Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The Port Allegany High School marching band won first place in Class A at the 31st Annual Autumn Classic at Parkway Field on Saturday. They also won best music and best visual in Class A. Congratulations to all the bands for putting on a great show, and thanks to the Marching Owls Boosters, and everyone else involved, for putting so much work into this wonderful event. more video and pictures coming soon

An early morning fire did a quarter of a million dollars worth of damage to the Homestead Hotel building in Cameron County. The fire was reported at just before 7 o’clock Saturday morning. Multiple fire departments from Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties responded. The building owned by John Price of New Bethlehem was severely damaged from combustion and collapse of the upper floors. The building was vacant at the time and there were no injuries. State police and the Emporium Fire Department are continuing their investigation.

Two juveniles are accused of starting a fire that damaged a Summer Street home Saturday morning. Bradford City firefighters were called at 11:45 a.m. to an unoccupied 2-story house at 64 Summer. In a fax sent to WESB and The HERO, state police fire marshal Greg Agosti says the fire originated outside of the house at the rear of the building. “Two known juveniles from Bradford, PA, were found to be responsible for intentionally ignited the fire,” Agosti said. “Quick action taken by a concerned neighbor kept damage to a minimum.” There were no injuries. The Bradford City Fire Department and Bradford City Police, along with Agosti, conducted the investigation, which is continuing. At this time, they don’t know who owns the building.

A taxi driver ended up in the hospital after a man assaulted him and tried to rob him early Thursday morning. In an e-mail to WESB and The HERO, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies say 22-year-old Jordan Stebbins of Portville got in an Alle-Catt Cab in Olean and wanted to go to the Crosby’s in Hinsdale. When the driver, 59-year-old Vernon Outman, stopped the cab in the Crosby's parking lot, Stebbins punched him several times in the face and head. During the assault, the taxi accelerated through the parking lot and hit a canopy beam covering the gas pumps. Stebbins then tried unsuccessfully to rob Outman of his money. Outman was treated at Olean General Hospital for cuts to his face and head, and had to have stitches on his upper lip. He was released after being treated. Stebbins was arrested for assault and attempted robbery and sent to jail in lieu of $20,000. Deputies say more charges are possible.

PennDOT has scheduled painting for the Bolivar Drive bridge early next month. The painting will be Saturday, October 2, and Sunday, October 3. Bolivar Drive under Route 219 will be closed on those days. Motorists will follow the posted detour using East Main Street, Kendall Avenue and Seaward Avenue.

Current Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards has decided he’ll be Carl Paladino’s running mate, and he’s already taken a shot at Andrew Cuomo. This is Edwards' first campaign statement since he won the September 14 Republican primary for lieutenant governor. At that time, his running mate was Rick Lazio, who lost the Republican primary but won the Conservative Party’s nomination. Until today Edwards, who won both the Republican and Conservative nominations, hadn’t said who he’d be running with. Also today, he said Cuomo’s current TV ad criticizing Paladino's private business is desperate and misleading. The ad faults Paladino for securing $10 million a year in leases from the state and for getting a $1.4 million tax break. "Andrew Cuomo and the Democrat Party are smearing Carl Paladino's successful career and record as a businessman in an attempt to distract the voters," Edwards said in a news release sent to WESB and The HERO by the Paladino campaign. "T...

John H. Yerdon, 65, of 648 East Main Street, passed away Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 at Hamot Medical Center in Erie. Born September 27, 1944, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Harold J. and Dorothy (Sprout) Yerdon. On August 20, 1988 in the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford he married Valerie Kilhofer who survives. He was a 1962 graduate of Bradford High School. He worked at various businesses in the Bradford area, including Kendall Refining Company and also worked for Prudential Insurance Company. For the last 25 years, he worked in the sales department at Fairway Ford. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, The Jaycees, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles and The Italian American Progressive Club. He also volunteered his time with Special Olympics, the Disabled Veterans Triathlon and was a member and past president of the Don Raabe Big 30 All Star Charities Classic. In addition to his wife of 22 years, he is survived by a daughter, Tammy (Eric) Mersing of Oakdale; a ...

