Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Two teenagers have been turned over to juvenile authorities after the remains of their stillborn baby were found buried in a central Pennsylvania yard. Investigators said Friday that a worker in Lebanon found the remains in June while digging holes for a playground. The teens turned themselves in after they heard about the investigation. Authorities say the 15-year-old girl was seven months pregnant when she gave birth in her home in April 2007. Police say her 14-year-old boyfriend buried the stillborn child in the back yard of an apartment house. Also on Friday, a man looking for empty pop cans found the body of a newborn baby in a shoebox inside a garbage tote near Buffalo's Botanical Gardens. Police say the discovery was made around 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. They're waiting for autopsy results before releasing further information.

Barry Snyder Jr., who previously served three terms as the President of the Seneca Nation, won the Seneca Party's nomination to seek a fourth term in Friday's caucuses. Snyder is expected to win the presidency in the Nation's general election on Nov. 4, although independent candidates could challenge him. Snyder would be replacing Maurice John, who was elected president in 2006. John was defeated Friday in his bid for treasurer by Jackie Bowen who was endorsed by Tribal Council Chairman Richard Nephew and two other council incumbents.

The state senate's top two leaders say the proposal to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike is dead. Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati and Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi say the proposal is a bad deal for Pennsylvania and there's no support for it in the Legislature. Governor Ed Rendell has been calling for legislative action on the lease after federal regulators rejected a competing plan to raise transportation dollars by tolling Interstate 80.

The State Department of Environmental Protection has issued 73 permits Monday that will allow drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation. The permits include enhanced protection for water resources, which DEP says is important because the drilling process produces contaminated water as a byproduct. DEP's Tom Rathbun says after the companies drill down 5,000 to 8,000 feet, they drill horizontally, then they take water mixed with sand, and other proponents, and blast it out through the shale. Rathbun says right now most of the activity is purchasing and leasing of mineral rights and "very few of the wells are online and producing." In this area, 2 permits each were issued for McKean, Potter and Elk counties on Monday. ( DEP's Map of All Drilling Permits Issued PDF) Rathbun says the permits "regulate how a drilling company can go into an area and prepare a site for drilling." DEP wants to "make sure (they) have consistent rules in place stat...

Former Bradford landlord Frank Kartesz II may be coming back to McKean County. Kartesz was sentenced Thursday to 3 years and 7 months in federal prison for his part in a mortgage-fraud scheme, and his lawyer is recommending that Kartesz be sent to FCI-McKean. Kartesz, who is originally from Smethport, is free on his own recognizance and will report to federal authorities at a later date. Kartesz and his business partners bought run-down houses and sold them at inflated prices. The government says the victims lost more than $1 million.

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University has opened an exciting new season of exhibitions, including the re-installation of the University’s permanent collection as part of the University’s ongoing sesquicentennial celebration. Re-installation of the permanent collection in the Quick Center’s Dresser Gallery refocuses attention on the most important works of the collection and some new additions. Among the new works are a set of 18th century baroque paintings of Franciscan saints from Fulda, Germany, on loan to the University from the Holy Name Province; and a recently restored painting of the University’s founders, Nicholas and Mary Devereux. In addition, the gallery exhibition includes a reredoes, a panel that has been painted to be used on an altar or as a screen behind an altar. The work, on loan from St. John Grace Episcopal Church of Buffalo, is by Hildreth Meiére. She will be the subject of a large exhibition at the Quick Center in 2009-10. The Quick...

A jury has convicted a Butler County man for shooting and killing his wife and her boyfriend. 51-year-old James Borchert shot 49-year-old Lonnie Schwab Sr. of Meadville, then shot his 42-year-old wife Esther. Borchert confessed to the August 2007 killings, but later changed his story, saying he killed his wife and Schwab in self-defense, not because of her infidelity. The Borcherts had been married for 24 years. Borchert has no previous criminal record and will be sentenced October 14.

