Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A man has been charged with murdering an elderly woman in the Temple One Apartment Complex in Fredonia. Police charged 37-year-old Jason P. Wells with murder for stabbing and beating Ruth Fisk, who was in her 80s. They say the murder happened sometime between Wednesday and Friday at around noon, when her body was discovered. Wells has been arraigned and is being held without bail in Chautauqua County Jail. District Attorney David Foley says Wells and Fisk knew each other, but declined to elaborate on their relationship.

Police in Fredonia, New York, are investigating a homicide at a Temple Street nursing home. A female resident of the home was found dead at around 11 a.m. An arrest has been made, but no further information is available at this time.

On Wednesday, February 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Callistus Church Hall, KCH and Hamot will host their annual Heart Forum. Everyone is invited to the free forum. The keynote speaker is Kelly Hayes, MD, PhD. Dr. Hayes is a staff cardiologist specializing in Electrophysiology at Hamot Heart Institute at Hamot Medical Center. She is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology. Dr. Hayes specializes in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, implantation of pacemakers and automated defibrillators, and the computerized analysis of cardiac pacemakers and electrophysiologic studies. She directs Hamot Heart for Women. Her topic on Wednesday will be "Women need Stents too". Also speaking at the event is Val Jackson, Regional Director of the Hamot Heart Institute. Ms. Jackson will walk participants through a heart disease risk assessment. Participants are asked to bring recent multiphasic or other blood work results or consider availing themselves to the KCH $22 (at ...

St. Bonaventure's men's basketball game at Saint Joseph's, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been moved to Sunday, February 7 at 1 p.m. at Michael J. Hagan Arena due to the impending snowstorm. Due to winter storm warnings extending until 7 p.m. on Saturday, the University has cancelled all activities for Saturday because of safety and accessibility issues.

John Schlimm, author of the internationally award-winning “The Ultimate Beer Lover’s Cookbook,” will speak at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Tuesday. The program, which will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 9, in the Mukaiyama University Room, is free and open to the public and will cover culinary pursuits, entertaining, beer and writing. The program will include an informal presentation and a question-and-answer period with the author. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Hanley Library and the Pitt-Bradford Hospitality Management Club. With more than 400 food and drink recipes using beer as an ingredient, “The Ultimate Beer Lover’s Cookbook” is the largest beer cookbook ever published and was awarded both “Best Beer Book in the United States” and “Best Beer Book in the World” by the Gourmand Awards. A member of one of the oldest brewing families in the United States, beginning with his great-great-grandfather Peter Straub, who founded the Straub Brewery in the 1870s, Schli...

In round ten of the chess league at School Street Elementary, the hot streak continued for Wal-Mart in the varsity division as they gained a half point advantage to claim first place. Dexter’s Service Center holds second and the Pharmacy at Union Square is in third just a half point behind Dexter’s. Three remain tied for first: Tamara Ferguson, Mike Jones, and Greg Henry. In the JV section, Lang Surveying continues to dominate first place. Drs. Rhinehart and Tasta Pizza are only half a point behind in second, with Edmond Chevrolet fast closing the gap. Brent Kennedy (captain for Smith’s Watch & Clock Repair) has taken over top honors while Jessica Yost (6-year old member of Drs. Rhinehart team) and Nate Evan, a member of the Edmond Chevrolet Team, are now tied for second place. Mitchell Forbes, captain for Hamlin Bank, advanced to third. Results and Standings after round 10: Varsity Division The Pharmacy at Union Square triumphed over Bradford Window Co.; Dexter’s Se...

With 140 days and counting until the 10th anniversary event -- July 16-17, 2010 noon to noon-- for the Kane Area Relay for Life, twenty teams are already lining up their fundraising efforts for the year. On Saturday, February 6, for example, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Church of God Fellowship Hall, the Walking by Faith Relay team will have a soup and pie dinner and craft sale. Soup will also be sold by the pint or quart. A wide variety of homemade soups will be available. Pre-orders are welcome by calling 598-0220. This is just one of hundreds of events planned to help meet goals established for Kane by the McKean County Unit of the American Cancer Society (ACS) and announced at the Kane Area Relay’s monthly meeting held this week. The goals include increasing the number of participating teams to 25. Currently 20 teams are registered. If you, your employer, club, class, neighborhood, church or family are interested in exploring having a team, call team recruiter Kellie Ely ...

