Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson voted on Friday to support the Budget Control Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 218-210. The bill called for a balanced budget amendment to be passed before the debt ceiling could ever be raised again. The Senate almost immediately rejected the measure. “(T)he House took action on a solution to end this debt limit crisis.” Thompson said in a news release. “By reducing spending more than we increase the debt limit, the House bill restores fiscal discipline in Washington while protecting the integrity of the United States.” Republican Senator Pat Toomey said in a news release, “For many months I have urged the administration to support a solution that raises the debt limit and puts our federal government on a fiscally sustainable path toward a balanced budget. While the Budget Control Act has shortcomings, it certainly warrants debate. I therefore am extremely disappointed that the other side of the aisle refused to even c...

Erie – Governor Tom Corbett today toured GE Transportation, Erie County’s largest employer, where he discussed his commitment to working with Pennsylvania’s businesses to ensure future growth and job creation. GE Transportation (GET), headquartered in Erie, provides manufacturing services for the railroad, marine, drilling, mining and energy storage industries. “I am committed to fostering the pro-growth, pro-business environment that will ensure GE Transportation’s continued economic contribution to this region,” said Corbett. “When government works as an ally to businesses instead of working against them, we all succeed. Today, I am standing in a plant that is a great example of that success.” GET employs nearly 6,200 employees in northwestern Pennsylvania with manufacturing facilities in Erie and Grove City. A 2010 study by Tripp Umbach found that these operations have an annual economic impact of $2.7 billion on Erie County, $3.6 billion on Northwestern Pennsylvania and $4.6 billio...

The Pennsylvania Wilds Outdoor Discovery Map is now available through the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at no charge. The map is a regional effort of the Pennsylvania Wilds to promote tourism and recreation in the area. The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 12-county tourist organization that consists of McKean, Clinton, Clearfield, Cameron, Clarion, Forest, Elk, Jefferson, Potter, Tioga, Lycoming and Warren counties. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for McKean County. In addition to a sizeable foldout map, there is also information on local attractions, trails, state parks, state forests and the Allegheny National Forest. In addition, the map highlights fishing, scenic overlooks, wildlife watching and canoeing and kayaking areas. General tourism-related and contact information is listed for a variety of agencies, making this a convenient travel resource for the region. The free maps are available by calling 800-473-9370...

Two men have been charged with arson in connection to a house fire four years ago in Elk County. State police had been investigating the fire that happened at 12:15 a.m. on July 9, 2007, and recently received new information that led to the arrests of 24-year-old Matthew Geyer of St. Marys and 23-year-old Josh Foster of Kersey. They are both charged with dangerous burning under the arson section of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Police say Geyer and Foster were attending a party in the area prior to the fire, which destroyed the abandoned house owned by William Haller of Kersey.

National Fuel is raising its rate by nearly 10 percent starting Monday. This increase raises the monthly bill of a typical residential customer from $84to $93. National Fuel’s Nancy Taylor says the primary reason for the change is an increase in the charges the company must pay to bring the gas supply to the service area. She also says the cost of gas is slightly higher than predicted. In January, National Fuel said it expected to raise the rates by 8.6 percent.

UPDATE: He won! Get your clicking fingers ready to vote in another online contest. Matt Teribery is in a contest to win a free photo shoot for his company Capitl Clothing. Matt won an entrepreneurial contest this spring from Pitt-Bradford with a cash award of $2,500. He took the award and fully invested it into his company. This could be the next step for further success of this young businessman. http://iamthetrend.com/2011/07/26/voting-is-now-open-josh-guim-iamthetrend-photography-contest/

Rain didn't stop hundreds of people from showing up in Kane for the funeral services for US Army Staff Sergeant Ken VanGiesen, who was killed July 18 while serving in Afghanistan. WESB and The HERO's Stefan Arlington was there and took these pictures that show some of the ways Kane honored their Hometown Hero. Connie Magnuson Hall shared the photos taken outside the Ronald McDonald II Funeral Home and the school. Ruth Gentilman Peterson shared the photo from inside the school. (Thank you so much, ladies!)

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed standards to reduce harmful air pollution from oil and gas drilling operations. These proposed updated standards - which are being issued in response to a court order - would rely on cost-effective existing technologies to reduce emissions that contribute to smog pollution and can cause cancer while supporting the administration’s priority of continuing to expand safe and responsible domestic oil and gas production. The standards would leverage operators' ability to capture and sell natural gas that currently escapes into the air, resulting in more efficient operations while reducing harmful emissions that can impact air quality in surrounding areas and nearby states. "This administration has been clear that natural gas is a key component of our clean energy future, and the steps announced today will help ensure responsible production of this domestic energy source," said Gina McCarthy, assistant a...

