Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Top photo, Timmy Green, who will be 2 in 2 weeks, looks to see how many eggs he has in his basket. Below, some other hunters gather eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt in Veterans Square Saturday afternoon. Below, some of the kids try their luck at the duck pond game, one of several games being offered. There's also a coloring contest. The events continue until 4 o'clock this afternoon at 9 Main Street. Cost of the games is 25 cents each.

Bradford City Police spent some time on High Street Friday. They were called to a fight, a report of criminal mischief and a possible violation of the drug act, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Officers were also called to disturbances on Belleview Avenue and at a Main Street restaurant; juvenile problems on Charlotte Avenue and Petrolia Street; and a report of a suspicious vehicle on Main Street.

An Ohio man who took police on a high-speed chase through Warren County last month has pleaded guilty to burglary, fleeing from police and other charges. Police say on March 12 49-year-old Timothy Kolat of Poland, Ohio, and 48-year-old Charlene Maple of Youngstown stole guns, TVs and other items from camps near Tidioute, then led police on a chase from Tidioute to Russell at speeds of more than 100 miles an hour. They were arrested after Kolat crashed the truck, ending the chase. Police say most of the stolen items were recovered from a nearby residence where the couple had allegedly stashed them. Kolat was ordered to pay full restitution. Maple pleaded not guilty to criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, theft, and criminal trespass.

Both of Pennsylvania’s senators as well as Congressman Glenn Thompson voted to avert a government shutdown. Thompson says Friday’s vote was another step in what will be a long discussion on how to get Congress’s fiscal house in order and set a course for long-term job growth Senator Pat Toomey says he supported the short-term spending bill because Congress has acknowledged that it can no longer keep kicking the can down the road. Senator Bob Casey says although he’s pleased that the government shutdown has been averted, short-term appropriations bills are no way to run a government. He says he hopes commonsense and bipartisan compromise can replace politics and posturing.

Bradford City Police have released this photo of one of the two males who broke into Save-A-Lot on Forman Street early Thursday morning. Police Chief Chris Lucco says if anyone recognizes this person, they should call the city police station at 368-6133 or McKean County Control at 887-4911. Lucco tells WESB and The HERO that two males broke glass on the doors to get into the store and, once inside, did "substantial damage" to the office area and an ATM. This is the second time the store has been burglarized in recent months. Yesterday's break-in happened on the day that owner Bill Larson received the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Exemplary Business award.

The Department of Environmental Protection has ordered a resident of Bradford Township, McKean County, to plug three abandoned non-Marcellus wells that were discovered during the investigation into the house explosion at 10 Helen Lane on Feb. 28. Bruce George is the owner/operator of eight wells at a nearby property on West Washington Street. Three of the wells are considered abandoned as they have not been in production in the past 12 months. The order instructs George to begin plugging the abandoned wells within 20 days and finish the work within 45 days. DEP learned of the wells as part of the search for a potential gas source in the Helen Lane explosion. During the ongoing investigation, DEP staff detected gas in the soil near one of the abandoned wells, Rogers 9, which is located about 300 feet from 10 Helen Lane. The order requires George to plug Rogers 9 first. “The department considers Rogers 9 a suspect well due to the conditions that investigators have observed,” DEP Regional

As you know, New York lawmakers passed their budget early this year, so now they’re working on other important matters – like designating a state vegetable. One senator has proposed the onion; another says it should be sweet corn. The state Farm Bureau is putting the issue to the people on Facebook. www.facebook.com/NYFarmBureau .

A Roulette couple has been charged with growing marijuana in their home. Police say 28-year-old Eric Lamont and 29-year-old Amber Sue Lloyd have been charged with unlawfully growing the pot in connection to a search warrant executed last spring. Police say when they searched the Lanniger Creek home on May 28, 2010, they found a marijuana growing operation in the basement.

Northern Potter School District in Ulysses has been awarded a $420,000 low-interest loan to make energy-efficient upgrades expected to save thousands of dollars a year. In making the announcement, Senator Joe Scarnati said the loan will enable the school district to make HVAC system improvements and upgrades, replace lighting, better seal and insulate the building, and install an energy management system to control and monitor the energy usage of the building. The upgrades will be made at both the Children’s School and Northern Potter High School “The improvements will enable the school district to save 27 percent of the current energy – for an annual cost-savings of $53,000,” Scarnati said. “It’s a great investment and one that will continue to reduce energy costs and make the school more energy efficient for years to come.” The school district is providing matching funds for the project.

Father Sam Slocum was arraigned today on charges related to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old boy. Slocum, who turns 60 on Saturday, appeared before District Judge Rich Luther at around 1 o’clock this afternoon on charges of interfering with the custody of children and concealment of the whereabouts of a child. He was released on bond with the stipulation that he not have any contact with the victim, his family or any other minors. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 20. Slocum is accused of communicating with the boy after his mother said she didn’t want them to be in contact. The alleged incidents happened between January 1 and March 29. Bishop Donald Trautman placed Slocum on a leave of absence while the case makes its way through the court system.

