Authority Tax-Exempt Revenue Note. This would allow the renovation of the current campus at Linden Pointe in Hermitage and allow the acquistion of real estate to expand the existing building and parking areas. At the meeting of the college's board of trustees after the commissioners' meeting, the board of trustees voted to accept the lease agreement between the college and the college's educational foundation, which will lease the property to BC3. The board also voted to award five contracts relative to construction at the Mercer County campus. BC3 is hoping to get construction under way in March, ready for the 2011 Spring Semester in January.
Butler VA holds H1N1 shot clinic in Foxburg
1/21/2010
VA Butler Healthcare will hold an H1N1 flu immunization clinic this week in the KQW listening area. The vaccine will be available from ten to two on Friday at the AC Valley Medical Center near Foxburg. For more information, call VA Butler Healthcare at 1-800-362-8262.
Dubois Chamber of Commerce hosts I-80 tolling Symposium
1/21/2010
On the heels of news a decision will soon be announced regarding whether Interstate 80 will be approved for tolling, the Greater DuBois Area Chamber of Commerce is holding an I-80 symposium Friday at the DuBois Country Club. This meeting is free and open to the public. Congressman Glenn Thompson’s aide will be there, along with state, county and local officials and business owners. They’ll hear the details regarding efforts to block tolls on Interstate 80 and the economic impact if the tolls are approved. Call the Greater DuBois Chamber at 814-371-5010 for more information.
1010 Census Just Around the Corner
1/21/2010
It’s time once again for a census report, and the form, sent out every ten years, will be on its way to your home in March. The census determines the number of seats that every state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as, the distribution of more than $400 billion annually in federal funding to local programs and services. Citizens are strongly encouraged to participate for the good of getting revenue to the state. The 2010 census is reportedly shorter and easier than questionnaires from past years. The information is completely confidential and used only for statistical purposes.
Sugarcreek Borough puts itself on the line for $100,000 to save Sheetz project
1/20/2010
Sugarcreek Borough Council is putting itself out on a limb for $100,000 in hopes time is bought to save the construction of a Sheetz convenience store at Front Street and Allegheny Blvd. At stake is up to 50 jobs for Sugarcreek Borough area residents and a roughly $4 million investment on the part of the Sheetz corporation. The short story is in May 2008, Sugarcreek Borough was approved for a state grant of about $302,000 for the modification of the intersection at Front and Allegheny with the accompanying necessary traffic signal modifications to accommodate the construction of the Sheetz convenience store. Since that time PennDOT has apparently changed the intersection and signal requirements, adding another $107,000 to the cost of the project. Neither the developer, David Brody of Seneca Realty (who owns much of the commercial property along Route 8 in the Borough), nor the Borough itself have the needed funds to make up the difference. Brent Mortimer, of CBF Contracting of Sligo, Clarion County explained Sheetz will open on June 3 and the road and traffic signal modifications must be completed by May 28th. To ensure the contractor and subcontractors can adequately order the needed supplies for the job completion date, those orders needed to be made almost immediately. Council had to take action at this meeting. Council President Ken Davis explored the possibility of the state paying the $100 grand difference. Mortimer explained the present grant would not likely by modified and a possible solution might be a separate grant but that would take time. Borough Solicitor Brian Spaid explained the council could try to find the $100,000 in an already austere budget across all departments, re open the budget or do nothing.
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And just to rub salt into the wound, if the PennDOT grant isnot expended by August this year, the money reverts back to the state.
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Already being implemented in Sugarcreek Borough by the Police Department are measures to help find some of the needed money. No patrols after midnight. No patrols after 10 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. They will try to sell off an old patrol car and hold off on buying a new one. An additional patrolman will be brought on full time. Included in his annual report to council, Police Chief Matt Carlson revealed the lowest number of complaints handled by his department occurred during the midnight to 8 oclock hour at 22 % for 2009. 34% of the complaints occurred between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the highest occurrence at 44% between 6 p.m. and midnight.
-0-
In the continuing saga of Sugarcreek Borough Sewer Rehab, consulting Engineer Harold Bloomgren, Jr. of Northwest Engineering informed Council their PennVest loan application was submitted electronically this week and the application by the borough for a state H2O grant is nearly ready for submission. Northwest is updating bidding documents for the sewer rehab and preparing an initial lateral line replacement recommendation. Bloomgren says private lateral replacement should begin in April will likely take over two years to complete. Regarding proposed upgrades at the Franklin Waste Water Treatment Plant, utilized in part by the borough, there is now a list of proposed improvements. Bloomgren notes project 1 this year will run $250,000 with the borough share $75,000 which should be covered by the PennVest and H20 funds.
And just to rub salt into the wound, if the PennDOT grant isnot expended by August this year, the money reverts back to the state.
-0-
Already being implemented in Sugarcreek Borough by the Police Department are measures to help find some of the needed money. No patrols after midnight. No patrols after 10 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. They will try to sell off an old patrol car and hold off on buying a new one. An additional patrolman will be brought on full time. Included in his annual report to council, Police Chief Matt Carlson revealed the lowest number of complaints handled by his department occurred during the midnight to 8 oclock hour at 22 % for 2009. 34% of the complaints occurred between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the highest occurrence at 44% between 6 p.m. and midnight.
-0-
In the continuing saga of Sugarcreek Borough Sewer Rehab, consulting Engineer Harold Bloomgren, Jr. of Northwest Engineering informed Council their PennVest loan application was submitted electronically this week and the application by the borough for a state H2O grant is nearly ready for submission. Northwest is updating bidding documents for the sewer rehab and preparing an initial lateral line replacement recommendation. Bloomgren says private lateral replacement should begin in April will likely take over two years to complete. Regarding proposed upgrades at the Franklin Waste Water Treatment Plant, utilized in part by the borough, there is now a list of proposed improvements. Bloomgren notes project 1 this year will run $250,000 with the borough share $75,000 which should be covered by the PennVest and H20 funds.
Actuality 012010%20Sugar%20Creek%20Boro%20goes%20out%20on%20a%20limb%20for%20%23100K.mp3
And just to rub salt into the wound, if the PennDOT grant isnot expended by August this year, the money reverts back to the state.
-0-
Already being implemented in Sugarcreek Borough by the Police Department are measures to help find some of the needed money. No patrols after midnight. No patrols after 10 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. They will try to sell off an old patrol car and hold off on buying a new one. An additional patrolman will be brought on full time. Included in his annual report to council, Police Chief Matt Carlson revealed the lowest number of complaints handled by his department occurred during the midnight to 8 oclock hour at 22 % for 2009. 34% of the complaints occurred between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the highest occurrence at 44% between 6 p.m. and midnight.
-0-
In the continuing saga of Sugarcreek Borough Sewer Rehab, consulting Engineer Harold Bloomgren, Jr. of Northwest Engineering informed Council their PennVest loan application was submitted electronically this week and the application by the borough for a state H2O grant is nearly ready for submission. Northwest is updating bidding documents for the sewer rehab and preparing an initial lateral line replacement recommendation. Bloomgren says private lateral replacement should begin in April will likely take over two years to complete. Regarding proposed upgrades at the Franklin Waste Water Treatment Plant, utilized in part by the borough, there is now a list of proposed improvements. Bloomgren notes project 1 this year will run $250,000 with the borough share $75,000 which should be covered by the PennVest and H20 funds.
And just to rub salt into the wound, if the PennDOT grant isnot expended by August this year, the money reverts back to the state.
-0-
Already being implemented in Sugarcreek Borough by the Police Department are measures to help find some of the needed money. No patrols after midnight. No patrols after 10 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays. They will try to sell off an old patrol car and hold off on buying a new one. An additional patrolman will be brought on full time. Included in his annual report to council, Police Chief Matt Carlson revealed the lowest number of complaints handled by his department occurred during the midnight to 8 oclock hour at 22 % for 2009. 34% of the complaints occurred between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with the highest occurrence at 44% between 6 p.m. and midnight.
-0-
In the continuing saga of Sugarcreek Borough Sewer Rehab, consulting Engineer Harold Bloomgren, Jr. of Northwest Engineering informed Council their PennVest loan application was submitted electronically this week and the application by the borough for a state H2O grant is nearly ready for submission. Northwest is updating bidding documents for the sewer rehab and preparing an initial lateral line replacement recommendation. Bloomgren says private lateral replacement should begin in April will likely take over two years to complete. Regarding proposed upgrades at the Franklin Waste Water Treatment Plant, utilized in part by the borough, there is now a list of proposed improvements. Bloomgren notes project 1 this year will run $250,000 with the borough share $75,000 which should be covered by the PennVest and H20 funds.
Richey Memorial Fund Established to Help Family
1/20/2010
A memorial fund is now established to benefit the family of a state trooper who was ambushed and killed by a suicidal gunman in Venango County. Forty-year-old Trooper Paul Richey was shot responding to a domestic dispute near his barracks in Franklin on Jan. 13. Investigators say 44-year-old Michael J. Smith shot Richey, then killed his own 53-year-old wife, Nancy Frey-Smith, before killing himself in Venango County's Cranberry Township. Richey is survived by a wife, Carrie, and two children, Connor, 9, and Catherine, 6. Contributions may be sent to Richey Memorial Fund, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, 210 13th St., Franklin, Pa. 16323.
Fifty Three Orphans Arrive in Pittsburgh From Earthquake Ravaged Haiti
1/20/2010
An aircraft, carrying 53 Haitian orphans, landed Tuesday at Pittsburgh International Airport, ending a struggle to rescue the children from an earthquake battered orphanage. Medical personnel, who traveled with the kids, found some to be suffering from mild dehydration. Doctors and nurses, who met the plane at the airport, started medical treatment while aboard the buses which took all of them to Pittsburgh's Childrens Hospital. Governor Rendell had accompanied the group which went to Haiti in the effort to recover ophans. Authorities say they are very impressed the response people are making to the Haitian earthquake victims. Donations to the Red Cross must specifically be designated for the Hatian Earthquake victims. The American Red Cross says the financial donations are preferred because its faster and more effective than transporting donations of items. The Diocese of Erie Roman Catholic Parishes in the KQW listening area will take up a second collection for the Haitian Earthquake victims. Money will be forward to Catholic Relief Services. Checks should be specifically designation for Haiti Relief.
USDOT Says I 80 Tolling Decision to Come Soon
1/20/2010
Members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation say they been told that the U.S. Transportation Department will decide "very soon" on the state's proposal to turn Interstate 80 into a toll road to raise more money for roads and bridges. U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., says he told Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and other officials in a meeting Tuesday in Washington that the tolls would "effectively reroute prosperity around Pennsylvania." U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, D-Pa., said the tolls would also be a burden on working families who use the highway. Also at the meeting were Democratic Reps. Kathy Dahlkemper and Paul Kanjorski. The Federal Highway Administration in September 2008 rejected an earlier tolling proposal by state transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials.
CUP In Full Swing for Spring Semester
1/20/2010
Clarion University is official open for its spring semester as of Tuesday, January 19th. The new semester will end with spring commencement, which is set to take place on Saturday, May 8th. There will be a variety of educational, arts and cultural events throughout the Semester. On April First and Second, Clarion University will host an international enviromental congress, dealing with energy, enviromental and water development worldwide.
Brookville PD Investigates Knife at School
1/20/2010
Police in Brookville are investigating a knife found at the Junior/Senior high school last Wednesday afternoon. 18-year-old Christopher Solgan had taken the knife to school and left it in his truck on school property. He is charged with possession of a weapon on school property and disorderly conduct.
Proceedings in Second Campaign Practices Trial Begin
1/20/2010
Attorneys in Harrisburg have begun picking a jury for the second criminal trial to emerge from the attorney general's probe of legislative campaign practices. Testimony in the trial of former house democrat Mike Veon and three former aides is scheduled to begin the week of February 1st.
PA Lawmakers React to Rendell's Newest State Budget Efforts
1/20/2010
As the budget season reopens in Harrisburg, lawmakers are reacting to Governor Rendell’s call for new taxes to fund an additional billion dollars in spending for next year's state budget. State representative Doug Reichley said it is ironic that just as some good economic news arrives about revenue from Pennsylvania’s new gas drilling industry, the governor only sees it as an opportunity to boost taxes.
SERT Team in Zelienople finds man in house dead by suidcide
1/19/2010
A Zelienople man is dead following report of a gunshot received by local police Tuesday morning. Police surrounded the home at Zelienople where a man identified as 26-year-old Rick Weaver of was holed up. Local police say they received a call at around 8:30am, about something damaging the roof at that address. Police arrived and found a rifle had been fired from a downstairs apartment. Several homes were then evacuated and the supermarket across the street was put on lockdown.Police say they tried to make contact with Weaver, but to no avail. They, along with the State Police's Special Emergency Response Team, gave voice commands for Weaver to come out, but never received an answer. They entered Weaver's apartment during the 1pm hour, and found him dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A friend of Weaver’s says the man had been having problems with his girlfriend and was despondent over being out of work
GT Tell USDOT: Toll I 80 and Reroute Pennsylvania Prosperty to Other States
1/19/2010
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says a decision on the tolling of Interstate 80 will be made soon. LaHood met with Congressman Glenn Thompson and other members of the state Congressional delegation along with Federal Highway Adminisrator Victor Mendez Tuesday about the Pennsylvania Commission's application to toll I-80. Thompson says even the threat of tolling has cast a cloud over future economic decisions for business and industry. He is telling LaHood approving tolling would effectively reroute prosperity around Pennsylvania.
Brookville Schools Consider Lengthening the School Day
1/19/2010
The Brookville Area School Board is talking about extending the school day next year to increase the hours of instruction. Currently, Brookville is barely meeting the state's minimum annual attendance requirement of 990 hours for high school and 900 hours for elementary students. School delays in the morning due to weather further cut into that time, so extending the day with some careful planning would seem the way to go. About 35 minutes would be added to the high school schedule and 25 minutes to the elementary schedule. Superintendent Sandy Craft said the tradeoff is those students involved in sports or other after school activities would still have the same opportunities without having to be excused early. Bus pickups would occur much earlier in the morning, with elementary students not expected to arrive home any later. Craft said the district needs to be very careful of transportation times as Brookville buses do double runs. They have to make sure the buses are always available to either pick up elementary students or take them home.
Cranberry Township Gets Strict on Local Road Weight Limits...Considers Sewer Lateral fixit or nixit ordinance
1/19/2010
Another news event going by the way side last week was the Cranberry Township Supervisors Board meeting Thursday night. Approved is an ordinance regulating weight limits on 30 township roads and setting fines between $75 and $150 plus costs. Of the 30 roads regulated under the ordinance, only three are rated at the five ton weight limit…Whippoorwill, Kings Highway, Aires Hill. All of the others are rated at 10 tons. Those roads include Oakwood, Rockmere, Old Kahle, Allison, Osenider, Johnstone, Carey township Line, Carnes School, Stanley, Gerorge Hill Zacherl, Horescreek, Upper Sage Run, Slab Furnace, Victory church, Bucktail, Mannor, Astral, Caldwell, Tool House, Tippery, Meadow Church, Meadow, Van, Gilmore and Big Egpyt. Local traffic is exempted from the restrictions. Local traffic is defined in the ordinance as emergency vehicles and school buses, vehicles and combinations, or governmental entitiesand utilities where their contractors are engaged in construction or maintenance on a posted highway or in a place that can only be reached by way of posted highway. The township is currently putting up signs on the affected roadways. Approved on first reading…a sewer lateral ordinance allowing the township to shut water service off if a property owner doesn’t repair leaking sewer lines. Because Cranberry Township processes so much waste water through the Oil City Sewer System, infiltration into sewer lines can become a costly item for the township. If after examining a sewer line the township finds it to be one of the leaky culprits, the property owner will get a mailed out notice to make the repair withing 60 days. After that the township makes the repair, files a lein on the property and shuts off the water. Approved also, a resolution to change the meeting time of the first supervisor board meeting of the month from the first Thursday at 7 p.m. to the first Thursday at 10 a.m.. If the change in meeting time doesnot prove useful or workable or convenient to citizens, the time will revert back to 7 p.m. after a years time.