Two Emporium residents will be on probation for two years after illegally receiving cash assistance from the state. The inspector general’s office says 30-year-old Robert Banks and 21-year-old Carrie Martin received more than $2,700. They must also pay all the money back.

Erie Shriners officials announced today that Shriners International has approved the hospital's planned transition from a full-service hospital to an ambulatory facility. This allows the hospital to move forward with plans to convert its inpatient surgery unit into pediatric specialty clinics. They have not determined yet exactly what specialties will be offered but it’s possible that patients could see pediatric pulmonologists, gastroenterologists and neurologists.

A State Police fire marshal is still investigating a fire that killed two dogs and destroyed a house Wednesday in Shinglehouse. Police say no one was home at the time of the fire but renter Roger Mesler suffered minor injuries to his hands when he tried to save the dogs. Damage to the two-story house is estimated at $180,000. The owner is Robert Lewis of Effingham, Illinois.

The children of Tom and Edith O’Hargan have endowed a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in memory of their parents. Jim and Susan O’Hargan of Tupelo, Miss., started the scholarship with a gift of $5,000 that was matched by both the Agnes L. and Lewis Lyle Thomas Scholarship Challenge and Jim O’Hargan’s employer, Philips. Since then, Jim and his siblings, Diane O’Hargan Fagan, Deborah O’Hargan Robbins, and Roger O’Hargan, have added to the scholarship, which will soon be endowed at $50,000. Tom and Edith O’Hargan both grew up in Western New York. Tom O’Hargan was born in Andover, N.Y., and moved to Bradford and attended Bradford High School. Edith O’Hargan was raised on a dairy farm in Limestone, N.Y., and graduated from Limestone High School. After graduating from BHS in 1941, Tom O’Hargan went into the U.S. Air Force and served during World War II in the area of procurement and logistics. Edith O’Hargan...

A Bradford man accused of stealing a gun from a vehicle and selling it waived his preliminary hearing today. 26-year-old Cotton Winston is accused of stealing the gun, hunting knives, motorcross equipment, a Bluetooth and other items from a vehicle on June 14. He then allegedly sold the gun for $200. In a separate case, Winston allegedly stole a 3 ounce package of Little Debbie Nutty Bars and a 20 ounce Blue Raspberry Crush from Country Fair. He was released on his own recognizance on that charge, but is jailed on $20,000 bail for the others.

A Bradford man is facing charges for allegedly assaulting the man his ex-girlfriend was sleeping with. Police got a call at just before 6 o’clock this morning about an assault on Forman Street. Then learned that 20-year-old Cody Fowler barged into the home his ex-girlfriend shares with several people, went to the woman’s bedroom and found her and another man asleep in bed. Fowler allegedly threw the other man into walls and punched him in the face, causing a severe nosebleed. Fowler is charged with simple assault, burglary, harassment and criminal trespass. He’s free on $5,000 bail.

ALBANY – The outrage over the Casey Anthony verdict is having a ripple effect across New York State and lawmakers have responded by introducing legislation that would better protect children from neglect, repeated abuse and murder, according to one of the bill’s sponsors Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean). Since the July 5th Florida court decision, Senator Young’s says her office’s inbox has been inundated with emails and letters from frustrated constituents who are advocating for tougher changes to New York’s child protection laws. “The fact that my office has received over a thousand unsolicited emails from very concerned constituents shows just how much this issue hit a nerve with people, especially parents. Other states are introducing ‘Caylee’s Law’ and residents in my district want me to take action, too,” said Senator Young. “People don’t want to see what happened to Caylee Anthony happen here in New York, and we need to change our laws ...

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to Patrick Donahoe, Postmaster General of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), pushing for more transparency in the process of considering post offices in Pennsylvania for closure. Earlier this week, the USPS announced it was considering closing 203 post offices in Pennsylvania. “Unfortunately, many of my constituents feel as if the USPS has repeatedly dismissed public opinion associated with these closures,” wrote Senator Casey. “While I understand that the USPS needs to restructure, when citizens of Pennsylvania ask reasonable questions regarding this process, it is imperative that the USPS respond to these inquiries in a thorough manner.” Senator Casey requested that the USPS submit a plan to ensure that public input is given the weight it deserves as facilities are considered for closure. Senator Casey also expressed his commitment to working with the USPS to overcome the agency’s fiscal challenges while preserving th...

