Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A former Chief of Staff has filed a sexual harassment complaint against former Congressman Eric Massa. An attorney for Joe Racalto would not give details of the complaint, filed with the Congressional Office of Compliance. Another male aide has also filed a complaint against Massa, who resigned last month.

Protesters rallied in front of U.S. Energy’s Getzville headquarters Friday to voice their opposition to the company’s plan to drill in Allegany State Park. The company owns mineral rights on 2,800 acres in the park, and wants to drill for oil and gas there. Protesters pointed to the company’s drilling activities in the Allegheny National Forest that was halted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection because of violations. DEP has since allowed drilling to resume. A company official says the violations were due to the actions of a subcontractor, who was immediately fired. Litigation is pending against the subcontractor.

By Greg Clark Pitt-Bradford Sports Information Matt Lee was a dual winner at the 2010 University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Awards Night on Friday. Lee, who is a senior men's tennis player from New Albany, took home the Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and the Male Panther Triangle of Success awards. Lee is currently 7-3 in singles and 4-6 in doubles going into the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Championships this weekend. The Female Athlete of the Year is senior volleyball player Tabitha Ryan of Albion. Ryan led the Lady Panthers with 625 digs and also had 13 aces in 82 games last fall. The Male Athlete of the Year is senior baseball player Bart McGary of Curwensville. McGary is currently leading the Panthers in hitting (.406) and RBIs (38), and also has eight doubles and two home runs in 28 games thus far. The Female Rookie of the Year is softball player Sarah Angeletti of Bethel Park. Angeletti is second on the team in average (.424), and ranks first in home runs with e...

Saturday at 9:15 a.m. on 1490 WESB -- Steve Feldman and Bridgette Wells will be talking about the third annual Bradford Mastercraft All-American Soap Box Derby. Sunday at 9:15 a.m. on 1490 WESB -- The Kids-for-Cash scandal in Luzerne County, including an interview with Judge John Cleland Sunday 9:25 a.m. on 1490 WESB -- Legislative Report with State Representative Marty Causer ~~~ On 100.1 The HERO, you can hear The Weekend Wrap starting at 6 a.m. Saturday.

More than three dozen students at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford were recognized for their academic achievements and contributions to campus life at the university’s annual Honors Convocation held Friday, April 16. Before the awards were given, Dr. Don Ulin, associate professor of English, gave the keynote address. Twenty-three students were named University Scholars, an honor given to juniors, seniors and students from the previous year’s graduating class who are or were in the top two percent of their class. Those named University Scholars who were 2009 graduates were Nikolai S. Alpatov, a computer science major from Warren; Debra J. Bell, a history-political science major from Shinglehouse; Stephanie Lynn Pascarella, a sociology and psychology major from Bradford; Marie A. Rucinski, a nursing major from St. Marys; Amanda Marie Shaw, an athletic training major from Warsaw, N.Y.; Jennifer L. Snow, a social studies education 7-12 major from...

Temporary traffic signals will be in place to control traffic during bridgework on Route 4004 (Rich Valley Road) near Emporium. On Tuesday, April 20, crews will begin repair work on a bridge in Shippen Township on Rich Valley Road near the high school. The temporary signals will enforce an alternating traffic pattern through the area. The bridgework will affect traffic on Rich Valley Road and Route 46. Work will include deck repair, beam painting, and abutment repair. PennDOT expects work on the bridge to continue through June. All work is weather dependent.

Roadway resurfacing work is set to start in late April on Route 219 along the “Bootjack” section of the highway, south of Ridgway. Weather permitting, Phase 1 of the project will begin on Monday, April 26. The first phase of the job will stretch from the Royal Drive-in to the truck bypass. PennDOT expects Phase 1 work to be complete in mid-May. Drivers can expect changing traffic patterns through the work zone, with flaggers in place. All work is currently scheduled to take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday. Phase 2 of the project will stretch north from the truck bypass to the intersection of Main and Depot Streets. Phase 2 will feature a traffic detour and PennDOT will provide a project update close to the beginning of that phase. Overall work will include guide rail updates, barrel replacement on the emergency truck runoffs, signage updates and roadway resurfacing. H.R.I. Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $920,000 job. PennDOT expects all work to be com...

Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean), a member of the Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, was honored to welcome 120 soldiers from Company C of the elite 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team to the new, state-of-the-art Bradford Readiness Center during Thursday's official ribbon cutting ceremony. "With approximately 15,000 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and Reserve proudly serving in extremely dangerous conditions both at home and around the globe, it is now more important than ever that we provide them with the best possible training facilities," said Rapp. "With a proud history dating back 260 years to Benjamin Franklin, the brave men and women that we are truly privileged to welcome to McKean County today continue to perform above and beyond the call of duty in America's ongoing war and peace time reconstruction efforts. Whether they're serving in a combat zone or delivering emergency relief for natural dis...

HARRISBURG – An osprey that had become tangled in bailer twine and caught in electric lines crossing over Cummings Creek Road in Nelson Township, Tioga County, was rescued from its high-wire snare, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Robert Minnich. “Employees from Penelec electric company did a great job getting the bird down for me,” WCO Minnich. “Once on the ground, I removed the twine and observed the bird for several minutes checking the leg and foot. No major injuries were found, only a few abrasions and the leg was weak. “After working the leg slowly, the osprey eventually strengthened and was opening and closing its talons. When it flew away, I noticed that the leg was hanging a little lower than the other leg, but fine otherwise.” WCO Minnich returned to the scene on April 12, and found both birds were around the nest site. “One was sitting in the nest and the other one was sitting on another electric pole eating a fish,” Minnich said. “I...

Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Kristoffer Krebs is looking for information about the individual or individuals responsible for the illegal killing and dumping of nine porcupines in Lycoming Township, Lycoming County. On April 5, the Game Commission Northcentral Region Office was contacted by a Lycoming Township employee regarding numerous porcupines that were placed at the recycling bin at the township building on Dauber Road. “Carcasses of nine porcupines were placed in front of the recycling bin sometime over the Easter weekend,” WCO Krebs said. “All of the animals had been shot, and one was still alive at the time of the call. That animal had to be euthanized. “Eight of the carcasses were whole and one was skinned. It is possible that the skinned carcass was utilized for consumption. We would like to request that anyone with information please contact the Northcentral Region Office at 570-398-4744.” Krebs noted...

A St. Marys man backed his pickup truck over his wife and killed her this morning. In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, St. Marys City Police say 70-year-old John Erich stopped the truck on Erie Avenue to let his wife, 71-year-old Jean Erich, out of the passenger side. Jean walked to the back of the truck and started crossing the street when John backed up and hit her. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Elk County Coroner Lou Radkowski. Police were assisted at the scene by the Crystal Fire Department, St. Marys Area Ambulance Service and District Attorney Bradley Kraus.

Star Hose Company in Port Allegany has received a $19,000 grant from FEMA, under the Department of Homeland Security. This is the 11th round of grants awarded for fiscal year 2009 in the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

A campuswide Eco-Fest celebrating Earth Week is planned for the week of April 19-24 at St. Bonaventure University. A number of events are being co-sponsored by the Recycling Club, BonaVoyageurs, BonaResponds, Voices and the Sustainability Coordinating Committee. Scheduled activities run from Monday, April 19, through Saturday, April 24, concluding with an Eco-Fest Fair on April 24. The week begins with the talk “Energy Conversation” given by Philip Winger, associate vice president for facilities, at 7 p.m. April 19 in Dresser Auditorium of the John J. Murphy Professional Building. Participants will be encouraged to reduce power consumption, open blinds for natural light and turn off power switches in empty rooms. A coffeehouse and Recycled-Craft Fair will occur the evening of Wednesday, April 21, in the Thomas Merton Center. Fair Trade coffee will be served. (Fair Trade principles include fair price, fair labor conditions and direct trade.) Participants at the craft fair will be enco...

The Derby Gala is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 4:30pm – 8 pm at the Bradford Club. This is the third event of the Triple Crown to support our Bradford Area Public Library Endowment Fund. This event will conclude the series of events supporters of BAPL have held this spring, which included the Kids Derby Day in February and the Derby Chapeau Tea held in March. All three events intent was to bring awareness of the benefits of our public library and to encourage ongoing patronage to keep the Endowment Fund strong. In May 2009, the inaugural Derby Gala was held. Mr. Richard Dorn suggested to the board they develop a good fundraiser, to be an annual event and great fun to attendees. By coinciding with the Kentucky Derby, the board has accomplished this goal. “The first year was financially successful,” commented Madeline Miles, “but best of all, people had fun and wanted to do it again.” The highlights include delicious southern cuisine, the memorable hat parade, watchin...