A plane carrying orphans from earthquake-ravaged Haiti is on the ground at Pittsburgh International Airport , having landing mid morning Tuesday.
1/19/2010
No other information is available at the time of this report.
Erie man pleads no contest in attempted sheriff shooting
1/19/2010
An Erie man will be sentenced in March after pleading no contest to attempted homicide for allegedly trying to shoot two sheriff's deputies at the county domestic relations office.
Forty-year-old Paul Polacci was scheduled for trial this week, but instead pleaded no contest on Friday.
Erie County authorities say Polacci pulled the trigger but the gun didn't fire on Nov. 27, 2008. When that deputy called for help, Polacci allegedly aimed at a second deputy and again pulled the trigger, again with no results.
The deputies chased Polacci and caught him when he slipped and fell, but not before he again aimed the gun at them while running away. Authorities say the gun was loaded when they recovered it.
Polacci remains jailed until sentencing.
Forty-year-old Paul Polacci was scheduled for trial this week, but instead pleaded no contest on Friday.
Erie County authorities say Polacci pulled the trigger but the gun didn't fire on Nov. 27, 2008. When that deputy called for help, Polacci allegedly aimed at a second deputy and again pulled the trigger, again with no results.
The deputies chased Polacci and caught him when he slipped and fell, but not before he again aimed the gun at them while running away. Authorities say the gun was loaded when they recovered it.
Polacci remains jailed until sentencing.
Boy Scout dies in Potter County in accident
1/19/2010
A 12-year-old boy from Pottstown died while sled riding at Ski Denton in Ulysses Township. State police say the boy, whose name they didn't release, was on a Boy Scout trip and was sled riding on the slopes at around 11 o'clock Saturday night. The boy was riding on a saucer style sled when he hit a ski lift tower, causing severe trauma to the back of his head. The boy was taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport, where Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury pronounced him dead at 1:07 Sunday morning.
Trial of lawmakers accussed of conspiring to divert legislative resources to campaigning begins in Harrisburg
1/19/2010
The trial of a former Pennsylvania house lawmaker and three ex-aides is about to get started with the selection of a jury in Harrisburg, but the first testimony is still two weeks away. The judge presiding over the criminal trial of former State Representative Mike Veon and the other defendants is expected to rule today, about the use of e-mail evidence that prosecutors consider key to their case. The Dauphin County trial could take as long as a month. The defendants are accused of conspiring to divert resources of the legislature toward campaigning.
Klapec Auto Body Opens Doors to High Tech, Roomy, New and Modern Facility
1/19/2010
One of the lighter events happening last week in Venango County was a grand opening of sorts for Klapec Auto Body in their new, improved and bigger facilities in the old Busy Beaver building in Cranberry. The event was last Thursday attracting several hundred members of the community, fellow business owners and members of chambers of commerce in Franklin, Titusville and the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. This is Mike Klapec.
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Archeology Plays Key Role In History of Oil Region
1/19/2010
Last week the Pennsylvania Farm Show took center stage in Harrisburg as it always does in mid January. Among the many exhibits was one put together and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission on Archeology. And while the main displays centered on Indian artifacts found in many places across the commonwealth, one of the places displayed on the Pennsylvania Archeology Trail is Titusville, Drake Well and Pit Hole. This is Bob Winters (image top left), a retired archeologist with whom this reporter spoke last Friday.
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OC Building damaged in structure fire Monday night
1/19/2010
Three structure fires Monday night, 1 in Pleasantville (top right image), 1 in Oil City(top left image) and one in Cranberry Township. Just before 8 p.m. firefighters & 1rst aiders responded to the Jackson home at 219 School Street, Pleasantville for a dryer fire. Crews from Pleasantville, Titusville, & Hydetown responded. The incident was quickly under control & desmoking was rapidly set up. No injuries. In Oil City firefighters reported shortly after 8 p.m. to 407 E 2nd St, an old 3 story bldg now home to the Attic, a charity shop. The building was apparently empty. Heavy smoke poured from the building & later, firefighters checked out the 1rst floor shop & 2nd floor apartments. Flashlight beams could be seen through the smoke & there was occasionally heard breaking glass. No injuries reported. On scene were fire fighters from Oil City, Cornplanter & Seneca as well as Cornplanter Fire Police & a crew from Community Ambulance. Shortly before midnight, a third structure fire was reported on Maple Shade Road. A resident reported a small fire in his home saying he was able to put it out with an extinguisher, but wanted the fire department to check his house anyway. A little units from Rockland and Cornplanter were called in for mutual aid, but then held in place. According to emergency radio broadcasts there was need for a thermal imager and a water cannon. All units were back in station by 1220 a.m. No further word at this time
The Journey with MLK at Cranberry Mall
1/19/2010
They celebrated the journey of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday night at center court Cranberry Mall, in. The day was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, More about that in a moment. Through music & reading aloud King’s writings, was celebrated the preachings of the man espousing non violence as the way to an America in which civil rights really are for every one.
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This is an organizer of the event, Denise Jones,also Venango County’s Chief Clerk & Voting Administrator.
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Earlier in the day I spoke with Becky Lux Venango County’s coordinator for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Social service organization utilizing senior volunteers manned tables at the mall Monday celebratng the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
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Many called the event, a federal holiday, a day on, not a day off.
Listen here to the Erie Street Church of God Choir....
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This is an organizer of the event, Denise Jones,also Venango County’s Chief Clerk & Voting Administrator.
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Earlier in the day I spoke with Becky Lux Venango County’s coordinator for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Social service organization utilizing senior volunteers manned tables at the mall Monday celebratng the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
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Many called the event, a federal holiday, a day on, not a day off.
Listen here to the Erie Street Church of God Choir....
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OC Library Gets $21,000 Justus Grants for Library for Personnel, Roof.....OCPD Chief Wenner Praises Officers in Richey case
1/19/2010
What little paving work there is scheduled for Oil City in 2010 will happen under the auspices of a Community Development Block Grant under the federal stimulus program. Approved by the City Council of Oil City at Monday’s work meeting is a bid from Russell Standard of Pittsburgh, for $66,000 for paving work in Siverly at Wayne & Plum Streets where there has already been extensive city water line repair. Announced also are the approval of a couple of grants from the Edith C. Justus Discretionary Charitable Trust for the Oil City Library. The 1rst grant is for $10,229…$9000 for personnel and the rest for the Book Flicks program. The 2nd is for $11,000 for emergency repair of the Library’s roof. Also announced, the conditional approval of Commonwealth Libraries Grant of up to $57,000 for construction of an ADA compliant entrance for the library. Approved is a change order for the city’s combined sewer overflow project which is currently on winter shutdown. The change order amounts to about $60,000 for extra excavation at Cornplanter Square as crews encountered footers and foundations of an old building. Chopper pumps in the 3 sludge digesters operated by the city needed repair. City Engineer Chris Sporer explains half the CSO’s under the present work phase are completed and ready to be certified so. Sporer also says Penelec continues to tell the city, for the time being, the operation of street lighting by way of hi pressure sodium lamps continues to be the most cost effective option as opposed to employing LED lighting. Created is a new council committee manned by freshmen councilmen William Moon and Venice Lewis to explore downtown parking improvement. Finally, Police Chief Robert Wenner highly praises the officers involved in last weeks murder suicide incident. (actuality)
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Republican Candidate for Lt. Gov Visits OC
1/18/2010
There are several news items on the clip board from last week that were pre empted by the tragic murder suicide event Cranberry Township. In an attempt to catch you up, you’ll those reports one at time beginning with the visit last Thursday to Oil City of Dauphin County Commissioner Nick Difranceso who is one of the many candidates for Pennsylvania LT Governor. DiFrancesco is a republican running on a platform of honest government. One of the items DiFrancesco is most passionate about are the budget items he calls “sacred cows” He says if you want to cut government spending, get rid of the sacred cows. If its an item that’s really that important, there will be a different way to fund it. Here’s why the campaign is so important DiFrancesco.
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By this time next month, the parties will have winnowed out their top candidates for state wide office. Nearly a foregone conclusion is Republican Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett for the governor’s race.
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By this time next month, the parties will have winnowed out their top candidates for state wide office. Nearly a foregone conclusion is Republican Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett for the governor’s race.
No injuries in Seneca kitchen fire Monday morning
1/18/2010
Report of a structure fire this morning shortly after 9 a.m. in Seneca. Fire fighters were called to the Durea residence at 250 Harvey Drive for what turned out to be an intense kitchen fire. No one was hurt and Seneca Fire Fighters quickly had the situation under control. Desmoking operations were set up in short order. The Oil City Fire Department Rapid Intervention Team was called out initially but returned to service once the situation was ascertained. Units from the Rockland Township Volunteer Fire Department responded for standby at Seneca Fire Hall.
Martin Luther King, Jr, Day of Service marked at Cranberry Mall, Venango County
1/18/2010
It’s a Day On, not a Day Off. It’s the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. In Venango County, the day is being marked by an event in the Cranberry Mall featuring many of the social service organizations utilizing volunteers from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. This Venango County RSVP coordinator Becky Lux.
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There is also a Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service commemorative community even similar to the kick off event last year in Franklin.
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There is also a Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service commemorative community even similar to the kick off event last year in Franklin.
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This is a great way to mark the spirit of volunterism, especially withing the KQW listening area. The RSVP program will be at the Cranberry Mall until 9 tonight.
The Final Farewell to Trooper Richey
1/17/2010
A sea of gray uniforms. The drum beat of a steady cold rain. The mournful sound of Taps. The crack of a 21 gun salute. The roar of a five chopper missing man flyover. A full honor military funeral for Pennsylvania State Trooper and Franklin native Paul G. Richey at Franklin High School Sunday afternoon. Hundreds of law enforcement officers, not only from all over Pennsylvania, but all over the country including California, Utah, Nevada and Alaska…and some federal agencies too…gathered with friends and family to bid a final farewell to Trooper Richey who was gunned down in a murder suicide Wednesday morning in nearby Cranberry Township. Like the second homicide victim, Nancy Frey Smith who was buried in a small private ceremony Saturday in Franklin, Richey was a pillar of the community. He loved his job and his family. Frey Smith was equally devoted to the development and use of Two Mile Run County Park. During the funeral Sunday the troopers stood at attention to salute Trooper Richey and the wife and two young children he leaves behind. The funeral was more about the way Trooper Richey lived than the way he died. He had volunteered for the call at the residence where he died. A pastor who spoke Sunday said…Paul will never be replaced in their hearts. We know he will be watching over them from above. Those attending the funderal at Franklin High School began arriving well before noon time. Attending officers arrived in police vehicles and motorcycles flashing lights and roaring down Pone Lane in Sandycreek Township to the high school. The parking lots were literally fields of police vehicles. Other troopers controlled traffic and were assisted by Volunteer Fire Police from Sandycreek and Cornplanter Townships. With all said and done, a saddened by grateful community said its final goodbyes Sunday to a favorite son and celebrated his exemplary life and comforted his small family.
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The Pennsylvania State Police are udating their news releases regarding the death of Trooper Paul Richey. PSP Troop E, along with the Venango County Coroner’s Office is releasing the results of autoposies performed on the bodies of Trooper Richey, suspect Michael Smith and Nancy Frey-Smith. The autopsies were perfomed at the Erie County Coroner’s Office on Thursday by Foresic Pathologist Dr. Eric Vey. Trooper Paul Richey was shot and killed by Michael Smith while responding to a domestic dispute on Wednesday January 13th, in Cranberry Township, Venango County. The autopsies along with the preliminary criminal investigation show Midchael Smith killed his wife with a close range single gunshot wound to the left temple area and also killed Trooper Richey who was responding to the domestic dispute. Smith then turned the gun on himself and took his own life with a close range gunshot wound under his chin. Michael Smith was found still clutching the 30-30 lever action rifle believed to have been used in all three shootings. There were no other gunshot wounds to the bodies of Michael Smith or Nancy Frey-Smith that may have occurred during the suppression fire Troopers used while extracting Trooper Richey after he had been shot. Troopers had fired multiple rounds at the residence during the extrication of Trooper Richey. Investigators are continuing to process evidence and conduct interviews related to this tragic incident. Further ballistic testing as well as forensic testing will be conducted on the recovered evidence.
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As an aside, media accounts over the weekend indicated members of Nancy Frey-Smith’s family were collecting her belongings from the home at 1432 Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township she had shared with the shooter, her husband, Michael Smith.
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The Pennsylvania State Police are udating their news releases regarding the death of Trooper Paul Richey. PSP Troop E, along with the Venango County Coroner’s Office is releasing the results of autoposies performed on the bodies of Trooper Richey, suspect Michael Smith and Nancy Frey-Smith. The autopsies were perfomed at the Erie County Coroner’s Office on Thursday by Foresic Pathologist Dr. Eric Vey. Trooper Paul Richey was shot and killed by Michael Smith while responding to a domestic dispute on Wednesday January 13th, in Cranberry Township, Venango County. The autopsies along with the preliminary criminal investigation show Midchael Smith killed his wife with a close range single gunshot wound to the left temple area and also killed Trooper Richey who was responding to the domestic dispute. Smith then turned the gun on himself and took his own life with a close range gunshot wound under his chin. Michael Smith was found still clutching the 30-30 lever action rifle believed to have been used in all three shootings. There were no other gunshot wounds to the bodies of Michael Smith or Nancy Frey-Smith that may have occurred during the suppression fire Troopers used while extracting Trooper Richey after he had been shot. Troopers had fired multiple rounds at the residence during the extrication of Trooper Richey. Investigators are continuing to process evidence and conduct interviews related to this tragic incident. Further ballistic testing as well as forensic testing will be conducted on the recovered evidence.
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As an aside, media accounts over the weekend indicated members of Nancy Frey-Smith’s family were collecting her belongings from the home at 1432 Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township she had shared with the shooter, her husband, Michael Smith.
Thank you Trooper Paul G. Richey from a community well served for a life fully lived.