Two 19-year-olds accused of “car shopping” on Rockland and Lincoln avenues have waived their preliminary hearings. James Hochstine and Adam Weaver admitted to police that they went through a number of cars in the early morning hours of July 13 and stole several items including a radio, GPS unit, cell phones, CDs, a Beanie Baby and candy, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone's office. A witness told police she saw them “hitting cars right in front of her” while she was sitting on her front porch smoking a cigarette. Police were called to the scene and chased the men into Oak Hill Cemetery, where one of them was tripped by the thick brush and fell during the pursuit. The other surrendered a few feet away. They are jailed on $5,000 bail each.

A Georgia man involved in a scheme to steal trade secrets from Corning has been sentenced to two years’ probation. The US Attorney’s office says 65-year-old Danny Ray Price was aware of a scheme hatched by others to sell trade secrets to a rival business in Taiwan called Picvue. The blueprints are valued at more than $100 million. Corning got the materials back after suing Picvue. Price was sent by Picvue consultant 71-year-old Yeong Lin to exchange money for the drawings that had been taken by Corning employee Jonathan Sanders. The other men have already been sentenced for their roles in this crime. http://www.fbi.gov/buffalo/press-releases/2011/georgia-man-sentenced-to-probation-in-trade-secret-case

Pirates president Frank Coonelly has released the following statement concerning the umpire's call that ended the Pirates 19-inning game early today with a 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves: "The Pittsburgh Pirates organization is extremely disappointed by the way its 19-inning game against the Atlanta Braves ended earlier this morning. The game of baseball and this game in particular, filled with superlative performances by players on both clubs, deserved much better. We have filed a formal complaint with the Commissioner. "While we cannot begin to understand how Umpire Jerry Meals did not see the tag made by Michael McKenry three feet in front of home plate, we do not question the integrity of Mr. Meals. Instead, we know that Mr. Meals' intention was to get the call right. Jerry Meals has been umpiring Major League games for 14 years and has always done so with integrity and professionalism. He got this one wrong. "For Pirates fans, we may have lost a game in the...

The Hornell, New York, family who had been missing for a week have been found in a hotel in Scranton. 27-year-old Alicia Appleton and her children 8-year-old Alexis Slayton and 6-year-old David Slayton were found with Eric Trumball, an acquaintance of Appleton’s. Police thought the four could be headed toward Bradford because Trumball has relatives here. Appleton, however, has relatives in Scranton. In a news release, Hornell police said everyone in the group was in good health; they were all obeying the law; and they were minding their own business. The matter has been turned over to the Steuben County Department of Social Services Child Protective Unit.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his economic development councils that he hopes will will stimulate the economy and create jobs throughout New York. He explained that the 10 regional economic development councils will compete for $1 billion to fund the best ideas to create jobs and growth. "For too long, Albany has imposed one-size-fits-all economic development plans across the state, ignoring the unique assets and challenges of each region," Cuomo said. "Today, we are taking a new approach. With the Regional Councils, we will empower individual areas like Western New York to chart their own course for job creation and growth and we will send a clear message that New York is open for business." The Western New York Economic Council will be made up of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties and will be co chaired by Univeristy of Buffalo President Dr. Satish Tripathi and Howard Zemsky of the Larkin Development Group. Also on the council are D...

SALAMANCA, NY –Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) announced today that the state has provided $5 million in emergency funds to tide over the City of Salamanca during its fiscal crisis. “By working closely with Governor Andrew Cuomo, Assemblyman Joe Giglio, and city officials, we have developed a plan to address the city’s budget shortfall and continue to provide essential services to the citizens of Salamanca. This zero interest loan will be repaid once Casino payments are resumed being made to the state,” Senator Young said. “The city was at a point of crisis because financial obligations are due and action needed to be taken. This situation has been very difficult for the people of Salamanca because of the uncertainty, and the reduction of basic services. Cuts to public safety especially have been of deep concern to me. For example, the response time on an ambulance call has gone from about five minutes to 35 minutes in some cases. That’s unacceptable,...

Governor Tom Corbett has ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags in the Capitol Complex and at commonwealth facilities in McKean County to fly at half-staff on Thursday in honor of Staff Sgt. Kenneth VanGiesen of Kane. VanGiesen was one of three Pennsylvania Army National Guard members killed on July 18 when an improvised explosive device detonated on their convoy in Afghanistan. The other men killed were Sgt. Edward Koehler of Lebanon and Sgt. Brian Mower of Halifax. VanGiesen's memorial service will be held Thursday at Kane Area High School. He was a 1999 graduate of the school.

