Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A Freedom, New York, woman is the latest to be charged with welfare fraud in Cattaraugus County. Sheriff’s deputies say 28-year-old Jessica Koch did not report her boyfriend or his income on applications that she submitted to the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services from January to March. She received $864 in food stamps her family was not entitled to. Koch is charged with welfare fraud, petit larceny and offering a false instrument for filing. She’s scheduled to appear in Olean City Court on September 13.

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Dakota Carroll (pictured) scored her fifth career goal and sophomore goalkeeper Megan Junker made four saves to preseve her first career shutout as St. Bonaventure (1-0) opened its season with a 1-0 victory over Bucknell (0-1) on Friday. Carroll converted a giveaway on the Bucknell backline in the 29th minute, which she sent in from 18 yards out for the game's only goal. It marked Carroll's first goal since Sept. 6, 2009 when she scored the tying goal in the Bonnies' 3-1 triumph over visiting Buffalo. Despite being outshot 11-8 overall, including 7-2 over the final 45 minutes, Bona keeper Megan Junker was up to the task, posting three of her four saves in the second half to preserve the win. "It's early so we can certainly build off of this [win], but we have to do a better job of playing an entire game and keeping our tempo in possession," said Bonnies coach Manoj Khettry. "they took us out of rhythm and played well, especially ...

Holiday Valley is holding a grand opening today for its newest summer attraction – the Sky Mountain Coaster. The uphill track is 1,865 feet long with a Vertical rise of 283 feet. The downhill track consists of 15 curves of varying length, 12 waves, 1 jump, plus a huge circle / spiral. It’s in the Sky High Aerial Park, near the Tannebaum Lodge. The Aerial Park is open daily through Labor Day, then weekends through Fall Festival. http://www.holidayvalley.com/HolidayValley/info/skyhigh.aspx

Wooden pallets are apparently the hot new items for thieves. Coudersport-based state police say between Tuesday and Wednesday someone took 6 wooden pallets from Steven Langer’s property in Genesee Township. State police in Warren say that between Monday and Tuesday someone took 8 wooden pallets form Precision Precut Material in Bear Lake. They are valued at $40.

Teenagers in Potter County are in trouble with the law following separate incidents earlier this week. State police say on Monday a 15-year-old girl pulled a 36-year-old woman’s hair and slapped her face. The teen has been cited for harassment. On Tuesday, a 13-year-old allegedly pushed one person, causing that person to fall into a chair, resulting in an injury. The teen also verbally threatened a victim and allegedly caused damage to the inside of a house by pulling a door off its frame. The victims are listed as a 32-year-old woman and a 10-year-old.

An Ashville, New York, man indicted earlier this month by a federal grand jury has pleaded not guilty in Warren County Court to stalking harassment and luring a child into a motor vehicle. 40-year-old David Lopus is accused of traveling from Ashville to Warren County at least four times and approaching young girls. After charges were filed in late May Lopus left the area but was picked up June 9 at a homeless shelter in Cleveland, Ohio, and extradited to Warren County.

A Dunkirk man is jail for allegedly possessing and making child pornography. 31-year-old Roger Luczkowiak is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a 6-year-old girl, and is heard on a video giving the victim instructions on what to do. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

JOHNSONBURG – A Coyote Hunt has been scheduled for all day Saturday, September 24 (starting at midnight of Friday, September 23), thru 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 25. Coyotes may be harvested in any part of Pennsylvania as long as hunters are registered prior to midnight of Friday, September 23. Weigh-ins will be between 4:00-6:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. One coyote may be weighed per team. Registration is $40 per team of two hunters or $40 per single hunter. Registrations may be mailed to Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845. Checks, money orders, and cash will be accepted as payment. A 50% payback of registration fees will be made for the largest coyote by weight. Hunters must supply a Team Name, personal name, address, and phone number if it is not on their check or money order. Payment will be mailed to hunters that weigh-in on Saturday and have the largest coyote, but do not weigh-in on Sunday. Questions may be addressed to hunt organ...

PennDOT to Aid State, Local DUI Enforcement through Labor Day Harrisburg – PennDOT today announced the distribution of federal funds to help municipal and state police crack down on impaired driving across the state through Labor Day during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative. “People may have end-of-summer plans that involve alcohol, but safety should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind,” PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch, P.E., said. “Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol puts your life in danger, as well as the lives of everyone sharing the road with you. Do everyone a favor by designating a driver.” The $4.2 million in federal funds PennDOT distributes come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The funds have been used throughout the year to help with impaired-driving patrols. The national enforcement effort will also unveil NHTSA’s new DUI enforcement theme, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” reminding mo...

