Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a “Fieldhouse Frenzy” highlighted by a men’s alumni basketball game and Panther Athletic Auction on Feb. 12. The day will begin with the women’s basketball game versus the LaRoche Redhawks at 1 p.m. The men’s basketball game against LaRoche will follow at 3 p.m. At 5 p.m., alumni will suit up under the guidance of two honorary coaches, Dr. Michael Stuckart and Dick Danielson. Stuckart, associate professor of anthropology, is a former soccer coach and announcer for men’s basketball games. Danielson was the Panthers’ head men’s basketball coach from 1975 to 1985, a former athletic director at Pitt-Bradford and a member of the Pitt-Bradford Athletic Hall of Fame. At 7 p.m., the action shifts to Tortugas Restaurant on Main Street in Bradford for the Panther Athletic Auction Cost for admission is $25 per person or $40 per couple, which includes a tailgate reception, beer and wine. All events are open to the public. Reservations are apprecia...

WARREN- Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) announced today that Drew Crompton will be his Chief of Staff. It was also determined that Crompton will continue to serve as Chief Counsel to the President Pro Tempore. “I am pleased that Drew has decided to accept the position in a permanent capacity, as it has been clear over his tenure that he has shown the ability to effectively carry out his duties in a professional manner,” Scarnati stated. “Without question, I fully trust in Drew and am confident he will lead the staff and caucus with integrity as we continue to assist the citizens of the Commonwealth.” Scarnati mentioned that Crompton has been his Acting Chief of Staff for the past year and performed his responsibilities admirably. Crompton joined the Pennsylvania Senate in 1993 as a policy advisor and has played a major role in the development of legislation relating to state taxes, healthcare, and lobbyist disclosure. He is also a graduate of Dickinson Col...

The Olean man who had been missing since Wednesday has been found in a remote area of Venango County, but died on his way to a hospital. 74-year-old Frederic Seamans left an Olean car dealership at around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, and was last seen in Clarion County, PA, at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Pennsylvania State Police found Seamans’ pickup truck at about 7:30 this morning, and a search party found him in a remote, wooded area at about 10:30. He died as they were trying to get him to a hospital. Foul play is not suspected. Seamans was suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Bradford City Police on Thursday were called to motor vehicle accidents on East Main, and Davis and Boylston streets, a possible accident on Poplin Avenue and a disabled vehicle on South Avenue. Officers also investigated an assault on East Main Street and an attempted burglary on Main Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. Officers got a complaint about a juvenile on Belleview Avenue and reports of harassment on Bushnell Street and South Center Street – three from the same address.

President Obama is coming to central Pennsylvania on Wednesday, according to White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki. She says Obama will visit a leader of the energy innovations hub that will be located at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. A Penn State team is getting $122-million, over the next five years, to establish the Philadelphia "hub," which will work on making America's buildings more energy efficient. The President's trip is part of a push for his 'Win the Future' agenda. Psaki says the President plans to tour campus facilities and make some remarks during the trip. From RadioPA's Matt Paul

Members of the state House Timber Caucus toured the Domtar paper mill in Johnsonburg on Thursday, Jan. 27, as part of an examination of Pennsylvania's forest industry. The Johnsonburg facility is the biggest mill owned by the Domtar Corporation, the largest integrated producer of uncoated free sheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity. Pictured (left to right) are Jack Hedlund of the Allegheny Forest Alliance, Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk), Kathy Rapp (R-Forest/McKean/Warren), Brad Roae (R-Crawford), Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter, Cameron), Gary Haluska (D-Cambria), Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango), Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion) and Ridgway-resident Dale Anderson of the Pennsylvania Forest Industry. Photo provided by House Republican Communications

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Bradford residents are sick of crime and mischief-makers, and they’re not going to take it anymore. That was one of the themes of last night’s “interest meeting” for a Neighborhood Watch program in the city. Issues from drug dealers and burglaries to barking dogs and loud music were discussed by Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco, Officer Dave Feely, Project Pride Manager Lisa Keck and Main Street Manager Anita Dolan. Keck said as the program progresses and more people get involved “the comfort level for (the people causing trouble) to be out and doing something and getting away with it should diminish.” She said they will be saying “We don’t want to do this – they’re obviously paying attention.” “We’re not chasing people down the street with a club and hitting them over the head,” Keck said. “It’s coming together and being aware.” Dolan added that people don’t know their neighbors like they used to. This is “a process of becoming more obser...

SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Seneca Allegany Casino announces the addition of two guitar virtuosos to its entertainment lineup at the Seneca Allegany Events Center. Blues icon Kenny Wayne Shepherd will perform on Mar. 26 and country-pop legend Glen Campbell visits Salamanca on April 30. Shepherd, a Gold- and Platinum-selling artist, achieved tremendous success at a young age with hit singles “Blue on Black,” “Slow Ride” and “Somehow, Somewhere, Someway.” Campbell has a storied 50-plus-year career in show business, including his starring role in The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour variety show on CBS, sales of 45 million records, and 27 Top 10 singles such as “Rhinestone Cowboy,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” “Southern Nights” and “By the Time I Got to Phoenix.” Both shows start at 7 p.m. and offer affordably-priced tickets starting at $20. Tickets for Kenny Wayne Shepherd are now on sale, and tickets for Glen Campbell will go on sale starting at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Fans can purchase ticke...

For the second consecutive term, Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) has been appointed to serve as a deputy whip by House Majority Whip Stan Saylor (R-York). As deputy whip, Rapp will be called upon to handle a variety of House floor responsibilities, including helping to monitor floor attendance, assisting in obtaining accurate vote counts and communicating caucus positions prior to House floor debates. For the latest legislative updates, visit RepRapp.com .

The State Senate Majority Policy Committee held a hearing Wednesday about how drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation has affected Pennsylvania communities within the last few years, and what more needs to be done. Sandy Thompson from the McKean County Conservation District said they are trying to better understand the impacts of drillling on streams in the county by establishing a real-time water quality monitoring system in the Potato Creek Watershed and they hope to expand the system to other parts of the county. Thompson also said the state has cut funding to conservation districts by 25 percent over the last few years, at the same time drilling activity is increasing. She said that as of January 5, 66 Marcellus Shale wells have been permitted and 24 have been drilled. Photo provided by Senate Republican Communications

A Mayville teenager is facing assault charges for breaking another teen’s jaw during a fight. Sheriff’s deputies say a 16-year-old got into a fight with an 18-year-old from Bemus Point, and during the fight the 16-year-old punched the 18-year-old in the jaw and broke it. The 18-year-old was taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital then transferred to Hamot Medical Center in Erie. The 16-year-old turned himself in. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.

The University of Massechusetts baketball team had a little trouble getting to St. Bonaventure to play last night’s game with the Bonnies. The team was on a charter flight to Bradford when the plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Albany because of smoke in the cockpit. The Minutemen waited in the airport for six hours until they could get a replacement plane, and didn’t arrive in Olean until 1:30 Wednesday morning. UMass went on to win the game 78-69.

An Olean man has pleaded guilty to impersonating a firefighter. 31-year-old Bradley Thomas claimed to be a firefighter during the blaze that destroyed the former Fancher Furniture building in Salamanca in May. Thomas was wearing a helmet from the Kill Buck Fire Department and a jacket and airpack from the Salamanca Fire Department when he was arrested. He told police he was a Machias firefighter.

Watch the video: Family Grows With Each Steelers Super Bowl Win - Sports News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh To read the story, go to WTAE.com .

Business owners, building owners and merchants in Bradford’s downtown historic district are invited to attend the Neighborhood Watch Interest Meeting that will be held at the Bradford Area Public Library, today, at 6 p.m. The Main Street and ‘Project Pride’ Elm Street programs, along with the City of Bradford Police Department will host the meeting. Many residents and business owners have expressed an interest in a sustainable, long term relevant ‘block watch’ network for the City of Bradford. A representative from the Bradford City Police Department will facilitate a discussion about Neighborhood Watches, share safety/observation tips, and answer questions. For more information contact Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan or Elm Street Manager, Lisa Keck.

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Love is in the air in the Allegheny National Forest Region in northern Pennsylvania. If you are looking for a romantic getaway for you and your significant other for Valentine’s Day or just a weekend escape, here love takes on many forms – romantic, culinary and recreation. In this neck of the woods – located about 90 minutes south of Buffalo, N.Y. – there’s plenty of activities and attractions to satisfy whatever your heart desires. The Mountain Laurel Inn in Bradford, a lovely Colonial Revival home built in 1894, features a sweeping circular central staircase and seven elegantly decorated guest rooms. When you book the Romantic Getaway Package with your one night’s lodging, you will be treated to fluffy robes, fine chocolates, scented candles, crystal champagne glasses and romantic music in your room. In addition, guests will enjoy a hors d’oeurves platter and beverages, plus a $25 gift certifica...