A Chautauqua County man has pleaded guilty in federal court to child pornography charges. 37-year-old Raymond Mason of Frewsberg is accused of possessing pornographic Polaroid photographs of a six-year-old child, and ordering videos of child pornography through the mail. Mason faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of half a million dollars if convicted.

An autopsy has been completed on the Clearfield County man found dead in a horse pasture Wednesday, but authorities are still waiting for the results of toxicology testing. 30-year-old Doyle Musselman was found in the pasture near his New Washington home, and police initially said they thought the death was a result of blunt force trauma. District Attorney William Shaw Jr. says authorities are exploring several theories concerning Musselman's death.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Office of Career Services, department of nursing and Student Nurse Organization will hold a Health Careers Job Fair next week on campus. Representatives of 18 businesses and agencies will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The fair is open to the public. Attendees should bring copies of their resume and dress in business attire. Participating businesses and agencies are Bradford Ecumenical Home Inc., Bradford Manor, Bradford Regional Medical Center, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, DuBois Regional Medical Center, Elk Regional Health Center, Hamot Medical Center, HomeCare & Hospice, Kane Community Hospital, Lutheran Home at Kane, Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital, Pediatric Services of America Healthcare, Sena-Kean Manor, Sweden Valley Manor, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Health Care, Warren General Hospital and W...

The Alfred State College Drama Club will present the play Extremities, Friday and Saturday, Feb.19 and 20, at 7 p.m. in the Orvis Auditorium on the Alfred campus. The play is open to the public free of charge; no tickets are necessary. The play is rated “R” for strong sexual situations, language, and violence, and is not be suitable for children under 17. Written by William Mastrosimone, Extremities examines what happens when somebody tries to take back control of his/her own life in one of the most harrowing situations imaginable. A young woman, Marjorie, is attacked in her home by a would-be rapist, Raul, and manages to turn the tables on him, tying him up in her fireplace. Her roommates come home to discover the attacker bound with cords, belts and other household items. Terry and Patricia, the roommates, express different points of view about rape in society. Terry, a rape victim herself as a teenager, believes that Raul will not be convicted since a rape did not act...

The Allegheny National Forest has announced the opening of additional ATV trails for the winter use season. Beginning Friday, February 5th, the Marienville Ranger District will open both the Timberline trail and the southern section of the Marienville ATV trail. The northern portion of the Marienville ATV trail will remain closed due to trail conditions. Due to the northern portion of the Marienville ATV trail remaining closed, however, the southern trail will be two-way traffic. Riders are urged to use caution due to this changed traffic pattern. According to Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon, “we appreciate your understanding and patience and we remain committed to providing a safe and enjoyable ATV trail system for our visitors.”

Of the 259 abandoned oil and gas wells plugged in Pennsylvania last year, 161 were in McKean County. The Department of Environmental Protection says many of the 259 wells were leaking oil, acid mine drainage or natural gas. 23 of the plugged wells are in Bradford Township; 39 in Eldred Township, 54 in Keating and Otto townships and 7 in Kane. The cost was about $977,000, which comes from surcharges on well-drilling permits and from the Growing Greener Program. DEP says the wells were discovered by department inspectors and local citizens who work collaboratively to locate and map wells in the region. Other wells were plugged in Warren, Venango, Forest and Tioga counties.

A Little Valley woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that she sold drugs throughout the region. 47-year-old Candy Jimerson is accused of possessing and selling methadone, oxycodone and hydrocodone. A US Attorney says Jimerson possessed and sold the drugs throughout the southern tier, including the City of Salamanca.

A Brookville woman died in a head-on collision on Route 28 early this morning. State police say a car driven by 21-year-old Stephanie Mongelli drove into the opposite lane of travel at 12:23 a.m. and into the path of a tractor-trailer driven by 28-year-old Jose Mejia of Oyster Bay, N.Y. Mongelli was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say she was not wearing a seatbelt. Mejia was wearing a seatbelt and sustained minor injuries. He was taken to Brookville Hospital for treatment. Route 28 was closed for about three hours.

