Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Joe Scarnati says he’s enjoyed serving as lieutenant governor, but now he’s looking forward to spending more time in his senate district. Scarnati has been serving as senator, Senate President as well as Lt. Governor since the death of Catherine Baker Knoll in November of 2008. The current lieutenant governor’s term ends January 18, 2011, at 11:45 a.m. when Jim Cawley is sworn in. “It’s been a very difficult last several years,” Scarnati said of holding all three jobs, as well as dealing with difficult budget issues. “I hope to be back in somewhat of a routine to get around a lot more often (in the district) than I’ve been able to in the last two years.” “It’s been a pleasure serving as lieutenant governor,” he said, then added with a smile, “maybe not as lieutenant governor to Ed Rendell -- but it’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve the Commonwealth in that capacity. But I like being the state senator from the 25th District.” He does plan ...

Bradford City Police were out and about answering a variety of calls Thursday and Friday. They were called to a property dispute on South Avenue and a neighbor dispute on South Kendall Avenue, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. They investigated a hit & run on Jefferson Street, accidents on Jackson and Belleview avenues, criminal mischief on Davis and Main streets and a retail theft on Jackson Avenue. Officers also looked into reports of an assault on East Main Street, a parking problem on Davis Street, a traffic problem on North Bennett Street, and harassment on West Washington and Amm streets. They assisted a motorist on South Avenue, looked into an animal complaint on Jerome Avenue, and got about a dozen requests to speak with an officer.

No one was hurt when a tractor-trailer jackknifed on Laurel Mill in Ridgway late Thursday night. Police say 41-year-old Michael Lawani of Ajax, Ontario, made a wrong turn in the borough of Ridgway and was attempting to turn around. As the truck traveled down a hill he started sliding on the snow-covered road, went off the road and hit an embankment, where it jackknifed. Lawani will be charged with numerous traffic violations.

A Bradford man is in jail after being arrested for breaking into Save-a-Lot on Forman Street Friday morning. Police say they received a call at 7:37 a.m. reporting a broken window at the store. Upon arrival, Officer Todd Erickson saw a large hole in a front window and a small black stereo speaker on the floor. He then learned that the perpetrator entered through the window, broke into the office and removed several items, including groceries, personal care items, beverages, money and, possibly, gift cards. Michael Kelly of 75 Amm Street was questioned about the burglary and police learned he broke the plate glass window with a brick at around 1 a.m., then left the scene. He returned to the scene and threw the stereo speaker at the window, attempting to make the hole bigger. He left the scene again, but returned at about 2 a.m., when he broke into the office area. Most of the stolen items were found in Kelly’s home. Kelly was charged with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and c...

Sixty-six students expected to graduate from Pitt-Bradford this month will be recognized with a reception on Sunday, Dec. 12. Students will be honored during an informal event beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president; Dr. Steven Hardin, dean of academic affairs; and Dr. K. James Evans, dean of student affairs, will speak. Refreshments will be served afterward. The reception is held for students graduating at the end of the fall term, who may not be able to return for the May commencement. Those expected to graduate with an associate degree are Marc D. Ackley, an engineering science major from Bradford; Andrew DeNapoli, a petroleum technology major from DuBois; and Ross Harrington, a petroleum technology major from Mercer. Those expected to graduate with a bachelor’s degree are, from Bradford, Karen Costello-Pecht, a business management major; C...

If you missed Monday's LiveLine with Mike Randall (or if you want hear it again) you can listen here . Or just read below: The Bradford Landmark Society will be sponsoring a presentation of “A Christmas Carol “ on December 11th. The performance will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Tickets for the show are now available at Herbig Bakery (Bradford Landmark Society hadquarters); John William’s European Pastry Shoppe; Graham’s Florist; Tina’s Hallmark; Ott and McHenry Drug Store and the Bradford Area Public Library. Adult tickets are $15.00, students age 10 to 18 are $10.00. This presentation is not intended for children under 10 years of age. It is encouraged to purchase tickets early to ensure a seat. This Charles Dickens favorite will be presented by Mike Randall of Buffalo, NY, as a solo performance. Mike Randall's production of Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol has been a huge success since its premiere in 2...

Seven people have been charged in connection to the death of a 17-year-old boy who died at party back in September in Sugar Grove Township. 23-year-old Brandy Lynn Piazza and 21-year-old Adam Perrin, both of Sugar Grove, are charged with endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors. 20-year-old Shane Rodgers of Bear Lake and 19-year-old Daniel Harkins of Sugar Grove are charged with endangering the welfare children, corruption of minors and underage drinking. A 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy are each charged with underage drinking. A 17-year-old girl is charged with underage drinking and furnishing alcohol to minors. Police say drugs were also used at the party.

An 18-year-old from Kennedy, New York, is dead after a two-car crash Thursday in the Town of Portland. State police say a car driven by 18-year-old Todd Walters went out of control and skidded into the path of a car driven by a 62-year-old man. They were both taken to WCA Hospital in Jamestown, where Walters was pronounced dead. The other driver suffered minor injuries. State police say they believe the cause of the accident was driving at an unsafe speed.