Summer is just around the corner and the historic downtown business district is busy preparing for its summer event season. The Downtown Bradford Business District Authority is again hoping to be able to purchase hanging baskets for the historic Main Street area. "We are looking for donations for individual baskets, which we have done in previous years,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. Donations can be made by businesses, individuals and organizations. They can also be made in honor or in memory of someone. Each donor will be recognized with a certificate of appreciation for their part in the project. A long time sponsor, the Betty Jane Monjar Garden Committee is again helping financially with the event. “The Garden Committee has always been very supportive and helpful with this program. Their generosity will again provide for some of the baskets in our historic area,” added Dolan. More than 50 hanging baskets are needed to complete the project. The hanging baskets are part...

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday in the SBU Rathskeller, the latest installment of WSBU Radio’s free concert series. Formed in Springfield, Mo., in 1999, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin independently released its critically acclaimed debut album, “Broom,” in 2002. Recorded in songwriter and guitarist Will Knauer’s house in Springfield over eight months in 2002, Broom received positive reviews from Spin Magazine and helped them land a spot with the Polyvinyl Record Co. Polyvinyl reissued “Broom” in 2006 with polished and re-mastered recordings of the songs. The band released its sophomore album, “Pershing,” in 2008. “Pershing” featured a more polished and refined sound, but continues the pop melodies and catchy hooks found on Broom. Rock band Arctic Death, from East Aurora, will open the show. This free show is open to the public.

Fire damaged a Ridgway house this afternoon. State police say the fire on Harbridge Drive moderately damaged the single story wood-framed building at about 4 o’clock. Residents James and Rebecca Newlon were not hurt, but can’t live in the house. The Red Cross is assisting them. Fire marshal Greg Agosti has ruled the fire accidental.

Last month we told you about a man’s journey from Ellicottville to California – on foot – to raise money and awareness for veteran’s charities. Mark Klodzinski started his journey March 16, and stopped in Bradford at around 2 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. Now, he’s Washington, DC. One of the charities he's trying to raise money for is the Warrior's Wish Foundation, which is the first non-profit Wish-Granting Organization exclusively serving US Veterans who are battling terminal illness or facing challenges from service connected injury. Klodzinski has one brother on active duty in the Army, and another who has retired. Both served in Iraq. For updates on his journey, you can become a fan on Facebook .

An inmate at FCI-McKean has pleaded guilty to having contraband in prison. After the plea, 37-year-old Reginald Carter was sentenced to 15 months in prison in addition to the 150 months he was already serving. The US Attorney’s office says on January 11 Carter had a weapon, described as an eight-inch piece of wood sharpened to a point. http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/pr/2010_april/2010_04_15_01.html

Three Jamestown Community College students have been charged with disorderly conduct in connection with a fight at St. Bonaventure University. Four St. Bonaventure men's basketball players were charged last week with harassment and disorderly conduct after an investigation of the March 21 fight, where two JCC students were stabbed with a screwdriver. The latest charges are against 20-year-old James Chatmon of Olean and 20-year-old Rameek Boyd of New Rochelle. They were both stabbed. 19-year-old Travis Wright Jr. of Olean was also charged. They played basketball for JCC, but Chatmon had been dismissed from the team for academic reasons. All the charges in the case are violations, below the level of a misdemeanor.

Cavallaro Paint & Decorating/JC Penney Catalog is hosting a Business After Hours event from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at 12 Kennedy Street, Bradford, PA. Business After Hours (BAH) events give the business and professional community an opportunity to come together in a relaxed, social setting for networking. Cavallaro Paint & Decorating/JC Penney Catalog is pleased to invite BAH attendees to join them in celebrating their first anniversary in business. Held as part of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce 2010 BAH series, the event is open to all area businesses and organizations. Refreshments are included; there is no charge to attend. A business card drawing will be held for a door prize. The BACC membership committee is committed to presenting quality opportunities for regional business and service organizations to meet and share experiences.

Pirates Charities, the philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Pirates low class-A affiliate West Virginia Power announced today that they will partner to raise funds to benefit the Montcoal Mining Disaster Fund by collecting donations from fans during each team’s respective home game on Saturday, April 17. The fund has been established to help support the families of the 29 fallen miners who tragically passed away in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, West Virginia on April 5. Montcoal is located just 45 miles south of the Power’s Charleston, West Virginia home. Pirates players and Pirates Charities representatives will be stationed at all PNC Park entrances beginning at 5:30 p.m. when gates open and staff will remain at the gates to collect donations until the end of the third inning. Fans wishing to make contributions after the third inning can visit the Main Guest Relations office located on the Main Concourse behind section 117. In addition, Pirate...

