News briefs from around the area

Fatal cycle crash

ST. MARYS - An Elk County man died after being thrown from his motorcycle Monday in St. Marys.

Joshua Ehrensberger, 28, St. Marys, was driving the 1985 Honda west on Washington Street at 4:35 p.m. when, for an unknown reason, the motorcycle left the road while he was negotiating a left turn. The Honda traveled along the berm, then entered a drainage ditch, causing the cycle to flip.

Ehrensberger was hurled into a metal drainage pipe. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Elk County Deputy Coroner Bert Sorg.

Drug arrests

BRADFORD - McKean County Drug Task Force nabbed a Bradford couple on cocaine trafficking charges during an early morning raid on Wednesday.

Police report that a confidential informant made controlled buys of crack cocaine on two occasions this summer from Kimberly Wichlach, 40, and Michael Wichlach, 40, both of 41 Main Street.

District Attorney John Pavlock said more charges may be filed against the Wichlachs, based on the results of the search. The defendants were remanded to the McKean County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Kinzua Bridge Festival

MT. JEWETT - The 13th Kinzua Bridge State Park Fall Festival is scheduled Saturday and Sunday, with events are planned from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

Arts, crafts and food vendors will be set up at the park. A chicken barbecue is planned and visitors can view a display of antique electric classic toy trains.

Music will be provided on Saturday by Tri-State Country Music Association, The Burts, Simple Pleasures, Allegheny Mountain Old-Time Music Association of Coudersport and Detroit Pilgrims Band.

Sunday's music will include a gospel hour at 11 a.m. and an afternoon performance by Arlington Express. The Shriners Zem Zem cars will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday.

There will be children's activities and demonstrations of candle dipping, leaf prints and cider production.

Airport project backed

BRADFORD - The McKean County Board of Commissioners will co-sign for a $500,000 loan being used by the Bradford Regional Airport Authority to help pay for a new $2.35 million multi-tenant center.

Other funding for the project comes from a $1 million Economic Development Administration grant and a $500,000 grant from the Pa. Bureau of Aviation.