Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A Jamestown woman is facing charges for allegedly stapling her boyfriend's forehead. Police say when they arrived at the scene of a domestic dispute on West 4th Street they found the victim with the staples in his forehead. Their investigation revealed that his girlfriend, Jodi Gilbert, hit him with a carpenter stapler several times. The victim already had an order of protection against Gilbert. She was arrested for aggravated criminal contempt and assault. The victim was treated at WCA Hospital.

The Cattaraugus County Fire Investigation Team is looking into a fatal blaze that started at around 4 a.m. on Ten Mile Road in the Town of Carrollton. Sheriff's deputies are waiting until relatives are notified before releasing the name of the victim.

Watch the Video Here Video provided by Commonwealth Media Services

For the latest news on the mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona, that included US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, go to CNN.com . Also making news on Saturday: ~~ 15 headless bodies found in Acapulco ~~ Supreme Court to review case against Halliburton ~~ Bob Dole hospitalized

Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi has been named to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s “Mandate Relief Redesign Team.” The team will review unfunded and underfunded mandates imposed by the New York State government on school districts, local governments, and other local taxing entities. The mandates are requirements that a local municipality provide a program, project, or activity on behalf of the state. http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/010711mandaterelief

A Frewsburg, New York, man who sold cocaine to undercover agents in Pennsylvania twice has been sentenced to state prison. 29-year-old Randy Houghwot was sentenced Friday in Warren County Court to 27 to 54 months in prison on the drug charge. He was also sentenced to 12 to 24 months for criminal use of a communications facility.

An Otto, New York, woman is facing assault charges following an incident earlier this week at her home. Sheriff’s deputies say 24-year-old Courtney Kulczyk hit another person in the face at around 5 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. She’s scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

In its 21st annual words of the year vote, the American Dialect Society voted “app” (noun, an abbreviated form of application, a software program for a computer or phone operating system) as the word of the year for 2010. (Read the entire press release.) Presiding at the Jan. 7 voting session were ADS Executive Secretary Allan Metcalf of MacMurray College, and Ben Zimmer, chair of the New Words Committee of the American Dialect Society and executive producer of VisualThesaurus.com. Zimmer is also the “On Language” columnist for the New York Times Magazine. “App has been around for ages, but with millions of dollars of marketing muscle behind the slogan ‘There’s an app for that,’ plus the arrival of ‘app stores’ for a wide spectrum of operating systems for phones and computers, app really exploded in the last 12 months,” Zimmer said. “One of the most convincing arguments from the voting floor was from a woman who said that even her grandmother had heard of it.” Word of the Year is inter...

An Olean man is charged with snowmobiling while intoxicated after a crash that injured his 9-year-old son Wednesday night. Allegany State Park Police say 45-year-old John Perry was thrown from the snowmobile after helping his son operate it. The snowmobile went out of control while the boy was operating it, then accelerated across a field, through some small trees and into an embankment. The boy was also thrown from the snowmobile. He was flown to Women & Children’s Hospital in Buffalo for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

A Jamestown man went to the Chautauqua County Jail as a visitor Friday afternoon, and ended up as an inmate. Sheriff’s deputies say 42-year-old Walter Green was seen passing contraband to 28-year-old Laverne Riley. Prison officials confiscated marijuana, matches and a striker. Green and Riley were both charges with promoting prison contraband and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Charges against the man accused of driving under the influence of drugs when he hit and killed a PennDOT worker have been bound to court. 42-year-old Donald Blocher of Salamanca, New York, is charged in the death of Jack Griffin on October 2 in a work zone on Olean Road in Foster Township. PennDOT worker James Burrows was also severely injured in the crash. Blocher remains jailed on half a million dollars bail.

Two women and a baby suffered major injuries in an accident Thursday afternoon on Route 120 in Shippen Township. State police say a car driven by 37-year-old Saira Bano of Emporium went out of control on the snow-covered road, spun around and traveled into the path of a car driven by 33-year-old Bonnie Halquist of St. Marys. A two-year-old boy in Bano's car also suffered major injuries. All three were taken to Elk Regional Health Center.

For the lastest on the envelope that ignited today in a Washington DC postal facility, go to CNN.com . CNN is reporting that the package was "similar in nature" to the devices found in Maryland on Thursday. Today's package was addressed to Janet Napolitano, a Homeland Security official says.

