Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

All US and Pennsylvania flags at state buildings will be flown at half-staff on Sunday to recognize National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Private homes and businesses are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff. On Friday, fallen police officers from this region were honored in St. Marys. Those remembered included Dave Distrola of Bradford, Steve Jerman of Kane and Carl Whippo of Johnsonburg.

Thunder, lightning and torrential downpours didn't dampen the spirits of Bradford Area High School prom-goers Friday night, as you can tell from the beautiful Jamie Teribery. Elizabeth Behan and Nick Franco were crowned Prom Queen and Prom King.

A plane crashed in a wooded area of Benezette Township at just before 6 o’clock Friday night, killing the 60-year-old pilot. State police say the man from Connecticut was the only person on the plane. They did not release his name. Police and the Bennetts Valley Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance were called to the scene at 5:55 p.m., according to a fax sent to WESB and The HERO by state police. Elk County Coroner Lou Radkowski pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Flash flooding is occurring throughout McKean County, including the City of Bradford, as well as in Cattaraugus County, particularly in the Salamanca area. Motorists are being advised to use caution.

Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, the Trustees of Medicare issued their annual report, warning again of the program’s major financial shortfalls. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson delivered the following response during a radio address. To Listen: Click Here Remarks as delivered: "Today's report is another stark reminder that Congress’ failure to move forward with reforming our current entitlement programs will only lead to insolvency and unfulfilled promises. That is not the United States I know and love. “We need to make sure there are appropriate reforms made to Medicare to ensure our aging populations will have health and retirement security and the peace of mind that accompanies both. A failure to act means that those who have spent their lives budgeting for their golden years will face drastic cuts even sooner than previously estimated. “To the President and some of my colleagues in the House and Senate that have asserted that honest proposals to reform Medicare and...

A Bradford man is in jail for allegedly raping a person younger than 16. Bradford City Police charged 19-year-old Anthony Kremer with felony counts of rape by forcible compulsion, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Kremer was arraigned by District Judge Bill Todd this afternoon and is in jail on $75,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in front of District Judge Dominic Cercone.

SALAMANCA, NY – A woman from Medina, Ohio, won a new car by hitting the jackpot on the Power Strike penny slot machine on April 25 at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. The lucky winner, identified as Zarmell H., drove away in a black, supped-up 2011 Chevrolet Cruze on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 11. She picked out the vehicle at Edmond Chevrolet in Bradford, PA, a division of Jamestown, NY-based Shults Auto Group. Zarmell is the second jackpot car winner in as many months at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. Photo courtesy of Seneca Gaming

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett will undergo back surgery for treatment of spinal stenosis on Monday morning, May 16, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. The surgery, to be performed by orthopaedic spinal specialist Dr. Mark A. Fye and orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Patrick J. DeMeo, is considered to be a routine procedure, but will require Corbett to stay in the hospital one or two days. Corbett expects to resume his duties by Tuesday, while recuperating at his home in Shaler Township, and return to Harrisburg by the end of the week. During the time when the governor is under general anesthesia, Lt. Gov. James Cawley will be “acting governor,’’ in accordance with articles of the state constitution, until Corbett is able to resume the powers and duties of the office. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, resulting in a compression of nerves, which leads to persistent pain and decreased physical activity. The most common cause of spinal stenosis is the natural aging pr...

Beloved business owner dies in crash: wivb.com

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today reminded spring gobbler hunters they can take advantage of full-day hunting – from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset – beginning Monday, May 16. The full-day spring gobbler hours were approved by the Board of Game Commissioners last year, as part of the 2010-11 seasons and bag limits package. Under the change, legal hunting hours from the opening day of the spring gobbler season through the third Saturday (April 30-May 14) are one-half hour before sunrise until noon. However, hunting hours for the remainder of the season (May 16-31) are from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. “Although all-day hunting will disturb some nesting hens, the impact will be minimal because all-day hours will cover only the last two weeks of the season,” said Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist. “By then, hunting pressure decreases and most hens are in their l...

Olean, NY — The Board of Trustees of Southern Tier Catholic School and Archbishop Walsh Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Thomas McGlinn to the position of Principal – effective July 2011. With this announcement and that of Dr. Adam Holden as the Adjunct President of STCS and Walsh, the schools are now positioned to move forward successfully with the strategic objectives as set forth by the Board of Trustees. Mr. Thomas McGlinn will join Southern Tier Catholic School and Archbishop Walsh Academy as the new Principal for both schools in July 2011. McGlinn is currently the Dean of Students at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Ft. Myers, Florida, where he also served as a guidance counselor. Since 2006, he has managed numerous areas of the school to include personal and academic counseling, curriculum development, college planning, parent workshops, implementation of standardized testing as well as serving as the athletic administrator for fall and winter sports. ...