State Police in Chautauqua County have confiscated more than 200 marijuana plants worth more than $400,000 dollars. Police say the eradication effort is the result of several investigations this year and includes tips provided by area residents. Police explained that although they found the plants, making a case against someone is complicated because they're usually grown in remote areas without the landowners' knowledge. The state Department of Environmental Conservation, state Forest Rangers, State Police Community Narcotics Enforcement Team, Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force, Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department, Town Of Ellicott Police Department and the Lakewood/Busti Police Department were also involved in the investigation. Troopers say the New York State Police Aviation Unit and the New York State Mobile Response Team supported their efforts. ( Photo Courtesy of the New York State Police )

After just over one month of active solicitations, representatives of the United Way of the Bradford Area have announced that 20% of the $375,000 goal has been raised. “We again had quite a few leadership donors and corporations which acted as our pace-setters,” says Kristen Luther, “with special recognition going to Dresser Piping Specialties for their early confirmation.” Although the local small businesses have not officially been solicited, Assistant Director Mandi Wilton Davis says one new business has acted as the pace-setter for that division. “Bradford Crematory will be the leader for the small businesses this year, so thank you to Greg Buckner for his early support.” One of the largest aspects of the annual United Way appeal is the employee presentations, which will be in full swing in the coming weeks. “We’ve already had the privilege of speaking with the employees of the School District, and now we’re looking forward to seeing the familiar faces and meeting the new empl...

This MercyFlight helicopter kicks up some dust while landing in the Bradford Mall parking lot Friday afternoon. Emergency responders tell us the patient suffered an illness at home.

MANSFIELD, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District spans hundreds of miles of farmland, forests and small towns across the state's northern tier. It's in the heart of the commonwealth's reliably Republican "T," a region where Democrats have a tough time competing in congressional races. Democrat Mark McCracken wants to be the exception. Rep. John Peterson, a Republican, is retiring at the end of this term, his sixth. Sensing an opening, Democrats are riding high hopes that presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign could influence down-ticket races. For the full story, go to pennlive.com . Remember, the Bradford, Kane and Smethport chambers of commerce are hosting a candidates forum -- including McCracken, Thompson and Fryman -- on October 2 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

TOWANDA – A state Department of Environmental Protection official told a legislative panel today that developing the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale formation could generate billions of dollars in new economic investments for commonwealth citizens and communities, but doing so must include the protection of the state’s environment. Robert Yowell, director of DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office, testified before the state House Republican Policy Committee on the economic and environmental issues associated with drilling in the 5,000- to 8,000-foot deep geologic formation. “The economic potential from the Marcellus Shale could be a boon to Pennsylvania communities, particularly regions in the north central and northeastern parts of the state that have not traditionally seen much gas well drilling development,” said Yowell. “The department has fielded many calls over the past year from landowners, farmers, local governments, environmental organizations and sportsmen’s groups wh...

The Sheffield teenager charged with attacking a 77-year-old woman last year is back in Warren County. Yesterday, Jeremy Hoden was brought back from Florida, where he had been in prison for assaulting a police officer and running from authorities. He fled to Florida after authorities say he broke into Irene Rice's home, beat her up, then stole money and her car. Hoden is in Warren County Jail on $250,000 bail. District Attorney Ross McKeirnan says they will prosecute him as an adult.

A Brookville Church is involved in a dispute with borough officials. Earlier this summer, the First Apostles Doctrine Church allowed several homeless people to move into their parsonage. The borough found out and took the church to court over a violation of the borough's zoning code. A district judge ruled against the church and ordered all the homeless people to move out. But borough officials say people are still living there. Church officials say a police officer climbed through a window to see what was happening inside, but police say that's not true. The church is appealing the court's decision.

A Jamestown man is dead after a tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 90 last night. State police say a rig driven by 55-year-old Richard M. Peelman was between the Girard and Fairview exits about 7 p.m. when his vehicle slammed into the back of another rig that had stopped for traffic on the highway. The cab and front end of the truck were incinerated. The driver of the other truck, 51-year-old Fremiet Donoso, of Ontario, was taken by ambulance to Hamot Medical Center with minor injuries.

Aesthetics professor Dr. Clemena Antonova instructs a small group of St. Bonaventure students during a summer class at Oxford’s Trinity College. From left are Joel Wilson, Amanda Long, Eric Krupka, Dr. Antonova and Zbigniew Pawlowski. By Amanda Tourot SBU ’10 Trinity College, one of Oxford University’s 39 independently run colleges, transformed study for St. Bonaventure University students this summer as the Francis E. Kelley Oxford program celebrated its 21st year with an exciting move. Program director Br. Basil Valente, O.F.M., began the search for new academic possibilities at Oxford nearly four years ago. His focus led him to Trinity College. Why make the move from Somerville College, home of the program for years, to Trinity? According to Valente, Trinity College went out of its way. “Trinity College wants St. Bonaventure there,” Valente said. Valente made the decision to switch locations last summer during the Francis E. Kelley Oxford program’s 20th anniversary. Sr. Margaret Car...

