Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

This young man walks away with a white pine seedling from the McKean County Conservation District. The Pitt Panther gets playful with some fans. Dave Geitner of Kids and Cancer lifts Aiden Davis onto the motorcycle the organization is raffling off this year. The Freedom Bike was unveiled Friday evening. The Bragging Wall is always one of the most popular exhibits at the KOTS.

A Westline woman suffered severe injuries in an accident on Route 219 near Allegheny Bradford in Lewis Run at 11:36 Friday morning. Police say an SUV driven by 20-year-old Jesse Shembeda of Bradford was traveling south, but swerved into the northbound lane to avoid hitting a vehicle driven by Cindy Hatch of Bradford, which was traveling into the road from the Allegheny Bradford driveway. Shembeda's vehicle collided head-on with a car driven by 50-year-old Katherine Carrow of Westline. Carrow was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. Both vehicles had disabling damage.

HARRISBURG - Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean), along with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), is alerting families to be cautious when looking at offers of assistance for securing funds for their college-bound students. Several individuals and organizations may charge a fee in exchange for assistance in finding scholarship money or in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). However, there are many free resources available to provide families with all the assistance they need. The Federal Trade Commission warns that unscrupulous companies "guarantee" or "promise" scholarships for students. Such claims should be a warning sign. Families can avoid scholarship scams by looking for these types of misleading sales pitches: · For a fee, the company or organization will provide a list of scholarship opportunities. If a student does not receive a reward and seeks a refund, they soon find that conditions have be...

Mayville, NY -- Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards, who has openly criticized a plan to close Long Point State Park, has even more concerns after receiving numbers on the savings New York State could achieve through the park's closure. On Friday, February 19, New York Governor David Paterson, along with Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash recommended that Long Point State Park, which is located outside of Bemus Point, be closed this year. It's part of an overall plan to close 41 parks and 14 historic sites when the new budget year begins April 1, 2010. Paterson has claimed the State would save $6.5 Million through these closures. Today (February 26), Edwards received word on exactly how much New York State could save by shuttering Long Point State Park. "It was reported to me from Chautauqua County Sports Fishing Hunting Director Craig Robbins, who spoke directly with State Senator Catharine Young, that the savings to N...

Bradford City Police Chief Mike Close says that because dispatch duties are switching to the McKean County 911 Center on Monday, some residents and businesses have to prepare. All residents and businesses that currently have alarm systems that ring directly to the city police station must be changed. People are asked to contact their alarm companies and request they change their notification to McKean County Control at 887-4911. Close advises people to do this immediately so there's no disruption in service.

Embattled New York Governor David Paterson is expected to announce later today that he will not seek election to the post he's held since the resignation of Eliot Spitzer. Democratic party officials have been pressuring Paterson to drop out of the race because of several recent controversies involving his staff members and policy. He officially announced his election campaign last weekend. Paterson is reportedly being asked to resign as well, but says he won't do that. For updaes on this story, go to CNN.com .

Walt Eisenhauer, physician assistant program director at Lock Haven University, at right, shows Sen. Joe Scarnati, second from left, LHU’s new physician assistant classroom at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Thursday. Also pictured, are from left, Ed Pitchford, CCMH president and chief executive officer, Scarnati, Dr. Thomas Ormond, dean, college of education and human services at LHU, and Eisenhauer. Thursday’s visit is the first time Scarnati has visited CCMH since announcing funding from the State Department of Education in September 2008. LHU used the funding for infrastructure and capital improvements related to expanding the master’s level PA program into Coudersport and Harrisburg. LHU will welcome the inaugural class of 12 PA students in Coudersport May 17, some with local ties, according to Eisenhauer. He said that LHU had a record number of 800 applicants for the program this year for spots in Coudersport, Harrisburg, Clearfield, and Lock Haven. ( Photo courtesy of Charles Col...

Theater students and faculty members are gearing up for a biennial rite of spring on the St. Bonaventure University campus – the presentation of four one-act plays in a production that repeats itself over four nights. “Reality Bites: One Act Festival V” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, March 24-27, at the University’s Garret Theater adjacent to Devereux Hall. There will be an audience talk-back session after the performance on Friday, March 26, during which the cast, crew, designer and director will discuss the production and take questions from the audience. Performed will be works by Samuel Beckett and Harold Pinter, both Nobel Prize winners; David Ives, a noted Broadway and Off-Broadway writer whose one-act plays have been popular with SBU Theater audiences; and Lawrence G. Smith, an Artie Award-nominated playwright who has had several works performed regionally, including one that’s playing at Buffalo’s Alleyway Theater. Audiences will be taken on a journ...