Nearly $100,000 has been raised to benefit the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh through the Scarnati 100 Ride, and donations continue to come in, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). Scarnati organized the second annual three-day, 100-mile bike ride, which took place between Friday, September 17 and September 19 – beginning in Gettysburg and ending in Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville. "This was a great event for a very worthy charity that is near and dear to my heart." Scarnati said. "I'm grateful to the riders who donated their time, and those who contributed money to Children's Hospital, which serves so many kids and families in need. It's a wonderful example of how we can all give back to the community and assist this health care facility in continuing its standard of excellence in pediatric care." Those who would like to make a contribution to the Scarnati 100 may send donations to Children's Hospital of Pittsbu...

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’S office and New York State Parole are looking for a Kennedy man in connection with incidents that happened overnight on Wednesday. Investigators say 29-year-old Darrell Lowers may be armed with a knife and should be considered dangerous. They ddidn’t elaborate on the incidents, other than to say Lowers is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning. Anyone with information on Lowers’ whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.

A 17-year-old Weedville boy is dead after an accident at 3:20 this afternoon on Route 255 at Grant Street in Byrnedale. State police didn’t release the boy's name. They say his 1994 Cadillac went off the road, up an embankment and went airborne before rolling twice, which threw the boy out of the car. The car landed on its roof. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene by Chief Deputy Coroner Robert Sorg.

The man accused of kidnapping and raping a woman in the Allegheny National Forest has pleaded guilty to weapons and other charges in Canada. 35-year-old Mike Beaulieu of Anson, Maine, is charged with illegally possessing a firearm, illegally crossing the border and possession of a controlled substance in that country. He’s scheduled for sentencing on October 27. While Beaulieu remains jailed in Canada, the U.S. Marshals Service is acting as a liaison between Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Pennsylvania State Police and other law enforcement agencies involved in the case that started August 3 at the Kinzua Point Information Center. Beaulieu is accused of tying up a man with rope and duct tape, kidnapping his girlfriend at gunpoint, then taking her to the Red Bridge area of McKean County and sexually assaulting her.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold its annual Alumni and Family Weekend Oct. 1-3 with several events open to the general public. Those include a career networking luncheon, nursing seminar and annual block party and vendor fair. The weekend gets underway Friday, Oct. 1, with a nursing seminar presented by Tamra Minnier ’81, chief quality officer for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For more information on the seminar, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Bromeley Family Theater, contact the Division of Continuing Education and Regional Development at (814)362-5078 or e-mail reach@pitt.edu . Also on Friday, a career networking luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons, where a panel of professionals who are Pitt-Bradford alumni will share insights and advice on successful careers. Panel members are Lorenzo Newsome ’84, president and chief investment officer for Xavier C...

A situation last night in Wilcox, where several state police troopers were called, involved a person with a mental health issue and was resolved without incident, according to state police.

It's not just you. Down Right Now.com and Down for Everyone or Just Me.com are both reporting that Facebook is experiencing service disruptions. The Facebook developer site says "We will provide an update when either the issue is resolved or we have an ETA for resolution."

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford nursing alumna and UPMC executive Tami Minnier will return to her alma mater to present a conference on “Fixing Healthcare the Nursing Way.” Minnier’s presentation, which can be counted for six continuing education units, is part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the Pitt-Bradford nursing program during Alumni and Family Weekend. The program will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. The cost is $25 for the public and $15 for alumni. Lunch is included. Minnier, who is the chief quality officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, will give an overview of quality in healthcare and a review of innovative nurse-driven changes. During the afternoon session, Minnier will introduce the Toyota Production System and its lessons that can be translated to a health care setting through an interactive production exercise using teams to build with Legos....