1/15/2010
On Thursday in Venango County, another of the several Republican candidates for Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Nick DeFrancesco of Dauphin County, visited Oil City for a little one on one with a few of the party faithful. Venango County businessman Mike Klapec celebrated the opening of his state of the art automobile body and paint shop in Cranberry with a joint chamber of commerce event featuring chambers from Franklin, Titusville and the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. The Cranberry Township Board of Supervisors enacted a couple of ordinances, passed another on first reading, passed a resolution to change their meeting times and discuss the composition and make up the township’s various committees. The Siverly Neighborhood Association met Thursday night to continue their 2010 organizational efforts. But the investigation into the shooting death of Trooper Paul Richey is taking precedence. And finally there was on Thursday, a press conference at the Seneca Fire Hall regarding the further investigation of the murder suicide Wednesday morning in Cranberry Township that lead to the ambush of Franklin State Trooper Paul Richey who was apparently gunned down in cold blood as he answered a domestic disturbance call. According to information reportedly released by the state police at the Seneca fire hall news conference, we now know Trooper Richey was ambushed by Michael Smith who had set up two sniper nests with a variety of views of the approaches to his house. Police say Smith apparently fired one round from an upper story bedroom window into the driveway of his home hitting Trooper Richey at a distance of 30 to 40 yards in the neck well above his protective vest only steps from his vehicle. Police found three guns: A marlin 30 30 with scope, a 22 rifle with scope and a 12 gauge shotgun. One of the weapons is one Smith used in 1997 to threaten an officer. The weapon was seized, but later returned to Smith on completion of probation in 2000…this by then Venango County Common Pleas President Judge H. William White. State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski says …I’m not happy about it. That will be a part of our investigation…When Police entered Smiths home Wednesday night, they found him dead of an apparently self inflicted gun shot wound to the head from under the chin, lying at the foot of a bed in an upper bed room with an ammo belt hold 30 30 shells and clutching a rifle. His wife, Nancy Frey Smith was found dead in a chair shot through the front of her head. Police seem to be fairly certain Smith shot his wife first and then trooper Richey before killing himself. Nancy had apparently telephoned her sister, Cheryl Rodgers early Wednesday morning who in turn called Nancy’s boss and 911. According to court records filed to secure a search warrant Wednesday afternoon, Nancy told Rogers she was calling of work because her husband….was in one of his moods, that she was okay and needed cigarettes. Rogers called back after calling Nancy’s boss to say she would deliver the cigarettes. That’s when Smith is supposed to have said “Don’t bother, You’ve just sealed her death warrant” Nancy’s boss called the house and Smith is said to have told him he had assaulted her. Rogers says she called 911 because she was concerned for Nancy’s safety. Autopsies were set Thursday for the body of Trooper Richey first and then Smith and Frey Smith. Due to a hectic court schedule in Erie, the state pathologist, Dr. Eric Vey, was uncertain as to when the autopsies would be completed and when the results would be delivered to Venango County Chief Coroner Tyler Best who would then issue cause and means statements. Those results are expected sometime Friday by the latest. Police say Smith had apparently suffered from mental issues for a number of years. That seems to be supported by written statements made by Frey Smith in 1997 in applying to lift a Protection From Abuse order she had filed against Smith earlier in the year. In the statement she mentions he suffered from bipolar disorder, and substance and alcohol abuse. Media accounts indicate troopers from the Franklin Station often visited the Smith home regarding neighborhood disputes that never resulted in an arrest. In fact, in seems Trooper Richey knew Smith so well, he volunteered to go along with Trooper Jason Whitman to answer the original domestic disturbance call. Media accounts also indicate Michael and Nancy were married in 1988 and that Frey Smith had been twice married previously. According to KDKA TV News Both Trooper Richey and Nancy Frey Smith were members of the same church congregation in Franklin…Christ United Methodist. Pastor David Janz says Frey Smith’s family is deeply grieved for the Richey family who was active in the church. Family meant everything to Richey, who knew what he wanted to do with his life from the time he was very young. His loss is a particularly dear and difficult loss for the local troopers of Franklin. KDKA says funeral arrangement have been set for Trooper Richey. Viewing is set for 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Gardinier Funeral Home in Franklin. The funeral is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Franklin High School Auditorium. Visitation for nancy Frey Smith is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Huff Chapel in franklin with a funeral at 4 p.m. also in the Chapel. Thank you Trooper Paul G. Richey from a community well served for a life fully lived.
A community in shock. Searching for answers. Wondering why and how. Perhaps looking for a blessing or two in all of the aftermath from the shooting
1/15/2010
A community in shock. Searching for answers. Wondering why and how. Perhaps looking for a blessing or two in all of the aftermath from the shooting death of Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Paul Richey in Cranberry Township Wednesday morning. Information from the Venango County Coroner’s Office and from the office of the State Pathologist Dr. Eric Vey indicates an autopsy will be performed on the body of Trooper Richey having begun at about 1130 this morning. Richey’s body was transported to Erie from Venango County late Wednesday under State Police Escort. Sources at the pathologists office indicate the results will be forwarded later today to the Venango County Coroner who will issue cause and manner rulings late today or early tomorrow. Deputy Coroner Chris Hile says while the cause and manner report outcomes are fairly certain even before the autopsy is performed, he and Chief Coroner Tyler Best want every block on the protocol checked off before making any statements. Sources in the State Pathologists office indicate the troopers autopsy will be completed today and the autopsies of shooter Michael Smith and his wife Nancy Frey Smith will be completed by tomorrow owing to the pathologist’s court schedule today. All of the results will be forwarded to Venango County Coroner Tyler Best who will issue the cause and manner reports to be included in the continuing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Trooper Paul Richey.
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Follow on information from the initial investigation from Wednesday’s shooting indicates Michael Smith, the shooter, most probably premeditated the death of a trooper. Police say Trooper Richer never had a chance to defend himself as he answered a domesitic disturbance call late yesterday morning at Smiths home at 1432 Bredinsburg Road. He was hit by a single bullit from inside the house in the upper torso above his protective vest as he attempted to enter a side door of the residence. There is no indication thus far police bullits hit either Michael or Nancy Smith inside the house. The shooting prompted a massive manhunt as a precautionary measure. It is known members of Frey Smith’s family initiated the original domestic disturbance call after Nancy failed to show up for work for two days. Nancy is also known to have called family members. District Judge Douglas Dinberg issue the search warrant for the Smith house at about five Wednesday afternoon citing several points…an apparent criminal homicide, Nancy’s absence from work, Michael Smith’s recent threats against her and a previous assault against her. There was also, apparently, a threat from Michael Smith to family members after they phone authorities…”You’ve just signed her death warrant.” Michael Smith is known to police and the courts. He was convicted in 1983 of drunk driving, 1997 of stalking and 2006 for driving an unregistered vehicle. He filed bank ruptcy in 2004 and his house was foreclosed in 2007. Neighbors seem to indicate Smith demonstrated bizarre behavior, okay one day and unstable the next. During the afternoon yesterday police unsuccessfully tried to communicate with Smith. Upon entering the home shortly before 7 p.m. they found his body and the body of his wife in an upper bedroom.
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There is no word presently on memorial or funeral arrangements. Trooper Paul Richey was 16 year veteran of the force having served at Franklin the last 13 years. Both he and his wife Carrie are Venango County natives. Richey is a graduate of Franklin High School. Carrie is a graduate of Cranberry. They have two small children, Conner 9 and Catherine 6.
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Follow on information from the initial investigation from Wednesday’s shooting indicates Michael Smith, the shooter, most probably premeditated the death of a trooper. Police say Trooper Richer never had a chance to defend himself as he answered a domesitic disturbance call late yesterday morning at Smiths home at 1432 Bredinsburg Road. He was hit by a single bullit from inside the house in the upper torso above his protective vest as he attempted to enter a side door of the residence. There is no indication thus far police bullits hit either Michael or Nancy Smith inside the house. The shooting prompted a massive manhunt as a precautionary measure. It is known members of Frey Smith’s family initiated the original domestic disturbance call after Nancy failed to show up for work for two days. Nancy is also known to have called family members. District Judge Douglas Dinberg issue the search warrant for the Smith house at about five Wednesday afternoon citing several points…an apparent criminal homicide, Nancy’s absence from work, Michael Smith’s recent threats against her and a previous assault against her. There was also, apparently, a threat from Michael Smith to family members after they phone authorities…”You’ve just signed her death warrant.” Michael Smith is known to police and the courts. He was convicted in 1983 of drunk driving, 1997 of stalking and 2006 for driving an unregistered vehicle. He filed bank ruptcy in 2004 and his house was foreclosed in 2007. Neighbors seem to indicate Smith demonstrated bizarre behavior, okay one day and unstable the next. During the afternoon yesterday police unsuccessfully tried to communicate with Smith. Upon entering the home shortly before 7 p.m. they found his body and the body of his wife in an upper bedroom.
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There is no word presently on memorial or funeral arrangements. Trooper Paul Richey was 16 year veteran of the force having served at Franklin the last 13 years. Both he and his wife Carrie are Venango County natives. Richey is a graduate of Franklin High School. Carrie is a graduate of Cranberry. They have two small children, Conner 9 and Catherine 6.
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Details fill out the tragic story of the death of Trooper Paul Richey
1/13/2010
Telling you about the shooting death of Franklin State Trooper Paul Richey, which happened late Wednesday morning in Cranberry Township, is a task which is far from completed. But the details of the incident are becoming more apparent. What I’m going to tell you is based on information compiled from emergency communications, various media accounts, police reports and conversations with first responders. Trooper Paul Richey was exiting his vehicle to answer a domestic disturbance call on Bredinsburg Road. The Police report the home to have been in the 100 block. Emergency Communications lists the home at 1432 Bredinsburg Road. The home is located in a heavily wooded, sparsely populated area near the entrance to the River Ridge Golf Course. As Richey exited his car, he was struck by a single bullit fired from a weapon in the house. Richey was on the call in the company of fellow trooper Jason Whitman, who was not hurt. Authorities report two or three other troopers were pinned down by gun fire, but were not hurt. All of this shortly before noon Wednesday. The shooter is identified as Michael Smith of 1432 Bredinsburg Road, an outdoorsman and self employed carpentry contractor with criminal and legal history. Authorities initiated an intensive door to door search for Smith who was thought to be hiding in the dense woods surrounding his home. During the time of the search, Richey was transported to UPMC Northwest Regional Medical Center in Seneca where he was pronounced dead by the Venango County Coroner. To execute the search police utilized helicopters, canine units, the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Reaction Team and the Pittsburgh Police Department SWAT team in enforcing checkpoints and roadblocks with automatic weapons in hopes of finding Smith. Bredinsburg Road was closed from Deep Hollow to Route 322. A command post was set up at the Izaak Walton Grounds on Deep Hollow Road. The bike trail from Franklin to Oil City was closed. Members of the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department were deployed along the west bank of the Allegheny River directly opposite the River Ridge Golf Course on the east bank. The Cranberry High School and Elementary School Campuses as well as Venango Catholic High School and the Venango Campus of Clarion State University were put on lock down. Cranberry operated on a controlled realease during the afternoon and cancelled evening activities. Venango Campus cancelled a new student orientation, finally coming off lockdown around 6:30 p.m. Finally at about 6:15 p.m., the SERT and SWAT teams entered Smith’s home. Twenty five minutes later they discovered the bodies of Michael Smith and his wife Nancy Frey-Smith. Michael Smith apparently shot his wife Nancy and Trooper Richey, and then himself. Some listeners may remember Frey-Smith was active on the Board of Directors of the Venango Parks and Natural Resources Authority during the period when the park was transitioning back to direct ownership and administration under Venango County. Frey-Smith eventually chaired the board until its dissolution a couple of years ago. She had been employed at Crivelli Chevrolet in Sugarcreek Borough. Trooper Richey was a 16 year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police. He leaves behind a wife and two small children. -0-
Here’s the time line of events: at 1134 Wednesday morning Troopers Richey and Whitman responded to a domestic disturbance. They arrived at 1145 at which time Trooper Richey was fatally shot. At 1152, the first 911 call went out. At 1156, KDKA TV NEWS WEBSITE carries the first news of the shooting. At 1209, authorities summon the Seneca Fire Police to block Bredinsburg Road at Deep Hollow Road. Franklin Police block Bredinsburg at Route 322. Searches and checkpoints are initiated and road blocks are run until about 7 p.m. At 6:15 pm the SWAT and SERT teams enter the Smith house and find the bodies of Michael Smith and Nancy Frey-Smith at 6:40 p.m. Police notify the next of kin and release the identities to the public. -0-
Trooper Richey enlisted in the state police in May 1993. He graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey in November of 1993. He was subsequently assigned to Troop F in Milton. He transferred to Troop E Corry in 1996 and to the Franklin Station in 1997. Among Trooper Richey’s survivors are his widow, Carrie, a son, Conner, 9 and a daughter, Catherine, 6. Trooper Richey is the 93rd member of the department to die in the line of duty since the establishment of the State Police 1905. His death came slightly more than seven months after the shooting death of Trooper Joshua d. Miller of Troop N, Swiftwater, who was killed during the rescue of a kidnapped child last June in Monroe County. -0-
According to State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski…Trooper Richey sacrificed his life rather than swerve from the line of duty.. We will not forget his service or his sacrifice….Governor Ed Rendell is offering his condolences to the family of Trooper Richey, ordering all flags in the commonwealth be flown at half mast until Richey’s interment. "A 16-year veteran of the force, Trooper Richey was struck down while carrying out his sworn duty to protect our citizens," Gov. Rendell said. "This is a tragedy for the Pennsylvania State Police and the commonwealth. Midge and I join with Pennsylvania's citizens in extending our deepest sympathies to Trooper Richey's wife, Carrie, and their two children. The trooper's sacrifice will never be forgotten."-0-
Micheal Smith apparently had a criminal record stretching back to 1997. He was convicted that year of threatening an officer with a loaded rifle at the car store where his wife worked. In a plea deal, Smith pleaded guilty, got 3 years of probation and a $500 fine. That same year, Smith’s wife Nancy, and her mother took out Protection From Abuse orders against Smith. The PFA petitions filed by the two women were seized Wednesday by the Venango County District Attorney’s Office. In 2004 Michael Smith filed personal bankruptcy and in 2007 his house was foreclosed on.
Here’s the time line of events: at 1134 Wednesday morning Troopers Richey and Whitman responded to a domestic disturbance. They arrived at 1145 at which time Trooper Richey was fatally shot. At 1152, the first 911 call went out. At 1156, KDKA TV NEWS WEBSITE carries the first news of the shooting. At 1209, authorities summon the Seneca Fire Police to block Bredinsburg Road at Deep Hollow Road. Franklin Police block Bredinsburg at Route 322. Searches and checkpoints are initiated and road blocks are run until about 7 p.m. At 6:15 pm the SWAT and SERT teams enter the Smith house and find the bodies of Michael Smith and Nancy Frey-Smith at 6:40 p.m. Police notify the next of kin and release the identities to the public. -0-
Trooper Richey enlisted in the state police in May 1993. He graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey in November of 1993. He was subsequently assigned to Troop F in Milton. He transferred to Troop E Corry in 1996 and to the Franklin Station in 1997. Among Trooper Richey’s survivors are his widow, Carrie, a son, Conner, 9 and a daughter, Catherine, 6. Trooper Richey is the 93rd member of the department to die in the line of duty since the establishment of the State Police 1905. His death came slightly more than seven months after the shooting death of Trooper Joshua d. Miller of Troop N, Swiftwater, who was killed during the rescue of a kidnapped child last June in Monroe County. -0-
According to State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski…Trooper Richey sacrificed his life rather than swerve from the line of duty.. We will not forget his service or his sacrifice….Governor Ed Rendell is offering his condolences to the family of Trooper Richey, ordering all flags in the commonwealth be flown at half mast until Richey’s interment. "A 16-year veteran of the force, Trooper Richey was struck down while carrying out his sworn duty to protect our citizens," Gov. Rendell said. "This is a tragedy for the Pennsylvania State Police and the commonwealth. Midge and I join with Pennsylvania's citizens in extending our deepest sympathies to Trooper Richey's wife, Carrie, and their two children. The trooper's sacrifice will never be forgotten."-0-
Micheal Smith apparently had a criminal record stretching back to 1997. He was convicted that year of threatening an officer with a loaded rifle at the car store where his wife worked. In a plea deal, Smith pleaded guilty, got 3 years of probation and a $500 fine. That same year, Smith’s wife Nancy, and her mother took out Protection From Abuse orders against Smith. The PFA petitions filed by the two women were seized Wednesday by the Venango County District Attorney’s Office. In 2004 Michael Smith filed personal bankruptcy and in 2007 his house was foreclosed on.
