5-31-2010

SESTAK JOB OFFER REACTION GROWS

Reaction continues to be mixed to former President Clinton asking Congressman Joe Sestak to drop out of the Senate primary against Senator Arlen Specter. Sestak won, knocking Specter out of office after his term expires. On "Fox News Sunday," Governor Ed Rendell said nothing out of the ordinary was done by the White House in asking Clinton to get involved, saying he did the same thing in 2006 when he asked a former congressman to exit a race.

TWO INJURED ON ATV

Two men are injured after an ATV accident Sunday night. Police said just after 10 o’clock last night 22 year old Corey Corretti of Meadville was driving the ATV when he lost control and went into a tree in Ellsworth Park. 31 year old Christopher Livingston of Meadville was riding as a passenger. Corretti was flown to Hamot with head injuries and Livingston was transported there as well. Fire and police had to use ATV’s to get to the victims.

SHOTS FIRED INTO CROWD

Butler police report a disgruntled bar patron shot randomly into the crowd early yesterday morning. Thirty-six-year-old Raymond Santana is accused of firing several shots through the windows of the Checkered Flag bar on Monroe Street, after he was kicked out around 1:30 a.m. One man's finger was wounded but no other injuries were reported. When police arrested Santana at his home, they found unregistered weapons, marijuana plants and three children living in what they called deplorable conditions.

CURE FOR THE FLU

Researchers in Hong Kong and Canada say they've discovered a chemical compound that prevents flu viruses from replicating. The chemical has successfully fought off both seasonal flu viruses and the H5N1 bird flu virus in mice. The discovery is important because nearly all of the seasonal and H1N1 viruses circulating last year in the U.S. were resistant to common flu fighters like Tamiflu.

WARRENT FOR ARREST SERVED AFTER TRAFFIC STOP

A Wheatland man is taken into custody during a traffic stop after it was discovered that there was a warrant for his arrest in Ohio. 30 year old Michael Don Clavelli was stopped on 79 in Cussewago Township and was committed to the Crawford County Jail in lieu of 2-thousand dollars bond. He was to be extradited to Ohio.

3 OF 4 BARS SERVE UNDERAGE

PA State Police alongside the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement did an age compliance check on Friday night in and around Crawford County and 3 out of 4 local bars failed the test. The only bar to not serve the underage buyer was the The Dry Dock in Conneaut Lake. The other three establishments failed to make the underage secret shopper produce adequate proof of ID.

MEMORIAL DAY

Don’t forget today is Memorial Day – a day to remember and honor those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. With that, all federal, state and most local operations are shut down for today.

DEATH IN ERIE

A Lawrence Park Township man is dead after a vehicle accident in North East Township. Police say the crash happened at the intersection of Route 5 and North Cemetery Road. 26 year old Michael Sider, who was on a motorcycle, reportedly died instantly after being struck by a van from Pittsburgh transporting 5 people. Two people were in critical condition Saturday night after the accident.

ELK CREEK ACCIDENT KILLS TWO

Two men are killed in an Elk Creek Township accident on Friday morning… Just before 1:30 am, 23 year old driver Alex Wadsworth and 24 year old Shane Luthey both of Cranesville were southbound on route 18 at an extremely high rate of speed when they went out of control and went about 300 feet down the west shoulder of the road. Then the Camaro went another 250 feet through a field and hit a sign. After impacting the sign, the car rolled end over end until it stopped in a driveway of a residence. Both men were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

BALDWIN REYNOLDS HOUSE

The Baldwin Reynold’s House in Meadville is officially open for the season. After today they will be back on their regular schedule until August. They are open noon ‘til 4 Wednesday through Sunday. The last tour of the day starts at 3 everyday and they are closed the week of the Crawford County Fair. Josh Sherretts, the house manager, says they’ve been working hard to spiff it up for this season of visitors…
A little history behind the house - Henry Baldwin began practicing law there under Alexander Dallas in Philadelphia before coming to Meadville as a deputy attorney general, which is now referred to as the district attorney, in the first years of the 19th century. _____________________________________________

5-28-2010

DONT EAT THE FISH!

Don’t eat the fish at Pymatuning. That’s the word from Pymatuning State Park officials who say they aren’t quite sure why so many of the lake’s fish are popping up bloated and dead. Officials believe about 25-hundred fish have died since mid-May, and now samples of fish are being sent to nearby universities for testing. Results are expected to start coming back next week.

DEAD MAN IDENTIFIED, CAUSE OF DEATH TO BE DETERMINED

The man who drowned in Six Mile Creek is finally identified. Officials said 20 year old Jared Ona of Harborcreek Township died after going in the shallow water Monday evening after a game of basketball. An autopsy was performed on Tuesday, but it was determined there was no trauma to his body. Authorities are now waiting for toxicology results to come back before a ruling on his death is made.

TEN HELD FOR TRIAL IN BONUSGATE

The ten defendants of the Republican faction of the Bonusgate case have been ordered held for court. At a preliminary hearing yesterday, a Dauphin County district judge ruled that state Representative John Perzel, ex-Representative Brett Feese and eight associates will go to trial on corruption charges. As with their Democratic counterparts, the Republican caucus members are accused of using taxpayer money for campaign purposes. Perzel and Feese are denying the claims.

OBAMA COMMENTS ON JOE SESTAK

President Obama has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his administration and the U.S. Senate campaign of Joe Sestak. During a press conference in Washington Thursday, the president said he can "assure the public that nothing improper took place." Critics have raised the issue that laws may have been broken when Congressman Sestak announced in February that someone offered him a job at the White House if he dropped his campaign against veteran Senator Arlen Specter. Sestak, a relatively unknown candidate, won the Democratic primary against Specter this month.

AAA SAYS HOLIDAY TRAVEL WILL BE UP

Triple-A projects just over 32-million people will take a trip away from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. A big factor in the larger number of travelers this year is due to the economic climate. Triple-A also predicts people wanting to venture away from home during this time will also find some good deals on hotel rooms and car rental rates. One of the most popular destinations in the country during the weekend that traditionally kicks-off summer will be central Florida.

TAKING DRUGS OFF THE ROAD

Operation Maximum Effort is exactly how it sounds. The PA State Police did a 4-day enforcement effort May 18th through the 21st to help take drugs and other dangers off the roads. Sixty-four arrests were made and they took 19 fugitives into custody. Forty-five-thousand dollars worth of stolen property was also recovered. Nearly 37-thousand dollars in cash was seized along with a significant amount of drugs. Each trooper who participated in this sting was trained under the SHIELD program which teaches them to pick up on signs of criminal activity during a routine traffic stop.

ITS OFFICIAL, MEADVILLE GROCERY STORE ON TOPS

Although the official name changed hands months ago, the signage is official. Tops Markets took over the Quality Markets in Meadville along with other surrounding communities back in late January. Penn Traffics assets were sold to Tops in a US Bankruptcy Court-approved transaction.

CHILD PRON FOUND ON TITUSVILLE MANS COMPUTER

A Titusville man is in hot water after authorities allegedly found child porn on his laptop. Officials said 29 year old Lee Keyes will face several charges after the illegal material was found. His preliminary hearing is set for next week and his bail was set at 15 thousand dollars. _____________________________________________

5-27-2010

LEGISLATIVE REFORM

Pennsylvania's two gubernatorial candidates say legislative reform is at the top of their political agenda. Republican Tom Corbett and Democrat Onorato put the issue front and center after a special grand jury recommended big changes in the way the state legislature conducts business. Governor Ed Rendell told the "Post-Gazette" setting up a constitutional convention to hammer out legislative reform could become the first order of business once a governor is elected.

PA VOTERS SPLIT ON NEW SUPEREM COURT NOMINEE

Pennsylvania voters are split on whether the U.S. Senate should confirm Elena Kagan as a Supreme Court Justice. According to the latest "Rasmussen Reports," survey of likely Pennsylvania voters, 34-percent believe Kagan should be confirmed, while 33-percent think she shouldn't and another 33-percent are not sure. The survey points out that not knowing much about Kagan is a factor. Thirty-three-percent of those surveyed have a favorable opinion on Kagan, while 39-percent look at her unfavorably and 28-percent are not sure. The statewide phone survey was taken last week.

CRUDE PRICE

Crude oil prices spiked four percent on the New York Mercantile Exchange Wednesday. The price of a barrel of light, sweet U.S. crude closed at 70-dollars-78-cents, up two-dollars-12-cents.

COUPLE HIT WITH FINES FOR "JUNKY" PROPERTIES

A Venango couple is facing trouble for the three properties they own in Crawford County. According to goerie.com, John and Barbara Woodward were each hit with a 3 thousand dollar fine for violating a junk ordinance at their home, another vacant residence, and a service station. They are accused of accumulating too many unsightly items on those properties to a point where it makes the community look bad – so says the Venango Borough Council at least. At last word, the Woodwards were making efforts to clean up their properties, and Judge Stevens said he would significantly consider reducing their fines if they continue to do so.

DROWNING A MYSTERY

Authorities still don’t know why a 20 year old Harborcreek Township man drowned in Six Mile Creek. An autopsy was done Tuesday and it didn’t reveal the man suffered any sort of trauma. Officials say the man drowned in less than 4 feet of water Monday evening, and they are now looking for a possible medical problem that could have caused him to not be able to escape the water. His name is not being released to the public until a sibling is located.

CAR-MOTORCYCLE CRASH

Just before 10 o’clock last night, a car-versus-motorcycle accident happened in Vernon Township. At the intersection of 19 and Route 6 at the top of the hill, a passenger car driven by Stacy Proctor attempted a left onto 19 from route 6 in front of a motorcycle driven by Travis Petruso. Petruso and his passenger Taylor Bish were both ejected from the bike. Bish had head, neck, back, chest, and leg injuries and was first taken by ambulance to the Meadville Medical Center and later flown to Hamot. Petruso, Proctor and a minor in the vehicle were not hurt. Charges are pending against both drivers.

ASSAULT AT THE BASEBALL FIELD

A woman was reportedly assaulted at a Cooperstown Borough Softball Field. An investigation has been launched into the suspected sexual abuse of the alleged victim. The rape is believed to have happened Tuesday evening. A multi-agency investigation continues to develop additional evidence as no one has been charged yet.

VENANGO COUNTY MAN ATTACKED AND SENT TO HOSPITAL

Authorities are also investigating a reported aggravated assault in Jackson Township, Venango County. Police say in the middle of the afternoon Wednesday, Darian Taylor was assaulted on his own front porch on Pine Valley Lane. Taylor suffered a broken leg and head injuries. He had to be flown to Hamot Medical Center. Charges are pending against a suspect, who police are not naming.

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5-26-2010

REFORM OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOMMENDED

A Common Pleas Court judge has released a grand jury's report for reforming the practices of Pennsylvania's General Assembly. Recommendations include convening a constitutional convention, shifting to a part-time legislature and abolition of taxpayer-funded political caucuses. But Duquesne University professor Bruce Ledewitz says there's no point to having a constitutional convention unless judicial reform is done as well. The report was a part of the grand jury's investigation into the "Bonusgate" probe.

GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS

Pennsylvania state Senator James Ferlo is still reviewing a Dauphin County grand jury's recommendations on how to reform the state legislature. Ferlo says he agrees with most of their observations but still thinks they exceeded their jurisdiction. Ferlo says some of the report's recommendations can only be implemented with a constitutional convention. The grand jury's report is a part of the two-year investigation in the "Bonusgate" scandal.

GAS PRICES DOWN FOR THE HOLIDAY

Motorists in Western PA will have more cash to spend on their holiday preparations this week. Gas price have dropped just over 9 cents a gallon on self-serve regular gasoline at the pump. The current average price is approximately 2.80. The national average price is 2.78. Current local area average prices include Meadville and Clarion at 2.80, Erie at 2.81 and Warren at 2.85.

