Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

My favorite news service won a whole pile of awards from the Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Our listeners heard many of the shows and reports on 1490 WESB and 100.1 The HERO, including RadioPA Roundtable, election night coverage and "Eerie Pennsylvania: The French Manor." Congratulations to to everyone at RadioPA -- and thanks for making my life a whole lot easier!

Bradford City Police on Friday got calls about “Dumpster crawling” on Kennedy Street and “kids setting fires” on Interstate Parkway. Officers also got calls about noise on Bushnell Street, a fight at Barbour and Mechanic streets, an unwanted person on Mechanic Street and harassment on East Main Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet.

The Bradford City Firefighters Easter Egg Hunt has been postponed until April 23 at 11 a.m. at Callahan Park. The Lewis Run Easter Egg Hunt will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow, APril 17. If it rains, the hunt will be held at Evans Memorial United Methodist Church

Remember to vote for Bradford in the Ultimate Fishing Town Contest: http://wfnfishingtown.com/town/bradford-pa

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H. Con. Res. 34, the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Resolution. The measure passed the House by a vote of 235-193. Thompson released the following statement after final passage: “The people of the 5th District understand fiscal responsibility and realize we can’t continue spending money we don’t have,” said Thompson. “Today, we put the facts on the table and advanced the debate about how to address the fiscal challenges facing this country, and the steps needed to bring about solvency – because right now we’re in the red. Contrary to the misinformation, this plan keeps our current commitments to seniors, while ensuring the longevity of our social safety net programs for future generations.” H. Con. Res. 34 reduces spending to below 2008 levels, freezing discretionary spending for five years, and includes $6.2 trillion in savings compared to the President’s 2012 budget proposal. The measure looks to improve the sustain...

More than 40 students at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford were recognized for their academic achievements and contributions to campus life at the university’s annual Honors Convocation held today. Before the awards were given, Rick Nelson, associate professor of business management, gave the keynote address. Fifteen students were named University Scholars, an honor given to juniors, seniors and students from the previous year’s graduating class who are or were in the top 2 percent of their class. Those named University Scholars who were 2010 graduates were Jenelle M. Elmquist, a social studies 7-12 major from Sheffield; Kathy M. Long, an elementary education major from Kane; Ashley R. Neal, a sports medicine major from St. Marys; and Nicole J. Walter, an elementary education major from Gifford. Those seniors named University Scholars were Joshua W. Flowers, a chemistry and chemistry education 7-12 major from New Columbia; Prashant...

Charges have been filed against two men accused of breaking into Save-A-Lot on Forman Street on April 7. 21-year-old Axle Tankersley and 22-year-old Ouinton Mills, both of Bradford, are each charged with burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary, both felonies. They are also facing misdemeanor theft and conspiracy charges. Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco says the photo of one of the suspects that was released to the media last week “received an enormous response, which solidified the department’s feeling that the suspect in the photo was Axle Tankersley.” Lucco says while serving a search warrant at Tankersley last known address to look for evidence of the crime, officers discovered evidence to link the residence to another recent burglary at Matthews Services Station, where tools and other miscellaneous items had been stolen. He says after Tankersley was taken into custody he cooperated with police and provided a detailed account of the events, including the identity of Mills....

The organizers of Saturday’s Easter egg hunts are waiting until morning to decide if the events will go on as scheduled, or if the anticipated rain will move them to other dates. In case of rain, the hunt at the Lewis Run Borough Park will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday. The Bradford City Firefighters Local 655 hunt scheduled for 11 a.m. at Callahan Park would be moved to April 23. We’ll let you know the status of the hunts in the morning.

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, called on the Obama Administration to aggressively stand up to ongoing Chinese attempts to gain an illegal trade advantage over Pennsylvania workers and companies. A letter signed by a bipartisan group of senators was sent to the Obama Administration ahead of today’s G-20 meeting in Washington. In the letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Casey called on the Obama Administration to confront China on its currency manipulation that artificially makes Chinese goods less expensive than similar American-made products. China's currency manipulation, a violation of international trade law, is a major contributor to America's $273 billion trade deficit with China and costs the United States thousands of jobs each year. In their letter, the senators say of China's illegal action on currency: "For too long, this issue has festered, harming not only American companies and workers, ...