State Police Mourn Shooting Death of Trooper Paul Richey
1/13/2010
Here’s the information from the Pennsylvania State Police Station in Franklin on the fatal shooting of Trooper Paul Ritchey Wednesday afternoon in Cranberry Township. Trooper Paul Richey, 40, a 16 year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police, died Wednesday the result of a gunshot would suffered during an incident in Cranbery Township, Venango County. Trooper Richey was assigned to the Patrol Uit at Troop E in Franklin. Richey and Trooper Jason Whitman responded to a call at about 11:34 a.m. regarding a domestic incident in the 100 block of Bredinsburg Road, Cranberry Township. The troopers arrived at the scene at about 11:45 a.m.. After getting out of their vehicles, Trooper Richey was hit with a shot fired from the residence. Additional troopers responded and Trooper Richey was removed from the scene. A State Police Special Emergency Response Team is on the scene and incident remains open. According to State Police Commissioner Frank Pawlowski….Trooper Richey sacrificed his life rather than swerve from the path of duty. We will not forget his service or his sacrifice. Trooper Richey enlisted in the State Police May 17, 1993. He graduated from the State Police Academy in Hershey on November 10th, 1993 and was assigned to Troop F, Milton. He transferred to Troop E Corry in 1996 and to the Franklin station in 1997. Among Trooper Richey’s survivors are his widow, Carrie, a son Conner, 9 and a daughter Catherine 6. Trooper Richey is the 93rd member of the department to die in the line of duty since the establishment of the State Police in 1905. His death came slightly more than seven months after the shooting death of Trooper. Joshua D. Miller of Troop N, Swiftwater, who was killed during the rescue of a kidnapped child on June 7, 2009, in Monroe County.
THIRD UPDATE!! FRANKLIN STATION LOSES TROOPER PAUL RITCHEY IN LINE OF FIRE
1/13/2010
THIRD UPDATE !!
Franklin State Trooper Shot and Killed Wednesday Afternoon Along Bredisnburg Road in Cranberry Township Venango County
1/13/2010
Here is what we have pieced together from various sources including emergency radio and text transmissions, media reports and other sources. We know Pennsylvania State Trooper Paul Ritchey, 40 years old and a 16 year veteran of the State Police the Franklin Station. apparently died in the line of fire early this afternoon. Trooper Jason Whitman, along with Trooper Ritchey responded to a domestic disturbance call at 1432 Bredinsburg Road, a heavily wooded, sparsely populated area, near the entrance to River Ridge Golf Course, the home of the Michael Smith residence at 1152 a.m.. Ritchey was apparently shot in the neck by bullet fired from the house as he got out of his patrol car at the scene. The troopers had been called to Smith’s home to check on his wife Nancy who had not shown up for work for two days. Two or three other troopers were reported pinned down by gun fire at the scene. At about 12:09 this afternoon an emergency call went out for Seneca Fire Police to block Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township between Deep Hollow Road and Route 322. Reports indicate the suspect, now identified as Michael Smith, barricaded himself in the house, but was later reported to be at large, and apparently remains at large. Authorities closed the bike trail between Oil City and Franklin and staged units of the Sugarcreek Borough Police department directly across the Allegheny River from the golf course at one of the Crivelli car stores near the river. Troopers called in a pair of helicopters and a canine team to assist with the search. The troopers set up a perimeter using the Special Emergency Response Team with the main command post located at the Izaac Walton grounds on Deep Hollow Road near Bredinsberg. Also assisting in the operations…units of the Venango County Sheriffs Office, Venango County Emergency Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Units from Seneca, Oil City and Cornplanter Township. Community Ambulance Service. Reports indicate dozens of emergency vehicles in the area of the incident. Oil City, Franklin and Knox Boro police all assisting at the scene. State Troopers searched cars in the area for the suspect. Whether or not the case involves a hostage situation remains unknown. The parking lot and grounds of the Venango Campus of Clarion University were closed for a time and the new student orientation was cancelled. The campus is located only a few miles away from the site of the incident but is on west first street a direct route into and out of oil city. Cranberry area schools were on a controlled release and evening sporting events were cancelled. Venango Catholic High School was locked down for a time. We also know a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was sent to the scene later in the afternoon. At about 3 p.m. some troopers were recalled from the scene back to the Franklin State Police Station along Route 322 in Cranberry. Trooper Ritchey is survived by a wife and two young children ages 9 and 12.
Franklin State Trooper Shot and Killed Wednesday Afternoon Along Bredisnburg Road in Cranberry Township Venango County
1/13/2010
Here is what we have pieced together from various sources including emergency radio and text transmissions, media reports and other sources. We know Pennsylvania State Trooper Paul Ritchey, 40 years old and a 16 year veteran of the State Police the Franklin Station. apparently died in the line of fire early this afternoon. Trooper Jason Whitman, along with Trooper Ritchey responded to a domestic disturbance call at 1432 Bredinsburg Road, a heavily wooded, sparsely populated area, near the entrance to River Ridge Golf Course, the home of the Michael Smith residence at 1152 a.m.. Ritchey was apparently shot in the neck by bullet fired from the house as he got out of his patrol car at the scene. The troopers had been called to Smith’s home to check on his wife Nancy who had not shown up for work for two days. Two or three other troopers were reported pinned down by gun fire at the scene. At about 12:09 this afternoon an emergency call went out for Seneca Fire Police to block Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township between Deep Hollow Road and Route 322. Reports indicate the suspect, now identified as Michael Smith, barricaded himself in the house, but was later reported to be at large, and apparently remains at large. Authorities closed the bike trail between Oil City and Franklin and staged units of the Sugarcreek Borough Police department directly across the Allegheny River from the golf course at one of the Crivelli car stores near the river. Troopers called in a pair of helicopters and a canine team to assist with the search. The troopers set up a perimeter using the Special Emergency Response Team with the main command post located at the Izaac Walton grounds on Deep Hollow Road near Bredinsberg. Also assisting in the operations…units of the Venango County Sheriffs Office, Venango County Emergency Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Units from Seneca, Oil City and Cornplanter Township. Community Ambulance Service. Reports indicate dozens of emergency vehicles in the area of the incident. Oil City, Franklin and Knox Boro police all assisting at the scene. State Troopers searched cars in the area for the suspect. Whether or not the case involves a hostage situation remains unknown. The parking lot and grounds of the Venango Campus of Clarion University were closed for a time and the new student orientation was cancelled. The campus is located only a few miles away from the site of the incident but is on west first street a direct route into and out of oil city. Cranberry area schools were on a controlled release and evening sporting events were cancelled. Venango Catholic High School was locked down for a time. We also know a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was sent to the scene later in the afternoon. At about 3 p.m. some troopers were recalled from the scene back to the Franklin State Police Station along Route 322 in Cranberry. Trooper Ritchey is survived by a wife and two young children ages 9 and 12.
SECOND UPDATE!! SUSPECT REMAINS AT LARGE
1/13/2010
Franklin State Trooper Shot and Killed Wednesday Afternoon Along Bredisnburg Road in Cranberry Township Venango County
1/13/2010
Here is what we have pieced together from various sources including emergency radio and text transmissions, internet sites at Channels 2, 4, and 11 from Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, and other sources. We know a Pennsylvania State Trooper apparently died in the line of fire early this afternoon. We donot know the circumstances of the incident except troopers responded to a domestic disturbance call at 1432 Bredinsburg Road, a heavily wooded area, near the entrance to River Ridge Golf Course, the home of the Michael Smith residence at 1152 a.m.. At about 12:09 this afternoon an emergency call went out to block Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township between Deep Hollow Road and Route 322. Reports indicate the suspect barricaded himself in the house, but was later reported to be at large. Authorities closed the bike trail between Oil City and Franklin and staged units of the Sugarcreek Borough Police department directly across the Allegheny River from the golf course at one of the Crivelli car stores near the river. Troopers called in a pair of helicopters and a canine team to assist with the search. The troopers have also set up a perimeter using the Special Emergency Response Team. The main command post is located at the Izaac Walton grounds on Deep Hollow Road near Bredisnberg. Also assisting in the operations…units of the Venango County Sheriffs Office, Venango County Emergency Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Units from Seneca, Oil City and Cornplanter Township. Community Ambulance Service. Reports indicate as many 20 police cars in the area of the incident. Oil City, Franklin and Knox Boro police all assisting at the scene. The parking lot and grounds of the Venango Campus of Clarion University remain closed at this time and the new student orientation is cancelled. The campus is located only a few miles away from the site of the incident but is on west first street a direct route into and out of oil city. Cranberry area schools were on a controlled release and Venango Catholic High School was locked down for a time. We also know a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was sent to the scene later in the afternoon. At about 3 p.m. some troopers were recalled from the scene back to the Franklin State Police Station along Route 322 in Cranberry. The name of the trooper shot and killed in the line of duty is not yet released to the public and will probably not be released until the incident is written up for a state police news release later today or tomorrow.
1/13/2010
Here is what we have pieced together from various sources including emergency radio and text transmissions, internet sites at Channels 2, 4, and 11 from Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, and other sources. We know a Pennsylvania State Trooper apparently died in the line of fire early this afternoon. We donot know the circumstances of the incident except troopers responded to a domestic disturbance call at 1432 Bredinsburg Road, a heavily wooded area, near the entrance to River Ridge Golf Course, the home of the Michael Smith residence at 1152 a.m.. At about 12:09 this afternoon an emergency call went out to block Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township between Deep Hollow Road and Route 322. Reports indicate the suspect barricaded himself in the house, but was later reported to be at large. Authorities closed the bike trail between Oil City and Franklin and staged units of the Sugarcreek Borough Police department directly across the Allegheny River from the golf course at one of the Crivelli car stores near the river. Troopers called in a pair of helicopters and a canine team to assist with the search. The troopers have also set up a perimeter using the Special Emergency Response Team. The main command post is located at the Izaac Walton grounds on Deep Hollow Road near Bredisnberg. Also assisting in the operations…units of the Venango County Sheriffs Office, Venango County Emergency Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Units from Seneca, Oil City and Cornplanter Township. Community Ambulance Service. Reports indicate as many 20 police cars in the area of the incident. Oil City, Franklin and Knox Boro police all assisting at the scene. The parking lot and grounds of the Venango Campus of Clarion University remain closed at this time and the new student orientation is cancelled. The campus is located only a few miles away from the site of the incident but is on west first street a direct route into and out of oil city. Cranberry area schools were on a controlled release and Venango Catholic High School was locked down for a time. We also know a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was sent to the scene later in the afternoon. At about 3 p.m. some troopers were recalled from the scene back to the Franklin State Police Station along Route 322 in Cranberry. The name of the trooper shot and killed in the line of duty is not yet released to the public and will probably not be released until the incident is written up for a state police news release later today or tomorrow.
UPDATE!!! CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP SHOOTING
1/13/2010
Here is what we have pieced together from various sources including emergency radio and text transmissions, internet sites at Channels 2, 4, and 11 from Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, and other sources. We know a Pennsylvania State Trooper apparently died in the line of fire early this afternoon. Sources indicate he was pronounced dead this afternoon at UPMC Northwest Regional Medical Center in Senenca. We also know two or three troopers were pinned down by gun fire during the incident. We donot know the circumstances of the incident except troopers responded to a domestic disturbance call at 1432 Bredinsburg Road, a heavily wooded area, near the entrance to River Ridge Golf Course, the home of the Michael Smith residence at 1152 a.m.. At about 12:09 this afternoon an emergency call went out to block Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township between Deep Hollow Road and Route 322. Reports indicate the suspect barricaded himself in the house, but was later reported to be at large. Authorities closed the bike trail between Oil City and Franklin and staged units of the Sugarcreek Borough Police department directly across the Allegheny River from the golf course at one of the Crivelli car stores near the river. Troopers called in a pair of helicopters and a canine team to assist with the search. The troopers have also set up a perimeter using the Special Emergency Response Team. The main command post is located at the Izaac Walton grounds on Deep Hollow Road near Bredisnberg. Also assisting in the operations…units of the Venango County Sheriffs Office, Venango County Emergency Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Units from Seneca, Oil City and Cornplanter Township. Community Ambulance Service. Reports indicate as many 20 police cars in the area of the incident. Oil City, Franklin and Knox Boro police all assisting at the scene. The parking lot and grounds of the Venango Campus of Clarion University remain closed at this time and the new student orientation is cancelled. The campus is located only a few miles away from the site of the incident but is on west first street a direct route into and out of oil city. Cranberry area schools were on a controlled release of students and Venango Catholic was reported to be locked down. The name of the trooper shot and killed in the line of duty is not yet released to the public and will probably not be released until the incident is written up for a state police news release later today or tomorrow.
Franklin State Trooper Shot and Killed Wednesday Afternoon Along Bredisnburg Road in Cranberry Township Venango County
1/13/2010
Here is what we have pieced together from various sources including emergency radio and text transmissions, internet sites at Channels 2, 4, and 11 from Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, and other sources. We know a Pennsylvania State Trooper apparently died in the line of fire early this afternoon. We donot know the circumstances of the incident except troopers responded to a domestic disturbance call at 1432 Bredinsburg Road, a heavily wooded area, near the entrance to River Ridge Golf Course, the home of the Michael Smith residence at 1152 a.m.. At about 12:09 this afternoon an emergency call went out to block Bredinsburg Road in Cranberry Township between Deep Hollow Road and Route 322. Reports indicate the suspect barricaded himself in the house, but was later reported to be at large. Authorities closed the bike trail between Oil City and Franklin and staged units of the Sugarcreek Borough Police department directly across the Allegheny River from the golf course at one of the Crivelli car stores near the river. Troopers called in a pair of helicopters and a canine team to assist with the search. The troopers have also set up a perimeter using the Special Emergency Response Team. The main command post is located at the Izaac Walton grounds on Deep Hollow Road near Bredisnberg. Also assisting in the operations…units of the Venango County Sheriffs Office, Venango County Emergency Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Units from Seneca, Oil City and Cornplanter Township. Community Ambulance Service. Reports indicate as many 20 police cars in the area of the incident. Oil City, Franklin and Knox Boro police all assisting at the scene. The parking lot and grounds of the Venango Campus of Clarion University remain closed at this time and the new student orientation is cancelled. The campus is located only a few miles away from the site of the incident but is on west first street a direct route into and out of oil city. The name of the trooper shot and killed in the line of duty is not yet released to the public and will probably not be released until the incident is written up for a state police news release later today or tomorrow.