The woman who broke into the home of an 89-year-old man and attacked him has pleaded guilty to burglary, simple assault and loitering and prowling at nighttime. 35-year-old Eugenia Martin of Spartansburg broke into Ted Wojtowicz’s home in Warren County on November 4 and turned off the electricity breakers. Wojtowicz went to the basement to see why the power was out, and that’s when Martin and her co-defendant put a pillowcase over his head, used duct tape to secure it and took cash out of his pocket. She’s in Warren County Jail awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for January 24. Her co-defendant, Daniel Otero of Erie, is also in Warren County Jail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

The state of New York still can’t collect cigarette sales tax from Indian reservations. A Second District US Court of Appeals panel has rejected the state’s request to lift the injunction blocking the state from collecting the tax. The court also ordered that the pending appeals of the state and the Indian nations be consolidated in a single case to make the process more efficient. Those cases are expected to be heard in mid-February.

If you thought Clark Griswold's 250,000 imported Italian twinkle lights were amazing -- check out this video from CNN:

The Bradford Area School District has unveiled its plans for the proposed Fitness Center Addition at the high school. You can see it here .

Thanks to "Listener X" who sent us this pictures of Wesley Snipes arriving at Bradford Regional Airport on Thursday. Snipes is currently serving a 3-year sentence for not filing tax returns, a misdemeanor. He was acquitted on felony charges of tax evasion. Although the sentence is for three years, his release date is scheduled for July 19, 2013, according to the Bureau of Prisons website.

An SUV ended up in a creek in an accident Monday in Cameron County. Police say the vehicle driven by 63-year-old Alvin Brown went off the road while making a left turn and ended up in a ditch and creek. Police say Brown was wearing his seat belt and was not hurt. The trooper answering the phone at the Emporium barracks said she was not sure if this is District Judge Alvin Brown.

If you have talent, there’s still time to show it. The First Night Bradford committee is holding auditions for the First Night’s Got Talent competition. The auditions will be held Monday, Dec. 13, and Monday, Dec. 20, at the First United Methodist Church on Chambers Street. The auditions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. each night. Time is limited for each audition and the entire act must be present for the audition. Those interested are asked to keep in mind that acts must be family-oriented and need to be available the week of the show for any practice that is called as well as on Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. until midnight. There will be no exceptions. Acts can bring a CD to accompany them at the auditions; no accompanist will be available for the auditions. Performers must be 13 years of age or older. Those performers who have had venues in past First Nights and were paid are not eligible to participate. The committee is encouraging all performers to participate – singers, dancers, comedians a...

Wesley Snipes has started serving his three-year sentence at FCI-McKean. He arrived at the prison earlier today, according to a prison spokesman. He’s at the minimum security prison camp, after being convicted on three misdemeanor counts of willful failure to file income tax returns.

Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell today was joined by Chilean Minister of Defense Jaime Ravinet, Chilean Ambassador Arturo Fermandois and representatives of three Pennsylvania companies that played pivotal roles in the Chilean mine rescue to celebrate the lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree. The theme for this year’s ceremony was “Home for the Holidays,” recognizing the efforts of the Pennsylvania companies and Chilean officials who worked together to rescue 33 miners in Chile who were trapped underground in early August. “For many people, Christmas is a time best spent with family, friends and loved ones,” Governor Rendell said. “For the 33 Chilean miners trapped underground during a mine collapse in early August, that didn’t seem possible. It was first feared the miners would not be rescued before Christmas, which would have meant a nearly four-month stay underground. “Thanks to the efforts of today’s special guests, the families of these 33 men received an early Christmas p...

Late last week, PennDOT closed a bridge on Route 4003 in Potter County. Temporary pipes have now been placed at the bridge location and PennDOT has re-opened Route 4003 in the Clara Hill/Bradley Run Bridge area. The temporary repairs allow PennDOT to restore access to permanent homes and seasonal camps in the area. PennDOT plans to replace the bridge in the summer of 2011, dependent on funding.

December 8, 1980: The Day John Lennon Died Listen here . On a side note, Mr. Greenberg and I were talking after the interview and I learned that, in 2006, while doing a story for Geraldo at Large, he was the reporter mistaken by police for Ralph "Bucky" Phillips, during the largest manhunt in New York State history. He was not taken into custody, but he was questioned and searched. I remember reporting on that incident. He now produces the Fox News program "America's Most Wanted."

Actor Wesley Snipes, who is scheduled to report to FCI-McKean on Thursday, will appear on CNN's "Larry King Live" tonight. http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/07/wesley-snipes-to-appear-on-larry-king-live/

These pictures were taken today in Warren near the mall.

From CNN -- Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Sen. John Edwards, has died after a battle with breast cancer, her family says. "Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but she remains the heart of this family," the statement from her said. "We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life." Read more at CNN.com .

A garbage truck crashed into a bus carrying senior citizens this morning on Route 219 near Brockport. Police say the truck driven by 40-year-old Timothy Forest of Brockway slid into the path of the bus, and both vehicles ended up on the side of the road. Police say two of the bus passengers – women from Ridgway and Johnsonburg – suffered minor injuries and were taken to DuBois Medical Center for treatment. Four ambulances were dispatched to the scene but neither the nine other bus passengers, nor the drivers were hurt. 63-year-old Walter Erickson of St. Marys was driving the bus.

