7-30-2010

PAVING SCAM NAILED

A New Bethlehem man is accused of running a scam paving company. Police said 21 year old Avery James Stanley approached an 82 year old man from Clarion and told him he could repair a small patch in his driveway for 3-dollars a square foot. Before he knew it though, the man’s entire driveway was repaved and the victim was being charged 45-hundred dollars. The company that has three known names including Attenborough Paving, Tri-State Paving, and PA Paving. After the equipment was spotted at a local hotel, Stanley was placed in the Clarion County Jail in lieu of 45-thousand dollars cash bail.

OIL PRICE

Oil settled at 78-dollars-36-cents per barrel Thursday, a gain of a dollar-37-cents.

FREE DRUGS

Diabetics in Western Pennsylvania will now get the drugs they need for free. Giant Eagle Incorporated is giving out five commonly prescribed generic drugs for free at its pharmacies in the region. The company will also soon offer free diabetes screenings and have a specialist on-hand at all of its pharmacy locations.

MAN EJECTED FROM VEHICLE IN CRANBERRY CRASH

A Seneca man riding as a passenger suffers severe injuries in a crash on Deep Hollow Road in Cranberry Township. Police said 30-year-old Matthew Rex was ejected from the vehicle after driver 44-year-old Arthur Sweeney of Seneca lost control on the wet roadway earlier this week. Rex was flown to an undisclosed hospital. Sweeney was not hurt, but police say neither man was wearing a seatbelt.

LOGAN TO RETIRE

State Senator Sean Logan has announced that he will be stepping down from his seat effective August 24th. The Monroeville Democrat says he is leaving the Senate to pursue a position at UPMC. An election will be scheduled by the Senate president to select a replacement to serve the remainder of Logan's term which expires in 2012.

LOCAL FOOD DRIVE

This weekend is a change to help out your neighbor by donating to the local food pantry. On Saturday from noon until 5, the people of the Cornerstone Church of God in Meadville will be in the Big Lots Parking lot collecting food and toiletries for the less fortunate. Bev Kerr, who’s in charge of the pantry, says in the last few months, supply has become a critical issue, but she says she’s always amazed at the community’s support.
They say they are hoping to collect more food than they can carry home. At the booth there will be food and also information on how to help or connect someone who may be in need.

CYS IN VENANGO INVESTIGATING CORRUPTION

The state police at Franklin are saying they are investigating a corruption of minors case in Cherrytree Township, Venango County. Children and Youth Services reportedly brought the activity to authorities’ attention. It allegedly happened for a little over a month, from the end of June through last Wednesday. No names are being released yet pending the investigation.

TWO HURT IN ROLLOVER ACCIDENT

Four people are involved and two are hurt in a rollover accident on Thursday afternoon. Police said that driver 21 year old Derek Rupp was on 322 in Cranberry Township when he passed another vehicle. Shortly after passing, he rolled the car over containing 20-year-old Mandi Hutt, 21-year-old Justin Bauchman and one-year-old Elizabeth Pangallo. Rupp and Hutt suffered minor injuries and the other two were not hurt. The driver is being charged.
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7/29/2010

COURT AMNESTY

The Court of Common Pleas in Crawford County is trying something a little different to get people to pay up. They’ve announced that the week of August 16th will be an Amnesty Week for non-violent offenders. During that week, certain offenders will be permitted to appear, without being arrested on an outstanding bench warrant to either pay outstanding fines, other costs, or to make arrangements to do so. People are encouraged to call the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office at 814-333-7335 to see if they qualify for the program.

FREE DRUGS FOR DIABETICS

There's good news for diabetics in Northeast Ohio. Giant Eagle Incorporated is giving out five commonly prescribed generic drugs for free at its pharmacies in the region. More than 300-thousand people in the Greater Cleveland are diabetic and customers can receive 30- to 90-day supplies for Type 2 diabetes drugs starting today. The company is the first to offer free diabetes drugs in Northeast Ohio.

OIL PRICES

The price of light, sweet crude fell 51-cents to close at 76-dollars-99-cents a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

VENANGO COUNTY FAIR IS COMING

It’s that time of year to “Come Out of the Den in 2010.” The Venango County Fair is August 2nd through the 7th from 9 a-m until 11 p-m each day. The fairgrounds are located on route 62, three miles south of Franklin. For a complete schedule for the week visit www.venangocountyfair.com.

ATV THEFT

A Sugarcreek Boro man is accused of stealing a Cooperstown man’s ATV…Edwin Baker allegedly stole the green Honda ATV from the man on Redneck Lane, Jackson Township, Venango County. Baker was charged with the possession of stolen property and was released from jail on 15 thousand unsecured bail.

VANTAGE NEW HOME FOR TOYS FOR TOTS

Vantage Healthcare in Meadville is about to celebrate their one year anniversary in town by doing a good deed. Toys for Tots main headquarters in Crawford County is now located inside their building, giving them a clean, dry place to operate. Vantage made the offer once they heard they were being displaced from yet another location within the county. Katrina McCullough, the Director of Advertising and PR at Vantage says on Friday, August 6th from 4 to 8, they are ringing in the holiday spirit a little early.
There’s a car cruise scheduled, along with a balloon artist, and also a bounce house. Although, McCullough says this is going to be an even busier night than usual in Meadville.
And don’t worry if you can’t make it, if you have toys to donate, simply call ahead and feel free to drop them off at their South Main Street location any time of the year!

STATE SUED OVER BONUSGATE

A Bonusgate defendant acquitted of all corruption charges is suing the state and demanding his legislative job back. Steven Keefer was fired in 2007 from his job as information technology director for the state House Democratic caucus and charged with diverting public resources to political campaigns. The 40-year-old was acquitted this spring, while his three co-defendants, including former Democratic Whip Mike Veon, were convicted. According to the suit filed in Harrisburg Wednesday, Keefer is suing for more than two-million-dollars in damages and claims the case was politically motivated.

ONORATO SUPPORTS EXTENSION OF LOW INCCOME INSURANCE

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato expressed his support of a four-year extension of Pennsylvania's low-income insurance program. If the state does not come to an agreement with four Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers, nearly 46-thousand people covered by AdultBasic could lose their health insurance on January 1st. Onorato said extending that agreement to 2014, when the federal health insurance overhaul takes full effect, is an essential "lifeline." Republican candidate Tom Corbett has said he supports a six-month extension to work with the Legislature and insurance providers to devise a system that's "fair."____________________________________________

7-28-2010

I80 TRUCK CRASH

A man from San Antonio, Texas is injured after rolling his tractor-trailer over on I-80 late Tuesday morning. Around 10 a-m, driver 26 year old London Wilson was traveling east on 80 near the Emlenton Exit when he lost control. Reports did not indicate why Wilson lost control. He was taken to UPMC-Northwest for treatment.

APPEAL FOR 12 YEAR OLD MURDER SUSPECT

The state Superior Court has accepted a hearing for an appeal in the case of 12-year-old boy charged with killing his father's pregnant fiancé. The court will review a Lawrence County judge's decision to try Jordan Brown as an adult. Brown was eleven-years-old when prosecutors say he shot and killed 26-year-old Kenzie Houk and her baby while she slept last February. The judge reasoned Brown should be charged as an adult because he has not accepted responsibility and would be less susceptible to rehabilitation in the juvenile system.

FED DOLLARS FOR MED ASSISTANCE UNLIKELY

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell says help from the Obama administration for medical assistance funding is now a long shot. Governor spokesperson Gary Tuma says they anticipated millions in federal dollars to balance the state's Medicaid budget. He says a divided U.S. Senate is not expected to approve an extension of Medicaid help to the states. He adds the funding shortfall will put an 850-million-dollar hole in the state's spending plan. The governor is expected to meet with lawmakers to discuss the issue next month.

PA RACE TO THE TOP FINALIST

Pennsylvania has been named a finalist in the national “Race To The Top” program, making it eligible for more than three-billion dollars in education grants. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the 19 finalists. The finalists were pulled from 35 states and the District of Columbia. Each state making the rounds will travel to Washington, DC next month to present their reform plans. The winner will be announced in September.

VEON SEEKS NEW TRIAL

Former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon is seeking a new trial following his Bonusgate conviction. Defense lawyers for Veon and his former legislative aide Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink appeared in court this week to ask the judge to throw out their convictions. The lawyers say a new trial is necessary since a juror in the original case became ill during deliberations and had to be replaced by an alternate. Veon and Perretta-Rosepink were found guilty earlier this year of scheming to reward campaign work with taxpayer dollars.

3 MILLION DOLLAR BILL TO UPDATE MEGAL LAW OFFENDERS

State officials estimate it will cost Pennsylvania at least three-million-dollars to update its system tracking sexual offenders. If the state fails to bring "Megan's Law" into "significant compliance" with a new federal law by next July, it will begin to lose at least a million-dollars a year in funding. July 2011 is when the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act will be implemented, which requires all states to meet sentencing and other law enforcement standards for sex offenders. If Pennsylvania is not in compliance, it will take a ten-percent hit to the annual eleven-million-dollars it receives each year.