VC solicits CDBG proposals...Foy hires, promotes, appoints...Beichner continues to barb ORA
1/13/2010
A number of areas of interest from the Venango County Commissioners meeting Tuesday night…the first public hearing for the county Community Development Block Grant program, appointments and reappointments and a significant no vote from Commissioner Jan Beichner. Listeners will remember last week when Sheriff Eric Foy was sworn into office. At the commissioners meeting Tuesday night it was revealed Foy is one of several County Row officers not taking a pay raise for 2010. Others include all three Venango County Commissioners Brooks, Beichner and Wood. Foy’s second in command, the Chief Deputy Sheriff, is on the job with the blessing of the commissioners at a salary of $42,299 a year. Also in the Sheriff’s Office two rehires: Jason Bean Deputy Sheriff, Probationary Full Time at $13.69 per hour; Cynthia Tarr, Administrative Assistant II, Probationary Full Time at $12.16 per hour. Also a promotion in the Sheriff’s Department for Merle Giesey, Full Time Deputy Sheriff Sergeant at $15.10 per hour. Former Register and Recorder Sue Buchan is temporarily on hire part time for three months as Chief Deputy Register and Recorder to facilitate training of new elected Register and Recorder Sue Hannon. She’ll earn $30 per hour. And there is a laundry list of appointments and reappointments: In Court Administration; Judith Scarcella for Court Reporting Services, Attorney Elissa Stuttler as Juvenile Court Master. Under Row Offices: Attorney Ed McIntyre appointed as Court Appointed Council. Under County Administration and the Public Defender: Criminal Council….Attorneys John Lakatos, Pamela Logsdon, Neil Rothschild and Matthew Parson. Court appointed PCCR Councel…attorneys Matthew Parson and Lorraine Smith. Court appointed Juvenile Court Counsel for Parents…Attornies Neil Rothschild and Ed McIntyre. Court appointed Juvenile Court Counsel…attorney Virginia Sharp. Other appoints were made to fill or refill vacancies on the Conservation District Board, the Venango Industrial Development Authority, the Venango County Regional Planning Commission, the Affordable Housing Committee and the Venango County Housing Authority. And then it came to paying the bills….
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Tis also the season for municipalities to submit for the 2010 Community Development Block Grant. Venango County Planning Director Judy Downs the county expects a grant of about quarter of a million dollars this time around. The money can be used in 27 communities in Venango County which are not eligible to their own CDBG applications. That’s about 46% of the county’s population. She says Clintonville, Rouseville, President and Utica all qualify with Housing and Urban Development Low Median Income population percentages of 51 % or more. Activities eligible for funding include property acquisition, construction or reconstruction of public facilities, code enforcement, demolition and rehabilitation, removal of architectural barriers historic preservation and planning and administration. Since 1985 Venango County has received about $6.5 million in CDBG money. Of that money, there’s about three quarters of a million dollars in outstanding projects dating back to 2007 numbering about a dozen projects. Downs says the project proposals will be evaluated on the benefit to the Low Median Income Population, project readiness, past performance, municipal financial commitment project eligibility and completeness of the project proposals. The time line shows applications to the county by January 22, project reviews until February 5, a second public hearing by February 9th, end of citizen review by February 27th, the enabling resolution by March 9th and submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development sometime in March or April.
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Tis also the season for municipalities to submit for the 2010 Community Development Block Grant. Venango County Planning Director Judy Downs the county expects a grant of about quarter of a million dollars this time around. The money can be used in 27 communities in Venango County which are not eligible to their own CDBG applications. That’s about 46% of the county’s population. She says Clintonville, Rouseville, President and Utica all qualify with Housing and Urban Development Low Median Income population percentages of 51 % or more. Activities eligible for funding include property acquisition, construction or reconstruction of public facilities, code enforcement, demolition and rehabilitation, removal of architectural barriers historic preservation and planning and administration. Since 1985 Venango County has received about $6.5 million in CDBG money. Of that money, there’s about three quarters of a million dollars in outstanding projects dating back to 2007 numbering about a dozen projects. Downs says the project proposals will be evaluated on the benefit to the Low Median Income Population, project readiness, past performance, municipal financial commitment project eligibility and completeness of the project proposals. The time line shows applications to the county by January 22, project reviews until February 5, a second public hearing by February 9th, end of citizen review by February 27th, the enabling resolution by March 9th and submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development sometime in March or April.
2 NYC men jailed in Clarion on pocession of pure herion in I 80 traffic stop
1/12/2010
Almost 7 & ½ ounces of pure heroin is in the pocession of the Pennsylvania State Police following the execution of a traffic stop on Interstate 80 Monday morning. The troopers report the pure brown heroin was seized from an SUV after a drug sniffing dog alerted on the stuff when the vehicle was stopped on the westbound lanes of the interstate between Knox and St. Petersburg. Two New York City men are lodged in the Clarion County Jail on $200,000 bail each.
Death Penalty Sought for Two in Death of Pregnant Woman
1/12/2010
McKean County Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for the two men accused of murdering a pregnant Bradford woman last September. Thomas Haggie and Greggory Theobald are accused of killing 21 year-old Megan Konopka, who was 38 weeks pregnant at the time. Haggie will be arraigned on January 21 and Theobald January 28. Both are being held without bail at the McKean County Jail.
I 80 Tolling Decision Could Come Next Week...a Close One
1/12/2010
A decision on tolling Interstate 80 could come by months end. According to WJAC TV News Channel 6, Johnstown, the decision could come as early as next week. Congressman Glenn Thompson, whose 5th district encompasses much of I 80 is set to talk with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood next Tuesday on the issue of tolling the interstate. According to Channel 6 news, the congressman’s office expects a decision shortly thereafter. USDOT has twice denied requests to to toll I-80 for lack of detailed information. Now, it appears a decision could be close.
49,000 in PA "armed" for H1N1
1/12/2010
Forty nine thousand Pennsylvanias are vaccinated against the H1N1 flu following weekend flu clinics in 33 locations across the state including Pleasantville Volunteer Fire Hall in Venango County. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is still urging anyone not yet vaccinated to do so. The clinics involved over 1100 support personnel, including state employees, contracted nurses, paramedics, the American Red Cross and volunteers. The department will continue its vaccination efforts at 60 state health centers each Saturday through February 6 from 9 to noon. Appoints are not needed. To finda clinic call 1 877 PA HEALTH. People who live closer to Clarion, Meadville, Tionesta or Jackson Center may obtain the vaccine at those State Health Centers on the same dates and times. Walk ins will be accepted.
Table games expected to create 10,000 family sustaining jobs
1/12/2010
When Governor Ed Rendell signed the table games legislation into law last week, he also signed one of the largest job creation bills in recent years. Gaming Industry executives say at least 10,000 jobs will b e created as a result of the new law, authorizing Pennsylvania casinos to operate table games, including blackjack, poker and roulette. Officials say most of the jobs created by the new law will pay family sustaining wages. Casino executives say they should be ready to roll out their table games in six to nine months.
Venango Collectors "ON Q"
1/12/2010
According to the Titusville Herald, three Venango County residents dedicated to collecting will be featured Tuesday on WQED’s “ON Q” with Dave Crawley talking with “Collectors of Pleasantville” highlight collections in the Plumer area of Venango County. Featured is Tyred Wheels Museum in Plumer, home of antique cars and 5,000 miniature vehicles; the Nifty Fifty Diner in Plumer which showcases artifacts from the era; and the Earring Lady, also of Plumer, who has a record setting collection of over 39,000 earings. “Collectors of Pleasantville: will air Tuesday night at 7:30.
Atlas Resources fined $85,000 for SW PA Marcellus drilling violations
1/12/2010
Atlas Resources LLC, a major driller in the Marcellus Gas play stands fined $85,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act at 13 wells in Fayette, Washington and Greene Counties. According to DEP Southwest Regional Director George Jugovic, Jr., Development of Pennsylvania natural gas resource is important to the state’s economy. However, that developoment need not, and will not, come at the expense of our environment. He says DEP will ensure Pennsylvania’s gas resources are developed in an environmentally sound manner, consistent with the law.” According to a statement from DEP, the violation occurred between December 2008 and July 2009. The violations fall into three categories….Atlas failed to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures to prevent off site discharges of silt laden runoff onto the ground at six wells…Atlas failed to restore two well sites by establishing the appropriate perennial vegetative cover within nine months of completion of drilling….and Atlas discharged residual and industrial waste, including diesel fuel and production fluids, onto the ground at seven of the 13 well sites.
Erie teen charged, held for carrying a shotgun near school
1/12/2010
An Erie teenager faces charges, after being caught with a shotgun following a high school basketball game.The teen wrapped up a shot gun, then got caught by police for carrying a weapon. Around 10:15 Saturday night, Gannon police spotted a teen, near the Gannon Hammermill Center acting suspicious. When Gannon police officers approached him, he threw something into a snow bank which turn out to be a shotgun. It wasn't loaded, but police found a bag of shotgun shells on the teen.Police say it all happened after an East High School basketball game.The 17 year old student is charged with firearms violations, and lodged in a Detention Center.The teen told police he was carrying the weapon because he feared retaliation, and brought it along as defense.While this teen was caught before anything tragic may have happened, Erie Police Chief Steve Franklin says it’s only the latest in a string of incidents involving young adults.
-0-Atlas Resources LLC, a major driller in the Marcellus Gas play stands fined $85,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act at 13 wells in Fayette, Washington and Greene Counties. According to DEP Southwest Regional Director George Jugovic, Jr., Development of Pennsylvania natural gas resource is important to the state’s economy. However, that developoment need not, and will not, come at the expense of our environment. He says DEP will ensure Pennsylvania’s gas resources are developed in an environmentally sound manner, consistent with the law.” According to a statement from DEP, the violation occurred between December 2008 and July 2009. The violations fall into three categories….Atlas failed to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures to prevent off site discharges of silt laden runoff onto the ground at six wells…Atlas failed to restore two well sites by establishing the appropriate perennial vegetative cover within nine months of completion of drilling….and Atlas discharged residual and industrial waste, including diesel fuel and production fluids, onto the ground at seven of the 13 well sites.
-0-Atlas Resources LLC, a major driller in the Marcellus Gas play stands fined $85,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act at 13 wells in Fayette, Washington and Greene Counties. According to DEP Southwest Regional Director George Jugovic, Jr., Development of Pennsylvania natural gas resource is important to the state’s economy. However, that developoment need not, and will not, come at the expense of our environment. He says DEP will ensure Pennsylvania’s gas resources are developed in an environmentally sound manner, consistent with the law.” According to a statement from DEP, the violation occurred between December 2008 and July 2009. The violations fall into three categories….Atlas failed to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures to prevent off site discharges of silt laden runoff onto the ground at six wells…Atlas failed to restore two well sites by establishing the appropriate perennial vegetative cover within nine months of completion of drilling….and Atlas discharged residual and industrial waste, including diesel fuel and production fluids, onto the ground at seven of the 13 well sites.
Former BCSO conducter passess away
1/12/2010
A former conducter of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra has died. Dr. Richard Strange, who led the orchestra from 1965 to 1974, returned as a guest conductor in 1999 for the orchestra's 50th Anniversary season. He is credited with being a vital part of the symphony's growth and helped enhance its reputation during its formative years. Concurrently, Dr. Strange was director of bands at Carnegie Mellon University and conducted the Carnegie Civic Symphony Orchestra. He moved to Arizona in 1978 to take a job as a music professor at Arizona State University. Dr. Strange, who had been battling prostate cancer, died at his home in Tempe on Tuesday, December 2nd. He was 81. He is survived by his wife, Marian; two sons and a grandchild.
-0-
An Erie teenager faces charges, after being caught with a shotgun following a high school basketball game.The teen wrapped up a shot gun, then got caught by police for carrying a weapon. Around 10:15 Saturday night, Gannon police spotted a teen, near the Gannon Hammermill Center acting suspicious. When Gannon police officers approached him, he threw something into a snow bank which turn out to be a shotgun. It wasn't loaded, but police found a bag of shotgun shells on the teen.Police say it all happened after an East High School basketball game.The 17 year old student is charged with firearms violations, and lodged in a Detention Center.The teen told police he was carrying the weapon because he feared retaliation, and brought it along as defense.While this teen was caught before anything tragic may have happened, Erie Police Chief Steve Franklin says it’s only the latest in a string of incidents involving young adults.
-0-Atlas Resources LLC, a major driller in the Marcellus Gas play stands fined $85,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act at 13 wells in Fayette, Washington and Greene Counties. According to DEP Southwest Regional Director George Jugovic, Jr., Development of Pennsylvania natural gas resource is important to the state’s economy. However, that developoment need not, and will not, come at the expense of our environment. He says DEP will ensure Pennsylvania’s gas resources are developed in an environmentally sound manner, consistent with the law.” According to a statement from DEP, the violation occurred between December 2008 and July 2009. The violations fall into three categories….Atlas failed to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures to prevent off site discharges of silt laden runoff onto the ground at six wells…Atlas failed to restore two well sites by establishing the appropriate perennial vegetative cover within nine months of completion of drilling….and Atlas discharged residual and industrial waste, including diesel fuel and production fluids, onto the ground at seven of the 13 well sites.
-0-
An Erie teenager faces charges, after being caught with a shotgun following a high school basketball game.The teen wrapped up a shot gun, then got caught by police for carrying a weapon. Around 10:15 Saturday night, Gannon police spotted a teen, near the Gannon Hammermill Center acting suspicious. When Gannon police officers approached him, he threw something into a snow bank which turn out to be a shotgun. It wasn't loaded, but police found a bag of shotgun shells on the teen.Police say it all happened after an East High School basketball game.The 17 year old student is charged with firearms violations, and lodged in a Detention Center.The teen told police he was carrying the weapon because he feared retaliation, and brought it along as defense.While this teen was caught before anything tragic may have happened, Erie Police Chief Steve Franklin says it’s only the latest in a string of incidents involving young adults.
-0-Atlas Resources LLC, a major driller in the Marcellus Gas play stands fined $85,000 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act at 13 wells in Fayette, Washington and Greene Counties. According to DEP Southwest Regional Director George Jugovic, Jr., Development of Pennsylvania natural gas resource is important to the state’s economy. However, that developoment need not, and will not, come at the expense of our environment. He says DEP will ensure Pennsylvania’s gas resources are developed in an environmentally sound manner, consistent with the law.” According to a statement from DEP, the violation occurred between December 2008 and July 2009. The violations fall into three categories….Atlas failed to implement and maintain erosion and sedimentation control measures to prevent off site discharges of silt laden runoff onto the ground at six wells…Atlas failed to restore two well sites by establishing the appropriate perennial vegetative cover within nine months of completion of drilling….and Atlas discharged residual and industrial waste, including diesel fuel and production fluids, onto the ground at seven of the 13 well sites.
Erie GE Transportation employee dies in crane accident
1/12/2010
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook says the GE Transportation employee killed in an industrial accident Monday afternoon is William D. Huff, 46, of Erie. Cook described Huff as an experienced crane operator for the company. Huff was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:30 p.m. by Deputy Erie County Coroner Dennis Suscheck according to Cook. An autopsy is under way, but Cook says Huff's death was caused by "massive blunt-force trauma" suffered in the accident. Cook says sometime before 2 p.m., Huff was using a hand-held control device to operate a crane as it lifted a multiple-ton locomotive alternator frame. "He was setting it down, and for whatever reason, it fell over and crushed him," Cook says. The accident was witnessed by one of Huff's co-workers, Cook says. Lawrence Park Police Sgt. John Morell says his department and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating. Morell says both agencies have yet to determine why the locomotive frame fell onto Huff. OSHA is sending a compliance officer to investigate the accident.
Meadville man charged with abusing Veterans' graves
1/11/2010
A northwestern Pennsylvania man allegedly sold roughly 100 brass markers stolen from veterans' graves for scrap. Forty-five-year-old Raymond Ebbert, of Meadville, faces a hearing Jan. 18 on charges of receiving stolen property and desecrating or selling venerated objects. Police say Ebbert sold the items for $730-or $1.25 per pound-in November. A worker at the scrap yard contacted police once he determined the objects were grave markers that had been cut in pieces. Some of the markers have been reassembled and returned to a cemetery. Crawford County officials say they pay about $50 each to place the markers on graves. Ebbert's home telephone numbers have been disconnected and court records don't list a defense attorney.