The players took the fields today at 10:00 under sunny skies, windy conditions (20-30 mph) and temps in the low 50s. After the daily stretching and throwing program, the players all broke into their individual groups. Today’s drill featured the “pick-off/rundown” fundamental. Today was also the second day of pitchers throwing batting practice to batters. The following 14 pitchers threw two “innings” of 17 pitches each (Zach Duke, Charlie Morton, Vinnie Chulk, Evan Meek, Ramon Aguero, Ronald Uviedo, Daniel McCutchen, Brian Burres, Jeremy Powell, Javier Lopez, Wil Ledezma, Brian Bass, Jeff Sues and Jean Machi). Catchers had to battle the high sky and windy conditions as Coach Luis Dorante shot baseballs 200+ feet into the air during the catcher’s pop-up drill. All non-throwing pitchers participated in drills, conditioned and were off the fields by 11:30 Position players took batting practice, participated in fielding and running drills, conditioned and were done by 12:45. Tonight is the ...

Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder has responded to latest tax proposal by New York State. In a news release, Snyder says "The notice of proposed tax certification regulations released yesterday by the State Tax Department reflects another illegal attempt by the State to collect taxes on our commerce. Instead of trying to destroy our treaty-protected economy, the State should be focused on developing opportunities with us since the Nation is a proven contributor to Western New York's regional growth. As we have before, the Seneca Nation will vigorously oppose all state efforts to interfere with our treaty rights and our economy. "State officials should realize by now that we are not a scapegoat for Albany's budget problems. It is no secret that Albany is struggling with a budget deficit of historic proportion. But that is a problem that comes from decades of overspending and poor resource mismanagement. It is a crisis that the State created for itself. "The Se...

Detour signs will be put in place on Tuesday, March 2, in preparation for bridge preservation work on Route 1002 in Keating Township. On Tuesday, March 9, the detour will be in effect and remain in effect until the job is completed in May. The bridge is located on Route 1002 (Champlin Hill Road) between Coryville and Turtlepoint. The northeast end of Route 1002 (from Route 446) will be closed. Drivers will access Route 1002 from Route 155 south (Turtlepoint-Larabee Rd). The L.C. Whitford Company, Inc. of Wellsville, New York is the contractor for this bridge which is part of a $4 million, 6-bridge project in Cameron, Clearfield, McKean and Potter counties. The bridge spans Potato Creek and was built in 1963. Preservation work includes replacing expansion joints and bridge deck re-surfacing. All work is weather dependent. PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions before heading out.

The Ninth Annual Kinzua Outdoor and Travel Show, scheduled for Friday, February 26, 4 to 9pm and Saturday, February 27, 10 am to 6 pm at the Bradford Mall facility in Bradford, PA, offers a wide range of activities and events for everyone to enjoy. Prior to the official start of the show, individuals who wish to display a trophy mount on “The Bragging Wall” can sign in their large game, small game, or fish starting at 1 pm. Exhibitors representing sporting goods retailers, recreational vehicle dealers, travel and tourism destinations, and more; food court vendors; and other activities will be prepared to welcome the public at 4 pm. Friday at 5 pm, the children’s activity venue will feature the McKean County Conservation District program, “Down the Drain,” followed from 5:30 pm – 8 pm by LPX Gaming with a wide variety of sport and outdoor-themed video games to entertain youth of all ages. The Freedom Bike will be unveiled by the Kids and Cancer Committee at 6 pm at the Zippo/Case Mus...

Award-winning poet Kate Northrop will read from her works on Tuesday, March 2, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Northrop will appear at noon in Pitt-Bradford’s Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. A reception will follow. This event, which is part of the university’s Spectrum Series, is free and open to the public. Northrop’s first book, “Back Through Interruption,” was chosen by Lynn Emanuel for the 2001 Tom and Stan Wick Poetry Prize, and was published in 2002 by Kent State University Press. Her second book, “Things are Disappearing Here,” was Editor’s Choice in the New York Times Book Review and a finalist for the James Laughlin Award. It was published in 2007 by Persea Books. Eric McHenry, poetry critic for the New York Times Book Review, said, “Northrop’s poems recall early photographs where the shutter was left open until the scene had burned itself onto the paper. Her images acquire definition word by carefully weighed word.” Northr...

