Thoughts from the Big Woods

2012-01-25T15:41:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-22T15:40:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-15T19:54:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-11T21:48:00.001-05:00

DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT www.canoeclassic.org

Donachy gets life for woman's murder

2012-01-10T21:13:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-10T21:02:00.001-05:00

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.

Photo of the Day

2011-12-18T19:19:00.003-05:00

2011-2012 VARSITY BAGUBAS

Front L to R: Erin Garrigan,Dom Galluzzi,Tony Olivett, Zack Cokely,Austin Smoker,Rusty Setzer, Paul Etchepare
Standing L to R: Coach Paul Baker, Coach Seth Fragale, Aaron Burnside, Taylor Saline, Josh Reynolds.Brandon Saline, Jack Karsten, Jacy Langley, Devin Mason, Nick Stuckey, Antonio Johnson, and Head Coach Scott baker

Photo of the Day

2011-12-09T13:15:00.003-05:00

While hunting this morning, God treated me to a most beautiful sunrise

Home away from home

2011-12-02T17:29:00.000-05:00

By: Spc. Gary ChessaKANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Any service member who has served a short amount of time will agree that the definition of home tends to be slightly different than what the average person would define it as.With multiple deployments as well as spending anywhere from weeks to months in foreign countries for simple training exercises, “home” becomes more of an idea rather than an actual geographical location. Over time service members adapt the area around them into something that resembles a home whether it is photos of loved ones or perhaps something as simple as a collection of books.
Spc. Tabetha Mckenzie, an Emporium, Pa., native deployed with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division to Afghanistan, has arranged her living area to make herself feel more at home.“I have a collage on my wall with pictures of my family and artwork that my son made for me.” She said. Much like McKenzie, Sgt. Matthew Clark, from Anchorage, Alaska, has pictures of loved ones and also a photo slide show of his family on his laptop’s screensaver. In no time at all the small area given to service members begins to resemble a small apartment.
Though, it’s their temporary place of peace it will never be home. One of the most important things to most service members is social interaction. Whether it is a game of basketball or hamburgers and a movie with the entire battalion staff, people have a natural need to be around others. A lack of social interaction can have a negative impact on a person’s health, for example depression as well as other psychological impacts that can be easily avoided with team interaction.Service members have many ways to pass the time while deployed.
Some use their time doing college courses, others such as Sgt. Joshua Meader from Pittsfield, Maine, and Cpl.Travis Hott, from Crandall, Ga., enjoy playing video games on the systems provided in the Morale Welfare and Recreation tents throughout Afghanistan. Pfc. Matheau Sloan of Worcester, Mass., like many others enjoys going to the gym on a regular basis, while the service members assigned to the battalion intelligence section gather together at least once a week for a movie night.
The battalion as a whole gathers together every week or so for a barbecue and either a movie or card tournament in an effort to build esprit de corps.Whether they are a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine most will agree that one thing that helps with being away from home is the care packages sent by family and friends back home.
The contents of the package generally do not matter much, especially on a small outpost in the middle of Afghanistan. A simple note, piece of artwork from a child, or a box of snack crackers can make a world of difference to a service member’s morale. Family members also play a key role in reducing the perceived distance between here and home and the idea that someone is thinking about the service member, is what makes it important.Airman 1st Class Travis Hunt said the biggest piece of advice he can give to future deploying service members is “to keep a good attitude.” Staff Sgt. Bryan Fenn said “It is important to keep in contact with family members whether it is by email or phone… it’s important to make the call once or twice a week so it is something to look forward to.”
All service members tend to agree it’s good to have some sort of activity or hobby to keep yourself occupied during these long tours of duty. And while these techniques work, most agree that there’s no replacement for the love and support from family members as well as a good ‘battle buddy’.

FLAMES Gymnastics

2011-11-22T16:08:00.002-05:00

Cassie Frey, competing with the Flames Gymnastics team, recently traveled to Greensburg where she participated in the "Ready to Tumble Scarecrow Scramble". Cassie, in the IPO group, finished 2nd place overall with a score of 31.45. Bar 6.00, Beam 8.20 (2nd place), floor 8.50 (1st place) and vault 8.75 (1st place) against 8 teams.
On Nov. 19, she competed at the Brookville "Everybody Cut Footloose" (9 teams) and finished 3rd overall with a 32.65 score. Bar 6.20 (3rd place), beam 8.60 (3rd place), vault 8.80 (3rd place) and joined the "9.0 club" with a 9.05 on floor (2nd place).

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

2011-11-20T21:34:00.000-05:00

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION
Title 58. Recreation
Part II. Fish and Boat Commission
Chapter 97
Boating
The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) proposes to amend Chapter 97 (relating to operator provided equipment). The Commission is publishing this proposed rulemaking under the authority of 30 Pa. C.S. (relating to the Fish and Boat Code) (code). The proposed amendments modify and update the Commission’s boating regulations.
A. Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking, if approved on final-form rulemaking, will go into effect on November 1, 2012 to allow adequate time for public comment and to notify the public of the new requirement.
B. Contact Person
For further information on the proposed rulemaking, contact Wayne Melnick, Esq., P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, (717) 705-7810. This proposed rulemaking is available on the Commission’s website at www.fish.state.pa.us.
C. Statutory Authority
The proposed amendment to §97.1 (relating to personal flotation devices) is published under the statutory authority of section 5123(a)(5) of the code (relating to general boating regulations).
D. Purpose and Background
The proposed rulemaking is designed to improve, enhance and update the Commission’s boating regulations. The specific purpose of the proposed amendments is described in more detail under the summary of proposal. On June 15, 2010 and February 8, 2011, the Commission’s Boating Advisory Board considered this proposal and recommended that the Commission approve the publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking containing the amendment.
E. Summary of Proposal
Since 1995, the Commission has used the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Accident Report Database to submit details of recreational boating accidents that occur in the Commonwealth. This database assists the Coast Guard and the Commission in analyzing recreational boating accident data and identifying trends to inform boating safety decision-making. In the past 15 years, the Commission has reported 1,424 accidents resulting in 187 fatalities in this Commonwealth. Approximately 8% of the accidents (117) occurred during the "off" boating season from November 1st through April 30th. While only a small percentage of the total accidents, these cold-water incidents resulted in 24% of the fatalities (45) during the 15-year timeframe.
Because boating safety requirements, equipment and recreational trends change over time, it is sufficient to focus a more detailed analysis on the past 10-year period of recreational boating accident records. From 2000 to 2009, boating accident records revealed a total of 125 fatalities of which 34 (27%) occurred between November 1st and April 30th. More than 82% of these fatalities (28) occurred in unpowered boats and motorboats less than 16 feet in length. Such boats included canoes, rowboats, kayaks and small open motorboats.
The disproportionate number of fatalities in November through April is primarily due to the effects of coldwater immersion. When water temperatures are less than 70 degrees F, cold water
shock is a major factor in boating fatalities. Cold water shock causes an involuntary gasp (often resulting in aspiration of water), hyperventilation, breathlessness and a reduced ability to control breathing and swim. Victims who wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when exposed to cold water have potentially life-saving advantages such as insulation from the cold, buoyancy for victims unable to tread water, and reduced risk of aspiration of water.

The Commission therefore proposes that §97.1 be amended to read as set forth in Annex A.
F. Paperwork
The proposed rulemaking will not increase paperwork and will not create new paperwork requirements.
G. Fiscal Impact
The proposed rulemaking will have no adverse fiscal impact on the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions. The proposed rulemaking will impose nominal costs on the private sector and the general public. The cost of PFDs ranges from $10 to $150.
H. Public Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, objections or suggestions about the proposed rulemaking to the Executive Director, Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, within 60 days after publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.
Comments also may be submitted electronically by completing the form at www.fishandboat.com/regcomments. If an acknowledgment of electronic comments is not received by the sender within 2 working days, the comments should be retransmitted to ensure receipt. Electronic comments submitted in any other manner will not be accepted.
For the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
John A. Arway
Executive Director
Annex A
Regulation No. 48A-228
Title 58. Recreation
Part II. Fish and Boat Commission
Subpart C. Boating
CHAPTER 97. OPERATOR PROVIDED EQUIPMENT
§97.1. Personal flotation devices.
* * *
(i) Beginning November 1 until midnight April 30 of the following year, persons shall wear a Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V PFD while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe or kayak.

