Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

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Check out this cool video from W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery that I found at the National Assocation of Manufacturer's blog :

Northumberland County authorities say a man had 17 pit bull terriers in his apartment. Milton Police Chief Craig Lutcher says police found the third-floor apartment filled with dog excrement Thursday night. He says a 37-year-old man was taken into custody. Lutcher says he's not sure why the man had so many dogs. Northumberland County Animal Rescue officials took them to Sunbury Animal Hospital. The man's name wasn't immediately released.

The Pittsburgh Zoo's oldest resident has died. A yellow-footed tortoise named Big Mo died on Saturday. He had been suffering from a respiratory infection and other health problems. Big Mo was estimated to be more than 70 years old. The tortoise was acquired by the zoo in 1972 after being caught in the wild as an adult. He weighed 86pounds and was 29 inches long and 21 inches wide.

A 24-year-old rookie state trooper is dead from injuries sustained in a car crash. The governor's office says Trooper Kenton Iwaniec of Lancaster was driving home Thursday night when another vehicle crossed the center line and crashed into him. No one else was injured. Iwaniec died Friday, about three months after graduating from the state police academy. He was assigned to the Avondale station in Chester County.

An Indiana County man has been charged with causing more than $34,000 in damage to a church cemetery. State police say 19-year-old David Christian Williams was arrested for the Feb. 21 desecration and destruction of headstones, statues and light fixtures at the St. Bernard Catholic Church Cemetery in White Township, Pa. They say Williams is the first of a number of suspects to be arrested. Court documents show two informants directed police to Williams, who confessed when investigators questioned him. He is being held at the county jail on $25,000 bail.

Hillary Clinton's campaign headquarters in Erie says a college-age worker for Barack Obama represented himself as a Hillary Clinton supporter when he visited the local campaign office. The Clinton campaign identified him as Sam Glenzer of Wisconsin, and said he tried to get information at Clinton's office. The volunteer chairman of the Obama campaign in Erie, said he wasn’t aware of any Obama workers going to the Clinton headquarters, and if he did it, he did it on his own because Obama's campaign does not tolerate such tactics.

The half brother of Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson will spend the next 5 to 10 years in a Pennsylvania state prison. Donald Gipson was sentenced today in Warren County Court following his guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter in the killing of 81-year-old Louis Jones 12 years ago. Gipson was arrested on Jan. 17 in Buffalo for the Sept. 16, 1996 fatal stabbing of Jones, who was found dead in a wrecked car on Route 62 in Warren County. At the time, Gipson told investigators he and Jones were carjacked and Jones died in the accident. State police cold case investigators reopened the case in October.

State House Republican Leader Sam Smith says State Senator Joe Scarnati is wrong to engage himself in a contested primary involving an incumbent House member. Smith says Scarnati is out of line by endorsing Kerry Gern over Representative Kathy Rapp in the race for the 65th District seat. Smith says Rapp has been a consistent advocate to fiscal responsibility and government reform and was among a select group of 8 Pennsylvania lawmakers to earn an "A" grade on the 2006 Liberty Index. He says she has also been a powerful influence in fighting Governor Ed Rendell's plan to privatize Warren State Hospital. He adds that Rapp "has served all her constituents very well as a strong and independent voice in Harrisburg." US Congressman John Peterson is endorsing Rapp, but says Scarnati should not endorse anyone.

News 4 Meteorologist Mike Cejka says March will be going out like a lamb, with sunny skies and temperatures in the 50s by Monday. But Mother Nature got one more shot of winter in at Cattaraugus County on Friday. (Thanks, Scott!)

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. (AP) — A fast-food cook and Seattle Seahawks fan has been accused of spitting on a hamburger ordered by a man wearing Pittsburgh Steelers attire. Kittitas County sheriff's deputies say the 37-year-old customer was with his daughters at the Port Orchard-area eatery last Saturday. He reportedly traded remarks with an employee about Super Bowl XL in which the Seahawks lost to the Steelers. When the customer opened his food container, he says there was spittle on the burger. He demanded a refund and called the fast-foot outlet's district manager. The manager told deputies a 24-year-old man might be responsible. The next day, deputies went to his house and smelled marijuana. The man was released after being booked for investigation of fourth-degree assault and possession of marijuana.

A former Coudersport State Police corporal is accused of lying during an arbitrator's hearing into his firing. Laurence Fisher of Potter County is facing charges of perjury and false swearing following his arrest and bail arraignment Thursday in Galeton. The 44-year-old was fired in October 2006 for violating the department's code of conduct. The criminal charges relate to a January 2007 arbitration hearing at which he allegedly denied under oath that he had been read his Miranda rights during an internal affairs interview in 2004. Police say Fisher insisted he hadn't been read his rights even after a tape recording of the interview was played. The department says Fisher claimed the audiotape was a fake.

