Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

(CNN) -- Nick Charles, who started off as a taxi driver and later became the first sports anchor at CNN, died Saturday after battling bladder cancer since 2009. He was 64. For the full story go to CNN.com .

Bradford City Police answered the usual nuisance calls on Friday, according to the complaint report and request sheet. They got calls about harassment on South Avenue, a disturbance on Walker Avenue and a fight on Main Street. Officers also got calls about noise on Elm Street, a barking dog on North Center Street and a suspicious person on Hilton Street.

The Buffalo Bills unveiled their new uniforms last night at Ralph Wilson stadium. Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly says he likes them because they're similar to the uniforms the team wore when he played. He said he especially likes the fact that they kept the charging buffalo on the helmets. For more on this story, go to BuffaloBills.com And remember, 100.1 The HERO is your home for the Buffalo Bills in the Twin Tiers. Pictured, Bills Alumni and local military prepare for Uniform Launch Event. Standing (L to R) – Steve Tasker, Charlie Ferguson, Greg Price, Nick Stone, Anthony Kuhn, Russ Brandon, James McLendon, Booker Edgerson, Jim Kelly. Kneeling (L to R) – Robert Smith and Kevin Reynolds. Provided by the Buffalo Bills

By SANDRA RHODES Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau A local tourist attraction is getting attention nationwide by way of an article in USA Today. The Longhouse National Scenic Drive was recently listed in the nationwide newspaper as one of the “51 Great Scenic Drives.” The list includes one drive in each state plus the District of Columbia to promote summer road tripping in the U.S. Local experts in each state were asked to nominate their favorite scenic drive. The byway is a 36-mile loop that circles the Kinzua Creek Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir and takes people some of the most beautiful scenery in the Allegheny National Forest. The drive “offers breathtaking views of the hardwood forests and water from the high plateau. Don't miss Rimrock, a rock outcrop and overlook above the Kinzua Creek Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir,” wrote Cara O’Donnell, a consultant with the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, who recommended the drive. People throughout the United States have taken not...

SALAMANCA, NY – Seneca Allegany Casino will host this year’s annual Seneca Allegany Casino Veterans Pow Wow on Saturday, July 30, and Sunday, July 31, 2011. The event, which begins each day at 10 a.m., celebrates the culture and heritage of the Seneca Nation and features dance and drum competitions, arts and crafts, and food. The Seneca Allegany Casino Veterans Pow Wow is an alcohol-free event and is open to all ages. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 17 and for elders 60 years and older, and free for children ages 4 and younger. Veterans and active service members with identification will receive free admission. Hundreds of participants from throughout the country will vie for prize money during dance, smoke dance, and drum competitions. For more information, visit www.senecapowwow.org or call 716-945-1254. Photos courtesy of Seneca Gaming and Entertainment

The Buffalo Sabres have signed a purchase agreement with the Rochester Americans hockey club. The AHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the transaction, Friday, according to the Sabres website. The Sabres also announced their affiliation agreement with the Portland Pirates has ended. The Sabres expect to hold a news conference in Rochester next week to talk about their plans for the franchise.

Emmy- and Tony-winning actor Peter Falk, best-known for his role as Lt. Columbo on the TV show "Columbo," has passed away. He was 83. Falk had been suffering from Alzheimer's since at least 2007. He died Thursday in his Beverly Hills home. Falk won five Emmy Awards, four for Columbo, and was also nominated for two Oscars. For more go to CNN.com .

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today praised Gov. Tom Corbett for signing into law a bill that allows adult mentors to transfer one antlerless deer license per license year to a youth participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. The bill sponsored by Senator Richard Alloway II, was unanimously approved by the Senate on May 2, and was unanimously approved in the House on June 15. “This new opportunity will expand an already popular program, which was created by legislation authored by Senator Bob Robbins, back in 2006,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “We also want to offer our thanks to Senator Alloway for championing this bill, as well as House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman John Evans for guiding this measure through the House.” "Pennsylvania has a rich hunting tradition, and this legislation will make it easier for experienced sportsmen to pass down their knowledge to the next generation of hunters...

Bradford City Police on Thursday dealt with several people harassing each other. They received calls about harassment from High Street, Williams Street and South Avenue, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Officers also looked into reports of criminal mischief on Pike Street and an erratic driver at Mechanic and East Washington streets. They were also called to complaints about an animal and open lewdness, both on East Main Street.