A Superior Court will decide whether a boy who was 11 years old when he allegedly shot and killed his father’s pregnant fiancé should be tried as an adult. A Lawrence County judge refused to move Jordan Brown’s case to juvenile court. Brown is charged with shooting 26-year-old Kenzie Marie Houk and her unborn son in their home in February 2009. Brown faces life in prison if convicted as an adult, but will be free by age 21 if he's tried in juvenile court. http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/DocketSheets/SuperiorCourtReport.aspx?docketNumber=1159%20WDA%202010

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today introduced two bills aimed at utilizing federal money allocated to highway projects that remains unspent. Recent reports indicate that almost one in three dollars earmarked for highway projects since 1991 remain unspent, totaling $13 billion nationwide and $392 million in Pennsylvania. “This legislation will ensure that funding already directed toward highway projects is put to good use, improving our roads and bridges and creating more construction jobs,” said Senator Casey. “This legislation will help Pennsylvania move forward on critical highway projects and relieve the financial burden these unspent funds are causing the state.” The Redistribution of Unspent Earmarks Act will require any earmarks that are over three years old and not obligated to a specific project to be returned to the state transportation department with jurisdiction over the project, allowing the money to be spent on other federally approved projects. The Us...

The man accused of breaking into the Price Right store on Main Street and trying to break into Rollie’s Tobacco waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday. Gregory Farr is accused of breaking into Price Right in the early morning hours of December 9 and stealing several items, including an X-Box 360 and six games. A witness saw footprints in the snow leading to Farr’s Forman Street home, and also saw the stolen items in his apartment. According to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office, Farr admitted to breaking a window at Rollie’s and trying to get in. When he couldn’t, he went back home. He’s free on unsecured bail.

Drug charges against a reputed member of the “Bloods” street gang from New York City were bound to court following a hearing Wednesday in front of District Judge Dominic Cercone. Dakota Mix of Franklinville, New York, was stopped by Bradford City Police on May 15 on South Avenue. During the traffic stop, police saw a baggie with white powder in it. Police also saw a folding knife, although Mix had denied having any weapons in the vehicle. During the stop, police were told that Mix was a “confirmed” member of the Bloods. They were advised to use caution. Police later found a gun clip, cocaine and diazepam in the vehicle. Mix is free on unsecured bail.

Several Bradford residents, and a Buffalo man, waived their preliminary hearings on a variety of drug charges Wednesday. Ben Denning allegedly sold heroin to a confidential informant for $130, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office.. Then on October 30 when Bradford Police and the McKean County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 56 Amm Street, Denning tried to hide a bag of cocaine by putting it in his anal cavity. Police obtained another search warrant, and the drugs were found during an exam at BRMC. Jayson Foster is accused of having 2 syringes with what is believed to be a controlled substance in his pants pocket during the Amm Street raid. Dorian “Mack” Cooper of Buffalo is accused of selling crack cocaine to a confidential informant at the Terminal Building on South Avenue on September 13. He also allegedly sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant on November 7. Paula Sabol is facing charges for having marijuana and paraphernalia at h...

HBO’s “Gasland” has been nominated for an Academy Award. The film about natural gas drilling is among five nominees for best documentary feature. Director Josh Fox brought the movie to Bradford in June 2010. He said he made the movie to raise awareness about the negative impacts of gas drilling. http://1490newsblog.blogspot.com/search?q=gasland

H.L. “Woody” Woodruff has been chosen to receive the 2011 Lester Brauser Theatre Appreciation Award, announced Bradford Little Theatre president Nanci K. Garris on Tuesday. Established in 2001, the Brauser Award is presented to an individual whose work makes community theatre possible in the Bradford area. It is named after theatre enthusiast the late Lester Brauser. “Since the 1960s, wherever there has been entertainment for the community, there has been Woody,” said BLT president Nanci K. Garris. “Sometimes he has brought performers to town, sometimes he has hosted bus trips to events out of town, and other times he is the performer. It is because of his ongoing support of the arts and especially his personal performances, that we are pleased to present him this award. Garris recounted Woodruff’s many onstage appearances in the annual Kiwanis Kapers benefit show; his work as auctioneer or master of ceremonies for local causes; his “bits” at local events like car shows; and even his ...

