Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

After the storms we had all it week it was nice to see a rainbow this evening. This picture was taken at just before 8 p.m. in the DaVita parking lot on East Main Street. As for the forecast, Mike Cejka says we'll probably see some rain Saturday afternoon but Sunday and Monday are looking much better.

Bradford City Police started investigating three thefts on Thursday -- on Clarence and East avenues, and on Walker Avenue. A few hours before the East Avenue theft a suspicious person was reported there, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Officers also investigated a motor vehicle accident on Sherman Street and a hit and run on Congress Street. They were called to a fight on West Washington Street, a report of criminal mischief on Belleview Avenue. From Boylston Street, they got reports of disorderly conduct and a violation of the shopping cart ordinance.

This young deer did some exploring in front of the station early this afternoon.

Someone pried open a door at the Hill Top Lodge in Shippen Township and stole 3 42” Vizio flat screen TVs, a Stihl chainsaw and a Stihl weedeater. Estimated value of the stolen items is $2,500. ~~ Sometime between 1 and 8 p.m. Tuesday someone “deposited miscellaneous plant materials on the victim’s property without permission.” 90-year-old Joseph Gehringer owns the property on CCC Memorial Highway in Driftwood. ~~ A purse containing drugs and drug paraphernalia was found at Ramsey’s Garage in Emporium. The owner should contact Emporium-based state police. ( OK. The last sentence was not in the news release .)

Today is "Don't Fry Day" -- a day to remind yourself and others to take precautions to protect your skin. Melanoma survivor Amy Silvis of Bradford will be on today's LiveLine at 12:30 p.m. on 1490 WESB and at WESB.com to talk about her experiences, pass along some tips, and give us a preview of what she'll be discussing when she testifies in front of the House Judiciary Committee in Harrisburg on Wednesday. For more information on Don't Fry Day go to EPA.gov

Former Seneca Nation of Indians President George Heron has passed away. He was 92. Heron served as president of the Seneca Nation from 1958 to 1960, and again from 1962 to 1964. He was also a past treasurer and tribal councilor. Arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke, Inc. Funeral Home. http://www.orourke-orourke.com/index.php?George%20Heron

HARRISBURG - Five suspects have been arrested and charged with participating in a plot to buy a baby and adopt the child out to family members. Acting Attorney General Bill Ryan identified the defendants as Jarrett Smith, Donna Albright-Smith, Krista Eveland, Eileen Smith and Jerome Smith. Ryan said that Albright-Smith and her ex-husband Jarrett Smith allegedly solicited Krista Eveland to sell them her unborn child so that Jarrett Smith's brother and sister-in-law could adopt the baby. According to the criminal complaint Jerome Smith and his wife Eileen Smith were hoping to adopt a child when they were approached by Donna Albright-Smith who told them she knew of a mother who wanted to put her child up for adoption. The charges state that Jerome and Eileen Smith paid for Eveland's pregnancy placing approximately $5,000-$6,000 into a trust fund to reimburse her for "necessary expenses." The Smiths also allegedly gave Eveland cash at least once a week for gas and groceri...

A Forestville man critically injured in an ATV crash late Friday night has died. 39-year-old Nathan Stevens was hurt when he crashed his ATV into the back of another ATV. He was flown by helicopter to ECMC, where he later died. Sheriff’s deputies say Stevens was not wearing a helmet.

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean) wants to give school districts jurisdiction to use cameras as a means to catch negligent drivers who speed past school buses that have activated their flashing lights and extended their stop-sign arms. She has introduced legislation that will allow the footage taken by cameras installed on buses to be used as evidence in prosecuting anyone who violates the law. The bill also will up the ante for those who fail to stop for children passing in front of school buses. "When we transport our children to and from school, we have an important responsibility to do everything we can to keep those children safe. Even though school buses are now equipped with flashing stop signs and lights, it just doesn't seem to register with some drivers that they are legally supposed to stop. These negligent drivers are breaking the law and putting our children at risk,” said Senator Young. Under Senator Young’s measure, authori...

Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa will be sold at a public auction in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Cleveland by September 1, 2011, as part of an agreement reached Tuesday, according to a news release sent to WESB and The HERO by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency. Richard Dixon, Chief Financial Officer of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, and Chair of the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, hailed this agreement. “This agreement is the best thing that could happen for the Peak. Our Committee has worked diligently to protect the significant number of jobs at the Peak, keep it open and give it the opportunity to succeed. This agreement is the first step that will move the property out of bankruptcy. Creditors and patrons alike will benefit.” Steven Blake, of RSM McGladrey, Inc., financial advisor to the Committee added, “This agreement will bring professional management to the resort, and help stabilize operations.” Daniel DeMarco, of Hahn Loes...

Bradford City Police on Tuesday got another report of a suspicious person – this time on Kiwanis Court. Officers were also called to a fight at Mechanic and West Washington streets, a disturbance on Petrolia Street and motor vehicle accidents on Boylston and West Washington streets and at GGB Elementary School, according to the complaint report and request sheet.