GAS PRICES RISE

The average price for a gallon of self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline in Western PA rose one-and-a half cents this week. The current price at the pump is 2.71 a gallon. According to the Weekly Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report, current local area average prices include Meadville and Erie at 2.76, Clarion and Dubois at 2.70, and Brookville at 2.69.

CLARION COUNTY FAIR

The Clarion County Fair is well underway and will be through Saturday…Today’s events include a Junior Sheep Show, a Children’s Barn and the Clarion River Jazz Combo on the Free Stage at 6:30 and again at 8:30. For a complete list of events for the week visit www.clarioncountyfair.com.

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR PEPSI MONEY

The Blue Streak is now only 5 spots away from receiving the 50-grand from the Pepsi Refresh Program moving one step closer to number-15. To vote visit www.conneautlakepark.com and click on the Pepsi logo. The top ten ideas in this category will be awarded the money, and voting ends July 31st.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices settled one-dollar-48-cents lower Tuesday to land at 77-dollars-50-cents a barrel.

SERVICES FROM MS SOCIETY

Some local organizations go above and beyond the normal call of duty to help others struggling with disease. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Western PA Chapter is one example that answers that call. From social needs to a stray utility bill, Colleen Szymczak says they do their best to keep their registered members comfortable.
So far there is no known cause or cure for MS. Symptoms include but are not limited to dizziness, tingling fingers or sudden blindness. They are attributed to lesions on the brain. Symczak commented the typical onset of the disease is between the ages of 20 to 50, therefore making diagnosis a bit difficult. To learn more visit their website at www.nationalMSsociety.org/PAX.

WOMAN THROWN FROM PICKUP

A Crawford County woman is moderately injured after being thrown from a pick-up. Police said 20-year-old Ester Harry of Cochranton was a passenger in the truck that went out of control on Donation Hill Road. When it hit an embankment Harry was ejected. She was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt, and had to be taken to a Pittsburgh hospital. The driver is being identified only as a male from the Cochranton area.

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7-27-2010

TITUSVILLE HIGH SPEED CHASE

A Titusville man is in hot water after leading police on a chase. Officials say they tried to stop 27 year old Thomas Tucker in the Hydetown Borough Sunday, but instead he took off. His pick up truck got stuck though in Oil Creek Township. Tucker was reportedly in possession of a stolen firearm. He is facing several charges and was lodged in the Crawford County Jail on 40-thousand dollars bond.

DEWEESE TO STAND TRIAL FOR BONUSGATE

State Representative Bill DeWeese was ordered to stand trial Monday on charges connected to Pennsylvania's Bonusgate scandal. The Greene County Democrat told a grand jury back in December that legislative aides regularly campaigned during state time. DeWeese said looking back, it was wrong, but chalked it up to the regular, political culture on Capitol Hill.

OHIO PROBATION SYSTEM

A new report released today says Ohio's probation system needs help. The study by the Council of State Governments Justice Center says the state's system is made up of multiple agencies without common rules to treat offenders under supervision. The study shows many offenders serve short prison sentences multiple times, which is becoming costly for the cash-short agency. The study also found only 40-percent of inmates serving short sentences are a low risk of offending again.

COMMISSION URGED TO RESTURE CONFIDENCE IN PUBLIC OFFICIALS

In the midst of the ongoing Bonusgate corruption scandal, some lawmakers have proposed a Public Integrity Commission to restore public confidence in state government. Representative Eugene DePasquale explained Monday the effort is aimed at ensuring state politicians do not make the same, age-old mistakes. The seven-member panel would replace the state Ethics Commission and expand its scope to have law enforcement and subpoena power. Sponsors hope the panel would root out corruption, make government more transparent and act as a check on state legislators' power.

BARGAIN BUYING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

It's back-to-school time, and more parents say they're bargain-hunting for their kids' necessities. A Deloitte survey released today of more than a thousand parents found that 58-percent were changing the way they shopped. They'll be buying more items on sale or getting only the stuff their kids really needed. Most said they'd be using their smart phones or online social networking to help find the best buys.

OIL PRICES

Oil prices settled unchanged at 78-dollars-98-cents a barrel Monday.

THUNDER IN THE CITY

Motorcycles and music usually go hand-in-hand pretty well, and Meadville plans on showcasing that relationship this year with their 2nd annual Thunder in the City presented by the Meadville-Western Crawford County Chamber of Commerce. Happening on August 6th and 7th, Executive Director Kathleen Bishop says they are changing up the entertainment factor this year.
There will be vendors this year along the Diamond and Chesnut Streets. The main car show will be at 10 a-m on Saturday and the bike ride will start at the Montana Rib and Chop House in Vernon Township at 1 o’clock. Last year over 200 bikes went for the ride.

EDUCATION MAY HOLD OFF ALZHEIMERS

A college education may be the best defense against dementia. A new study out of Britain and Finland found a strong link between higher education and a person's ability to weather changes in the aging brain. For every year of education past high school, a person's risk of dementia decreased eleven-percent. A four-year-college degree meant a 44-percent decline in the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.

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7-26-2010

PLANE CRASH KILLS TWO

Two local men are dead after a plane crash in Venango County. Officials said on Saturday morning just before 11:30, the small single engine plane came crashing down in the woods about a hundred yards northwest of Miller Road in Sandy Creek Township. Fifty-seven year old David Wagner of Shippenville, and 54-year-old Rob Carbaugh of Seneca were both killed in the crash. The cause of the crash is still being investigated.

ONE DEAD IN ROLLOVER CRASH

An Oil City woman is killed in a rollover crash in Crawford County…Police said 33-year-old Virginia VanWormer was killed just before 10 o’clock Saturday night on Route 8 in Bloomfield Township. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

NEW YORK TORNADO SATURDAY

A tornado touched down over the weekend in Chautauqua County. Saturday afternoon around 5ish, the funnel cloud was spotted around the border of northwest, PA and into New York. No reports of any serious injuries. A couple of people were reported going to Hamot after a tree fell on their car.

KAY COWHER PASSES

Steelers nation is morning the passing of Kaye Cowher, the wife of former Pittsburgh football coach Bill Cowher. Kaye Cowher died Friday in North Carolina after losing a battle with skin cancer. The "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" reports the 54-year-old Cowher was considered the driving force behind her husband's retirement in 2007, urging him to move to North Carolina for family reasons. For the last three years, Mr. Cowher has worked as a studio analyst for CBS Sports on its "NFL Today" show.

GAS PRICES CONTINUE TO CLIMB

Gasoline prices are rising along with oil prices. Businessweek.com reports the latest Lundberg survey of 25-hundred gas stations across the U.S. finds the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is now two-dollars-and-73-cents a gallon. That's a one-cent increase in the past two weeks. Survey editor Trilby Lundberg said gasoline prices haven't exactly mirrored oil prices, though. She said oil prices during the time period went up an equivalent of nearly seven-cents a gallon.

MENTAL ILLNESS UP IN THE ARMY

Mental disorders that require soldiers to leave the Army have jumped by 64 percent from 2005 to 2009. "USA Today" cites statistics from the Army that indicate one-in-nine soldiers receive medical discharges. There were 12-hundred-24 soldiers who left the military with mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, last year. The number was an increase from 745 in 2005. The Army and veterans advocates say it indicates a growing emotional toll on a military that's spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan.

LAST WEEK TO VOTE FOR BLUE STREAK

If you’d like to see the Blue Streak Coaster from Conneaut Lake Park re-opened, keep voting to win the 50-thousand dollars from the Pepsi Refresh Project. The coaster has moved from #17 to #16 from last Friday. The top 10 projects will get the money. To vote, visit www.conneautlakepark.com. Voting ends July 31st.

SESTAK REACTS

U.S. Senate candidate Joe Sestak is speaking out against a recent television ad that calls into question his support from Israel. Citing multiple inaccuracies, the Pennsylvania Congressman's campaign has reportedly asked Comcast to cease running one of the ads from The Emergency Committee for Israel. In the commercial, the conservative group claims Sestak helped fundraise for an organization called a "front group for Hamas" and refused to sign a bipartisan letter affirming U.S. support for Israel.

MS WALK IS COMING

Every hour in the U.S. someone is newly diagnosed with M-S, or Multiple Sclerosis, a disabling disease that can have a wide range of effects, from blindness to paralysis. That’s why the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western PA Chapter is hosting an MS Walk on Sunday, September 12th at Roche Park in Vernon Township. Colleen Szymczak of the Society says they hope it’s a hit this year, like last year.
Registration starts at 1 p-m and the walk starts at 1:30. There are two options for the walk - one can either do the one-mile course or the 3-mile option. Szymczak says M-S is a widespread problem in our neighborhood.
All the money raised will be used to help treat those living with MS in and around the Crawford County area. To sign up visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/PAX.

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7-23-2010

FALL KILLS TEEN

A Clarion teenager is dead after a fall. Officials said 14-year-old Brandon Taylor died at a Pittsburgh Hospital after his fatal fall Wednesday. Authorities did not say what caused the fall, but the incident is being considered an accident.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SIGNED

Thousands of Keystone State residents will keep getting unemployment benefits now that President Obama has signed an extension of the federal safety net. However, it may take a few weeks for those who just now, or recently, exhausted the benefits. That's because the state will need to update the computer databases to include everyone again. The jobless aid has been extended through November.

