Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The 2009 Bradford Mastercraft All-American Soap Box Derby got underway Saturday in a new location -- Dorothy Lane and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Besides Mastercraft, other sponsors for the event are American Refining Group, Dallas-Morris Drilling, Zippo, the Blaisdell Foundation, City of Bradford, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and 100.1 The HERO. Besides the racers, pictured above are The HERO's Stefan Arlington who served as a PA announcer for the event and Frank Williams who spoke with Dr. David Johe during The HERO's broadcast. Dr. Johe is also the 1965 Soap Box Derby Champion for Charleston, West Virginia. Congratulations -- and thank you! -- to the local derby board of directors for another great year. They are Dr. David Johe, Christine Mangione, Joe Mangione, Jay Pecora, Mike Shine, Dennis Smith, Bridgette Wells, Dave Williams and director Steve Feldman.

A case of swine flu has been confirmed in Cattaraugus County. Because of privacy laws, health department officials can't release the name of the person or information on where the person lives. They did say the person is an adult who did not travel to Mexico or down state. The person has recovered. Officials are waiting for results of tests on another person suspected of contracting the virus from the first person.

McKean County Special Olympians captured eight gold medals and a number of other awards at the annual Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Games held last weekend at Penn State. Kim Daniels won gold medals for the long jump and 100-meter run. She also won a silver in the 200-meter run. Matt Main won a gold medal in the long jump. Other track winners were Mike Walter -- silver for the 50-meter walk -- and Justin Conner -- bronze for the long jump and 200-meter run. Jesse Crum, Joe Sostakowski and George Burton won gold medals in golf. Matt Scott won a gold medal in swimming for the 25-meter freestyle. Morgan Nelson got a silver in the 25-meter backstroke and Susan Parkes won a bronze in the 25-meter backstroke. In basketball skills, Tina Whitford won a silver and Robert Tubbs won a bronze. In bowling, Stephanie Heffner and Bary Stewart both got bronze medals. In softball skills, Steve McQuone won a gold medal. Shannon Pettit won a silver and Lee Dunmire won a bronze. More than 2,000 athl...

Frank Williams chatted with dirt bike racer Ben Yale on a recent Sports Forum. For more on what Ben does, and where he races, visit the Western New York Off Road Association

The arrest this week of 18 people in Philadelphia who were ripping off a public assistance program of more than half a million dollars emphasizes the need for legislation that would ensure that illegal aliens living in Pennsylvania do not receive public benefits, according to Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), who has sponsored such a bill. Scarnati said that the Philadelphia’s District Attorney’s office, which is prosecuting the case, pointed to poor administration and a failure of supervision and oversight over the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which provides grants to help low-income residents meet their heating bills. "Grants were awarded to people who used invalid Social Security numbers and fake addresses – meaning that tax dollars were stolen by people who were not eligible for benefits," Scarnati said. "Clearly, we need stronger laws and guidelines in place to stop this abuse of tax dollars." The arrests of twelve Department of Public Welfare (DP...

Volunteers make the final preparations early this morning for today's Bradford Mastercraft All-American Soap Box Derby. The racing begins at 9 a.m. on Dorothy Lane between West Corydon Street and Campus Drive. Frank Williams will be broadcasting live on 100.1 The HERO.

By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department Bradford Hospital Foundation officials will offer a first-time opportunity for individuals or groups to be part of the history of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) by launching the new Walkway Brick Campaign during The Blitz 2009 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday inside Northwest Savings Bank at 33 Main St. "The Walkway Brick Campaign is a wonderful way to proudly present your business or family name to honor a loved one with their name etched onto a brick," explains Stacy Williams, BRMC’s director of Volunteer Services and Annual Giving. Bricks purchased will be placed in specially designed square patterns in front of the hospital’s new Outpatient Services Center, located off the North Bennett Street access. "It’s a unique and personalized way to give," Mrs. Williams states. "By purchasing a brick for $100, you would be supporting BRMC along with having your business or individual name etched onto...