CRUDE PRICES

Crude oil prices fell more than two percent on the New York Mercantile Exchange Tuesday, with a barrel of light crude down one-dollar-46-cents, closing at 68-dollars-75-cents.

WOMAN KILLED BY TRACTOR

A Waterford woman is killed accidentally after she was hit by a tractor. Officials said 63 year old Sally Fiesler was pronounced dead at Hamot Medical Center after her husband ran her over while the two were landscaping early Monday evening. She was flown by helicopter to the hospital, but she wasn’t able to pull through.

MAN INJURED AFTER LEAP FROM CHERRYPICKER

A man suffers serious injuries after jumping almost 40 feet down from a bucket of a truck that caught fire. The flames were climbing the arm of the cherrypicker and the unidentified worker had no choice but to jump down. It happened over the past weekend near Polk. Details on the man say he was a tree service worker, but no name was given.

NAME RELEASED IN ROUTE 8 CRASH

Officials have released the name of the man injured in the Oakland Township crash earlier this week. Police said 39 year old James Nickels of Oil City was headed north on route 8 when he, for an unknown reason, drifted across into the southbound lane and hit a culvert on the west side of the road. The vehicle then flipped up onto it’s front bumper and spun around before it came to a rest on it’s wheels. It happened Monday just before 8 a-m. Nickels was flown to Hamot in Erie.

ATTACK IN CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS

Police are now looking for a man who allegedly assaulted a 24 year old Cambridge Springs woman in the wee hours of Tuesday. Officials said just minutes after 3 a-m, the woman was attacked by a white male, about 5’6 to 5’8, thinner, with black or brown hair, and no facial hair. He was wearing a dark ball cap with a baggy t-shirt and baggy carpenter jeans. Police say the attack happened in the alley across from the Kwik Fill on North Main Street in the Cambridge Springs Boro.

SEMINARS ON IDENTITY THEFT

Your identity is something that is unique to you in theory, but in reality this is only so if you protect it. Identity theft is a serious crime that happens everyday, and it can really place a burden on your life. That’s why Senior Helpers is putting on two free seminars on how to protect yourself from identity theft on Tuesday, June 8th at 10 and 2. Kim Lengling of Senior Helpers gives some everyday tips on how to keep your name, your own.
They will also have Elaine Surma a special agent from the Attorney General’s Office presenting. The seminar is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Visit www.seniorhelpers.com for more details.

MORE ARRESTS IN BONUSGATE

The first Republican defendant implicated in Pennsylvania's Bonusgate scandal has been ordered held for trial. Former GOP caucus open-records officer John Zimmerman will stand trial on charges of obstruction of justice. Zimmerman is accused of helping to conceal evidence sought by a subpoena in the corruption probe by moving boxes of documents from a Capitol storage area to campaign offices. Zimmerman's defense attorney is arguing his client didn't commit a crime because he didn't know what was in the boxes.

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5-25-2010

UNIONS PRESSURE STATE TO AVOID LAYOFFS TO BALANCE BUDGET

Powerful labor unions have formed a coalition to pressure state lawmakers to avoid layoffs as the primary means of balancing the budget. The Coalition for Labor Engagement and Accountable Revenue consists of nine unions, including the Service Employees International Union. Labor officials are concerned that if top Republican legislators are successful in chopping one-point-five-billion-dollars in spending, thousands of state employees will lose their jobs. Instead, they say the focus should shift to closing tax loopholes and ending "special-interest tax breaks."

GRAND JURY RECOMMENDS CHANGES

In an unusual move Monday, the grand jury behind the Bonusgate investigations issued a sweeping list of governmental reforms. The recommendations include a call for eliminating partisan caucuses, reducing a bloated staff, and changing the type of constituent services handled in district offices. In the filing, the grand jury wrote the current structure and procedures of the Pennsylvania House Democratic and Republican caucuses are "broken" and "in desperate need of systemic change."

PA ROADS FAIL THE "GRADE"

Pennsylvania roadways have been given a grade of D-plus according to a new report card released by the American Society of Civil Engineers. That's down from a D grade in 2006. The report card gave the state's transit systems a D-minus, down from a previous grade of D-plus. Bridges maintained their previous C grade, which could be credited to federal stimulus money used to pay for recent repairs.

CLICK IT OR TICKET

The state's annual "Click It Or Ticket" campaign kicked off yesterday with checkpoints in effect across the state. According to PennDOT, 451 people died in unbelted crashes in the state in 2009, which is down from 567 in 2008, and the lowest number of fatalities since the department started keeping track in 1985. The campaign runs through June 13th.

ROUTE 8 ACCIDENT SENDS A MAN TO PITTSBURGH BY COPTER

A man is flown from the scene of a route 8 car accident in Oakland Township, Venango County. Police said about 8 a-m Monday, the driver went off the road a couple hundred feet from Horn Road. His car spun around after leaving the highway. The unnamed man reportedly had injuries to his legs and had to be cut from his car. A complete release including the man’s name is expected soon.

OIL CITY SCHOOLS NEED TO RAISE TAXES--CRAWFORD CENTRAL TOO

Oil City School Board has approved a general fund budget that has a little over a million dollar shortfall. On Monday, it was a 6-0 vote to approve the budget for the 2010-2011 year that includes just over 29 million in expenditures and nearly 28 million in revenues. Meanwhile, Monday night the Crawford Central School Board voted 5 to 4 to pass a millage hike. In the past few weeks, Penncrest, and Conneaut School Districts have also voted to be allowed to increase taxes to the state maximums. Although the three hikes are still preliminary and are expected to lower slightly with the final budget votes nearing the end of June.

NEW SUPER IN CRANBERRY

The Cranberry Area School District announced a new superintendent Monday – and her name is Maria C. Pappas. She’s from Poland, Ohio and she will take over the reigns on July 1st. She has signed a 5 year contract with the school district. She was approved Monday by a unanimous vote.

21 YEAR OLD DIES IN ERIE COUNTY CREEK

A Harborcreek man is dead after drowning in Six Mile Creek. The 21 year old man was reportedly playing basketball Monday night before he went in the water where he later died. Rescue crews put up white sheets to hide the man’s body as they pulled him from the scene. A teenager alerted authorities that something was wrong when he saw a lifeless man floating in the water. No word as to why he was in the water, and an autopsy is expected for some time today.

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5-24-20410

SESTAK OFFERED GOVERNMENT JOB IF WE DROPPED OUT AGAINST SPECTER

Democratic Pennsylvania Congressman Joe Sestak says he was told he'd have a job in the Obama administration if he decided not to run against longtime Senator Arlen Specter. Sestak spoke with CBS's "Face the Nation" and didn't say exactly what type of position he was offered. Sestak said his focus is going to Washington to serve. Sestak said President Obama was the first one to call with congratulations following his victory over Specter in the state's Democratic primary. The White House reportedly backed Specter's run.

GAS PRICES DOWN

Gasoline prices have dipped more than nine cents in the two weeks that ended May 21st. That's according to the latest Lundberg Survey, which says the new average for a gallon of regular gas nationwide has fallen to two-dollars-82-cents a gallon. The survey collects information from more than 25-hundred gas stations across the U.S.

SWIMMING LESSIONS FOR 1 YEAR OLDS?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has given its blessing to enrolling kids as young as one-year old in swimming lessons after a number of studies show children may be less likely to drown if they have had swimming lessons. In the past, the AAP had advised that children under four should not take lessons. Unintended drowning is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and 19. The agency's new guidelines are posted online today in its publication "Pediatrics."

TWO CAR CRASH SATURDAY

Traffic was backed up a short time on route 6 in Vernon Township after a two car crash. It happened Saturday afternoon on route 6 at the intersection with Shaw Avenue. Police said a truck driven by Christopher Wood of Corry was westbound and attempting to make a left onto Shaw when he was struck by Carrie Stone of Franklin, who witnesses say ran a red light. Both vehicles had to be removed from the roadway. No serious injuries reported.

FIRE DAMAGES CAR SHOP

A Crawford County business caught fire over the weekend. About 1:30 Sunday afternoon officials said the Supercare Semi-Truck and Car Service Center in Union Township reported a small fire that authorities had under control within about a half an hour. Six local fire departments responded. No cause or damage estimate was available.

I80 ACCIDENT SENDS TWO TO HOSPITAL

A crash on I-80 in Clarion County sends two to the hospital. Police said driver 26 year old Karen McClain was going east in the westbound lanes for an unknown reason when she collided with 26 year old Avidipto Biswas of Cleveland who was headed in the correct direction. Both drivers had to be cut out of their vehicles about 3 a-m Saturday morning. McClain was flown to UPMC Presby and Biswas was transported to UPMC Northwest. It happened in Richland Township.

SBA LOANS IN OHIO

Ohio State Representative Mary Jo Kilroy is hoping to launch a pilot lending program through the Small Business Administration. Kilroy introduced legislation last week she hopes will pay off for small businesses across the state. Kilroy's plan involves giving the SBA up to 20-million dollars a year for three years, then having the SBA distribute up to three-million dollars to as many as 20 nonprofit lending organizations. The initiative is modeled after a similar program in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

OIL SPILL IN TIONESTA

State police are now looking into an oil spill in Tionesta. Officials are now saying the spill that happened late last Wednesday, could cost up to 6 grand to clean up. The oil itself that was lost totaled about 1-thousand dollars in value. It happened at Watson Farm Road, and officials are still trying to determine whether or not it was done on purpose. About 600 gallons of crude oil was leaked onto the ground.

STORAGE UNIT ROBBED

A Callensburg man goes to check on his storage unit only to find two burglars trying to take his stuff. Police said on Saturday about noon 53 year old Randy Larkin went to check on his items in a Perry Township Storage bin when he noticed two men in a truck outside. The two men drove away quickly, but when they did, some of Larkin’s possessions fell out the back of the truck. Larkin followed the men into Parker City where a foot chase ensued. Police impounded their vehicle, but no word on any arrests.

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5-21-2010

JAILTIME RECOMMENDED IN BONUSGATE

The first of the three defendants to be convicted in the state's Bonusgate scandal could get nearly four years in prison. Attorney General Tom Corbett is recommending Brett Cott spend between 18 and 44 months behind bars. Cott, a former legislative analyst for ex-Democratic Whip Mike Veon, was convicted in March of felony theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest for his role in an illegal legislative bonus program. In his recommendation, Corbett called Cott a "remorseless, defiant, repeat offender." Mike Veon and another aide, Annamarie Perretta-Rosepink, will be sentenced next month.

NO DECISION IN LT GOVERNORS RACE

The Democratic primary race for lieutenant governor may be too close to call. A recount will likely be needed as current counts show only a tiny margin between the top two candidates. State Representative Scott Conklin leads former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel by less than half a percent. Pennsylvania's 67 counties have until Tuesday to verify the results and send them to the Department of State, which then has two days to decide if a recount is necessary. A recount would be due by June 8th.

CLICK IT OR TICKET LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE

The nationwide "Click It or Ticket" campaign kicks off in Monday. Officers throughout the state will be looking for violators of the state seat belt law. Local motorists should be prepared for stepped-up enforcement, and if an officer finds you on the road unbuckled, you can expect to get a ticket, no exceptions. According to PennDOT, 451 people died in unbelted crashes in the state in 2009, which is down from 567 in 2008 and the lowest number of fatalities since the department started keeping track in 1985. The campaign runs through June 13th.

