Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Engineers are currently trying to figure how to pay for the $800,000 sewer line project from Laffery Hollow to Corwins Corners. Foster Township Engineer Roy Pedersen said they are looking into a loan from PENNVEST, and will also be updating their H2O grant application. He said they are going to "see if we can figure out a way to do it without raising rates." He added that he doesn't know when the H2O grant money will be awarded "but at least they're taking applications." When asked about the possibility that the township will actually get the grant, Pedersen said, "I don't want to give you false hope. We applied for it last year to pay for that section of sewer line ... which would have been beautiful. ... We're hoping to get 100 percent funding so there would be no local borrowing." He said they are "shovel ready," which is one of the criteria for federal stimulus money. Supervisor Chris W...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Street Dreams Car Club may be traveling from Main Street to the Bradford Mall. During Monday's Foster Township Supervisors meeting, Street Dreams President Gary Hoy said the show has "outgrown Main Street," adding they had 321 cars last year and there wasn't enough room for them. He said some people even had to leave. Foster Township Supervisor Jim Connelly Jr. said he will be contacting the managers of the mall to see if they agree to having the show there. "It's not written in stone because I haven't talked with the mall yet," Connelly said. But he added, "This is an opportunity we can't miss. We're going to continue to try to make Foster Township grow ... Our door's open. We're welcoming new business." There was a question as to whether the car show would be held at all when the City of Bradford enacted an ordinance that requires anyone holding an event downtown to pay a fee of...

A Salamanca man is going to prison for raping a child. Kevin Donaldson has been sentenced four years behind bars for raping a 15 year old girl. Donaldson maintains his innocence.

The man charged with killing an elderly Delevan man in December has pleaded not guilty. Melvin Stephenson is charged with second degree murder in connection to the death of 80-year-old Wilbur Norton. A Meals on Wheels delivery person discovered Norton's body inside his home at the Delevan Terrace Apartments. Stephenson is currently serving time for felony DWI in Chautauqua County. When that sentence is up at the end of March, he will be transferred to the Cattaraugus County Jail for a bail hearing in this case.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford recognized 22 staff members celebrating service anniversaries at a dinner held at The Option House. Suzanne Dittman, administrative assistant for athletics and recreational sports, was honored for 35 years of service. She began working at Pitt-Bradford in 1974 when Swarts Hall first opened. She was the switchboard operator and secretary for the Humanities Division before beginning work for student affairs and athletics. Dittman has taught exercise classes for many years and is frequently sighted around town. Peter Buchheit, director of facilities management, was honored for 30 years of service. In 2008, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor honored Buchheit as one of four university-wide recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service in the Community. In addition to overseeing upkeep of Pitt-Bradford building and grounds, Buchheit has supervised more than a dozen construction and major renovation proje...

A former Bradford man has been sentenced to 17-and-a-half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting children. 46-year-old John Kujath received and distributed hundreds of computer images and movies depicting prepubesecent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Several of these items depict children younger than 10 subjected to bestiality, bondage and other acts of violence. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Sean McLaughlin stated that the defendant represents a significant threat to children and that protection of society is a paramount sentencing consideration.

Today was the final workout at Pirate City. Beginning tomorrow, the club will move its camp to McKechnie Field. After early work and meetings, the players took the field at 10:00 under sunny skies and temps in the mid upper 50s. The following pitchers threw 24 to 40 pitches in the bullpen today: Ross Ohlendorf, Paul Maholm, D.J. Carrasco, Jack Taschner, Jeff Karstens, Steven Jackson, Brad Lincoln, Chris Jakubauskas and Virgil Vasquez. All non-throwing pitchers participated in fielding drills, conditioned and were off the fields by 11:15. Position players worked on infield and outfield drills for 15 minutes before all position players participated in Defensive work for another 20 minutes. Players then took batting practice for 30 minutes, participated in the annual sliding drills, conditioned and were off the fields by 11:45. Tomorrow the Pirates are expected to host the State College of Florida Manatees in the annual benefit game at McKechnie Field. The 7-inning game is scheduled to...

A Ridgway woman is looking for her lost donkey. Kristen Geitner reported to police that her miniature donkey went missing from a property in Brockport between Friday evening and early Saturday morning. The donkey is about 3 feet tall and is gray with a black stripe on his back. His name is Pedro. Anyone with information about Pedro's whereabouts can contact state police in Ridgway.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford honored Women of Promise during a today luncheon at the University. Women of Promise honors three high school students for their achievements in athletics, community service and the creative and performing arts. Pictured are, from left, Breea C. Willingham, visiting professor of journalism at St. Bonaventure University, who was the speaker for the afternoon; Kimberly Telaak of Ellicottville (N.Y.) Central School, who was honored for athletics; Alyssa Bowser of Port Allegany, who was recognized in creative and performing arts; and Faith Benson of Allegany-Limestone (N.Y.) Central School, who was recognized for community service. ( Photo courtesy of Pitt-Bradford )

You can see them here . You'll also find out how you can help them win. During the contest in both of the last two years, the belles helped pump in more than $1 million to the local economy. You can help these ladies keep that going!

A rally will be held at noon on March 13 in the Quaker Area of Allegany State Park in an effort to show Governor David Paterson that people think the park should stay open. State Senator Cathy Youong will release more information about the rally soon.