Award-winning soprano Hanan Alattar, who was handpicked by internationally known opera star and Bradford native Marilyn Horne to sing in her hometown, will perform a recital at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on Saturday, Sept. 27. Alattar, hailed as “a singer of obvious promise” by the Denver Post, will perform at 7:30 p.m. in Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. Tickets for the concert, which was made possible by a grant from the Marilyn Horne Foundation, are $6 for the public; students are free. For more information on tickets, contact the Bromeley Family Theater Box Office at 814-362-5113. In addition to her recital, Alattar will be in residence at Bradford area schools from Sept. 23-26. “We are so fortunate to have Hanan Alattar do her outreach residency in Bradford,” said Randy Mayes, Pitt-Bradford’s director of arts programming. “The Marilyn Horne Foundation can send artists almost anywhere since many cities vie for ...

Friends of Good Music, in association with The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University, will open its 2008-09 concert season with the award-winning group Spanish Brass at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the The Quick Center. This marks the start of Friends of Good Music’s 27th concert season and the fourth season in partnership with The Quick Center. Since winning the Narbonne International Brass Quintet Competition, the most prestigious event of its kind in the world, Spanish Brass has recorded more than a dozen CDs and given hundreds of concerts across the globe. Their credits include the Festival de Musique de Radio France, the Great American Brass Band Festival, New York Brass Conference, Granada International Festival, Lucerne Festival (Switzerland), Cheju Summer Festival (Korea), Schleswig-Holstein Festival (Germany), Kalavrita Festival (Greece), Merano Brass Festival (Italy), Festival de Inverno de Brasilia, and countless others. The versatile and creati...

Eldred, Pa., and its role in World War II is getting a little national attention this fall thanks to the work of a St. Bonaventure University journalism professor. The October 2008 issue of World War II in America magazine features an article called “A Pennsylvania War Town” written by Chris Mackowski, an associate professor of journalism and mass communication. Eldred is a town of 900 residents just 15 miles southeast of St. Bonaventure University across the state line. During World War II, Eldred was the site of bomb-making factories for the English and, later, American armies. Today, the town is home to the Eldred World War II Museum. Mackowski, who lived in Eldred and graduated from Otto-Eldred High School in 1987, called the museum, “one of our region’s great little gems.” The article is the second piece by Mackowski that has appeared in national magazines since the summer. The July/August issue of Civil War Historian magazine featured a six-page story Mackowski wrote on the 2nd S...

Zippo laid off 80 employees Thursday in response to a number of corporate initiatives that have resulted in improved efficiencies and operating capabilities. Zippo recently offered an Early Retirement Program to a number of employees. Depending on the decisions of those employees, some who were laid off may be recalled. Company President Greg Booth says Zippo continues to actively pursue new business opportunities and new products that may lead to increased staffing in the future. Zippo News Release (doc)

A Bradford man who is scheduled to go on trial next week for robbing the Crosby Mart in Lewis Run says he's innocent, and says evidence that would clear him is being suppressed. In a statement provided to local media, Dennis Fuino says he was stopped by Bradford City Police 20 minutes after the robbery, and was not wearing the clothes similar to those that eyewitnesses described the robber as wearing. He was subsequently arrested and has been in jail since then. The Mini Mart has been robbed three more times since Fuino has been incarcerated. Fuino's family also provided police reports showing where the suspect left fingerprints during the robbery. None of those prints match Fuino's. A letter sent from an assistant district attorney to Fuino's attorney says, "Mr. Fuino's prints were not found among the fingerprints sent to the lab. The Commonwealth does not intend to offer fingerprint evidence at trial." Bradford-Online has this story, too, complete with t...

A former Bradford landlord has been sentenced to three years and seven months in federal prison for his role in a widespread Erie mortgage-fraud scheme. 39-year-old Frank Kartesz II was also fined $30,000 and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution to victims. Kartesz pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges in March, and became the second person to receive prison time in the case. 60-year-old Robert Dodsworth was sentenced in March to six years and four months in federal prison after pleading guilty to fraud and conspiracy charges. Three others also face charges. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Erie says Kartesz was part of a scheme in which he and others bought run-down houses and sold them at inflated prices. The government says the victims lost more than $1 million.