A Buffalo man has turned himself into Salamanca police after learning there were warrants for his arrest on drug charges. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force says 29-year-old Brandon Warmely was charged in connection to an investigation into sales of crack cocaine at 34 Summit Street in Salamanca. A search warrant was executed at that address on March 24 when co-defendant Margaret McGowan was arrested. The drug task force says the investigation is continuing and more arrests may be made.

Even a robbery at his store didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Exemplary Business Award recipient. While accepting his award at Thursday's annual dinner and meeting, Save-A-Lot owner Bill Larson said the store was robbed last night . "It put us behind the 8 ball," he said, "but we still want to show that no matter what happens in business, we're still going to move forward. We're still going to move ahead."* Also Thursday, Mike Glesk accepted the chamber's first Director's Award on behalf of Leadership McKean. Deborah Pontzer Congressman Glenn Thompson's staff said Leadership McKean has become a model for other programs across the state. Earlier, she joked that she is from the Midwest (Wisconsin) and Fargo, North Dakota, only won the Toughest Weather City Tournament on "name recognition ... You people have got it ..." Ralph Rose received the Community and Spirit Award. Among other things, he w

The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority has approved a $1 million, 15-year loan to Luminite Products Corporation to build its new facility at the Lafferty Hollow Industrial Park. The $3 million project will allow Luminite to transfer 60 employees from its existing location in Salamanca to the new, 43,280-square-foot facility. Luminite manufactures laser-engraved flexographic print cylinders, sleeves and plates that are used to print flexible packaging, paperboard, wallpaper and many other items

In Pennsylvania’s latest effort to bolster highway safety, 11 state troopers – including two from the Kane barracks -- and five municipal police officers have been certified by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as drug recognition experts. Acting State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said today that, “The Drug Evaluation and Classification Program is a national effort to train police officers to determine when an individual has been driving under the influence of drugs and to identify the type of drug causing the impairment. The program also trains officers to recognize whether an individual is suffering from a medical condition rather than drug impairment. The local troopers who have been certified are Mathew Petrof and Ted Race. For more on this story: http://state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=18&objID=1058575&mode=2

A Duke Center woman wasn’t hurt in a crash at 6:18 Wednesday night on Route 546 in Otto Township, about half a mile south of the New York State line. Police say an SUV driven by 45-year-old Becky Bacha went out of control on the snow-covered road, fishtailed and rolled onto its passenger side. Police say Bacha was wearing her seatbelt. ~~ An East Smethport man suffered minor injuries in an accident at about 3:30 Wednesday afternoon on Route 46 in Norwich Township. Police say an SUV driven by 41-year-old Clifton Lunn was just north of Cameron County when it went out of control on the snow-covered road, traveled across both lanes, went into a ditch and got stuck in the mud. Lunn was taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital for treatment. ~~~ A Coudersport man escaped injury in weather-related accident Wednesday morning in Warren County. Police say 61-year-old Patrick Lagerstedt was on Route 59 when his vehicle went out of control on the snow-covered road, swerved across both lanes of trav

Mike Martin Offensive Guard/Defensive End Otto-Eldred High School Height: 5’9” Weight: 185 lbs. Mike will attend Edinboro University in the fall pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Ultimately he hopes to become a policeman. In 2008 Mike was named “Most Outstanding Underclassman”, in 2009 “Most Improved Lineman and in 2010 “Most Valuable Defensive Player”. He also holds the Industrial Arts Mantle at Otto-Eldred and was an AML All Star for the 2010 season. When asked why he wants to play in the Big 30 Game Mike replied, “…because this is going to be the best kids in the area on one football team; this is going to be the best football game of my life”. Mike says the highlight of his high school football career was “…just making tackles”. For fun and relaxation Mike collects knives, hunts and rides four wheelers and snowmobiles. His favorite team and player are the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. Joe Holmberg Wide Receiver/Safety Johnsonburg High School Height: 6’3” Weight: 1

St. Marys High School’s Kayla Hoohuli has been named Class AAA girls basketball Player of the Year by a panel of sports writers from across the state. Hoohuli led the Lady Dutch to four District 9 titles, and a state playoff game in 2010. She scored a career-high 52 points in that game. She is also an all-state first team selection. Hoohouli plans to attend Canisius in the fall. Photo of Kayla provided by Pitt-Bradford when she was named one of the University's Women of Promise.

