Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Nick Distrola of Bradford sent us these pictures from his yard this morning. Regular listeners to 1490 WESB's "Around the Home" may remember the racoon family that raided Nick's plum tree this summer. In the middle of the picture is that very tree. By the way, if you missed any broadcasts of "Around the Home" you can still listen to any or all of them by going to http://wesb.com/bob/index.php

Patrick Carone is a senior editor at Maxim magazine and he has some great tips for guys on grooming products and fall fashion. Listen here .

A Portville man is charged with attempted murder in connection with an incident earlier this month on the railroad tracks near Weston’s Mills. Sheriff’s deputies say on the night of October 13 27-year-old Shawn Wright of Olean was walking on the tracks when 19-year-old Jesse Woodruff stabbed him in the neck and robbed him. Wright flagged down a fly car for Olean Trans Am and was taken to Olean General Hospital. He was later transferred to ECMC. Woodruff is also charged with robbery and assault. He was sent to jail on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Portville Town Court on Wednesday.

Tamara McIntyre has been named as the new director of the Bradford Area Public Library. She will start her job on November 7. McIntyre replaces Linda Newman, who retired in September. For the first month, McIntyre will work with interim director Ed Pecht, who temporarily resigned from the library's board of directors to fill in between the time Newman left and a new director was hired.

A 22-year-old Allegany man accused of bludgeoning another man to death late Monday night has waived his preliminary hearing. Gregory Farr is charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly killing 58-year-old Stephen Balser with a crowbar and a pocketknife. Balser, who had no permanent address, was living with a friend of Farr’s at the Valley View Estates mobile home park on South Nine Mile Road in Allegany. Farr is being held without bail in Cattaraugus County Jail while he awaits grand jury action.

Story and photos by Nick Distrola A great time was had by all - as the Bradford Family YMCA was transformed into the Halloween Funhouse Spooktacular held Friday evening. Attendance was beyond expectations - as over two hundred children attended the event, and enjoyed making their own trick-or-treat bags along with other spooky decorations - and the Y supplied the treats to fill them! A variety of contests with prizes were held - along with a chance to swing at the pinata which of course was full of candy. Parents enjoyed watching - as their children took part in the festivities which were in several spooky-themed rooms at the Y. Students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford volunteered to assist the Y Staff in making this event a success. They were from Theta Sigma Delta, and Delta Omega Phi. The Bradford Family YMCA looks forward to holding this Halloween event again next year!

A South Dayton, New York, man who was found with hundreds of marijuana plants growing on his property has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison. 55-year-old Ronald Jolls had 439 plants with an average height of 7 feet that were protected by electrified fences and had irrigation systems nearby. Inside his house, police found 67 more plants, and garbage bags full of dried pot, plus hydrocodone and methadone pills, hashish, loaded guns, drug paraphernalia and $10,000 in cash. A state police helicopter discovered the growing operation in August of last year.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday for McKean, Warren, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties, including the cities of Bradford, Warren and St. Marys and boroughs of Coudersport, Ridgway and Emporium. The National Weather Service says the storm that’s developing over the Southeastern US now will continue to deepen and head up the east coast, bringing with it a widespread, heavy, wet and potentially damaging snow to the region. Some places in the area could receive 4 to 8 inches with heavier amounts possible over the higher elevations. The wet snow is also likely to weigh down trees that still have leaves on them, leading to downed power lines and outages.

A Bradford man accused of having sex with a teenage girl waived his preliminary hearing today. 23-year-old Jonathan Lee Baxter is charged with two counts each of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault. They are all felonies. On January 3, a girl who was 15 at the time was at Baxter’s South Avenue apartment when he allegedly started kissing her and then had sex with her, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office. The girl went back to Baxter’s apartment “days later” and he allegedly had sex with her again. His bail is set at $25,000.

Shop locally and start your holiday shopping early with the Country Roads Holiday Tour. The tour takes place in and around the Bradford, Pa., area on Saturday, November 5th. Maps are available at these participating businesses: Main Street Mercantile, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe, The Aud Restaurant and Espresso Bar, Grandma’s House Tea and Gifts, Paper to Pages, Kelly’s Main Street Restaurant, Orris Jewelers, Timeless Treasures, Little Fabric Garden and Singer’s Country Store. Special sales, demonstrations and tasty treats will be available. This event is made possible through Bradford’s Main Street Program and the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. 100.1 The Hero will be broadcasting live from the Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe on November 5.

State Police Cadet Jeremy Allen of Bradford was named the outstanding cadet by his classmates and instructors during graduation ceremonies today at the State Police Academy in Hershey. 91 men and women graduated today. Referring to the recent severe storms and floods in central and eastern Pennsylvania, Governor Tom Corbett told the new troopers, "You are part of a proud tradition, made prouder still just a month ago by the heroism of the men and women whose ranks you join today.” “This force has a record for honesty, for straight dealing, for bringing honor to our state,’’ Corbett said. “I salute your willingness to take on this calling and I can tell you this office will always be here to take the cause of our bravest.’’ Corbett spoke at the ceremony, held this morning at Central Dauphin High School, along with State Police Commissioner Col. Frank Noonan and retired Commissioner Col. Frank Pawlowski. Among the graduating cadets was Pawlowski’s son, Francis J. Pawloski. As the ne...