The Department of Environmental Protection has ordered Schreiner Oil and Gas Co. to provide a permanent solution to water supply issues at two homes the company’s drilling activity impacted near Hedgehog Lane, McKean County. DEP previously determined that the company, based in Massillon, Ohio, was liable for affecting the water supplies of homes in that area of Bradford Township. Water supplies at seven homes have been restored, but the problem remains unresolved at two other residences. “The families in this neighborhood have had their lives disrupted for too long,” DEP Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “While Schreiner had installed treatment systems at these two homes, they were only a partial solution. The order calls on Schreiner to rectify the situation completely.” Schreiner has been actively drilling combination oil and gas wells in the area since 2008 and did not establish background water quality in the area prior to drilling. Therefore, Schreiner must demonstrate that the...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will honor three high school students as “Women of Promise” for their achievements in athletics, community service, and the creative and performing arts at a luncheon on Monday, March 1. Breea C. Willingham, a Pitt-Bradford alumna and visiting professor of journalism at St. Bonaventure University, will give the keynote address titled “I’m not Supposed to be Here.” Being honored are Faith Benson of Allegany-Limestone (N.Y.) Central School for community service; Alyssa Bowser of Port Allegany High School for creative and performing arts; and Kimberly Telaak of Ellicottville (N.Y.) Central School for athletics. Benson, the daughter of Don and Lucy Benson, is being honored for her social justice work raising money and awareness for victims of the war in Darfur and homeless Americans, among others. As a freshman, Benson held three benefit concerts and sold bracelets to raise several thousand dollars for...

A new feature scheduled for the Ninth Annual Kinzua Outdoor and Travel Show is an Ice Sculpting demonstration by “Chef Ray” Patchkofsky on Saturday, February 27th, from 1 pm – 3 pm. The demonstration will be held in the main exhibit hall of the show at the Bradford Mall, near the Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel exhibit. Ray Patchkofsky is the Director of Food & Beverage for the Seneca Allegany Casino and Hotel, in Salamanca, New York. He began his career at Seneca Allegany Casino, when they opened in April 2004, as the Executive Chef. Currently, he oversees the daily operations of the food and beverage division, and collaborates with the other restaurant managers and chefs on many of the current menus and techniques now utilized throughout the casino’s four restaurants, lounges, snack bars, and event center. He excels in ice carving, and creates all sculptures for the casino’s special events and functions. Originally from Connecticut, Ray is a 1987 graduate of the Culinary Institu...

About a dozen fire companies battled a blaze that destroyed the Chautauqua County office building and Masonic temple. The fire started Wednesday evening in the historic Masonic buildng on Central Avenue in Dunkirk and crews fought the fire until this morning, exhausting the city's water supply and forcing them to pump water from Lake Erie. No one was hurt. County employees are now working from Jamestown Community College's north campus. The cause of the fire has not been determined yet.

The Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous will be honored with a Governor's Award for the Arts. The Rendezvous is the world's largest event of its kind, drawing more than 200 carvers and 25,000 visitors to Elk County. The awards are a 29-year gubernatorial tradition honoring outstanding Pennsylvania artists, arts organizations and patrons who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the arts. The awards ceremony on April 8 in York will be free and open to the public, and followed by a ticketed reception. The Governor’s Awards for the Arts are administered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

In round thirteen of the chess league at School Street Elementary, the chessboard battles continued with more upsets. Dr. Laroche annihilated Dexter’s Service Center to share fist. The Pharmacy at Union Square shutout Wal-Mart, the league leader for 9 rounds in the varsity division. With the competition heating up towards the end of the season, there is now a three-way tie for first: the Pharmacy at Union Square, Dr. Laroche, and Dexter’s Service Center. Greg Henry (captain of the Pharmacy) and Mike Jones, captain for Dr. Gonzalez, are tied for top individual. Tamara Ferguson (captain for Smith’s) is a half point behind in second. In the JV section, Smith’s Watch & Clock Repair took over first place when Tasta Pizza lost their match. Drs. Rhinehart Team is in second, and Tasta Pizza is one point behind in third. Brent Kennedy (captain for Smith’s Watch & Clock Repair) leads the pack for top individual followed by Mitchell Forbes, captain for Hamlin Bank, in second. Jessica Y...