MEMORIAL DAY TRAVEL EXPECTED TO CLIMB

Improved economic conditions are expected to boost the number of Americans likely to travel over Memorial Day weekend this year. Triple-A also predicts airfares will be unchanged from last year, hotels will still offer good deals and rental car rates will be less than in 2009. The travel group projects just over 32-million people will take a trip away from home during the holiday weekend. Last year, 30-and-a-half-million Americans traveled during the same time. Eighty-seven percent of people are expected to travel by car.

TOUCH A TRUCK

Tomorrow is your chance to Touch-a-Truck with Big Brothers and Sisters of Crawford County. All kinds of different vehicles like ambulances, firetrucks, bucket trucks and even an ice cream truck will be on hand to check out, up close and personal. It’s going on from 11:30 am to 2:30 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds. Be sure to enter at Gate One off of Dickson Road. Admission is 3 dollars a person and a maximum of 15 dollars for a family. Kids under 3 are free. Don’t forget to bring your camera tomorrow!

19 YEAR OLD SETS 4 FIRES

A Jackson Center teen is under fire for a spree of 4 arsons in Mercer County. Police say 19 year old Christopher Michael Grant set 4 fires, including a garage, a storage shed, a building and a trash dump between the 2nd and 15th of this month. Grant is a volunteer firefighter with the Jackson Center VFD and confessed to setting each of the fires during his interview. Grant’s bail was set at a total of 40 thousand – 10 thousand for each offense. He was lodged in the Mercer County Jail.

BAIL DROPPED FOR WILEY

The man who is accused of robbing a Linesville Pharmacy has his bail cut down. Police said 37 year old Gary Wiley of Conneaut Township recently had his bail significantly reduced. He’s in trouble for the alleged robbery, writing bad checks, and also for reportedly having marijuana plants growing at his home. Police say they’ve talked to him regarding the April double murder in Conneaut Township. At last word Wiley was still behind bars.

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5-20-2010

LAWRENCE COUNTY STAND OFF

A man was arrested in Lawrence County Wednesday evening following a six-hour stand-off. State police arrived at 39-year-old Michael Tackett's home to serve a warrant on several counts. The charges are from Crawford County and include rape, terroristic threats and simple assault. Troopers said Tackett of West Pittsburg, refused to give up peacefully, requiring a Special Emergency Response Team to be deployed. He eventually surrendered around 6 pm. He was taken to the Lawrence County Jail and was awaiting transport to the Crawford County Jail.

SPECTER FAILS TO SUPPORT SENATE WALL STREET BILL

A major Wall Street reform bill has failed to clear a major hurdle in the Senate without the support of three Democrats, including Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter. A procedural vote to end debate and proceed to final consideration fell short of a 60-vote threshold, 57-42. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Republicans are backing Wall Street at the expense of Main Street. Two Democrats, Wisconsin's Russ Feingold and Washington's Maria Cantwell, voted no. A third Democrat, Pennsylvania's Arlen Specter, was not in Washington after his tough loss.

TWITTER TARGETED BY AG

Attorney General Tom Corbett is going after Twitter. The Republican nominee for governor has subpoenaed the social media site to provide subscriber information about the accounts of @bfbarbie and @CasaBlancaPA for alleged violations of state law. The account holders have reportedly been tweeting critiques of Corbett's handling of the so-called Bonusgate investigations and trials. Corbett maintains that he is not simply targeting people that say things he doesn't like, but refused to comment further.

FOOD TRANSPORT ROLLS OVER ON I79

A trailer that was transporting groceries over turned early Wednesday morning in Crawford County. Officials said about a quarter to 3 in the morning, the trailer went out of control about 2 miles north of the Conneaut Lake exit on 79. The cab of the truck didn’t roll over though. No cause was given for the accident and roadways were opened a short time later.

OIL PRICES

At the close of trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange Wednesday, a barrel of U.S. crude oil tacked on 46 cents to settle at 69-dollars-87-cents.

WATER PROBLEM IN CAMBRIDGE

The water is back to normal in Cambridge Springs. About 24-hundred people were using water that was being pumped from a firetruck to a treatment plant since late last week after a pump broke. Even though quality was not affected, residents were asked to conserve water as much as possible those past few days. Those restrictions have since been lifted since the main pump was fixed.

COMMONWEALTH SEC RESIGNS

Governor Ed Rendell announced the resignation of one of his longtime cabinet members Wednesday. Secretary of State Pedro Cortes will resign on June 11th to become the executive vice president of Everyone Counts. The San Diego-based company helps soldiers, overseas residents and disabled people vote. Cortes is the state's first Latino cabinet member and the longest-serving Secretary of the Commonwealth in Pennsylvania history._______________________________

5-19-2010

SPECTER OUSTED

A legend falls! Long time U.S. Senator Arlen Specter lost his bid to return to the senate, this time as a Democrat. Joe Sestak defeated Specter by 40 thousand votes state wide. Sestak will face Pat Toomey in the fall who had a commanding lead over Peg Luksik.

ONORATO-CORBETT TO FACE OFF FOR GOVERNOR

The Race for Governor will be a Western Pa affair as Dan Onorato, the former Allegheny County Commissioner will be facing Tom Corbett on the Republican side. If Onorato is successful in the fall, he could break a pattern that been in place since the 50’s, each party holds the Governors post for 2 terms, then they switch for two.

KELLY WINS REP NOMINATION FOR 3RD CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper now knows who her opposition will be in the fall. New Castle Car Dealer Mike Kelly won the Republican nomination for the 3rd Congressional seat over his nearest competitor, Meadville Businessman Paul Huber. Dahlkemper easily walked away with the Democratic nomination. State Senator Bob Robbins, State Reps Brad Roae, Michelle Brooks, Scott Hutchinson, and John Evans were unopposed in their races, as was Congressman Glenn Thompson.

CAWLEY AND CONKLIN WIN LT GOVERNORS NODS

For the Lt. Governor’s post, Republican Jim Cawley easily won his bid for the post, while on the Democratic side, it appears that Scott Conklin was the winner, but by only a 2000 vote margin over Jonathan Seidel. The Official vote Count will begin later in the week.

SPECTER BEATEN BY SESTAK

It's the end of an era -- Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter has lost his primary challenge. The former Republican Senator who switched to the Democratic Party last year lost to Democratic Congressman Joe Sestak in another indication of anti-Washington, anti-establishment voter anger. The 80-year-old Specter, a 30-year Senate veteran and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, conceded defeat to the two-term congressman following a race that focused on Specter's party switch 13 months ago. Sestak will face Republican Pat Toomey in November's general election.

ELECTION RESULTS

Wanna know more about Tuesday’s election results? Visit www.electionreturns.state.pa.us has the final numbers.

OIL PRICES

Oil prices dropped 67-cents to settle at 69-dollars-41-cents a barrel.

GAS PRICES DOWN

Motorists in Western PA will be paying 5.4 cents less this week for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline at the pump. The current average price is $2.886. The national average price is $2.86. According to the Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report, local area average prices include Meadville and Clarion at 2.90, Erie at 2.89 and Warren at 2.95.

CAR STICKERS NOT STICKING

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has been flooded with calls complaining about unsticky emissions and inspection stickers. PennDOT officials say drivers need not worry since the stickers are still valid. State Police have also been made aware of the issue. While drivers are asked to simply reapply the stickers the best they can, replacement stickers can also be purchased for four-dollars.

SEX CRIME IN VENANGO COUNTY

A case of suspected sexual abuse is being investigated in Venango County. Police said the victim is a known juvenile boy. A suspect is not yet known, but officials are saying it allegedly took place on Georgetown Road in Victory Township. A multi-agency investigation is now underway.

ONE DEAD NEAR COOKS FOREST

A man died Tuesday in a car crash near Cook Forest. Officials say they believe 35 year old Raymond Fitzgerald fell asleep at the wheel on route 36, very close to the Cooksburg Bridge. Even though Fitzgerald crashed about 2:30 a-m, no one spotted him until the morning –at which time he was pronounced dead at the scene.

CIVILITY IN POLITICS

As you probably learned in kindergarten, the Golden Rule is really the only thing that matters in life when it comes to dealing with others. “Do unto others as you’d have done to you.” Easy, right? More like easier said than done. That’s why Allegheny College is hosting a 2-day “Civility in Politics” Seminar to bring to light all the recent injustices in our branches of government. Dan Shea, the director for the Center for Policital Participation at Allegheny College explains the event.
Shea says issues tend to be resolved quicker through compromise. He says constituents and politicians alike are encouraged to hear their opposition out before they make a judgement call. 3rd District Rep Kathy Dahlkemper spoke at Allegheny Tuesday to kick off the seminar. ________________________________________

5-18-2010

PRIMARY DAY

It's primary election day across Pennsylvania. Despite several heated races and national attention, voter turnout is expected to be low. Pennsylvania Commissioner of Elections Chet Harhut said he would call it a, quote, "good day" if 30-percent of the state's voters cast a ballot. Harhut attributed his lackluster prediction to today's rainy forecast and history with the state's last statewide primary in 2006 garnering only an 18-percent turnout. Candidates are vying for several important post, including governor, U.S. Senator and Congress. Polls are open from 7 am until 8 pm.

TWO CLARION STUDENTS KILLED IN CRASH

Friends and family are mourning two Clarion University students killed in a two-car crash in Washington County over the weekend. Balloons and flowers now mark the site where 21-year-old Michael Peskovich of McDonald, and 21-year-old Burgettstown resident Jenna Gilmore, were killed over the weekend. Police say the two were traveling west on State Route 50 in Mount Pleasant Township when a 19-year-old man from McDonald swerved into their lane to pass another vehicle. The man, whose name has not been released, was taken to Canonsburg General Hospital in unknown condition.

NHL WINTER CLASSIC COMING TO HEINZ FIELD

Sources say Pittsburgh will play host to the NHL Winter Classic in 2011. In the next few weeks, officials are expected to announce the Penguins and the Washington Capitals will play at Heinz Field on New Year's Day. Plans for the game have been in the works for months now, with NHL officials visiting the home of the Steelers to photograph and measure the field. Earlier this year, Reebok began talks with Heinz Field to discuss sponsorship options and the first round of ticketing talks took place.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices dropped one-dollar-55-cents Monday to settle at 70-dollars-six-cents a barrel.

DEATH INVESTIGATION

Police are now conducting a death investigation in the Sugarcreek Borough. On Monday 63 year old Edwin Evans was found dead on the floor in the front room of a Parker Avenue home. The cause and manor of death is to be determined by an autopsy that is scheduled for today. There was no sign of foul play at the scene.

CRAWFORD COUNTY FAIR QUEENS SOUGHT

Believe it or not, it’s getting to be that time to start thinking about fair season. And ladies if you’ve ever dreamed of being queen, here’s your chance. In order to be a contestant in the 2nd Annual Crawford County Fair Queen Pageant, the entry form that can be found at www.crawfordcountyfair.net, must be turned in by June 30th. You must be a Crawford County resident who is at least 16 but no older than 20 by June 1st. Event Coordinator, Diana Perry, explains what they are looking for in the new queen.
Perry says they hope to get at least 10 participants. Once an applicant has been accepted, then they will have to write an essay pertaining to the Crawford County Fair. The pageant will be held Sunday, August 22nd at 7 pm in the Grandstand. Last year’s winner, Tiffany Thayer of Linesville will pass her crown at that time.

SENIORS AT RISK FROM FALLS

Researchers say the risk of falling is higher due to stiffening of the aging brain's blood vessels, which diminishes their ability to respond to changes in blood pressure. The researchers say the risk factor increases by as much as 70 percent. Dr. Farzaneh Sorond, a neurologist at Harvard University' Institute for Aging Research, and her colleagues studied 420 people over 65 years of age. Their findings provide a potential target for intervention.