Work will begin in the next few weeks to replace the Hicks Run bridge on Route 555 in Gibson Township, Cameron County. Area residents and drivers will see activity, as work begins to put a temporary one-lane bridge and temporary signal in place. The temporary bridge and signal will allow traffic to continue through the area as crews remove the existing bridge and build a new one in the same location. The temporary signal will allow motorists to alternate turns crossing the bridge. PennDOT expects to open the new bridge to traffic in early November of this year. The work site is located on Route 555 near the Elk and Cameron counties line. Overall project work includes replacement of the current bridge, approach work and miscellaneous construction. The L.C. Whitford Company, Inc. of Wellsville, New York is the contractor on this $1.1 million job. PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

Law enforcement officials are investigating a homicide in Clearfield County. State police say the body of 30-year-old Doyle Eugene Musselman Jr. of New Washington was found in a horse pasture near his home on Wednesday. Preliminary assessments show that Musselman may have died as a result of injuries associated with blunt force trauma. An autopsy will be performed later today to reveal the cause and manner of death. Clearfield County District Attorney William Shaw is also involved in the investigation. Police ask that anyone with information on this homicide contact the Punxsutawney barracks or Clearfield County Crime Stoppers.

Washington, D.C.— At a hearing today in the House Education and Labor Committee, U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, questioned U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, on President Obama’s Executive Order encouraging Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for federal contracts and asked why the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has imposed them when going to bid. “Unfortunately, Secretary Solis chose not to directly answer my question regarding a construction project in New Hampshire that DOL identified as high priority, but then mysteriously canceled the job when they found firms were not bidding because it was subject to a PLA. Rather, the Secretary responded that job creation was not the goal. She said, `First and foremost we must keep costs down,’” Thompson explained. Project Labor Agreements, when they are made part of the bidding process, require that companies that bid on a contract with the federal government must have union workers, pay union scale and include union collec...

A Brookville man, who federal prosecutors once described as a survivalist and potential militia member, has pleaded guilty to violating federal firearms laws. 51-year-old Marvin Hall was convicted of violating federal firearms law back in 1999, so he is not allowed to own guns. He was arrested by a terrorism task force in 2008 for having a shotgun and an assault rifle. Hall will be sentenced June 25. Three other men were arrested in connection with the investigation into the Brookville Tigers Militia. 64-year-old Morgan Jones of Lucinda and 62-year-old Perry Landis of DuBois have also pleaded guilty. 61-year-old Bradley Kahle of Clearfield County is scheduled for trial in Johnstown this spring. He allegedly told undercover agents that he hoped if Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama were elected president, they would be killed. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/search?q=militia

No one was hurt when a Falconer Central School bus was forced off the road at 8:50 this morning. Chautauqua County Sheriff's deputies say 50-year-old Daryl Dye was driving the bus on Waterman Road in the Town of Ellington. The bus was traveling down a steep grade when Dye had to move to the right to avoid hitting a white pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction, but partially in Dye's lane. The bus went off the road and into a deep culvert, coming to rest partially on its side. 10 students, ages 5 through 8, were on the bus at the time. They were taken to school by way of alternate transportation. The pickup didn't stop.

One of the world’s most entertaining family events is coming to Buffalo on Friday, Feb. 5. Event: Harlem Globetrotters 2010 “Magical Memories” World Tour Date: Friday, Feb. 5 Place: Alumni Arena Tickets: Tickets start at $20.00 and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.harlemglobetrotters.com . The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are primed to showcase their eye-popping 2010 “Magical Memories” World Tour with the wholesome family entertainment known worldwide for thrilling fans young and old and making cherished family memories. Now in their 84th consecutive season of touring the world, the Globetrotters’ high-flying show features some of the most extraordinary athletes and entertainers on the planet. Photo of Ant Atkinson courtesy of the Harlem Globetrotters