A Bradford couple is in jail after allegedly breaking into a South Avenue house early this morning. 24-year-old Michael Schoonover and 23-year-old Amanda Ayers are accused of breaking into an unoccupied home at 246 South Avenue at about 5:30 this morning. Police got a call from a witness who saw the couple force open a door and go inside. When police got to the house, they heard someone barricading the door from the inside, according to papers faxed to WESB and The HERO by District Judge Bill Todd. Police then went in another door, searched the house and found Schoonover, who they say was intoxicated. Police found a crow bar near the found door, and fresh pry marks that matched the size of the crow bar. They say Schoonover also had a flashlight and muscle relaxers that he didn’t have a prescription for, according to court papers. Schoonover told police that he and Ayers wanted to see what was in the house because they needed some items like dishes, according to court papers. Police sea...

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) was honored today as one of the “Best of Congress” by Working Mother Media and Corporate Voices for Working Families. Senator Casey was one of 30 Members recognized for having family-friendly policies in their offices and being one of the best Members to employ working moms. “Mothers are the backbones of families and I have nothing but great respect and admiration for moms who both work and take care of their families,” said Senator Casey. “It is both humbling and a great honor to be recognized as a Member of Congress who provides some of the best conditions in his office for working moms.” The award spotlights Congressional excellence in supporting working families through legislation and advocacy. It also recognizes those members of Congress who practice what they preach – employing family-friendly policies in their own offices. This is the second time that Working Mothers Media and Corporate Voices for Working Families have compiled a li...

PA CleanWays of McKean County and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department are participating in the federal Drug Enforcement Agency’s “National Drug Take Back Program.” In McKean County, people can take unwanted medications to the Penn State Extension Office in Smethport from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. In Cattaraugus County, people can go to the county office building parking lot in Olean, and the Salamanca or Gowanda municipal buildings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. No pre-registration is necessary. The agencies are holding the drug take back program because people are flushing the drugs down the toilet, and they’re showing up in water sources, and because of the increase in illegal use of prescription medications by young people.

Two people waived their preliminary hearings on drug charges Wednesday, while charges against another person were bound to court. 30-year-old Michael Cary is facing charges of possession with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance. He’s accused of selling 5 oxycodone pills for $480 on February 8, and 3 oxycodone pills for $320 on March 3. After the hearing, he was re-committed to McKean County Jail on $10,000 bail. 40-year-old Michele Barger had cocaine, plastic bags and scales at her home on July 23, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office. She is also charged with endangering the welfare of children because her 4-year-old, 16-year-old and 17-year-old children were living in the home when she allegedly had the cocaine. 30-year-old Kyle Dewyer is charged with delivery and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Police found Dewyer passed out in a vehicle on Cottage Row on the morning of July 25, his birthday. They saw a glass pip...

A man has admitted to exposing himself to a woman on West Washington Street at around 10 o’clock this morning, but says he doesn’t know why he did it. 36-year-old Michael Nofsker of Texas drove up to a woman who was walking on West Washington and exposed himself. She went across the street and hid behind an RV until he passed by. She then went to an area business and had an employee call police. As they waited for police Nofsker drove by and “still had his penis in his hand,” according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office. When police found him Nofsker said, “I showed something I shouldn’t have shown.” The courts papers say Nofsker told police “numerous times” that he did it, but didn’t know why. His bail is set at $2,000.

Local agency CARE for Children is one step closer to its dream of opening a therapy, health and early learning center for children of all abilities by purchasing a property in Bradford. The site, located at 723 East Main Street (which formerly housed Sundahl Insurance Company), is one block south of the agency’s current location on Russell Boulevard. "CARE for Children has had many homes over its 86-year history and the board determined that the time has come to have a community center for children that will address the diverse needs of the local pediatric population,” said Mick Marshall, President, CARE for Children Board of Directors. The non-profit organization has provided pediatric services in McKean County since 1924 and in the last fiscal year provided school and home based therapy services to over 200 clients; preschool for 44 students; specialized orthopedic and wheelchair clinics for 165 children; safety and injury prevention programs for 1463 children; and disability aw...