Problems with property along with accidents kept police busy over the last couple of days. Officers were called to a property dispute on Cole Avenue, and were notified of damage to a pole and Mill Street and Jackson Avenue and property damage on King Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. They were called to a hit and run on Clarence Street, assisted Foster Township and Bradford Township police with accidents on Bolivar Drive and Owens Way. They also got a vehicle complaint from South Avenue and a report of a disabled vehicle on West Corydon Street. Officers looked into a theft on Kendall Avenue, a disturbance on Park Street, a domestic dispute on Williams Street and an animal complaint on West Corydon Street. They also served a few subpoenas and a warrant and received several requests to speak with an officer.

You can also find the latest on the envelope that ignited at a Washington D.C. post office at CNN.com .

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is calling on the Senate to adopt rule changes to reduce obstruction of legislation and encourage debate on issues important to Pennsylvanians and Americans. Senator Casey is supporting a new rule reform package that would provide greater transparency, allow for a more equitable amendment process and to reduce procedural tactics used to prevent consideration of legislation. “Partisan gridlock in Washington has been out of control,” said Senator Casey. “Senate rules have been abused in order to block legislation and prevent real debate on the problems facing the country. The Senate should adopt these commonsense rule changes to make Washington more efficient and reduce the political gamesmanship.” Since entering the Senate, Senator Casey has pursued rule changes to make Washington more effective. Over the past year, he has worked with his colleagues elected in 2006 and 2008 to reform Senate rules and change how the Senate operates. The ...

HARRISBURG -- State officials announced today that there are currently no advisories for Pymatuning Reservoir or Tamarack Lake for 2011. The fish in Pymatuning Reservoir are safe to eat when consumed according to the recommended statewide advisory of one meal per week. Such advisories are developed through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the state departments of Environmental Protection, Health, and Agriculture. In the spring of 2010, large numbers of dead fish appeared in Pymatuning Reservoir, Tamarack Lake, and a few other Ohio and New York State lakes. The final cause of the kills was determined to be rapidly rising water temperatures, which stressed local fish populations. Before the cause was found, temporary “Do Not Eat” advisories were issued for fish caught in Pymatuning and Tamarack. Those advisories were lifted last June. More information on fish consumption advisories and the most current advisories are available online at www.depweb.state...

HARRISBURG -- State officials today released an updated list of fish consumption advisories that includes nine new advisories and also eases or lifts seven other advisories, and includes fish caught in Warren, Forest and Venango counties. Due to mercury contamination, officials are advising that people eat Smallmouth Bass from the Allegheny River in Warren, Forest, and Venango counties no more than two times per month. The advisories were developed through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the state departments of Environmental Protection, Health, and Agriculture. The advisories are only for fish caught recreationally and do not apply to fish raised for commercial purposes or those bought in stores or restaurants. “Consumption advisories are not intended to discourage anyone from fishing or eating fresh fish in moderation,” DEP Secretary John Hanger said. “However, at-risk groups and people who regularly eat sport fish are most susceptible to contamina...

WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection announced today that it has imposed a $34,000 fine on Chief Gathering LLC, of Dallas, Texas—a subsidiary of Chief Oil and Gas—for illegally discharging hydrostatic testing water at a pipeline project in Penn Township, Lycoming County, in August 2010. Chief Gathering builds and operates natural gas pipelines. Hydrostatic tests involve placing water in a natural gas pipeline at the required pressure to ensure there are no leaks before it is placed into service. In conjunction with the enforcement action, Chief agreed to voluntary surrender its discharge permit, and did so early in December. “Chief clearly did not comply with the requirements of the DEP discharge permit that was issued to the company in February 2009,” said DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber. DEP’s Water Management Program conducted an investigation on Aug. 12, after Chief notified the department that a hydrostatic water discharge had occurred the pre...

An Allegany woman who sold untaxed cigarettes over the Internet to both individual smokers and restaurants in New Jersey has been sentenced to nine months in federal prison. 47-year-old Rita Roosa has also been ordered to compensate the state of New Jersey for lost tax revenue. She sold at least $4.9 million worth of cigarettes, resulting in a $3.9 million tax revenue loss to the state. She pleaded guilty conspiracy to traffic and trafficking in contraband cigarettes. Roosa is not a member of the Seneca Nationa of Indians.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named Scott Elliott as its new sports information director. Elliott comes to Pitt-Bradford from Lindenwood University in St. Louis, where he served as the primary media contact for the men’s and women’s volleyball, track and field, ice hockey and softball teams. He helped implement a new athletics website in the fall of 2009. Elliott also worked for Fox Sports Midwest in St. Louis, participating in Cardinals Live online chats. At Pitt-Bradford, Elliott will serve as the media contact for all 14 Panther athletic teams as well as manage the athletics portion of the Pitt-Bradford website. “We are very excited to have Scott join our staff,” said Lori Mazza, director of athletics. “We are hoping to implement additions to our website that will make it more interactive for the user and start webcasting all indoor events. Scott will play a big role in those initiatives.” Elliott holds a master’s degree in sports management from Lindenwood, where he ...