A Brookville man was hurt in a two-vehicle accident at around 6:30 this morning on Route 219 in Horton Township, just east of Apollo Drive. State police say a car driven by 39-year-old George Schroeder of Brookville was traveling north on Route 219 when a deer entered the road. Schroeder's car hit the deer, but the animal continued across the road, where it was hit by a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Suzanne Wortman of St. Marys. Police described Schroeder's injuries as minor. Wortman wasn't hurt. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

A Port Allegany man suffered minor injuries in an accident at just after 2 a.m. today on Route 6 in Liberty Township. State police say 41-year-old Scott Moyer fell asleep at the wheel of his Mack truck, which left the road and hit a tree. The truck went back onto the road and caught on fire. Police say Moyer got out of the vehicle before it caught on fire. He was taken by ambulance to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport for treatment of his injuries. Moyer will be cited for traffic violations. Police were assisted at the scene by the Star Hose Company, PennDOT and Portville Trucking. Thanks to the person who submitted the photo!

State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) or one of his representatives will hold office hours on Thursday, February 4th, 2010, at the following locations: ● Emporium Borough Office - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ● Port Allegany Borough Office - 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Services available include assisting constituents with state-related issues or concerns, assistance with driver license and vehicle registration applications, and help in filling out applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE prescription drug assistance programs. People who cannot make the satellite sessions may call Causer’s offices in Bradford (1-866-437-8181) or Coudersport (814-274-9769) for assistance.

Zippo Manufacturing Company announced today that the company has completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Ronson Consumer Products Corporation, Woodbridge, NJ, and Ronson Corporation of Canada Ltd.; and certain related assets of Ronson Corporation. Zippo is one of the world’s most widely recognized brands, best known for its iconic refillable windproof lighter. The Zippo product line also includes lighter accessories, butane candle lighters, lifestyle products for men, and an outdoor line of products and accessories introduced earlier this year. Ronson markets a range of lighter fuels and accessories, as well as an assortment of refillable butane pocket lighters, utility lighters and torches. The Ronson product line will continue to be marketed and sold under the Ronson name through its established sales and distribution channels. According to Zippo President and CEO Greg Booth, “Adding the venerable Ronson trademark to our family of brands provides an opportunity ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has closed down its popular Science In Motion program after funding for the program was cut from the Pennsylvania state budget, which some educators think will adversely affect their schools’ science programs. Friday was the last day of operation for the mobile science lending library, which provided high-tech science equipment and expertise to 35 rural schools plus home-schooled children in an area the size of Connecticut. “I am saddened that this program, which had so much potential to support science, technology, engineering and math education, has been cut from the state budget,” said James Baldwin, assistant dean of academic affairs and director of Science In Motion at Pitt-Bradford. “I hope that other existing programs are capable of filling the void that our termination will create.” Funded by the state with the help of private donations, the Pitt-Bradford program was one of 11 such programs in Pennsylv...

Washington, D.C.— U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, wrote to Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett to ask him to investigate claims in Ralph M. Bailets’ suit against the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), in which he alleges corruption and waste. Bailets was Assistant Secretary of Treasury and Manager of Financial Reporting and Systems at the Turnpike Commission from February 1998 to July 2008 when he was moved to another job. Then in November 2008 he was laid off by the PTC for what he claims was a wrongful termination for bringing potential fraud to the attention of his superiors. “While this is an ongoing civil suit, there are criminal elements in the complaint that are very serious and need to be looked at further,” said Thompson. Thompson wrote to Corbett: “Prior to his dismissal for alleged budgetary reasons, the complaint reads that Bailets had previously discovered and reported a discounting scheme being engaged in by the largest commercial EZPass...

HARRISBURG -- Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger today welcomed a new federal report that shows Pennsylvania is now second nationally in the number of waterways that have been restored to health because of the aggressive cleanup efforts by the state and its partners. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report, four Pennsylvania streams that stretch a total of 41.7 miles were added to the list of restored water bodies in 2009: Babb Creek in Tioga County, Gumboot Run in McKean County , Lloydville Run in Blair County, and Sterling Run in Centre County. “Through the cooperation and hard work of watershed groups, farmers, conservation districts and state government, we are making dramatic improvements to our most polluted waterways, restoring life to once-dead streams, and improving recreational and economic opportunities for our residents,” said Hanger. The EPA maintains a list of “success stories” on its Web site for formerly polluted streams that have been r...