An Olean man has been charged with stealing several flat screen TVs, laptop computers and jewlery from the Allegany Wal-Mart. Cattaraugus County Sheriff Deputies say 44-year-old Clark Echevarria took the items between August 9 and September 9. The merchandise is valued at more than $7,000. Echevarria is scheduled to appear in Allegany Town Court on October 18.

Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett holds a 54 - 39 percent lead over Democrat Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County Executive, in the race to become Pennsylvania's next governor, fueled by a 56 - 29 percent margin among independent voters, according to a Quinnipiac University poll of likely voters released today. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1502 Republican Carl Paladino is narrowing the gap between himself and Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the New York governor’s race, according to a Quinnipiac poll, that says the race is now 49 percent for Cuomo to 43 percent for Paladino, with a 3.6 percent margin of error. The poll conducted last week surveyed 751 likely voters. Seven percent of voters remain undecided and 21 percent of those who name a candidate say they might still change their mind. http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1318.xml?ReleaseID=1504

Bradford Little Theatre has gone “Outside the Box” for its 14th season with new types of productions at all-new venues, including improvisation, fantasy and script “near hand.” “We are excited to be stretching our wings, reaching new audiences, and offering a full-scale production outside Bradford” said Nanci K. Garris, BLT president. “We will have new faces in new places.” The funny and poignant “Grace and Glorie” by Tom Zeigler opens the season with performances Oct. 8-10 at the auditorium of the First Presbyterian Church, 54 E. Corydon St. The two-woman show portrays the friendship between a feisty, illiterate, 90-year-old mountain woman and a transplanted New York City resident with a Harvard MBA. As part of Bradford Improv Month in February, BLT board member and Pitt Improvers advisor Kristin Asinger will direct the dinner theater “I’m Getting Married in the Morning.” That production will be held at St. Bernard Educational and Social Center on Feb. 25-27, with two evening shows an...

Bradford native and opera star Marilyn Horne will visit the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford from Oct. 6-8 to discuss the donation of her archives to the university. The discussion will center on the second phase of her donation, which would include her personal archives. Earlier this year, her foundation, the Marilyn Horne Foundation, donated its archives to Pitt-Bradford. Those are currently in storage at University of Pittsburgh Archives Services Center in Pittsburgh, which is also home to the archives of former Pennsylvania governor and U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh. The center will also help with the processing, digitizing and managing of the collection. Although several other institutions, including the Library of Congress, had sought the archives, Horne is now in discussions with only Pitt-Bradford. “As a native of Bradford, Marilyn has a soft spot in her heart for her hometown and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, ...

An Ellicottville man who stole thousands of pills from a drug store has pleaded guilty to burglary, according to a fax sent to WESB and The HERO by the district attorney's office. 20-year-old Cory Jones broke into The Corner Drug Store in Cattaraugus at about 4 o’clock on the morning of May 5 and stole the pills. Jones will be sentenced November 22.

Zippo announced this week that the company has offered full-time positions, through the end of the year, to a group of employees previously laid off. The offer was extended to 49 employees who have been working on a part-time basis. “Our year to date sales figures has been impressive and we feel we need additional help in our factory to handle the strong sales forecast for the remainder of the year”, said Greg Booth, Zippo President and CEO, in a news release sent to WESB and The HERO. “We are very pleased that we are able to offer full-time employment to this group of dedicated manufacturing employees”. “There are several factors which have contributed to this change. Our windproof lighter business has been robust in the US and in select markets overseas. Zippo has enjoyed significant growth in China and India as well as in Latin America. We are expecting more of the same through the holiday season,” Booth stated. Additionally, Zippo launched a new Outdoor Line of products this year w...