The Natural Gas Expo: Cameron-McKean-Potter is being held on Thursday March 10th, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Friday March 11th, 9:00 am - Noon at the Sport and Fitness Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Education and industry seminars will take place on both days at Blaisdell Hall. A Wednesday evening networking event will be held for only exhibitors and their guests. You can register, get information and explore sponsorship, exhibitor, and advertising opportunities on the expo's website at www.natural-gas-expo.com . The event will bring together the natural gas industry and local business entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities that are emerging out of the Marcellus natural gas play. The industry is raving about the quality and quantity of natural gas in Pennsylvania. Industry leaders are taking note and putting major resources into this region. Taking the opportunity to be part of the Natural Gas Expo in Bradford, Pennsylvania is a must if you and your business ar...

A sculpture made from nearly 1,000 pounds of butter has been unveiled at the 95th Pennsylvania Farm Show, which officially opens Saturday, Jan. 8. The design depicts a dairy farmer providing milk to children playing on a jungle gym and tossing a ball with a football player. Sculptor Jim Victor of Conshohocken, Montgomery County, began crafting the life-size design in mid-December and finished just in time for the Farm Show. He also creates sculptures using chocolate and cheese. The butter will be converted into biofuel after the Farm Show ends. http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/ Pictured, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Reading and artist Marie Pelton look over the 2011 butter sculpture at the unveiling event today at the Farm Show Complex. Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is planning weekly webcasts to schools with updates on state government and answers to questions submitted by students. The interactive webcasts, called "Albany at Work" are planned during the legislative session that runs through June, and are expected to start next week. Students can submit questions about government, which Cuomo says will be answered by him or other state officials in the effort to engage students in an active dialogue on government.

A Jamestown man who headed one of the Twin Tiers’ biggest drug rings has been sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. 35-year-old Quentin Leeper was the kingpin of the Q-Dog drug ring that was broken up after an investigation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force led to a series of arrests in 2008. In May of 2008, one of Leeper’s drug associates, 31-year-old Quincy Turner, was shot to death after he began cooperating with law enforcement. 42-year-old Jose Martinez of Jamestown is one of five people charged with murdering Turner. All five have pleaded not guilty.

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) would like to remind students and families that the 2011-12 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available online. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal grants, the need-based Pennsylvania State Grant, many scholarships, reduced-cost federal student loans, work-study programs, and many school-based student aid programs. Completing a FAFSA is a vital step students and families should take when looking for assistance in covering higher education costs. Completing the FAFSA online helps reduce the potential for errors and offers a quicker processing time. Since most families complete a FAFSA online, the federal government will no longer provide paper FAFSAs. Families have the choice of completing and submitting the form electronically or printing the form and sending it to the U.S. Department of Education through traditional mail. To submit an electronic form, the student and parent must request a personal identification number ...

Three area police departments received Bronze Awards from AAA for their community traffic safety efforts in a recent award ceremony. Bronze awards were given to , Bradford City, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the City of Saint Marys police departments. "We are very proud of the departments for their achievement and participation in the Community Traffic Safety Program," said Terri Rae Anthony, AAA safety adviser. "They went above and beyond the call of duty by organizing projects which would make their community a safer place for motorists as well as local residents." The awards were given by AAA East Central for a department's safety efforts and enforcement activities geared toward making communities safer. The departments were among hundreds nationwide that participated in the Community Traffic Safety Program. To be eligible for the annual awards, departments must conduct traffic safety promotions and educate the public on safety topics. In 201...

Also, for the latest news on the explosions at the Maryland office buildings, go to CNN.com .

ALBANY - Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) has been appointed to the powerful Senate Finance Committee by Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. "It is a huge honor and responsibility, and it gives the people in my district an even greater voice about policy decisions made in Albany that affect their everyday lives," she said. "This assignment especially is significant because of the state's fiscal crisis. We need to get to work immediately to make the structural reforms necessary to curb out-of-control state spending, substantially reduce the suffocating tax burden, and make our state a place where private sector jobs will be created," Senator Young said. "There is going to be a lot of hard and difficult work ahead. Tough decisions will have to be made. By putting the right policies in place, we can and we must turn our state around so we have a brighter future," she said. The Senate Finance Commi...