An inmate in the Jefferson County Jail is facing an additional harassment charge for apparently knocking another inmate off a chair for no apparent reason. Punxsutawney-based state police say the 19-year-old victim "was sitting at a table minding his own business" when 26-year-old Jesse Kerner went up to him and hit him in the side of the head, knocking him off the chair onto the floor. The incident was caught on surveillance tape. A summary harassment charge has been filed.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Lance Cpl. Michael L. Freeman Jr., 21, of Fayetteville, Pa., was killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Freeman was a 2008 graduate of Chambersburg High School.

The Seneca Gaming Corporation's income for the first quarter of 2010 increased by 22 percent. Seneca Gaming reported net income rose to $14.08 million from $11.47 million during the period that ended on December 31. This includes the casinos in Salamanca, Niagara Falls and Buffalo. The Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is expected to add more than 200 new slot machines by spring as part of its $9 million expansion project. Seneca Gaming CEO Catherine Walker credits the turnaround to internal belt tightening.

A Salamanca man will spend a year in jail for knocking a police officer unconscious last March. 27-year-old Carl Kettle was spotted by a police officer urinating against the side of a building, and when the officer tried to arrest him he ran away. After police caught up with him, they took him to the police station. After they took off his handcuffs for processing, Kettle kicked Officer Joe Frenz in the head, sending the officer backward into the bars of a jail cell and knocking him out. Frenz was treated at Olean General Hospital, then released. Also Monday in Cattaraugus County Court, an Olean woman has pleaded guilty to drug charges. Healther Blade sold crack cocaine on August 4 in Olean. On March 19, in Olean, she possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug. She will be sentenced April 26. A Perry, New York, man has pleaded guilty to falsely reported an incident. Between August 6 and September 24 of 2008, Ricky Kish told sheriff...

A Salamanca man could spend the rest of his life in jail for creating child pornography in his home. 38-year-old Shawn Snyder pleaded guilty today in federal court in Buffalo to five felony counts of production of child pornography. He admitted to taking pornographic pictures of five girls ranging in age from 4 to 11 then downloading the images onto his computer. Snyder, who has two children, also faces state charges of sexually assaulting a child. Sentencing is scheduled for June 9. The FBI and Salamanca Police investigated.

The Coudersport Wellness Center will offer a variety of classes in February. Silver Sneakers is a beginner’s class featuring cardio, weights, exercise rope, small ball and stretching and meets from 2 to 3 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays or 9 to 10 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boot Camp features a variety of step, kickboxing, koga, circuit, weights, strength training, walk, run, abs, exercise ball, and bands and meets from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Kickboxing/Koga is a new workout technique combining yoga and kickboxing to strengthen, tone, and stretch. Classes will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Yogalates combines yoga and pilates and meets from 12 to 1 p.m. on Mondays. The Combo Class offers step, double step, circuits, cardio, kickboxing, run, walk, yoga flex, upper and lower body/abs. Classes meet from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Yoga and Pilates Workshop features the benefits of mind, body exercise including increased flexibility, im...

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young’s major new jobs initiative designed to improve New York's business climate, reduce taxes, and create thousands of new jobs for workers across the State has received the backing from the State’s leading business advocacy organizations. The plan's centerpiece would reward businesses with a three-year tax credit, averaging between $2,500 and $5,000 for every new job created. It would also eliminate taxes for small businesses and manufacturers that pay the state’s corporate franchise tax and roll back the income tax surcharge placed on them last year in the budget by New York City-controlled legislators. It also places a moratorium on new taxes, fees and regulations that are killing private sector job-creation efforts in the state. “This plan will get people back to work and will help turn around the economy,” said Sen. Young. "We need to think creatively and act swiftly, and I believe this plan will accelerate our reco...