MAYVILLE, NY -- County Executive Gregory J. Edwards has announced that CARTS has received seventeen (17) replacement buses through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) grant. In addition, this grant provides funds for twenty-two (22) new mobile two-way radios and a new ventilation system for the maintenance shop at CARTS in Jamestown. According to Senior Project Coordinator Cheryl Gustafson, this project totaling $1,252,500 will be 100% reimbursed through the ARRA grant. Ms Gustafson also states that 65% of the routes will be replaced with the new buses over the next month and all are wheelchair accessible. "Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System has been our county-operated transit system for over 30 years", stated George Spanos, Director of the County Department of Public Facilities. The service is utilized for many purposes from visiting a friend to getting to college, a medical appointment or to work. Call CARTS at 665-6466, 366-4500 or 800-388-65...

The McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross has launched its holiday giving campaign, urging residents to make a gift that could save the day for someone in need. The Red Cross campaign features a holiday giving catalog, www.redcross.org/gifts . A Spanish-language version of the catalog is also available, www.cruzrojaamericana.org/catalogo . The gift catalog has more than 20 gift ideas — such as assisting someone in the military with a phone card or supplies, providing food and shelter to a disaster victim, covering the costs of snacks at a blood drive, or giving basic necessities to a family in another country. “The holiday season is a time of hope, and a gift to the Red Cross provides hope when the next disaster strikes, when a neighbor’s house burns down, when someone needs life-saving blood or when a child needs a hug and a blanket,” said Jason Bange, executive director. “A gift to the Red Cross can save the day for people in need, whether they are down the street, across the cou...

By Ron Orris Executive Director Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce As we approach the end of the Elf Fund Gift buying, I wanted to ask everyone who has a Elf Tag to remember our Local Merchants, and I would ask our Local Merchants if they could offer a discount on these items. It would be a win win for everyone. We are very fortunate to have the Elf Fund in our community to help those that are less fortunate. Merry Christmas!

A piece from a recent exhibition at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts has been given to the university by the artist’s family, and St. Bonaventure students were allowed to choose the work. The exhibition “Sticky Fingers: The Art of Alex Masket” ended a six-week run at the Quick Center Nov. 28. It featured the work of Masket, a 23-year-old artist with severe autism who uses markers, duct tape and peel-and-stick numbers and letters to create intricately arranged and beautifully balanced works of art dominated by color and form. Masket attended the Quick Center opening with his parents, who are left to try to explain the creative genius of their functionally nonverbal son. Elaine Masket, Alex’s mother, said the family was so impressed by their visit to campus that they decided to donate one of the pieces from the exhibition to the university’s Permanent Collection. “Alex has had 10 exhibitions and we’ve never done this before,” said Elaine Masket. “We were ...

Lawn ornaments Monday ... ... and Tuesday Thanks for sending these! If you have pictures you'd like to share, send them to wesb@wesb.com

“The Republicans' victory in winning back the state Senate majority is great news for the upstate economy and will bring desperately-needed relief for taxpayers," said Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean). "Balance has been restored and New York City's monopoly on state government has been broken. We will stop the unprecedented out-of-control taxes and spending that unfortunately have marked their reign over the last two years, and we will fight for sound policies that will grow jobs and the economy. Upstate no longer will be shortchanged," she said. On Saturday, state Supreme Court Justice Ira Warshawsky certified the election of Jack Martins in the 7th district in Long Island, who won that contest by 451 votes. His victory gave Republicans the 32 seats needed to return them to the majority that they lost in 2008. As a result of the election two years ago, the Senate joined the Assembly and Governor's office as being heavily d...

Andrew W. Gottschalk, MD has joined the medical staff at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. Dr. Gottschalk specializes in sports medicine and will join Drs. Giannotti, Foust and Nestor and physician assistants Todd Rudy, Kevin George, and Chad Jackson at Champion Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Coudersport and Olean. After earning a medical degree at Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Gottschalk completed an internship and residency at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. During his fellowship, he provided sports medicine coverage for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns and Indians, Cleveland State University Vikings, and Notre Dame College Falcons. He served as a staff physician for medical programs in El Salvador, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Dr. Gottschalk serves as musculoskeletal health editor at the Family Physicians Inquiries Network. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 814/274-0900...

Students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford presented on topics ranging from biology to Disney stereotypes at the 11th annual Penn-York Undergraduate Research Conference held at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville. Erin Moyer, a sociology major from Smethport, presented “Disney: Stereotyped or not?” Her presentation examined gender roles as portrayed in three Disney movies based on 18th and 19th-century fairy tales. Mary Jo Stuckey, a sociology major from Coudersport, presented “Status of Homemakers Within Society,” which she researched by interviewing homemakers and administering a survey. Jen Teribery, a social sciences major from Kane, presented “Inequality of Beauty in the Workplace,” which argues that physical appearance can play a key role in obtaining employment. Sarah Rhinehart, a criminal justice major from Olean, N.Y., presented “Women in Law Enforcement,” in which she examined equity issues for women in law en...