MEADVILLE MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT

A Meadville man still says he did not assault law officials in a child custody incident at his Pine Street home. However 54 year old Arnold Johnson the third pleaded no contest to three charges in the case. Johnson commented that he did so, so that his family would not have to go through a trial, citing that they had been through enough – that’s according to goerie.com. The charges stem from an incident that happened June 19th, when CYS and the police came to his home to remove a girl that was living there. Johnson is not expected to return to jail provided he doesn’t violate his probation.

OHIO CASINOS TO REFINE RULES

The Ohio Senate introduced new rules for the state's four new casinos yesterday. The Ohio House is also working on a bill as lawmakers near the June 3rd deadline to finalize the rules. Members of the Senate and House have been negotiating the differences in order to meet the deadline in three weeks. The legislation will cover when casinos may serve alcohol, the fees and taxes operators of casinos are required to pay and the powers of the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

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5-17-2010

FIRE RULED ARSON

An arson fire in the middle of the night reduced an area business down to rubble. Police said someone set the Area Shopper Building in Cochranton on fire in the wee hours of Saturday morning. A passerby spotted the building up in flames and contacted the fire department. This is the third fire in as many as months at this same location. The property belongs to 64 year old Simon Miller of Cochranton. No one was hurt, but the fire did about 125-thousand dollars worth of damage.

EMLENTON FIRE KILLS ONE

A Venango County man is dead after an apartment complex fire raged out of control. Officials said 66 year old Frank George Snyder Jr. of Emlenton passed away after being trapped in his apartment at 207 Myrtle Street in the Emlenton Borough. The cause is still being investigated. The fire broke out about a quarter to 2 in the morning Sunday. Nine fire departments responded to the call.

LOST SELF CONFIDENCE CAN BE RECOVERED

It’s the journey in life that matters, not the destination - that’s the point one Meadville organization is trying to get across. For those who have lost their self-confidence, there is a place to go to regain self-worth. It’s called the Journey Center and it’s located within the Chaps Program on Liberty Street in Meadville. Jeff Brooks, the director, says this program goes way back.
Although this isn’t a paying gig in the financial sense, Brooks says it can lead to a good-paying job - and can help get those who need it, get back on the road to being independent.

TEEN KILLED IN MERCER COUNTY CRASH

A car accident in Mercer County Sunday killed a teenager and left two other people injured. Police say 19-year-old James Thomas Rockwell of Sheakleyville was killed after he was ejected from a 1995 Chevy Lumina sedan that crashed in Greene Township. Natasha Rae Mowery of Greenville was driving the car at a high rate of speed and crashed after missing a curve on West Jamestown Road. The car hit an embankment, hit two trees and flipped onto its hood. Michael Shollenberger of Jamestown was also ejected and was flown to a hospital in Youngstown with Mowery to be treated for head trauma.

TUESDAY IS PRIMARY DAY

Voters in Harrisburg and around Pennsylvania will go to the polls Tuesday for a U.S. Senate primary between Democratic incumbent Arlen Specter and challenger Congressman Joe Sestak. On CNN's "State of the Union," Sestak was confident he will beat Specter, who changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat recently. Specter defended his party switch, saying he did so to be the 60th vote for Democrats in passing legislation to, quote, "stave off depression in this country."

ARIZONA IMMIGRATION LAW WOULD FLY IN PA

Nearly 60-percent of likely Pennsylvania voters taking part in a new Rasmussen Reports poll say they would support a law modeled on Arizona's recently passed controversial anti-illegal immigration law. Thirty-two-percent are against the idea. Fifty-four-percent said they're concerned about possible civil rights violations which could accompany such a law. Two-thirds of those polled said they want an immigration policy that would block entry into the U.S. for people who are, quote, "national security threats, criminals and those who would come here to live off our welfare system."

ATTEMPTED SAVIOR DIES IN QUEST

The man killed while trying to help rescue a teenager at McConnell's Mills State Park has been identified. Police say 47-year-old Donald Spillane of Cranberry died while trying to help save a 17-year-old girl who had fallen from rocks near Kildoo Bridge on Friday night. Spillane slipped while trying to reach the girl and fell 20-feet. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The unidentified girl was flown to UPMC Presbyterian hospital and is expected to be fine. Police are continuing to investigate, but believe the death was accidental.
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5-14-2010

OIL PRICES

Oil prices settled at 74-dollars-40-cents a barrel Thursday, a drop of one-dollar-25-cents.

DEBIT CARD FEES

A bill has passed the U.S. Senate to rein in fees charged to customers each time they use a debit or credit card. The legislation allows the Federal Reserve to require card networks to set fees on debit card transactions which are, quote, "reasonable and proportional to the actual cost incurred." Another part of the bill allows businesses to give discounts for cash or check purchases instead of using plastic and allows them to give discounts on one card over another.

HIGH SPEED CHASE

A Meadville man is arrested after leading police on a high speed chase through the city…City of Meadville police said Bernard C. Thompson refused to pull over and had the authorities chase him all over the south end of Meadville. Late night Wednesday about 10:30, the car chase ended at the intersection of Pine and Spencer Alleys. From there a foot chase ensued, but Thompson was captured only a short time later. Thompson faces charges of DUI, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, possession of a small amount of marijuana and 6 other summary traffic offenses. He was lodged in the Crawford County Jail on 10 thousand dollars bail.

BREAKING AND ENTERING

Two from Venango County are facing trouble after an alleged burglary and break-in at a Clintonville home. Police said 20 year old Joshua Eckert of Clintonville and 18 year old Andrea Israel of Polk were charged when officials found some of the missing items in their care. Both were taken to jail on 10 thousand dollars bail.

METH LAB NUMBER 2

It’s the second local meth lab bust in as many as days…Several more people were taken into custody after officials moved in on an apartment complex on Beechwood Drive in Titusville. Those facing charges include 19 year old Ashley Bryan, 21 year old Richard Huddleson, 21 year old Richard Elslager, 23 year old Joshua Elslager, 25 year old Danole Ruddell, 26 year old Aaron Hopkins, 25 year old Scott McKean all of Titusville and Mathew Peterson of Pleasantville. The defendants were lodged in the Crawford County Jail. The arrests are a result of a two-and-a-half month long investigation.

GOOD CHILD CARE GOOD FOR KIDS

The benefits of high-quality child care can stick with kids for years down the road. The latest results of an ongoing study by the National Institutes of Health found young children who spent time in a nurturing day care program where they received plenty of attention and cognitive stimulation got slightly better grades as teenagers than their peers. They were also slightly less likely to act out than teens who had been in lower-quality child care programs. The study followed more than 13-hundred kids from the time they were a month old and found that more than 40 percent received high-quality day care.

STATE POLICE SUMMER DRIVING INITIATIVE

PA State Police completed the first of four sweeps in their summer safe driving initiative. Earlier this week, police in Western PA and other bordering states conducted “Operation Safety Net” an effort to curb aggressive, impaired and speeding drivers. Only 15 crashes occurred during the sting, and 17 illegal aliens were picked up and turned over to the border patrol from Mercer and Clarion. Notable drug arrests were also made. Over 11-hundred traffic citations were handed out in a 12-hour period.

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5-13-2010

HOUSE FIRE

A house burns down near Blooming Valley. Officials said the Wednesday morning fire destroyed a single family residence on Stolz Road in Woodcock Township. Firefighters said everyone in the house was able to get out unharmed. The homeowner’s name was not available. Several local fire departments were dispatched to the scene, but the house was engulfed in flames by the time crews arrived.

METH LAB IN OIL CITY

A Venango County man is arrested on charges that he allegedly manufactured meth. According to a press release from Attorney General Tom Corbett, 28 year old Shawn Adams of Oil City was arrested Tuesday following an extensive investigation by the Northwestern PA Methamphetamine Task Force and the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics. Adams’ house was searched earlier this week after agents from the AG’s office and officers from the Titusville police department learned that Adams was allegedly exchanging meth for pseudoephedrine and other ingredients used to make meth.

12 YEAR OLD MURDER SUSPECT MAY BE TRIED AS CHILD AFTER ALL

A Lawrence County judge has okayed the defense's motion to appeal his decision to try a 12-year-old boy for homicide as an adult. Judge Dominick Motto previously refused to send Jordan Brown to Juvenile Court on charges that he fatally shot his father's pregnant fiance last year. Judge Motto yesterday allowed the defense to take its appeal to Superior Court, putting the August trial date on hold until further notice. Jordan Brown is charged with killing 26-year-old Kenzie Houk inside their New Castle home.

ABSENTEE DEADLINE

The deadline to turn in your absentee ballot for the upcoming primary is approaching. Your county Bureau of Elections must receive the absentee ballot by tomorrow, Friday, at 5:00. Those who choose to vote absentee can appoint someone to deliver their ballot to the Bureau of Elections if unable to do so. The deadline to apply for the absentee ballot was Tuesday.

OIL PRICES

Oil prices settled 72-cents lower Wednesday at 75-dollars-65-cents a barrel.

ROE SPECULATES ON FILLING BUDGET HOLE

One local Crawford County Rep says they PA House is still kicking around ideas on how to cover the millions of dollars needed to fill the gap in the PA transportation budget. House Rep Brad Roae says it’s sometimes hard to understand PA’s financial structure.
Although, that being said Roae commented, if money can be transferred into the General Fund from other Budgets, then he doesn’t see why it couldn’t work the other way around. Several ideas are still floating around state government like raising gas taxes, license fees and even taxing those who enter or leave the state.

SEX CHARGE AGAINST VENANGO COUNTY WOMAN

A Rocky Grove woman faces charges that she allegedly had sex with a teenager and gave alcohol and drugs to minors. Officials said 29 year old Brandy Shirey allegedly had sex with a 14 year old and now has six counts against her. The illegal activity reportedly took place at her home back in March. She’s in jail on 75 thousand dollars bail.

CHANGES IN KATSUP?

When adding a popular condiment to a hot dog, hamburger or french fries, residents will have something to feel good about starting this summer. The "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" reports the Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Co. is tweaking its recipe for ketchup in order to decrease sodium content, the first major change in the company's tomato-based product in almost 40 years. Over a week ago, Heinz workers began working on the new version of ketchup, which is expected to show up in grocery stores this summer.
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5-12-2010

GAMING BOARD UNDER FIRE

Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord is taking the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to court. McCord spokesperson Corinna [[core-in-ah]] Wilson says the treasurer's lawsuit is about whether the Gaming Control Board can exclude the state treasurer from any of its deliberations. In a news release, McCord says "gaming needs more daylight, not less." He says an unsigned memo tried to get him to back off, something he says he won't do. His spokesperson says they don't know what led to the "apparent discomfort" with the treasurer having access to all board deliberations.

DUI RECORD SET IN 2009

A report out today by the Pennsylvania State Police shows there were a record number of DUI arrests last year. While 16-thousand-900 people were arrested on DUI charges, alcohol-related fatalities dropped to 141, a decline of 14-percent from the previous year. A spokesman from the state police says they believe the record number of arrests stem from more police saturation, rather than more intoxicated people.

OIL PRICES

Oil prices settled 43-cents lower Tuesday at 76-dollars-37-cents a barrel.

SEX LAWSUIT SETTLED BY UNIVERSITY

Edinboro University will shell out nearly half a million dollars to settle a suit brought forward by a student. Cameron Aulner, who graduated last year said that his professor William Chandler, who passed away in December, would ask him out and harass him by referring to the movie Brokeback Mountain. The harassment reportedly continued even though university officials knew it was happening. Edinboro has now agreed to pay 495 thousand to Aulner who filed the suit back in October – that’s according to goerie.com.