OIL PRICE

At the close on the New York Mercantile Exchange Thursday, the price of a barrel of U.S. crude climbed two-dollars-74-cents to finish at 79-dollars-30-cents.

NEW NATURE TRAIL OPENS

Nature lovers will be happy to know a part of the new trail that runs from Erie to Pittsburgh has opened in Crawford County. The just-over 3 mile trail section is in Spartansburg near Clear Lake Park at an old railroad site. There is parking at both ends of the trail where it runs into route 89. Makers of the city-connecting trail say they hope one day to connect Erie not only to Pittsburgh, but all the way down to Washington, DC.

MOST DONT UNDERSTAND CREDIT CARD CONTRACTS

The typical credit card contract in the U.S. is written at a 12th grade level and four out of five Americans can't understand them. That's the bottom line in a new CreditCards.com study of agreements offered by major card issuers in the United States. The organization says the typical American adult reads at a ninth-grade level and only one in five adults reads above a 12th-grade level.

HOG HEAVEN CELEBRATION

The Hog Heaven Rescue Farm in Cochranton takes in hoofed animals without a home, and could also be your chance to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most unique animals. The Alpaca, a domesticated South American hoofed animal related to the llama, has fascinated children and adults for years, and now you can see and touch the coveted mane. David Allman, one half of the owner/operator of the farm says the difference between a mule and an alpaca is about 20-thousand dollars amongst other features.
At Hog Heaven anyone can enjoy the animals from 10 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday. They are on Mallory Road in Cochranton. They have several pot-bellied pigs, horses, mules, donkeys, goats, sheep, and of course, alpacas.

COUNTDOWN ON FOR BLUE STREAK FUNDRAISER

Including today, there are 9 days left to vote Conneaut Lake Park’s Blue Streak into the top 10 for the Pepsi Refresh Project. Jumping two places from Thursday, the iconic coaster went from 19 to 17. The top 10 ideas will receive 50-thousand dollars toward their cause. Visit www.conneautlakepark.com and scroll down the right side of the page.

2 DEAD IN PLANT EXPLOSION

Two people were killed in an explosion at a Beaver County zinc plant Thursday. Dispatchers reported the blast occurred around 4:30 p.m. in a refinery column at Horsehead Corporation on Frankfort Road in Monaca. It's unknown what caused the explosion. Names have not been released yet, pending the notification of the next of kin.

TEEN TAKES OUT TRAFFIC LIGHT

A Meadville teen’s SUV is has major damage and rush hour traffic is backed up after he fell asleep at the wheel. Police said 19-year-old Andrew Dudenhoeffer got a rude awakening on the Smock Highway in Vernon Township after he took out an electronic crosswalk signal by the Home Depot Plaza about 5:40 a-m Thursday morning. The eastbound lane of route 6 was closed for about an hour while crews cleaned up the mess.

MATT BOND GOLF TOURNEY

A late PA state trooper who was raised in Meadville, and graduated from Edinboro University, is being honored and remembered through a charity golf outing. Trooper Matthew R. Bond died on January 14th of 2000 from injuries sustained in a traffic accident near I-90 in Harborcreek Township while on duty. The benefit golf outing will be at the Whispering Pines Golf Course on Middle Road in Meadville on September 22nd with registration at 9 a-m.

OIL HERITAGE FEST CONTINUES

Not only is it Friday, but its Day 2 of the 32nd Annual Oil Heritage Festival. Expect to see activities on Seneca Street today from 10 to 6. The big Oil Heritage Parade will be Saturday at 5 p-m. Oil City will be full of oil-related fun all weekend long including arts, crafts, music, and food.
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7-22-2010

OIL HERITAGE FESTIVAL

It’s the official start of the 32nd Annual Oil Heritage Festival today. Even though activities have been going on for a few days already, today marks the official start to the celebration. Today, a children’s fun fair will be from noon ‘til 2 at Justus Park in Oil City. For a complete list of all the activities, visit www.oilheritagefestival.com on the web.

ONE DEAD IN JEFFERSON COUNTY CRASH

A young man from Jefferson County is killed in a one-vehicle accident. State police said 21-year-old Joshua Culp of Corsica was killed on route 322 near Brookville after his SUV went off the road and into a tree. It happened at 1:30 in the morning on Tuesday in Rose Township. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials did not release a cause of the crash.

DRUG CHARGES IN TITUSVILLE

Four teens are facing drug related charges after being caught in the Titusville area. Authorities say they netted LSD and pot from three teens at a home on East Central Avenue. In that bust they charged 19-year-old Stacey Marvin and Joshua Smith and Justin Smith – both 18. In a second bust, a 17-year old from Titusville was allegedly caught with a large amount of marijuana along with drug paraphernalia. He faces several charges as well.

OIL CITY MAN CHARGED WITH 5 THOUSAND IN BURGLARIES

An Oil City man is facing burglary, theft, and criminal trespass charges after stealing about 5-thousand dollars worth of rings. Police are accusing Michael J. Edwards of taking the property from a residence along 157 in Cranberry Township, Venango County earlier this week. Edwards is currently in the Jefferson County Jail on other charges.

TEEN INVESTIGATED FOR SEX ABUSE

Officials are not yet releasing any names, but say that a known male juvenile is being investigated for the possible sexual abuse of another underage boy and the corruption of minors for a second juvenile male. The State Police at Franklin are reporting it allegedly happened on Pine Valley Lane, in the Pine Valley Trailer Park in Jackson Township, Venango County back on July 2nd. A multi-agency investigation continues to develop additional evidence.

MOTORCYCLE/HORSE-BUGGY CRASH

A motorcycle crashes into a horse and buggy in Crawford County. Police said earlier this week, the buggy driven by 18-year-old Mary Lee failed to signal that she was making a left. As a result, 46 year old Frederick Hain Jr. of Lebanon, who tried to go around her on Route 8 in Centerville, smacked into the buggy knocking his passenger off the bike. The driver suffered minor injuries as well. The driver of the buggy was not hurt but is being charged.

CONNEAUTVILLE MAN TO DO TIME FOR DUI ACCIDENT

A 19-year-old Crawford County man will do jail time for a DUI accident that injured him and two others. Michael Bloom of Conneautville was sentenced to 11-and-a-half to 23-and-a-half months after pleading guilty to the accident that happened late October – that’s according to goerie.com. Bloom reportedly did not yield to oncoming traffic on Rogers Ferry Road in Hayfield Township and slammed into another vehicle.

MARCELLUS SHALE DRILLING A BILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS

A new study estimates that drilling in Pennsylvania's natural gas-rich Marcellus shale could generate up to a billion-dollars a year in taxes. The American Petroleum Institute yesterday released the findings in opposition of a proposed severance tax on the gas. According to the study, conducted by researchers from Wyoming's Natural Resource Economics, the drilling would support 100-thousand jobs in the next decade and continually increase tax collections. Officials with the American Petroleum Institute claim that growth would be slowed by a severance tax.

GOV TO PUSH FOR HIS TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Governor Rendell has announced plans for a six-day bus trip around Pennsylvania in August to tout his transportation fundraising plan. Rendell told the Senate Transportation Committee the state needs to act fast to enact new taxes in order to raise as much revenue as possible for urgent road, bridge and mass transit improvements. The governor's "plan-A" is to tax the "gross profits" of oil companies in order to raise up to 900-million dollars. His back-up plan could generate over 470-million dollars a year by raising gasoline taxes by three-to-four-cents a gallon and imposing higher fees on drivers' licenses and vehicle registration. Specific stops on the governor's bus tour have not been announced.

EDUCATION STANDARDS TO CHANGE

A recent report gave Pennsylvania a failing mark for its educational standards in reading and math but says next year's adoption of national standards will greatly improve learning. The Fordham Institute report provides a state-by-state look at educational standards as a way to gauge what can be expected when states adopt the Common Core Standards in the 2011 school year. The Keystone State received a "D" in language arts and an "F" in mathematics. Forty-eight states are on board to adopt the common core standards, a program the Obama administration has endorsed as a vital step in improving public education in the United States.
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7-21-2010

2 DEAD IN CRASH

Two men are dead after a 2-vehicle accident in Girard Township, Erie County. It happened about 8:30 Tuesday evening when driver 49-year-old Kurt Hainzer of Albion went into the oncoming lane on route 5 and hit a Ford 350. The driver of the truck, 39 year old Norman Beatty of East Springfield was unable to avoid hitting the motorcycle. Hainzer and his passenger 45 year old David Graham of East Springfield were both killed in the crash. Beatty was not injured. Authorities have commented speed may have been a factor in the crash.

CLARION COUNTY RAPE

A 20 year old Corsica woman claims she was raped …The unnamed victim says that a 30-year-old man from Imperial sexually assaulted her late last week multiple times while camping at a residence along 208 in Salem Township, Clarion County. The investigation is ongoing.

EAST FAIRFIELD MOOSE LODGE INVADED

A Moose Lodge in East Fairfield, Crawford County is broken into early Tuesday morning. Police said that someone got in the lodge by prying open a side door just before 4:30 a-m. They didn’t take anything, but the cable and telephone wires to the business were cut. Tips should be directed to the PSP at Meadville.

