George B. Stevenson Dam. Photo courtesy of Mark and Judy Walters
Lawmakers Announce Funding forGeorge B. Stevenson Dam RehabHARRISBURG – The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) today approved an $18 million grant to fund rehabilitation of the George B. Stevenson Dam at Sinnemahoning State Park in Cameron County, announced Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Brockway) and Reps. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) and Matt Gabler (R-DuBois).“This is an important investment in protecting the health and safety of people living along, or downstream from, the dam on First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek,” Causer said.“I commend the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for being proactive in identifying the potential for failure of this dam and acting to correct it,” Scarnati added. “Clearly, once this project is completed, it will meet the needs of area citizens and businesses, as it is vital in terms of not only public safety, but also economic development.”The grant money will be used to construct a grout curtain and cutoff wall along the upstream toe of the embankment to eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of seepage through the rock foundation of the dam. Prior engineering studies have shown the potential for embankment material to wash away, threatening a failure of the dam that could impact towns and communities up to 140 miles downstream.“While the investment in this project is significant, it is far more cost effective to prevent a flood than to recover from the damage it could cause families, business and communities,” Gabler said.Funds for the dam project come from H20 PA Flood Control Program revenue bonds authorized by Act 63 of 2008. Debt service on the bonds is paid from a portion of slots revenue that is deposited in the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund.Sinnemahoning State Park located at the George B. Stevenson Dam was recognized in 2010 as a gold medal park. Click HERE to see that story.

Ed Bolin retires from GE

IUE-CWA Local 88607 President Jim Clancy presented Ed Bolin (right) with an appreciation watch, marking his retirement after 32 years of service to GE-Motor Coils. Bolin also served the union as chief steward for 20 years, and president for three. Ed plans to continue working for the Emporium Borough, playing golf, and working around his house.

Local girls Qualified for National Gymnastics Championships

Cassie Frey (left) and Kamme Guisto (right) recently competed at the Warren Invitational "You know you're a gymnast when....." gymnastic tournament as part of the Flames Gymnastics Team. Cassie, competing at IPO level, scored 9.00 on vault (1st), 7.20 on bar (2nd), 8.00 on beam, 8.70 on floor (3rd) for a total of 32.90 (3rd Place overall).
Kamme, competing at Level 5, scored 8.10 on vault (3rd), 8.00 on bars (4th), 8.00 on beam, 7.90 on floor for a total of 32.00 (4th Place overall).
Both girls have qualified for Nationals in Milwaukee in June.

Its almost Canoe Time!

DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT www.canoeclassic.org

Donachy gets life for woman's murder

Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The man convicted of murdering a St. Marys hairdresser in 1999 will spend the rest of his life in prison.Lawrence Early Donachy Jr., 36, St. Marys, was found guilty in October of murdering Irene Challingsworth.Elk County Judge Richard Masson sentenced Donachy to life in prison without parole Monday for second-degree murder. Donachy was also found guilty of rape, aggravated assault and burglary. The sentences for those offenses were merged into the sentence for murder.A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and a sexual offenders assessment was done. Donachy was not found to be a sexually violent predator.He must pay $28,0721.25 for costs of prosecution, $3,648.55 to the Victim's Compensation program and $641.30 to Erie Insurance in restitution.Family members made heartfelt statements about how the death of Challingsworth has affected them.Kelly J. Bauer, St. Marys, a daughter of Challingsworth's, said Challingsworth was a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, friend and had many people who cared deeply about her."Every day we ask why," Bauer said.Bauer said she isn't able to see her mom, talk to her and watch as she plays with her grandchildren....READ MORE HERE

Local man releases politically charged song – takes aim at corporate greed

When Olean, NY resident CW Eddy started writing the lyrics to his newest song, he knew he wanted to make a bold statement about corporate greed. “I wrote a song called “Wall St. Waltz”…(aka) “Wikigreedia” as a commentary of these times we live in,” says C.W. Eddy, a retired contractor who is now focused on writing, counseling, humanitarian missions, and songwriting.
Wall Street Waltz is a scathing indictment on the pervasive greed in America, starting with Wall Street. Eddy describes that as “wikigreedia” – “I coined a new word for an old condition. Wiki is a Hawaiian word that generally meansquick or fast. I have lived a little while and do not think the nature of man has changed dramatically over the centuries. I think there have always been greedy people and opportunists in every generation. And yet, the ‘wiki-ness’ of our times may be unprecedented. “

The song is the second song that Eddy has released under the moniker “Mzee” (which means “elder” in Swahili). Previously, Eddy worked with a Jamaican artist to record a political parody song entitled “Green Card Song” that talks about attitudes and mindsets surrounding immigration.
The Portville High School graduate has also released a series of songs under the moniker “Just Life” which focuses on family dynamics. Eddy uses those songs along with his counseling experience to help people overcoming issues such as loss, failure, and relationship struggles.Eddy usually writes the lyrics, and then works with Merrill Strauss of MAS Production Studios of Salamanca to put them to music. “Merrill has amazing talents and the process of building music is fascinating.” says Eddy. Click link below to hear it.