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania has received $30,000 as part of a consumer protection settlement between the state's Attorney General's Office and the CVS Pharmacy chain. The settlement addressed complaints about the sale of expired over-the-counter drugs, infant formula, baby food, dairy products and other food items. The Erie-based organization supplies food to 254 agencies, mostly in Erie County, but it also serves McKean, Cameron, Elk, Jefferson, Warren and five other counties. http://attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=5915

WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection today announced that it has fined Talisman Energy USA Inc., of Horseheads, N.Y., $24,608 for a large diesel fuel spill in March 2010 at the company’s Putnam 77 Marcellus natural gas well pad in Armenia Township, Bradford County. “This spill went off the well pad and into a neighboring farm field,” said DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber. “Talisman is extremely fortunate that it did not impact surface water or wetlands.” The company reported the spill to DEP, but has been unable to explain the cause. Discharging a polluting substance like diesel fuel without a permit violates the Clean Streams Law and failing to manage the waste properly violates the Solid Waste Management Act. The cleanup required 3,800 tons of contaminated soil to be excavated and 132,000 gallons of contaminated water was collected, from which about 450 gallons of diesel fuel was recovered.

HARRISBURG – Dr. Walter Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian will discuss the harmful effects of winter feeding of elk at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Elk Country Visitor’s Center at 134 Homestead Dr., in Benezette Township, Elk County. “While feeding elk is illegal any time of the year, as it causes problems by habituating elk to find food around homes and can be dangerous to those who attempt to feed elk by hand, those who violate this law during the winter also put the elk at risk,” Cottrell said. “In 2009, there were four cases involving elk that died of rumen acidosis, which is directly related to artificial feeding. “There were other deaths that we believed were caused by such feeding, but, in those cases the animal was either decomposed or other circumstances prevented us from obtaining the carcass in time for laboratory analysis to take place.” As part of his 30-minute presentation, Dr. Cottrell ...

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today took the oath of office as a Member of the 112th Congress. Vowing to put great focus on deficit reduction, Thompson said: “The Congress and the Administration under President Barack Obama has over the last three fiscal years borrowed about $3.7 trillion. That is more than the entire accumulated national deficit for the first 225 years of U.S. history. “It means we have a $14.2 trillion national debt. It went up by $1 trillion just in the last seven months. The ‘debt’ is the accumulated national deficit. If you divide that number by the population, each citizen now owes more than $45,000. To continue along those lines is unimaginable. We must look at targeted consolidations, cuts or sunsets to programs in the next two years and make government work better for the American people.” Thompson cited his committee assignments as key to many of the major issues during the new Congress. The issues include jobs, the...

Declaring New York State at a crucial crossroads, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today outlined during his first State of the State Address an action plan to fundamentally transform New York State’s government and economy by getting the state’s fiscal house in order, radically redesigning our governmental structures and operations, and restoring integrity and performance to state government. Governor Cuomo noted that the decisions we make now will impact our State for decades to come. “We must turn this crisis into an opportunity to fundamentally remake our state into the progressive capital of the nation,” Governor Cuomo said in his message to the legislature. “We must seize this moment to build a new New York for future generations.” In the first State of the State message open to the public and the first using internet-age technology to deliver the presentation, Governor Cuomo said he would open up government to the public and work in partnership with all stakeholders to address the serio...

You can also find live updates about the police officer who was fatally shot in Oregon, the Arizona mall hostage situation, the munitions plant explosion in Tennessee and the Nebraska school shooting at CNN.com .

The Cameron County School District will receive more than $160,000 as a result of a bid-rigging settlement with Bank of America. Between 1998 and 2003 Bank of American along with other financial institutions rigged bids, causing school districts and municipalities to enter into contracts that cost more or earned less than they should have in a competitive marketplace. The St. Marys Area School District will receive more than $35,000. http://attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=5913

The 2009-10 University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s men’s soccer team was one of 196 men’s NCAA Division III soccer teams to earn a team academic award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. To qualify, teams had to have a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The Panthers, coached by Dariusz Panol, had a GPA of 3.01. The Panthers were the only men’s team in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference to receive the honor. “One of our main team goals is to have a 3.0 GPA or better each year,” Panol said. “This was the first year we were able to attain it, and I’m very proud of all the hard work the players put in on and off the field. “Our standards and expectations are very high for our players, and it brings me great pleasure to have truly gifted soccer players who have a full understanding of what it means to be a student-athlete.” In addition, Kyle Lewis, a senior history political/science major from North East,...