GAS PRICES UP

Western PA drivers are paying almost a penny more this week for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline. The current average price at the pump is $2.94. The national average retail price for a gallon of self serve regular is approximately $2.90, just less than a half penny lower than last week at this time. According to the Weekly Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report, current local area average prices include Meadville at 2.94, Erie at 2.96 and Mercer at 2.97.

SEX CHARGES AGAINST CLARION MAN

A Clarion County man is arrested after he was caught allegedly sexually propositioning a teenage girl. Problem is, it wasn’t a teenage girl that 27 year old Brandon Lee Galford was talking to online – it was an undercover agent pretending to be a 13 year old girl. According to a press release from AG Tom Corbett’s office, Galford sent pornographic materials of himself and even suggested having sex with multiple people and a dog. Galford was jailed in lieu of 100 thousand dollars bail and is prohibited from any unsupervised contact with minors and the internet.

CITY TRUCK HITS PEDESTRIAN

A pedestrian is hit and injured by a Meadville Area Water Authority truck. Meadville City Police are now looking for witnesses in the 2:30 Tuesday afternoon accident at the corner of Chesnut and Water Streets. Apparently a truck, driven by MAWA employee William Kaplin was making a left onto Water when he accidentally hit a 55 year old female who was on foot. She was taken to Meadville Medical Center and then later to Hamot with head injuries. Police are now trying to figure out whether the woman was in the crosswalk at the time of the accident.

3 INUJURED

A one-vehicle rollover accident injures three in Venango County. Earlier this week, driver 25 year old Tessa Myers of Cranberry was on 322 in Cranberry Township when she left the highway and rolled her car over. Her two passengers 36 year old Billie Sanner also of Cranberry and 21 year old Christopher Caldwell of Oil City were all taken to area hospitals. No word as to why she lost control.

ROETHLISBERGER COMPLETES THERAPY

NFL.com is reporting Big Ben has completed a behavioral evaluation prescribed by league Commissioner Roger Goodell. The evaluation is in conjunction with a six game suspension at the beginning of the season this fall. Goodell said if the Steelers quarterback makes progress with further therapy and counseling, he could rejoin the team for workouts and reduce his suspension to four games. Roethlisberger was suspended his behavior off the field, which included two accusations of sexual assault in under a year.

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5-11-2010

CHARGES MADE AGAINST TEACHER

Accusations are being made against a 25 year old male teacher at AC Valley High School. Officials are saying they are looking into a possible inappropriate relationship he had with a 14 year old female student from Parker. The teacher’s name is not yet being released, but police said he was from Oil City-Cranberry Area.

DRUG ARRESTS IN CLARION CO

Eleven people are arrested on drug charges in Clarion County. The Clarion Narcotics Enforcement Team in conjunction with several police departments made the arrests based on several investigations throughout the county. Among those charged, 20 year old David Budzowski of Mercer who is accused of selling LSD at Clarion University. Also, police said 19 year old Dwayne Martin of Grove City allegedly sold marijuana on campus. The others were largely from the Western PA area.

CRUDE PRICE HIGHER

At the close on the New York Mercantile Exchange Monday, a barrel of light, sweet crude was higher by one-dollar-69-cents to settle at 76-dollars-80-cents.

PERSONAL TAXES LOWER

U.S. tax levels hit a nearly 60-year low in 2009. According to "USA Today," figures from the Bureau of Economic Analysis show Americans spent just nine-point-two percent of their total personal income on federal, state and local taxes last year. That's the lowest rate since 1950. The average tax rate for the past half-century has been around 12 percent. The tax rate for all Americans combined has fallen 26 percent since the recession began in 2007, saving the average household more than three-thousand dollars a year.

SESTAK AHEAD OF SPECTER

Two polls released yesterday show U.S. Representative Joe Sestak pulling ahead of incumbent Senator Arlen Specter in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary for Senate. The surveys from Rasmussen Reports and Muhlenberg College reported Sestak leading Specter 47 to 42-percent. Scott Rasmussen, the polling firm's president, said Specter has been steadily declining in support over the past five-months. Rasmussen added, quote, "On top of that, it's a terrible year to be an incumbent." The primary is May 18th.

SENIORFEST

Today is Seniorfest in the Downtown Mall in Meadville. Seniors are invited to head out for the day and come take advantage of all the programs the county has to offer. It’s happening from 10 to 3 and Rita Mineo from Active Aging says they have activities galore for the day.
There will be cake at 11 to celebrate May as Older Americans Month and also door prizes. All kinds of health screenings are being made available including a blood sugar test, which requires a 2-hour fast. Squeeze the clown will be providing entertainment. CATA will be providing free transportation back and forth from the Meadville Senior Center every 30 minutes and it’s free to get in.

CRAWFORD COUNTY FIRE

A South Shenango Township mobile home goes up in flames Monday morning. Firefighters were dispatched to the home on Leff Avenue minutes before 8:30. Six area volunteer companies were called in to fight the blaze. The two people inside were able to escape in time. The American Red Cross is assisting the victims. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

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5-10-2010

ATV CRASH KILLS ONE

A Titusville man is killed in an ATV accident. Police said 21 year old Andrew Sterling suffered a fatal blow when his ATV went out of control on Bugtown Road in Southwest Township, Warren County. It happened late afternoon Sunday just after 4. Sterling was pronounced dead at the scene after hitting a tree.

BUS-CAR ACCIDENT CAUSES ONLY MINOR INJURIES

A school bus runs into a passenger car…City of Meadville police said the bus had about 24 kids riding at the time it hit a car that belongs to Tina Wyant. Several students had minor injuries, and Wyant was taken by ambulance to the Meadville Medical Center. It happened at Balwin and West College Street late last week.

TRANSPORTATION SESSION PLANS ON FILLING HOLES

State lawmakers are weighing multiple options for plugging a nearly half-billion-dollar shortfall in Governor Rendell's Transportation Budget. State Senator J. Barry Stout says it's time to revisit raising the oil franchise tax because the mileage cap was originally set at one-dollar and 25-cents. Stout also says a gas tax is an equitable highway-user fee. Rendell says doing nothing about the transportation funding gap would cripple the state's transportation network and imperil public safety.

PRIMARY VOTER APATHY

State election officials are concerned next week's Democratic primary for governor will fall victim to voter apathy. Pollster Terry Madonna of Franklin & Marshall College said a lack of statewide name recognition among candidates and regionalized support could mean this race is anyone's game. A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato in the lead, with 36-percent of the vote. However, the largest number of voters surveyed remained undecided, at about 37-percent. The election is May 18th.

LAWRENCE COUNTY FIRE STUNS AMISH

A Western Pennsylvania Amish community is grieving after a house fire claimed three lives over the weekend. Authorities report the fire broke out Saturday afternoon at a home on State Route 208 in New Wilmington, Lawrence County. Thirty-one-year-old Katie Kurtz and her two daughters, eight-year-old Sally and three-year-old Anna, were all killed. State police have determined the fire started accidentally in a wood-burning stove.

18 MONTH HIGH

We're paying the most at the gas pump in more than a year and a half. The bi-weekly nationwide Lundberg survey of gas stations puts the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas at two-dollars-92-cents, up seven-cents in the past two weeks. However, oil prices have been dropping quickly so a corresponding fall in gas prices is expected. Oil fell on Friday to its lowest level since February 16 at 74-dollars-51-cents a barrel.

VENANGO CO WRECK SENTS THREE TO CHOPPER TO HOSPITAL

Three people are flown to the hospital after a rollover wreck in Cranberry Township. On Friday, police said the unidentified driver was going east on 322 on Maple Shade. No names were given but officers said all three people in the car had to be flown to various hospitals. It happened just before 4:30 in the afternoon. Charges are pending further investigations.

CRAWFORD COUNTY BREAK INS

Several Crawford County businesses are broken into and vandalized in the past few days. Late last week, Henry Chiropractic in Cambridge Township was broken into and a computer was stolen. On Friday, the Bear Moose Bar and Grill in Woodcock Township was entered by force and several gaming machines were opened up for money. Also on Friday, someone broke a window at the Meadville Moose Lodge. Finally, somewhere between Saturday and Sunday, Dave’s Place in Richmond Township was robbed of a computer and various groceries. Police aren’t yet saying if any of the break-ins are related.

FIRE DEPARTMENT LOAN

The Summit Township Volunteer Fire Department in Harmonsburg has been approved for a low-interest loan to purchase additional equipment for the company. The loan, which comes from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and PEMA, will refinance debt incurred toward the purchase of the 2009 Life Line Type III (three) Ambulance. The Volunteer Loan Assistance Program provides low interest loans to volunteer fire companies to help keep companies with updated equipment. The loan amount was immediately not available.

PAINTBALL ASSAULT

A man faces aggravated assault charges after pelting another man with a paintball gun. In Frenchcreek Township late last week, police said Steven Gregory Armant shot at Gregory Alan Winger several times. Armant was released after posting 75-hundred dollars bail. It happened sometime between 10 and 11 o’clock at night.
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5-7-2010

CHARGED WITH STABBING, MEADVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY

The man accused of stabbing another man in the Days Inn in Meadville back in November pleads guilty to simple assault. Officials said 50 year old Juan Migel Castellon of Florida is accused of stabbing 38 year old William Starn Junior at the Vernon Township Hotel. In exchange for that plea, several other charges were dropped. Castellon faces a possible two years behind bars and 5 thousand in fines. He is to be sentenced in early June.

BEAVER CO REP FACES DRUG CHARGES

Former state Representative Frank LaGrotta is facing drug charges in Beaver County. Police arrested LaGrotta on Wednesday after he allegedly tried to get more Xanax pills than he was actually prescribed. Sources close to LaGrotta say he has been battling addiction for some time and plans to check into a rehab center next week. LaGrotta served as the representative for Pennsylvania's 10th District in Western Pennsylvania from 1987 to 2006.

MEADVILLE SERTOMA CLUB BROKEN INTO

Another Meadville Club is broken into in the middle of the night. Early Thursday morning after 3 am, someone broke a window and got into the Sertoma Club. Apparently the burglars went through some papers and damaged a cash register, but it hasn’t actually been determined if any money was taken or not. The Sertoma Club is on Baldwin Street.

HOUSE PROPOSES CUTS TO BALANCE BUDGET

House Republicans proposed a few ways to remedy the state's budget without raising taxes. At a Capitol news conference Wednesday, lawmakers unveiled a list of ideas including: reducing Pennsylvania's vehicle fleet, playing for goods and services electronically and doing away with Medicaid eligibility errors. "The Patriot-News" reports if those changes were made, the state could save from 543-million dollars to one-billion dollars annually. The current budget proposed by Governor Ed Rendell for the next fiscal year is about one-billion dollars off balance.

TAX REVENUE DOWN IN OHIO

Income tax revenues are falling fast in Ohio. Revenue for April fell 16-percent below budgeted projections, meaning a 229-million-dollar income tax shortfall. That leaves 2010 with a 218-million-dollar budget hole going into the final two months of the fiscal year. Officials in Governor Ted Strickland's administration have indicated they are trying to save from making big cuts from the budget. Capital gains and investment income fell short of projections, leading to off projections.

WOMEN HAVING CHILDREN LATER

Changing attitudes toward motherhood and women marrying later in life have led to more births for woman over the age of 35 than for teenagers. The new Pew Research study using census and government health statistics shows that between 1990 an 2008, births to women over 35 jumped dramatically from 368-thousand to 603-thousand. Study results show the average age of women having their first child is now 25.

BANK ROBBER ARRESTED

A man is arrested after allegedly robbing a Mercer County bank. Police say 21 year old Taylor Coleman of Pittsburgh was arrested Wednesday for hitting up a Pine Township bank on April 26th. Coleman was placed in the Mercer County Jail in lieu of 125-thousand dollars bond.