Senator Bob Casey has endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president. The senators appeared together today in Pitsburgh, the first stop on Obama's six-day "Road to Change" bus tour through Pennsylvania. Governor Ed Rendell has endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton.

Two men have been arrested in connection with a string of pharmacy burglaries dating back to August of last year. Police say 24-year-old Jeremy Anderson of Warren is in jail for 3 pharmacy burglaries in Youngsville, 3 in Sheffield and 2 in Marienville. He's in jail on a state parole detainer. 25-year-old Ryan Groves of Clarendon is charged in connection with 1 of the Youngsville burglaries, 2 in Sheffield and 2 in Marienville. Police say he conspired with Anderson and served as the driver to and from the scenes. Groves is in jail in lieu of 50 thousand dollars bail.

An Eldred man died in a one vehicle accident early Thursday morning on Route 446 in Eldred. State Police say 46 year-old Robert Sisson was traveling north on 446 at around midnight when he lost control of his car and rolled it several times. Sisson was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt

An eastern Pennsylvania judge is ordering three men to learn English, or go to jail. Luzerne County Judge Peter Paul Olszewski says three men facing prison for criminal conspiracy to commit robbery can be paroled, but only if they learn to read and write English, earn their GED and get a full-time job. Olszewski notes that Luis Reyes, Ricardo Dominguez and Kelvin Reyes-Rosario, who range in age from 17 to 22, all needed translators Tuesday when they pleaded guilty. The judge is ordering them to return with their parole officers in one year and take an English test. Attorneys for the men say they are studying the legality of the ruling and haven't decided whether to appeal.

State Senator Joe Scarnati is endorsing Kerry Gern for State Representative in the 65th District. Gern is running against incumbent State Representative Kathy Rapp. Scarnati says Rapp has not worked with business groups and civic leaders throughout the state, which has placed this area at a competitive disadvantage. Rapp tells WESB and The HERO she's not surprised by Scarnati's endorsement of Gern because she has voted against the senator on many key issues including the pay raise and tolling of Interstate 80. She adds that she never had Scarnati's support before, so she doesn't need it now.

Police say a Brookville man killed his parents to avoid going to rehab and then was caught trying to flee to Canada. 44-year-old Richard Reed was stopped at the New York-Canada border late Wednesday when a Canadian customs officer noticed that the car he said was his was actually leased in his mother's name. After further questioning, Reed allegedly told the officers he had shot his father, John Reed, and then his mother in their Brookville home late last week after they tried to persuade him to return to rehab to treat his alcoholism. Reed said he then spent "a couple of nights" in a hotel in Clarion before heading for Niagara Falls. Reed was charged today with killing his 74-year-old parents and is in custody in Jefferson County. The bodies were found after the border agents alerted the Brookville police to Reed's confession.

03/26/08 - Kartesz Hearing Set for Monday in Erie A plea hearing for Frank Kartesz II, a key figure in the ongoing federal mortgage-fraud investigation in Erie, has been rescheduled. Kartesz, a former Bradford landlord, is now set to enter a plea before U.S. District Court Judge Sean J. McLaughlin on Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Erie. Kartesz's plea hearing had been set for Feb. 15, but it was abruptly canceled. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Erie on Jan. 31 charged Kartesz with one count each of mail fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud. Kartesz waived his indictment in the mortgage-fraud case. The government alleges that Kartesz was part of a scheme in which he and others bought run-down houses and sold them at artificially inflated prices. 3/26/08 - Bisett Building Center to Celebrate 125 Years Bisett Building Center will celebrate it’s 125th anniversary on Saturday May 17 from 8am – 4pm on Davis Street. 1490 WESB w...

The musical group Barrage is coming to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for Arts Endowment fundraising concert on May 3. Check them out -- they're awesome!

Rep. Martin Causer and Sen. Joe Scarnati have announced the release of $5.4 million in state funds to support the expansion of The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Potter County. The lawmakers, who have been advocating for the funding for three years, were notified Wednesday afternoon by the governor's office that the money would finally be released. "This is absolutely outstanding news, not only for Potter County but for the entire region," Causer said. "The lumber industry is not only an important part of our history - it also has a vital role to play in our future." Scarnati agreed. "Given the growing interest in our region as a tourist attraction, this investment in the Lumber Museum could not have come at a better time. Just as the lumber industry continues to be an important contributor to our local economy, the tourism industry is increasingly generating jobs and investment in our region." Causer and Scarnati praised the work of county government a...

When you think about Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Troy Polamalu, you probably think about his hair. But if the NFL decides to change its rules, Polamalu may have to get a hair cut. The NFL is considering forcing all of its players to do something about their hair. It would prohibit long hair from covering a player's last name on the back of their jersey. Polamalu, who has been tackled at least once by his hair, has said numerous times that his last haircut was in 2002 when he was attending Southern Cal. The NFL is set to discuss the new rule later this month.

