Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Dr. K. James Evans, vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, presents the Student Affairs Special Recognition Award to senior criminal justice majors Nicolette Kellogg (second from right) and Richard Obermeyer, far right, during the 20th annual Honors Convocation today. Kellogg, who is from Cuba, N.Y., was honored for her advocacy and education efforts in the areas of LGBTQ equality and human trafficking as well as her volunteer work with the campus Habitat for Humanity chapter. Obermeyer, who is from Bradford, was recognized for being a founding member of the Pitt-Bradford hockey team as well as for working with inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution McKean and completing an internship with the U.S. Marshals. Photo by Alan Hancock The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

It's official: The owner of Kabob Kafe in Ellicottville is buying The Option House. Bradford City Council approved a $50,000 loan on Tuesday that completes the funding package he needed to buy the Main Street building from Sam Sylvester. Other money is coming from the McKean County Redevelopment Office and The North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission. Owner Sheikh Iqbal is also investing $40,000 of his own money. Debbie Huston of the Office of Economic and Community Development says the outstanding job Sylvester did in renovating the building is what attracted him to The Option House. In a news release, Huston added that Sylvester is pleased that Iqbal has decided to bring his highly popular restaurant to Bradford's Main Street as "he is a widely experienced restaurateur and caterer." She adds that over the past few months Sylvester and "Icky" -- as Iqbal likes to be called -- have developed a close personal and business relationship. Sh...

Streaking, keeping students from falling out windows on Main Street, and Tullah Hanley were among the topics shared by former and longtime employees of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford during a panel discussion Wednesday night. Several members of the audience also participated in the discussion moderated by Kimberly Marcott Weinberg, assistant director of Pitt-Bradford’s marketing and communications department. Panelist Margaret Bryner was the dean of women from 1970 until 1972 and lived with the student in Emery Hall (now Emery Towers) when it was a dorm. She said one of the hardest parts of her job was keeping the students from hanging out the windows. Current staff member Jeff Armstrong not only talked about his time working at the university, but for working at the home of then-president Dr. Donald Swarts. He and the other panel members all had kind words to say about Swarts and his wife Mary, who they credited with giving the institution its strong foundation. Ray McMa...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is celebrating Founders' Day on Tuesday. September 3 marks the 50th anniversary -- to the day -- that the very first classes were held at Pitt-Bradford. In case you missed this past Tuesday's LiveLine, in which Dr. K. James Evans and Pat Frantz Cercone talked about Founders' Day, you can listen here (click on the "local programs" tab). During the show you can hear Evans and Cercone describe the new bronze panther statue created by Bradford native Dave Hodges that will be unveiled Tuesday. Evans, who has been with Pitt-Bradford for 37 years, said then-president of the university Dr. Richard McDowell told him during his job interview, "Just wait to see what we can become, and you can grow with the college." "Every time I go onto campus," Evans said Tuesday, "I’m just so pleasantly surprised at how the college has grown and developed in terms of student body, academic programs and the magnifice...

Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, second from right, chats with, from left, state Rep. Marty Causer, R-Turtlepoint; state Sen. Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, and Dr. K. James Evans, deputy mayor of Bradford, before taking the field for the rededication of the Kessel Athletic Complex. The complex was rededicated following a $2.68 million renovation that occurred during the summers of 2011 and 2012 and made significant improvements to the baseball, soccer and softball fields. The rededication was held prior to the first semi-final game between Keystone and Lionsville in the Pennsylvania Little League Championship being held at the complex this week. Alan Hancock photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Council has named Michael Shanks as the city’s chief financial officer. Deputy Mayor Jim Evans explained during last night's council meeting that consultants Delta Development Group recommended hiring a CFO, and council agreed it was a good idea. Shanks begins his duties on August 19. His salary will be $65,000 a year. You can listen to the entire council meeting here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Council on Tuesday awarded the $1.8 million contract for renovations to the Callahan Park ice rink to Kessel Construction. Councilman Brad Mangel said he is glad the contract went to a local company. The project will paid for with $500,000 in grant money and through the refinancing of a general obligation bond, which council also approved last night. City Clerk John Peterson explained that $1.8 million for the renovation was included in this year’s city budget. Listen to the entire meeting here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Council approved its 2013 budget on final reading Tuesday. Councilman Jim Evans, who oversees accounts and finances, said efficiencies were realized in every department in 2012, budgets were watched carefully and revenue and expenses were kept in line with budget projections. “In addition, the mayor, city council, city clerk and others have continued to look for creative ways to raise city revenues outside of raising property tax assessments,” Evans read in the 2013 budget letter. “The result is the City of Bradford government continues to operate efficiently while the level of services to city residents continues to be maintained at appropriate levels.” Despite significant increases in workmen’s compensation insurance premiums, payments for the 2012 bond issue, and inflationary increases in a number of areas, this is the second year in a row council has not had to raise taxes. Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Curt Wallace of C.J. Wallace Engineering suggested that th...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Property taxes in the City of Bradford will not go up next year. Mayor Tom Riel thanked the city’s department heads and City Clerk John Peterson “who did a tremendous job with the budget this year, resulting in no tax increase two years in a row in a time when most communities in Pennsylvania are seeing double digit tax increases.” “I think that speaks volumes …” Riel added. “I think we’ve turned the city’s finances around. Contrary to what some people think, I think we’re headed in the right direction.” “We’re not there yet,” Riel said, “but this is my seventh year on council and I think this is the most comfortable budget I’ve ever been involved in, and I think John (Peterson) can attest to the same.” Peterson said this was his 13th budget and it was a “refreshing process to be able to go through.” “Our department heads this year have done a tremendous job … not coming in with inflated budgetary figures for council to review,” Peterso...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Brad Mangel has been sworn in as Bradford’s newest city council member, replacing Rick Benton who died June 16. His term expires on the first Monday of January 2014. Mayor Tom Riel said Mangel, who has lived in Bradford his entire life except when he was in the military, probably attended more council meetings than any other member of the community in the last four or five years. “I’d like to thank the mayor and council for allowing me the opportunity to serve,” Mangel said. “I’d like to thank John (Peterson, city clerk) for administering the oath. Last but not least, I’d like to thank my wife for her support of my many endeavors, and especially this one. And, I look forward to sitting on this side of the table.” Riel thanked the eight people who submitted letters of interest for the position. “There were some fine people who submitted a letter,” Riel said, “unfortunately we could only choose one.” Also Tuesday, council opened three bids for the...

UPDATE Bradford Sanitary Authority will receive a PENNVEST $15,598,357 loan and a $3,146,643 grant to upgrade and expand its sewage treatment plant in order to eliminate wet weather overloading of the plant and discharges of partially treated sewage into Tunungwant Creek. By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Bradford Sanitary Authority and Bradford City Council can agree on one thing: Whatever is going to be done about upgrading the wastewater treatment plant has to be done as soon as possible. The two groups held a work session Tuesday to discuss plans for the plant. Bradford Township supervisor Gayle Bauer and Foster Township supervisor John Sullivan also attended. At issue is the best way to upgrade the plant, at the lowest cost. Another issue is which engineering firm would be best for the job. Buchart Horn first brought up the new BioMag technology for the plant, which would save money. Gannett Fleming has been the Sanitary Authority’s engineer for years. Buchart Horn has ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will honor 20 staff members at a dinner next week who are celebrating service anniversaries. Three employees will be honored for 35 years of service to the university, Dr. K. James Evans, vice president and dean of student affairs; Thomas J. Sheeley, maintenance worker; and Cindy Cavallero, administrative assistant and office manager for student affairs. Dr. Holly J. Spittler, associate dean of student affairs and director of career services, will be recognized for 30 years of service. Linda K. Delaney, assistant director of sponsored programs and manager of payroll, will be honored for 20 years of service. Those being honored for 15 years of service are Elizabeth A. Spindler, administrative assistant for athletics and recreational sports; Dan E. Songer, director of campus police and security; Cathy Sue Reiley, coordinator of user services for computing, telecommunications and media services; and R...