Two Potter County residents are facing harassment charges following separate incidents. State police say at between 7 and 7:20 a.m. today 56-year-old Robert Nortum of Roulette subjected a 15-year-old girl to unwanted physical contact at his home. The investigation is continuing. Police say that at about 8 p.m. on Sunday 28-year-old Thomas Pritt of Austin approached 18-year-old Charles Goff of Austin outside the Bomb Shelter Bar and punched him three times in the face.

HARRISBURG – The state American Legion praised the Pennsylvania Gaming Board’s decision yesterday to “protect the sanctity of the Gettysburg National Military Park” by denying a developer’s bid for a nearby casino. By a 6-1, the Gaming Board decided to award the license to another location, the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, in the southwestern part of the state. “Many Legionnaires, veterans and concerned Americans across the country did not want to see a casino built so close to the final resting place of so many heroes,” said Pennsylvania American Legion Commander Pete Wasco. “While many local residents supported the project, the battlefield has national significance. At the same time, people are understandably concerned about unemployment and other economic issues. The American Legion supports development in Adams County and other areas that need it. We just do not support development that would encroach upon that honored ground. We are not anti-casino. We are pro-veteran.” The projec...

One man is facing assault charges for allegedly knocking another man unconscious, breaking his nose and causing a number of other injuries. 42-year-old Kevin Burritt is accused of attacking Richard Riel in the early morning hours of April 9 at Riel’s home. According to papers filed in District Rich Luther’s office, Burritt and Beth Weilacher gave Riel a ride home and, at about 2:20 a.m., Riel got into a verbal argument with Weilacher and Burritt hit him in the back. Riel says he felt a sharp pain in his back, and then lost consciousness. When Riel woke up the next day he had a number of injuries on his face and back. Riel was taken to BRMC, where they found that he suffered a broken nasal bone, contusions to his face, scalp and neck area, abrasions to his lower back and had also lost two teeth. Burritt is free on bail and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 20.

A woman who is already in prison on burglary charges is facing more charges for allegedly breaking into several businesses in Cattaraugus County in November. 21-year-old Alexa Knoxsah is accused of breaking into Eddy’s Restaurant in Great Valley as well as New Beginnings Fitness Center and Norton Hardwoods in Salamanca. Knoxsah and her brother, 18-year-old Kyle Cooper, allegedly stole cash and checks from the businesses. Knoxsah is serving a 2 to 6 year prison sentence in Bedford Hills for breaking into the Across the River Smoke Shop in Salamanca in July and stealing nearly $8,000 worth of merchandise. She is scheduled to answer the new charges in Great Valley on Wednesday, and in Salamanca on May 20. Sheriff’s deputies say more people may be arrested in connection to the latest burglaries.

A total of $16,711 in funding to support mentoring in McKean County was raised by bowlers and local businesses during the 2011 Bowl for Kids’ Sake event, held April 2, 2011 at Byllye Lanes in Bradford. 181 people bowled during the event, which is held annually to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of McKean County. Funds are used to support local matched pairs, children waiting to be matched, and for program promotion and development. Many ‘veteran’ teams returned to bowl in support of the program and there were also many new teams who came to the event to raise money for a good cause. Children and Youth Services of McKean County brought eight teams consisting of staff, youth, and participants in the Independent Living Program. The group was led by Breanne Abbott, Independent Living supervisor, and assisted by members of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Participants donned bright orange T-shirts, and showed off their team s...