A charge of second-degree murder against Stephanie Pierce has been reduced to second-degree manslaughter in the death of 3-year-old Ianna Doris Maybee. Ianna's father and Pierce's boyfriend, Guy Maybee, is charged with second-degree murder. Maybee and Pierce are both in Cattaraugus County Jail awaiting grand jury action. During Tuesday's preliminary hearing for Guy Maybee, Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Deputy William Welling testified that Ianna suffered a broken clavicle and broken ribs, a damaged spinal cord, severe bleeding on her brain and internal bleeding caused by a lacerated liver. Ianna was found dead in her bed at about 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. Authorities believe she died at 3 a.m. Friday. An autopsy was performed Saturday at ECMC. Maybee and Pierce were arrested Sunday.

03/25/08 - Ceres Man Pleads to Child Pornography A Ceres, New York man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Buffalo to possession of child pornography. 34 year-old Jeffery Sikes pleaded guilty to charges from January 4, 2006. Court records indicate that Sikes sent two movie files of child pornography to an undercover postal inspector. Sikes e-mailed a link to his Internet account of the images and videos of child pornography.Sikes has two prior convictions for sex offenses from the year 2000. He will be sentenced on July 1 and faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. 03/25/08 - 2 Juveniles Arrested in BB Gun Incidents Two male juveniles are facing charges after breaking windows at the Bradford Area Public Library, Bradford Oncology and Bradford Auto Sunday night. Bradford City Police say the boys used BB guns to shoot out the windows of the businesses. Four lights at the horseshoe pits at Hanley Park were also shot out too. City Police are also looking into the the damagi...

A Cattaraugus County Grand Jury will hear the murder cases against Guy Maybee and Stephanie Pierce. During an hour-and-a-half long preliminary hearing this afternoon Town Judge James Haltermann determined that prosecutors presented enough evidence for the charges against Maybee to move to the grand jury. Pierce waived her preliminary hearings. According to court records, Maybee assaulted his 3-year-old daughter, Ianna Doris Maybee, Thursday in their Salamanca home. Authorities believe she died at about 3 a.m. Friday. Pierce called 9-1-1 at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon when she tried to wake her up and realized she wasn't breathing. Sheriff Dennis John says the child had bruises on hre body and died of internal injures. An autopsy was performed at ECMC on Saturday. Maybee and Pierce were arrested Sunday.

03/23/08 - 3-Year-Old Girl Murdered in Salamanca Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 3-year-old girl in Salamanca. Guy Maybee and Stephanie Pierce-Shennandoah are charged with second-degree murder for causing the death of Ianna Doris Maybee. They are in Cattaraugus County Jail. Sheriff's Deputies responded to a call of an unresponsive child on Friday in Salamanca. An autopsy performed Saturday at ECMC determined the cause of death was homicide. Sheriff's deputies and New York State Police are continuing their investigation. 03/24/08 - 3 Bradford Establishments Cited by BLCE Three Bradford establishments have been cited by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for selling alcohol to minors. Police say Players Downtown and The New Keystone each sold alcohol to a minor on January 10. La Herradura allegedly furnished alcohol to a 17-year-old girl on November 24 and furnished alcohol between the hours of 2 and 7 a.m. on November 24. All th...

Reviewing campaign materials of Bradford Hospital Foundation’s “Building the Future” Capital Campaign are Francie Ambuske, Vice Chairman of the Capital Campaign and Director of the Bradford Hospital Foundation; and Bill Pantuso, Vice Chairman of the Capital Campaign and District Executive of Northwest Savings Bank. ( Photo Courtesy of BRMC ) Bradford Hospital Foundation’s $6 million “Building the Future” Capital Campaign will be starting its public phase with a “Business Blitz” on April 30 and a countywide appeal. The five-year campaign, which began in 2005 and has raised $4.6 million. It will be entering its public phase to attract donations from McKean County businesses and raise interest in Bradford Regional Medical Center’s construction and renovation projects. The total goal amount is designed to help cover capital costs for the $15 million Outpatient Services Center at BRMC, plus the current $3.5 million expansion project that will double the size of the Emergency Department by...

Bradford City Police are investigating incidents where 11 windows were broken at the Bradford Area Public Library and 15 vehicles were damaged over the weekend. Besides the windows at the library, police found damaged windows on North Center Street and at Bradford Auto on West Washington Street. Lights were damaged at Hanley Park as well. They say a BB gun appears to be involved. Also, police say that sometime overnight on Saturday, someone damaged 15 vehicles by puncturing tires of parked cars on several streets. Police are asking for help on both cases. Any information can be sent to City of Bradford Police or by calling 368-6133. All calls will be kept confidential.