GAS PRICES HOLD STEADY

Western Pennsylvania gas prices remained steady this week. The average price for a gallon of self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline is approximately 2.70 at the pump. According to the Weekly Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report, current local area average prices include, Meadville, Clarion and Mercer at 2.70, DuBois at 2.61 and Erie at 2.71.

OIL PRICE

On the New York Mercantile Exchange crude oil settled up 90 cents Tuesday to land at 77-dollars-44-cents a barrel.

CORBETT CORRECTS HIS STATEMENT ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT

Tom Corbett has addressed his widely criticized comments about unemployment. Corbett did so during an appearance Tuesday at Central Pennsylvania College in Cumberland County. Corbett admitted he misspoke earlier this month when he told a Lancaster County audience that people have little incentive to find jobs while collecting unemployment benefits. However, the Republican candidate for governor added the heightened focus on his remarks were the result of negative campaigning by Democratic challenger Dan Onorato.

THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN!!!

Tonight is a chance for the family to get out of the house and enjoy some old fashioned fun. All the way from South Carolina, The Lewis and Clark Circus is coming to the Crawford County Fairgrounds, tonight from 5 to 7:30. Michelle Hammond, the Lewis and Clark Circus office manager has a preview of tonight’s show…
Hammond also commented that they’ve been doing this for 20-plus years and have been all over.
Tickets are 15-dollars for adults and 5 for kids who don’t already have the free coupon. Visit www.lewisandclarkcircus.com for more info.

BLUE STREAK IS STILL IN THE MONEY

The Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park is still number 19 on the list of Pepsi Refresh Projects. The top ten projects that get the most votes will receive 50-thousand dollars. Voting ends July 31st. To vote for the historic coaster simply go to www.conneautlakepark.com and scroll down the page to the right side.

SENATOR OPPOSED RENDELLS TRANSPORTATION IDEAS

One state senator is speaking out against some of Governor Rendell's proposals to raise money for transportation projects. Hempfield Republican Senator Kim Ward issued a statement Tuesday saying the governor wants to pawn the high costs of mass transit systems in metropolitan areas onto, quote, "hard-working" residents of rural Pennsylvania. Senator Ward took particular issue with plans to raise drivers' license fees and vehicle registration. A Rendell spokesperson said the governor's first choice to generate funds for road projects is to impose a new tax on the profits of oil companies.

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7-20-2010

SHOT FIRED AT BEACH CLUB

A Harmonsburg man is charged after allegedly firing a gun off inside the Beach Club in Conneaut Lake. Police say it happened late Sunday night around 10 when 45 year old Steven Popovich fired off the .25 caliber weapon. No one was hurt, but Popovich is facing reckless endangerment charges.

MAN INJURED IN MONDAY ACCIDENT

A Cochranton man suffers moderate injuries after a rollover accident on state highway 198 late Monday morning. Police said 24 year old driver Dustin Powell missed a curve and lost control. He went into the ditch and hit a utility pole, flipping over several times. His passenger, Adam Peterson, had undetermined injuries. Several ambulance and fire companies responded to the scene. Charges are being filed against the driver.

VEON IN PRISON

Convicted state Representative Mike Veon is settling into his new cell in Somerset County. The 53-year-old former West Mayfield resident has been transferred from a state prison near Harrisburg to Laurel Highlands, a minimum-security facility about 100 miles southeast of Beaver County. Veon was sentenced last month to six to 14 years in prison for his involvement in the Bonusgate scandal. He was found guilty of 14 counts of theft and fraud in connection to an illegal bonus scheme for campaign work.

RENDELL SLAPS AT CORBETT

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett is now drawing fire from Governor Ed Rendell for criticizing the unemployed. During a campaign stop in Lancaster County on July 9th, Corbett said people don't want to work while unemployment checks are coming in. According to "The Patriot-News," Rendell delivered the Democrats' latest attack against Corbett Monday, calling him "out of touch with what 'ordinary' people deal with every day." Last week, Corbett's campaign officials said the Republican gubernatorial candidate realizes most of the unemployed are actively looking for a job.

TOOMEY CONTINUES TO LEAD SESTAK

Republican Senate hopeful Pat Toomey continued to maintain his modest lead over Democratic rival Joe Sestak. The latest Rasmussen poll shows Toomey holding a 45 to 38-percent lead. The margin could grow even smaller with 12-percent of voters polled saying they're undecided. Sestak beat out longtime Senator Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania Democratic primary election.

OIL PRICES

Oil prices settled up 53 cents Monday at 76-dollars-54-cents a barrel.

GAS PRICES CLIMB

The national average price for regular gasoline rose about half-a-cent in the past week to two-72-a-gallon. The Energy Information Administration says the new average is 26-cents higher than the year ago average. The jump, the first in three weeks, coincided with a two-dollar per barrel boost in oil prices last week. West Coast drivers are paying the highest prices at the pump while ironically Gulf Coast motorists are paying the least.

LADIES DAY OUT

This Wednesday, the Hotel Conneaut is going to be transformed to an all girls club for Ladies Day Out. The Conneaut Lake Institute is hosting guest speakers, a style show, and lunch in the crystal ballroom. Rusty Gordon from the Conneaut Lake Institute says that this year, they are making the classes convenient for everybody.
Topics for the day include how to preserve your family’s heirloom art and jewelry, cooking tips, and health and fitness advice. Tickets are 25-dollars and are available by calling 382-6000 from 10 to 5. Registration starts at 9 a-m on Wednesday.

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7-19-2010

I79 CRASH KILLS ONE

A Conneaut Lake woman is dead after crashing in I-79 North. Police said on Friday evening a little after five, 60-year-old Cheryl Sisk left the east side of road and went into a tree around mile marker 178 in Summit Township, Erie County. Her passenger, grandson 19-year-old Ryan Schmitt, also of Conneaut Lake, was flown to Hamot because of chest pains. Police say a dog was also killed in the crash.

HIGH SPEED CHASE ON A MOTORCYCLE

It was anything but a Sunday driver for police in Clarion Township. Officials are saying a Reynoldsville man on his motorcycle was clocked at 117 miles per hour on I-80 west, but when they tried to pull him over, a chase with speeds in excess of 120 miles an per hour ensued. It happened late Sunday morning and police say 39-year-old Leland Dean Jewell is facing felony charges of fleeing and attempting to elude police amongst other counts. Troopers got him on foot after he drove into wooded field.

STATE LAYOFFS

Within the next two weeks, hundreds of state employees will be out of a job. WGAL-TV reports Governor Ed Rendell is expected to announce up to one-thousand layoffs by early August as a result of the 28-billion-dollar budget recently passed by the state Legislature. And Rendell says if Congress doesn't approve 850-million dollars in Medicaid funding included in this year's budget, he'll be forced to lay off thousands more to make up for it.

TAX ON MARCELLUS SHALE EXPECTED

Leaders of the General Assembly say they're confident a severance tax on natural gas from the Marcellus Shale will be passed by October 1st. However, there are some big issues that remain, including what the tax rate will be and how to divide the revenue between state and municipal governments. Another complication lies in Attorney General Tom Corbett, who has vowed to not impose any new taxes if he's elected governor in November. That would mean supporters in the state House and Senate would have to work quickly to pass the tax in order to help bridge the projected five-billion-dollar budget deficit.

DAHLKEMPER-NO FED DOLLARS TO ABORTIONS

Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper says that no federal money will go toward abortion under the new health care reform plan. She commented that “The Executive Order signed by the president on March 24th clearly states that under the Affordable Health Care for America Act: ‘Federal funds are not used for abortion services - except in cases of rape or incest, or when the life of the woman would be endangered, consistent with a longstanding Federal statutory restriction.” Other than that she says, the Department of Health and Human Services must make absolutely clear to the states that any federally funded insurance plan or program will not include elective abortion or there will be consequences.

FORMALDEHYDE LIMITS NOW LAW

A law recently signed by President Obama will limit the amount of formaldehyde allowed in wood, which will probably lead to higher furniture prices. "USA Today" reports the rule will also lead to healthier homes because the chemical can have some serious side effects. Formaldehyde is commonly used in inexpensive furniture and cabinets constructed from particle board. The wood product is made from sawdust, wax and formaldehyde-based glue. More expensive furniture is generally made from hardwoods and domestic hardwood plywood that doesn't use formaldehyde containing glue.

OIL HISTORY HIGHLIGHTED

On Wednesday there’s a new way to learn about oil at the Venango Museum of Art, Science, and Industry. As part of the Oil City Heritage Celebration, there’s an educational seminar at the museum at 2 o’clock called “Oil City, Oil Exchange: Making the price of crude for the world!” Pam Black, the VP of Heritage Development for the Oil Region Alliance explains further.
Neil McElwee, area oil historian and author. His talk will be augmented with historic area photographs and maps. The Oil Exchange in Oil City utilized several outdoor and indoor spots along what is now Center Street in the Downtown Commercial Historic District of Oil City. This is an informal presentation, including participant discussion and questions. Light refreshments available on site.

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7-16-2010

FRANKLIN RAPE CHARGE

A Franklin man is jailed on rape charges. Police said 28 year old Matthew Laam was jailed on 50 thousand dollars bail after he allegedly raped a 26 year old woman at an apartment back in April. He’s facing counts of rape and indecent assault. The attack allegedly stopped when someone arrived on scene.