Harrisburg, PA – Anglers from across the state have been helping the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ( PFBC) stock more than one million adult trout in preparation for the traditional opening day on April 16. PFBC Executive Director John Arway says opening day is a time-honored tradition that families and kids look forward to every year. “Opening day is a huge event for so many families and their children,” Mr. Arway said. “In fact, the regional opening day and the traditional opening day are two of the biggest fishing days of the year. To get ready for them, our ‘great white fleet’ of stocking trucks has been busy since mid-February replenishing Pennsylvania's waterways with a fresh supply of brook, brown, and rainbow trout.” April 2 marked the regional opening day of trout in 18 southeastern counties. Every year the PFBC stocks about 3.2 million trout in waterways across the state. About 50 percent are stocked before the opening days, 45 percent are stocked before the end o...

The United Way of the Bradford Area held its first Spring Arts Gala Thursday at The Lodge at Glendorn. The event was sold out three weeks prior and raised over $8,000. “We were astounded with the responses we received from our local community,” says Executive Director, Kelly Z. Case. “We had a great turnout of artists and attendees and know everyone is looking forward to next year.” The gala featured items from local artisans and craftsmen. The scope of talent was immense. The United Way was pleased to be able to auction several paintings, wood pieces, and pieces made of ceramic, glass, floral arrangements, and hand stitched creations. “There were a total of 28 auction packages,” says Community Relations and Marketing Specialist, Megan Minich. “When we were in the planning process our goal was to secure 15 auction items. We were so appreciative to receive 28 items.” “We could not have accomplished such a successful event without the support of our volunteers and the local comm...

Two people suffered minor injuries in an accident at 10:40 Thursday morning on Route 219 about half a mile north of Johnsonburg. State police say vehicles driven by 45-year-old Ronald Feldbauer of Ridgway and 74-year-old Jean Eozzo of St. Marys were stopped in a work zone area when a car driven by 22-year-old Cari Mae Fero of Johnsonburg didn’t stop and hit Feldbauer’s vehicle, which then hit Eozzo’s SUV. The drivers who were stopped both suffered minor injuries. Fero was not hurt but police say charges are pending.

The city of Altoona has, agreed to sell its naming rights to a documentary filmmaker for $25,000. So, for 60 days, beginning on April 27, Altoona will be called -- “Pom Wonderful Presents the Greatest Movie Ever Sold.” The filmmaker is Morgan Spurlock, best known for the movie “Super Size Me,” in which he ate nothing but McDonald’s food for a month. “Pom Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” is about product placement in movies. Pom Wonderful is a juice maker that paid to be in the title of the film, which opens April 22. Altoona Mayor Bill Schirf says, “Clearly, the people of Altoona have a sense of humor … and an asking price.” For more information go to MorganSpurlock.com

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement after voting to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year: “This funding bill includes significant cuts to government spending. It includes almost $40 billion in cuts and reduces spending by $78.5 billion over the budget proposed by President Obama. “But it is only a start and we should now work together across party lines to bring down our long-term debt in a responsible way that continues to grow the economy and create jobs and protects middle-income families and older Pennsylvanians. “This bill is, however, not perfect. For example, the cuts to local law enforcement come at a time when drug and gang crime is escalating in Pennsylvania. Local law enforcement needs additional help to keep our communities safe.”

Copied and Pasted By ANNE HOLLIDAY From 2 News Releases Harrisburg – Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in March, down from 8.0 percent in February 2011. March’s rate was down a full percentage point from March 2010, the largest over- the-year decline since August 1987. Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted civilian labor force – the number of people working or looking for work – was up 3,000 in March to 6,364,000. Resident employment rose by 20,000 to 5,869,000 while the number of unemployed residents fell 17,000 to 495,000, its lowest level since March 2009. Pennsylvania’s labor force was up 1,000 from its March 2010 level. Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in Pennsylvania were down 1,700 in March to 5,670,100. Seven of the eleven supersectors added jobs in March, but declines in the rest outweighed the gains. The largest increase was in Trade, Transportation & Utilities, which was up 3,000 to 1,087,900, while the largest decrease was in Profes...