Ridgway/Cyclone Pa. (May 13, 2011) PENNDOT Elk/McKean County Maintenance Has announced work for the week of May 16, 2011 through May 20, 2011 Maintenance work planned by Elk County employees includes: TURF CUTTING –SR 555, Medix Run CRACK SEALING- 4001, Evergreen-4002, Grant Road. SIGN REPAIR- Various Routes, County wide BRIDGE REPAIRS- SR 948, Clarion River Bridge in Ridgway DITCH CLEANING- 4009, Lamont PIPE REPAIRS – 2003, Toby Maintenance work planned by McKean County employees includes: SIGN MAINTENANCE – Various Routes, County wide BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION – SR 1017, Sweitzer Drive / SR 155, Annin Creek in Turtlepoint SHOULDER REHABILITATION – SR 2001, Clement Road CRACK SEALING – 4001, Big Shanty – 770, Minard Run SIDE DOZE- SR 6 / 155, Port Allegany Area SWEEPING-INTERSECTION / WHITE LINES – Various Routes, County wide PATCHING- Various Routes, County wide PATCHING- RT 0006, Kane area CRACK SEALING / PATCHING- SR 0770, Bradford BRUSHING – Various Bridges, County wide SR-0120/...

Washington, D.C. – Sue-Young Kim of State College Area High School has won the Congressional Art Competition for the 5th Congressional District sponsored by U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard. Kim’s painting, "Moving On," will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Complex for an entire year. “I believe that this competition provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the artistic talent of students in the Fifth District,” said Thompson. “Sue-Young is a truly gifted artist and I look forward to showcasing her work on behalf of the Fifth District in the halls of Congress.” The Congressional Art Competition includes drawings, paintings, and photographs, which were submitted by high school students from all across Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District. The winning entry was chosen by an independent panel of local artists prior to the art viewing, which took place Saturday, May 7th, at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in DuBois, PA. Second Place was awarded to Ke...

The North Central Planning and Development Commission has awarded $1,000 to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford to be used for science camp scholarships. The gift funds $100 scholarships to the first 10 students who request them. The students must not have already registered for X-treme Science Camp, which will take place from June 13 to 17. The total cost of the full-day camp is $125 for the first child and $110 for each additional child per family. Families may apply for more than one scholarship. X-treme Science Camp is designed for children age 7 to 12 years old. In addition to participating in a variety of labs and science activities, campers will enjoy gym games, swimming and free time. Campers will need to bring a packed lunch, beverage and swimming clothes each day. The camp will provide a morning and afternoon snack. Registration is limited to 100 campers, and registrations must be received by May 27. For more information or to request a scholarship, contact the Pitt-Brad...

WASHINGTON, DC— A new report by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) finds that eliminating or modifying several tax breaks currently benefiting the major integrated oil companies will reduce the deficit by $21 billion over ten years and encourage investments in alternative energy and energy efficiency. The report, “End Tax Breaks For Big Oil: Reduce the Federal Deficit Without Increasing Prices at the Pump,” further shows that the repeal of the tax breaks will not affect oil and gas production decisions in the near term and will have little or no impact on consumer energy prices in the immediate future. “This new JEC report makes clear that there are ways to bring down the deficit without harming our economic recovery,” said JEC Chairman Bob Casey (D-PA). “By repealing unnecessary tax breaks to the major integrated oil companies, we can reduce the deficit by more than $20 billion and speed the move to a clean energy economy without impacting prices at the pump.” The p...

The recognition is held annually May 6-12, concluding on Florence Nightingale’s birthday. This year’s theme was “Nurses Trusted to Care.” The purpose of the week long celebration is to raise awareness of the value of nursing and help educate the public about the role nurses play in meeting the healthcare needs of the public. CCMH events included the traditional wear white day and blessing of the hands. CCMH chief nurse executive Cindi Hardesty thanked all CCMH nurses “for making a difference in our communities.” Photos courtesy of CCMH

A Salamanca man is dead following a motorcycle crash early this morning in Salamanca. Police say the bike operated by 40-year-old Michael Tome hit a guard rail at around 12:20 a.m. He was thrown from the motorcycle. West State Street in Salamanca was closed for several hours this morning following the accident.