MISSING WOMAN

A woman is missing from the Shippenville area and is considered endangered. Her name is 20 year old Jennifer Lynn Nichols and police say she’s been missing since Thursday afternoon. She’s blonde with hazel eyes about 5’5, 130 pounds, and wears glasses. Nichols has mental and physical limitations as she is deaf and has cerebral palsy. She could be with a 30 year old man who is also deaf. Police believe she’s either in the Shippenville area or en route to the Pittsburgh area.

HIGH SPEED CHASE IN FRANKLIN

A Franklin man is in hot water after reportedly fleeing and eluding police. Officials said 24 year old Tyler Clark appeared to be highly intoxicated when he led police on a chase around the Meadville Pike, Rocky Grove Avenue area. He eventually drove himself down Seneca Street and got stuck in a dead end where police were able to arrest him. He was taken to the Venango County Jail in lieu of 10-thousand dollars bail. Clark faces several charges including DUI, Fleeing and Eluding and numerous other traffic violations. It happened just before nine last night.

FOUL PLAY NOT SUSPECTED IN SPRINGBORO DEATH

Police are saying, so far, they don’t suspect foul play in the death of a Linesville man. Twenty-one year old Travis Eels was found deceased inside a car in Springboro Wednesday afternoon by a local just passing by. Toxicology tests have been done, but so far, no public results. Authorities are not saying whether an autopsy will be done.

ANIMAL CRUELTY IN JEFFERSON CO

Reports are now surfacing about a case of gross animal cruelty in Jefferson County. Eighty-four cats and one dog were seized from a rented home on Pine Street in Punxsutawney, PA. Officer Regina Martin, with the PSPCA said that the 2-and-a-half story, 7-room house was covered from top to bottom with feces and other wastes. It was so bad, rescue crews had to borrow breathing apparatus from the local fire department simply to get the animals out. There was also a 39-year-old mentally challenged man living there who was rescued. The man, was reportedly left there by a mother and brother who went elsewhere to live. Neighbors tipped officials off after the odor from the house became overwhelming. Charges are expected to follow.

RESCUE FARM ANNIVERSARY

Hog Heaven Rescue Farm is a place where people and animals can go to find their inner peace. Located on Mallory Road in Cochranton, this is a place for hoofed animals to have a second chance. Regina Martin, runs the place with her husband and saves this is something she’s wanted to do for a long time.
This Saturday is Hog Heaven’s 10th anniversary Open House and they will be open from 9 to 5 with all kinds of entertainment and fun. Families are encouraged to come and partake in the activities - including interacting with the animals. They have about 60 pot bellied pigs, horses, donkeys, mules, and they sometimes have goats and sheep. Visit www.hogheavenrescue.org

MOST EXPENSIVE TOLL ROAD IN AMERICA

When the toll increase goes into effect in January on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, it will become the most expensive long toll road in the nation. On Wednesday, the Turnpike Commission approved a three-percent hike for EZ-Pass users and ten-percent for cash customers. That means the cash cost of driving the roadway, which cuts across the entire southern half of the state, will be eight-point-five-cents per mile. Currently, Pennsylvania is tied with New Jersey for the costliest turnpike, at seven-point-seven-cents per mile.

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7-15-2010

DEAD IN A CAR

Police have identified the man found dead in his car in Springboro. Officials said the body they found belonged to 21-year-old Travis Eels of Linesville. So far authorities are keeping rather tight lipped about the situation, but say that toxicology testing is being done. A passerby in Springboro noticed the lifeless man in his car just after 2:30 Wednesday afternoon.

SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT TAKES A LIFE

A Meadville woman is dead after crashing into a tree in West Mead Township late Wednesday night. Officials said 43 year old Shelley Bontrager was going too fast on Terrace Street Extension when she lost control on a curve and hit a tree. Reports say she died on impact. There were no other passengers in her car. It happened about 10 pm.

2 VEHICLE ACCIDENT KILLS A FRANKLIN MAN

A Franklin man is killed in a Wednesday morning accident on route 8 in Venango County. Police said 38-year-old Neil Jolley was struck and killed when his vehicle was hit by an oncoming truck that attempted to pass another vehicle. It happened in Irwin Township about 10-after-6. The other driver Lawrence Wetzel of Pittsburgh was flown to UPMC Presby with major injuries. Neither driver had any passengers with them.

TEEN CHARGED IN VEHICLE INCIDENT

A 17 year old boy from Oil City is arrested for allegedly stealing, then wrecking a vehicle belonging to the City of Franklin Water Department. The boy reportedly hopped a fence and found the keys to the unlocked vehicle. At that point he allegedly drove into a fence causing about a thousand dollars worth of damage. The boy then lost control of the vehicle on Bredinsburg Road where did about 7 thousand dollars worth of damage. Last, the boy is accused of ditching the vehicle and stealing a 400-dollar bike to ride into Oil City. He’s being charged with Theft of Motor Vehicle, Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief.

CLARION RAPE

A reported rape in Clarion County… According to police reports, a 23 year old man says he was sexually assaulted by another man on Guth Lane in Knox Township. It reportedly happened last Saturday sometime between 9 and 10 o’clock at night.

PENSION PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO GROW

A state representative says escalating public employee pension obligations threaten to drown our grand children in debt and sky high taxes. State Representative Tim Krieger says the state's current defined benefit plan is massively under-funded. Critics of the Delmont Republican say he voted no to "common sense" pension legislation which House members passed last month. Krieger says he voted no to the bill because it will cost future taxpayers an additional 27-billion dollars.

TURNPIKE RAISES

Local drivers can expect to pay a bit more to travel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike next year. The turnpike commission yesterday announced EZ Pass customers will face a three-percent increase, while cash customers will see a ten-percent hike in January. Tolls increased three-percent just six-months ago, after skyrocketing 25-percent last January.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices settled eleven-cents lower Wednesday at 77-dollars-four-cents a barrel.

SUMMER CRAZY

If the kids are starting to get a little summer stir crazy, here’s a chance to get them, and you, out of the house for a little Fish and Fun. The Canadohta Lake Area Business Association, or Claba, is hosting another Kids’ Fish and Fun Day, this Saturday with registration starting at 8 at the Frog Pond Pavillion. Event organizer Ann Bergheim says this is a great way for kids to celebrate their heritage.
Lunch will be from 12 to 2. They will have raffles and other prizes. Kids 12 and under are encouraged to come and the family is welcome to come as well. There’s absolutely no cost.

CLARION FIRE

A fire destroys a home in Clarion County just hours after another major fire…This one completely destroyed a home near Saint Petersburg late Tuesday morning. The residence on route 58, reportedly belonging to Terry Kriebel, was a complete loss. The night before though, a barn had caught fire near the Fryburg area. Some of the firefighters were on scene for most of the night. So far no reports of any injuries.

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7-14-2010

GAS PRICES DOWN AGAIN

Good news at the pumps this week as Western Pennsylvania motorists saw a three cent drop in gas prices. The average price of a gallon of gasoline is approximately 2.70. The national average price is roughly 2.72 per gallon, down a penny from last week. According to the Triple-A Weekly Fuel Gauge Report, current local area average prices include Meadville, Erie, and Clarion all at 2.70 and Brookville and DuBois at 2.60.

CORBETT IN LEAD FOR GOV

Despite drawing criticism over a recent comment about the unemployed in Pennsylvania, Attorney General Tom Corbett is ahead in the race for governor. According to the latest Quinnipiac Poll, residents think Corbett, who is Republican, has better insight to lead the state. In fact, he is favored by both Independents and Republicans 44 to 29-percent and 86 to four-percent. Dan Onorato has the Democratic vote at 69 to 13-percent according to the poll. Overall, Corbett is favored nearly 45-percent over his Democratic opponent.

MARCELLUS SHALE PRODUCERS WANT NEW FAVORABLE LAWS

State lawmakers confirm lobbyists for the Marcellus Shale industry have been pressing legislators to pass local preemption laws that would limit the rights of private property owners and trim the powers of their elected local officials. State Representative Dave Levdansky says industry-favoring measures are unpopular and passage would be difficult in Harrisburg. But Democracy Rising President Tim Potts says the General Assembly has passed local preemption laws in the recent past. Potts says Pennsylvania voters need to be especially vigilant about their rights.

DRILLING FOR NATURAL GAS FACES CHALLENGES

A Pennsylvania lawmaker who recently introduced legislation for a natural gas severance tax says drilling in densely populated areas is a real challenge and probably not feasible. House Finance Committee Chair David Levdansky says environmental and land use issues are very complex in urban settings. Levdansky also says the natural gas industry is pushing for inclusion of "zoning supersedeas language in gas tax legislation. He adds such provisions should be considered in a separate bill because they could trump local zoning codes.

"ARIZONA" STYLE IMMIGRATION LAW FAVORED IN PA

Arizona's new immigration law has sparked a lot of protests around the country, but don't expect most Pennsylvanians to join in. A Quinnipiac University poll released yesterday showed a majority of the Keystone State's residents support the law. The survey of over 13-hundred Pennsylvanians showed 52-percent support Arizona's policy, compared to 27-percent who do not. Several other states, including Pennsylvania, are following in Arizona's footsteps by filing similar legislation.