Bradford City Council on Tuesday renewed a lease with Allegany Concrete to rent a portion of land at the Holley Avenue Department of Public Works complex, but not without hearing objections from Mayor Tom Riel first. Riel said he meant no disrespect to Allegany Concrete or the rest of council but he was not in favor of renewing the lease. “I’m not against free enterprise or competition but” when the original lease was approved five years ago council was under the belief that they would go in to provide concrete only for the highway and they would not be competing against other companies in the area, “and that did not hold to be true,” he said. “There’s no place (else) they could set up that concrete place anyplace in this valley, especially that close to an interchange, for $1,000 a month and operate a concrete plant,” Riel said. “I do think that it makes it an unlevel playing field. Again, I’m not against competition but I think it’s unfair to Bisett (Building Center) – a business tha...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Sometimes it’s hard to see the impact grant money has on the City of Bradford, but Sara Andrews is trying to open people’s eyes to that impact. During a hearing prior to Tuesday’s Bradford City Council meeting the executive director of the Office of Economic and Community Development said the city has received more than $5.3 million in federal HOME Program grants since 1992. The projects the money helped fund has realized $5.6 million in new assessed property values for the city. Specifically, $633,000 in HOME investment leveraged the construction of 30 new homes in Colonial Heights, which added more than $2.1 million in new assessed property. On Onofrio Street, $500,000 leveraged the construction of 13 new homes. Add that to the complete renovation of 15 homes and that’s $3.5 million in new property values. “What an impact that had in that area,” she said. Over the last 19 years the city has rehabilitated 134 homes. “If we hadn’t rehabilitated ...

The State House of Representatives has just passed the budget bill by a vote of 109-92. The bill now moves onto the Senate. If the Legislature passed the $27.3 billion budget, and Governor Tom Corbett signs it before June 30, this will be the first time in nine years the state has had an on time budget.

A Genesee man is facing charges for allegedly going into a Potter County house and subjecting a woman to unwanted physical contact. Police say that between 8:30 and 8:45 p.m. Sunday 29-year-old Gason Greiss entered John Harmon’s Rose Lake Lane home and had the contact with a 25-year-old woman. Greiss is charged with criminal trespass, a felony, defiant trespass, resisting arrest and harassment. He’s in jail on $5,000 bail.

Three people – including a 9-year-old girl – escaped injury when a piece of plywood flew off a utility trailer on Route 219 and hit a car’s windshield. Police say 62-year-old Leonard Shradnick was driving his car in Jones Township at about 10:30 last night when the plywood hit and shattered the windshield. The driver of the other vehicle didn’t stop. Shradnick was able to safely stop his car just south of where it was hit.

HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, which would ensure illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania are not receiving public benefits, including Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition, was approved today by the State Senate. Scarnati’s bill, Senate Bill 9, passed the Senate today with a bi-partisan vote of 40-9. Senate Bill 9 would establish tighter scrutiny and criminal penalties that the Commonwealth’s more than 100,000 estimated illegal aliens would face when applying for services. “Pennsylvania needs to take the lead on the growing problem of illegal immigrants, and stop providing government benefits and services to those who enter this country outside the law,” Scarnati said. “Hardworking, taxpaying Pennsylvania residents are faced with the burden of supporting those who are entering our country illegally, and the problem is only getting worse every year.” Scarnati’s bill would require individuals req...

Olean, NY -- Archbishop Walsh Academy is proud to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2011. Valedictorian is Logan Clark, son of Matthew and Lisa Clark of Olean, N.Y. and Salutatorian is Tanee Ireland, daughter of John Ireland and Lori Fish of Olean, N.Y. Both students will be recognized during commencement ceremonies scheduled for June 24 at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University. Valedictorian Logan Clark carries a GPA of 93.722 with a weighted index of 95.586. Logan has been involved in many activities in and outside of school including varsity football, varsity basketball, varsity baseball, treasurer of the freshmen class, president of the junior class, National Honor Society member, band (guitar/percussion) and interact club. He also completed a student internship in computer aided drafting at Dresser-Rand. Logan volunteered at the Olean Area Rotary Club’s pasta dinner, McKean County Fair, school open houses, the ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold nature hikes through Timberdoodle Flats in the Allegheny National Forest for children. The course, “Timberdoodle Trek,” will teach children ages 8 to 12 about the ecosystems found in the Allegheny National Forest from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 24, July 8, 15, or 22. The class will meet at the Timberdoodle Flats trailhead parking lot on State Route 59, just east of the intersection with State Route 321 North in Marshburg. Students will participate in a mild 1.5-mile hike as they discover a wetland, an Allegheny hardwood forest, hemlock bottoms, and wildlife openings. Students are asked to wear boots and long pants and to pack water, lunch, a snack and sunscreen. Children must register with an adult. Cost for the course is $20 per participant. For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (814)362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu .

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital celebrated Hospital Week with a variety of events for staff and the community. High school students from Coudersport, Shinglehouse, Otto-Eldred, Austin, Galeton and Northern Potter visited CCMH to learn about a variety of clinical and non-clinical healthcare careers, education requirements, interviewing skills and future job outlook. The Heart of Cole Community Connections employee giving club presented checks for $200 each to 12 area volunteer EMS companies during an educational breakfast. The HOC Community Connections group chooses a community project every year as a way to give back. Last year, the group donated to area senior centers. During the breakfast the EMS groups also learned from hospital staff about emergency preparedness, medical command, and ventilation/CPAP. Children from Alliance Daycare visited the hospital during Hospital Week. While touring the hospital, they learned about various healthcare services and departments. Hospital Week als...

SBU-TV Sports is a finalist for a 2011 College Sports Media Award for its coverage of St. Bonaventure’s heart-stopping win over Duquesne Feb. 5 at the Reilly Center. The Bonnies defeated the Dukes, then 8-0 in conference play, when Michael Davenport hit a three-pointer with 1.6 seconds to play. SBU-TV is one of five finalists in the Live Game and Event Category in the College Athletics Division. The students are up against game productions from Purdue (men’s basketball), New Mexico State (softball), Mississippi (baseball) and Rochester Institute of Technology (men’s hockey). The winners will be announced June 7 at the College Sports Video Summit in Atlanta. Paul Wieland, instructor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, teaches a credit-bearing production class out of the remote broadcast facility, located outside the Reilly Center. Live broadcasts of men’s and women’s basketball home games are part of the curriculum. The games are streamed live over the Web via the univer...

A Delevan man has pleaded guilty to going into a restaurant with a shotgun in January and demanding money. 22-year-old Corey Roper and his twin brother Christopher, along with another man, entered The Shop restaurant at 9:20 p.m. on January 6 and demanded money. Corey Roper will be sentenced August 8. Christopher Roper pleaded guilty in March and will be sentenced next Tuesday. A third man, 24-year-old Paul Andolina of Delevan, has pleaded not guilty. In addition to robbery and burglary, he is also charged with criminal use of a firearm.

A Cherry Creek man has pleaded guilty to trying to rob an Amish couple last July in the Town of Leon. 29-year-old Donald Pfaffenbach tried to forcibly steal property from an Amish couple by displaying a handgun and demanding their wallet. When the couple said they didn’t have a wallet, Pfaffenbach fired one round near the horse that was pulling the couple’s buggy. Pfaffenbach is in jail, and will be sentenced August 1.

A Steamburg man has been sentenced to two years in state prison for raping a child last October. 25-year-old Marshall Jacobs had sex with a 14-year-old girl in the Town of Coldspring. In addition to the sentence on the rape charge, Jacobs will spend an additional one to two years in prison for violation of probation.

Prowlers on Congress Place, suspicious people on Williams and Mechanic streets, a suspicious vehicle on Mechanic Street and suspicious circumstances on Chautauqua Place were only a few of the reports Bradford City Police received Monday, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Officers also received reports of criminal mischief on Kennedy and Davis streets and on Penn Avenue, harassment on Orchard Place and noise on Elm Street. They were called to a report of a loose dog on Congress Street and a dog bite on Clarence Street, and a gas drive off downtown.

The videos above were taken in the Jackson Avenue area at around 10 p.m. Monday. This video was taken while McKean County was under a tornado warning. Besides thunder, lightning, heavy rain and wind, the storm included moth ball-sized hail.

The Portville man who took part in the firebombing of an apartment where several St. Bonaventure University students were living has been placed on probation. 22-year-old Andrew Piccirillo, along with Steven Sprague of Olean, pleaded guilty to arson and assault for throwing a Molotov cocktail into the Allegany apartment on October 17. Sprague was also placed on probation. Four other men facing similar charges have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting further court action.

The Rev. Leo Gallina, pastor of St. Bernard Church and a supporter of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has established a scholarship at Pitt-Bradford in memory of his brother, Philip John Gallina. It is the second scholarship that Father Gallina has established in memory of members of his family, having established the Leo J. and Jessie S. Gallina and Father Leo Gallina Scholarship in 1993. That scholarship is awarded to several students each year. Philip Gallina died from cancer in 2006 at the age of 63. “We were good friends,” as well as brothers, Father Gallina explained. Philip Gallina graduated from St. Vincent’s Preparatory School in Latrobe and went to St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1965. He went on to complete his Master of Business Administration degree from Duquesne University in 1967. He worked as a certified public accountant in Pittsburgh with Arthur Young and Co. and was a member of the American Institute of...

Olean Common Council has decided it’s not going to be frack friendly. According to the agenda for tonight’s meeting, Mayor Linda Witte plans to introduce a resolution asking the county Legislature to ban horizontal drilling within two miles of the city’s well water aquifer. Council will also consider an amendment that would prohibit any wastewater or similar byproduct from high-volume fracking, oil drilling or natural gas drilling operations. Another amendment would require any vehicle that exceeds the allowable state size and/or weight to obtain and possess a permit from the city’s public works department prior to operating the vehicle on any roadway maintained by the city.

Sherryl Woods' "Moonlight Cove" came out earlier this month, and "Beach Lane" is coming out next month. Listen to my chat with the New York Times bestselling author here . For more on Sherryl go to SherrylWoods.com . Remember to check out the Bradford Area Public Library -- and check out some books while you're there.