WELLSVILLE, NY, -- Students enrolled in the culinary arts programs at Alfred State College will prepare a Mardi Gras celebration, featuring a New Orleans-style menu, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 5-7 p.m., in the student cafeteria of the Culinary Arts Building on the Wellsville campus. Masked wait staff will serve patrons at tables decked out in bright colors designed to evoke a Mardi Gras atmosphere; musical jazz selections will provide additional ambience. Guests will receive complimentary Mardi Gras beads in the traditional colors of green, gold, and purple. Cost of the event is $15 for adults; $7 for children 10 and under. Proceeds from the event, which is sponsored by the Top Hat Club (the culinary honor society), will benefit the Club’s Activity Fund. Culinary seniors Kristylee Hill, Moravia, is the general manager, and Jessica Griffiths, Martville, is the host of the event. The event is open to the public; no reservations will be...

February is Black History month and the Cattaraugus County Arts Council is honoring this important recognition of the history and contributions of African American people with an informative, educational, and artistic workshop. Local African American cultural educator Sara Heslin Woods presents “Follow the Drinking Gourd: The Underground Railroad Project” on Thursdays, February 11, 18, 25 from 6-8 pm at the Olean campus of Jamestown Community College. Sara expertly blends culture, history, and artistic expression in a way that makes this a highly-educational and engaging workshop. Sara will use compelling storytelling techniques and character representations to relay the plight of the slaves on their northward travels as well as the stories of the local people who helped to conduct a route of escape. Learn about the local Underground Railroad landmarks and what it meant for a slave to “follow the drinking gourd.” All participants will create their own drinking gourd that will be indivi...

13 additional social networking sites have removed more than 4,300 registered sex offenders from their rolls after checking names against New York state's registry. State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said today that the offenders had more than 11,700 profiles linked to them on sites like Flickr and Friendster. The sites had agreed in December to check their memberships against the list. MySpace and Facebook had already removed sex offenders. New York's law requires sex offenders to register their e-mail accounts, screen names and any other Internet identifiers with the state. Cuomo called for Web sites that cater to children, like Webkinz , to add to their security measures already in place by also agreeing to check with the state list. Among the registered sex offenders purged from all 15 sites were 33 from Cattaraugus County, 61 from Chautauqua County and 31 from Allegany County. http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2010/feb/feb02a_10.html

Soprano Virginia Herrera and baritone Michael Weyandt will perform duets and love songs from Viennese, French, Spanish and American operettas at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12, in the sixth concert of the Friends of Good Music season at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Weyandt won the Quick Center for the Arts Performance Prize at the 2009 Liederkranz Competition in New York City. Accompaniment will be provided by pianist Elizabeth Hastings and the concert will be narrated by Joseph A. LoSchiavo, executive director of the Quick Center. Operetta is a genre of light opera – light in terms of music and subject matter – and characteristically has a romantic plot interspersed with songs and spoken dialogue. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in France, where Jacques Offenbach was the most successful practitioner of the genre, and came to its height in Vienna with the immensely popular works by Johann Strauss and Franz Lehar. At the same time, it f...

An East Aurora, New York, man has been arrested by Pennsylvania's Child Predator Unit for allegedly setting up a meeting for sex with what he thought was a 13-year-old girl. 43-year-old Jeffrey Kimmel is accused of using an Internet chat room on January 13 to set up the meeting in New Castle. He was actually chatting with an agent from the attorney general's office. According to the criminal complaint, Kimmel used his cell phone camera to send a nude photo of himself during their first online chat and expressed a desire to engage in sexual activity with the girl. Kimmel also allegedly offered to bring the girl gifts, promising to bring her a sexual device in her favorite color (pink) and wine coolers if she agreed to meet - telling her that he would teach her about sex and "show her everything." Kimmel was arrested on January 22nd, when he arrived at a predetermined meeting location in Lawrence County, driving a vehicle that matched a description provided during onlin...

Three people were arrrested late last night by the McKean County Drug Task Force. Several officers of the drug task force conducted a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine and Oxycontin in the Bradford area. As a result of that, Keith Murphy of Buffalo, Janine Heitzinger of Olean and Andrew Cauley of Bradford were arrested and charged with felony and misdemeanor drug-related charges. They were all arraigned by District Judge Rich Luther and sent to McKean County Jail on $5,000 bail each. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for February 10. The task force was assisted by the City of Bradford Police Department.