Psychiatrist, Alexander Welge, M.D. has joined Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Welge to our medical staff,” said William F. Mills, M.D., senior vice president of Quality and Professional Affairs at Upper Allegheny Health System. “He is a well-trained psychiatrist, and has valuable experience in disease management of addictions.” Dr. Welge received his Doctorate in Medicine from Ross University School of Medicine. He earned a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Physiology and Psychology respectively from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Welge completed his Psychiatry Residency at the Mount Sinai Elmhurst Hospital Center. Dr. Welge joins a multidisciplinary treatment team at BRMC that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services to individuals, with a wide range of mental health and addiction needs. Dr. Welge is skilled in addiction medicine. The Behavioral Health Services department at ...

A convicted felon has been arrested for possession of an assault-type weapon that reportedly was discharged in a residential area on Route 417. 32-year-old Eric Dulanski of Salamanca is charged with possession of a weapon by a felon and reckless endangerment. Dulanski had been convicted for trying to assault a police officer in Salamanca.

NIAGARA FALLS, NY – A trip to Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel just got a little bit sweeter. Casino officials today officially welcomed Watson’s Chocolates Boutique as the latest addition to the property’s growing retail corridor along the 4th Street side. The store will be open seven days a week and adds a full-time and part-time job for the company. For Tonawanda-based Watson’s Chocolates, the boutique marks the company’s ninth location in Western New York since its beginnings in 1946 and first addition in nearly a decade – as it has recently focused its efforts on web-based, catalog and mail order business. Watson’s is especially known for its sponge candy, Buffalo Bites, and chocolate-covered pretzels and popcorn. “We are thrilled to be opening this beautiful new boutique at Seneca Niagara Casino,” said Whitney Watson Beecher, president and owner of Watson’s Chocolates. “While we are very well-known locally, this is a unique opportunity for us to increase our exposure to the huge...

I've been remiss in not thanking Graham's Greenhouse & Landscaping on behalf of myself, Mat Lonzi and the rest of the staff. So, thanks for the cookies and for helping to make the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Fest a success.

Governor Tom Corbett today ceremonially signed House Bill 1424, making PA Preferred™ the official branding program of agricultural commodities produced in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania is home to an abundant and diverse food supply,” Corbett said during an event at the Giant Food Store in Camp Hill, Cumberland County. “Buying PA Preferred™ products helps support farmers and local businesses that work to produce quality products, while making investments in local economies and keeping Pennsylvania growing. PA Preferred™ makes a difference.” The PA Preferred program identifies agricultural products grown and processed in Pennsylvania to consumers and major retail, wholesale and distribution chains interested in supporting local farmers and businesses. The program’s trademark is a gold checkmark inside a blue keystone that can be found on products year-round at farmers markets, restaurants, food processors, grocery stores, craft breweries and wineries. Many shoppers today are focused on buy...

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport has broken ground on its $4 million 6,600-square-foot emergency room renovation project. The construction of a separate walk-in and ambulance entrance will allow convenient access to the E.R. from the hospital’s west entrance for the nearly 10,000 patients that visit the ER each year. The new design also incorporates new rooms for private treatment and exams, an isolation exam room, a dedicated triage area, a private bereavement room, a comfortable waiting room with 20 additional seats, and an updated nurses’ station and doctors’ office. The project is expected to be finished late next year. The current emergency department will continue to operate 24/7 during construction. Pictured during today's groundbreaking ceremonies are, from left, Ed Hardesty, executive director of Ancillary Services; Tom Noe, executive director of Corporate Support Services; Emily Myers, director of Emergency Services; Jeanette Smith, RN for the Emergency Depar...

The National Weather Service in State College says that while accumulation of snow will stay on the light side this afternoon and tonight, a slushy coating to an inch in some spots could cause locally slippery roads. Drivers are urged to use caution in the rapidly changing conditions and allow extra following and breaking distances on snow-covered roads. Pictured, snow starting to accumulate on the hill, but not on the Twin Tiers Action Van. The snow should let up enough that at least the van will stay green all night.