After-effects from a round of cancer treatment have caused tiredness and forced Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll to leave Senate sessions early twice this week. Knoll, 77, disclosed last month that she is being treated for neuroendocrine illness, and has been receiving chemotherapy. She presided over a Senate session Wednesday, but left when lengthy closed political caucuses dragged on for most of the afternoon. She was there again this morning, but left before the full session had ended. She went back to the lieutenant governor's official residence at Fort Indiantown Gap. She will be at work next week when the Senate resumes work, according to her aide, Salvatore Sirabella. In her absence, President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati has been presiding over the Senate.

A woman will spend nearly three years in prison for making a 2-year-old boy sick with secondhand smoke from crack cocaine. Forty-five-year-old Mary Lou Makley of Beaver pleaded guilty to simple assault in the secondhand smoke case, plus unrelated theft and forgery charges. Police say Makley had the mother's permission to take the boy shopping when she stopped at a friend's house in Aliquippa and smoked crack near the boy. Police say the boy's mother took him to the hospital when he complained of stomach pains. His blood tested positive for cocaine. The boy has recovered.

A gas well fire about 40 miles north of State College has forced officials to restrict air traffic in the area and prompted police to ask sightseers to stay away. Officials say the fire is sending flames above treetops, and the fire could burn for as long as two weeks. Crews are working to plug the well at Dominion Transmission. The fire was discovered on Sunday and a Texas firefighting crew arrived on Monday. The well-fire experts have built a chimney to prevent the flare from spreading to the woods and protect workers at the site. State police say anyone caught trespassing in the area will be arrested and prosecuted. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction within 3 nautical miles of the site for anything below 10,000 feet.

(CNN) -- The political discussion about solving America's energy crisis is focused on offshore drilling and renewable energy, but scattered throughout the country are thousands of small oil wells called stripper wells. Many of them are family owned and these small, independent operators say they could also be part of the energy solution. Forgotten about and misunderstood, many small operators say most people don't even know they exist. "That's part of our message -- to let the public realize we are not the Exxons and the Mobils," said Fred Fesenmyer of Minard Run Oil, a Bradford, Pennsylvania, company that has been in his family for six generations . "I think we're a huge part of the solution." For the full story, go to CNN.com .

A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced to three years' probation for stealing items from the US Courthouse while he was working for a company that cleans the building. Guy Cizaukas stole cash and prescription medication from multiple locations in the courthouse including the United States Marshall Service and a judge's chambers. Cizauskas was caught on video surveillance putting on rubber gloves and stealing money from a cashbox designated for Christmas party funds. Before imposing the sentence, the judge said Cizaukas' behavior was driven by his heroin addiction and he had no prior criminal convictions.

A Warren County couple is dead following a fire Monday morning at their home. 25-year-old Derrick Dean and his 19-year-old wife Ashley were taken by Mercy Flight to a Pittsburgh hospital, where they both died Tuesday night. The fire broke out Monday morning at their home in Starbrick. Investigators say the fire is not suspicious and it started in an air conditioning unit.

Construction on the new 4,800 square foot Crosby Mart/Tim Horton's continued on Wednesday. It's expected to be finished this December. The Bradford Crosby’s/Tim Hortons will serve a full menu, including breakfast sandwiches, donuts, bagels, muffins, sandwiches, soup and an assortment of cold and hot beverages. The quick serve restaurant will also have a drive thru window and will operate 24 hours a day.

New York State Police Public Information Officer Becky Gibbons talks about police K-9 Units -- and dog safety -- to elementary school students during Pitt-Bradford's 26th LEAF (Law Enforcement Awareness and Familiarization)Day. Below, the K-9 Unit gives the students a demonstration. If I was trying to decide if I wanted to be a state trooper, this car would seal the deal.

Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati, and other Senate Republicans, today called on the House of Representatives to pass and send to the governor seven pieces of reform legislation which passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year. Also pictured, from left, are Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi and senators John Eichelberger, Mike Folmer and Jake Corman. Among the measures are increased penalties for government officials who violate the “Sunshine Law,” the posting of government salary information on the Internet, a bonus ban for state employees, and several other measures aimed at making government more transparent. “These are seven measures that would implement real reform and which passed the Senate with bipartisan support. I urge the House of Representatives to act on them and send them to the governor to be signed into law,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). “The Senate has implemented a host of new rules to make the legislative process more o...