Blogger had been down for maintenance since early Thursday afternoon, which is why I have not posted anything since then. Now, just be patient and give me some time to catch up, OK?

A new website that offers news and commentary from Harrisburg has just been introduced. PAMatters is also the place to go to submit questions for the radio program "Ask the Governor," which 1490 WESB will be airing. Or you can submit questions by e-mail at AsktheGov@pamatters.com .

Erin Fero of Family Group Decision Making welcomes people to her booth at the McKean County Collaborative Resource Fair at the old Ames Store in the Bradford Mall. The event goes on until 6 p.m. today. Other organizations at the fair include the YWCA, Career Link, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, The Friendship Table, McKean County Family Centers, Bradford Regional Medical Center and Futures. Catholic Charities Adoption Services, Life and Independence for Today and the BOCES Practical Nursing Program also have free information for people who attend the fair.

The Southern Tier Symphony will give its final performance of its 2010-2011 season at 3 p.m. May 15 at Pitt-Bradford. Under the direction of John Whitney, the concert will be held at the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. Cost is $20 at the door, and student admission is free. This performance is titled “Music is Dancing” and will feature six works, including an arrangement by Whitney of “La Suerta de los Tantos” (The Fortune of Fools). Other pieces are Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” Malcolm Arnold’s “Four Scottish Dances,” Johann Strauss’s waltz “Voices of Spring,” Aaron Copeland’s “Hoe Down,” and Manuel de Falla’s “Ritual Fire Dance.” Tickets are available at the door or by calling (716)372-1110. For more information, visit www.southerntiersymphony.org . For disability related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (814)362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu .

By Tom Missel Director of Media Relations/Marketing Dr. Barbara Tylenda was a student at a Catholic high school in New Jersey back in the ’70s when she first met the late Fr. Bob Stewart, O.F.M. It was Fr. Bob’s first teaching job, and several years before he entered the priesthood. “He taught me geometry, chemistry and psychology,” said Tylenda. “In fact, he was instrumental in my decision to become a clinical psychologist. We were close friends for 29 years, and he was a mentor to me all those years.” As a friar, Fr. Bob made his way to St. Bonaventure University where he taught theology and Italian, forged deep friendships, pursued his love of athletic activities, and drew inspiration from the woods and trails surrounding campus. When he died of cancer in 2001, the forested university lands he frequented on runs and quiet walks were named Bob’s Woods in his honor, and marked with several hand-painted, wood plank signs. Now, 10 years after Fr. Bob’s death, Tylenda’s son, Matthew A. K...

By Rick Frederick The McKean County SPCA is planning for its semi-annual Open House next Saturday, but this one comes with a twist. The event, billed as “Woofstock 2011,” is planned as a combination of open house, adoption opportunity, and a dog day of fun. According to Board member Lori Burkhouse, who is chairing the event, the dogs at the SPCA shelter “need individual attention and love, just like the animals in people’s homes. We want to give each one of our dogs that chance.” Each shelter dog will receive a “person for the day.” “This person will interact with his or her dog,” says Burkhouse. “The dogs and their people will go for walks, play outside, get some grooming, and pose for photos for the SPCA’s developing website. They’ll be just regular pets for a few hours.” Burkhouse noted that the overall success of the day for all of the dogs depends on getting volunteers to care for the animals from about noon until four p.m. “We already have about forty people, but we could use...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a free workshop May 25 for educators and health professionals who work with autistic children. “Interfacing with Special Populations: Autism” will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 25 in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons on campus. A free continental breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits for certified health education specialist, continuing health education, social work and Pennsylvania board of nursing certifications. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Center for Rural Health Practice and the Pennsylvania Public Health Training Center and is designed specifically for educators and community health center staff. Topics include autism spectrum disorder characteristics, prevalence, etiology, assessment and intervention. Participants will learn strategies to provide effective care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders through pr...

Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today introduced H.R. 1832, the Servicemembers’ Telemedicine & E-Health Portability (STEP) Act. The STEP Act will expand the current Department of Defense (DOD) state licensure exemption to allow credentialed health care professionals to work across state borders without having to obtain a new state license. “Members of our military should receive 21st century care and access to treatment regardless of the circumstances and Congress needs to make good on that commitment,” said Thompson. “This legislation removes out-dated requirements under current law so that geographic location is no longer an obstacle to the delivery of care for our Servicemembers.” Currently, the Department of Defense has limited ability to allow its health care professionals to provide care when the patient is in a different state. As a result, many who rely on military care are required to travel long distances to receive treatment, presenting increased financial burdens an...