A Sheridan, New York, man is in jail after allegedly hitting his son in the back of the head with a guitar, and assaulting his father Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the home of 48-year-old Lee Seybold at about 3 o'clock Friday afternoon and learned that Seybold injured his son with the guitar. He's also accused of pushing his father to the ground multiple times and hitting him in the face. He also allegedly threatened to hit another man with the guitar. Seybold was remanded to Chautauqua County Jail without bail.

Two men have been indicted on charges they conspired to defraud 11 banks including National City, PNC and Northwest Savings. 54-year-old Richard Raspatello of Kersey and 22-year-old Joshua Atwell of Warren each face a federal felony count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for alleged incidents that happened from November of 2007 to October of 2008. Authorities say Raspatello established a checking account at National City Bank under the name of Raspatello Excavating and Trucking. He then wrote checks to Atwell, knowing there were insufficient funds. Atwell would then open an account at another bank and deposit some of the bad checks from Raspatello. Before those checks could be evaluated, Atwell would bring in other bad checks and cash them. Authorities said Atwell would keep a portion of the cash and return the rest to Raspatello. They each face a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of $1 million or both. For more information, go HERE .

A Kersey man is facing several charges after allegedly threatening a man with a loaded 12-guage shotgun Friday night. Police say 38-year-old Christopher Schatz pointed the gun at a 46-year-old Duncannon man and threatened to shoot him. They say Schatz will be charged with two firearms violations, terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person and simple assault.

A 56-year-old St. Marys man is being treated for first and second degree burns to his arms that he suffered while trying to remove items from a burning building Friday afternoon. Three firefighters were also treated for minor injuries they sustained while battling the blaze that did $1 million worth of damage to a three-story wood-frame building at 335 Dusty Hollow Road in St. Marys. 56-year-old Michael McMackin owns the building that was used for a woodworking facility and for storage. Numerous vehicles, machines, tools and building materials were lost in the fire. Police say their investigation is continuing.

Story & Photos by Capt. Maggie White TAJI, Iraq — Thanks to the combined efforts of Pennsylvania Guardsmen, the Iraqi army, and concerned citizens, villagers have access to medical care in an area where local clinics are not accessible. Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team Multi-National Division-Baghdad helped support a medical expo, June 7, at the al-Sadir secondary school in the rural area of Hor al-Bosh to see doctors and nurses, and obtain necessary medications. Sheik Mohammed Ibrahim donated hundreds of doses of antibiotics, vaccinations, and other medications to provide to the locals who otherwise don't have regular access to medical facilities. He worked with the Soldiers of Co. C and their Iraqi army counterparts to set up the event where families could seek medical treatment in a safe environment. "Lots of these people have no money," Ibrahim said, "With this mission they are feeling that some...

Harrisburg – The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), will meet Tuesday to consider four bills. Senate Bill 235 authorizes the state Department of Environmental Protection to implement flood protection measures using nonstructural alternatives including acquisition of land and structures; demolition, removal, relocation, elevation and floodproofing of structures; and floodplain clearance and restoration. (Senator Wozniak) Senate Bill 880 authorizes the Secretary of Environmental Protection to enter into redevelopment agreements with developers who remediate brownfield sites. Developers may be eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the remediation costs. (Senator Wonderling) In addition, the committee is expected to take up two bills sponsored by Senator White which would permit the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to utilize funding from its existing grant programs to ensure that no state pa...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named Gayle Weaver, a music teacher at Otto-Eldred High School in Duke Center, this year’s Distinguished Secondary Teacher. Weaver was presented with the award during Pitt-Bradford’s annual Honors Convocation. The award is presented annually to a teacher who is willing to work with and challenge students both inside and outside of the traditional classroom. Members of the university’s senior class nominated candidates. Weaver was nominated by Jennifer Snyder, a 2009 graduate in social studies education 7-12 from Rixford. “Mrs. Weaver taught me what it meant to be disciplined,” Snyder wrote in her nomination. “She has influenced my thoughts of what a teacher should be. “I remember going to her room during a study hall or other free time. My friends and I would complain about the troubles of our teenage lives. She always encouraged us to keep going, get through it and then you can say...