FRYBURG FIRE

A six-alarm barn fire kept firefighters busy Monday night in Fryburg. The departments were on scene most of the night after the barn caught fire on Dietz Lane. So far, there are no reports of any injuries. The cause of the fire is not yet listed.

ROCKY GROVE ROBBERIES

Two recent house robberies have peaked police attention in the Rocky Grove area. In the first one, the suspect stole a handgun while the people were home. Later on at a different house, someone took about 10 thousand dollars worth of jewelry from another residence. Officials say the burglar walked right into the second house because it was left open. Any tips should be directed toward the Sugarcreek Borough Police.

BLUESTREAK FUNDRAISER UPDATE

Conneaut Lake Park’s Blue Streak continues to inch its way to the top ten. Pepsi has agreed to pay 50 thousand dollars to the top ten voted ideas and currently the Blue Streak Coaster is number 23 – moving up six spots in less than a week. It’s called the Pepsi Refresh Project, and you can vote once a day at www.conneautlakepark.com.

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7-13-2010

VEON TO STAY IN JAIL DURING APPEAL

Former state Representative Mike Veon will remain behind bars while he appeals his Bonusgate conviction. The state Superior Court Monday denied a motion to delay Veon's six-to-14-year prison sentence until after his upcoming trial in a separate corruption case involving his non-profit Beaver Initiative for Growth. Defense attorneys argued they needed their client out of jail to help prepare for the case and to file an appeal in the Bonusgate case. Veon has been incarcerated since June 18th after he was found guilty of an illegal campaign bonus scheme.

LIMIT LAWMAKERS PENSIONS?

The state legislature will soon consider a bill that would limit lawmakers' pensions. Representative Tim Krieger has introduced legislation that would end set benefit plans for new and current members of the General Assembly in favor of defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s. Though it would typically be difficult to convince legislators to reduce their benefits, Pennsylvania's looming pension crisis could help the bill's approval odds.

SKELETON FOUND BY AUTHORITIES

Westmoreland County authorities are investigating the discovery of human skeletal remains in Murrysville. The bones were found near Hickory Hill Road in a heavily-wooded area. For now, the remains are being left there while forensic experts from Mercyhurst College investigate the scene. Police have not responded to speculations that the remains are those of a 74-year-old man who disappeared from a nearby retirement community two-years ago.

JACKSON CENTER FIRE MAY BE ARSON

State police are investigating arson after a local home burns down. Officials said the small house near Jackson Center caught fire Saturday night along route 965. Authorities do believe the fire was intentional, but have not released any other details. No injuries have been reported.

LOOKING FOR WORK-TRY THE LIBRARY

With unemployment rates sometimes even in the double digits, there’s never been a better time to head to your local library. Not only are there resource books about every topic imaginable, there could be something there to inspire you to open up your own business – or maybe just to perfect your résumé. Debbie Oaks, the director of the Franklin Public Library says sometimes people forget their public library can be a useful tool when searching for a job.
The Franklin Public Library is free to service area members, and only 35 dollars a year for a family who is not in the immediate service area. They are located on 12th street.

EXPANSION FOR ERIE INTERNATIONAL CLEARED

Construction work at the Erie Airport is about to take off…Third district Congresswoman, Kathy Dahlkemper has awarded a 6-million dollar check in federal funding to the Erie International Airport so they can extend their runway. The airport just recently started the first phase of the project which will come with a price tag of roughly 80-million.

CRAWFORD COUNTY MURDER SUSPECT COULD FACE IRS CHARGE TOO

A man charged with robbery and double murder could now find himself in trouble with the IRS as well. Police are saying 37 year old Gary Wiley of Conneaut Township reportedly didn’t pay his taxes. Wiley has been charged in the deaths of Tod and Laurie Prenatt who were found dead inside their Linesville-area home back in April. He also allegedly robbed a Linesville pharmacy. He’s currently behind bars.

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7-12-2010

DRUGS ARE DEADLIEST

A new report indicates Western Pennsylvania's top killer is drugs. An investigation into Allegheny County Medical Examiner records by the Pittsburgh "Tribune-Review" shows that 650 people died of drug overdoses from 2006 through 2008. That's more than murders and car crashes combined. According to the study, most of the drugs involved are from the medicine cabinet rather than the street corner. In fact, two out of three deaths in that two-year period involved at least one prescription drug.

PENNDOT COULD USE ROAD SIGNS FOR ADVERTISING

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is considering selling advertising space on electronic signs over interstate highways around the state. PennDOT officials have estimated that the move could generate as much as 150-million-dollars a year. The product messages would share existing Variable Message Boards with traffic messages such as "accident ahead" and "slippery pavement." The state has a massive transportation budget hole to fill after their plan to toll I-80 tanked.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA COULD SOON BE LEGAL IN PA

Pennsylvania could become the 15th state to legalize medical marijuana, if lawmakers manage to pass the controversial bill this legislative session. While a recent poll by Franklin and Marshall College found that a whopping 81-percent of Pennsylvanians support making marijuana legal, not everyone in charge is pro-pot. Neither candidate for governor, Republican Tom Corbett nor Democrat Dan Onorato, support the bill introduced last year in the state House.

PUBLIC WELFARE TO DEPT OF HUMAN SERVICES?

One state lawmaker is on a quest to change the name of the Department of Public Welfare. Representative Barbara McIlvaine [[ mc-ill-vayne ]] has proposed changing the agency's name to the Department of Human Services. The Chester Democrat said the change would help remove the negative connotation associated with the word "welfare." McIlvaine feels fellow legislators often use the term during the annual budget cycle to justify slashing funding to social service programs.

GAS DOWN FOUR CENTS

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline across the U.S. has dropped nearly four cents in the past two weeks. That's according to the latest nationwide Lundberg survey. The new average of two-dollars-72-cents a gallon is three-point-eight-cents lower than two weeks ago. Survey Editor Trilby Lundberg pointed to high unemployment and a large inventory of gasoline as factors that hold prices down.

ILLEGAL DUMPING

Two men are in trouble for suspected illegal dumping in Vernon Township. The men, 71 year old Dennis Boyer of Erie and 64 year old George Boyd, also of Erie, allegedly took three, 55-gallon drums, two full and one partially full, of waste paint thinner and let them drain into the ground behind a residence. According to a press release from Attorney General Tom Corbett’s office, the dumping did about 25 thousand dollars worth of damage. Boyer and Boyd are both facing serious charges and possible fines.

PICK UP FIRE

A pick up truck catches fire in Venango County. Late last week driver 48 year old Douglas Iorio of Kennerdell pulled over once he noticed his Ford F-150 smoking. Flames were reportedly shooting from the hood and it was too late to save the vehicle by the time rescue crews arrived on scene. Iorio was not hurt. It happened on Rankin Chapel Road.

LANDMARK HOTEL BURGLARIZED

Hotel Conneaut is burglarized over the weekend. Police said on Saturday morning about a quarter to 9, Adam Charles Wiley allegedly entered a Canton, Ohio man’s room and stole cash. Money was also reportedly taken from the front desk area. Wiley was taken to the Crawford County Jail after failing to post 10-thousand dollars bail. He faces theft charges.

BLUE STREAK MAKES GROUND ON PEPSI POLL

Conneaut Lake Park’s Blue Streak is still in the running for the Pepsi Refresh Grant. Pepsi is doing a new grant program where they are giving away 50-thousand dollars each to the top ten public voted projects. The cornerstone to the park has been around a long time, but the park needs money to continue the current repairs.
You can vote for the idea by going to www.conneautlakepark.com. Look for the Pepsi refresh icon down the right side of the page. As of late last week, the coaster was at 29, but this morning, it’s moved up to 25. The top ten ideas will get the money. The voting takes place until the end of the month and you can vote once a day. www.conneautlakepark.com.
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7-9-2010

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

The heat wave is expected to end today. According to the National Weather Service, in the Meadville area there is an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms with very heavy rain expected after 10 this morning. A little further south, in the Oil City-Franklin area forecasters at NOAA.gov are calling for a 100 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 11 am, with widespread haze before 10 am. The rains are expected to break the stifling humidity that’s plagued the area for several days.

ETHICS CHARGE FILED AGAINST SESTAK

A complaint against U.S. Senate hopeful Joe Sestak has been filed with the House Ethics Committee. The nonprofit group Judicial Watch filed the 32-page complaint, alleging that the Democratic congressman conspired with the Obama administration to "cover up criminal conduct." Sestak is accused of working with White House officials to hide details of a job offer he received to drop out of the race for Senate against incumbent Arlen Specter.

LOTTERY MACHINES DOWN ACROSS THE STATE YESTERDAY

Pennsylvania lottery players with money to burn found themselves out of luck yesterday morning. A computer glitch shut down machines across the state, making print-out tickets unavailable. It was just before noon when service was restored to 85-hundred lottery retailers. Officials say the outage may have cost the state as much as one-point-five-million dollars in sales.