Police Investigating Emporium Woman's Death

2011-11-17T12:13:00.001-05:00

Death Investigation
Pennsylvania State Police at Emporium are investigating the death of Pauline Adelaide Decker, 35, of 448 Meadow Road, Emporium, PA.She was found in her residence in Shippen Township, Cameron County, on November 13, 2011 at 1:16 pm.The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Emporium at 814-486-3321. Trooper David A. Surra is the investigator.

Cameron County Genealogy Club HIKE

2011-11-07T15:34:00.001-05:00

Hikers are invited to explore the remains of the Climax Hollow Explosives factory and the surrounding area Saturday, Nov. 12.
Those interested should meet at 10 a.m. at the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library on West Fourth Street in Emporium. Anyone having photos, stories or history is encouraged to bring them to the library.
After about 15-30 minutes at the library, participants will drive to Climax Hollow site, about a half mile east of Emporium.
Cameron County Genealogy Club leader Wendy Davis said the terrain may be uneven and wet, so proper footwear is recommended.
The hike is free, though donations will be accepted to help defray the costs of water and a snack. Listen to WLEM 1250 AM in case of a cancellation because of inclement weather.
The Genealogy Club and Cameron County Historical Society are sponsoring the hike.

NEW FIRE TRUCK

2011-11-05T20:01:00.001-04:00

Pictures of the new Engine 141 Rescue truck ..... it will be on display Tuesday at 6:00 pm at the Fire hall !!!
The EVFD "Truck Committee" did a great job designing this piece of equipment!

Photo of the Day

2011-10-31T07:24:00.003-04:00

A little bit of October snow is so beautiful. My perception of snow will change by mid January, and I will think about how ugly it is :)

Sheffield 28, Cameron County 8

2011-10-29T17:58:00.003-04:00

more photos at www.camconative.com

SHEFFIELD 28, CAMERON COUNTY 8
EMPORIUM — Nick Bonavita rushed for 186 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns to lead the Sheffield Wolverines to a 28-8 win at Cameron County Friday night.
Bonavita ran for touchdowns of 10 and 2 yards and caught a 24-yard pass from quarterback Ike Nearing, who also threw a 14-yard TD pass to Nate Charleton.
The Wolverines improved to 4-5 while Cameron County, which managed just 152 yards of offense, finished the year at 2-7. Nick Stuckey scored the Red Raiders’ lone touchdown on a 4-yard run.

Photo of the Day

2011-10-29T17:54:00.003-04:00

It was too wet to hunt, so went elk watching. It was snowing quite hard on Winslow Hill but I spotted these two horse riders. They were close to a mile away, but got them with the 300mm with 2x extender. I thought it made a cool winter scene.

Port Allegany 54, Cameron County 6

2011-10-24T15:25:00.002-04:00

CC Canoe Classic Access Area improvements

2011-10-20T13:28:00.007-04:00

Randy Bailey and crew have been busy making improvements to the access area (across from the Emporium Country Club). The work will greatly enhance the traffic flow and relieve some of the race congestion during loading and unloading. It looks great!

Here is a shot of what the area looked like in 2008, followed by several photos of the site after improvements were made. Future plans include improved signage, landscaping, and a pavillion

BAGUBA Junior Olympic Wrestling Sign-Ups!

2011-10-19T16:57:00.001-04:00

What: BAGUBA Junior Olympic Wrestling Sign-Ups!
Who: Any child attending school; Kindergarten through age 14
When: Wednesday and Thursday - October 26th and 27th
Where: High School Cafeteria
Time: 6pm until 8pm
Bring: Current Insurance Cards/Information and $20.00 sign-up
fee for one child and $25.00 for two or more children

If you have any questions please call Head Coach Pat Garrigan at 486-0641 or email at baguba81@hotmail.com. Any previous JO wrestlers; please bring JO singlets that haven’t been turned in or money for cost of same, shoes that don’t fit you anymore or any other gear you don’t need for use at the swap. Thank you!

Resolution Honors Emporium Man Killed in Action in Vietnam

2011-10-18T19:19:00.000-04:00

HARRISBURG – The state House has unanimously approved a resolution honoring an Emporium native who was killed in action in the Vietnam War more than 40 years ago, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).The remains of Air Force Maj. Thomas Edward Clark were recently identified and will be buried in the family plot with Clark’s mother and father, Josephine and Otto Clark, on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Emporium.“It is an honor to pay tribute to this fallen soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country,” said Causer. “It is important that we bring all of our soldiers home, both to ensure proper burial and give closure to their families.”Gov. Tom Corbett has ordered the U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at the Capitol Complex and in Cameron County to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of Clark’s service.Clark was flying a Vietnam combat mission over Laos on Feb. 8, 1969, when his plane was hit by anti-aircraft artillery, burst into flames and crashed. The U.S. Air Force determined Clark was killed in action and posthumously promoted him to the rank of major. After several searches of the crash site over the last two decades, Clark’s remains were finally discovered.

CAMERON COUNTY 19, OTTO-ELDRED 6

2011-10-15T07:56:00.003-04:00

more photos at www.camconative.com

EMPORIUM – Cameron County scored 13 unanswered fourth-quarter points to beat visiting Otto-Eldred 19-6 Friday night.
Zach Austin’s 5-yard touchdown run following a 47-yard punt return to the Otto-Eldred 5-yard by Tucker Britton broke a 6-all tie, and Nick Stuckey added a 4-yard touchdown run to put the game away.
Stuckey’s 6-yard run got Cameron County (2-5) on the board, while Lucas Kerr scored on a 10-yard run for the Terrors (1-6).
Austin led the Red Raiders with 101 yards rushing on 15 carries and the touchdown.

JH Red Raider football

2011-10-13T23:08:00.001-04:00

Big Jack Karsten hits a monster block for speedy Wes Bainey in the 32-12 win over the Terrors

Coudersport 21, Cameron County 7

2011-10-09T09:09:00.000-04:00

more photos at www.camconative.com

COUDERSPORT — Mitch Freeman rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns while also adding a receiving score to help Coudersport remain unbeaten at 6-0 with a 21-7 win over Cameron County Friday.
Freeman scored on a 32-yard in the first quarter to make it 7-0. Then, QB Tim McCusker, returning from injury connected with Freeman on a 40-yard scoring strike to make it 14-0 Falcons in the first quarter.
The two teams were held scoreless in the second and third quarters, before Freeman scored on a 26-yard scamper to put the game out of reach.
Devin Mason hauled in a 54-yard touchdown pass from Tucker Britton to account for the Red Raiders lone score.
Coudy’s defense, which hasn’t allowed more than 13 points in a game this season, limited Cameron County to 176 total yards.

Bridal Blitz and Fashion Show set for October 15th

2011-10-03T15:24:00.001-04:00

The Court of Angels in Smethport will be the location for this year’s Bridal Blitz and Fashion Show on October 15th. The event will feature local businesses and home based companies to local residents preparing for weddings.Event planner Jen McDonald of Duke Center says, “I know many people travel outside of the area to larger cities when planning for a large party or a wedding, not knowing who or where to find local assistance.” She hopes that by inviting local merchants, to encourage wedding shoppers to think local, “The Bridal Blitz is a way for people to get together and show off their talents, and trades as well as a way for local people to come and find out who is in the area that would love to help them save time and money on their event. “The event is free and open to the public, which according to McDonald, is something unique, “Most Bridal events force a pre-registration and charge a fee just to attend.” The Fashion show will feature models displaying various wedding dresses and tuxedos, as well as multiple floral displays.“We want to help people make their dream wedding possible,” says McDonald, who hopes the Bridal Blitz will help people plan their dream wedding – but, she says, even the perfect wedding can have those little things that go wrong that even the best planning can’t fix, “When my husband and I got married just over fourteen years ago everyone was seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin when we started to line up we found that my sister, one of the brides maids, had forgotten her shoes! Thankfully someone was able to go get them from my mom’s house just in time. We thought for sure she was going to have to stand up there barefoot! “

SMETHPORT 48, CAMERON COUNTY 20

2011-10-02T22:43:00.003-04:00

EMPORIUM — Karl Lightner scored three touchdowns and piled up 180 yards rushing on 22 carries to lead Smethport to their first win of the season, 48-20 over Cameron County Friday.