McKean County’s participation rate for returning Census forms is 76 percent. That’s better than the statewide rate of 72 percent. The City of Bradford’s return rate is 71 percent. Bradford Township is 85 percent. Foster Township is 81 percent. Lewis Run is at 71 percent. Other townships in the county range from 44 percent to 87 percent. Other boroughs range from 65 percent to 81 percent. Cattaraugus County has a participation rate of 66 percent. Chautauqua County is 70 percent. In other neighboring counties, Warren County’s rate is 63 percent. Elk County’s is 81 percent. Residents who have not received a Census form by mail may call 1-866-872-6868. The Census calculates population, which is a determining factor in receiving federal grant money, and on representation in Congress. Some McKean County townships and their Census participation rates: Norwich 44 Corydon 58 Lafayette 76 Liberty 76 Otto 76 Eldred Twp. 79 Wetmore 87 Some McKean County boroughs and their Census participation rate...

State Senator Richard A. Kasunic (D-Fayette/Somerset) today proposed Senate Resolution 300, calling for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to return to its past practice of holding separate doe and buck seasons. “Over the last few years, many hunters approached me with one complaint, all of them are seeing fewer deer during season,” Kasunic said. “These hunters are deeply concerned with the Game Commission’s deer management plan and the decreasing population of deer throughout the Commonwealth.” Kasunic said, a recent report showed that the state’s white tailed deer population dropped by 25 percent between 2005 and 2007. He said continuing the current management plan would only further reduce the herd. “It is time for the Game Commission to listen to sportsmen in the field and ensure our wildlife resources -- not only for this generation, but for future generations as well.” “Hunting is a great Pennsylvania tradition,” Kasunic said. “The sport has a $4.8 billion annual economic impact. W...

“Cabaret,” winner of 12 Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Revival, is bringing its energy and famous songs to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Bromeley Family Theater on Thursday, April 29, as the final performance in the university’s 2009-2010 Prism Series. The show, performed by Windwood Theatricals, begins at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-show dinner at 5:45. Tickets are $36 and $30 for the public, $32 and $26 for Pitt-Bradford faculty and staff, and $16 and $13 for students. “Windwood Theatricals is an excellent touring company. They have brought us ‘Urban Cowboy,’ ‘Little Women’ and ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ all first-rate productions,” said Randy Mayes, director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford. “They love performing in Bradford, and we love having them back.” Mayes continued, “Of all the shows, however, ‘Cabaret’ is my favorite, and I am very excited about it coming here. From the results on their tour so far, we have every right to be excited about this show. I cannot t...

Route 60 in Pomfret, known as 3-Legged Hill, has just re-opened after being closed for more than 13 hours. The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office tells WESB and The HERO that a tanker was hauling a full load of gasoline when it left the road and rolled over at around 12:40 a.m. We'll have more information about the accident, and the cleanup, when it becomes available.

Johnsonburg motorists will be looking at changing traffic patterns as work continues on the Route 219 bypass project. Local and neighborhood traffic on West Center Street will be affected during daylight hours, as the contractor works on installing deck pans on the new bridge over West Center Street. Traffic will be stopped in 15-minute intervals and delays will occur. Flaggers will be in place to control traffic. This traffic pattern will be in place for approximately one week.

Express Version: No changes from last week, or the previous week. But if you want to refresh your memory: PennDOT issues the following travel update for the Route 219/Bradford Bypass project in McKean County. This update is for the week of April 19. All work is weather and schedule dependent. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $28 million job. · Northbound traffic is sharing a lane with southbound traffic, separated by temporary concrete barrier from Mill Street to north of Hillside Drive. · Northbound ramps at Foster Brook Interchange are closed. Traffic is to follow the posted detours. · Tuna Crossroads (T-369) is closed for bridge demolition. Traffic is to follow the posted detours. · The Tuna Valley Trail access at Bolivar Drive is closed due to bridgework. Trail access is still available at Crook Farms and Seward Avenue side of Tuna Crossroads. · Northbound access at Kendall Avenue remains open. · Access at Hillside Drive is restricted from Route...