TABLE GAMES ARRIVE

The era of table games has arrived at Western Pennsylvania casinos. Poker, blackjack and roulette tables officially opened to both serious gamblers and first-timers alike Thursday. Lawmakers legalized the games in January on the hope that they could produce 250-million dollars in taxes every year.

MORTGAGES FALL TO RECORD LOW

A survey released by Freddie Mac indicates U.S. 30-year mortgage rates fell to a record low in the past week. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged four-point-57 percent for the week ended July 8th. That's down from the previous week's four-point-58 percent. Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist Frank Nothaft says that with mortgage rates falling to historic lows, refinance activity has gained strength over the past three months.

MENTORING

If you’ve ever thought about being a mentor to a child, one local organization says it’s time to step up to the plate. Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Venango, Forest, and Clarion Counties needs Bigs and Littles for the program that has proven to keep kids out of trouble. Program Supervisor, Melissa Fulton, says a mentored child has a much better chance in life.
She says they especially need male volunteers to fill the gaps right now. A big and a little “match” is making a commitment of 12 months, but Fulton commented that any level of time commitment can be utilized. To find out more information, visit bbbs.org and search your zip code for the closest location.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices ticked higher again Thursday, rising one-dollar-37-cents to settle at 75-dollars-44-cents a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

ASSAULT IN EMLENTON

An Emlenton man will stand trial for a reported assault. Police have charged 27 year old James Lauricia with injuring 25 year old Justin Barger of Parker. During an argument last week, Lauricia allegedly stabbed Barger several times in his back and upper body. Barger had to be taken to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment. Lauricia is being held in the Venango County Jail on a quarter million dollars bail.

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7-8-2010

NO RELATIVES FOUND FOR DEAD MOTHER AND SON IN ALBION

Police are now searching for family members of the elderly mother and son who were both found deceased in their Albion home. Officials said they found 70 year old Herbert Walden and his mother, 94 year old Jane Walden this past Saturday after Herbert never showed up to pick up his prescription. When the authorities got to the home on Keepville Road, they found the two bodies, and a bunch of sickly and dead cats. Now though authorities say they are searching for someone to make funeral arrangements.

TABLE GAMES GO LIVE

Presque Isle Downs and Casino opens its doors to serious gamblers this morning. After a testing period for charity on Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board gave the downs the green light. Rivers Casino on Pittsburgh's North Side, and the Meadows Casino in Washington, PA also received final approval. According to their website, casinoinerie.com, Presque Isle will have 48 new tables to start.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices also rose after six days of declines Wednesday, gaining two-dollars-nine-cents to settle at 74-dollars-seven-cents a barrel.

CANCER DEATHS ARE DOWN

Death rates from cancer are falling in the U.S. The American Cancer Society attributes the change to a decline in smoking, better cancer treatments and earlier detection of the disease. Some of the biggest decreases in cancer deaths have been among people diagnosed with colon and lung cancer, two of the most deadly forms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least ten-thousand Americans die each year because they don't get screened for colon or breast cancer.

BLUE STREAK IN LINE FOR PEPSI GRANT

A popular ride at Conneaut Lake Park is in the running for a 50-thousand dollar Pepsi Refresh Grant. Each month the 2010 Pepsi Refresh Project awards 1.3 million dollars in each award category to the project that receives the most votes from the public. Now the Blue Streak, a popular wooden roller coaster, is up for the money. Voting is taking place until July 31 and can be done by visiting the park’s webpage at www.conneautlakepark.com.

DUI IN STRATTANVILLE

A Strattanville woman is arrested for DUI after backing into a fast food restaurant. Police said that 42 year old Lorri McClellan Riley backed into the Monroe Township McDonald’s late night on the 4th of July. When she tried to leave, she reportedly drove over a curb and then hit a flower pot and tree. Charges have been filed.

POLICE REPORT NEW SCAM

State police at Meadville are saying to be wary of a new scam floating about the area. In this one, a caller tells the victim they’ve won 400-thousand dollars. Then they inform you, you must pay 4 thousand worth of insurance to claim it. There are several tips to avoid being scammed. First, most scams are conducted either by phone or mail. Most legitimate lotteries are done on radio, tv, or newspaper. Also, if you did not purchase a ticket, you can’t win. Finally, if it’s by mail, check for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and awkward wording.
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7-7-2010

GAS PRICES FALL

Western PA motorists will be paying six cents less per gallon this week at the pump. The Western PA average price for a gallon of self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline is about 2.72. The national average price is approximately 2.72 per gallon, down just over 3-cents from last week. According to the Weekly Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report, current local area average prices include Meadville, Erie, and Clarion all at 2.70, Mercer at 2.73, and DuBois at 2.67.

VAN-BUGGY ACCIDENT

A van collides with a buggy in Rome Township. On Monday evening police said that the 16 year old boy from Centerville who was driving the buggy, pulled right into the path of a Ford Windstar driven by 37 year old Geri Lynn Whitney of Spartansburg. The crash upset the buggy and the teen was taken to Corry Memorial Hospital with injuries.

4TH OF JULY DEADLY FOR TEN

Ten people were killed on PA roadways over the 4th of July holiday driving period. From Friday through Monday, Pennsylvania State police investigated 712 crashes with 361 injuries. Seven of those killed were not wearing seat belts and three of the fatal crashes had alcohol involved. Three hundred-39 people were arrested for DUI. Last year, 9 people were killed and 206 people were injured but the holiday driving period was only three days long.

TWO DEAD ALONG WITH DOZENS OF CATS

Two people are found dead and several cats are found living in squalor. Police are saying 94 year old Jane Walden and her son 70 year old Herbert Walden were found in their Albion home that was drowning in garbage and cat feces. Some of the cats and kittens were dead and the living ones were so sick, they had to be put down. Officials believe the son was the mother’s caretaker, and they also believe the neighbors were at least somewhat aware of their living conditions.

GOVERNOR STILL WANTS NEW TAXES

As Pennsylvania lawmakers applaud their ability to file a budget on time this year, Governor Ed Rendell is lamenting their refusal to pass new taxes. The governor signed the 28-billion-dollar spending plan Tuesday at Elmwood Elementary School in Mechanicsburg. Even as he stamped his approval on the budget, Rendell complained about the Legislature's refusal to tax cigars and smokeless tobacco and increase taxes on cigarettes. Lawmakers did, however, agree to take up legislation that would impose a tax on natural gas extraction in the fall.

GOVERNOR SIGNS BUDGET

Governor Ed Rendell signed the spending plan as expected yesterday, but that doesn't mean the budget mess is all cleaned up. The 28-billion-dollar budget comes with some painful cuts, but also boosts education funding by 250-million dollars, and includes no broad-based taxes. However, lawmakers who voted against the plan say it relies too much on federal aid that has yet to come to the state. This year, the budget is seven days late adding to Rendell's trend of never signing off on a budget before deadline.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices slipped lower by 16 cents Tuesday to settle at 71-dollars-98-cents a barrel.

TABLE GAMES TESTED WITH CHARITIES TO BENEFIT

Table games were tested at casinos in Western PA Tuesday, with the proceeds going to local charities and non-profits. They are expected to open tomorrow officially with the games. Originally PA’s casinos were initially only allowed to have slots, but now they have expanded to help boost revenue in PA. Presque Isle Downs and Casino is expected to start with just under 50 tables.

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR KIDS

Just because the kids aren’t in school for the summer, doesn’t mean their brain has to shut off. The Franklin Public Library has all kinds of programs to help keep their minds occupied and engaged. Deborah Oaks says they are right in the middle of all their programs to keep kids reading.
Any kid can join and it’s free to those in the service area. If you don’t live in the service area, a library card, that’s good for the whole family for one year, is 35 dollars. There are also book clubs for adults as well. The Franklin Public Library was founded in 1894 and has had several homes, although its current location on Twelfth Street has been its home since 1921.

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7-5-2010

GOVERNOR TO SIGN BUDGET

Governor Ed Rendell is expected to sign the state budget today publicly. State policy makers worked through the Fourth of July weekend to approve a group of bills in conjunction with the main budget bill. The spending plan, which was supposed to be set in stone as of last Wednesday, calls for increased education funding, state worker layoffs and no tax increases.

WATERFORD MAN DIES

The body of a Waterford man is found in Le Bouef Creek over the holiday weekend. According to reports, the man was 35 years old, but authorities have yet to release his name. They say he was reported missing on Saturday, and found in the water about 8 o’clock in the morning of Sunday, the 4th. The victim’s vehicle was found parked off of Himrod Road. So far, there are no signs of foul play, but the investigation is continuing.

NEWS ABOUT ALZHEIMERS

Researchers have discovered high levels of a specific blood protein are linked to development of Alzheimer's disease. Scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College in London say the discovery could eventually lead to a test to identify future Alzheimer's sufferers. Alzheimer's is a disease that attacks the brain, affecting about 35-million people worldwide. Despite massive research efforts, there are few weapons available to fight it. There are drugs available that can relieve some symptoms for awhile but eventually all sufferers lose their memories and can't care for themselves.

KNIFE ASSAULT LEADS TO ARREST

An Emlenton man is accused of assaulting another man with a knife. Police say that 25 year old James Michael Lauricia assaulted 25 year old Justin Barger of Parker with a knife around three in the morning last Friday. It reportedly happened on River Avenue in the Emlenton Borough. According to a police criminal complaint, Lauricia stabbed the victim several times in the chest and back areas. Lauricia was taken to the Venango County Jail and his bail was set at 250-thousand dollars.