After Cameron County (1-4) scored first to make it 7-0, Smethport rattled off 41 unanswered points to make it 41-7 after three quarters.

Kevin Lord and Clay Schuler also had big games for the Hubbers. Lord completed 9 of 13 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns, one through the air and one on the ground.

Schuler had a 20-yard TD reception and a one-yard rush for a score.

The Hubbers racked up 461 yards of offense on the night.

For Cameron County, Zach Austin finished with 64 yards rushing and a touchdown, while Tony Olivett rushed for 65 yards and a score.

..and Miss Holly Guisto was crowned Homecoming Queen.

Outcry, outrage grip citizens at Marcellus hearing

2011-09-25T11:23:00.000-04:00

Scientists, community leaders and concerned residents were united Wednesday in their displeasure, frustration and, in many cases, anger over drilling for natural gas in the region.
People such as Dan Alters, a retired state Department of Environmental Protection official, noted the understaffing of that agency and its inability to properly regulate the industry.
He noted the degradation of forest lands and high quality streams such as Pine Creek for gas operations.
"It saddens me that some of the environmental progress made during my career will be lost," he said.
Alters was among the more than dozen people who spoke during the Citizens Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission hearing at Lycoming College.
The chorus of voices speaking out against drilling in the Marcellus Shale included Bob Myers, director of environmental studies at Lock Haven University, who listed some of the accidents around the state caused by drilling operations.
"Spills have been commonplace in Pennsylvania," he said. "Responsible drilling is a myth."....READ MORE

Kane 41, Cameron County 0

2011-09-18T09:48:00.004-04:00

It was a long, tough night for the CC Red Raiders against the Kane Wolves. Still, they played hard and we will cheer them on again this week.

Photo of the Day

2011-09-13T21:20:00.004-04:00

The replacement of the old lights on the CCHS football field made an extraordinary difference in visibility during the game! The new lights are much brighter, much more energy efficient, and are mounted on brand new metal standards that replaced the ancient wooden poles. Kudos to the school board, admins, and athletic department for sucuring the funds for this project...us "photographers" really appreciate it!

Photo of the Day

2011-09-10T21:46:00.004-04:00

The Red Raiders played under an eerie sky and threatening weather. While many games in the area were postponed or rescheduled, the local weather held out long enough, even through double overtime, to let the Raiders get the big win

CAMERON COUNTY 22, JOHNSONBURG 20, 2 OTs

2011-09-10T08:49:00.001-04:00

Stuckey punches it in the endzone / more photos at www.camconative.com

EMPORIUM - Nick Stuckey's two-point conversion run in the second overtime proved to be the difference, as Cameron County outlasted Johnsonburg 22-20 in double-overtime Friday.
Stuckey scored on a 5-yard run in the second OT, setting up his conversion.
Johnsonburg took control and quickly responded in the second overtime, as Quinn Luhr threw a 5-yard TD pass to Frank Kojancic, the third time in the duo hooked up for a touchdown on the night.
The ensuing two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, as the Red Raiders rushed the field in celebration.
Tony Olivett finished the game with 81 yards rushing and a touchdown to lead Cameron County (1-1).
Luhr finished 16 of 28 passing for 169 yards, three touchdowns and one interceptions. Kojancic hauled in 14 of those passes for 158 yards.

Intoxicated Mexican Illegal Crashed Stolen Truck In Emporium

2011-09-06T06:47:00.001-04:00

Illegal Steals Truck/Crashes Into CarA Mexican man with a West Virginia address, in the US illegally, was jailed for stealing a pickup truck in Emporium and smashing it into another car early Sunday morning while under the influence of alcohol.Angel Jadieal Cortes, 25, of Lewisburg, WV, was arraigned before District Judge Wilhelm and jailed at the Elk County Prison in lieu of $25,000. straight bail.The incident occurred as Cortes entered a 1975 Chevrolet Silverado, owned by Michael Singer of Emporium, and parked along the north berm of West 6th Street in Emporium Boro. Upon removing the vehicle from the parked location, Cortes traveled westward and struck the rear of a parked 2007 Chrysler Sebring owned by Nathan VanSickles of Emporium.Singer found Cortes in the driver's seat of his pickup. Cortes was taken into custody by Pennsylvania State Police near the scene of the incident. Police found Cortes to be under the influence of alcohol and upon further investigation, determined that Cortes was in the United States illegally. The Department of Homeland Security-I.C.E. was notified.Cortes is charged with Theft of A Motor Vehicle; Unauthorized Use Of A Motor Vehicle; Driving Under The Influence; and related Summary Offenses.Anyone who may have additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact PSP Emporium at 814-486-3321. Trooper David A. Surra is the investigating officer.
http://solomonswords.blogspot.com/

ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC 19, CAMERON COUNTY 6

2011-09-05T09:54:00.001-04:00

Randy Frey photo: more at www.camconative.com

ST. MARYS – Mitchell Vallone accounted for all three Elk County Catholic touchdowns, as the Crusaders topped Cameron County 19-6 in a weather-delayed season opener Saturday night at Dutch Country Stadium in St. Marys.
Vallone threw for a touchdown, ran for a touchdown and returned an interception 40 yards for a score in a game that was delayed in the middle because of lighting.
Joe McLaughlin caught the scoring pass from Vallone, who was 3-for-10 passing for 67 yards while rushing for five yards on eight carries. McLaughlin had two catches for 55 yards and also made six tackles on defense. Cole Gerber accounted for the majority of the Crusaders 236 yards on the ground rushing 21 times for 136 yards. He also made seven tackles on defense.

New Commission Gathers Citizen Input on Gas Drilling

2011-08-31T12:15:00.001-04:00

The creation of the commission is in response to another created earlier this year by Gov. Tom Corbett, the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.
August 30, 2011

A new commission launching this week will give the residents of Pennsylvania an opportunity to weigh in on Marcellus Shale drilling in a way that could influence lawmakers.
Former state legislators Carole Rubley and Dan Surra will co-chair the Citizens Marcellus Shale Commission, which will hold hearings across Pennsylvania to gather resident perspectives and produce a final report for policymakers.
The first of five hearings will be held Wednesday at South Fayette Middle School in South Fayette.
"Marcellus Shale development will have a huge impact on our commonwealth and it is critical that we get it right," Surra said in a prepared statement. "This commission will give citizens an opportunity to add their voice and bring some necessary balance to this critical debate....MORE

DCNR Secretary: Cameron County Artisan Center Boosts Economy

2011-08-25T21:32:00.001-04:00

Artisan Trail Helps Make Pennsylvania Wilds a Tourism Destination
EMPORIUM, Pa., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard J. Allan today visited the Cameron County Artisan Center in Emporium, a popular stop on the Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan Trail.
Allan said the center is making a difference to individual businesses and artisans while contributing to the overall momentum of the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative. DCNR has supported the artisan project with Growing Greener grant funding working with the Lumber Heritage Region and other partners.
"This effort seems to be clearly demonstrating the power of a brand that promotes authentic local products, many made with wood and other natural materials, as well as a positive conservation 'buy local' message," Allan said. "The artisan project is becoming increasingly important to the overall Pennsylvania Wilds initiative. The region's many skilled artisans help give the Pennsylvania Wilds its unique sense of place and make it a destination. Several of our state parks are now showcasing local artisan works and promoting the trail." ....MORE

Photo of the Day

2011-08-24T20:01:00.002-04:00

We did not expect to see a human specimen in the PPG Aquarium!