By George Nianiatus, senior writer Communications Department A personal touch can mean a lot to patients, even if it involves ordering meals. With that in mind, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) has launched “Personal Choice Dining” so staff hosts can personally take meal orders from patients and also deliver breakfast, lunch and dinner to them. Before, patients made meal selections a day in advance on paper menus. Along with being somewhat impersonal, this method made it hard to gauge patients’ appetites and preferences, said BRMC officials. Personal Choice Dining is a Sodexo Services program which was modified by Kelli Anderson, clinical nutrition manager for BRMC’s Food & Nutrition Services, and Mark Krynock, interim director of Food & Nutrition Services. Sodexo manages Food & Nutrition Services and also Environmental Services at BRMC. “It’s just a more personable way of handling the entire process of taking meal orders and delivering them,” Mrs. Anderson explained...

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Science In Motion program is working with the McKean County Conservation District to increase awareness about the importance of drinking water safety. Students from the Eldred, Kane, and Port Allegany school districts participated in the project. The Conservation District provided water test kits for Science in Motion to distribute throughout the schools. High school students in those districts tested water taken from municipal water supply, household wells, streams and springs. If any microbial or chemical contaminants were found, the homeowner could contact the Conservation District for further instructions on how to proceed with identifying potential problems with their water supply. Students found no significant problems with the water supply. “The students were excited to do this since they were helping to collect information that would not be just used in a c...

By Abigail R. Kimbell Chief, U.S. Forest Service Remember playing outside when you were a kid? Venturing into nearby woods or field — maybe to look for a grasshopper, build a dam, have a snowball fight, or try to catch a fish—maybe just to explore. When was the last time your kid did those kinds of things? For most kids, life is different these days. Parents seem more afraid of letting their kids out of sight, except for things like sports—structured, supervised events. Kids seem to have more demands placed on their time, and when they do have time they often prefer to “play” in front of a TV or computer screen. They don’t get outdoors as much. Health professionals are concerned. They point out all the benefits kids get from playing outside on their own, letting their imaginations run wild, challenging their bodies in new ways, developing social skills impossible to learn indoors in front of a TV. Kids have always needed that as part of growing up, and now they are not getting it enoug...

By George Nianiatus, senior writer BRMC Communications Department Two of the region's health leaders are partnering in a first-of-a-kind project to enhance community wellness by offering a new weekly Farmer's Market on campus at Bradford's medical center. Starting Tuesday, June 16, community residents will be able to feed their families farm-fresh, naturally grown produce from Canticle Farm of Allegany, N.Y., by going to Bradford Regional Medical Center's (BRMC’s) North Bennett Street entrance near The Pavilion at BRMC from 1 to 4 p.m. BRMC and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford's Center for Rural Health Practice are partnering in this unique project. The Farmer's Market will be held rain or shine under covered roofing every Tuesday for 18 weeks through Oct. 13. "Since one of the keys to wellness and healthy lifestyles is the food we eat, we wanted to create an opportunity for people to directly benefit from some of the locally grown produce available...

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has announced the Dilks Family Scholarship, which has been established to support students graduating from either the Warren Area High School or Oil City Area High School. The gift will be matched by the Agnes and Lyle Lewis Thomas Scholarship fund, essentially doubling its potential to aid eligible students. In the event that there are no graduates of Warren or Oil City high schools eligible for the scholarship, the award will be made to a student from Warren or Venango counties. The Dilks Family Scholarship Fund was established by Bob Dilks, Jr., Director of Transfer and Non-Traditional Student Recruitment at Pitt-Bradford, and his family. “Having been with Pitt-Bradford for nearly 20 years, I know first-hand how much scholarships can positively influence students and help ease the financial burden of attending college,” explained Dilks. “It’s much better when you ...

A New York State Supreme Court judge told Democrats and Republicans this morning to try to settle their Senate power struggle among themselves over the weekend. Judge Thomas McNamara, however, did indicate that he's ready to sign an order to dismiss the Democrats' case seeking to restore their control of the Senate. He did say he'd rather have the matter resolved in the senate rather than in court. Democrats are trying to undo Monday's coup that brought Republicans back into power with the help of two dissident Democrats.