HARRISBURG – If you are interested in helping wildlife in your own backyard, the Pennsylvania Game Commission now is selling bluebird nesting boxes at its Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue. The boxes sell for $7, and customers can select from assembled boxes or kits that can be assembled as a wood-working project. “Bluebirds are early nesters, so now is the time put up new nest boxes, as well as to clean and repair existing boxes,” said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity chief. “These bluebird boxes enable Pennsylvanians to help wildlife in a natural way. “Also, building nesting boxes is a great project for individuals, families or civic organizations interested in wildlife. These box designs are proven to attract bluebirds and other species, including tree swallows and house wrens.” Bluebirds live in open country, and are a beautiful songbird native to Pennsylvania. Bluebirds are cavity nesters and have become less common due to a lack of suitable nest s...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Volunteer fire departments are "officially" on the endangered species list. That's according to Foster Township Supervisor Jim Connelly Jr., who took time during Monday's supervisors meeting to address the dwindling membership of the Derrick City and Rew volunteer fire departments. "I'm going to put our Foster Township fire departments on the endangered species list," Connelly said. "We need help. It's got to be addressed." He reiterated what supervisors have been saying for months -- people don't have to fight fires to be a member of the department. Plenty of other jobs, such as maintenance and bingo, are available. Connelly acknowledged that the problem isn't unique to Foster Township. "It's a serious issue all over the United States of America," he said. "Our volunteers are falling by the wayside. Having a volunteer fire department is a luxury." "When we pick u...

WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today was joined by original cosponsors Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Carl Levin (D-MI) and Mark Begich (D-AK) in introducing legislation to create a job creation tax credit. “Over the last couple years the U.S. economy has steadily shed jobs and wages have largely been stagnant,” said Senator Casey. “We have made progress responding to the economic crisis, but more needs to be done to get people back to work. Times are still tough across the board and margins are slim. That is why I am introducing this job creation tax credit to help employers hire workers, put money back into local economies and spur economic growth.” “While some sectors of the economy are doing better, middle class families and small businesses across New York are struggling in this economic crisis,” Senator Gillibrand said. “We need to take aggressive action to help businesses create good-paying jobs and get New Yorkers back to work. The job creation tax cut ...

With growing objections to holding the trial of September 11 terrorism suspect Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in New York City, it's possible the trial could be held in Pennsylvania. The Department of Justice set guidelines that the trial must be held in one of the three locations where a September 11 crime occurred. Although Shanksville in Someset County is where one of the highjacked airplanes crashed, the trial could be held in federal court in Johnstown, Pittsburgh or Erie. Speaking on the Fred Thompson Show this afternnon, Governor Ed Rendell said he isn't sold on the idea of having the trial in the Commonwealth. "Right now in Pennsylvania, like every state in the union, we're facing huge budget challenges and I'd have to be assured that all of the costs would be paid for (by the federal government)," Rendell said. The Obama administration is setting aside $200 million to help the US city where the trial is held. Rendell said security is another issue that concer...

Many hands make for light work. Last spring, many sportsmen and some scouts showed up for the work day on new state game lands building habitat for all animals on lands that everyone can enjoy. Brush piles are necessary habitat, food and nesting sites for many small animals in the wild, including rabbits and pheasants. They are easily built and will be immediately available for animals. This year we will meet at 8:00 AM on Saturday, March 27, 2010. Groups will form and work 9AM-noon and 1PM until 4PM or until the work is done. We will park at the dedication sign going into the Shawmut tract of PA State Game Lands #44. Signs will be placed along route 219 south of Ridgway. We will need as many people as possible to bring chain saws, chaps, helmets, pruning poles and other safety gear and brush cutting tools. Pheasants Forever will once again provide a lunch for the volunteers. We will be working outdoors cutting brush and building habitat so dress for the weather with good boots. This i...