The East Main Street obstacle course is disappearing as city crews fill in the pot holes, cracks and craters on Wednesday.

US Senator Bob Casey has introduced a bill that he hopes will lead to the completion of Route 219. Casey and Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland say their bill would facilitate the completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System. Casey said in a news release, “This bill will build Pennsylvania infrastructure and create jobs. Unlocking existing unspent balances among state transportation agencies will allow Appalachian Development Highway Systems to move forward and for work to be finished on Route 219.” Construction of the highway system was authorized by Congress in 1965 and is 88 percent complete. The remainder of the highway must be built in the mid-Atlantic portion of Appalachia and difficult terrain makes construction costly. The bill would allow states in the region to use toll credits as matching funds for projects critical to the completion of the highway system.

Talented singers from Bradford Area High School, great food from area restaurants and warm, sunny weather as predicted by Mike Cejka all made for a successful first Lunch in the Square of the season. The next Lunch in the Square is scheduled for June 8.

If you’re concerned about our public lands and natural resources, would like to share your skills and talents with others, and like to meet and work with people, you may be interested in work opportunities under the Corps of Engineers Volunteer Program at Kinzua Dam. All interested persons, especially retired seniors, high school, and college students are invited to apply. Several part-time volunteers will be needed to fill Visitor Center Host positions starting June 1, 2011. These positions involve staffing the Kinzua Visitor Center daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm. However, work schedules are flexible, with many part-time options available. This opportunity is open to persons of all ages, but persons under 18 years of age must have parental or legal guardian consent to participate. If you’re interested, please contact the Kinzua Dam Office at (814)726-0661, for additional information and Volunteer Application Forms.

HARRISBURG - Small businesses would have the option to pay their school property taxes in installments, under legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) that passed the Senate yesterday. “As a former small business owner, I know that it is sometimes difficult for these businesses to have the cash flow at a certain time to pay their school taxes in one lump sum,” Scarnati said. “This will allow these companies to spread out the payments a bit.” Scarnati said that since 2006, with the passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act, certain property owners have had the option to pay school property taxes in installments, through farmstead and homestead exemptions. His bill would extend that option to businesses with 50 or fewer employees. “In these tough economic times, I believe it is important to help our small businesses – which are the economic engines and job-creators in our communities,” Scarnati said. “This commonsense legislation will make it easier for s...

We just heard on tonight's Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast that Gary Stormer of WCED radio in DuBois is battling cancer. We wish him all the best and -- like his co-workers in DuBois -- hope he'll be on the air for another 37 years. http://www.1420wced.com/default.asp?pid=51081

They say you have to be in it to win it and Bradford’s in it as one of the finalists to win the title “Ultimate Fishing Town USA.” Bradford collected more than 1,000 votes and was able to garner a “wild card” seat in the tournament that started with hundreds of towns and is now down to 20. The top two vote-getters in each bracket moved onto the second round. Six wild card towns were also selected to advance. The contest is sponsored by the World Fishing Network. Bradford, the only town in Pennsylvania that made the second round, was up against towns from Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New York and District of Columbia. Plenty of good fishing is done here, including two state records. The Allegheny Reservoir is the best trophy northern pike fishery in Pennsylvania. The state-record pike – a 35-pounder – was caught here. There’s also largemouth bass, bluegill, steelhead and walleye fishing here, too. In ...

Although a couple members of the Board of Health would prefer that the city health license of Marsh’s Bar be suspended immediately, the board voted to give the owner 14 days to remedy the 32 violations found in inspections done last week. “This property is a disgrace,” said board member Jim Evans. “It’s one of Bradford’s worst.” Referring to pictures that were taken by inspectors Mike Cleveland and Mark Grassi, Evans said, “What’s going on inside mirrors what’s on the outside.” He asked why the license couldn’t be revoked immediately because the owner has had every opportunity to bring it up to code in the past. Letters were sent to Ken Marsh in April and also in August of last year in reference to code violations. The city’s special counsel Greg Henry said he “would much rather take action immediately than have any sort of delay. There’s no question about that. On the other hand we need to do this in a way that will survive any legal attack upon us.” “This deals with this individual’s...