Scarnati Re-Elected President Pro Tem Rhett Kennedy was sworn in as the newest member of Bradford City Council this morning. Tom Riel was also sworn in for his second term as mayor. Karen Hector was sworn in for her second term as city treasurer. The Board of Health also had a brief meeting, electing Kennedy president of the board. Kennedy will oversee public safety (fire and police) and code enforcement for the city. He replaces Ross Neidich, who did not run for re-election. And in Harrisburg, Joe Scarnati has been re-elected by his colleagues as Senate President Pro Tempore. Pictured, City Clerk John Peterson (far right) administers the oath of office to Hector, Kennedy and Riel (standing) as city solicitor Mark Hollenbeck and councilman Rick Benton and Jim Evans look on . Photo by Ron Orris The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Council on Tuesday renewed a lease with Allegany Concrete to rent a portion of land at the Holley Avenue Department of Public Works complex, but not without hearing objections from Mayor Tom Riel first. Riel said he meant no disrespect to Allegany Concrete or the rest of council but he was not in favor of renewing the lease. “I’m not against free enterprise or competition but” when the original lease was approved five years ago council was under the belief that they would go in to provide concrete only for the highway and they would not be competing against other companies in the area, “and that did not hold to be true,” he said. “There’s no place (else) they could set up that concrete place anyplace in this valley, especially that close to an interchange, for $1,000 a month and operate a concrete plant,” Riel said. “I do think that it makes it an unlevel playing field. Again, I’m not against competition but I think it’s unfair to Bisett (Building Center) – a business tha...

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing University of Pittsburgh at Bradford The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford evacuated about 160 students from on-campus housing along the Tunungwant Creek early Wednesday morning after hours of steady rain caused the creek to flood. Pitt-Bradford also canceled classes for the day and asked about 100 students to move vehicles from parking areas along the creek. About 100 students spent the night in the Frame-Westerberg Commons, said Dr. K. James Evans, vice president and dean of student affairs. “We had some students playing cards, some watching TV and some playing board games,” he said. Some students rolled up their socks and started a game of baseball in the Mukaiyama University Room, which became their diamond for the overnight. Around 3 a.m., Dan Howard, general manager of dining services, came in and opened up the KOA Dining Room for bagels, ice cream and cereal. ...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Bradford City Council passed on first reading a budget that, as is, would mean a tax increase of about 4 mils. But Mayor Tom Riel and all four councilmen said they would not pass it on final reading next month unless significant changes are made. “I’ll never vote for this sort of tax increase,” said Councilman Jim Evans during Tuesday's council meeting. “The tax increase that’s proposed by this (budget) is way out of line with what our citizens can afford,” said Councilman Fred Proper. Proper also noted that the last page of the ordinance says it “shall be effective upon final passage,” which would be December 28. Riel reminded everyone that, just like last year, the first reading of the budget doesn’t look good and, last year, it looked as if a huge millage increase would be necessary, “but we shaved that down to almost nothing.” The anticipated total general fund expenditures for this year are $8,219,233. The submitted expenditures for 201...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Code enforcement officer George Corignani says if people have a problem with his department, all they have to do is call. “We don’t have to come here every week and sit and trash code enforcement,” Corignani said during Tuesdays sometimes heated Bradford City Council meeting. “I mean, it’s just not getting anywhere.” “If you have a problem, call us at our office. We’ll take care of it. And if you’re not satisfied then, there’s a problem. But we’re not getting any phone calls about any of this stuff,” he said, adding that he doesn’t know about some of the problems until after he reads about the council meetings every other Wednesday. “I’m just trying to do my job and do it right. We can all do this together and work it out together because – Guess what? – I’m not going anywhere,” Corignani said. “We’re not saying it’s you guys,” said Mayor Tom Riel. “We’re saying there’s a problem with the program.” Councilman Jim Evans added that much of what’s ...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Bradford’s newest councilmen agree that code enforcement is the number one priority of city residents. Almost all public comment council has received in the last six months has been about code enforcement, blighted properties and the historic district, said Councilman Fred Proper during Tuesday's council meeting. “The quality of life in our community is being affected by the property in the community – deteriorating property,” he said. As a council, “You got it across to us that it’s probably the number one priority in this community right now. We need to work together to handle that.” “I’ve got the message that it is the number one priority, aside from maybe some financial problems that we’re going to have to face,” he said. “This is the number one issue – blighted properties, code enforcement,” Councilman Jim Evans said. “The only reason it surpasses financial is we’re not building a budget right now.” “That message has come through loud a...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Bradford City Council has taken a tremendous step in the right direction toward rectifying the city’s financial problems, according to Mayor Tom Riel. During its meeting Tuesday, council agreed to take any and all actions necessary to initiate the application process for the state’s Early Intervention Program. The program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development, was designed to help municipalities that are financially troubled, but not yet formally distressed. The Early Intervention Program supports municipalities by offering grants that can be used to pay costs associated with hiring an independent financial consultant to prepare a three- to five-year financial plan and management review of the municipality. “This is probably one of the biggest steps the City of Bradford can possibly take to try to rectify our financial problems,” Riel said. “It’s probably overdue, but I think … it’s going to work for us and it’s a...