A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly selling drugs out of his home. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say 23-year-old Kenyon Pruitt-Boyette of Broadhead Avenue sold quantities of crack cocaine. He was picked up Wednesday night on an outstanding warrant charging him with criminal sale and possession of a controlled substance.

Four teenagers are facing charges after being found on the roof of the Chautauqua County Municipal Building. Sheriff’s deputies say the got a report at around 2 a.m. on the morning on August 12 about people on the roof of the Mayville building. K-9 officer Drago found the area where the teens climbed onto the roof. Deputies found them and escorted them back down. Three of the teens are 16 years old; the other is 17. They are all charged with trespassing and are scheduled to appear in Town of Chautauqua Court.

Police in Elk County are still searching for a man who fled from an Erie County halfway house. 29-year-old Jamie DeSantis was spotted hitchhiking just north of Ridgway Thursday morning, and that led to a search involving several police agencies, K-9 units and a state police helicopter. DeSantis has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2004. He was convicted of burglary in Elk County in 2008 and sentenced to 2 years in prison and 3 years of probation.

100.1 The Hero's Frank Williams (center) donates blood at the Community Blood Bank in Union Square, but that doesn't keep him from working. He's still interviewing CBB's Dan Desrochers during a live broadcast while Steph monitors his blood. Frank will be at the blood bank until 5:30. Stop by, say hello to Frank and donate blood -- which gives you a chance to win a $100 gas card from Country Fair. Photo by Don Fredeen Because of power outage, the blood bank had to close up shop early today. They'll be open again from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

“Special Olympics Thunder Run,” a motorcycle dice run sponsored by God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. and the McKean County American Legion Riders, will be held on September 17 beginning at noon. Proceeds will benefit the McKean County Special Olympics. Registration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Moose Lodge #460 in Port Allegany. Cost is $15 per participant, which includes a buffet dinner, Chinese auction and door prizes. The run will begin at the Moose Lodge and travel approximately 120 miles, ending at Foster Township Park in Bradford. “We are excited to be working with the Legion Riders to raise funds for the Special Olympics athletes,” said Stevee McGarvey, vice-president of God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. “This is our fourth year for the Thunder Run and we are expecting over 100 bikes to participate.” Motorcycles and all street legal vehicles are welcome to participate. For more information contact Stevee McGarvey at 814 642-2138 or Zach Ball at 814 558-1301. McK...

Bradford City Police were called to investigate a burglary on Jefferson Street and a motor vehicle accident on West Corydon Street. They were also called to a hit and run at Davis and Main streets and a traffic hazard on West Washington Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Officers got reports of stolen property on Jackson Avenue and Congress Street and harassment on Main and East Main streets as well as criminal mischief on Rochester and High streets and Lawrence Avenue, and criminal mischief to a vehicle on Interstate Parkway. They were also called to an argument in Hanley Park.

Dozens of meals had already been served at The Warming House’s new North Union Street location when a neighboring business owner approached Larry Sorokes, director of the Center for Community Engagement at St. Bonaventure University. “So, when are you going to open?” the person asked. After months of public meetings and community discussions about the Warming House’s relocation into the city of Olean’s business district, the service/outreach ministry has settled nicely into its new home and a new routine. In addition to a larger kitchen, preparation space and dining room, the North Union Street building has a classroom, a room for staff and a large basement storage area. Donations of new tables and chairs for the dining area and some new appliances for the kitchen were welcomed by the guests and staff alike. The aesthetics aren’t lost on the guests, who are appreciative of the move to a newly renovated building. But the changes aren’t just cosmetic. The larger space has op...

Dr. Ronald Mattis, associate professor of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, presented a paper this summer at the International Journal of Arts & Sciences conference in Prague, Czech Republic. Mattis’s paper, “Using Spreadsheets to Develop Problem-solving Skills in an Introductory Chemical Engineering Course,” explained how he uses Excel spreadsheets and data to teach students the mathematical processes behind popular chemical process simulators. “The use of Excel as a teaching aid helped the students to develop their problem-solving skills and gave them confidence in the use of a familiar tool that they can use in future courses,” he said. Mattis, director of the engineering program, came to Pitt-Bradford in 1985. His main research interests include parallel processing, particle transport theory, arms control and national security issues. He holds both a doctorate and bachelor’s degree in nuclear eng...

Win a $100 Gas Card! The Community Blood Bank continues to struggle with the local blood supply, and expects to return to safe levels after Labor Day. But until then more donors are needed to save local lives. There is a special event blood drive in Bradford where people can help: One lucky donor at today'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. Tasta Pizza will be supplying food too. There is still a serious blood shortage affecting the region. The last month of summer is always hard because the blood shortage message gets lost on people after hearing it too much. "We need lots of donors Thursday," said Dan Desrochers, Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. "There's a few weeks left of summer and unfortunately that means lots of local residents will use blood." The Community Blood Bank is located at 24 Davis Street in Union...

An Eden, New York, man is hospitalized after his farm tractor rolled on top of him Wednesday afternoon on Jersey Hollow Road in the Town of Mansfield. Sheriff’s deputies and New York State Police were called to the scene, where they found 30-year-old Lucas Lenahan under the tractor. They were able to lift the tractor off of Lenahan and pull him out from underneath it. Mercy Flight took Lenahan to ECMC in Buffalo for treatment of injuries to his ankle, hip and ribs.

A boat was damaged by fire this morning, and state police are investigating. Fire marshal Greg Agosti says the boat was on a trailer and parked on the property of Keith Nesbit of Ridge Road in St. Marys. There is no dollar amount available for damage done to the 2001 Godfrey Sweetwater Boat. No one was hurt.

Bradford City Police are investigating thefts on East Main and York streets and in Hanley Park, as well as a burglary on Kennedy Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet. Officers were also called to a motor vehicle accident on Jerome Avenue and a hit and run on Bagley Avenue. Police were called about a disturbance on King Street; criminal mischief on Congress Street; harassment on East Main and Mill streets, and on Jackson Avenue; noise on Main Street; and a dispute on Main Street. Officers also got calls about a juvenile on Belleview Avenue, a suspicious vehicle on Congress Street and a skunk on Sherman Street.

At least one House Democrat leader has concluded that the only impact of Marcellus Shale drilling in Pennsylvania has been increased business at local establishments and promiscuity. “Talk about wrong-headed, misinformed, archaic, and just shocking,” said Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming), the House Republican Caucus Chair. “The House Democrat leadership attitude, after studying the impacts of the Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania, is insulting.” “Drunks and promiscuous ‘womenfolk’ – that is what the House Democrat leaders are calling the hard-working men and women living within the Marcellus Shale region,” Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland County) said. “Who can really support such notions from leaders who think so little of those working in a growing industry?” “The people of this Commonwealth deserve better than hyperbole or fear mongering.” Rep. Matt Baker (Bradford/Tioga Counties) said. “The hate-speech, misinformation, stereotyping and sensationa...

An Eldred woman is in jail on drug charges. Police say 24-year-old Michelle King was found to be in possession of marijuana packaged for sale last week in Eldred, and was charged with a felony count of possession with intent to deliver marijuana. She is also charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use, a misdemeanor. Her bail is set at $7,500, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday in front of District Judge Bill Todd.

Dr. Pauline Hoffmann has been named interim dean of the Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication at St. Bonaventure University. Brother Basil Valente, O.F.M., has been named director of the Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program. University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Fisher announced the appointments today, and said they are both effective immediately. Lee Coppola, former dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, will retire at the end of August after 15 years of service in that role

A 72-year-old Chautauqua County woman had to be flown to UPMC Hamot following an accident this afternoon on Route 394 in North Harmony. Sheriff’s deputies say Harriett Lank of Celeron was driving west when, due to medical issues, she went off the road and hit a tree and a utility pole. Emergency personnel had to use extraction equipment to get Lank out of the car. Starflight took her to the Erie hospital, where there is no word on her conditon.

Food and craft vendors are needed to participate in the annual Autumn Daze event which is scheduled to be held in Bradford’s Historic Main Street area on Sunday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The food and craft vendors will be a part of many activities planned throughout the day. The Street Dreams Car Show, sponsored by the Street Dreams Car Club and American Refining Group, will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Main Street. Approximately 300 cars are expected for the event. There will also be music and live entertainment. For more information contact Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan.

Navy Seaman Michael L. Lathrop, son of Maureen A. Curcio of Bradford, Pa., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Lathrop completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor. Lathrop is a 2005 grad...

Back-to-School Driving Tips from "The Safety Mom" On Monday, August 15, Kellie Ely, Physical Therapist and manager of KCH Rehabilitation Services, shared tips on backpack safety with parents and kids at the Kane Area Community Center. Monday was a day for Kane Area kids and parents to pick up a pair of new sneakers, socks and backpacks in preparation for school. The items and money were donated through a community drive conducted by the Kane Area Community Center. More that a hundred pairs of new sneakers and socks and 60 new backpacks were gathered in this year's very successful drive. August 15 proved to be a great day to be a kid in the Kane Area. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) sponsors an annual National School Backpack Awareness Day in September. AOTA tells us that “aching backs and shoulders, tingling arms, weakened muscles, and stooped posture are some of the symptoms to look for when kids wear a school backpack that is too heavy. Ca...

The Boys & Girls Club of Potter County is pleased to announce that they have chosen Monica Fourness for the role as Executive Director. Fourness will be responsible for the establishment of club sites and programs throughout the county, beginning with Coudersport in the Fall of 2011. As part of this role, she will also lead curriculum planning, program scheduling, volunteer recruiting and fundraising activities. She has proven experience in after school programming; she served as Project Coordinator for the 21st Century After School Program where she planned and facilitated overall programming for three Potter County School Districts (Galeton, Northern Potter, Oswayo Valley) and their middle school students. Additionally she provided budgetary accountability, file keeping and reporting responsive to the grant and school requirements to determine progress toward program outcomes. She has attended numerous training workshops for the National After School Association and...

The Grand Parade at the McKean County Fair has been cancelled due to weather, but the queen coronation will be held on the mini stage.

Several people appeared in Cattaraugus County Court today on drug charges. 21-year-old year-old Bryant Battle and 20-year-old Eric Nellis, both of Olean, pleaded guilty to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance for separate incidents in December in Olean. They will both be sentenced October 31. 9 people also pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of a controlled substance. Eight of those people are accused of selling drugs in Olean this past winter and spring. The ninth person is accused of selling drugs in Salamanca over Labor Day weekend in 2009. All 9 cases have been adjourned for motions.

Zippo Choice debuts Zippo’s 80th Anniversary commemorative lighter, and previews the 80th Anniversary Limited Edition collectible. Two exquisite bright-cut Armor lighters designed by the fourth generation of the Blaisdell family are showcased, in addition to a new splashed color enhancement that irresistibly tempts you to touch it to see if it’s wet. See the collection of new lighters at www.zippocasemusem.com .

HARRISBURG— Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille today announced an agreement with the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) to allow gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Supreme Court’s oral arguments and to make them available to PCN’s network of more than 3.3 million homes. PCN coverage of Supreme Court sessions is expected to begin on September 13. “My colleagues and I are pleased to open our courtroom to PCN’s statewide audience so they can see how our court operates and follow arguments in cases affecting every citizen of Pennsylvania,” Chief Justice Castille said. The Chief Justice noted that the agreement was reached after PCN had operated successful pilot videotaping programs in both the Commonwealth Court and Superior Court. PCN is a non-profit cable television network created and funded by Pennsylvania's cable television companies. PCN receives no government funding. "Chief Justice Castille and all the justices are to be commended for their ...

A children’s classic, a drama and a mystery dinner theater make up Bradford Little Theatre’s “Fun, Furious 15” season. The season kicks off in October with “Charlotte’s Web” and then moves on to the tension-filled “Twelve Angry Men” in February with the comic “Stay as Dead as You Are” in April. “It’s going to be great to offer another production featuring young people, a drama about jury deliberations in a murder case that touches on current events, and, by popular demand, our second dinner theater” said Nanci K. Garris, BLT president. “Charlotte’s Web” will offer both adults and students in grades 6 and up the opportunity to perform in the auditorium at Otto-Eldred Junior-Senior High School in Duke Center. Garris, who has directed young people in BLT’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and “A Christmas Story,” returns to direct the full-length play by Joseph Robinette. Story author E.B. White wrote to Robinette that “You have kept its spirit and my intent. Congratulations an...

Dr. Hongye Li has joined Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s pediatric staff at its offices in Coudersport and Emporium where she will work with Dr. Mary Ann Rigas, Dr. Marlene Wust-Smith, and physician assistants Korin Trumpie and Kathy Fragale. After completing her medical education, including a fellowship in pediatric nephrology, in China, she has worked as a nephrology research scientist at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. She completed pediatric residencies at Richmond University Medical Center in NY. Throughout her career, she has written numerous articles and conducted numerous studies for which she’s earned awards. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 814/274-9198 or 486-0810.

A Mayville, New York, man is in jail for allegedly throwing a baby stroller at a woman. Sheriff’s deputies say 20-year-old Sean Barrett threw the stroller at a woman who was holding his child at 4:30 Sunday morning. The stroller did hit the woman. Barrett is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a small amount of marijuana.

SALAMANCA, NY – The “Ace of Cakes” is coming to Seneca Allegany Casino this fall. Duff Goldman, a master cake decorator and star of shows Ace of Cakes and Sugar High on the Food Network, will provide an up-close, interactive, cake-decorating demonstration at Seneca Allegany Events Center on Sunday, September 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. Tickets start at $20 and are now on sale at all Seneca Casino box offices, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by phone at 800-745-3000. Goldman opened his own business, Charm City Cakes, outside Baltimore in 2000. His talent in the kitchen and eccentric cake creations – such as a replica of the Stanley Cup, a life-size motorcycle and a Hogwarts castle for a Harry Potter movie premiere – caught the attention of the Food Network. The latest reality show, Sugar High, follows him throughout the country as he samples sweet secrets and tasty techniques from bakeries, boutiques, food carts and diners. Goldman has appeared on dozens of other p...