The Downtown Bradford Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to Noon in the Old City Hall parking lot located on Boylston Street in Bradford. The Farmer’s Market will be held every Saturday through mid-October. Items this week include locally grown fresh produce from Canticle Farms in Allegany, NY, vegetable plants, herbs, trees, shrubs, flowers, baked goods ( awesome pies! ), canned goods, honey, honey products. Other vendors include Herbalife Distributors. New vendors are welcome. Vendor set up will be from 7 – 7:45 a.m. Reservations are not required. For more information contact the Main Street Manager at 598-3865.

The new website Look Out for Child Abuse is designed to be a one stop resource for completing Pennsylvania’s official form for reporting suspected abuse ... and more. RadioPA's Cathy Clark reports at PAMatters.com .

McKean County’s Economic Development Director says a daylong meeting hosted by the Seneca Nation could be the beginning of looking at this part of the Twin Tiers as a “Mega Region.” Mike Roche and Commissioner Joe DeMott represented McKean County. Other counties represented were Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Warren, Erie (New York), Allegany and Niagara. Roche said the representatives gave a 20-minute overview of their county. He and DeMott focused on how McKean County’s partnerships are essential to the success of economic development. He mentioned the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, various municipalities and other entities. “Today was about those partnerships and how they yield the best possible outcomes for the future of our county and region,” Roche said in an e-mail. “It was nice to tear down the borders and talk about the difficulties in attracting new business as well as the difficulties in growing our existing industries. “ He added that...

Three Pennsylvania counties will be part of a federal study looking into the impact of fracking on drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency has chosen Bradford, Susquehanna and Washington counties in Pennsylvania, as well as sites in Louisiana, North Dakota, Texas and Colorado. All three Pennsylvania counties are in the Marcellus Shale region. The congressionally mandated study will start this summer. For more information go to the EPA's website From Senator Bob Casey's office: WASHINGTON, DC— Following a request by U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today chose several sites in Pennsylvania to examine as part of an assessment of potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water. “These studies will help provide the science needed to assure that natural gas drilling is conducted in a safe and responsible manner,” said Senator Casey. “Natural gas drilling offers Pennsylvania tremendous economic opportunities if we do it ...

WARREN – The Allegheny National Forest announces the Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Upper Kinzua project. On June 17, 2011, Deputy District Ranger Anthony C. Martoglio signed the Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact to implement Alternative 2 of the Upper Kinzua Environmental Assessment. The selected alternative will implement improvements to 9 access points along Kinzua Creek, as well as, rehabilitating 11 existing sites. Two Campsites will be hardened. Thirty acres and 27 miles of stream water quality improvements will be implemented within the project area. A variety of tree harvesting techniques will also be implemented on 2,212 acres with associated reforestation treatments. Also, treatments to be implemented will include 30 acres of invasive plant treatments and restoration, 1,280 acres of wildlife habitat improvements, 0.3 mile of new road construction, 8 miles of road reconstruction, and 6 miles of road decommissioning. A new vista ...

A West Valley man is facing charges for trying to shoot a turtle. Sheriff’s deputies say they were questioning 51-year-old John Kiouses about a menacing complaint when he admitted to trying to shoot the reptile . He’s charged with Taking Small Game Out of Season. Kiouses was issued an appearance ticket and the case was turned over to the New York State Department of Conservation Police. Deputies didn’t say how big the turtle was.

Learn: Police Will Have Authority to Get This Junk Off the Street Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today signed into law Senate Bill 1006, legislation that bans the possession, use and sale of synthetic designer drugs including the dangerous substance known as “bath salts.’’ The General Assembly last week unanimously approved the measure to expand the state’s list of controlled substances. The new law prohibits all chemical substances contained in bath salts, as well as synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs, including 2C-E, which is similar to LSD or Ecstasy, and salvia, which causes hallucinations. Bath salts, which have nothing to do with baths or spas, are designer drugs with an effect on users comparable to cocaine or methamphetamine. The substance had been legally sold in some tobacco shops and other specialty stores. Users sometimes experience agitation, paranoia, hallucinations and often commit violent acts. “Sadly, we have had far too many tragic examples in Pennsylva...

A benefit for the family of the Eldred teenager who was shot to death earlier this month will be held July 2 at the Eldred Borough Fire department. Sam Miller was 18 years old and had just graduated from high school three days before the shooting. The benefit will help with the costs that have occurred since then. The benefit includes a yard sale, bake sale, raffles, auctions and dance featuring music by DJs Brian and Paul. The fire department building is on Platt Street in Eldred. Sam was the son of Deana Brown Miller at the late Mark Miller. He wasthe grandson of Fred and Linda Brown of Eldred and the brother of Ashton and Zach Miller. The three people charged with murdering Miller are jailed without bail.