Now’s the time to “cast” your vote for Bradford as the Ultimate Fishing Town USA. The first round of voting started on Tuesday and runs until 6 p.m. May 3. Now is when local residents can brag about their community with a vote for Bradford. Your vote could help Bradford win a $25,000 community donation. With an abundance of stocked trout streams, wild brook trout streams, the Allegheny River, Marilla Reservoir, and access from Bradford to the Allegany State Park, Bradford is a central hub for year-round fishing. Local resident, Mike Holly, captured the Walleye state record in 1980 with a 17 lb. 9 oz. prize catch. In 2003, Carl Stoltz set our second state record by reeling in a hefty 35 lb. Northern Pike while fishing on the Allegheny Reservoir. To vote, all you have to do is log onto http://wfnfishingtown.com/entries/bradford-pa . This takes you right to the voting page for Bradford. Click “vote now” and type in your name and e-mail address. You can vote under more than one e-mail addr...

Governor Andrew Cuomo launches the "Recharge New York" program that gives New York businesses the ability to buy low-cost power and spend the savings on retaining and creating jobs. "Recharge New York" allocates discount power to companies across the state, an incentive that is proven to keep companies and jobs in the State. Cuomo was in North Tonawanda to launch the program. Photo provided by Cuomo's office

The House of Representatives has passed legislation funding the federal government for the remainder the fiscal year while cutting $38.5 billion in spending. The bill is expected to be cleared by the Senate later today and then signed into law by President Barack Obama.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host a forum next week on the role of nuclear power in sustainable energy. “Nuclear Power and Sustainable Energy: Where Do We Go from Here?” will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 19 in 162 Swarts Hall. The forum is presented by the Pitt-Bradford Energy Institute and its Sustainability Committee. Matt Kropf, director of the institute, will moderate. A nuclear engineer and environmental activist will both be on hand to discuss what role should be played by nuclear power in the search for sustainable alternatives to nuclear fuel. Dr. Larry R. Foulke, an adjunct professor in the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, will give an overview of nuclear technology and the crisis in Japan resulting from a tsunami last month. Foulke retired in 2006 after a career with Westinghouse Energy Systems and the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. His areas of interest include education and trai...

The Grand Opening for Kristen’s Consignment store was held at noon on Monday, April 11. The storefront is located at 4 Boylston Street and retails clothing and household goods on consignment. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Pictured from left: Kristen Kornacki, owner; Ron Orris, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce

The Easter Bunny will be at the Kane Area Community Center Saturday from 9-12 to help the KACC with their Annual Spring Fund Raiser, “The Easter Bunny’s Pancake Party”. All you can eat pancakes, Easter Crafts to make and silly Bunny fun to be had. Bring the whole family and help support the center. You’re never too young or too old to visit the Easter Bunny!

Washington, D.C. - The House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday held a Full Committee markup on three energy bills cosponsored by Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. Wednesday's markup comes as energy experts predict gasoline prices could reach $5 per gallon by Memorial Day weekend and continue to warn that “$4-a-gallon gas fueling fears for recovery,” as reported in Wednesday's Washington Post. Thompson released the following statement after completion of Wednesday's markup. “The steady climb in gas prices under the Obama Administration has taken a toll on Pennsylvania’s 5th District and left families and small businesses more vulnerable to oil price spikes. Since last year, the Administration has only granted a handful of permits for homegrown American energy production in our own federal waters. That’s why today, the House Natural Resources Committee took action and passed three offshore energy bills that will lower gas prices and bolster economic growth by exp...

Work to replace the Annin Creek Bridge on Route 155 in Annin Township will begin Monday, April 18. The bridge spans Annin Creek near the village of Turtlepoint in McKean County. During replacement work, traffic will use a temporary run-around near the work site. Project work includes replacing the current bridge with a new, one-span, concrete beam bridge, approach and roadway paving, guide rail installation, pavement markings and miscellaneous construction. All work is weather dependent. L.C. Whitford Company, Inc. of Wellsville, New York is the contractor on this $1.4 million project. PennDOT expects to open the new bridge to traffic in early December.