Scenes from our annual Wedding Belles reception at the Masonic Center on South Avenue. The reception is the kickoff to the contest, which starts Thursday. The belles helped bring in more than $1 million to the local economy in the last two years. Don't you want to help these brides-to-be beat that? Pictured, from top (all talking to the belles, their families and grooms-to-be), Deb Piganelli and Michelle Gangloff from Tops Friendly Market in Bradford; Danielle DeLong from Heritage Suites; Maryanne Peterson from Peterson Studios in Wilcox; Deb from the Paper Factory in Olean. Last year's winner Crystal Wineburg Salada (with Scott Douglas) gives this year's belles some pointers. One of the grooms-to-be picks up the door prize he won from Sears of Bradford. Igor and Scott draw and read names for another door prize.

ALBANY – Saying the state has no right to hold onto personal income tax refunds, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) is sponsoring legislation to require the checks to be sent to taxpayers within 30 days of filing. She also has started an on-line petition to stop the Governor’s proposal. “The Governor should not make our hardworking, overburdened taxpayers the scapegoats for the state’s problems that were exacerbated by his out-of-control spending last year. It’s the taxpayers’ money and they should receive their refunds in a timely fashion, especially in these hard economic times. People are counting on those refunds. Many are having a tough time even paying their bills,” said Sen. Young. Sen. Young’s legislation comes after Gov. David Paterson’s announcement last week that the state may freeze $500 million in personal income tax refunds and $200 million in business refunds as a way to fix the state’s budget problems. The proposed legislation would require the state Department of ...

Toyota has agreed provide special accomodations for New York owners of recalled vehicles. Under the agreement announced this afternoon by State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Toyota will pick up cars and trucks at owners' homes, pay for out-of-pocket transportation costs and offer drivers free rental cars during repairs. About half a million vehicles in New York were affected by the recalls. Cuomo says Toyota is doing the right thing. Toyota will reimburse its local dealers for the full cost of providing the accommodations. Costs of the deal with attorneys general around the country were not disclosed. http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2010/feb/feb24b_10.html

The McKean County 911 Center will assume dispatch duties for the City of Bradford Police Department on Monday. City officials received a letter earlier this week saying the 911 Center would be ready to take over on March 1. Since City Council approved the transfer of dispatch duties in December, work has been done at the Kennedy Street police station to get it ready for the change. DFT Security Services has installed a security system in the building and Foster Brook Glass & Mirror replaced four units of insulated glass. The money for both projects has been funded through donations to the city.

HARRISBURG - Agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation (BNI) and State Police have arrested two men following a traffic stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Attorney General Tom Corbett identified the defendants as Kendrick Holloway, 37, 215 Aurilees St., Duquense, Allegheny County and Corey Heath, 40, 797 Schench Ave., Apt. 4F, Brooklyn, New York. As a result of the joint investigation, agents received information that Holloway and Heath were returning to the Pittsburgh area from New York with a shipment of heroin. Corbett said that agents and state police stopped the car in Cumberland County while it was travelling westbound towards Pittsburgh. They seized 18,800 bags of heroin with an estimated street value of nearly half a million dollars, a 2000 Ford Excursion, a diamond bracelet worth $12,000, a diamond watch worth $7,500 and $760 in cash. Holloway and Heath are both charged with one count each of criminal conspiracy, possession with the intent to del...

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today applauded Senate passage of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. This first in a planned series of jobs bills includes a job creation tax credit and other measures to help small businesses and rebuild our infrastructure. “Passage of this bill by a strong bipartisan vote is another step toward putting Pennsylvanians back to work,” said Senator Casey. “We have seen positive results from the Recovery bill and other efforts to create jobs. However, more needs to be done to help create conditions for employers to hire again. As we work to put people back to work, we must also strengthen the safety net by extending unemployment insurance and the COBRA health care premium assistance program. This will help families who are struggling and also provide one of the most efficient boosts to the economy.” The HIRE Act contains a payroll tax holiday for businesses to encourage hiring; Section 179 Expensing to help small busi...