03/23/08 - Two Fatal Crashes on Saturday A Brockway woman died in a two-vehicle accident Saturday on Route 219 in Elk County. Police say while a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Jacqueline Ehrgott of Brockway was making a left turn when it was hit by a truck driven by Michael Altemus of DuBois. Ehrgott was pronounced dead at the scene by Elk County Coroner Lou Radkowski. Atlemus was not hurt. A juvenile in his vehicle sustained a minor injury. Another accident Saturday on State Route 219, this one killing two women in Snyder Township, Jefferson County. A car driven by 33 year old Eric Veltri of Brockway lost control and crossed the center line. He hit a car head on driven by 38 year old Delora Burrow-Bradish of Bradford. Her passengers, 29 year old Connie Bailey of Brockway and 39 year old Karen Peters of Newark, Deleware, were not wearing a seatbelt and were pronounced dead at the scene. Veltri who sustained moderate injuries was arrested for driving under the influence. 03/23/08 - Route...

As of March 23, 2008, when the American death toll in the Iraq war reached 4,000, 187 soldiers from Pennsylvania or with strong ties to the state had been killed or died in support of combat operations. These are the soldiers from this region who have died: Spc. Michael T. Gleason, 25, of Warren, killed in a vehicle crash. Spc. Sean R. Mitchell, 24, of Youngsville, killed by a bomb. Spc. Jonathan R. Kephart, 21, of Oil City, killed in an ambush. Pfc. Michael W. Franklin, 22, of Coudersport, killed by a car bomb. Sgt. Andrew Jodon, 27, of Karthaus, killed by an explosive. Sgt. 1st Class Scott R. Smith, 34, of Punxsutawney, killed by an IED. 2nd Lt. Christopher E. Loudon, 23, of Brockport, killed by a bomb. Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis, 19, of Knox, died after throwing himself on a grenade to protect fellow soldiers. Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Tully, 33, of Falls Creek, killed by an IED. You can find the complete list of Pennsylvania soldiers HERE Master Sergeant Thomas Maholic of Bradford was k...

Forest County has the highest percentage of males and the fewest percentage of females of any county in the state, according to the latest US Census estimate. Just 38 percent of Forest County's roughly 6,500 residents are female. Officials say SCI-Forest, the all-male state prison near Marienville, accounts for some of the imbalance. But even removing inmates from the total, 47 percent of the population of Forest County is male. Analysts believe many are drawn to Forest County by the hunting and fishing opportunities.

The debate is still on about the problems of abandoned shopping carts and graffiti in Bradford. For pictures, check out Talk About Bradford and Bradford Today .

Christians around the world are celebrating Easter Sunday. This is the altar at St. Bernard Church in Bradford following 10 a.m. Mass. A few last worshippers enter the church as the bells ring.

One more obstacle on the path of the Pittsburgh Penguins new hockey arena is no more. St. Francis Central Hospital was blown up Saturday to make way for the $290 million arena. The 10-story hospital was brought down with the staggered detonation of some 15 separate charges. In February, demolition crews tried and failed to bring the building down with cables. The hospital shut its doors in 2000. It is the largest structure being demolished to make room for the planned 18,500-seat arena. The new arena is scheduled to open in 2010. Watch the video HERE

As St. Bonaventure University celebrates its 150th anniversary season, a new feature has been added to the University Archives Web site -- games! Test your knowledge of Bona's HERE . NOTE: I got 100% on "buildings," "really trivial" and "athletics." I guess I have studying to do on my alma mater. But I do know the football team has been undefeated since 1952. ;)

Bradford City Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 655 held their 40th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday at Callahan Park. Dozens of hunters -- and their parents -- braved the cold weather to look for the prized eggs, and get some candy from the firefighters. But at least the sun was shinging for the hunt. Congratulations to the firefighters for another successful hunt ... and compliments to them for their choice of music. We like hearing 100.1 The HERO every year when we're at the Easter Egg Hunt. :) And in Little Valley ... ... the Easter Bunny visited the American Legion.

03/21/08 - United: Fire Shouldn't Affect Gas Prices Thursday's fire at United Refining is not expected to affect gas prices. United's director of retail marketing Greg Latimer says more than 370 company-owned service stations will receive gasoline from the company's reserves. Latimer says because of the reserves customers of Kwik Fill stations and Red Apple and Country Fair convenience stores should not be affected. Latimer said there are contingency plans if the shutdown extends beyond a few days. The company expects the cutback on production to last only 3 or 4 days. 03/21/08 - PA Deer Harvest Down 11 Percent Last year's deer harvest in Pennsylvania was down 11 percent from the previous year's harvest, according to a report released Friday by the state game commission. Hunters harvested an estimated 323,070 deer in the state's 2007-08 seasons. Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission Deer Section Supervisor says that report cards sent in by hunters sho...