The Seneca Nation of Indians is meeting with economic development officials from New York and Pennsylvania today to discuss a number of issues affecting the Twin Tiers. Today’s daylong meeting is focusing on collaboration between the tribe, area businesses and industrial development agencies. They are expected to talk about the Seneca’s plans to diversfy by seeking a license to operate the Seneca Pumped Storage Project at Kinzua Dam, and the nation’s acquistion of a controlling interest in wireless and telecommunications provider CT COMM.

Sheriff’s deputies have released a sketch of the man who posed as a police officer and tried to kidnap a woman earlier this month in the Town of Coldspring. On June 9 a man driving a car that had a flashing blue light on its dashboard pulled the woman over along Route 394. When she wouldn’t get out of her car, he tried to pull her out. She fought him off and contacted police. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced three nominees for the federal bench in Pennsylvania today at their Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. Sen. Toomey was joined by Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in welcoming Robert D. Mariani, nominee for U.S. district judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and Cathy Bissoon and Mark R. Hornack, nominees for U.S. district judges for the Western District of Pennsylvania. A full transcript of the senator’s remarks is below. “Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member Grassley, let me thank each of you, and Sen. Leahy as well, for the courtesies you’ve extended to me as we’ve gone through this process. Thanks also for giving me this chance to help to welcome Judge Cathy Bissoon, Mark Hornak and Robert Mariani before the committee. “The president first nominated these really outstanding individuals for the federal bench in Pennsylvania last year, before I was sworn in to the Senate, as Sen. Grassley observed. They were renominated...

A former Titusville woman has been sentenced to 63 months in prison for sexually exploiting a 4-year-old girl. The US Attorney’s office says 31-year-old Michelle Neely received computer images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Neely was originally charged with a number of other offenses for molesting the 4-year-old, according to court records. In an interview with police back in 2009, Neely said her boyfriend encouraged her to have inappropriate contact with the girl to teach her about sex. Neely told police she agreed to do it to get her boyfriend off her back.

BUFFALO, NY — Clinical and administrative leaders at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) commend the New York State Legislature for taking steps to remove a barrier that has prevented many New Yorkers from accessing needed chemotherapy drugs. Both houses of the Legislature voted this week to approve legislation removing cost as a barrier for high-quality, targeted cancer care. The bill, which now awaits the signature of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, seeks to eliminate a cost disparity that has left countless cancer patients unable to afford oral chemotherapies. “This is outstanding news for people with cancer, who now have dramatically improved access to some of the most advanced and promising therapies,” said Alex Adjei, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine and Senior Vice President of Clinical Research at RPCI. “Discovery and innovation are constantly changing the way we treat cancer, and the bill just passed by the New York State Senate and Assembly is an appropriate and crucially ...

The recent shortage of type O and type A blood is worsening as local patients continue to use more blood than is being given. The past weekend saw a tremendous usage of blood by people suffering serious injuries. Several severe traumas early this week have strained the supply even further. The supply of type O blood (the most common type) is now at critically low levels. One lucky donor at Thursday's blood drive at the BRMC lab in Union Square from 3:30 to 7:30pm will win a $100 Country Fair Gas Card. No appointment is needed to save a life. Frank Williams will be broadcasting live from the Blood Bank from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on 100.1 The HERO. "We are hoping for lots of donors Thursday," said Dan Desrochers, Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. "And a $100 gas card seems like just the give away to get people in." All donors are strongly encouraged to donate. The Community Blood Bank is located at 24 Davis Street in Union Square across from the Sports C...

WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined a bipartisan group of senators to call on Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki to do more to stem the “unacceptable” level of suicides among veterans currently estimated to be 18 per day. The call came in a letter sent to the Administration. “After sending service members to war, we have the responsibility to care for our veterans,” Senator Casey said. “With an alarming veteran suicide rate of eighteen per day, and around one thousand attempts per month, the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to take account of the suicide prevention programs that currently exist and find ways improve them so that all of our returning veterans receive the care, training and support they need and deserve. We stand ready to give them the necessary assistance to do so.” The letter was also signed by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Corker (R-TN) and Jerry Moran (R-KS). A copy of the letter is be...

HARRISBURG – The state House has unanimously passed legislation authored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) that would help improve services provided by county veterans’ affairs directors to veterans in Pennsylvania. “The men and women who fought for our country have earned the right to have the highest level of care and services possible,” Gabler said. “In turn, our county veterans’ affairs directors need to be exposed to opportunities where they can learn from their peers about the latest changes and innovations in state and federal laws and programs in order to do the best job possible for our servicemen and servicewomen.” House Bill 755 adjusts the County Code to make it easier for county veterans’ affairs directors to attend annual statewide association meetings. “As a captain in the Army Reserves, I am honored to have the opportunity as a legislator to offer this commonsense fix to our laws that will help our veterans,” added Gabler. “This adjustment will enable coun...