Photo of the Day

2011-08-23T22:28:00.002-04:00

Photo of the Day

2011-08-22T18:35:00.001-04:00

I think these deer can READ

Photo of the Day

2011-08-14T12:00:00.002-04:00

The Bradford Flames Gymnastics Team Shows Their Stuff At Festa Italiana

Photo of the Day

2011-08-09T07:18:00.003-04:00

Old and young; Gary Clark teaches a young lady the fine art of fly casting

44 Pa. counties get drought notices

2011-08-07T08:14:00.000-04:00

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About the Author
Don
Hopey
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Call 412-263-1983
Don Hopey has been covering environment issues for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette since 1992.
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44 Pa. counties get drought notices
Saturday, August 06, 2011
By Don Hopey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Four northern tier counties are under drought warnings, and Allegheny County is one of 40 counties under a drought watch, issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection Friday.
The drought warnings and watches are based on recent precipitation deficits, groundwater, stream flow and water supply storage measurements and soil moisture assessments. The notifications carry recommendations for voluntary water use reductions, and the DEP is also notifying water suppliers in the 44 affected counties to monitor water supplies and update drought contingency plans.
A drought watch is the least severe of the three DEP drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary 5 percent reduction in nonessential water use and notifies large water consumers to start planning for possible reductions in water supplies.
A drought warning -- issued to Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties -- asks residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 to 15 percent.
"With the hot, dry summer, our statewide monitoring network indicates a need to take some voluntary common sense steps to conserve," said DEP Secretary Mike Krancer in a news release. "We recommended this [action] to Pennsylvania's Drought Task Force, and the members agreed."
Despite plentiful rainfall earlier this year and some recent scattered thunderstorms, many counties have experienced precipitation deficits in recent months. Elk County precipitation is 4.1 inches below normal over the past 90 days and Chester County is 4.4 inches below normal.
Measurements taken at the Pittsburgh International Airport show rainfall for the first week of August is about a third of an inch below normal, but the year-to-date rainfall remains 3.67 inches above normal.
"Allegheny could be above normal for the year, but we also look at stream flow and soil moisture data when making the drought designations," said Jamie Legenos, a DEP spokeswoman.
Water conservation measures suggested by the DEP include running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, taking short showers instead of baths, installing low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets and checking for household leaks, like a running toilet. A toilet can leak about 200 gallons a day.
Don Hopey: 412-263-1983.Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11218/1165617-454.stm#ixzz1ULQnu4NC

CAMP CADET RIDE change of plan

2011-08-06T09:37:00.000-04:00

from Brian Harmon; The Camp Cadet motorcycle ride scheduled for today has been turned into a Camp Cadet celebration and party at My Place in Emporium, Time 1:00 pm, the cost will be $10.00 a person for pulled pork, and deli sandwichs. A large amount of auction items will be avaialble for bid, 50/50's, and door prizes. All street legal sneakers, flip flops and rain coats are welcome.

Photo of the Day

2011-08-04T22:42:00.002-04:00

Saw these five ducks lounging on a log in a reclaimed mining pond near Tyler, Pa.

Photo of the Day

2011-08-02T21:04:00.002-04:00

Starting to see some real nice bucks on the plantation

3rd Annual Northern Tier Camp

2011-07-26T22:45:00.000-04:00

3rd Annual Northern Tier Camp Cadet Poker Run
(All Vehicles Welcome)
DOOR PRIZES CHINESE AUCTION 50/50 CHANCES
SATURDAY AUGUST 6th, 2011
REGISTRATION 11 AM- 12:30 PM at MY PLACE BAR
439 East Third Street, Emporium Pa.
FEE is $20.00 per Vehicle
(includes meal at the end of the ride)
PASSENGER CAN DRAW POKER HAND FOR $5.00
APPROXIMATELY 75 MILE RIDE through SCENIC CAMERON and ELK COUNTIES
DUNK TANK ON SITE ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE
Dunk a law enforcemnt officer! YOUTH OF CAMERON,POTTER,
and TIOGA COUNTIES that ATTEND
the NORTHERN TIER CAMP CADET
SPONSORED BY:
MY PLACE BAR, SEVEN*NINE MOTORSPORTS, and ST MARYS INSURANCE AGENCY
ANY QUESTIONS? CONTACT BRIAN HARMON @ 486-0175 or SEVEN*NINE MOTORSPORTS @ 486-2040

Photo of the Day

2011-07-26T22:43:00.002-04:00

I inadvertantly tripped the trail cam while putting the finishing touches on the horseshoe pits at camp

Photo of the Day

2011-07-22T17:31:00.002-04:00

Another hot one today!

Photo of the Day

2011-07-21T15:37:00.002-04:00

Not sure if this is a record for Emporium, but it sure feels like it!

Photo of the Day

2011-07-20T17:07:00.002-04:00

Over 100 degrees in Emporium today, but I know the readers here are "cool" all the time! :)

Photo of the Day

2011-07-19T21:47:00.005-04:00

While going through the pics on my trail cam, I noticed that this shot picked up some interesting objects that seem to be floating in the air. The photo is not edited ar altered(except for the red pen marks), but I have no idea what the anomaly is. The objects did not appear on any other shots so I don't think it was something on the lens.

Photo of the Day

2011-07-17T18:49:00.002-04:00

The moon was rising over our campsite

Metallurgy Standards Contribution Award goes to Craig W. Hudson

2011-07-17T18:46:00.000-04:00

July 15, 2011 - In recognition of his expertise in powder metallurgy technology and contributions to development of powder metallurgy standards, ASTM International Committee B09 on Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products presented ASTM Award of Merit to Craig W. Hudson of Emporium, PA. Hudson's career has focused on powder metallurgy, processing, failure analysis, and laboratory management. His most recent professional position was that of manager of research and development at Atlas Pressed Metals.

Craig W. Hudson Receives ASTM International Award of Merit for Contributions to Metallurgy StandardsASTM International100 Barr Harbor Dr., Box C700West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959, USAPress release date: July 12, 2011W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.-ASTM International Committee B09 on Metal Powders and Metal Powder Products has presented the ASTM Award of Merit to Craig W. Hudson of Emporium, Pa., in recognition of his expertise in powder metallurgy technology and his contributions to the development of powder metallurgy standards. The Award of Merit is ASTM's highest organizational recognition for individual contributions to standards activities.A member of ASTM International since 1993, Hudson is the current chairman of Committee B09. He also leads Subcommittee B09.04 on Bearings, is vice chairman of the B09 subcommittees on Awards and Planning, and works on the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for ISO/TC 119 on Powder Metallurgy (B09.09). He received an Award of Appreciation from the committee in 2005. Hudson also serves on Committees A06 on Magnetic Properties, E54 on Homeland Security Applications and F32 on Search and Rescue.Hudson's career has focused on powder metallurgy, processing, failure analysis and laboratory management. His most recent professional position was that of manager of research and development at Atlas Pressed Metals in DuBois, Pa. Prior to that, he spent 26 years at GKN Sinter Metals Inc. in Emporium, Pa., where he was a materials laboratory supervisor and senior metallurgist. He holds a bachelor's degree in animal sciences from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.In addition to ASTM International, Hudson is a longtime member of APMI International, formerly the American Powder Metallurgy Institute.ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM International meets the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles for the development of international standards: coherence, consensus, development dimension, effectiveness, impartiality, openness, relevance and transparency. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commercial transactions.

Photo of the Day

2011-07-13T22:18:00.003-04:00

Some shots from the Emporium /Bradford swim meet. www.camconative.com

Photo of the Day

2011-07-12T12:10:00.002-04:00

Photo of the Day

2011-07-10T19:59:00.003-04:00

No. 26 Kent State Baseball’s Lyon Secures Roster Spot On USA Baseball Collegiate National Team

2011-07-03T00:35:00.001-04:00

CARY, N.C. -- Kent State junior catcher David Lyon (Emporium, Pa.) has secured one of the final roster spots on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team's 22-man roster, as announced by USA Baseball today (June 30).

Lyon, who was named to the Collegiate National Team as an alternate earlier this month, grabbed a spot on the final roster as the squad toured the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL). The backstop began his summer competing for the NECBL's Keene Swamp Bats, batting .364 with nine RBIs, five .....READ MORE

Five years later, site of train derailment improving - Olean Times Herald: News - Five years later, site of train derailment improving:

2011-07-03T00:34:00.000-04:00

Five years later, site of train derailment improving - Olean Times Herald: News - Five years later, site of train derailment improving:: "Five years ago a train derailment spewed 42,000 gallons of toxic
lye into a 30-mile stretch of Pennsylvania’s Sinnemahoning Creek,
leaving por…"

GE CONTRACT 2011 - REPORT # 30

2011-06-29T22:35:00.001-04:00

The results of the National voting of IUE-CWA Locals is now up on geworkersunited.org. They are reporting that IUE-CWA Local nationally have ratified the proposed new 4 year agreement by a 70% to 30% margin.