Kalee Gross watches and holds a test tube as Alex Safran pours liquid from a beaker during a lesson on the fluorescence of chlorophyll at Science in Motion Camp at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The girls mashed spinach leaves and mixed it with acetone to make the green liquor, which glowed red when the students shone a flashlight on it in the dark. David Niegowski, 6, of Bradford presses water from a piece of paper he made as part of a lesson about plant fibers, biodiversity and how people use plants at Science In Motion Camp this week at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Science In Motion is a partnership between Pitt-Bradford, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and area high schools and middle schools. In summer, however, elementary-school-age children come to campus for a week of science exploration. Camp for children who have completed grades 4, 5 and 6 will be held the week of June 22-26. This week, camp is for children who have completed grades 1, 2 and ...

Johnstown, Pa. – The City of Bradford’s Elm Street program was presented with an Honorable Mention award in the category of Community Greening for its Project Pride Community Garden at Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s (PDC) annual statewide Townie Awards gala. The Townie Awards are a festive and venerable tradition designed to recognize the commonwealth’s core communities and individuals for creation and implementation of programming and events that exemplify the goals of PDC’s community revitalization mission. All of Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s 270 member organizations are eligible to win, making the Townies a competitive award process each year. “Bradford Elm Street’s Project Pride Community Garden should be applauded at many levels, but most especially for sparking involvement by the young people of Bradford in the community revitalization effort,” said Bill Fontana, PDC’s executive director. “With this project we were able to engage so many individuals and groups that had never b...

By Senator Cathy Young It’s a new day in the New York State Senate. Historic and sweeping rules reforms were voted into place this past week by a bi-partisan coalition that is delivering on greater transparency and true accountability in state government. Our changes will empower individual legislators, give attention to every corner of the state, strengthen the committee process, allow greater debate and shine sunlight on what’s happening in Albany. All of these laudable and desperately-needed goals for state government had been promised to the 19 million people of New York State in January of this year by Senator Malcolm Smith when he took over control of the Senate. Tragically, the polar opposite became the reality. Three men in a room, all from New York City -- Governor David Paterson, then Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver -- hatched the state budget in secret. When budget bills hit the Senat...

The large maple tree at the Route 6 entrance to Kane Community Hospital (KCH) that for decades produced beautiful bright red leaves in fall had slowly died over the years until it was no longer producing leaves. Leadership recommended that the tree stump be preserved for a special carving during KCH's 80th anniversary year, when it was determined that the trunk was still viable for carving. It was decided to dedicate the carving -- a Kane Wolf --to the community that the Hospital has had the pleasure to serve and grow with for eight decades. As the maple gave so much to the landscape for decades, so too has the Kane area supported their Hospital and allowed it grow and develop to meet the changing needs of residents and guests of our area and expanding communities. During National Hospital Week Rick Boni -- Co-founder of Appalachian Arts Studio and the Ridgway, PA Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous -- carved the standing log to reveal the Kane wolf, our school, sport and community mas...

Kristina Luzzi and Jennifer Taylor of American Refining Group sent along this picture of a "peculiar" traffic situation. After they spoke with the crew from Glenn O. Hawbaker -- they're working on Kendall Avenue for the Route 219 Bradford Bypass Project -- the situation was cleared up.

Despite the fact that the Bradford Regional Strategy has been in the works for about three years a public meeting on the plan got a bit heated last night. People seemed to be confused about what the plan is, how facets of it will be funded and why it's necessary. OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews summed it up. "These are the type of projects we're trying to do to improve the quality of life here. Just because it's not like the old days should we all just give up and close the door and walk away? If that's the attitude ..." But she continued, "If you don't have a plan, how can you look forward? How can you look forward to the future if you don't have a plan to improve your community?" She also stressed that everything in the plan is just a proposal at this point and nothing is set in stone. Also before Tuesday's city council council, Roberta Sarraf of the master plan team explained the new zoning ordiance that, during the meeting, counc...