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, Fredonia Fire and Chautauqua County HazMAt are on the scene of a tractor trailer roll over accident on Route 60 in Pomfret, known as 3-Legged Hill. The tanker was hauling a full load of gasoline when it left the road and rolled over. Route 60 has been shut down and will continue to be closed until further notice. Trafffic is being re-routed around the scene, via Spoden Road.

Yard / Bake Sale April 24, 2010 8am – 1pm Austin Fire Hall, Austin, PA All proceeds benefit Sophia Cizek, 8 month old daughter of Scott and Jessica Flory Cizek diagnosed with leukemia. Donations accepted at Austin United Methodist Church. from Mike Healy

“It is disappointing that the New York City-controlled Senators today staged a phony press event, instead of obeying state law and advancing the state budget process. The state budget now is two weeks late, yet the New York City leaders who control the Senate and Assembly and their members have packed up, left Albany and gone home, instead of following the law that requires public Conference Committees to hammer out an agreement. We need serious, bipartisan, open Conference Committee meetings between members of both houses, as the law requires, instead of their continued secret meetings between downstate leaders. Every person in this state is affected by the state budget, and the public has the right to know what their government is doing. Last year, those who currently control the Senate and Assembly deliberately hid their record-shattering tax and spending hikes behind closed doors until the budget bills were brought to the floor for a vote. By that time, ...

A DuBois man who attacked his mother and stepfather with a box cutter has pleaded guilty but mentally ill. 51-year-old Michael Lannigan was then sentenced to 30 years in state prison on two counts of aggravated assault. The charges stem from an incident in March of 2009 when Lanigan repeatedly attacked his mother, Olivette Fogg, and stepfather, James Fogg. Before sentencing, Lanigan's mother explained that her son has been under psychiatric care since he was 30 and is schizophrenic. She said he didn’t take his medication on the night of the attack. She said Lanigan was hallucinating and thought he was attacking a dragon.

WASHINGTON- Today, President Obama nominated Donald J. Cazayoux, Pamela Cothran Marsh, Zane David Memeger, Peter J. Smith, Edward L. Stanton III, John F. Walsh and Stephen R. Wiggington to serve as U.S. Attorneys. “For their diligence and relentless pursuit of justice, I have named these seven distinguished individuals to serve as U.S. Attorneys,” President Obama said. “They all possess a keen understanding of the law, and I am grateful for their commitment to public service and willingness to advocate on behalf of the American people.” Zane David Memeger: Nominee for United States Attorney, Eastern District of Pennsylvania Zane Memeger is currently a Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP where he has been since 2006. Previously, Mr. Memeger had served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, from 1995 until 2006. From 1991 until 1995, Mr. Memeger was an Associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP...

Thomas R. Bromeley of Derrick City, who has served as the chairman of the Bradford Educational Foundation for nearly 20 years, will receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction, the university’s highest honor. “This award is a fitting tribute to a man who has made monumental contributions to Pitt-Bradford and the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “During his 20 years of service as chairman of the foundation, Mr. Bromeley shepherded the distribution of millions of dollars in support of scholarships for students at Pitt-Bradford and in support of construction projects and academic programs. His impact on our campus is immeasurable.” Bromeley will receive the award during the university’s annual commencement exercises, which will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 2, in the KOA Arena of the Sport and Fitness Center. Bromeley said of the honor, “I am overwhelmed and deeply honored to be included in the rank...

Warren and Jefferson counties have received grant money to help clean up Brownfield sites that will eventually lead to the creation of nearly 1,000 jobs. In Warren County, $172,000 is going toward pre-development work for the seven-acre Warren West Industrial Site. The site currently contains a number of abandoned and blighted industrial buildings that have caused environmental problems and had a negative impact on the surrounding community. “This grant will enable those eyesores to be removed so that the site can be developed to accommodate a minimum of 100,000 square feet of new construction,” said Senator Joe Scarnati in announcing the grants. “It will be marketed to industrial and manufacturing companies, and is expected to directly employ between 75 and 100 people.” In Jefferson County, $30,000 will go toward a preliminary site analysis for the development of a business park in Pine Creek Township. The 140-acre Brownfield site is at Exit 81 off Interstate 80 and Route 28. It is de...