"Yurning" for California
1/11/2010
The Butler County Coroner's office is trying to return the remains of a California couple to their relatives. Two urns, containing the cremated remains of a man and woman from the Sacramento area, were discovered on the porch of a vacant house in Butler in early October. Coroner William Young says paperwork found with the urns show they contain the remains of Charles and Jean Johnson, who died in 1999 and 2004 respectively. Young hasn't found any relatives here or in California. No word on how the urns got to Butler.
Cleveland Hopkins ops back to normal
1/11/2010
Power has been restored to Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland after a power outage early Sunday morning. First Energy says that salt from the roadways coated the power lines at the airport and caused arcing, a fire and a power failure. The power outage caused cancellations and delays at the airport in Cleveland.
Seneca Nation fight PACT with billboard
1/11/2010
The Seneca Nation says legislation in the U.S. Senate could mean the loss of Native American jobs. The Senca Nation has put-up an electronic billboard along the eastbound I-190 warning motorists of the ramifications of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act. The billboard targets Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand urging them to vote 'no' on PACT legislation. Seneca Nation President Barry Synder says If the PACT Act becomes law it will eliminate all mail-order cigarette sales and cost the nation 1,000 jobs.
Punxey Dr. dies in snowmobile mishap
1/11/2010
A doctor in Punxsutawney was killed following a snow mobile accident Saturday morning in Lawrence Township, Clearfield County. Dr. Joshua Casteel, a chiropractor in Punxsutawney died after his snow mobile crashed. No other information has been released. The investigation continues.
Scarnati enlists Congressman Thompson in fighting I 80 tolls
1/11/2010
State Sen. Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, wants to enlist the help of a federal lawmaker to ensure money intended for roads is not diverted to mass transit needs of the state's big cities. In a letter sent to U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Howard, the 25th District lawmaker and lieutenant governor noted such action moves the state Legislature closer to the possibility of placing tolls on Interstate 80. Thompson says he indeed shares that concern. In the past, he's been vocal about his opposition to I-80 tolls, going as far as calling them an economic burden to the region as well as the state. But he is not eager about including in the next federal transportation bill any provisions restricting the governor from diverting federal dollars intended for roads to mass transit. In a letter to Scarnati, he noted that there already exist too many federal mandates, that "discretion is properly placed in the hands of state and local leaders who are closer to the scene and better able to judge the effective use of money and resources." He further stated he is "not anxious to treat my own state as I would a recalcitrant teenager who spends his lunch money on video games, and I do not believe yet that this is the only approach." Scarnati has noted that $414 million was moved from roads to mass transit in 2005 and 2006 by Gov. Ed Rendell. Thompson said he is happy to work with Scarnati on the issue. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission late last year applied to the Federal Highway Commission to allow for the tolling of I-80. Two previous applications have been rejected. However, Act 44, the law passed by the state Legislature to allow for tolling, remains on the books, and that's what has lawmakers such as Scarnati and Thompson uneasy. Thompson said he remains hopeful that the Federal Highway Administration will carefully consider the application, which he believes does not meet all the proper guidelines for approval. In the meantime, Thompson said he soon will meet with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to discuss the tolling issue.
Democrat gubernatorial candidates pitch the farm show
1/11/2010
Four of the five Democratic candidates for governor made their pitches Saturday during the kickoff of the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The candidates refrained from criticizing each other at a luncheon sponsored by the Penn Ag Democrats and sounded more like friends than competitors. Jack Wagner, the state auditor general who has criticized Gov. Ed Rendell's administration, said he would lead the way in reforming state government. Allegheny County Executive Don Onorato and Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty touted their efforts to turn around local communities and vowed to create new jobs statewide. Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel said he would tax the extraction of natural gas to raise money for agriculture and social programs. Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox, who's also seeking the Democratic nomination, stayed home sick.
Sestak stumps Butler
1/11/2010
The eastern Pennsylvania Congressman trying to unseat Pennsylvania's senior U.S. senator was in Butler County Sunday to speak with area constituents. Joe Sestak, of Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat held by 30-year veteran Arlen Specter. Sestak covered a wide variety of issues before a crowd of about fifty people at the American Legion post in Lyndora, from health care reform to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, the issue Sestak says is taking center stage is the attitude of indifference state and federal lawmakers have towards their constituents, and the ramifications of it. Sestak says the best example is set by Specter himself, whom he alleges changed parties more to keep his job, and not out of policy changes in the GOP. Sesttak is serving his second term in Congress, after having served in the U.S. Navy for 31 years, where he holds the rank of Vice Admiral, retired.
Tops Friendly Markets to buy out Penn Traffic stores
1/11/2010
According to the Associated Press, Tops Friendly Markets , as of Friday, says it is buying all 79 stores run by bankrupt rival Penn Traffic Co. for $85 million in cash, a move deeping its roots in New York and Pennsylvania and extend its reach into other northeastern states. Tops, a 76-store chain based in suburban Buffalo, says its bid has been accepted by Syracuse-based Penn Traffic and recommended to the U.S. bankruptcy court in Wilmington, DE, for approval. A judge met with lawyers for two hours Friday to discuss the proposed deal, then adjourned the hearing until today.
Franklin Troopers handle 474 December incidents, two fatal accidents
1/11/2010
The numbers are out from the state police at the Franklin Station in Cranberry Township for the month of December. The Statistical Information Report shows a total of 474 incidents in December. ..109 Criminal Offenses reported of which 107 were found resulting in 54 cases cleared and 60 arrests. As to patrol activitiy there were 84 crashes one which was fatal. There were 8 hit and runs, one of which was fatal. In all the Franklin troopers report 30 people injured in the December crashes. They note 77 DUI arrests and 4 DUI crashes and no related fatalities. The troopers issued 212 citations and 130 warnings.
House consideres bill to regulate towing industry
1/11/2010
A bill to regulate the Pennsylvania towing industry to protect consumers is before the House of Representatives for consideration. Allegheny County state representative Tony DeLuca’s consumer protection bill was approved Thursday by the House Insurance Committee chaired by DeLuca. House Bill 2041 would require towing operators to clearly displaying their towing and other storage fees. The bill also would require tow truck operators to disclose the location of the vehicle to the owner and insurance company within 24 hours of the tow, and provide reasonable access to the vehicle during the tow company’s operating hours. It bans them from charging gor storage if they deny access to the vehicle. The bill now goes before the full house for consideration.
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM SATURDAY
1/08/2010
A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST SATURDAY. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THAT NUMEROUS LAKE EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS CAN BE EXPECTED TODAY THROUGH TONIGHT. AN ADDITIONAL 4 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE. UNTREATED ROADS WILL BE SNOWCOVERED AND SLIPPERY. WIND GUSTS TO 30 MPH WILL CAUSE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. REPORT YOUR WEATHER RELATED PROBLEMS AND SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772. WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS ENOUGH AMOUNTS OFSNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. REPORT YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772. LISTEN TO KQW RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THEINTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINTER STORM WARNING.WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
Rocky Grove Woman Jailed on $30,000 Bail for Alleged Assault and Stabbing
1/08/2010
An aggravated assault in Franklin remains under investigation…an incident in which the victim was assaulted with a chair. Franklin city police report the alleged assault took place late Thursday afternoon in an upstairs apartment at 1273 Liberty Street. Police say they were dispatched to Apartment 3 D to investigate an assault in which the victim was assaulted with a chair. During the investigation officers found large amounts of jblood through out the third and second floors. In speaking with the alleged victim and a witness it was learned the original suspects may also have been injured. Officers followed the blood trail to the suspects apartment and were forced to make an emergency entry to check on his well being. In making contact with the suspect and evaluating his medical status it was discovered he was stabbed several times near his groin during the altercation on the third floor. Questioning and physical evidenc led officer to identify the witness who called 911 as the female responsible for the stabbing. Offaicver took Rene L. Phillips into custody for aggravated assault and reckless endangering of another person. She was processed and arraigned on the charges before district magistrate Andrew Fish and remanded to Venango County Jail on $30,000 straight bail. Other charges may result from the police investigation. Phillips preliminary hearing is set for January 13th, at 1:30 p.m.. Franklin Police were assisted at the scene by Sugarcreek Borough Police and Community Ambulance Service.
Tiger Ranch Woman to be Sentenced
1/08/2010
A western Pennsylvania woman accused of improperly caring for hundreds of cats at a self-styled animal rescue sanctuary is set for sentencing on animal cruelty charges. Forty-seven-year-old Linda Bruno originally faced hundreds of charges when authorities raided her 29-acre Tiger Ranch Farm in March 2008. Many of the cats on the property about 20 miles northwest of Pittsburgh were sick, dying or dead. She is scheduled for sentencing Friday after pleading guilty in July to 12 animal cruelty charges and two counts of tampering with records. Prosecutors withdrew more than 500 cruelty counts. The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals nursed scores of the surviving animals back to health, and more than 40 of them remain available for adoption.
Brookville PD to destroy old weapons
1/08/2010
The Brookville Police Department will soon be destroying all the old weapons in their evidence safe and room. Anyone having a claim or possible ownership interest in any weapon should contact Brookville police at 849-5323. All the weapons will be destroyed---not sold, traded or given away. The public is welcome to witness the destruction. The exact time and date will be announced at a later date.
Deal the Cards in Pennsylvania
1/08/2010
Table games like poker and blackjack will soon be legal in Pennsylvania. Governor Ed Rendell is expected to sign legislation as early as Thursday legalizing table games at Pennsylvania’s slot machine casinos. The state house approved the measure 103-89 yesterday; a day after the state senate approved the compromise bill.
Police Team Up with PennDOT During Bad Weather Conditions
1/08/2010
Winter this year is definitely living up to its name. Police are reminding you not to drive aggressively on snow covered roadways. Over 7,700 motorists across the state were involved in bad weather related accidents last year. To increase safety throughout the winter months, state and local police will team up with PennDOT to watch for aggressive drivers. Motorists are reminded to slow down, increase the space between vehicles and know how to handle your car and make sure you buckle up.
Even in Snowy Weather, There are Traffic Rule to Follow
1/08/2010
PennDOT is reminding motorists of a few of Pennsylvania’s laws regarding winter travel. Pennsylvania law requires that all snow be removed from a vehicle before traveling. Under the law, if snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of the source vehicle is subject to a fine of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. Police may cite motorists for not clearing their vehicles' windows, and the citation carries a fine of $25 plus associated costs. PennDOT also says you must turn on your headlights when using your windshield wipers.
A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST SATURDAY.
1/08/2010
A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST SATURDAY.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL MAKE UNTREATED ROADS SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY. SNOW AMOUNTS WILL REACH 3 TO 5 INCHES IN STEADY SNOW FOLLOWED BY POTENTIALLY ANOTHER 3 TO 5 INCHES IN FREQUENT SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT. REPORT YOUR WEATHER RELATED PROBLEMS AND SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772. A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS ENOUGH AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. LISTEN TO WKQW RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINTER STORM WARNING.THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING CAN BE CHALLENGING. WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS PERIODS OF SNOW WILL MAKE UNTREATED ROADS SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY. SNOW AMOUNTS WILL REACH 3 TO 5 INCHES IN STEADY SNOW FOLLOWED BY POTENTIALLY ANOTHER 3 TO 5 INCHES IN FREQUENT SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT. REPORT YOUR WEATHER RELATED PROBLEMS AND SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772. A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS ENOUGH AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. LISTEN TO WKQW RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINTER STORM WARNING.THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING CAN BE CHALLENGING. WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
WOYL GOES SILENT
1/08/2010
A long time Venango County broadcast radio facility is going silent. According to documents filed with the Federal Communications Commission…”WOYL has been operating with reduced power...” since August. “The WOYL transmitter has since failed as of December 27th, 2009 and the station is not operating. After repeated attempts…” Forever Broadcasting…”simply cannot repair the transmitter for it to operate for any meaningful periodof time. Therefore”….Forever Broadcasting, “respecdtfully requests silent authority until such time it can make successful repairs.”
Sources tell us the station has not yet turned in its license, so it will become a place holder for up to a year. If by that time broadcasting is not resumed, the license is deleted by the FCC and could become available for sale at the license renewal anniversary. Sources tell us “…the station needs a new transmitter, plus other work and it’s just not worth the investment.” WOYL 1340 was a full time 1000 watt a.m. station licenced in Oil City and broadcasting from facilities in Franklin and Meadville. It was affiliated with the Allegheny News Talk Sports Net work quadcast on stations in Franklin, Meadville and Titusville. WOYL was the very first radio station in Venango County signing in 1946 as WKRZ. It offered a full program of news, sports and music and Mutual Broadcasting Service then NBC news. The station’s long time home was located at 746 Orange Street in Cranberry Township overlooking Oil City…and also housed WGWI, formerly WRJS and WOYL FM. The facility now houses only the transmitter facilities which apparently have become inoperable due to parts unavailability and reliability issues. WOYL was Venango County’s first FM Station signing on in 1957 with a 20,000 watt power house signal, the most powerful station in Venango County. In 1977 Dr. Robert Shupala became the owner changing the name to WRJS FM. WOYL AM eventually did top 40 and RJS did beautiful music. Fidelty Communications bought the stations in 1982 and WRJS became a live, locally DJ’d country music station proving to be enormously successful under the management of WKQW’s own Sam Gordon. Gordon had been with the station since the days of WKRZ. Thomas Sauber, a local player in the radio market, became owner, keeping the format, but changing the name back to WOYL FM, The Well. He sold the stations to Forever Broadcasting in 2000.
Sources tell us the station has not yet turned in its license, so it will become a place holder for up to a year. If by that time broadcasting is not resumed, the license is deleted by the FCC and could become available for sale at the license renewal anniversary. Sources tell us “…the station needs a new transmitter, plus other work and it’s just not worth the investment.” WOYL 1340 was a full time 1000 watt a.m. station licenced in Oil City and broadcasting from facilities in Franklin and Meadville. It was affiliated with the Allegheny News Talk Sports Net work quadcast on stations in Franklin, Meadville and Titusville. WOYL was the very first radio station in Venango County signing in 1946 as WKRZ. It offered a full program of news, sports and music and Mutual Broadcasting Service then NBC news. The station’s long time home was located at 746 Orange Street in Cranberry Township overlooking Oil City…and also housed WGWI, formerly WRJS and WOYL FM. The facility now houses only the transmitter facilities which apparently have become inoperable due to parts unavailability and reliability issues. WOYL was Venango County’s first FM Station signing on in 1957 with a 20,000 watt power house signal, the most powerful station in Venango County. In 1977 Dr. Robert Shupala became the owner changing the name to WRJS FM. WOYL AM eventually did top 40 and RJS did beautiful music. Fidelty Communications bought the stations in 1982 and WRJS became a live, locally DJ’d country music station proving to be enormously successful under the management of WKQW’s own Sam Gordon. Gordon had been with the station since the days of WKRZ. Thomas Sauber, a local player in the radio market, became owner, keeping the format, but changing the name back to WOYL FM, The Well. He sold the stations to Forever Broadcasting in 2000.
JOE WATKINS, REPUBLICAN FOR LT GOV VISITS OC
1/08/2010
That Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett is the leading Republican candidate for Governor is pretty well known. What is not so well known is who might be among the candidates for LT Governor. A Republican contender, Joe Watkins, is touring western Pennsylvania this week and made a stop in Oil City Wednesday. Watkins is originally from New York City, one of six children. His dad taught school. Watkins holds academic degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the Princeton Theological Seminary. As a campus minister he worked in Alabama and Indiana. As result of volunteering in the campaign of Dan Coats to the House of Representatives, Watkins became the assistant state director of Senator Dan Quayle’s office. Watkins served as an assistant to the president of the University of Pennsylvania and was later appointed as Associate Director of Public Liason at the White House under President George H.W. Bush. Watkins is a successful small businessman and a respected political commentator for 6 TV networks. Watkins is also the pastor of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia. I spoke with Watkins during his visit to Oil City yesterday during a lunch break taken at a bustling downtown coffee house.