IUE-CWA and UE members voted to ratify 2011-2015 national agreements with General Electric.
IUE-CWA members voted 70 percent to 30 percent to ratify a new four-year national agreement.
UE locals in Erie, Pa., and Fort Edward, N.Y., also voted to ratify, but the percentages have not been reported. At IUE-CWA, 34 locals representing nearly 8,000 members participated in the nationwide voting. “I am pleased that our members recognize the value in this agreement,” said IUE-CWA GE and Aerospace Conference Board Chairman Bob Santamoor. “These were difficult negotiations in a difficult economic climate. Members evaluated the package as whole and found it acceptable.”

No. 26 Kent State Baseball’s Lyon Making Case To Make USA Baseball Collegiate National Team

2011-06-29T22:24:00.000-04:00

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Kent State junior catcher David Lyon (Emporium, Pa.) is making a case to make the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team's final 22-man roster.

Lyon, who was named to the Collegiate National Team as an alternate earlier this month, survived USA Baseball's first round of cuts and will have the opportunity to grab a spot on the final roster as the squad continues its tour of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL). The backstop began his summer competing for the NECBL's Keene Swamp Bats, batting .364 with nine RBIs, five runs scored, two home runs and a double among his eight hits in five games. The Collegiate National Team must trim its roster to 22 players by July 1. The highlight of the squad's season is a five-game series (July 3-8) against the Japan Collegiate All-Stars.

"He's done very well and impressed a lot of people," said seventh-year Kent State head coach Scott Stricklin, who is serving as an assistant coach for the Collegiate National Team under Missouri head coach Tim Jamieson. "He's hitting the ball hard and doing a fantastic job of managing a pitching staff of four or five guys who will be first-round draft picks."

Lyon, a 2011 American Baseball Coaches Association (READ MORE

IUE-CWA Reaches Tentative Agreement with General Electric

2011-06-24T17:26:00.000-04:00

After four weeks of intense negotiations, IUE-CWA has reached tentative national agreements for about 16,000 workers at General Electric. Ratification votes are expected to be held next week.
The four-year packages, bargained jointly by the unions' Coordinated Bargaining Committee, include gains in wages and pensions, while holding increases in workers' share of health care costs to 2.5 percentage points.
IUE-CWA represents the majority of workers, with more than 8,000 members at GE. "I congratulate our negotiating committee on working hard to reach an agreement that addresses critical issues for both our union members and the company," IUE-CWA President Jim Clark said.
Describing the talks as "hard-fought negotiations," IUE-CWA GE Conference Board Chairman Bob Santamoor said, "We've made significant strides from where we started to reaching a deal that we can bring back to the members. The contract also offers a special early retirement window for long-service employees, a key issue for our union members."
Regarding health care, the agreements call for hourly GE workers to pay 24 percent of the cost of their coverage, up from the 21.5 percent they have been paying since 2007. Salaried GE workers began paying 35 percent of their health care costs last year.
If ratified, the new contract will give workers a $5,000 cash payment in July, followed by wage increases of 2.25 percent next June, 2.5 percent in 2013 and 3 percent in 2014. Workers would also receive eight cost-of-living increases worth $1.13 per hour over the life of the contract.
In addition to across-the-board pension improvements, Clark said the company is making an unprecedented commitment that it will not propose any pension plan freezes in the 2015 negotiations.
The contract also includes improvements in job security language, retiree health care, vacation, sick and personal time, vision and dental plans, and disability benefits.
The proposals are under review this week by each union's negotiating committee. The IUE-CWA committee voted Wednesday to send the agreement to members for ratification, which must be complete by June 30.

Photo of the Day

2011-06-21T16:12:00.003-04:00

This little kitten was found abandoned in the Gardeau area, and was only two weeks old when found. The SPCA asked Kim to help it survive, and it it now thriving under her gentle care.

GE union workers to vote June 29 on proposed contract

2011-06-21T15:24:00.001-04:00

By JIM MARTIN, Erie Times-News jim.martin@timesnews.com

General Electric Co. officials said they had to control costs.
Union leaders said they wanted to improve the standard of living for 15,200 GE workers nationwide, including 3,300 at GE Transportation in Lawrence Park Township. And they insisted they wouldn't sell out retirees or future employees in the process.
Both sides were claiming victory Monday after reaching a tentative four-year labor agreement Sunday in New York City.
Members of four different unions have until June 30 to ratify that agreement. Locally, members of Local 506 of the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers will vote June 29 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Iroquois High School.
They will vote on a contract that would put a $5,000 signing check in each member's pocket.
The proposed agreement also provides for pay hikes of 2.25 to 3 percent in the final three years of the contract. And the deal includes additional vacation, sick and personal days.
But workers weren't the only ones to gain ground.
Union negotiators agreed to concessions that address some of the company's .....READ MORE

GE, unions agree to tentative labor contract

2011-06-20T16:15:00.001-04:00

By ROBB FREDERICK, Erie Times-News robb.frederick@timesnews.com

Negotiators for the General Electric Co. and its 15,200 union workers have agreed to a tentative labor contract, company officials said late Sunday night.
The plan will affect pay, pension and health benefits for those workers, including 3,200 employees of GE Transportation in Lawrence Park Township.
Details of the agreement were not available Sunday night.
The unions have until June 30 to ratify the contract, the company said.
Local organizers likely will meet today and Tuesday to consider whether or not to accept it, said Roger Zaczyk, the president of Local 506 of the United Electrical Radio & Machine Workers, in Lawrence Park. He would not discuss the contract when reached by phone Sunday night.
Negotiators had been meeting in New York City since May 23. Sunday put them under extra pressure: The previous 4-year contract expired at midnight.
The talks involved two national unions, including the UE, and several smaller local groups. Their members are spread across 80 GE work sites.
"This was a hard-fought negotiations," said Bob Santamoor, the chairman of the International Union of Electronic Workers/Communications Workers of America conference board. "We've made significant strides from where we started to reach a deal that we can bring back to the members."
Much of the late bargaining centered on health costs. GE had wanted to move union employees to a higher-deductible insurance plan called Health Choice. That plan would replace the unions' existing $15 co-pay with a higher deductible and would require employees to pay more once the deductible was met.
It is not yet clear how that point was settled.
The company did withdraw its demand that retirees pay for up to 10 percent of their prescription drug plan, the UE reported. GE also increased its wage offer, which included a lump-sum payment in the first year of the contract, followed by pay increases in each of the following three years.
The company had argued that high labor costs were making its rail business less competitive. Erie's GE employees are paid twice as much as those at Caterpillar Inc., which also makes locomotives, the company had said during negotiations.
GE moved to cut those costs even before the contract was in hand. In May, the company announced that it will build a $96 million locomotive plant in Fort Worth, Texas, creating more than 500 jobs in a primarily nonunion environment.
GE Transportation has added nearly 1,000 workers in recent months. But local union officials worry that more work could be shifted to Texas.
The agreement reached Sunday "also contains several disappointments," John Hovis, the UE general president, said in a statement, which was released by GE. "However, given the current economic climate, overall it's an agreement we can support."
ROBB FREDERICK can be reached at 870-1733 or by e-mail.

GE contract negotiations come down to the wire

2011-06-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

By JIM MARTIN, Erie Times-News jim.martin@timesnews.com

In the end, it came down to health care, pensions and retiree benefits.
That became apparent by the time the General Electric Co. had laid the last of its cards on the bargaining table Friday in New York City, where the Connecticut-based conglomerate has been negotiating for nearly a month with unions representing 15,200 workers.
The company's four-year labor agreement with those workers, including 3,200 at GE Transportation in Erie, expires at midnight tonight.
Daily updates, posted on the website of the United Electrical Radio & Machine Workers, one of the main unions involved, suggested Saturday that there were still differences to be resolved.
According to the UE, the company has proposed:
- Moving union workers to the Health Choice insurance plan that already applies to nonunion employees. The Health Choice plan would replace a $15 co-pay with a higher-deductible plan that would require employees to cover a certain percentage of health-care costs once those deductibles were met.
Wayne Burnett, business agent for Local 506 in Erie, said he didn't need....READ MORE

Lyon's Roar

2011-06-19T19:05:00.001-04:00

Lyon’s two homers, seven RBI’s lead Swamp Bats over Westerners, 13-3
Posted on June 16, 2011 by ksbnotebook
KEENE, N.H.– Catcher David Lyon (Emporium,PA/Kent St.) clocked a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth inning, a three-run homer in the eighth inning and drove in seven runs total to lead the Keene Swamp Bats over the Danbury Westerners, 13-3, in New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) action on Thursday night at Alumni Field in front of 841 fans.
Keene improves to 3-1 on the season. Danbury falls to 3-1 overall.