A retired state police trooper has been found guilty of driving drunk in a crash that killed a Bradford woman last April. A Cattaraugus County jury deliberated for about an hour and a half Tuesday before finding 69-year-old David O'Brien of Allegany guilty of vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and drunk driving. The crash killed 38-year-old Wendy Karnes as she was driving on Route 219. O'Brien was driving the wrong way on the highway and crashed head-on into Karnes' car. O'Brien will be sentenced September 9 and faces up to seven years in prison.

WASHINGTON, DC– U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Jared Polis (D-CO) today to introduce companion Senate and House bills, the FRAC Act -- Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act, amending the Safe Drinking Water Act. The legislation would repeal a Bush administration exemption provided for the oil and gas industry and would require them to disclose the chemicals they use in their hydraulic fracturing processes. Currently, the oil and gas industry is the only industry granted an exemption from complying with the Safe Drinking Water Act. “Drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale across much of Pennsylvania is part of our future,” said Senator Casey. “I believe that we have an obligation to develop that natural gas responsibly to safeguard the drinking water wells used by 3 million Pennsylvanians. We already have private wells contaminated by gas and fluids used in hydraulic fracturing. We need to ...

These were actually taken Saturday at Callahan Park but I needed help from my tech guy (AKA Scott Douglas) to get them up.

Story & Photo by Sgt. Doug Roles Marc Ferraro, commander of 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, updated four U.S. representatives from Pennsylvania on the work of "Independence" brigade Soldiers during the congressional delegation's visit here, June 7. U.S. Reps. Tim Holden (D-17th District), Bill Shuster (R-9th District), Charlie Dent (R-15th District) and Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3rd District) visit comes at the midpoint of the brigade's deployment in Iraq. "We conduct full-spectrum operations," Ferraro told the delegation. "Everything we do is through a partnership with the Iraqi army." Ferraro reported the brigade has conducted over 3,000 patrols, with Soldiers finding 79 weapon caches. Additionally, 827 arrest warrants have been issued through cooperation with Iraqi security forces. Ferraro said that number is the highest within Multi-National Division-Baghdad. The 56th's 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery has fired more rounds than any oth...

The House Appropriations Committee voted on party lines Monday against the $27.3 billion proposal that passed the Senate last month. Democrats who control the House all voted no. In the Republican-controlled Senate, last month's vote also was on party lines. Before the vote, minority appropriations committee chairman Mario Civera urged chairman Dwight Evans to stop dragging his feet and get a budget bill to the House floor because the committee and the public are frustrated. Opponents of the senate plan say they're worried about the impact of proposed cuts on seniors, students and state parks. Supporters say it balances the budget without raising state taxes. Lawmakers are looking at a budget deficit of more than $3 billion and a June 30 deadline to agree on a spending plan.

Republicans appear to have taken control of New York's Senate after two Democrats jumped the aisle in a parliamentary coup. The flip of senators Pedro Espada Jr. and Hiram Monserrate gives Republicans a 32-30 edge in the chamber. Within an hour of the overthrow, Republicans named Espada temporary president of the Senate and Dean Skelos vice president and majority leader. Democrats tried to leave the chamber, even turning off the lights briefly. They are expected to challenge today's action in court. In a news release, Democrat Malcolm Smith insists he's still the president and majoriety leader and that today's action was "an illegal and unlawful attempt to gain control of the Senate."

A nationally ranked water skier died at Olean General Hospital Sunday after an accident on a private lake in the Town of Wirt. Police say 54-year-old John O'Neill of Livonia was practicing a slalom course at the lake. They didn't give details of the accident. Three people on the boat were able to get O'Neill to shore, where they called 9-1-1. He was taken by ambulance to Olean General, where he was pronouced dead. Police are waitng for autuopsy results before releasing the cause of death.

A man who had to be hospitalized after stabbing another man last September in Olean will spend the next six months in jail on a charge of attempted assault. 38-year-old Dana Rickey of Portville stabbed 26-year-old Matt Zawatski twice in the chest and twice in the groin area at about 2:15 a.m. on September 5 in Olean. Following the incident, Rickey suffered an apparent heart attack at Olean General Hospital and was sent to ECMC.