Health Care Reform Law is Unconstitutional We can all agree that health care reform is necessary. As Pennsylvania's attorney general, I have made health care a priority. In 2009 alone, the attorney general's Health Care Section assisted more than 4,700 consumers and saved Pennsylvanians more than $4.2 million. In addition to providing such direct services to consumers, I believe we must work together in a bipartisan fashion to develop legislative solutions instead of engaging in mere rhetoric. I believe we need meaningful health care reform in this country and that Pennsylvanians deserve access to quality health care. However, it is my belief that the Health Care Reform law as written is unconstitutional, and Congress has exceeded its authority by requiring citizens to purchase government-approved health insurance. Those who fail to comply with the mandate will be punished with an annual tax penalty. This analysis is shared by my colleagues who have joined me in filing a lawsui...

Another teenager is facing charges for attempting to sell prescription pills to students at Pioneer Central School. Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies say 18-year-old Zachary Foreman took 48 Adderall pills to school on Monday and attempted to sell them to other students. He’s in Cattaraugus County Jail on $1,500 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. Earlier this month, a student that deputies didn't identify was charged with selling Adderall to another student. Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. That student is being held in a facility in Buffalo. That same week, deputies arrested 17-year-old Anthony Calcaterra of Chaffee, New York, at the school on two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Autopsies have confirmed that a Brockway couple was shot to death. Jefferson County Coroner Bernard Snyder says Victoria Shugar died of a gunshot wound to the trunk, and her husband James Shugar died of gunshot wounds to the neck and trunk. Both were 61 years old and were found in their home Monday afternoon. State police are saying only that the couple died sometime between Saturday afternoon and Monday at about 2:30 p.m. when their bodies were found.

Bradford City Council on Tuesday approved the sale of 57 Sherman Street to Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Hull. The property is currently in the McKean County Tax Repository. The vacant house that used to be on the property was destroyed by fire on March 10. The Bradford Area School Board approved the $400 sale during its meeting Monday night. Council also agreed to pay Bob Cummins Construction $3,642 from the OECD’s 2009 Community Development Block Grant Project Account as a reimbursement for payment of landfill disposal costs for the demolition of 300 South Avenue and 49 West Corydon Street. Council also accepted a quote from 6-V Excavation, Demolition and Tree Removal for the demolition of 69 West Corydon Street. The company submitted the lowest of three quotes -- $7,100. Part of the money -- $4,100 – will come from the city’s Emergency Demolition Account. The rest will come from the 2009 CDBG Project Account. As for new houses, the city has executed a sale agreement for 55 Cole Avenue with Jo...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Kennedy Street Bridge will be replaced this year, but other road and bridge projects are up in air. During a public hearing Tuesday on Community Development Block Grant proposed activities, OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews said she had hoped to add at least the Elm Street Bridge to the list of proposed activities in the three-year plan. CDBG money is federal funding from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, but the city also needs state money to help pay for road and bridge projects. Andrews said the state’s Transportation Improvement Program isn’t taking on any new projects. She said the state was counting on money from the tolling of Interstate 80, but “funding for transportation is all up in the air because the state now has to come up with a plan to fund transportation projects – bridges and roads – and at this point in time I don’t believe they have a plan.” Last week, the Federal Highway Administration denied the Pen...

A new Mexican restaurant is coming to town, with a new owner. Jeremy Callinan has entered into a lease agreement with the City of Bradford for 109 Main Street, the location of the former La Herradura restaurant. After Tuesday’s Bradford City Council meeting, Callinan said he hopes to have the restaurant opened this summer. “I’m sure that’ll make a lot of people happy,” said Mayor Tom Riel after Callinan told council it would be a Mexican restaurant. Councilman Jim Evans seconded, "with enthusiasm," the motion to enter into the lease agreement. “If he can cook,” joked Councilman Rick Benton. “Yes, depending on if you can cook Mexican, Jeremy,” Evans said. “If I was doing the cooking,” Callinan said, “it would be macaroni and cheese and hot dogs.” “No hot dogs,” joked Riel, whose wife owns Bradford Texas Hot. “We’re pleased to hear that Jeremy’s looking at opening a new restaurant there,” said OECD Executive Director Sara Andrews. “We’ve been working really hard to renovate the...