All players and staff members had blood work done today between 7:00 and 9:00. Many players participated in early work and meetings between 8:00 and the time the entire team took the field at 10:00. Close to 300 fans watched as the Buccos practiced under cloudy and muggy conditions with temps in the upper 60s. Aside from fielding drills and a 20-minute bunting fundamental, today was the first day that pitchers threw batting practice to the hitters. The following 14 pitchers threw two “innings” of 17 pitches each: Ross Ohlendorf, Paul Maholm, Brad Lincoln, Steven Jackson, Justin Thomas, Bryan Morris, Kevin Hart, D.J. Carrasco, Donnie Veal, Virgil Vasquez, Chris Jakubauskas, Jeff Karstens, Anthony Claggett and Jack Taschner. The non-throwing pitchers conditioned and were off the fields by 11:20. All pitchers were off the fields by 12:45. Position players took BP off various coaches, conditioned and were off the fields by 1:00. In the photo, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ross Ohlen...

The Senate Appropriations committee held its budget hearing this week for the Public Utility Commission but Senator Lisa Boscola used the hearing to challenge the PUC over whether electric deregulation is working in Pennsylvania. PUC members said deregulation is working and because rate caps have expired for most utilities in the state, more electric suppliers are now entering the market in Pennsylvania. However, Boscola pointed out that even with additional suppliers, rates for most residential and industrial utility customers have gone up dramatically. Boscola complained that because of deregulation the PUC will have little oversight over future rate increases. She also urged the PUC to keep track, as best it can, of the commercial businesses and industries in Pennsylvania who either close their operations or move to another state because of higher utility costs. Boscola says that’s how the success of electric deregulation should be measured in Pennsylvania. Boscola says, however, t...

Harrisburg – For the third time this month, PennDOT crews are preparing to deal with another massive snowstorm that will impact much of Pennsylvania, and the department is urging motorists in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow and severe winds between 20 and 30 mph, and those who absolutely must travel should expect delays and be certain that their emergency survival kits are packed in each vehicle. “It’s been a trying winter for all of us, and I sincerely thank all motorists who have wisely avoided unnecessary travel during the worst of conditions,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Some forecasts suggest this upcoming storm could be on par with – or worse than -- other recent storms. I ask motorists to heed our renewed warnings and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.” Earlier this month, much of southern Pennsylvania was battered with blizzard conditions, and this storm could bring similar conditions as wind gusts ...

This Saturday, Open Arms Community Church will be hosting “Rock for Haiti”, a benefit concert with proceeds going to support famine relief in Haiti. The show –which starts at 6:30 in the evening at the church- will feature several local acts. The lineup includes: Josh Hatcher (acoustic rock), Ariel Campbell (acoustic rock), No Room For Nelson (alternative rock), Panic Attack (hip-hop), Marshmellow Overcoat (rock), and Horizons Open Wide (rock/ska). There will be a $5 cover charge, with funds going towards the Free Methodist Haitian Famine Relief Fund. The Famine Relief Fund has been a long-term presence in Haiti and is one of several branch organizations of Free Methodist World Missions, which has raised over $840,000 in post-earthquake relief funds (For more information, see www.helphaitiheal.org). Local artists Julia Allen, Denise Drummond, and Jennifer MacNeill have donated artwork that will be raffled off throughout the evening. Jennifer’s photography has been featured on the UN we...

University of Pittsburgh Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Dr. James V. Maher, whose significant support and advocacy of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford resulted in unprecedented growth, received the Presidential Medal of Distinction at a tribute reception and dinner on Monday evening. The presidential medal is Pitt-Bradford’s highest honor. “Dr. Maher is loved and admired on our campus, not only because he’s an outstanding person, but also because he’s been such a staunch advocate for our campus,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “We could never have made the remarkable progress we made during his 16-year tenure as provost without his guidance and unabashed support. He is truly deserving of our Presidential Medal of Distinction.” Maher said, “I deeply appreciate being given this award, and I’m really proud of all the progress our Bradford campus has made during my time as provost.” ...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Something needs to be done about code enforcement. That was the topic of a Bradford City Council work session prior to Tuesday's council meeting. The work session was requested by the Historical Architectural Review Board in effort to streamline the process of making sure building owners and tenants in the historic district follow ordinances and other requirements. But the discussion soon turned to code enforcement downtown and throughout the city. The discussion eventually turned to a dilapidated house on West Corydon Street. Mayor Tom Riel addressed that house and others by saying, "That's a public embarrassment. It's shameful to allow a building like that to be standing when they're a gateway to Pitt and Glendorn. We have to change something." Councilman Ross Neidich and City Clerk John Peterson both said the city doesn't have the money to tear the buildings down. Neidich said attorney Greg Henry is working on th...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Panthers beat Pitt-Greensburg 77-63 at the Sport and Fitness Center in the first round of the AMCC basketball playoffs. Zach Moore led the Panthers with 22 points. Jerusalem Strickland added 15. Pitt-Bradford plays Penn State-Behrend Friday at Medaille University in Buffalo.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has announced proposed regulations that would limit the quantity of tax-free cigarettes that may legally be supplied to Indian nations or tribes. The department says the new regulations would prevent the unlimited flow of tax-free cigarettes to Indian retailers. The regulations require that cigarette manufacturers may sell cigarettes to a licensed cigarette stamping agent only when the agent certifies that the sale is in compliance with the Tax Law, and that the sale to Indian nations can not exceed an amount calculated by the state government. The new regulations also revoke the 2006 policy that allowed Indian retailers to sell tax-free cigarettes to non-Indians. The public has 45 days to comment before the regulations go into effect. The Seneca Nation hasn't commented yet. http://readme.readmedia.com/NYS-Tax-Department-Proposes-Regulation-to-Address-Issue-of-Tax-Free-Sales-of-Cigarettes-to-Indians/1175622