http://www.sentinelsource.com/sports/swamp_bats/lyon-s-roar-keene-catcher-smacks-two-long-home-runs/article_81038310-01a1-59f3-9812-e9a4576b9021.html

Photo of the Day

2011-06-19T19:03:00.003-04:00

Was looking for elk on Winslow last night. Saw many but the sunset is what really caught my attention

Potter County men jailed on murder charges

2011-06-13T19:54:00.000-04:00

Body of Eldred man was found in small stream
Bob Hooftallen, Publisher
Jonothan Prather has been charged with first degree murder for the killing of Samuel Miller, 18, of Eldred. Prather admitted to shooting Miller 8 times with a .22 caliber rifle after carefully planning the murder.Avery "Bud" Buckingham of Austin admitted to assisting in the murder of Samuel Miller of Eldred. According to police, Buckingham conspired with Jonothan Prather who shot Miller eight times with a .22 rifle. Buckingham has admitted to knowing the murder was going to take place and to helping dispose of the body.Two Potter County men were arraigned and jailed Monday morning for murdering an 18-year-old Eldred man.The bullet riddled body of Samuel E. Miller, 18, of Eldred, was found in Prouty Creek, 3.5 miles south of ....read more at Endeavornews.com

GE negotiations move into final week, critical phase

2011-06-12T21:17:00.002-04:00

By JIM MARTIN, Erie Times-News jim.martin@timesnews.com

The conversation is about to change.
For nearly three weeks, unions representing 15,200 workers at General Electric Co., including about 3,200 from GE Transportation, have been laying their cards on the table.
So far, the unions have presented more than 90 specific proposals, said Roger Zaczyk, president of Local 506 of the United Electrical Radio & Machine Workers in Lawrence Park Township.
Officials from the Fairfield, Conn.-based company have been talking, too, but GE has yet to submit any specific proposals of its own.
"That is the way our process works," said Susan Bishop, GE's lead spokeswoman for contract negotiations....READ MORE

Photo of the Day

2011-06-12T11:00:00.002-04:00

Mountain Laurel is in full bloom. Get out and see it before it is gone.

Photo of the Day

2011-06-10T12:14:00.002-04:00

Enjoying the River Walk in San Antonio

Photo of the Day

2011-06-08T19:10:00.002-04:00

This is a photo of the famed B-17 "Flying Fortress", made famous over Germany in WWII. This one is on display at the parade grounds of Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas

1911: The Austin Flood

2011-05-28T21:43:00.001-04:00

Knox Books

407 Mill Street, Coudersport PA 16915
SEE US On the Web at: KNOXBOOKS.NET
Advance orders are now being taken for our latest title:
1911: The Austin Flood
(publication date: June 2011)
Advance-sale orders being accepted for the
Limited-Edition Collectors Item

(300 only!).stamped,and signed by author Paul W. Heimel
(see ordering information below)
1911: The Austin Flood
the dam at Austin, Pennsylvania. More than 200 million gallons of water swept through
the town, killing an estimated 80 people and causing incredible destruction.
• More than 250 pages of thoroughly researched historical narrative and analysis.
• More than 200 photographs, most of them never seen by the public.
• Special Sections:is the authoritative story of the September 30, 1911, failure ofWho’s To Blame? and Those Who Died
• Bonus Section,They Were There, eyewitness accounts in survivors’ own words.
See sample photos and chapter excerpts and more information at knoxbooks.net.
Pricing
6% state sales tax. Discounted shipping for multiple orders (2 books, $3.75; 3 books, $4.50; 4
books, $5.00; 5 or more books, $5.50)for Limited-Edition Collector’s Items: $16.95 plus $2.75 for shipping. Pa. residents add
Ordering information
check/money order to Knox Books (see address above).: Order online with credit card or PayPal at knoxbooks.net, or send
(Please note: Knox Books will donate 10% of the book sale proceeds to local historical organizations).
These collectors item editions will be
numbered,

GKN Sinter Metals won a grand prize

2011-05-21T21:56:00.000-04:00

Powder Metal Parts Cut Costs
2011 design winners are announced at PowderMet2011 conference in San Francisco.
Doug Smock, Contributing Editor, Materials & Assembly -- Design News, May 20, 2011

GKN Sinter Metals of Auburn Hills, MI won a grand prize in an annual powder metal design competition for a carrier and one-way rocker clutch assembly made for Ford Motor. Designed for powder metal (PM), the assembly uses fewer components compared to alternate designs and manufacturing methods, reducing the mass of the assembly, improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Photo shows the 2011 MPIF grand prize winners. The carrier and rocker assembly are in the third row. Source: MPIF Used in the new Ford Super Duty TorqShift six-speed automatic transmission, the hybrid assembly contains five powder steel parts weighing a total of 17 lb. The sinter-brazed subassembly consists of four multi-level PM parts, of which three parts (cage, spider, and carrier plate) are made to a density of 6.8 g/cm3. The rocker plate is sinter-hardened during the sinter- brazing phase and has a density of 7.0 g/cm3. The assembly also has a doubled-pressed and double-sintered cam plate made to 7.3 g/cm3 density with an ultimate tensile strength of 170,000 psi and a mean tempered hardness exceeding 40 HRC. To form the parts and maintain precision tolerances, special tooling was developed and used with unconventional press motions. Ford subjected the assembly to ultimate torsional torque loading at a minimum of 8,000 ft-lb and fatigue testing at a minimum of 299,000 cycles at 1,730 ft-lb. "The application provided an estimated 20 percent cost savings over competitive processes," according to a statement from the MPIF.GKN Sinter Metals won another grand prize in the automotive chassis category for a differential bearing adjuster made for American Axle & Manufacturing and used in the GMT 900 rear differential on GM Tahoe and Yukon models. ....MORE

GE negotiations set to begin this week

2011-05-21T21:54:00.000-04:00

By JIM MARTIN, Erie Times-News jim.martin@timesnews.com

The General Electric Co. and its unions have something in common.
They both know what they want.
But they also know what they're up against as they sit down this week in New York City to begin negotiating a national labor agreement.
Lawrence Park-based GE Transportation wants to make the most of a locomotive market that's on the rebound.
This division turned a $157 million profit in the first quarter of 2011 and booked $938 million in new orders.
For their part, union members want to hold on to what they have, while improving wages and benefits.
For more coverage, turn to GoErie.com and Sunday's Erie Times-News.

Sinnemahoning State Park Staff Chosen For Team Excellence Award

2011-05-18T21:43:00.003-04:00

Shown in photo from left to right: DCNR Secretary Richard Allan; Jimmy Risley (park maintenance supervisor); Robert Shook (maintenance repairman); Jackie Flynn (park naturalist); Steve Bajor (semi-skilled laborer); Linda Cobb (secretary); Brian Long (maintenance repairman); Lisa Bainey (park manager); Merle Sherry (semi skilled laborer) and Deputy Secretary of Administration, John Giordano

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR) Recognition Program and the Governor's Awards for Excellence Program are designed to recognize exemplary performance among the Department's dedicated employees.

This year, the staff of Sinnemahoning State Park located in Cameron and Potter County, was chosen for the Team Excellence Award, highlighting their dedication to the resource and the public.

In 2010, in the spirit of teamwork and a get-er-done attitude, this group of individuals assisted in the development and implementation of an Emergency Action Plan for the George B. Stevenson dam, supported the transition of programs and volunteers to the Elk Country Visitor Center, and maintained a quality outdoor recreation program, all with reduced staff. Due to the reality of the George B. Stevenson flood control dam, flood control is the first priority at the park and recreation often has to take a back seat. As a result, the entire staff is regularly impacted by high water events and just the very existence of the dam itself.

That “recreation is second” is an area that this staff believes makes connections with our visitors and brings them back to the park again and again – and that’s why their efforts differ from their regular jobs as they consistently work hard to keep recreation at the forefront of their efforts. From camping to environmental education for special outdoor recreation programs like “Women in the Wilds” and “Birds n Brunch,” this staff understands and lives teamwork, dedication to the resource, and embodies the DCNR spirit and mission.

For more information on other award recipients go to: www.dcnr.state.pa.us and lick on Discover DCNR/News and Information/ Resource.