Washington, DC – At a ceremony held earlier this week in the Nation’s Capital, U.S. Representative John E. Peterson, R-Pleasantville, was named Energy Advocate of the Year by the Energy Advocates, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization aimed at educating the American people about the energy industry. “Having worked diligently for the past eight years to educate both my constituents and the American public about energy and the ensuing crisis that we are weathering, it is a tremendous honor to have received this award,” said Peterson. “Affordable and reliable energy drives the world and serves as the lifeblood of our economy – the more the American people understand the energy issue, the more they realize that we need comprehensive energy reform that utilizes domestic resources, not foreign imports.” Peterson has long advocated the need for comprehensive energy legislation that combines increased domestic energy production with serious conservation efforts and a renewed emphasis on inves...

Dr. Tony Gaskew, coordinator of criminal forensic studies and assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, watches students work a crime scene in the university’s new crime scene investigation house. (Photo Courtesy of Pitt-Bradford ) By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has opened a new Crime Scene Investigation House, which enables students to get hands-on experience working “crime scenes” while using advanced investigative tools that some law enforcement agencies don’t have. The CSI House, which was renovated at a cost in excess of $100,000, is on the cutting edge of criminal justice training. The single family home on the edge of campus is set up as a real home, complete with books on the night stand and toys in the nursery. But unlike most homes, panoramic cameras are found in every room, allowing Dr. Tony Gaskew, coordinator of criminal forensi...

Last week came the welcome news that the Federal Highway Administration rejected the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s bid to toll Interstate 80. I, like many of you who opposed the tolling of I-80, was pleased with the decision and felt it was the appropriate decision for the citizens of the Commonwealth. It really speaks volumes to the success that can be experienced when state and local leaders work together for what is in the best interest of our communities. However, while everyone continues to express appreciation for the federal government’s decision, one fact still remains…we have a transportation funding crisis across this country. Once again, and oddly rightfully so this time, the federal government finds problems, but never solutions. Sure, they turned down the transportation plan, but they did nothing to bring about solutions to this crisis. As you may or may not know, the Federal Highway Fund, which helps states fund a significant portion of our road and bridge needs, is almost...

Gary Stuckey of Lewis Run has been promoted to corporal with the Pennsylvania State Police. Stuckey will remain with the Members Assistance Program and will be stationed at the barracks in Mount Jewett. Stuckey was one of 61 members of the state police promoted during ceremonies held Monday at the State Police Academy in Hershey.

A Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Erin Hannon will be held Saturday, October 4, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Bernard School, 450 West Washington Street. Dinner includes spaghetti & meatballs, salad, roll, drinks and dessert. Adults $7, children 10 and under, $5. Take-outs available. Also includes Chinese auction, raffles and music. For more information or to make a donation, contact Pete Hvizdzak at (814)368-6169. Erin's address: Erin Hannon 6210 N.W. 2nd Circle #333 Lincoln, Neb., 68521

A Coudersport man has been arrested for an alleged sexual assault against a 15-year-old girl. Police say 22-year-old Kyle Eckert furnished alcohol to the alleged victim and a 17-year-old girl, then had sex with the 15-year-old. Eckert was charged with statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors. He was sent to jail on $15,000 bail.

About 2,000 people in Bradford and Eldred, as well as other parts of McKean and Warren counties are still without power following last night's windstorm. Linda Rautzahn of First Energy says they're not sure when power will be restored, but it could take up to several days. Rautzahn reminds people to never touch downed power lines. She says always assume the lines are carrying electricity. All available crews are working to restore power in hardest hit areas, she says. In New York, National Grid is still reporting more than 2,000 customers in Cattaraugus County without power and about 900 in Chautauqua County. National Grid expects power to be restored to those customers by 11:45 Tuesday night. The 800 customers of Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative in Potter County still without power can expect to have it restored tonight. About 3,600 Tri-County customers had been without power.

These are the contestants (and their parents) in the annual Little Miss Street Dreams contest. The girls raised more than $7,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Bradford City Police Chief Mike Close and Street Dreams Car Club President Gary Hoy welcome "Barbie" (Olivia Brown). Little Miss Street Dreams '08 Danielle Abbott. The runners up were Julia Coy, Ashley Stoltz and Brianna Keller. These people, and dog, look at some of the cars in the annual show.