New York State Police say a St. Bonaventure University student who was found unresponsive at a party in January died of heart disease, and not because he had been drinking 4 Loko. 19-year-old Matthew Dungan of Tonawanda was at an off-campus party when he was found unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at Olean General Hospital. During their investigation, police said they found beer, alcohol and 4 Loko, the energy drink loaded with alcohol and caffeine but an autopsy and toxicology reports show that that did not contribute to Dungan’s death. Dungan was a sophomore business major at St. Bonaventure and was on the rugby team.

Bradford City Police on Wednesday got reports of three thefts – on Bushnell and Williams streets, and on South Avenue. Officers were also called to domestic incidents on Jackson and Belleview avenues, a motor vehicle accident on East Corydon Street and a traffic hazard on Route 219 near Mill Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Police were also called about a parking problem on Stone Avenue, a vehicle complaint on Burnside Avenue and open lewdness on Davis Street.

By SANDRA RHODES Organizers for KARE for Kane are asking for all hands on deck in its inaugural event. KARE for Kane is a day set aside to bring individuals and groups in the Kane area to work together to spruce up the community. The work day is set for Friday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. throughout the borough. Kathleen Prosperi, project organizer, explained that they will continue to recruit volunteers until Friday, April 15. The projects have already been determined and now they want to match up the volunteers’ strengths and interests with the projects identified. KARE for Kane was developed by the Kane Area Development Center and the Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise. Both Prosperi and Melanie Clabaugh, executive director of the Kane Area Development Center, were involved in similar activities while in college – Prosperi at Allegheny College in Meadville and Clabaugh at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland - and they wanted to bring that same idea to Kane. The day is dedic...

Bradford City Police were called to two downtown motels, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Late Monday night, they went to Best Western for a reported DUI. Early Tuesday evening, they were called to the Comfort Inn for a report of a theft and criminal mischief. Also, police got reports of harassment on Jefferson Street, a theft on Bushnell Street and a suspicious person on Chestnut Street. They were called to State and Barbour streets for parking complaints, Pearl Street for a juvenile complaint and Park Street for an animal complaint. They also investigated motor vehicle accidents on Walker Avenue and Kennedy Street and noise complaints on South Avenue and High Street.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement after President Obama’s speech on cutting spending and reducing the debt: “Government spending and waste must be cut. In the coming months, Congress will debate many proposals and I will closely review the President’s framework announced today. I hope that Congress and the President can have constructive and bipartisan discussions on how government spending and the debt can be cut while ensuring short- and long-term job creation. I also hope that there will be less partisan bickering and more bipartisan consensus in the upcoming budget debates. “Smart cuts and tax reform are required so we can keep Pennsylvania’s economy growing and create jobs. Pennsylvania working families, children and older citizens who have been hit hard by the recession should not bear the brunt of these cuts. Investments must be made in areas like education and research that will lead to long-term economic growth. And eliminating Medicare as...

Two University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students presented a paper on the effectiveness of hand-washing versus hand sanitizer at the national meeting of the American Chemistry Society in Anaheim, Calif. Joshua Flowers, a chemistry and chemistry education major from New Columbia, and Yvon Woappi, a biology major from Hanover, conducted the research in the fall of 2009, during the height of concern about H1N1 flu virus. The paper, titled “Effects of Hand Sanitizer vs. Soap on Hand Bacteria Density Amongst Undergraduate Students,” has also been selected to be presented at the Penn State Behrend Sigma Xi 20th Annual Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Accomplishment Conference April 16. The students conducted the research as a project for the Pitt-Bradford Bio-Chem Club, enlisting the supervision of Dr. Om Singh, assistant professor of biology. The students gave questionnaires to and swabbed hands of 13 percent of the student body. Q...

Voting is underway in the Ultimate Fishing Town Contest – and Bradford is one of the nominees. To vote, click on the following link: http://wfnfishingtown.com/town/bradford-pa