Some CC Election Results in

2011-05-17T23:04:00.000-04:00

RESULTS
District Justice: Barry Brown
D&RCommissioner: Fiebig & Narby. Rep.
Jones & Thomas. Dem.
School Board: Harrier, Shields, Horning, Beldin on both Rep & Dem

Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities

2011-05-17T20:47:00.003-04:00

Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities

Kids from Cameron County enjoyed a day at Sinnamahoning State Park, on Saturday, with Park Naturalist Jackie Flynn and CCOYA Director Don Bickford. The kids learned about the habitatas and nabits of owls, observed many species of native and migratory birds, hiked to the dam spillway to see the cliff swallows, and made crafts. The weather cooperated and the kids had a great time.

Photo of the Day

2011-05-16T16:54:00.002-04:00

A Ruffed Grouse seemed determined not to let us pass on the road!

Photo of the Day

2011-05-14T23:33:00.003-04:00

Congratulation to Chelsea Riggle and Andrew Sestina, 2011 CCHS Prom Royalty

www.camconative.com

Photo of the Day

2011-05-14T09:16:00.002-04:00

Emporium from the lookout on South Mountain 9:00pm under the storm

GE Transportation to build plant in Texas, add 250 jobs in Erie

2011-05-13T19:11:00.001-04:00

Lawrence Park Township will remain the home of GE Transportation locomotives. But it won't be the only home.
The company, an Erie mainstay for more than a century, announced Thursday that it plans to build a new $96 million locomotive plant in Fort Worth, Texas.
About $4.3 million in tax incentives and the promise of a lower pay scale may have been two attractions for GE, which has about 4,500 employees in Lawrence Park and another 800 at its engine plant in Grove City.
The company said it expects to hire about 500 people for its new plant.
The local workforce will also grow.
Erie County's largest employer, which has added about 1,000 employees so far this year through a combination of employee recalls and new hires, said it expects to hire an additional 250 workers in Erie.
Thursday's announcement was not completely unexpected.
The company has acknowledged for more than a month that it hoped to add another manufacturing site.....READ MORE

Project Stream Grants available for arts activities

2011-05-13T19:09:00.000-04:00

Project Stream Grants available for arts activities
Published: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 1:37 PM EDT
RIDGWAY – The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is pleased to announce the availability of grant funds through the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) Project Stream.PPA Project Stream grants for amounts up to $3,000 are available to support arts activities in Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties that take place between Sept. 1, 2011, and August 31, 2012.To learn more about this funding opportunity join ECCOTA at these free informational grant webinars & workshops.Wednesday Webinars will be held on May 11 and May 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, located at 34 E. 4th St., Emporium.
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A Saturday Workshop will be held on May 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hamlin Memorial Library, located at 123 S. Mechanic St., Smethport.A Saturday Workshop will also be held on May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Clarion area at a location to be determined.The workshops will cover the grant cycle, eligibility, restrictions and overall grant writing suggestions. Participants may attend any workshop, regardless of the county in which the individual or organization is located. Attendance of a workshop is not required to apply. Links to the official guidelines and online grant applications are available at www.eccota.com. Organizations or individuals undertaking arts projects in Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties that are interested in applying for grants through the PPA program are encouraged to contact ECCOTA by calling 814-772-7051, emailing mail to ppa@eccota.com or visiting www.eccota.com.

IN LIKE A LYON...Kent State's David Lyon continues to lead his team

2011-05-13T19:07:00.001-04:00

IN LIKE A LYON...
Junior catcher David Lyon (Emporium, Pa.) ranks first on the team in triples (5) second in batting average (.322), third in slugging percentage (.533), hits (58) and RBIs (39), fourth in doubles (10) and fifth in on base percentage (.380). He also calls the signals for a pitching staff that is sixth in the nation in team ERA (2.48) and 17th in team strikeouts per nine innings (8.3) as well as for a defense that ranks 22nd in the nation and first in the Mid-American Conference (.976 fielding percentage). Lyon was named MAC East Division Player of the Week after a huge week at the plate last week. He collected 10 hits in four games – including three doubles, a triple and a home run and six RBIs. He was a double shy of hitting for the cycle while totaling a career-high five hits in Kent State's 11-3 win at Ohio last Friday (April 29). He also called the pitching and defensive signals as Kent State limited Cleveland State and Ohio to a combined eight runs in four games -- including a 4-0 shutoutof the Bobcats last Saturday (April 30) in game one of a doubleheader, which was the team's seventh shutout of the season.Lyon has hit safely in 16 of the last 18 games and is hitting .420 with 10 extra-base hits – in cluding four home runs -- and a .710 slugging percentage......READ MORE

16th annual Road Scholars Tour visits GKN

2011-05-13T19:05:00.001-04:00

After two nights in Ohio Hall, a residence hall at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, participants in this year's edition of the Road Scholars Tour packed their things and boarded a bus headed back toward central Pennsylvania on May 11. The three-day Road Scholars Tour is an annual event designed to introduce new and newly tenured Penn State faculty members to the University's Commonwealth Campuses and to the breadth and depth of Penn State's impact across Pennsylvania.
The final day of the tour began with a visit to the ......READ MORE

Workers, retirees rally outside gates of GE Transportation in Lawrence Park

2011-05-13T19:03:00.001-04:00

Retirees and union members at GE Transportation vowed Wednesday to stand together during a noon rally outside the company's gates on Water Street.
More than 200 people, many of them members of Local 506 of the United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America, and of the Retirees Association of General Electric, offered a display of unity less than two weeks before union workers at the General Electric Co. are set to begin contract negotiations.
Those negotiations are expected to focus in large part on health care, pension benefits and the possibility of establishing a two-tier pay structure that would provide lower wages to new employees....READ MORE

As weather warms, warnings about Lyme

2011-05-10T20:58:00.000-04:00

May 9, 2011, 6:37 a.m. EDT
West Chester Daily Local News 1 JRC 20091109
In retrospect, Jennifer Mankoff, now 37, believes she was infected with Lyme disease either during a trip to Ligonier in 2005 or while hiking in Frick Park in the fall of 2006.
She got a rash, one whose cause was never diagnosed, after the Ligonier trip, and she actually picked a tick off her leg after the hike in Frick Park.
Either way, the Shadyside woman, an associate professor in Carnegie Mellon's Human-Computer Interaction Institute, got sick later in 2006.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria carried by ticks most commonly referred to as deer ticks, although entomologists now identify them as blacklegged ticks. They have been infected as larvae and nymphs, which feed on birds or small mammals. Adult ticks prefer deer. Any stage can feed on humans, potentially passing on the disease. It is the most common tick-borne illness in North America and Europe, and, said Lyme disease researcher Dr. Andrew J. Nowalk of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, it is a "devastating disease for patients who have it."
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According to a county-by-county report from the Department of Health, Cameron County in the north-central part of the state had an incidence rate of 267.0 cases per 100,000 residents in 2006-08. To the west, Elk County had an incidence rate of 171.3, while to the south, Clearfield County's rate was 81.4.
MORE

Photo of the Day

2011-05-01T20:58:00.003-04:00

While out in the woods today, this American Coot was determined to get his photo taken

Photo of the Day

2011-04-26T21:58:00.003-04:00

The endless storms gave me an opportunity to try and capture some lightning shots...this is facing southeast from Emporium

TEMPORARY SIGNALS SET FOR EMPORIUM BRIDGE WORK

2011-04-26T20:12:00.001-04:00

4/26/2011

Cameron County

Temporary Signals Set for Emporium Bridge Work

Clearfield – Temporary signals are now in place for repair work on a bridge
along Route 3001(Broad Street) in Emporium. The signals have been placed in
advance of the repair work. The signals will remain covered until crews are
mobilized for the repair work.

PennDOT expects that work to happen later this spring. The bridge spans the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning, just south of Emporium.

During the repair work, the signals will regulate traffic, allowing for an
alternating, traffic pattern across the bridge. Bridgework will include
rocker bearing repair and some painting.

This work is part of a $4.4 million bridge preservation contract for 21 bridges in three counties (9 in Potter County,1 in Cameron County and 11 in Clearfield County).

Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. of State College is the contractor for this work.

