Saturn Squealing

1999 Saturn SC1, 135000 miles. The other night my car started making a horrific squealing noise while driving. The noise wasn't quite as loud after a few seconds, but would get louder when the gas pedal was pushed. The next afternoon the battery light came on when I started the car. While in park the battery light would blink every couple of seconds. While I was driving it would go from flickering to a steady flash. The squealing noise would occur when I turned the steering wheel. I backed down the driveway and the steering wheel was really hard to turn for a minute, then it moved freely. I just want to get an idea of what the problem may be. I figure that it is time for a new battery because this one is about 4 years old. The serpentine belt was changed about 3 years ago. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks:)