Prior to the first full squad workout, Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting, President Frank Coonelly, Manager John Russell and various staff members spoke to all players from 9:00 to 9:50. The daily stretching and throwing program began at 10:00 under mostly sunny skies and temps in the mid 60s. Players then broke into groups and participated in defense instruction and bunting fundamentals. The following 15 pitchers threw 35 to 50 pitches during a their bullpen session (Brian Burres, Zach Duke, Charlie Morton, Daniel McCutchen, Wil Ledezma, Javier Lopez, Jeremy Powell, Jeff Sues, Jean Machi, Ronald Uviedo, Brian Bass, Ramon Aguero, Brendan Donnelly, Evan Meek, Vinnie Chulk). Ocatvio Dotel was scheduled to throw today, but was held out of practice due to discomfort in his left side. His status is listed as “day to day.” Joel Hanrahan had an MRI today and the results showed that the inflammation in his right elbow is subsiding. He is still scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews Thursda...

Anne Ciolek of Allegany has been appointed director of Human Resources, university officials announced today. Ciolek has served as interim director since April 16, during which time she was instrumental in supporting the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee’s evaluation of a new health benefits approach for St. Bonaventure University. “Anne has demonstrated during this interim period that she not only has the talent and intellect necessary for this important role, but that her personal drive, creativity and commitment to serving the faculty and staff of St. Bonaventure University are remarkable,” said Brenda McGee Snow, senior vice president for Finance and Administration. Ciolek will oversee all aspects of human resources, including recruitment; employee staff training, development and evaluation; payroll; and benefits administration. Prior to her service as interim director, Ciolek served 11 years as payroll manager, and three years as payroll clerk. She earned an associate of arts d...

along with Josh Hatcher and Ariel Campbell. They were on today's LiveLine for a preview of Saturday's "Rock for Haiti" concert. You can listen to the LiveLine here . The concert is at 6:30 Saturday at Open Arms Community Church, 1289 East Main Street. For a $5 cover charge you'll hear Ariel, Josh, Panic Attack (Justin Willoughby and Larry Petry), Marshmellow Overcoat, No Room for Nelson and Horizons Open Wide.

The New York State Senate has passed a bill to support the state’s wine and grape industry. The bill amends the alcoholic beverage control law in order to allow New York State wineries and farm wineries to sell wine for consumption at food festivals. Lawmakers say this should significantly increase the market for in-state producers.

A 41-year-old Gowanda man who traveled across state lines to meet a teenage girl and her mother for sex has been sentenced to 70 months in pirson. Mark Miller pleaded guilty in November to Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct. Prosecutors say he was communicating with a person he believed was the mother of a 13-year-old girl and made arrangements to meet the girl and her mother to have sex with both of them. Last February, Miller traveled from Gowanda to Erie, then to New Waterford, Ohio, for the expected encounter.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr." will be performed at Fretz Middle School at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available at the door. For a preview, listen to Wednesday's LiveLine on 1490 WESB or online at WESB.com .

An employee of United Refining in Warren suffered minor burns in a small explosion at the refinery Saturday morning. The explosion was caused by a backflash in a heater unit and is not uncommon, according to company officials. The employee was wearing protective gear. He was treated at Warren General Hospital then released. There was minor damage to the heater unit. Company officials say some reports blew the incident out of proportion.