Dr. David Moylan and Dr. Hans Baerwald will provide free skin, colorectal and prostate cancer screenings from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., February 20 at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Patterson Cancer Care Center. A light breakfast will be served. Patients should specify which screening(s) they would like when registering. Call 877/274-8200 for an appointment.

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania is ready to provide medical and humanitarian care for some critically injured Haitian earthquake victims, Governor Ed Rendell announced today after sending a letter to the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security. “Pennsylvania is keenly aware of the dire situation faced by so many Haitians who were critically injured during the January 12 earthquake and its aftershocks,” Governor Rendell said during a news conference. “We recognize the need to act fast, as more Haitians continue to suffer. The commonwealth is ready to support the federal government in this life-saving operation.” The Governor was joined at the news conference by Department of Health Secretary Everette James and Carolyn F. Scanlan, president and CEO of The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. The state departments of Health, Public Welfare and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are coordinating planning efforts to receive Haitian patient...

The Bonaventure Accounting Association and Students In Free Enterprise are teaming up again to offer free tax services this season for those who qualify. The St. Bonaventure University Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program officially opened its tax preparation site at the Olean Center Mall today. The office is located near Subway and JCPenney, and will remain open until the end of March. The St. Bonaventure VITA site is an innovative, high-volume program that operates on an appointment basis, and has the capacity to prepare over 100 tax returns per week during “tax season” 2010. Operating hours are Monday through Friday at the Olean Center Mall, with morning, afternoon, and evening appointment times available. On Saturdays in February, volunteers will be at the Franklinville Elementary School on Feb. 6; at the Little Valley office of the Business Development Corporation on Feb. 13; and at the Randolph Free Library on Feb. 20. The Saturday hours of operation are 1-3 p.m., a...

The Salamanca Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to explore and experience the many opportunities to expand your knowledge and intuition through enlightenment at our Psychic Readings Weekend, Mar. 5-7. Choose to see one of our many Lily Dale, or Lily Dale trained, mediums and spiritualists for your personal half-hour reading. We are pleased to have Salamanca’s own Michael Cricks, an Aura Reader and Spiritualist, participating in this great event. Cricks has been providing public readings for over twenty-seven years. We are also honored to have another phenomenal Spiritualist, Reverend George Kincaid, from Lily Dale. Kincaid believes, as the basis of his religion, in the continuity of life and in individual responsibility. Most spiritualists endeavor to find the truth in all things and to live their lives in accordance therewith. Other local favorites are Michele Harvey-Heusinger, Pam Sekula, and Devonia “Dee” Smith. Heusinger is a Psychic, Medium and Palm Read...

Seniors at Oswayo Valley High School have a variety of artwork on display at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Irwin Medical Arts Center as part of the hospital’s Community Art Showcase. The students, Jody Osburn, Elizabeth Coyle, Megan Mesler and Jenna Maxson, who heard of the hospital’s Community Art Showcase through their art teacher, Jesse Hyde, were excited to share their work with the public. “This is a good time of year because they’ve had the majority of school year to work on it,” Hyde said. There’s a chance that some of the artwork on display could be submitted to a state-wide art competition in March, he said. The students have enjoyed being able to express their own creativity in Hyde’s art class, which provides “a release” and the ability to look at things differently in the world. The Community Art Showcase features artists for about six to eight weeks. The project has featured artists Jessie Vaughn of Ulysses, Maxine Shear of Coudersport, Karen Wolf of Sweden Township,...

WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Fortuna Energy Inc. of Horseheads, N.Y., $3,500 for violations discovered last year at three of the company’s natural gas wells in Troy Township, Bradford County. “During routine inspections, DEP staff found minor reporting deficiencies, but also more serious violations that were quickly addressed by the company,” said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell. An inspection in February 2009 at the Cease 1H well discovered that the proper ownership information, including the well permit number, operator’s name, address and telephone number, had not been publicly posted by Fortuna as required by Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Act. During a follow up inspection in June at three natural gas wells drilled on the same pad in Troy Township, flow-back fluids—or the fluids that are used to break up underground rock and then return to the surface—were found discharging into a drainage ditch, an adjacent sediment basin, and ...