MOTHERS DAY GIFT?

Are you still looking for that perfect Mother's Day gift? If you're struggling to find the right thing for mom, you aren't alone. Nearly three-quarters of those taking part in a new Western Union poll say they intend to give their mother something this Sunday, and 42-percent admit they have a difficult time shopping for her. Nearly a third of the moms note they either didn't get a present last year, or it was, quote, "thoughtful, but not a gift they wanted." So this year, think outside the box and get mom something she would never buy for herself.

SATURDAY FOOD DRIVE

This Saturday, is the U.S. Postal Service annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive to benefit local food pantries. Before your letter carrier comes this Saturday, be sure to put non-perishable food items either in or by your mailbox. Please check to make sure that the food items are not expired and please do not donate items in glass containers.
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5-6-2010

PLAN FOR TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

Three Democratic legislators have answered Governor Rendell's call to brainstorm ways to solve Pennsylvania's 472-million-dollar transportation funding problem. Representatives Bill Kortz, Michael O'Brien and Scott Conklin proposed placing new tolls on interstate highways at the points where the roads enter and leave the state. The legislators contend charging a dollar for a passenger vehicle and five-dollars for trucks would raise at least half the money the state needs. The tolls would affect Interstates 79, 90, 80, 81, 95, 78, and 84.

CRUDE PRICES DOWN

Oil prices dropped two-dollars-77-cents Wednesday to settle at 79-dollars-97-cents a barrel.

ONE DEAD IN MERCER COUNTY CRASH

A Venango County woman is dead after a Mercer County accident. Police said 26 year old Jessica Spencer of Franklin passed away being a passenger in a car that went off the road on Route 62 near Sandy Lake. On Tuesday morning, 25 year old Victor Plunkett also of Franklin was driving when he veered into a tree. Investigators don’t yet know what caused the crash.

TASER USED TO SUBDUE OIL CITY MAN

An Oil City man is facing trouble after losing his temper…Officials say they had to taser and arrest Joseph Schall after he allegedly became unruly following a hearing at the district magisterial judge in Cranberry Township. Schall was placed in the Venango County Jail with bond set at 75-hundred dollars.

MORE SEE ECONOMY IMPROVING

The latest CBS News/New York Times poll shows 41-percent of Americans say the economy is improving. That's the biggest upbeat percentage since the prolonged recession began and a big shift in public sentiment compared to the start of the Obama administration in early 2009. At that time, 54-percent of those polled said the U.S. economy was getting worse and only seven-percent said it was getting better.

DUI CHARGES AGAINST FOUR IN CRAWFORD COUNTY

Four drivers get DUIs and several others traffic citations and warnings after a traffic enforcement effort by police in Crawford County…Roving patrols dealt with about 80 vehicles overall in the recent DUI task force sting. Two people were charged with possessing drug paraphernalia, and one was caught with a small amount of marijuana.

ILLEAGAL IMMIGRANT LEGISLATION PROPOSED

A pair of Western Pennsylvania congressmen are backing legislation that would make it a state crime to be an illegal immigrant. Modeled after the highly controversial bill just passed in Arizona, the bill would allow police to question anyone about their immigration status if there's reason to suspect they're in the country illegally. State Representatives Daryl Metcalf of Butler County and Harry Readshaw of Allegheny County support the measure, claiming there are more than 140-thousand illegal aliens in the state who are costing taxpayers millions. Many others strongly object on the grounds that the law would promote racial profiling and prejudice. Governor Rendell says he will veto the bill if it makes it to his desk.

HUMMERS RECALLED

General Motors is recalling about 126-thousand Hummer H3 models over concerns part of the hood could detach from the vehicle while it's being driven. GM said it could cause the part to break loose and strike a vehicle behind the Hummer in traffic. The recall covers 2006 through 2010 model year Hummer H3 vehicles. The Hummer model is being shut down by GM after they failed to find a buyer for the SUV brand.

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5-5-2010

50 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR FORGERY

A Crawford County man is in trouble for allegedly forging an elderly man’s documents. Officials said 33 year old Arnold Ellis of Vernon Township is being charged with felony counts of forgery and criminal intent to commit forgery – that’s according to goerie.com. Authorities believe that he tried to be Power of Attorney for the 83 year old man. He is in the Crawford County Jail on 50 thousand dollars bond.

ALCOHOL SUSPECED IN ACCIDENT
Two men are injured in a Crawford County crash. Police said 20 year old Michael Melson of Titusville was on Grange Center Road in Hayfield Township when he lost control and drove off the road and into a garage Monday morning. Both Melson and his passenger, 21 year old Daniel Allio of Pleasantville were hurt. Police say they suspect alcohol was involved in the morning accident.

SPECIAL SESSION OPENS ON TRANSPORTATION

Governor Rendell has convened a special session of the state legislature to talk transportation dollars. Rendell called for the session after federal officials rejected his plan to toll Interstate-80, leaving lawmakers scrambling to reassess transportation funding in the new budget. The governor tasked legislators with finding at least half-a-billion dollars to address roads and bridges in dire need of repairs. He suggested higher taxes on gasoline, new tolls on roads and bridges and higher fees on driver licenses and vehicle registrations.

DOWN TO THE WIRE ON PRIMARY

With just two weeks to go before the primary election, new polls show the gap between Pennsylvania's Democratic U.S. Senate candidates is closing. Muhlenberg College and Quinnipiac University both released polls that suggest Joe Sestak has significantly cut incumbent Senator Arlen Specter's lead in the race. According to the surveys, Senator Specter led the Delaware County congressman 47 to 39-percent. Just one month ago, Specter led by twice that margin, at 53 to 32-percent.

GAS PRICES CLIMB

The cost for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Western PA rose 6.3 cents this week. The current average price is 2.93. The national average price rose 4.6 cents to approximately 2.90. According to the Weekly Triple-A Fuel Gauge Report, current local area average prices include Meadville at 2.98, Clarion at 2.95 and Erie at 2.97.

MARCELLUS SHALE NEEDS TAXED SAYS DEP OFFICIAL

A top official with the Pennsylvania's Department Of Environmental Protection says the state is perceived as "chumps" by the Marcellus Shale industry. DEP Secretary John Hanger says shale companies operating here are huge multi-billion-dollar conglomerates who should be taxed. Hanger also says Pennsylvania's massive gas reserves are among the most attractive in the world and calls it "insane" that the industry is not being taxed.

MICHAELS IS OUT OF HOSPITAL

Poison frontman and Butler County native Bret Michaels is out of the hospital and recovering at an unknown location. Michaels' doctors, speaking at a news conference from the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, said he's a "very lucky" man to have survived a massive brain hemorrhage late last month. Michaels entered the hospital on April 22nd with a severe headache. It was then that doctors discovered bleeding on his brain. Dr. Joseph Zabramski says the rocker is walking, but not very well, noting that he is still "very sick."

CRUDE PRICES

Crude oil prices tumbled three-dollars-45-cents on the New York Mercantile exchange Tuesday, closing at 82-dollars-74-cents, a decrease of four percent.

CLARION COUNTY FIGHT CAUSES CHARGES

An Oil City man is facing assault charges after a scuffle involving two women. Police said 28 year old Chad Martin will face charges of assault, open lewdness, disorderly conduct and more after allegedly assaulting a 24 year old Marble woman and threatening another woman. It happened earlier this week in Washington Township, Clarion County. ___________________________________

5-4-2010

NATURAL GAS PRICE DOWN

National Fuel Gas is announcing their quarterly adjustment…This adjustment will lower the average consumer’s bill from 81.46 to 76.21 or by 6.4 percent. These rates became effective on May 1st. The decrease is a direct result of a continuing decline in the market price of natural gas. National Fuel serves approximately 214-thousand customers in 14 counties in Northwest PA. Visit www.nationalfuelgas.com for more details.

MAN ARRESTED ON SEX CHARGES

A Centerville man is jailed on 100-thousand dollars bail after allegedly having sex with a minor. According to goerie.com, the 13 year old girl went missing Sunday and called her parents for a ride a couple miles away from her home about 3 a-m Sunday. 22 year old James Edward Vroman is now facing serious charges for allegedly taking the Warren County girl to Centerville for sex and then dropping her off.

GOVERNOR-HIGHER TAXES PREVENT LAYOFFS

Governor Ed Rendell is proposing to limit employee layoffs by raising taxes. Rendell announced Monday he must take action in order to fill the state's billion-dollar budget hole. His comments follow news of a 12-percent decline in tax collections last month. Rendell is proposing legislators tax cigars, smokeless tobacco and natural gas extraction. However, he and lawmakers have not yet began formal budget negotiations ahead of the new fiscal year which starts July 1st.

MEGA MILLIONS LOTTERY JACKPOT

Pennsylvania lottery players have a chance at over a quarter-billion dollars in tonight's Mega Millions drawing. The jackpot is worth an estimated 266-million dollars. The cash option will allow the lucky ticket holder to take home just over 165-million dollars. During the current run, there has been five second-tier Mega Millions winners in the state. The 250-thousand-dollar tickets were sold in Allegheny, Dauphin, Philadelphia, Franklin and Indiana counties. If someone hits the jackpot tonight, it would rank as the eighth largest in Mega Millions history.

HEARING FOR 12 YEAR OLD SUSPECTED KILLER

A hearing was held yesterday to determine whether a 12-year-old accused murderer should instead face trial in juvenile court. Jordan Brown is currently charged as an adult in the shooting death of his father's 26-year-old fiance, Kenzie Houk, in their Wampum house last February. Defense lawyers called for the hearing, arguing that Brown has never admitted to the crime and raised Fifth Amendment issues against self-incrimination. Judge Dominick Motto did not say when he will rule on the motion.

ROETHLISBERGER SPENDS TIME WITH "SHRINK"

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reportedly spent his weekend undergoing a behavioral evaluation rather than practicing with his teammates. The "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette" reports Big Ben will be evaluated over the course of several days and has been ordered to stay away from the Steelers' training facility until the evaluation is complete. Big Ben was suspended for at least the first four games of the 2010 season for his conduct off the field. The evaluation was included in the terms of the suspension, which Roethlisberger publicly accepted last week.

CHILD DIES IN LOCAL POND

A 3 year old is found dead after drowning in a North East Township pond. Police said they found the boy near Haskell Road and Route 20 Monday afternoon. He reportedly wandered away from his home. He was pronounced dead a short time after two. An autopsy is scheduled for today.

CENSUS PHASE TWO

If you didn’t fill out and send back your census forms, someone may be knocking at your door shortly. Census workers are now in full swing gathering information from those who didn’t fill out the short questionnaire. Despite the few that didn’t mail it back, Pennsylvania did pretty well in the scheme of things. Seventy-six percent of PA residents sent it back as opposed to the national average of 72 percent.

OIL PRICE

Oil prices crept higher by four cents a barrel Monday to settle at 86-dollars-19-cents.

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5-3-2010

JEFFERSON CO MAN DIES IN CLARION ACCIDENT

A traffic accident Saturday night claimed the life of a Jefferson County man. Police say 29-year-old Jesse Taylor of Summerville was pronounced dead at the scene after he lost control of his pickup truck and crashed into a tanker truck. Taylor was not wearing a seatbelt while traveling southbound on Route 66 in Clarion around 10 p.m. His truck went off the road, into a grass and gravel area before going over into oncoming traffic and the tanker truck driven by Walter Anthony. Anthony was not hurt and no charges were filed against him.