The Kinzua East KOA Campground, owned and operated by Mary Estep, was recently named among the “Most Amazing Spots in the United States” by Reserve America, one of the largest providers of campground reservation services in the world. Each year, Reserve America names its “Top 100 Family Campgrounds” as well as outstanding campgrounds in each of the areas of in 16 different categories including: amazing spots, biking trails, bird-watching, canoeing, educational and historical facilities, fishing, hiking, horse-friendly parks, beaches, picnic areas, romantic spots, kid-friendly parks, scenic views, tours and events, unique cabins and water recreation activities. “Each year outdoor enthusiasts look forward to Reserve America’s annual list of the nation’s finest campgrounds that provide convenient services, offer beautiful scenery and ensure families have a great camping experience,” explained David Dutch, general manager for the Active Network’s Outdoors division. “We hope families find...

Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 22, in honor of Army Specialist Timothy L. Johnson, a Randolph resident who was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan on September 16, 2010. Specialist Johnson died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device at Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado. "On behalf of all citizens of the Empire State, I wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Specialist Timothy Johnson," Governor Paterson said. "We join them in grieving the death of this fine young soldier, but we will never forget his sacrifice for our nation and we will honor his memory and his service." Governor Paterson has directed the flags on all State buildings to be lowered to half-sta...

Gulfstream International has announced that it will receive $8.5 million in federal subsidies as part of the Essential Air Service Program. Earlier this month, the US Department of Transportation awarded Gulfstream new two-year contracts as the EAS provider provider for Bradford, DuBois, Franklin/Oil City, Jamestown, New York, and Pakersburg, West Virginia. At that time, Bradford Regional Airport Director Tom Frungillo said the airport authority is looking forward to continuing to work with Gulfstream. He added, “Marcellus Shale development is currently leading to expanded service. Any future opportunities that may arise for new markets and destinations would also create additional passenger growth - and would be greatly welcomed.” Read the earlier news release here: September 10, 2010 Thompson Announces Continuation of Gulfstream Airlines Service at Bradford, Dubois and Franklin Airports Washington, D.C.—Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced that the U.S. Departm...

A soldier from Randolph was killed last week in Afghanistan. The Department of Defense says 24-year-old Timothy L. Johnson died Sept. 16 in Kandahar of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device at Arghandab River Valley. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. Johnson leaves behind a wife and child. http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=13902

Trooper Dan Wood (left) and Trooper Lance Schimp (right) of the Pennsylvania State Police work to properly adjust the straps on a car seat prior to installing it for a family at a Child Passenger Safety event. The PA State Police, along with Safe Kids McKean, will be providing on-site child safety seat inspections and education at an event from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Thursday at the barracks in Lantz Corners. Photo courtesy of CARE for Children

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford faculty member Tim Ziaukas traveled to a national conference to present a paper that explores using the 1939 film version of “The Wizard of Oz” as a tool to introduce students to concepts of visual communications. Ziaukas, associate professor of public relations, presented “Because, Because, Because, Because, Because: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as Visual Literary Primer” at the Visual Communications Conference in Portland, Ore. Ziaukas uses “The Wizard of Oz” in his visual communications class to introduce basic concepts of color theory, “sacred geometry” and more. “Nearly everyone has seen it,” Ziaukas said, “so they all know that visual text very well.” Ziaukas said he is able to talk about some of the imagery in the movie without having to show them the film again.” “It’s a good place to begin because most of the students know the film so well,” he said. There are interesting reasons why the se...

Donna M. Parry, 64, of 1056 Minard Run Road, passed away Saturday, September 18th, 2010 at her residence. Born December 14, 1945, in Coudersport she was the daughter of Lynton and Edna (Haskins) Turner of Dunbar Crossing, who survive. On September 19, 1970 in Bradford at the First Presbyterian Church she married C. Dale Parry who also survives. Mrs. Parry was a 1963 graduate of Port Allegany High School and a 1965 graduate of Bryant & Stratton Business Institute in Buffalo, NY. She had been employed at Bradford National Bank, then for Helen Nusbaum and Alan Jones Insurance Agency, and later as the office manager at Phillips & Dart Oil Field Services. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as deacon, elder and most recently as Clerk of Session, and was a member of the National Notary Association. In addition to her parents and husband she is survived by a daughter Melissa A. (Martin) Causer of Turtlepoint, a brother, Gary (Kim) Turner of Port Allegan...