A Kane man died in an industrial accident Tuesday afternoon in East Smethport. State police say 59-year-old Joseph Peterson was working outside moving Dumpsters with a Terex loader and, while hooking up a chain to one of the Dumpsters, he got p inned between the loader bucket and the Dumpster he was attempting to hook up. The accident happened sometime between 1 and 5 p.m. at Duffy Inc. in East Smethport, according a fax sent to WESB and The HERO by Kane-based state police. Peterson was pronounced dead at the scene by McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill. Smethport Fire and Priority Care Ambulance service were also on the scene.

To our regular readers: I'm sorry I didn't write a City Council story last night, but I'm not feeling well. (Boo hoo, right?) However, I did attend the meeting and you can listen to it here .

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Luminte officials have made their decision about moving their company -- and they're coming to McKean County. Luminite has been working out of the former St. Patrick's School in Salamanca since the May 2010 fire at the former Fancher Furniture plant destroyed the company offices on Rochester Street. They had been considering a move to either Cattaraugus County or McKean County. Bradford Office of Economic and Community Development Executive Director Sara Andrews confirmed Tuesday evening that the company will be relocating to the Lafferty Hollow Industrial Park. "We're absolutely thrilled to have them come to our community," Andrews said. They will be building a 45,000 square foot facility within the next few months. Kessel Construction of Bradford will be the general contractor. When the company is up and running at the Lafferty Hollow site, they will be bringing 60 new employees to McKean County. Andrews said she believes...

The Moscow-based Chamber Orchestra Kremlin will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, in the fifth concert of the Friends of Good Music season at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Under the leadership of music director Misha Rachlevsky, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin will perform Rossini’s “Sonata for Strings,” Prokofiev’s “Visions Fugitives” (in an arrangement for chamber orchestra by Rudolf Barshai), and Tchaikovsky’s passionate masterpiece “Serenade for Strings, opus 48.” Founded in 1991, the orchestra consists of some of Russia’s finest young string players and has carved a niche for itself under the creative baton of Rachlevsky, its founder and music director. In addition to an active season of presenting concerts and festivals in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin tours regularly in North and South America, Europe and the Far East. The orchestra has recorded more than 30 CDs, many of which have won international awards. After a recent conc...

Despite a recent appeal for donors the Community Blood Bank has been unable to overcome the serious blood shortage in the region that has persisted for over a week. Heavy usage, combined with lighter than expected donor turnout is to blame. The Community Blood Bank of NW PA is taking donors Thursday from 3:30-7:30 & Saturday 9-1PM at 24 Davis Street, Union Square in Bradford at the BRMC Lab. First the snow forced the cancellation of several blood drives, then the flu has diminished the ranks of donors, and recently the cold weather has affected turnout. "We are still really struggling," Says Dan Desrochers Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. "It is getting worse instead of better and we need to turn it around quickly before it turns critical." All donors are strongly encouraged to donate. The Community Blood Bank is located at 24 Davis Street in Union Square across from the Sports Café in the BRMC Laboratory. Hours are on Thursday are 3:30pm to 7:...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has entered into transfer agreements with Jamestown (N.Y.) Community College to help students who plan to earn an associate’s degree at JCC and transfer into a bachelor’s degree program at Pitt-Bradford. The new agreements cover bachelor’s degree programs in history/political science, human relations, interdisciplinary arts or writing at Pitt-Bradford. An overview of Pitt-Bradford’s programs and its transfer agreements with JCC are available at www.upb.pitt.edu . Each agreement guarantees acceptance of JCC students who successfully complete up to 75 transferable credits (with a minimum grade of C in each course), achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, meet Pitt-Bradford conduct standards, and complete application and deposit requirements by May 1. The agreements also guarantee junior standing to students who transfer a minimum of 60 credit hours and guarantee the opportunity to complete the bachelor’s degree in four semesters t...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today released his top points for government reform, following through on his commitment to root out waste and fraud, while returning fiscal responsibility and accountability back to Pennsylvania. “I am committed to provide an open, transparent, accountable and trustworthy government that puts our taxpayers first and gets the commonwealth back on track,’’ Corbett said. “We are facing a multi-billion dollar deficit and we must do something about it,’’ Corbett said. “I made a commitment to the people of Pennsylvania that I would reform state government, and I intend to make good on that commitment starting today.’’ At the top of his list is changing to a biennial budget process. Across the nation, 20 other states already use a two-year budget cycle, which Corbett believes will provide a more focused, long-term analysis of the effectiveness of government programs and the use of tax dollars. It would also provide agencies and programs the opportunity to be...