Actuality
You can learn more about Watkins at Watkins 2010.com.
010710%20Joe%20Watkins%20candidate%20for%20LTGOV%20in%20OC.mp3
Actuality
You can learn more about Watkins at Watkins 2010.com.
010710%20Joe%20Watkins%20candidate%20for%20LTGOV%20in%20OC.mp3
WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM SATURDAY...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY CANCELLED
1/07/2010
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PITTSBURGH HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM
SATURDAY. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING
CAN BE CHALLENGING AS SNOW BEGINS TO ACCUMULATE AND MAKE UNTREATED
PAVEMENTS SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS SNOW AMOUNTS WILL REACH 3 TO 5 INCHES
IN STEADY SNOW LATE BY LATE TONIGHT FOLLOWED BY POTENTIALLY
ANOTHER 3 TO 5 INCHES IN FREQUENT SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY AND FRIDAY
NIGHT.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
REPORT YOUR WEATHER RELATED PROBLEMS AND SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-
6772.
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS ENOUGH AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. REPORT
YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY
CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772.
PLEASE LISTEN TO KQW RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING
CAN BE CHALLENGING AS STEADY SNOW BEGINS TO ACCUMULATE BY LATE
AFTERNOON WHICH MEANS UNTREATED PAVEMENTS CAN BE SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY
FOR THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS SNOW AMOUNTS WILL REACH 3 TO
5 INCHES IN STEADY SNOW LATE BY LATE TONIGHT.
WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM
SATURDAY. THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING
CAN BE CHALLENGING AS SNOW BEGINS TO ACCUMULATE AND MAKE UNTREATED
PAVEMENTS SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS SNOW AMOUNTS WILL REACH 3 TO 5 INCHES
IN STEADY SNOW LATE BY LATE TONIGHT FOLLOWED BY POTENTIALLY
ANOTHER 3 TO 5 INCHES IN FREQUENT SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY AND FRIDAY
NIGHT.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
REPORT YOUR WEATHER RELATED PROBLEMS AND SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS
TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-
6772.
A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS ENOUGH AMOUNTS OF
SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN
AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...
FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. REPORT
YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY
CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772.
PLEASE LISTEN TO KQW RADIO OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE
INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING
CAN BE CHALLENGING AS STEADY SNOW BEGINS TO ACCUMULATE BY LATE
AFTERNOON WHICH MEANS UNTREATED PAVEMENTS CAN BE SNOW COVERED AND SLIPPERY
FOR THE COMMUTE HOME THIS EVENING.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS SNOW AMOUNTS WILL REACH 3 TO
5 INCHES IN STEADY SNOW LATE BY LATE TONIGHT.
WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER
CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
THREE KILLED IN I 80 MULTI VEHICLE CRASH
1/07/2010
TRAFFIC ON INTERSTATE 80 IN VENANGO COUNTY IS MOVING FREELY AGAIN…OR AS FREELY AS CAN POSSIBLY BE WITH ADVERSE WINTER WEATHER DRIVING CONDITIONS PREVAILING….THIS AFTER A TRIPLE FATAL MULTI VEHICLE CRASH WEDNESDAY NIGHT STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION BY PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED 2 MILES EAST OF West bound exit 35 at Pennsylvania Route 308 at Clintonville, about 37 miles southwest of Oil City. Trooper James Francic says a small SUV driven by Thomas Munsell, who died in the crash, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was traveling west on Interstate 80 about 9:55 Wednesday night as was a tractor trailer driven by John Davis of Shelby, Ohio. Francic reports a third vehicle, a mini van, Shneur Liberow of Brooklyn, NY was traveling east. The SUV and the semi lost control and crossed over the median with the semi striking the mini van on the driver’s side. The truck then rolled over onto the SUV. Two passengers in the mini van died in the crash, one a 10 year old boy and the other a 20 year old woman identified as Pasha Azulay. Shneur Liberow is reported to have suffered major injuries. Four other passengers in the mini van were also injured...Chana Liberow and three female children ages 17, 11, and 2. All were treated at UPMC NW Medical Center in Seneca. A passenger in the SUV, Debra Darden-Munsell suffered minor injuries and was treated at Grove City Hospital. The truck driver sustained minor injuries. Assisting at the scene were unites of the Clintonville VFD, and the Venango County Coroner’s Office. Police say freezing rain contributed to the poor driving conditions at the time of the crash. Troopers report there were three other minor crashes in the area at the time. A seven mile stretch of Interstate 80 was closed from Emlenton to Clintonville initially to clear the crash scene. The interstate was only fully cleared for traffic both east and west at about 10 this morning.
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 6 AM EST SATURDAY.
1/07/2010
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THURSDAY TO 6 AM EST SATURDAY. THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS SNOW AMOUNTS WILL BE ABOUT 2 TO 4 INCHES IN STEADY SNOW LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND THURSDAY NIGHT FOLLOWED BY POTENTIALLY ANOTHER 2 TO 4 INCHES IN FREQUENT SNOW SHOWERS FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING. REPORT YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE MAY PRODUCE SLICK ROADS THROUGH 3 AM...PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE INTO THE EARLY MORNING MAY PRODUCE SLICK SPOTS ON UNTREATED ROADS. ELEVATED ROADS AND BRIDGES MAY FREEZE BEFORE OTHER ROAD SURFACES. MOTORISTS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION AND BE ALERT FOR SLIPPERY ROADS WHERE DRIZZLE OCCURS.
WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633-6772. PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE MAY PRODUCE SLICK ROADS THROUGH 3 AM...PATCHY FREEZING DRIZZLE INTO THE EARLY MORNING MAY PRODUCE SLICK SPOTS ON UNTREATED ROADS. ELEVATED ROADS AND BRIDGES MAY FREEZE BEFORE OTHER ROAD SURFACES. MOTORISTS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION AND BE ALERT FOR SLIPPERY ROADS WHERE DRIZZLE OCCURS.
Indestructable Titanic Cow Barn Collapses in Crawford County
1/07/2010
It’s a shocker. It’s a mess. It’s totalled. The Crawford County Fair version of the SS. Titanic. The new dairy complex collapsed Wednesday afternoon under the weight of heavy snowfall mixed with rain. The building was opened the summer of 2008, designed to house nearly 400 cows and handled the worst snow load mother nature could muster up. It was billed as indestructable. Crawford County officials say the complex will have to be completely rebuilt and it will have to be done quickly in order to be open for the fair. The $466,000 barn was built with a concrete foundation, and had steel trusses supporting it. But not even that could stop mother nature from bringing the barn down. Although the structure is considered a total loss, a 15-year warranty is expected to pay for the damages. The warranty will cover the damage to the framework, along with the large canvas covering the complex that fell down. However, it is unclear whether it will cover the damages to the equipment that was crushed inside. There were no injuries.
Sugarcreek Approves Resolution $6.8 million PennVest loan application for sewer rehab in SC/RG
1/07/2010
The Sugarcreek Borough Council is approving a resolution to apply for a $6.8 million PennVest loan to cover the cost sewer rehabilitation in the villages of Rocky Grove and Sugarcreek. The resolution was approved unanimously by the 6 member council. This is Harold C. Bloomgren, Jr., the borough’s consulting engineer.
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Bloomgren says the application nearly ready to submit for a January 19th deadline. Due to realignment of PennVest meetings, approval will likely not come until later in 2010. Also approved, over the objections of Councilman Robert Resinger, $12,000 to NW Engineering for preparing H20 applications& another #12,000 to NW Engineering for reimbursement of previous invoices. Approved, $9000 to NW Engineering for the Martin Hill Road Bridge project engineering & submission to PennDOT. Tabled, discussion of quotes for Kids KArpert playground mulch for further consultation with the boro manager who was absent from last night’s meeting. The council must act quickly on purchasing the rubber mulch so as to be able to open the boro’s playgrounds on time in April with sufficient insurance coverage. Approved payment on December 2009 of the 2008 Sewer Bond in the amount of just over $4400. Also approved payment of the semi annual rental for the Sewer System to the City of Franklin in the amount $35000. There was also a short discussion of the borough’s parking ordinance in regard to how long a trailer or vehicle may be parked before it is to be moved. Police Chief Matt Carlson will bring the ordinance before council in two weeks for further review. .
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Bloomgren says the application nearly ready to submit for a January 19th deadline. Due to realignment of PennVest meetings, approval will likely not come until later in 2010. Also approved, over the objections of Councilman Robert Resinger, $12,000 to NW Engineering for preparing H20 applications& another #12,000 to NW Engineering for reimbursement of previous invoices. Approved, $9000 to NW Engineering for the Martin Hill Road Bridge project engineering & submission to PennDOT. Tabled, discussion of quotes for Kids KArpert playground mulch for further consultation with the boro manager who was absent from last night’s meeting. The council must act quickly on purchasing the rubber mulch so as to be able to open the boro’s playgrounds on time in April with sufficient insurance coverage. Approved payment on December 2009 of the 2008 Sewer Bond in the amount of just over $4400. Also approved payment of the semi annual rental for the Sewer System to the City of Franklin in the amount $35000. There was also a short discussion of the borough’s parking ordinance in regard to how long a trailer or vehicle may be parked before it is to be moved. Police Chief Matt Carlson will bring the ordinance before council in two weeks for further review. .
LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDMORNING WEDNESDAY
1/06/2010
A LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM ESTWEDNESDAY. SNOW SHOWERS CAN DELIVER 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW IN SOME AREAS BYMID MORNING WEDNESDAY BEFORE TAPERING. A LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY MEANS LAKE-EFFECT SNOW IS FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DIFFICULT IN SOME AREAS. LAKE-EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS TYPICALLY ALIGN THEMSELVES IN BANDS AND WILL LIKELY BEINTENSE ENOUGH TO DROP SEVERAL INCHES IN LOCALIZED AREAS. USECAUTION WHEN TRAVELING. LISTEN TO KQW FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION OR GO TO WEATHER.GOV ON THE INTERNET FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY. REPORT YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633- 6772. WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
Union City Pharmacy hit twice for Oxycontin
1/06/2010
For the second time in as many weeks a man entered Union City Pharmacy demanding the pain killer Oxycontin. During this most recent incident the pharmacist refused and the suspect fled empty handed according to a report from the state police at the Corry station. This second incident at the pharmacy took place at about 10 a.m Monday. A man in a dark ski mask entered the store and told the pharmacist to turn over all Oxycontin. When the pharmacist refused, the suspect fled in a small red pickup truck south on Route 8. The suspect is described as white, late 20s, 6 feet tall with a thin build. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, jeans and a ski mask. Troopers say at no time did the suspect display a weapon. The earlier incident occurred on the evening of Dec. 21. Police say a ski-masked man ordered a clerk to fill a bag with Oxycontin. This suspect was described as white, about 50 years old, 220 pounds, with blue or light-colored eyes. Police say they don’t know whether the two crimes are related. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call state police at (814) 663-2043.
PA Senate Okay's Table Games Bill
1/06/2010
The much-debated table games bill was passed in the Pennsylvania Senate Tuesday night, meaning the state is one step closer to implementing the games at casinos. The bill known as SB 711 passed by a 28-22 vote, clearing the way for state House members to examine the legislation.
Dahlkemper looks back on her first year in the House
1/06/2010
Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper's first year in the House a very busy legislative year. She recapped her year earlier this week speaking Warren. She says there were no easy votes in what turned out to be a very difficult 2009 for the country. She expects the "deep recession" to "go on for a while yet," but she sees signs of recovery in the gross domestic product, a rebounding stock market, and five consecutive months of manufacturing sector growth to the highest level since April 2006. Dahlkemper said she is taking an active role in the effort to bring the economy back up. However, the problems that manifested so strongly in 2009 did not appear instantly she says. It was the first decade since the 1940s in which there was no increase in job creation, Dahlkemper said. The intervening decades all had 20 percent or more job creation. Also, the median household income fell by 4 percent over the first 10 years of the new millennium. Climbing out of the recession will involve several steps which include the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Dahlkemper advocates a return to the strong manufacturing-based economy of the nation's past. Dahlkemper has joined other Blue Dog Democrats in pushing a "pay-go" statute regarding federal spending. The Securing America's Future Economy (SAFE) Commission could also help rein in the debt and help Congress pave a way forward that is more efficient and fiscally sound. On the Allegheny National Forest Dahlkemper says "The ruling by Judge (Sean) McLaughlin is a positive step,". That ruling ended an ANF policy effectively shutting down new drilling. She says by finding a balance on forest issues -environmental concerns and economic potential - the region can benefit from development. "Marcellus Shale is going to be huge," she says. "But it's something that we have to do right." She would like to see Marcellus Shale development stimulate the economy and create jobs without poisoning water supplies or causing other environmental problems. With different health care bills approved by the House and the Senate, there is no certainty which form, if either, will pass as the final version. However, Dahlkemper is confident that some health care reform bill will pass soon. Private insurance companies are "making a lot of money" off of Medicare Advantage, she says, and those profits would be eliminated. Also, businesses, even small ones, would have to offer at least a basic health care plan to their employees or pay penalties of up to 8 percent of their payroll. That measure would level the playing field among businesses, ensuring that some can't sell at lower prices by not offering health care coverage. People who do not have health care are costly to those who do. A health care reform bill will prevent many people from losing everything financially. The proposed bills eliminate pre-existing conditions as grounds for not providing health care coverage. Delays could prove very costly, she says. Dahlkemper said she favors a public option. That option, like a "generic" choice at a grocery store, gives people an option that does not include "all this overhead" that must be paid by insurance companies like Highmark and UPMC.
LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST WEDNESDAY...OC DPW DOES ITS BEST WITH SNOW REMOVAL
1/05/2010
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PITTSBURGH SAYS THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST WEDNESDAY.AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TODAY AS SNOWSHOWERS REINTENSIFY IN THE COLD FLOW ACROSS THE LAKES. ANOTHER 1TO 2 INCHES MAY THEN BE EXPECTED OVERNIGHT WITH IMPROVEMENTFORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY.A LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY MEANS LAKE-EFFECT SNOW IS FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DIFFICULT IN SOME AREAS. LAKE-EFFECT SNOWSHOWERS TYPICALLY ALIGN THEMSELVES IN BANDS AND WILL LIKELY BEINTENSE ENOUGH TO DROP SEVERAL INCHES IN LOCALIZED AREAS. USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING.REPORT YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHERSERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633- 6772. WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
WITH THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IN MIND, LISTEN TO OIL CITY’S PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BUTCH TRUITT ON THE CITY’S EFFORTS AT SNOW REMOVAL.ACTUALITY010410%20Butch%20Truitt%20on%20Snow%20Removal%20in%20Oil%20City.mp3THIS AT LAST NIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WITH THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IN MIND, LISTEN TO OIL CITY’S PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BUTCH TRUITT ON THE CITY’S EFFORTS AT SNOW REMOVAL.ACTUALITY010410%20Butch%20Truitt%20on%20Snow%20Removal%20in%20Oil%20City.mp3THIS AT LAST NIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Erie Teen Sentenced In Basketball Game Shooting
1/05/2010
An Erie teenager is pleading guilty to the shooting that injured a female student at an Erie East high school basketball game in 2009. 16 year-old Felix Velasquez now stands sentenced to five to 10 years in state prison on the charges. Velasquez, who fled the state after the shooting, was involved in a fight with another spectator and wounded another with a single gun shot during the high school basketball game.