Several Post Offices in this area are among those that may be closed this year. They include Turtlepoint, Hazel Hurst, James City, Crosby, Driftwood and Sinnamahoning. The Post Office plans to close more than 3,000 offices, mostly in rural areas, in an effort to save millions of dollars. They say they will meet with members of the affected communities before making their final decisions. For a complete list of the Pennsylvania post offices targeted for closure go here

A Jamestown man is facing charges for causing a disturbance at the Seneca Allegany Casino late Saturday night. Sheriff’s deputies say 65-year-old Richard Battaglia shouted obscenities and used vulgar language inside the casino at 11:25 p.m. that night. Battaglia is scheduled to appear in City of Salamanca Court on August 3.

An 8-year-old boy had to be hospitalized after the motorcycle he was a passenger on crashed into a car in Dunkirk Monday afternoon. Sheriff’s deputies say 40-year-old Adam Johnson was drunk when he crashed his motorcycle into a car waiting at a stop sign. The impact threw Johnson and the boy from the bike. Johnson was airlifted to ECMC. Theg boy was taken to Women and Children's Hospital. Johnson faces several charges including a Leandra's Law violation.

A Hornell, New York, mother and her two children are still missing and police are concerned for their safety. They say 27-year-old Alicia Appleton checked herself out of the psychiatric unit of a hospital last week, then left the area with her children. Police believe they may be traveling with 26-yearold Eric Trumball, who Appleton met at the hospital. The children, 8-year-old Alexis Slayton and 6-year-old David Slayton, were last seen severely sunburned and walking barefoot along railroad tracks in Arkport, New York. Police believe they could be headed toward Bradford. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact Hornell Police or state police in Wayland. You can find more information, including pictures of Appleton and the children, at the New York State Police website.

Kenneth R. VanGiesen, 30, of Gorman Drive, Erie, formerly of Kane, died Monday, July 18, 2011 as the result of injuries sustained while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. Born August 3, 1980 in Kane, he was the son of Thomas A. and Susan J. Proashas VanGiesen. A 1999 graduate of Kane Area High School, he was a three year letterman in football and played in the Don Raabe Big 30 Classic. Later that year he joined the Army National Guard as a Technical Mechanic. Ken served four tours in twelve years, having served in Germany, twice in Iraq and later in Afghanistan. He served 1400 mobilized days in overseas deployment, being one of only 16 Pennsylvania National Guardsmen serving that level of active duty. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion and the Loyal Order of Moose, both in Millcreek, the American Legion Riders and various VFW posts. He also was a member of the Kane Fish & Game Club. Surviving in addition to his parents of Kane are h...

An Oklahoma man who allegedly tried to skip out on his Applebee’s bill is in Chautauqua County Jail. 34-year-old Justin Spencer tried to pay his $114 tab on Sunday with a reloadable debit card. Before the bartender got the message that the card was declined, Spencer ran from the Dunkirk restaurant. State troopers found him at the Days Inn in Fredonia. Spencer was sent to jail on $800 cash bail and is scheduled to appear in Town of Dunkirk Court next month.

Two people appeared in Cattaraugus County Court today on drug charges. 21-year-old Samantha Vantuil of Olean pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance for trying to sell hydrocodone pills on December 16 in Olean. She will be sentenced October 3. 27-year-old Daniel Paone of Lancaster, New York, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation for possessing more than 8 ounces of marijuana on May 31, 2010, in Salamanca. He must also may $1,000 in fines.

A Hornell, New York, family is missing and police believe they may be in, or headed to, Bradford. 27-year-old Alicia Appleton and her two children have been missing since last Tuesday. The children are 8-year-old Alexis Slayton and 6-year-old David Slayton. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said the children were last seen walking along the railroad tracks in Arkport. Anyone with information regarding the missing people is asked to contact Hornell Police at 607-324-2860

A community wide National Night Out event will be held Tuesday, August 2nd from 5PM until 8PM in recognition of the 28th annual National Night Out. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), National Night Out (NNO) was conceived with the aim of empowering community residents, and as a unique tool against criminal and drug activity. Along with traditional displays of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, celebrations of National Night Out also feature activities such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, exhibits, contests, youth programs and visits from local police and fire departments. Goals of National Night Out include creating a heightened awareness of crime and drug prevention efforts, as well strengthening neighborhood spirit. NNO 2010 involved over 37 million people in over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2011 is expected to be the largest ever. NNO is ...