ACCIDENT VICTIM FLOWN TO PITTSBURGH

A Cochranton man suffers major injuries in a weekend crash in Venango County. Police said Adam McDivitt was flown by Stat Medivac to UPMC in Pittsburgh on Saturday night after he crashed his motorbike on Fertigs Road in Pinegrove Township. McDivitt lost control on a curve and went into a tree on the opposite side of the road. He was not wearing a helmet.

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7-2-2010

BUDGET STUMBLES

The once-seemingly smooth budget process has hit a bump in the bi-partisan road. The two sides scrapped previous compromises late last night after talks about the creation of an independent fiscal office. On Wednesday, a 28-billion-dollar budget plan was approved by both the House and the Senate, only awaiting Governor Ed Rendell's signature. Before Governor Ed Rendell puts pen to paper on the budget plan, he says he has a duty to sign a budget made with real-backed money, not promises.

PROPERTY TAX AND RENT REBATE CHECKS COMING

The state Department of Revenue has started mailing out checks to residents participating in the property tax and rent rebate program. Some 500-thousand people have signed up to get their share of 230-million dollars. The rebate program, sponsored by lottery revenue, is for home owners and renters who are 65 and older, windows and widowers who are 50 and older and the disabled who are 18 and older. It's intended to relieve property taxes for some residents. Those with direct deposit should have received their rebates Thursday.

KIDS LOOKING FOR NEXT MEAL

A report just released by the organization "Feeding America" says nearly 500-thousand children in Pennsylvania aren't sure where their next meal will come from. That's just over 17-percent of the state's youth. Pennsylvania ranks 28th in the nation for the amount of kids who are considered "food insecure" in the 2006-2008 period studied. Arkansas, Texas and Arizona rounded out the top three spots, with nearly a quarter of the states' children going hungry. The study was sponsored by the Conagra Foods Foundation.

FUNDRAISER AT CASINO

Jockeys at Presque Isle Downs and Casino will hold a fundraiser for The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey’s Fund tomorrow starting at beginning at 4:30.With a contribution to the fund, Presque Isle Downs’ jockeys will autograph pictures for fans. The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey’s Fund was established in memory of MacBeth who died of cancer on March 1st 1987. This charity was co-founded in late 1987 by actor/comedian Tim Conway and July McCarron, wife of Hall of Fame Jockey, Chris McCarron to assist injured and disabled riders. Get more details at www.presqueisledowns.com.

PAVING NEXT WEEK

PennDOT announced today that a full-width paving project in Crawford and Erie Counties will begin next Tuesday, July 6th. The PennDOT DOT Crew will be doing full-width recycled asphalt paving on Pont Road in Crawford County at 98 into Erie County where Pont Road to switches to 6N.
Work will be performed between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm daily until the paving is finished, which is expected to be completed by Wednesday, July 14th. The road will be restricted to local traffic only during paving operations.PennDOT encourages motorists to log on to 511pa.com or to call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before traveling.

SHAFER HONORED

Downtown Meadville has a new marker to honor one of its own. Thursday afternoon hundreds of people gathered downtown to welcome the new historical marker at 911 Diamond Street for the late former PA Governor Ray Shafer. Shafer has quite the list of accomplishments including his reign as President of Allegheny College and being a World War II vet. Guest speakers included the Mayor of Meadville and the current President of Allegheny College.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices also fell, dropping two-dollars-68-cents to settle at 72-dollars-95-cents.

TITUSVILLE MAN STILL MISSING

Today will be six days that an older Titusville-area man walked out of a local casino and went missing. Police are saying 75 year old Charles James Speer is considered endangered. Last Saturday about 6 pm, Mr. Speer was at the Presque Isle Downs and Casino when he was seen on the surveillance cameras getting into his car and driving off. The car is a 1998 Burgundy Nissan Maxima Sedan with a PA plate of GFA9486. Speer reportedly suffers from Dementia and family members fear he may have taken off on 90 due to the fact he’s a former truck driver.

GRILLING NUMBER ONE FOR JULY 4TH

How do you plan to mark Independence Day. According to an HGTV.com poll, "Grilling and Chilling" tops the list of activities for this Sunday. Nearly 50-percent of respondents say they intend to cook outdoors and simply relax this Fourth of July. Just over a quarter of those surveyed say they'll be taking in a fireworks display as part of their July 4th celebration, while 12-percent note they'll be "hanging by the pool."

PASSPORT FEES RISE

Passport fees are about to go up again. The State Department says beginning July 13th, passport costs for an adult foreigner will go from 100 to 135-dollars, including a 25-dollar administrative fee. Those under 16 will pay 105-dollars, up from the current cost of 85-dollars. Passport cards for travel by land or sea on trips to the non-U.S. parts of the Caribbean, Canada and Mexico will cost more, too. They'll cost 55-dollars for an adult and 40-dollars for a minor.

PETS AND FIREWORKS

While we’re marveling at the colors and beautiful of the glittering fire in the sky, our colorblind companions are usually only hearing the thunderous roar of the patriotic celebration. Fireworks can be quite scary to household pets, and that’s why Lori Tucci, a volunteer with the Crawford County Humane Society, has some advice for animal lovers…
She says sometimes putting the animals in their crates or a comfortable room can also help. If pets are scared the best you can do is just make sure they are in a place where they can’t get into trouble. It will all be over in a flash.

4TH FIREWORKS

Fireworks are going to be everywhere this weekend for the 4th, but they must always be handled with care. Some safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety include only using them outdoors, always having water handy and only using them as they are intended. Never try to re-light a “dud” firework. In that case, wait 20 minutes at least and then soak it in a bucket of water.

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7-1-2010

ITS A BUDGET!!!

The 28-billion-dollar budget plan for the state of Pennsylvania, approved by both the House and the Senate Wednesday, increases spending by less than one-percent. The plan includes 250-million dollars more toward education in the state, no broad-based tax increases and significant cuts. Legislative leaders agree the 2010-2011 fiscal budget includes deep cuts, recognizing it as a product of the weak economy. Lawmakers who voted against the plan say it relies on federal aid that's uncertain. The Governor is expected to sign.

COUPLE CHARGED WITH DEATH OF SON

A Mercer County couple appeared in court yesterday for a preliminary hearing and were ordered to stand trial for the death of their infant son. Twenty-four-year-old Michael Rabold and 22-year-old Royanne Darr were arrested last week on several charges, including criminal homicide. Police said the Greenville parents were only feeding their two-month-old son, Isaac, two-ounces of formula a day and left him outside in freezing temperatures in January. The baby died soon after the incident.

METHADONE MORE POPULAR THAN EVER

An audit of the state's methadone program will be considered before Pennsylania's next budget. The Senate on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to review the taxpayer-funded program, which prescribes the synthetic narcotic to treat opiate addiction. The use of methadone has gone up, along with the number of clinics dispensing the drug, as nationwide heroin use increases.

GOV TO SIGN NEW BUDGET

Governor Ed Rendell is expected to sign the 28-billion-dollar spending plan, already passed by the Legislature, by this weekend. Wednesday, the Senate worked fast to approve the budget by a 37-13 vote, and shortly after, the House voted 117-84 in favor of the proposal. With plenty of time for Rendell to put pen to paper, it was thought that this fiscal year would have been the first in eight years to see an on-time budget.

A LOOK INTO AREA NON-PROFITS

The local United Way thinks it’s about time the public gets an exclusive look into the area’s non-profits. Executive Director of the United Way of Western Crawford County, Sandra Rossi, says that’s exactly why Armstrong Cable will be airing special informational segments…
The different organizations will be on a rotation. According to their website, the mission of the United Way of Western Crawford County is to have a community where people have the best organized capacity to care for one another by identifying, addressing and supporting life-enhancing services that include efforts to prevent and cure human problems.

OIL CITY POST OFFICE TO CLOSE

An Oil City Post Office is set to close its doors in less than two weeks. Due to lack to business, the Oil Creek Station on the North Side is expected to close Monday, July 12th. There is a public meeting about the closing at 6:30 p-m Wednesday, July 7th at the Oil City Library. Post office box holders can keep their number, by switching to the East End office.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices also fell by two-dollars-31-cents a barrel Wednesday to settle at 75-dollars-94-cents.

TAXING TANS

It’s gonna be more bling for your bronze starting today. Starting today, there will be a ten-percent federal tax on indoor tanning services at tanning salons nationwide. It applies to all services that use artificial light sources, like tanning beds, lamps and booths. Spray tan services won't be taxed. The new tanning tax is part of President Obama's healthcare reform package. Nearly 28-million people in the U.S. do their tanning indoors every year, which brings in around five-billion dollars in revenue, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

SEX CHARGES SEND A MAN TO JAIL

An Oil City man remains in jail on a quarter million dollar bail. Police said Mathew Yurik of Oil City is charged with the indecent assault of a young girl. Yurik though is currently in the state pen in Mercer County. The victim was reportedly a seven year old girl. He was arraigned in Venango County on Monday.

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