Foresiics experts work on identifying second Dubois fire victim
1/05/2010
DuBois city police say it will take another two to three weeks before the identity of a second man who was found deceased inside a burning building on West Long Avenue will be released. The coroner is in charge of the genetic testing needed to make a positive identification. The back portion of the building which caught fire on the corner of West Long Avenue and South Jared Street in DuBois was partially removed yesterday. The food pantry has relocated to a temporary location, and will begin taking donations today under Mansell Stadium in DuBois.
Two Burglaries, Same Street, Same Time Frame
1/05/2010
Franklin State Police are investigating two burglaries along Atha Road in Jackson Township, Venango County Troopers report someone entered the homes which were both unsecured. Mark Donaldson, 233 Atha Road told police he found several guns and jewelry missing while Angela Crawford of 319 Atha Road says the alleged thief took electronic items, jewelry and cash. Donaldson’s home was broken into sometime between December 12 and January 2, while Crawford’s home was broken into on January 4th sometime between 6:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m.
National Fuel projecting higher prices
1/05/2010
National Fuel Gas Company is predicting an increase this summer in the overall gas cost expense. The company recently submitted to the Public Utility Commission its required annual Purchased Gas Cost Projection for gas purchases to be made beginning august through July of 2011. If approved as filed, in August, the monthly bill for a typical residential customer would increase from $81.45 to $100.71 per month or by 23.6%.
LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST WEDNESDAY
1/05/2010
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PITTSBURGH SAYS THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM EST WEDNESDAY.AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TODAY AS SNOWSHOWERS REINTENSIFY IN THE COLD FLOW ACROSS THE LAKES. ANOTHER 1TO 2 INCHES MAY THEN BE EXPECTED OVERNIGHT WITH IMPROVEMENTFORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY.A LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY MEANS LAKE-EFFECT SNOW IS FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DIFFICULT IN SOME AREAS. LAKE-EFFECT SNOWSHOWERS TYPICALLY ALIGN THEMSELVES IN BANDS AND WILL LIKELY BEINTENSE ENOUGH TO DROP SEVERAL INCHES IN LOCALIZED AREAS. USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING.REPORT YOUR SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TO THE NATIONAL WEATHERSERVICE BY CALLING TOLL FREE...1-877-633- 6772. WEATHER SPOTTERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT SIGNIFICANT WEATHER CONDITIONS ACCORDING TO STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES.
OC DOES THE BEST IT CAN WITH WHAT IT HAS FOR SNOW REMOVAL
1/05/2010
WITH THE LAKE EFFECT SNOW ADVISORY IN MIND, LISTEN TO OIL CITY’S PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BUTCH TRUITT ON THE CITY’S EFFORTS AT SNOW REMOVAL.
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THIS AT LAST NIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDED BY Oil CITY’S NEWEST COUNCILMEN WILLIAM MOON AND VENICE LEWIS. COUNCIL APPROVED A NUMBER OF HOUSE KEEPING ITEMS INCLUDING A BID AUTHORIZING KESSLER FENCING OF DUBOIS TO REPAIR THE FENCE AT THE BRIDGE AVENUE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD. KESSLER BID 23, 440.10. THERE WAS A LOWER BID, BUT THE SUBMISSION PAPER WORK WAS OUT OF ORDER. THE PROJECT WILL BE FUNDED BY MONEY FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. $20,000 WAS ORIGINALLY ALLOTTED FOR THE JOB, BUT A REPAIR JOB ON THE PARKING GARAGE ELEVATOR COST LESS THAN ANTICIPATED AND THE DIFFERENCE WILL PAY FOR THE OVERAGE ON THE BALL FIELD FENCE. APPROVED WAS A RESOLUTION FORMALIZING THE CITY’S AGREEMENT WITH FIRST UNITED NATIONAL BANK FOR A 3.5% $500,000 TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE. THIS IS CITY MANAGER RYAN EGGLESTON.
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COUNCIL APPROVED RENEWING A TWO YEAR APPOINTMENT FOR CITY SOLICITOR TO ROBERT VARSEK. APPROVED ARE APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES…MAYOR SONJA HAWKINS AND COUNCILMAN WILLIAM MOON WILL REPRESENT THE OIL CITY ON THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. COUNCILMEN LEE MEHLBERGER AND JOHN BARTLETT WILL SIT ON THE LIBRARY COMMISSION. MAYOR HAWKINS AND COUNCILMAN MOON WILL SIT ON THE EMPLOYEES PENSION BOARD. HAWKINS AND COUNCILMAN LEWIS WILL SIT ON THE FIRE PENSION BOARD AND THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMAN BARTLETT WILL CONTINUE TO SIT ON THE POLICE PENSION BOARD. ASSIGNMENTS WERE ALSO AGREED ON TO FILL OUT THE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN. MEHLBERGER ON THE ARTS, MOON ON BLIGHT ISSUES, MEHLBERGER ON ATTRACTING RESIDENTS, BARTLETT ON WATERWAYS, HAWKINS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES, LEWIS ON INDUSTRIAL ISSUES.
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THIS AT LAST NIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDED BY Oil CITY’S NEWEST COUNCILMEN WILLIAM MOON AND VENICE LEWIS. COUNCIL APPROVED A NUMBER OF HOUSE KEEPING ITEMS INCLUDING A BID AUTHORIZING KESSLER FENCING OF DUBOIS TO REPAIR THE FENCE AT THE BRIDGE AVENUE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD. KESSLER BID 23, 440.10. THERE WAS A LOWER BID, BUT THE SUBMISSION PAPER WORK WAS OUT OF ORDER. THE PROJECT WILL BE FUNDED BY MONEY FROM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM. $20,000 WAS ORIGINALLY ALLOTTED FOR THE JOB, BUT A REPAIR JOB ON THE PARKING GARAGE ELEVATOR COST LESS THAN ANTICIPATED AND THE DIFFERENCE WILL PAY FOR THE OVERAGE ON THE BALL FIELD FENCE. APPROVED WAS A RESOLUTION FORMALIZING THE CITY’S AGREEMENT WITH FIRST UNITED NATIONAL BANK FOR A 3.5% $500,000 TAX ANTICIPATION NOTE. THIS IS CITY MANAGER RYAN EGGLESTON.
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COUNCIL APPROVED RENEWING A TWO YEAR APPOINTMENT FOR CITY SOLICITOR TO ROBERT VARSEK. APPROVED ARE APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMITTEES…MAYOR SONJA HAWKINS AND COUNCILMAN WILLIAM MOON WILL REPRESENT THE OIL CITY ON THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. COUNCILMEN LEE MEHLBERGER AND JOHN BARTLETT WILL SIT ON THE LIBRARY COMMISSION. MAYOR HAWKINS AND COUNCILMAN MOON WILL SIT ON THE EMPLOYEES PENSION BOARD. HAWKINS AND COUNCILMAN LEWIS WILL SIT ON THE FIRE PENSION BOARD AND THE MAYOR AND COUNCILMAN BARTLETT WILL CONTINUE TO SIT ON THE POLICE PENSION BOARD. ASSIGNMENTS WERE ALSO AGREED ON TO FILL OUT THE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN. MEHLBERGER ON THE ARTS, MOON ON BLIGHT ISSUES, MEHLBERGER ON ATTRACTING RESIDENTS, BARTLETT ON WATERWAYS, HAWKINS ON EDUCATIONAL ISSUES, LEWIS ON INDUSTRIAL ISSUES.
Foy Sworn in as Venango County Sheriff
1/05/2010
There is a new sheriff in town. His name is Eric Foy. He takes office with the wide and strong support of the venango county law enforcement community and electorate, having won the support of both democrats and republicans and bested long time ncumbant Eugene Price. Nearly 250 crowded Venango county court room number one one monday morning as Foy, standing before the bar and facing judges robert boyer and Oliver lobaugh and in the company of his small daughter and son, his wife in the audience, raised his right hand to recite the oath of office. Judge lobaugh praised foy before administering the oath.
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Judge boyer also praised foy. Also sworn in monday morning by judge lobaugh were prothonatary susan r. Hannon. Election commissioners Jack b. Mays and sandra open kelner. District attorney marie t. Veon. And district judge for 29 03 03 michael d. Snyder.
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Officials in all of venango county's mucipalities are being sworn in. Some of the more publicized offices inclurde doug baker, the new mayor of Franklin. New councilmen on oil city...bill moon and venice lewis. There's the new mayor of sugarcreek boro charles minnick. Harold best, a new supervisor in cranberry township. William mcdaniel tax collector in sugarcreek. And dozens more in contested and uncontested races. And school board members too. Organizational meetings abound. And away we go.
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Judge boyer also praised foy. Also sworn in monday morning by judge lobaugh were prothonatary susan r. Hannon. Election commissioners Jack b. Mays and sandra open kelner. District attorney marie t. Veon. And district judge for 29 03 03 michael d. Snyder.
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Officials in all of venango county's mucipalities are being sworn in. Some of the more publicized offices inclurde doug baker, the new mayor of Franklin. New councilmen on oil city...bill moon and venice lewis. There's the new mayor of sugarcreek boro charles minnick. Harold best, a new supervisor in cranberry township. William mcdaniel tax collector in sugarcreek. And dozens more in contested and uncontested races. And school board members too. Organizational meetings abound. And away we go.
PA RTK law show significant improvement in pubic information retreival
1/04/2010
PA’s revised right to know law is a little over year old. According to the Associated Press there are signs the cloak of secrecy shrouding many public documents for decades is gradually being lifted. For everyday folks that means news organizations are putting the law’s expanded access to use in obtaining information about government actions. But so have many ordinary citizens. As to solving disputes, the Office of Open Records has staff on hand, has a workable policy and is fielding disputes numbering over a thousand. Recently over three dozens media outlets across Pennsylvania participated in an open records audit, including the Associated Press, the Butler Eagle, The Erie Times, The New Castle News, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review and the Valley News Dispatch of Tarentum. Over two days in October, auditors lodged 274 requests for five types of records: grant applications, 911 logs, police blotters, school superintendent contracts and job applications or resumes of public employees. The requesters were given access to the information they sought about 85 percent of the time. That’s a clear improvement over 2005 when a similar audit returned a thirty percent failure rate. Learn more at the PA Office of Open Records. The AP reports inspite of training for public employees in learning the new legal obligations, attitudes and practices have not changed. AP reports in the latest audit, some public officials violated the strict time limits the law sets for responses, some ignored requests, other exhibited suspicion or hostility. Still, many followed the law precisely. Only 27 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties post website information citizens to make right to know inquiries as required by the new state law. And now there is talk in Harrisburg of discussing more improvement in the law this spring.
National Fuel Gas showing success in Marcellus Shale
1/04/2010
Natural gas and oil company Seneca Resources Corporation says its third Seneca operated horizontal well in the Marcellus Shale in Tioga County, PA, flowed at an initial 24 hour rate of over 10 million cubic feet per day averaging 9.5 million cubic feet over seven days. The company says its National Fuel Gas Midstream Corporation subsidiary is flowing natural gas on its Covington Gathering System in Tioga County. This since November. Seven day production rates are averaging 6.7 million cubic feet, far above the industry average. The Covington System consists of 8 miles of mostly 12 inch high pressure gathering lines, dehydration facilities and and interconnection to the Tennessee Gas Pipeline system operated by El Paso Corporation. Midstream plan to further expand Covington this year. National Fuel is an integrated energy company with $4.8 billion in assets comprised of Exploration and Production segments, Pipeline and Storage, Utility, and Energy Marketing. Seneca, the exploration and production segment of National Fuel Gas Company, explores for, develops and purchases natural gas and oil reserves in California, the Appalachian region and in the Gulf Coast region of Texas and Louisiana. Midstream was formed to build, own and operate natural gas processing and pipeling gathering facilities in the Appalachian Region.
Some Struggle to Stay Warm
1/04/2010
Some are struggling to stay warm. Some of the evidence comes from the PA PUC reporting recently over 17,000 households statewide with heat shutoffs, up 18.5% over last year. And LIHEAP is scaled back dramatically. Although Congress matched the record $5.1 billion for the program nationally last winter, the state set its budget on an initial federal allocation of $2.4 billion. Instead of getting $330 million this year, Pennsylvania is getting $211 million. National Fuel Distribution says shutoffs it the 14 county area it serves including the KQW listening area is up 30 percent over last year. LIHEAP is taking applications, however. Gas company officials say midwinter shutoffs are rare, but those without heat usually turn to space heaters which are proving to be a deadly way to heat a home.
NWS Winter Weather Advisory Until 6 PM Monday
1/04/2010
Still plenty of white stuff on the ground for the first full day of the first full work week of the new year. The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh says the winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening for Venango, Forest and Mercer Counties. More in a moment on the eastern part of the KQW listening area. As to Venango and points west, a winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 tonight. A cold northwest flow across the breat lakes will continue to support periods of light to moderate snow. Additional snow accumulation of two to three inches is likely over areas to the north of a line from Mercer to Franklin to Tionesta Lake in Forest County. One to two inches of snow is expected elsewhere across Venango, Forest and Mercer Counties. A winter weather advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visitbilities and use caution while driving. Report your snowfall accumulations to the national weather service be calling toll free 1 877 633 6772. – For Clarion and points easts, the winter weather advisory is cancelled. Although periods of light to moderate snow showers may be expected during the next 24 hours, snowfall amounts are not expected to significantly inhibit travel. As always, the National Weather Service advises motorists to exercise caution when light snowfall covers untreated roads.
Congressman Thompson Honors Oil City Eagle Scout
1/04/2010
Congressman Glenn Thompson is wasting no time traveling around the Fifth District in this new year of 2010. “GT” was in Oil City Saturday to mark the occasion of the promotion of Life Scout Elliot Donze of Oil City’s Boy Scout Troop 11 to the Rank of Eagle Scout. The Congressman holds scouting in high regard and attends as many Eagle Courts of Honor as his schedule allows. Hearty congratulations to Eagle Scout Elliot Donze.
Oil City Seminarian Washes Popes Hands
1/04/2010
Yet another Oil City resident was very honored early on in this new year.
Actuality 010110%20Erie%20Seminarians%20Serve%20Holy%20Father.mp3
Wesley Wheeler, a seminarian of the Diocese of Erie and brother seminarians of the Diocese traveled to Rome to serve Pope Benedict 15th as the Supreme Pontiff celebrate mass ushering in the new year. The Mass was celebrated on the occasion of the 43 World Day of Peace and the Soleminity of Mary the Mother of God. Here is reporter Chris Alteri….
Actuality.
010310%20World%20Day%20of%20Peace%20%282%29.mp3
Actuality 010110%20Erie%20Seminarians%20Serve%20Holy%20Father.mp3
Wesley Wheeler, a seminarian of the Diocese of Erie and brother seminarians of the Diocese traveled to Rome to serve Pope Benedict 15th as the Supreme Pontiff celebrate mass ushering in the new year. The Mass was celebrated on the occasion of the 43 World Day of Peace and the Soleminity of Mary the Mother of God. Here is reporter Chris Alteri….
Actuality.
010310%20World%20Day%20of%20Peace%20%282%29.mp3
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