Police Handcuff Man Videotaping Investigation From His Own Home

2011-04-24T18:25:00.002-04:00

For those of you that know me, you know that I have been an advocate for photographer's rights. I have long thought that the "since 9/11" excuse is being used to trample the rights of the average citizen. I will be posting a series of articles and incidents that seem to show my point

In a blatant disregard for a man's First and Fourth Amendment rights, Vallejo (California) police walked on a man's property as he was videotaping a police investigation from his garage and attempted to confiscate his cell phone camera "as evidence."

Lonnel Duchine instead handed the phone to a friend who walked inside the house with it.

Vallejo police officer Scott Yales handcuffed Duchine and charged him with interfering with a police officer in the performance of his duties.

Duchine ended up posting the video on Youtube (raw video here) and a local TV news station did a segment on the arrest as well.

Now police are backtracking from the arrest, saying they will most llkely not proceed with charges against Duchine.

On the surface of things, we do have some concerns about what we saw," Vallejo police spokesman Jeff Bassett told ABC7. "We are currently conducting an internal inquiry into the incident. We're prepared to take appropriate or collective action if necessary."

Duchine was videotaping police detaining a group of juvenile burglary suspects at gunpoint. The juveniles were released when it was determined they did not commit the crime.

Pennsyvlania State Trooper Forces Man To Delete Photos

2011-04-24T18:22:00.000-04:00

A Pennsylvania man was forced to delete his images after he took pictures of a nuclear power plant from a public road.
Chris Best had stopped his SUV on the side of the road to take the pictures of a PPL plant in Salem Township last month. He walked a few feet from his car before a security guard pulled up in a car on the other side of the fence and yelled at him to stop taking photos.
The security guard then ordered him to stay put while he called police.
A Pennsylvania state trooper pulled up to the scene and began questioning Best, his wife, two kids and mother-in-law, writing down their names and dates of births.
The cop allowed him to drive off, but soon pulled him over and ordered him to delete the photos, stating that PPL insisted upon this.....MORE

FracTracker: PA Marcellus Shale Violations by Operator and Coun...

2011-04-23T10:54:00.000-04:00

FracTracker: PA Marcellus Shale Violations by Operator and Coun...: "Puddles in the driveway of a hydraulic fracturing chemical storage facility. According to photographer J. Trallo, the red fluid has a stron..."

Photo of the Day

2011-04-20T15:48:00.003-04:00

First day of trout season in Hicks Run....lost interest in fishing that day but found this scene intriguing

Photo of the Day

2011-04-19T18:16:00.001-04:00

This cardinal has taken to my tree in search of love and home.

US Pizza Team wins "Best in the World"

2011-04-16T18:11:00.002-04:00

World's No. 1 Pizza Team Announced in Salsomaggiore, Italy04/14/2011 Salsomaggiore, Italy (April 13, 2011) – The U.S. Pizza Team walked away victorious from the 20th World Championship of Pizza and 2nd Olimpizza in Salsomaggiore, Italy, today as they were presented with the coveted trophy for Team Freestyle Acrobatics, making the U.S. Pizza Team the No. 1 Pizza Team in the world. Team members are listed below along with all of the events they entered: Dave Smith, II, Smith’s Pizza Palace Plus, Emporium, PA - Pizza Teglia (pan pizza) - Pizza a Due (pizza for two) - Pizza Celiachia (gluten-free pizza) - Heinz Beck Trophy - Fastest Pizza - Largest Pizza - Team Freestyle Acrobatics Additional team members who participated in the team acrobatics performance included Chris Green, Caroline Felker and Missy Green from Oxford, MS U.S. Pizza Team coach Dave Smith, II; team coordinator Holly Henning; PMQ publisher Steve Green; co-publisher Linda Green and PMQ editor-in-chief Liz Barrett were all in attendance to cheer on the team and motivate them toward a victory. The team’s travel to Italy for competition was made possible with the help of U.S. Pizza Team sponsors: Pizzaware, Gordon Food Service, California Milk Advisory Board, Paradise Tomato Kitchens, Pizza.com, La Nova, Tom Sawyer Gluten Free Products, Pizza Packet, Cheney Brothers, Liguria, Burn Cream MD, Fontanini Italian Meats and Sausages, Univex, Vin DiVino, Bag Solutions, Marsal & Sons, DeIorio’s and Ruxter. For more information, photos and/or video footage of individual team members and/or the entire U.S. Pizza Team, visit USPizzaTeam.com and PizzaTV.com, or contact Holly Henning at holly@uspizzateam.com or (662) 234-5481, ext. 129.

GE Transportation reports increase in production demand

2011-04-13T20:29:00.002-04:00

Recently, the company 'exhausted its recall list and hired more than 100 additional production workers.' GE Transportation has announced that due to increasing production demands, it will hire around 100 extra workers at its manufacturing plant in Erie, Pennsylvania. The announcement comes a few months after the company recalled 800 staff who had been affected by the ‘layoffs’ in early 2009. Recently, the company ‘exhausted its recall list and hired more than 100 additional production workers.’ Production workers help GE Transportation address increased demand for locomotives, drive systems for mining trucks, drill motors and other transportation-related products. “We are growing our business in Erie to help our customers succeed in North America and around the world,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, President and CEO of GE Transportation. “Competition is fierce. We need to bring our A-game every day to maintain our position as the freight locomotive builder of choice for railroads worldwide.” GE Transportation recently announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in the United States to complement its operations in Erie. Currently, the company is evaluating competitive GE and non-GE U.S. sites to manufacture transportation equipment in the future. By the end of this year, GE Transportation will have invested more than $600 million in its technology leadership and product innovation worldwide since 2010.

Fugitive Caught

2011-04-05T21:55:00.000-04:00

Salamanca Jacob M. Kamats, 22, of 152 Kent Blvd., Salamanca, was charged with being a fugitive from justice Friday at 4 p.m. He was wanted on a bench warrant out of Cameron County, Pa. He was processed, arraigned and sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail with no bail and is scheduled to appear in Cattaraugus County Court today. LINK

All too cozy

2011-04-02T22:28:00.000-04:00

Remember the Marcellus Shale? It's still out there - or, rather, under there - with "there" being a good portion of the state. And moves continue to make Pennsylvania's government a near-wholly-owned subsidiary of the industry that is working to remove natural gas from that shale at significant profit. We know about the political contributions made by the industry to Gov. Tom Corbett. We know industry insiders are populating the supposed "oversight" boards. We know there is resistance to any form of state-levied gas-extraction tax. All should be already enough to make all Pennsylvanians, and particularly those living in the extraction zone and downsteam, nervous. A rush to profit with tame politicians bought and paid for. Now it gets worse. Leaked email from the state Department of Environmental Protection has directed inspectors policing Marcellus Shale activities now must receive prior approval from high-level superiors (read that political employees beholden to the industry the inspectors need to police) before taking any kind of enforcement action. read MORE

Kent State Baseball's Lyon Named MAC Male Scholar Athlete of the Week

2011-04-02T22:25:00.000-04:00

http://www.kentstatesports.com/sports/bsb/2010-11/releases/20110402vq34z4 CLEVELAND -- Kent State junior catcher David Lyon (Emporium, Pa.) has been named the Mid-American Conference Male Scholar Athlete of the Week, as announced by the conference office Friday (April 1). Lyon, a sports administration major carrying a 3.73 grade point average, finished a spectacular three-game stretch in grand fashion in Kent State's Mid-American Conference and home opening series against Toledo last weekend (March 25-27) at Olga A. Mural Field at Schoonover Stadium. The junior catcher went 2-for-3 with four RBIs and a run scored – including a three-run home run over the right field wall in the bottom of the second in Kent State's 8-2 victory over the Rockets last Sunday (March 27). Lyon finished the series batting a whopping .778 with seven hits – including two doubles and a homer – with six RBIs and a run scored. He posted a slugging percentage of 1.333 and an on-base percentage of .818 as the Golden Flashes took two of three games in the set. Lyon is the second Kent State student-athlete to earn MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week for the 2010-11 academic year. Junior track & field student-athlete Diana Dumitrescu (Campulung Arges, Romania) earned the distinction on March 4. The MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week honor is presented to a MAC male and female student-athlete who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better and performs well during the week's competition. The winners are selected by a group of the conference's faculty athletic representatives.

2011 CC Canoe and Kayak Classic a success!

2011-04-02T22:07:00.003-04:00

Over 200 boats entered the frigid water to compete in this year's event. Lots of photos at www.camconative.com