March 01, 2010 05:03AM Kane Man Reported Missing State Police are looking for a Kane man who disappeared last Wednesday on Old Smethport Road in Wetmore Township. Police say 33 year-old Robert Royer hasn't made contact with family or friends since and that is unusual. Royer is 5'10", 165 pounds with short red hair and glasses. He was last seen driving a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport which front end damage. March 01, 2010 05:03AM Allegany Fire Damages Farm Machinery Firefighters battled a fire Saturday at a building at the Len Boser farm on Birch Run Road in Allegany. Cattaruagus County District fire Coordinator Gary Wuethrich says 70 firefighters and six companies battled the blaze which damaged farm machinery and tools. Crews were on the scene for three hours. The fire has been ruled accidental. March 01, 2010 05:03AM Bradford Woman Struck by Bottle A Portville woman was arrested after she hit a Bradford woman with a whiskey bottle over the weekend at an incident on South Barr...

With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month by President Barack Obama, the McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross today recognizes and thanks the supporters and volunteers whose efforts enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters down the street, across the country and around the world. “The Red Cross works tirelessly to be there with help and hope when people need it most-and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work - here at home and abroad,” said executive director Jason Bange. “Our community and our nation depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of people in America to achieve its mission.” “During Red Cross Month, we want to recognize the valuable supporters whose generosity makes the work of the American Red Cross possible,” Bange added. “In addition, Red Cross Month is a great time for people to get involved with the Red Cross, such as donating blood; signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cro...

Pennsylvania Zach Holt, Kane Area High School 6’1” 195lbs. Tight End, Defensive End Zach plans on going into law enforcement in the near future. Zach’s honors include two varsity letters in football and a varsity letter in basketball. Zach was asked why he would like to play in the Big 30 game and he said, “It is an honor to play in the game my father Tim and Brother Matt played in the game.” Zach’s biggest thrill came winning the District 9 Championship, and playing in a state semi-final game. Matt Shuey, Johnsonburg High School 6’3” 240lbs. Fullback, Tight End, / Linebacker Matt wants to attend college to pursue a teaching degree and play football. Matt’s awards include; AML All-Star, Elk County Holiday Tournament Team, Offensive MVP, and track MVP in field events. Matt said “It is a tremendous honor to be selected to play in this charity event with so many excellent athletes from N.Y. and P.A.. The causes it supports are worthwhile.” In Matt’s spar...

Over 130 special athletes are registered to compete in the annual Special Olympics Swimming Invitational, Sponsored by Dallas-Morris, which will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sport and Fitness Center on Friday, Mar. 5, starting at 10:00 a.m. Special Olympians from McKean, Warren, Elk and Cameron counties have been in training for several months in preparation for the competition, according to meet director Carol Ryan. They will be competing for medals in individual and team events. “The swimming invitational is one of the biggest Special Olympics events of the year and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” said Ryan. “We’re excited and expect the level of competition to be the best ever.” Up to seven swimmers will qualify to compete at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games at Penn State, June 10-12. This year’s invitational is dedicated to long time supporter JoAnn Walter, who passed away in June. Walter was a dedicated volunteer who was a fixture ...

Terrell Owens won't be a Buffalo Bill in 2010. The Bills announced today that Owens, Ryan Denney and Josh Reed will not be offered new contracts. They'll be unrestricted free agents effective Friday. On his Twitter account, Owens thanked the Bills organization, owner Ralph Wilson and the Bills fans for their support last season. The Bills are the only NFL organization Denney and Reed have played for. Both were second-round draft choices of the club in 2002. For more on this story, go to Buffalo Bills.com .

People took advantage of the free knife cleaning and sharpening offered by W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. The Bragging Wall is always a crowd favorite at the KOTS. This year, it seems, it was more popular than ever. BACC Administrative Assistant Becky Plummer says she believes they raised more money this year than ever before. All the money raised goes to Hunt of Lifetime . This years winners are Randy Orrs (big game); Sean Barnart (fur bearer); Makensie Maverick and Randy Orss (fish); Tim Piller (fowl); and Chuck Knowlton (white tail). DJ from Sears of Bradford shows off some of the lawn and garden equipment, and outdoor merchandise, the Chestnut Street store has to offer. Also, in the background, is Charlie's Cycle Center -- now with locations in Limestone, NY, and Bradford. They also have several clothing lines. Tom Means, center, of Kinzua Outdoors poses with the winners of this year's casting contest, Bobby Pearson and Brianna Green. Smokey Bear was also on hand to spend...

"Chef Ray" Patchkovsky of the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel wowed the crowd at the 9th Annual Kinzua Outdoor & Travel Show with his ice sculpting demonstration. Pictured above, Chef Ray works on the sculpture. Below are a couple of views of the finished product.

An elderly Dunkirk woman died in a house fire Saturday morning. The City of Dunkirk Fire Department responded to a fire at 26 Crooked Brook Drive at 7:33 a.m. Upon entering the residence, they found 79-year-old Marilyn Ricotta, who was unresponsive. She was removed from the house and taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment. She was later pronounced dead by Chautauqua County Coroner Richard Mackowiak. The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation team has ruled that the fire was accidental and caused by careless smoking.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a workshop next week for young people interested in pursuing a career in the United Nations or other intergovernmental organization. Dr. Sooh-Rhee Ryu, visiting professor of political science, will give the presentation at 7 p.m. March 2 in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Ryu says that working for the U.N. or an intergovernmental organization, such as the World Health Organization, can be a viable alternative to attending graduate school or law school and that she wanted to introduce students of all majors to the idea. “It would be nice for the students to hear about something that could be a long-term goal,” she said. “The U.N. is a huge employer and there is a place for students from almost every major.” Ryu herself took the United Nations test at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Sarah Lorya, a history/political science and soc...