ASSISTANT EDINBORO FOOTBALL COACH DIES UNEXPECTEDLY

An Edinboro University Assistant Football Coach passes away unexpectedly. Officials said that 38 year old Matt Gillette died suddenly Friday at his home. Gilette was the offensive line coach since last summer. Friends and family were reportedly shocked at the news. He is survived by a wife and two daughters. A cause of death was not given.

HONDA NOW HAS A RECALL

Honda is recalling more than 160-thousand Acura TSX sedans over a problem that could lead to a fire. Power steering hoses in the vehicles could develop a leak that would allow fluid to leak onto hot engines and ignite. The recall involves 2004 to 2008 model year Acura TSX vehicles. Honda will notify owners about the problem and repair the vehicles free of charge.

MAN ARRESTED ON WARRANTS AFTER ACCIDENT

A Titusville man is arrested after police found out he had outstanding warrants in two counties. Police said 21 year old Jesse Burrows wrecked his vehicle on route 36 in Oil Creek Township late last week by hitting a couple of utility poles. No other vehicles were involved. Burrows had warrants out for his arrest in both Crawford and Venango County.

MULTIPLE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT

A Knox man remained unscathed after a multiple-rollover accident. Officials said that 22 year old Russell Hartzell was driving on route 208 in Beaver Township, Clarion County when he left the roadway and flipped over several times. In doing so, he was able to miss an on-coming car.

CANADIAN TENORS PLAY FRANKLIN HIGH

A world class musical group is headed to Venango County tomorrow. On Tuesday, the Venango Community Concert Association Presents, the Canadian Tenors, a world renowned singing group from the north. Elaine Frey with the Concert Association says these guys have really sung the big time.
Frey explained that the organization strives to bring in big acts because even smaller communities should have quality entertainment without having to travel to the city. She says they’ve been doing this for quite some time…
The Canadian Tenors will play tomorrow evening at the Franklin High School. Tickets are 20 dollars at the door.

RICHEY HONORED BY HIS OWN

The late Trooper Richey was honored and remembered on Friday. Trooper Richey of Venango County responded to a volatile domestic call right outside of Oil City back in mid-January. When he arrived on the scene though, Michael Smith was waiting for him in an upstairs room and gunned down the trooper with a high powered rifle. Smith then killed his wife before taking his own life. Now the question is being raised if Smith should have had the gun at all considering his past with crime. Trooper Richey was honored at the State Police Memorial Day Ceremony.

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4-30-2010

VENANGO COUNTY CRASH CLAIMS 1

A Titusville woman is dead after a Venango County car crash. Details are still preliminary, but police say 21 year old passenger Sarah Bronson was killed Thursday afternoon on route 8 in Cherrytree Township. Police are still investigating.

LAST BIG FAIR SHOW ANNOUNCED

The Crawford County Fair made another big announcement Thursday. The next big country show will be Darius Rucker and Kellie Pickler. That’s happening August 26th at 7:30. Tickets go on sale Monday, May 10th by phone or online at www.crawfordcountyfair.net and then tickets at the courthouse will be sold starting Tuesday, May 11th.

CORBETT VOWS TO CUT BUDGET

Attorney General Tom Corbett vowed Thursday to slash Pennsylvania's deficit, without raising taxes no less, if he's elected governor. Corbett said the state will "suffer" over the next two years because of a multi-billion-dollar deficit, the loss of federal stimulus money and a nearing explosion in pension costs. Corbett said despite all that, he will stay true to his campaign pledge not to raise taxes, meaning he'll cut his way out of the budget hole. The Republican said he'll do whatever is necessary to get financially solvent, even if it means he'll lose re-election.

GOOD RESPONSE TO CENSUS

The 2010 U.S. Census forms have come in and Pennsylvania had a good response rate of 76-percent -- the same response rate from a decade ago. The national participation rate was 72-percent. Census takers are expected to go door-to-door starting on May 1st to collect forms from people who failed to participate in the count. The Census is made to determine how much federal funding each district receives around the country.

OIL PRICES

Oil prices also shot higher Thursday by one-dollar-95-cents to settle at 85-dollars-17-cents per barrel.

TRIAL IN SEX CHARGES SET

A Crawford County man will go to trial on charges that he sexually assaulted two young girls. Officials said 41 year old Gordon Coon of Union Township is facing 10 third degree felony counts of indecent assault, 2 more felony counts of endangering the welfare of children and unlawful contact with a minor amongst other, lesser charges. According to goerie.com, he was originally charged in late March. Police say it allegedly happened from 2003 to 2004.

SEX ED IN PA?

Students across Pennsylvania could soon receive comprehensive sex education. For the first time ever, the full House will review a sex education bill that would require schools to teach students about pregnancy prevention and contraception. A House committee this week passed the Healthy Youth Act, which would add comprehensive sex ed to abstinence-only instruction. Supporters say oftentimes children may not receive the "birds and the bees" talk from mom and dad and are therefore ill-equipped and uninformed when it comes to making serious sexual decisions.

OIL CITY ARMORY MAY GO ON THE BLOCK

A measure to allow the state to sell the Oil City Armory was signed into law by the governor. It will let the state sell the Armory Building and also the slightly more than one quarter acre parcel of land it sits on to a private person or entity. It will be conveyed through a competitive big process. This also extends to include the Meadville Armory in Crawford County which sits on a third of an acre. Proceeds from both will be deposited into the state Treasury Armory Fund which can be used for supplies for the PA National Guard.
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4/29/2010

STATE FLAGS AT HALF MAST

Governor Rendell has ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags be flown at half-staff today in honor of legendary civil rights activist Dorothy Height. President Barack Obama has also ordered flags lowered at the Capitol in Ms. Height's memory. Dorothy Height served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women, and her crusade for racial and gender equality earned her both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. She died last week at the age of 98.

OIL PRICES

Oil prices rose 78-cents Wednesday to settle at 83-dollars-22-cents a barrel.

IDENTITY THEFT SOLVED

A Conneaut Township woman is arrested after allegedly obtaining three credit cards using an elderly woman’s identity. Police said 53 year old Sandra Turner took out three credit cards and charged a total of about 22 thousand dollars. She is being charged with felony theft, forgery, and fraud. She was placed in the Crawford County Jail on 25 thousand unsecured bond.

MOTHERS DAY IDEAS

Mother’s Day is going to be here in the blink of an eye and planning ahead is key. Flowers are a tried and true gift for the mom in your life and one Franklin florist, Vernie Hilliard, gives some ideas about the best selling items…
She always says that if you can spend a little more for the mom in your life, you should do it. If not though, it’s ok.
Mother’s day is Sunday, May 9th.

CHILD FLOWN TO PITTSBURGH AFTER ACCIDENT

A three year old is flown to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh after a 3-car crash on Wednesday. A quarter after noon, police said 24 year old Rebecca Moyer of New Bethlehem didn’t see that 18 year old Jessica Booser of Summerville was stopped headed north on 66 in Clarion Township. When Moyer realized that she was stopped she tried to go around Booser and ended up smashing into 43 year old Warrene Reed of Limestone head-on. In the richochet, Booser’s car was rear ended. Moyer, Reed, and a 16 year old male passenger in the Reed vehicle were taken to the Clarion Hospital. A three year old girl in the Moyer vehicle was flown.

MEADVILLE MAN DIES WHILE DRIVING

A man driving eastbound on Reynolds Avenue in Meadville suffered an unknown fatal medical condition that caused him to drift into the opposite side of the street. On Wednesday, police said his car hit one parked car and pushed it backwards into another parked car. His name is being withheld pending the notification of the next of kin.

TURNPIKE COMMISSION TO MERGE WITH PENDOT?

Governor Rendell has reportedly asked lawmakers to consider merging the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission with the Department of Transportation. Legislators from both parties have attempted to abolish the turnpike commission for over 30-years, based on arguments that the group only serves those with political clout. However, some state officials are skeptical a merger with PennDOT wouldn’t save that much money.

ALLEGHENY OVERLOOK PARK IN THE WORKS IN OIL CITY

Developers are hoping the break ground soon on a new park in Oil City. Work on Allegheny Overlook Park could start as early as next month. The new scenic park is set to be on the strip of land along Spring Street. First they are planning to take down the trees, do some landscaping and then put in benches. The project just recently received 15 thousand dollars in a city Community Block Grant.

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4/28/2010

GAS PRICES DROP

Western PA gas prices dropped over half a penny for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline this week. The current average price at the pump for the week is about $2.87. The national average price has stayed relatively stable - within a couple of cents of $2.85 - over the past two weeks. Although in Crawford County prices jumped eight cents in the past day to land at 2.95 in many places. According to the Weekly Triple-A Fuel Gauge Reports, current local area average prices include Clarion at 2.88 and Erie at 2.89.

SMOKELESS TOBACCO TO BE TAXED?

Two Democratic lawmakers are pushing for Pennsylvania to begin taxing smokeless tobacco products. Representatives Dan Frankel of Squirrel Hill and Gene DePasquale of York Tuesday urged legislators to impose a stiff new tax on tobacco to curb a projected budget deficit of one-billion dollars. Two separate bills would slap a 60-percent tax on cigars and smokeless tobacco. Opponents argue the legislation could lower tobacco sales and hurt workers in the state's tobacco-growing industry. Pennsylvania is currently the only state in the nation that doesn't tax smokeless tobacco products.

CHILD VACCINATION WEEK

As part of National Infant Immunization Week, the Pennsylvania Centers for Disease Control and local doctors are asking residents to get their child vaccinated. Health officials say diseases such as tetanus still exist and vaccines are essential to prevent newborns and children from contracting potentially deadly illnesses. To find an immunization facility in your area, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

CRUDE PRICE

At the close of trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange Tuesday, the price of U.S. light, sweet crude was down one-dollar-76-cents to 82-dollars-44-cents a barrel.

CAR WRECK AFTER TAKIN CAR

A Meadville man accused of taking a car without permission is now facing charges after causing a wreck. Police said 18 year old Joshua Mosley, drove the woman’s car without a license and went through a stop sign. He didn’t stop though when he hit an older model GMC Jimmy on Liberty Street Extension at Franklin Pike in West Mead Township. No one was hurt, but Mosley remained in the Crawford County Jail as of Tuesday.

VENANGO WOMAN CHARGED WITH SETTING FIRE

A Venango County woman is facing charges that she purposely set another woman’s home on fire Easter morning. Police are accusing 53 year old Donna Walters of burning down the 15th Street residence that damaged a part of the neighbor’s as well. Sarah Overton was listed as the homeowner and the damage was estimated at around 35-thousand. The home and all it’s contents are considered a total loss. Walters is in the Venango County Jail in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

BIG BROTHERS LOOKING FOR MENTORS

On the heels of another successful Bowl for Kids Sake in Meadville and Titusville, Big Brothers and Sisters of Crawford County is making a call to all men who would like to become a mentor. Lisa Graff, the executive director says there are several kids in need of a strong male figure in their lives.
Being a “Big” means that you agree to be a mentor to a child in need for one year. Bigs come in all shapes and sizes – empty nesters, married, unmarried, and there’s even such a thing as being a Big Couple. Contact Lisa today and ask if being a “Big” is right for you. Call 814-724-8589.

FORMER DOCTOR CHARGED WILL ILLEAGAL DRUG BUYS

An Erie man who was formerly a Clearfield County Doctor is arrested for getting drugs illegally from his cancer patients. Attorney General Tom Corbett said Tuesday that 43 year old Dr. Amer Khouri would prescribe medicine to his patients and then recall the prescriptions saying there was a dosage error. He would contact the patients and tell them to bring the drugs back to his doctor’s office. It went on from October of 2000 through February of 2007. Upon his dismissal from the Clearfield Hospital more than 44 thousand dollars worth of medication was found in his office.