The Bradford City Fire Department’s central station will be staying right where it is for now. The department received an “unofficial official” reply concerning the fire station grant application, according to Bradford City Councilman Ross Neidich. “It doesn’t look like we’re going to be receiving the funding through the federal government (to build a new fire station),” Neidich said during Tuesday’s council meeting. “I guess we’re just going to have to make due with what we have.” The fire department was hoping for the federal grant to help pay for the $6.4 million "green" fire station they want to build. Back in June, Fire Chief Boo Coder said renovating the current fire station is not an option. "That station is 106 years old. It was built for horses. It wasn't built for fire trucks," Coder said during a June 23, 2009, council meeting. "We've renovated to the point where we can't go any farther. Now when we buy a fire truck or a piece of fire equ...

Autopsies are being performed on a Brockway couple found dead in their home Monday afternoon. Jefferson County Coroner Bernard Snyder says he may release the findings tonight. James and Victoria Shugar, who were both 61, died sometime between Saturday afternoon and 2:30 Monday afternoon. Police and Snyder have not released information on a probable cause of death.

A Corry man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for making child pornography and keeping it on his computer. 52-year-old Mark Brecker was sentenced this afternoon in federal court in Erie. U.S. District Judge Sean J. McLaughlin said any lesser sentence would pose a danger to children. Brecker admitted he exploited a one-and-a-half-year-old child between August and October 2008 and filmed the abuse.

Under questioning from state Senator Don White (R-41), Acting Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley today pledged to keep Pennsylvania's 117 state parks open this summer. Senator White secured the commitment during a public hearing held by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Quigley's nomination to serve as DCNR Secretary. "I am pleased to receive assurance that Pennsylvania's state parks will be kept open this summer. These parks belong to the citizens of the Commonwealth and should not be used as bargaining chips in budget negotiations," Senator White said. "Neither our parks nor the individuals and groups that enjoy them should ever be used as pawns to promote a political agenda." Last year, Acting Secretary Quigley unveiled a list of 50 state parks that could be closed as a result of a budget impasse. Today, the Acting Secretary stated that resources are available to keep all 117 parks open, ev...

OLEAN -- Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball, America's largest outdoor basketball tournament, will be held in Olean August 20-22, 2010. The 3-day event will be organized and will benefit both the Olean High School Sports Booster and the Olean City School District Foundation. The next organizational meeting for this year’s event will be held Tuesday, April 20 at the Milo’s Village Green, 311 North Union Street in Olean from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. The committee is looking for people to assist in the planning and development of this community event. The tournament is open to players of all ages and experience levels who are computer-matched by age, height and experience so that all participants can be competitive. The event, first held in Lowell, Michigan in 1974, is a family festival with food and music along with the basketball competition held on the streets near downtown Olean. For more details or if you wish to attend the meeting, please contact John Irving at 397-8223 or Meme K. Yanetsk...

An art auction will be held April 17 at the Coudersport Consistory to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Sweden Valley Manor, and the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, the event will feature an art preview at 6 p.m. with the auction starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 which includes admission and hors d’oeuvres. The auction, by Marlin Art, will feature a variety of art in all media and price ranges including contemporary, African American, sports, Americana, Southwestern, seascapes, impressionism, Judaic, wildlife, primitive, and children. Ticket holders may make requests for specific genres. Art can also be purchased online; if patrons use the code 63320 upon checkout, proceeds will be credited toward the event. For more information, visit www.marlinart.com . For tickets or more information on the auction, call Phyllis Glinkowski, 274-9301, ext. 1395; Rachel Forsythe, 274-9301, ext. 1436; Barb Kiel, 554-731...

Advance directives information will be available Anyone age 18 and older can benefit executing an advance directive for healthcare choices if they become unable to speak for themselves. In Pennsylvania, competent patients have the right to decide whether to accept, reject or discontinue medical care and treatment. To bring awareness during National Healthcare Decisions Day on Friday, April 16, Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) Social Services staff will answer questions and offer printed information from 9 a.m. to noon in the hospital’s Outpatient Services Center lobby. “We’ll have a table set up in the lobby and pass out advance directive booklets and forms that comply with Pennsylvania law,” says Karen Gelston, LSW, Social Services director. “By creating an advance directive, you are making your preferences about medical care known before you’re faced with a serious injury or illness,” says Mrs. Gelston. “This will spare your loved ones the stress of making decisions about ...