A Salamanca man who, along with his sister, went on a burglary spree last fall, has been sentenced to two to six years in prison. 18-year-old Kyle Cooper was denied youthful offender status. He pleaded guilty to breaking into 13 condos at Snow Pine Village d Eddy’s Restaurant in Great Valley, New Beginnings Fitness Center and Norton Hardwoods in Salamanca. Cooper’s sister 21-year-old Alexa Knoxsah, is currently serving a sentence of two to six years for a burglary in July at a Salamanca smoke shop when she and two other people stole $8,000 in merchandise. Knoxsah pleaded guilty June 6 to the burglaries committed with her brother, and will be sentenced September 19.

The man who crashed his tractor-trailer near Route 219 in the Town of Ashford late Monday night has been charged with felony driving while intoxicated. Sheriff’s deputies say 44-year-old Karl Baker of North Collins did not stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Peters Road and Route 219, then crashed into a field. Deputies say Baker was intoxicated when they arrived. He was treated for injuries at Bertrand-Chafee Hospital, then charged with DWI and several traffic violations. He’s due back in Town of Ashford Court this evening.

A New York state appeals court today lifted a temporary order preventing the state from taxing cigarettes sold by Indian retailers to non-Native customers. The Seneca Nation had asked the appeals court to extend the ban while it continues to challenge regulations adopted by state taxing officials. The court order denies the request for a preliminary injunction and lifts the temporary restraining order that's been in place since June 10. Seneca President Robert Odawi Porter says the Senecas will shift from selling name-brand cigarettes to reservation-made cigarettes, which he says are not subject to the state's $4.35-per-pack tax. You can read the court order here . (PDF)

Mike Cejka said we'd see some storm clouds -- and some rain this afternoon. Well, apparently the storm moved a littel slower than he thought it would. The rain arrived here at around 6:30 p.m.

HARRISBURG – The Senate today approved legislation supported by Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) that would expand the Castle Doctrine in Pennsylvania, sending the bill to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. House Bill 40 would protect gun owners who act in self-defense by removing the “duty to retreat” clause when an individual is threatened by an attacker in any place that individual has a right to be, including his or her home or vehicle. The bill would provide important protections against criminal prosecution or civil litigation for those who act in self-defense. “Law-abiding citizens should not have to fear prosecution when they protect themselves and their families from criminals,” Scarnati said. “This measure, which only needs the governor’s signature to become law, will protect responsible gun owners and ensure that their Second Amendment rights are preserved.” The General Assembly passed legislation expanding the Castle Doctrine in 2010 by an overwhelming margin, but th...

Two men were in Cattaraugus County Court today facing burglary charges. Ryan Radar, who turned 40 today, was sentenced to 3 to 6 years in prison for breaking into buildings in May and June of last year in Allegany and Hinsdale. 18-year-old Johnathen Wilcox of Franklinville pleaded guilty to attempting to break into Franklinville High School on May 8. He will be sentenced on August 29.

A Bradford man is in jail on drug charges. 20-year-old Tyler Martin was arraigned early this morning on charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Martin is in jail in lieu of $10,000 bail and a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 13 in front of District Judge Dominic Cercone. In Cattaraugus County, a Niagara Falls man was sentenced to two years in prison for selling a controlled substance in Olean in November of 2009.

A Conewango, New York, man who attempted to have sex with a person younger than 11 has pleaded guilty in Cattaraugus County Court. 38-year-old Jason Bishop is accused of trying to have sex with the child in January and February of this year. Bishop will be sentenced on August 29. A Machias, New York, man who raped a child last summer has been sentenced to four months of weekends in Cattaraugus County Jail. 24-year-old Charles Westfall will also be on probation for 10 years. The incident happened between July and September in the Town of Machias and the other person was younger than 17.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named an advisory committee for its developing Energy Institute. The appointments were announced by Dr. Livingston Alexander, president, and Dr. Matt Kropf, director of the Energy Institute. Kropf said the committee will help advise the institute on matters such as strengthening the petroleum technology program, developing a curriculum for a bachelor’s degree program in energy studies and fostering partnerships between the institute and the region’s energy industry. “The Energy Institute’s agenda and vision are very ambitious and complex,” Alexander said. “The individuals electing to serve on the advisory committee are among the most highly respected and well-regarded executives in the oil and gas industry. We’re thrilled they’ve chosen to lend their support and guidance.” Harvey Golubock, former president and chief operating officer of the American Refining Group, will serve as chairman. In ad...