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today applauded the introduction of a package of bills aimed at bringing much-needed reform to the state’s public welfare system. “Welfare spending is out of control, and that’s due in large part to people abusing the system,” Causer said. “While the Rendell administration was willing to overlook the significant evidence of waste and fraud uncovered over the last few years, House Republicans are not. The welfare system must be accountable to the taxpayers who fund it.” The eight-bill package, known as WelFAIR (Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility), would reform the welfare system by: Using photo identification to make sure benefits aren’t misused. Cross referencing welfare applicants through 19 different databases to confirm eligibility. Strengthening legal penalties for those who commit welfare fraud. Preventing applicants from “benefit shopping” in other counties. Reducing abuse in a welfare program that helps people truly in need

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 2 o’clock Thursday morning. Several weather-related accidents have been reported throughout the Twin Tiers today, as the snow caused roads to become slippery. Bradford Township firefighters were called to an accident with entrapment this afternoon. Accidents have also been reported in Lafayette Township, Hedgehog Lane, Interstate Parkway and Looker Mountain Trail. New York State Police say the bridges on Interstate 86 from Salamanca to Olean were all ice before the D-O-T was called, and the road is still slippery. Motorists are being advised to use caution.

WASHINGTON, DC— After the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) testified today that it was still studying a ban on bath salts and asked for new rules to speed up the process, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced his support for the Combating Dangerous Designer Drugs Act to allow for dangerous substances to be quickly removed from the market while being studied for permanent scheduling. Senator Casey also submitted a statement for the record highlighting bath salt crime in Pennsylvania and urged quick action to ban the drugs. “It is clear that bath salts are fueling crime in Pennsylvania and around the country,” said Senator Casey. “The DEA detailed today the red tape that is contributing to delays in banning these dangerous drugs. We need to cut through this red tape to make it easier to get these drugs off the shelves and out of our communities.” The DEA has administratively scheduled five chemical compounds found in synthetic marijuana, commonly known as “K2” or “Spice.” However, this

A man who was picked up by police at just after midnight on New Year’s Day has waived his preliminary hearing on charges that he was drunk and ran away from police. Paul Graves, who will turn 20 in 10 days, was walking along Main Street during Bradford’s First Night celebration when police spotted him and knew that he had a warrant stemming from a felony arrest and guilty plea. When police tried to stop him he turned down Chestnut Street, ran and threw and opened can of beer into a snow bank. Police say when they caught up to him on Elm Street he was highly intoxicated and attempted to resist arrest. Graves is jailed on $2,500 bail.

A man who was picked up by US Marshals as a fugitive from justice last month near Towanda was in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office to face a number of charges. 25-year-old Tony Ray Ford was allegedly found on September 28, 2008, with a coax cable stolen from Atlantic Broadband. Then on October 31, 2008, he was riding a bicycle on a Main Street sidewalk when police told him not to. He rode the bike across the street in front of the patrol car, then started riding on the sidewalk on the other side of the street. When police stopped him, he gave them a false, name, address and phone number. When police arrested him on a felony warrant and told him he would also be charged with lying to police he said, “I am allowed to say I am my brother.” He’s jailed $250 bail. Ford is also facing charges in West Virginia for allegedly sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl in November of 2009.

Long time Bradford resident and United Way supporter, Richard Dorn, will be the recipient of the 2011 Red Feather Award at a dinner scheduled for June 2nd. “The community at large should be very pleased that this years award goes to Mr. Dorn, the epitome of a concerned citizen of Bradford”, said Kelly Case, Executive Director. “He has been such a staple to the community for so long, the staff and Board of Directors cannot express enough their pleasure at bestowing such a dignified award to someone so deserving.” The Red Feather Award was implemented to honor outstanding individuals and/or groups who have made an impact on the local United Way, and the community as a whole, through their day-to-day selfless attitudes, as well as their commitment to exemplify the organization’s mission of community building and enhancing the quality of life in the Bradford area. “I am surprised and honored to receive this award but think it should be given to someone else”, joked Mr. Dorn. Mr. Dorn has

A Yorkshire couple is facing charges for unlawful growing of marijuana. Sheriff’s deputies say Jason Rosehntal and Jessica Juda of McKinstry Road were growing the pot. They’re scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

A Wellsboro man is in jail in connection with several thefts in Potter County in December. 42-year-old Michael Rosenbloom was arrested following an on-going investigation by Coudersport and Mansfield state police and New York State Police. Rosenbloom is accused of stealing two guns from a camp on Loucks Mills Road, another gun from Shumway Hill Spur Road in Tioga County, as well as ammunition, a knife and an iPod Nano; a firemen’s radio owned by the Genesee Volunteer Fire Department; and other iPod Nano from Loucks Mills Road. Rosenbloom is in Tioga County Jail on $75,000 bail.