OLEAN -- The 39th Annual Greater Olean Area Home and Garden Show welcomed more than 4,800 visitors April 9-11 (about two hundred more attendees than last year). Eighty-five vendors were on hand to display and demonstrate products from hot tubs, to gardening and landscaping supplies, along with heating and cooling systems. The event, hosted by Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, was co-sponsored by their thirty-eight corporate sponsors. The vendors at the Home and Garden Show were enrolled in a contest for “Best Booth” based on neatness, presentation, props, information, and theme-related. The theme this year is “Go GREEN, Save GREEN.” Winners for 2010 Greater Olean Area Home and Garden Show go to FIRST PLACE - Wayne Companies, SECOND PLACE - Landworks, THIRD PLACE - Creekside Fabrics. The winners of the Times Herald/Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Home Depot of Olean Home Show Door Prizes were GRAND PRIZE -- GE Washer and Dryer --- Donna Root, Bradford, ...

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Chamber Chat on April 27th, from 5-6:30 pm at the Sports Café, 48 Davis Street, Union Square, Bradford. This informal meeting provides an opportunity for new, potential, and current members of the Chamber to network and share business information. Chamber staff and board members will present an informational update on membership benefits, and are available to answer questions. The event is sponsored by Chambers of Commerce Service Corporation. There is no charge to attend. Refreshments are provided. Cash bar available. Contact the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce at 814-368-7115 or e-mail info@bradfordchamber.com with any questions or to make a reservation. Reservations are requested.

The Association for Information Systems has granted the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford a founding charter as one of 59 original student chapters. AIS is the world’s premier community for information systems educators, researchers and professionals. It sponsors 33 special-interest groups on research and teaching, 24 national and regional chapters, four international conferences and a number of academic journals. “As a chartered student chapter, AIS UPB will take advantage of the resources, structure and support of AIS to serve the students and the community in Bradford,” said Dr. Ken Wang, assistant professor of computer information systems and technology and advisor for the new club. Wang said that possible projects for the club include providing information technology services to students, the entire campus and the Bradford community, and providing extra-curricular training for students, including workshops and seminars on recent topics in IT,...

Brian Lee Weakland, author of the “Rivers of Pittsburgh” mystery trilogy, which features McKean County landmarks, will speak Tuesday, April 20, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The free program will start at 7 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Co-sponsors are the Friends of Hanley Library and the Friends of the Bradford Area Public Library. Weakland will discuss his approach to writing and how McKean County’s landmarks and people inspired his “Rivers of Pittsburgh” mystery trilogy. His fast-paced novels include mystery, intrigue, unforgettable characters and a strong “sense of place,” said Dr. Holly J. Spittler, president of the Friends of Hanley Library and associate dean of student affairs. His first novel of the trilogy, “Tonight in the Rivers of Pittsburgh,” is based on the Monongahela River, but many scenes are set in northwest Pennsylvania and McKean County. Cyril Wecht, former Allegheny County coroner and nationally-known forensi...

The Kinzua East KOA Campground, located at Kinzua Heights Route 59 in Bradford, will be opening for the 2010 camping season on April 15. The KOA is one of 475 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds now in the Kampgrounds of America system in the United States and Canada. “The Kinzua East KOA is a great example of the wonderful facilities we have available for campers across North America,” said KOA CEO Jim Rogers. “We pride ourselves in finding just the right locations with just the right people to wear our familiar yellow shirts. Camping at a KOA is now a true experience for your family.” Last summer, despite economic challenges, a record number of campers enjoyed KOA campgrounds. “A lot of campers are discovering that they have a great KOA right in their own backyards,” Rogers said. “We want to encourage everyone to come on out this spring and give this KOA a try. It’s a fantastic, affordable way to reconnect with your family and friends and make the best possible use of your limited fre...

Fifteen years after the Oklahoma City bombing, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow will bring viewers the inside story on the deadliest terror attack of the 20th century on U.S. soil. The two-hour special airing at 9 p.m. Monday — called “The McVeigh Tapes: Confessions of an American Terrorist” — includes excerpts from 45 hours of never-before-released interview audiotapes recorded during Timothy McVeigh’s prison stay by Buffalo News reporters Dan Herbeck, SBU class of 1978, and Lou Michel. All of the original notes taken by Herbeck and Michel, and some letters written by McVeigh, were donated by the reporters to St. Bonaventure University’s archives this year for scholarly research. Copies of their audiotapes are also housed in the archives. The film’s closing credits will acknowledge the university. The materials were the foundation of the reporters’ book “American Terrorist: Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing,” published in 2001. The New York Daily News called the book “an important c...