The staff of Baily’s Beads, the literary magazine of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, will have two reasons to celebrate Wednesday night. The first is the unveiling of the 2011 edition. The second is accolades received for the 2010 issue. The public is invited to join the unveiling and celebration at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the Mukaiyama University Room. The event will include refreshments, readings and an open mic for those wishing to share their original work. The free event is part of the university’s Spectrum Series. Also during the celebration, Mandy Colosimo, editor of the 2010 edition, will accept the Best College Magazine award from the American Scholastic Press Association. The award is given to the top scoring magazine in each enrollment category. The 2010 edition scored 990 out of a possible 1,000 points, receiving marks of distinction in both writing and editing and concept. Judges wrote that that the edition was, “unique and breathtaking …...

WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection is investigating a well control incident that occurred Jan. 17 at a Talisman Energy natural gas well located on state forest land in Ward Township, Tioga County. Talisman also has been conducting its own investigation and has been cooperating fully with the department. “This was a serious incident that could have caused significant environmental harm had it not been brought under control,” said DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber. “DEP is conducting a thorough investigation to determine why this incident occurred.” Talisman began having problems controlling the well in the early afternoon of Jan. 17. The well was successfully shut in about 3:45 p.m. that day. During the well control incident, which began during hydraulic fracturing of the well, fracking fluids and sand discharged from the well into the air. It does not appear that any significant amount of natural gas was released and there was no fire or explosion. ...

A Warren man was found dead after his car crashed on National Forge Road in Brokenstraw Township today. Police say a car driven by 70-year-old Larry Watson went off the road going around a curve, traveled 86 feet off the road, hit a tree and rolled onto its side. Police say Watson was dead when emergency responders arrived, and they believe he died prior to the crash.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Steelers vs. Packers. Primanti Bros. sandwiches vs. Wisconsin cheese. In honor of the Feb. 6 Super Bowl featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Green Bay Packers, U.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) have made a tasty wager on the winner of the big game. Should the Steelers prevail, Sen. Johnson will provide Sen. Toomey with a savory assortment of Wisconsin cheese, bratwurst and beer. But should the Packers emerge victorious, Sen. Toomey will ship Sen. Johnson a delivery of Pittsburgh’s world-famous Primanti Bros. sandwiches, topped with signature French fries, cole slaw and tomatoes. “I’m sure Sen. Johnson would enjoy some of Pittsburgh’s best sandwiches, which taste just as good as the upcoming Steelers’ victory,” Sen. Toomey said. “Being frugal and a fiscal conservative, my first thought was to simply re-gift the Chicago Style Pizza and Illinois beer that the Packers helped us win from Senator Kirk. But that wouldn’t highlight the fin...

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today learned he has been appointed to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources of the House Natural Resources Committee. This appointment follows Thompson’s recent appointment to the full House Natural Resources Committee and reappointment to the full House Agriculture and Education & Labor Committees. “This assignment is a huge win for the people of Pennsylvania’s 5th District,” said Thompson. “On the Energy & Minerals Subcommittee, I will have the opportunity to represent the local economies of rural Pennsylvania that have benefited greatly from the Marcellus Natural Gas Play and other resources located in the 5th District and nationwide. I look forward to advancing responsible resource management and development policies for the betterment of the country,” added Thompson. The House Natural Resource Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources has specific jurisdiction over our nation’s energy production and...

A Salamanca woman has been sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison for breaking into a store in July and stealing nearly $8,000 worth of merchandise. 20-year-old Alexa Knoxsah, 20-year-old James Porter and a 17-year-old broke into the Across the River Smoke Shop in Salamanca on July 11. Porter has already pleaded guilty, and will be sentenced in March. Knoxsah will also serve 1 to three years for throwing a blunt object through a car window and injuring a dog that was sitting inside.

A 32-year-old Cassadaga man is dead after a snowmobile accident early this morning. Sheriff’s deputies say Ryan Anderson lost control of the snowmobile and it crashed into a large snowbank at around 12:45 this morning. Anderson was thrown from the snowmobile and then hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene.