WFRM.net reports: A McKean County man was sentenced this week in federal court on charges relating to the Ralph “Bucky” Phillips case from last summer. Todd Nelson, 31, of Ludlow was ordered to spend 23 months and 27 days for receiving, possessing and concealing 35 guns which authorities believe Phillips stole from a Chautauqua County New York gun dealer. Nelson is currently serving time in a Pennsylvania State prison after pleading guilty early this year top hindering apprehension of Phillips who stayed at his home from August 17-28 last summer while hiding from police. Phillips escaped from a New York State prison in early April 2006 and zig zagged across the border for about five months. He shot and wounded a New York State Trooper in June near Corning and Elmira and then in late August shot two more troopers near his girlfriend’s home in Chautauqua County. One of the officers, Joseph Longobardo died a few days later from his wounds. Phillips who was captured following a massive two-state manhunt in early September near Warren, PA, was sentenced recently in New York State to two life terms without parole and a 40 year to life term for the three shootings. He’s believed to have been responsible for numerous thefts and burglaries in both Pennsylvania and New York while on the run, in fact, Kane-based state police recovered a vehicle stolen by Phillips on a forestry road near Nelson’s home in late August.

WESB.com reports: We've received reports that there was an incident involving a gun in Kane early this afternoon. Reports indicate that a police stopped a vehicle on Hacker Street near the baseball field, and the person inside the vehicle pulled out a gun. We can't confirm reports that shots were fired by either the driver or police. We'll have more information as it becomes available.

WESB.com reports: Environmental Protection has put Rustic LLC on notice after several radiation violations. The DEP says that employees of the company haven’t been following procedures properly after radiation levels were found above reasonable levels. The agency found seven incidents this year where DEP inspectors observed employees of Rustic LLC not following proper procedures. There was also an incident where an employee tore a liner that prevents leachate from draining into the ground. The DEP is monitoring the groundwater for any contamination.

WESB.com reports: The three candidates for Bradford Mayor participated in a forum Thursday night at the Bradford Area Public Library. They were asked about the negative perception of the city.

Tom Riel believes the city's image can change if a number of issues are addressed.
Listen to Tom Riel

Bob Onuffer figured that he pays 91 cents a day in city taxes, and says what he gets for the money is a positive thing.
Listen to Bob Onuffer

Dan Costello says that, while working on the negative issues, we need to concentrate on the positive.
Listen to Dan Costello

The candidates also discussed blight, streets and sidewalks, the Main Street Manager program and the police and fire departments. All three are in favor of keeping a full-time, paid fire department. The forum was sponsored by WESB and The HERO, along with The Bradford Era.

WESB.com reports: The man accused of starting the fire that destroyed 4 Kennedy Street homes last summer, and left 11 people homeless, has reject a plea deal and wants a new lawyer. 19-year-old Terry Bornheimer of Emporium rejected the plea agreement because he says he feels Public Defender Ron Langella hasn't represented him properly. Judge John Yoder told Bornheimer that he can't hand pick a court-appointed attorney, and a difference of opinion is not a reason to have the court appoint another lawyer. Bornheimer is charged with arson endangering persons, arson endangering property, criminal mischief, criminal solicitation of arson and liability for conduct of another. He and his mother, Debra Miczo, are charged with intentionally setting fire to a home Miczo owned at 170 Kennedy St. in Bradford on Aug. 10. The fire spread to three other houses. Miczo's case has been scheduled for trial.

WESB.com reports:
The US Federal Court of Appeals has decided the City of Bradford has made enough changes in its sign ordinance to make it constitutional. In 2004, Fred Pysher, Tom Riel and Dianne Thompson challenged the city's ordinance after being fined. Over the years, changes were made and, this morning, a three-judge panel decided they didn't have to make any further changes. Vic Walczak of the ACLU is the lawyer for Pysher, Riel and Thompson and says that although today's decision didn't go their way, they believe they've won some battles. Lawyers for the city say they're hopeful that the decision will mark the end of the litigation. They add that the city's ordinances are similar to those adopted by municipalities across Pennsylvania that are designed to promote public safety, historic preservation and community aesthetics. Wolczak says they're evaluating the case and, among the options are asking the entire federal court of appeals to review the case; or petition the US Supreme Court.

Listen to Vic Walczak, legal director of the ACLU's Pittsburgh office

WESB.com reports: The McKean County S.P.C.A. will show off its new kennel facilities this weekend during a pair of events, that will feature a couple of nationally known guests. On Saturday, the S.P.C.A. will hold an open house from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the S.P.C.A.’s shelter on Glenwood Avenue. It will include refreshments, a silent auction, a baked food sale, and live music performed by Rock-a-Billy. On Sunday, the S.P.C.A. will hold a pet reunion from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. People who have adopted animals from the shelter are invited to bring their pets back to show them off for the S.P.C.A. staff and board of directors and other pet owners. The open house will also include a special appearance by Hazel Hurst native Sgt. Jamie Himes Dana and her German shepherd, Rex. Rex was trained by the military to sniff out bombs. Dana and Rex earned nationwide acclaim for Dana’s efforts to adopt Rex after she was discharged from the service. Dana was wounded by a roadside bomb in June 2005 while serving in Iraq.

WESB.com reports: Two people were injured in a one vehicle accident late Wednesday night on Route 219 near Mount Jewett. A truck driven by Ryan Greene of Indiana, Pennsylvania went out of control in the southbound lane on the 219 and ran into several trees. Greene and a passenger in his truck Jessica Wilson of West Valley, New York were taken to Kane Community Hospital with minor injuries.