GROVE CITY BANK ROBBED

A Pine Township bank is robbed. Earlier this week, the bank, which is near Grove City, was hit by two black men in their twenties. It happened Monday at 1:30 in the afternoon. Tellers did not disclose the amount of money taken. The suspects are said to be traveling in a White Chevy Trailblazer which officials also think is stolen.

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4/27/2010

CRAWFORD CO FIRE

A local family is displaced after a farmhouse burnt down in East Mead Township in the wee hours of Monday morning. Around 4:30 a-m, officials said the house went up in flames on West Oil Creek Road. Crews stayed on the scene until about 8 a-m. Nine fire companies were called to the fire. No one was reported hurt, but at least one dog perished in the fire. The cause is now under investigation.

OHIO MAN ARRESTED FOR A SERIES OF ROBBERIES IN PA AND OHIO

A Niles man is behind bars after a series of daylight burglaries throughout several counties PA and Ohio Counties. Police said 24 year old Nicholas Farmer was taken into custody for 19 burglaries in Lawrence County as well as several more in Beaver, Mercer and Crawford Counties. He also has as many as 30 more in eastern Ohio. Farmer is currently incarcerated in the Columbiana County Jail in Ohio. Further charges are also pending against an accomplice.

ROETHLISBERGER RELEASES STATEMENT

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he realizes he is responsible for his actions even if he hasn't been charged with a crime. Roethlisberger released a written statement Monday, less than a week after receiving a six-game suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The signal-caller was punished for breaking the league's Personal Conduct Policy after he was accused of sexual assault last month. Roethlisberger said he will not contest the suspension, and that missing games would be "devastating." He added he wouldn't put himself in the same situation again.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER DEADLINE APPROACHING

Time is running out for Pennsylvania first-time home buyers to qualify for the up to eight-thousand-dollar federal tax credit. A binding sales contract must be signed by this Friday, April 30th. The house must then close by June 30th. For current home owners who are buying another principle residence, a tax credit of up to 65-hundred dollars is available.

WINTERS QUALIFIES FOR TRACK AND FIELD TEAM

A woman with local roots becomes the first amputee to qualify for the U.S. Track and Field team. Amy Palmiero-Winters, now 37, lost her leg in a 1994 motorcycle accident when she was 21. Now the Meadville native is making waves worldwide with her story of courage and determination. According to the USA Today, Palmiero-Winters is set to run in the 24 hour world championship in France in mid-May with her prosthetic leg. She qualified for the race by running just over 130 miles in Glendale, Arizona in the 24 hour “Run to the Future” event back in January.

CANDIDATES FORUM FOR 3RD DISTTICT

Allegheny Colleges Center for Political Participation presented a candidates forum Monday night for the Republican Candidates for the 3rd Congressional seat currently occupied by Democrat Kathy Dahlkemper. Six candidates attended the event with a near single voice. They are concerned about the Economy, Jobs, Health Care, and the future. Steve Fisher, an insurance agent from Cochranton summed up most concerns....
Term limits were a concern for Car Dealer Mike Kelly from Butler.....
Other participants were Ed Franz from Conneautville, Clayton Grabb, a pharmaceutical salesman, Paul Huber, a Meadville businessman, and Dr Martha Moore, a Doctor from Sandy Lake.

MEADVILLE BANK ROBBERY SOLVED

An Erie man who was already on probation for robbing a bank, will be sentenced in August after pleading guilty to robbing a Meadville Bank back in late January. Officials say 23 year old Cameron Minniefield robbed the bank of about 1-thousand dollars while covering his face. He was spotted and arrested later that day though at an Erie bus station where he was trying to get a ride to Cleveland.

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4/26/2010

ONE DEAD, ONE INJURED IN CAR-HOUSE COLLISION

A Waterford man is dead and his passenger injured severely after crashing into the home of an elderly woman late Sunday morning. Police say 21 year old Nathaniel James Lemock was driving along Old State Road in Waterford Township when he lost control and drove through a yard and eventually a house belonging to 91 year old Lois Clarkson. His 17 year old passenger was said to have severe injuries. Clarkson was not hurt.

WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA IN POLK ACCIDENT

An elderly, Ohio woman that has dementia is found in a car wreck after going missing. Officials say 78 year old Bonnie Lafontaine was hurt when she drove into “road closed” traffic sign in between Polk and Henderson. She then drove down an embankment and hit a stump. She was flown to Saint E’s for treatment. She was reported missing on Tuesday and found late Wednesday night.

SPECIAL SESSION IN HARRISBURG TO DEAL WITH ROADS

When Governor Rendell calls a special session next month to discuss the state's transportation funding needs, the focus is expected to fall on how to pay for road repairs and improvements. The special legislative session, set to begin May 4th, became necessary after the federal government rejected Rendell's plan to toll Interstate-80 and thus generate 472-million-dollars in extra revenue. To compensate, legislators will have to figure out how to come up with the money for the most necessary road repairs without raising state taxes.

SECOND BONUSGATE TRIAL ON HOLD

The latest Bonusgate trial is expected to resume May 25th. Testimony for a preliminary hearing in the public corruption case was adjourned Friday for a one-month hiatus. Ten former and current members of the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus are accused of using state resources and taxpayer dollars to run political campaigns. The Bonusgate headliners include state Representative John Perzel of Philadelphia and former Representative Brett Feese of Lycoming.

TAX AMNESTY PROGRAM-HOPE FOR FILLING BUDGET GAPS

For the second time ever, Pennsylvania is offering a tax amnesty program in hopes of raising 190-million-dollars to balance the new budget. Governor Rendell is expected to announce the 54-days program today. It will reportedly waive all penalties and half of the interest owed by delinquent taxpayers if they make payment in full by June 18th. The state's Department of Revenue estimates Pennsylvania is owed about two-point-one-billion in back taxes from over a million businesses and individuals, dating back to the department's formation in the 1920s.

GAS PRICES HOLDING

The nationwide average price for gasoline is unchanged over the past two weeks. That's according to the latest Lundberg survey of more than five-thousand gasoline stations across the U.S. Survey editor Trilby Lundberg reports the average for regular gasoline as of April 23rd was two-dollars-85-cents a gallon, the same as the price reported on April 9th.

CLARION U FIGHT CHARGES 11

A slew of people are arrested after a fight on Clarion University’s Campus. Police commented that 11 people were arrested after an intramural sporting event. It happened back on April 15th where the crowd, mainly comprised of students became agitated at the event. Campus police made the arrests but they were aided by the Pennsylvania State Police. The charges range from inciting a riot to resisting arrest.

BLUE STREAK FUND RAISER

The goal is to get the historic coaster back in working condition. The Blue Streak has been out of service for a few years ever since the Conneaut Lake Park had to close due to millions of dollar worth of debt and unpaid bills. But the classic, wooden coaster needs maintenance and the only way is to fundraise the money. That’s why Allegheny College in Meadville is bringing in the Harlem Wizards, a younger take on the Harlem Globetrotters, for one night to try and get the cars back on the tracks. Kevin Parsons from the Crawford County Visitor’s Bureau says the evening will be entertaining and won’t break the bank either.
It’s happening, Wednesday, May 19th. Visit www.visitcrawford.org for more times and details.

OHIO WANTS MORE FED MONEY FOR MEDICAID

Ohio wants a bigger slice of federal money to pay for the state's Medicaid program next year. State officials are asking for 750-million dollars to help maintain Medicare services as caseloads have increased and budgets are still showing shortfalls. Congress may be approving legislation that would force the federal government to foot more of the bill for the state-federal health-care program. Nearly two-point-one-million Ohioans rely on Medicaid.

RIMERSBURG MAN CHARGED WITH THEFT

A Rimersburg man is remanded to the Clarion County Jail after being charged with stealing an older man’s scrap from his property without permission. According to state police, 23 year old Nathan Andrew Slee was arrested after selling the pieces he allegedly stole from a Madison Township garage at a scrap yard. His bail was set at 5 thousand. Police say it happened sometime late last week.

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4/23/10
MISSING WATERFORD TEEN FOUND, WYOMING

The Waterford teenager who was missing since Monday was found Wednesday - in Wyoming with his mother’s car. According to goerie.com, Officials said 16 year old Austin Moore didn’t pay for gas after he filled up in Buffalo, Wyoming and when police came after him, he led them on a high speed chase through the mountains. Moore was traveling with two passengers as well, a 17 year old girl and 18 year old boy, both of Waterford. The chase ended when Moore wrecked the car near Worland.

DRUG RAID IN ROCKY GROVE

Police raided a home for drugs in Rocky Grove earlier this week. Police did not release what kinds of narcotics were found, only saying that they expect to make some arrests from their find on Fox Street. The Bureau of Narcotics, the Franklin City police, the state Attorney General’s office, and the Sugarcreek Borough Police all assisted in the drug raid.

MEMORIAL CONCERT TO HONOR FALLEN OFFICERS

Two fallen police officers will be honored at an upcoming Pittsburgh concert festival. State Trooper Paul Richey of Franklin and Officer Michael Crawshaw, of Penn Hills, who both lost their lives in the line of duty, will be the focus of the concert at the Amphitheatre at Station Square on May 31st. Johnny Angel and the Halos along with several other acts will play.

VENANGO CO. CRIME STOPPERS NEED HELP FINDING WANTED MAN

The Venango County Crime Stoppers are asking for your help in locating a wanted man. 51 year old Shawn Wierbinski is facing several charges including resisting arrest and reckless endangerment, amongst others. He is considered armed and dangerous. Wierbinski is six foot 2, 185 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair. Call the Franklin State Police or the Venango County Crimestoppers with any info. There’s a cash reward available for information that leads to an arrest.

PA'S EDUCATION SECRETARY SAYS ENOUGH

Pennsylvania's education secretary is calling it quits after five years to pursue a position as the superintendent of the Allentown School District. Dr. Gerald L. Zahorchak announced yesterday he's stepping down effective May 7th, and will formally assume his new duties as superintendent July 1st. Allentown is the state's fourth-largest school district with just over 18-thousand students and 25-hundred staff members.

BIG BEN WANTS TO STAY BLACK AND GOLD

Despite trade rumors and a six-game suspension, Ben Roethlisberger wants to remain a Steeler. Roethlisberger's attorney, Willam David Cornwell, spoke to the media yesterday and said that Roethlisberger wants to be part of the organization and is committed to being a winner. Cornwell also says that Roethlisberger will meet the conditions of his suspension and earn his right to be back on the field. Roethlisberger has faced heavy scrutiny in the past month for allegations that he sexually assaulted a college student in Georgia.

A NEW FACE FOR THE STEELERS

The Pittsburgh Steelers took Florida Gators center Maurkice Pouncey with their first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft Thursday night in New York. The 6-4, 304-pound Pouncey started 39-of-41 games for the Gators and became the school's first-ever winner of the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center in 2009. He allowed just one quarterback sack over his last 17-hundred-93 offensive snaps. Pouncey is the first center the Steelers have taken in the first round in almost 70 years.

VP. JOE BIDEN AS REFEREE?

Retired Navy Vice-Admiral Joe Sestek would like Vice President Joe Biden to play referee. The Philadelphia Congressman is running for Senate and claims his opponent is attacking him unfairly in his ads. Arlen Specter's ad suggests Sestak was fired by the military. Sestak disputes the report and is accusing Specter of using "Swift-Boat"-style tactics. Sestak wants Biden to intervene and denounce Specter's ad.

CRUDE OIL PRICE WATCH

At the close of trading on New York Mercantile Exchange Thursday, a barrel of U.S. crude oil rose seven cents to 83-dollars-75-cents.