The woman involved in the death of 3-year-old Ianna Maybee has been sentenced to 1 ½ to 3 years in state prison. Stephanie Shenandoah Pierce was the girlfriend of Ianna's father, Guy Maybee, when the girl died in March of 2008. Maybee was sentenced last week to 20 years in prison for his guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter Pierce was charged with criminally negligent homicide because she didn't call for help when Ianna was hurt. Ianna suffered broken bones, internal injuries and bleeding in her brain before she died.

Story & Photos by Jane Bryndel Pheasant Forever There were kids everywhere! Each and every one was excited to visit the St. Marys’ Middle School Outdoor Club classroom on May 28, 2009. Over 100 students were there to learn how other classes succeeding in hatching their pheasant chicks from eggs. Craig Barr from the Fox Township Sportsmen Club is the volunteer coordinator of the event that included 7 area schools; Fox Township, St. Mary’s Middle School, South St. Marys School, Queen of the World, St. Marys Catholic Middle School, St. Boniface, and Ridgway Middle School. Wayne Fordosti, the retiring science teacher of the St. Marys Middle School was the host of the event and enjoyed showing the kids the hard work of his 7 year old Outdoor Club. What started as a project to study hatching fish has grown in to a small tree farm, greenhouse, hatching chicks and even studying solar and wind power. Mr. Fordosti hopes to continue as a volunteer at the school for year to come but will...

Story & Photos by Ruth Gentilman Peterson A reception for the artists participating in the opening Close to Home Show at ArtWorks at the Depot was held in the newly floored front room at the Depot and the ArtWorks Gallery (middle room). The front room flooring was cut to match original flooring and donated by Kane Hardwood. Twenty eight individuals from the area participated in the Close to Home Opening Show and their work and that of Artworks cooperative artists is now available for viewing. Participating in the show are: Jody Aiello, Bernice (Buz) Anderson, Katie Cecchetti, Emily Cleland, John M. Cleland, Mary Coudriet, Carolyn (Peg) Coulter, Debra Dore', Dennis Driscoll, Joe Feikls, Wintis K. Gibson, Jr., Robert Hart, Olivia "Missy" Hartman, Margie Holland, Karianne James, Amelia Kepler, John Knapp, Doug Kunicki, Regina Malacarne, Steve Miller, Jack Northrop, Shay Payne, Nancy Petruney, Patricia Prechtl, Mary Lou Rich, AnnaLisa Ryding, Merriam Ryding, and Cat Si...

Lunch in the Square will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at Veterans’ Square from 11:30 until 1:30 pm. Entertainment will be provided by the local favorites “Jazzabilly.” Participating restaurants include Chu Lee Gardens, The Grocery Stretcher, The New Broaster, Fratelli’s Restaurant, The Lighter Side, Parkview Supermarkets, and Cin Cin Biscotti, Dairy Queen and the BRMC Wellness program. “We have something for everyone - Chinese, BBQ pork sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, subs, croissants, fruit smoothies, and of course, desserts,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “We are really excited about Lunch in the Square this year. Area restaurants have been very supportive of this program and it is a great opportunity for people to meet with friends, relax, enjoy great food and listen to great entertainment!” Frank Williams and Anne Holliday will be broadcasting live from Lunch in the Square on 1490 WESB. The ‘Lunch in the Square’ program is sponsored by The Downtown Bradford Business Di...

Book inventorying and shelving have started to take place at the Cameron County History Center on Greenwoood Street in Emporium. Cameron County Genealogy Club leader Wendy Davis, second from left, and Dorothy Lewis, Mariah Reid and Marti Lewis sort and catalog materials during a meeting on Saturday, June 6. ( Photo courtesy of Alex Davis )

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau BRADFORD, Pa. — Kinzua Bridge State Park, the only state park in McKean County, is on the short list for possible park closings. This is a designation the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau wants to reverse. The Kinzua Bridge State Park is the home of the Kinzua Viaduct, which was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. The park, along with Elk State Park, is a satellite park of Bendigo State Park. All three are listed under the initial evaluation of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as potential candidates for closing due to the changes in the proposed state budget. “We are devastated at the mere mention that this most historic park, which has already survived one natural disaster, might fall victim to a man-made disaster and be closed,” said Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau. Devlin explained extreme effort has be...