A Delevan man is in jail after allegedly taking sheriff’s deputies on a 6-mile chase through the back roads of Machias and Ashford Saturday night. Deputies arrested 26-year-old Codey Tingue after the chase and charged with driving while drug/alcohol impaired, unlawful fleeing from police, reckless driving, unlawful possession of marijuana and numerous traffic offenses. Tingue was also allegedly involved in several hit and run incidents before the chase. That investigation is continuing and more charges are pending. Tingue is jailed on $5,000 bail for each of the two towns where the incidents took place.

SALAMANCA, NY – A woman from Knox, PA won a new car by hitting the jackpot on the Power Strike penny slot machine in March at Seneca Allegany Casino. The lucky winner, identified as Elaine M., drove away in a white, supped-up 2011 Ford Taurus last Friday afternoon. She picked out the vehicle at Shults Auto Group in Jamestown, NY. Pictured, Elaine and her husband pose in front of their brand new car. Photo courtesy of the Seneca Allegany Casino

One person is in the hospital being treated for smoke inhalation, and a cat is dead following a fire Tuesday afternoon at 319 North Center Street. Bradford City Fire Department Captain Matt Rettger tells WESB and The HERO that they got a call at 4:19 p.m. saying there was smoke coming from the rear apartment of the building. When firefighters arrived they learned that the occupant of the apartment had gotten out, and was at a neighbor’s house. They treated the person, who was then taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center. That person was the only one home at the time of the fire. The building houses three apartments with seven occupants. The other occupants are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Rettger said the cat died of smoke inhalation. Damage is estimated at $35,000. Rettger said a state police fire marshal has not determined the cause of the blaze yet, but it is still under investigation. The building is owned by Eric Holmberg. 14 city firefighters were on the scene for

Washington, D.C. – Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today issued the following statement upon Senate passage of H.R. 4, a measure repealing the authority of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to require that businesses report every expense they incur over $600. The 1099 reporting requirement was enacted as part the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the health care reform law originally passed in March of 2009 – and commonly referred to as Obamacare. The measure passed the Senate today with a bipartisan vote of 87 to 12. “Today’s vote to repeal the 1099 IRS reporting requirement is a major victory for small businesses and job creators in the Commonwealth and across the country. The Senate made the right choice in passing this bipartisan, common sense reform, which I and so many others in the House have been working on over the last year. President Obama should promptly sign this repeal into law to avoid death by a 1000 paper cuts for Pennsylvania’s small business

It turns out Pennsylvania crude oil is as good as gold these days. “Pennsylvania Crude: Boomtowns & Oil Barons,” which tells the story of oil in the Bradford Field, garnered the gold ADDY Award in book design. The awards ceremony was held Friday night at Jr.’s Last Laugh Comedy Club in Erie. This book, published by The Forest Press, a subsidiary of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, features magnificent photos by award-winning photographer Ed Bernik, who worked with the bureau on its previous book, “Pennsylvania Wilds: Images of the Allegheny National Forest.” The book, which was designed by Bev Verbeke, features local stories and people who are part of the oil industry. Harvey Golubock, former president and chief operating officer of American Refining Group, wrote the foreward. Verbeke was also the graphic designer of the “Pennsylvania Wilds: Images of the Allegheny National Forest.” ANFVB Executive Director Linda Devlin, along with Bernik and Verbeke, accepted the awa

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing University of Pittsburgh at Bradford The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Family Medicine working in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Center for Rural Health Practice, has received a $1 million collaborative grant to bring medical students to the region. Third-year and fourth-year medical students from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine will begin arriving for four-week rotations beginning in May, working with Jill Owens, M.D., and Robert C. Guadagno, M.D. The five-year grant came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration, which promotes better access to healthcare for patients who are isolated. The grant began last year and will continue through 2015. Doctors at Pitt Medical School wanted to expose their students to a rotation in rural health care, in the hopes that

A busload of students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford traveled to Harrisburg today to lobby legislators concerning the proposed 50 percent cut in higher education funding in Governor Tom Corbett’s budget. The students met with senators Joe Scarnati and Mary Jo White, and representatives Marty Causer and Matt Gabler. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate said some funding will be restored to Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln before the final budget is approved.

The Diocese of Erie has suspended Father Sam Slocum, who is facing criminal charges for having inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old boy after his mother prohibited it. Bishop Donald Trautman says the 59-year-old priest has been relieved of his duties and, in a brief statement, said the charges are “devastating, if true.” State police say Slocum gave the boy expensive gifts, including an iPhone and a laptop computer so the teen could contact the priest despite knowing the boy's mother had forbid it. Police say Slocum told them he knowingly contacted the boy anyway. Slocum has agreed to surrender to authorities at an undisclosed place and time on Friday.

This evening's heavy rain has caused some flooding on East Main Street -- in the usual place near Valu Home Center. We've also gotten reports of other area roads being flooded or washed out.