Bradford resident Linda Miller, center, was presented with $500 worth of gifts cards from Tops Friendly Markets this afternoon at the Davis Street store. From August 28 through September 17 customers at Tops' western Pennsylvania stores who contributed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation paper sneaker campaign were automatically entered to win the $500. Miller simply said, "Wow! I can't believe I did this!" Tops hosts the JDRF paper sneaker campaign every year in all of its 133 stores. Also pictured are store manager Steve Peroski and Tops representative Jessica Deeth.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard J. Allan yesterday joined partners and visitors in officially opening the new Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park in Cameron County. The new center is one of DCNR’s key investments in the Pennsylvania Wilds, located only a short jump off the Elk Scenic Drive in the heart of the northcentral region. “It was easy to pick a name for our new facility at Sinnemahoning State Park. With so many opportunities in the park to watch wildlife -- from bear and eagles, to otters and a small elk population -- it couldn’t be anything other than ‘The Wildlife Center,’” Allan said. “Our new center will help educate visitors about regional wildlife watching opportunities and photography, conservation history and stewardship practices, and provide creative ideas for exploration of this unique and rugged section of Pennsylvania.” Depending upon the season, visitors to Sinnemahoning State Park could encounter nesting bald eagles; see...

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), released the following statement after the announcement from the Bureau of Economic Analysis that Gross Domestic Product grew by 2.5 percent in the third quarter of 2011: “The third-quarter economic growth announced this morning is a welcome improvement from the extremely slow growth we had in the first half of the year. Even so, economic growth is not as strong as we would like to see, and it is clear that Washington must focus on passing legislation that will provide businesses with the incentives necessary to add employees and help grow our economy. We need to continue to focus on creating good jobs and strengthening our economy. “This is why I have introduced the Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit Act of 2011, which creates a one-year, quarterly payroll tax credit that provides businesses incentives to add more jobs and to reverse cuts in salaries and worker hours. T...

Sheriff’s deputies found a domestic violence suspect hiding in a closet when they arrived to investigate the incident early Wednesday morning. They were called to a Great Valley home at 1:30 a.m. and learned that 20-year-old Michael Erlandson punched the victim and choked her. They found Erlandson hiding in a closet and say he “attempted to prevent an arrest.” He is charged with harassment and criminal obstruction of breathing. He was sent to jail lieu of $500 bail.

Someone left a deer carcass in a Kersey church after breaking in and stealing a stereo and a table. State police are investigating the burglary at the Gardner Hill Community Church in Fox Township, Elk County. Police believe the break-in happened sometime between 8 a.m. Monday and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, when the dead animal was discovered. Police have not charged anyone or named any suspects and are asking for the public's help in catching the burglars. Anyone with information on this incident may call (814) 776-6136.

A 22-year-old man has confessed to killing another man in an Allegany trailer park late Monday night. The statement Gregory Farr gave to state police says he hit 58-year-old Stephen Balser with a crowbar several times, punched him, wrapped his hands and feet with duct tape and then stabbed him until he stopped moving. Balser lived with a friend of Farr’s at Valley View Estates and Farr said he had only known him for a couple of months, according to the statement posted at http://wivb.com . He said that over the last few days Balser had accused him of taking things. He told police that he told Balser he was “sick of him bringing my name out of his mouth sideways, by which I mean he was disrespecting me and my name.” During his interview with police they asked how Balser reacted to the conversation. Farr said his friend Doug told him Balser said if he came back on the property “he would knock me on my ass.” Farr then told police he had planned to wait outside in a tent where Balser went ...

With current weather forecasts highlighting the potential for a significant snowfall in Potter and other northern Pennsylvania counties starting on Thursday, PennDOT is reminding motorists to use extra caution and be prepared for potential delays. “The first significant snow of the season can be troublesome for drivers who have not used their winter driving skills for the past several months,” said PennDOT District 2 Executive Kevin Kline “Motorists need to remember to slow down and allow extra distance between vehicles.” In addition to steady and slow travel, motorists are also reminded to remove ice and snow from their vehicle before driving. Under law, if snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of the source vehicle is subject to a fine of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. Police may also cite motorists for not clearing their vehicles' windows, and the citation carries a...

State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) and State Representative Matt Baker (R-68) announced that $500,000 in state grants have been released by the Corbett Administration for the construction of a hydraulic stimulation fluid manufacturing facility in Blossburg, Tioga County. The funding is being made available through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is intended to assist in the immediate creation of quality, family-sustaining jobs. The administration of the grant is being overseen by the Tioga County Development Corporation and is part of a $12 million project to recycle frack water. The plant will use a process that will convert flow back water from natural gas drilling fracking operations into a usable Hydraulic Stimulation Fluid. “This additional funding will provide dozens of new jobs to residents of this area, as part of the growing Marcellus Shale industry, Scarnati said. “Not only will new jobs be created, but the facility will help to promote clean water and prot...

A new snowmobile trail will connect Allegany State Park with the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel. Seneca Gaming and the Seneca Nation today announced that they are underwriting the cost of building and maintaining the one-and-a-half mile long trail. The Senecas have allocated nearly $67,000 in an agreement with Snow Bounders, a Salamanca-based snowmobile association. Snowbounders will develop and maintain the trail. Seneca Nation President Robert Odawi Porter says the idea of underwriting the project came from a continuing initiative by the nation to build strong community relationships.

One man is dead and another is in jail after a dispute at a trailer park in Allegany. 58-year-old Stephen Balser was found dead at the Valley View Estates Tuesday night. Police say 22-year-old Gregory Farr is accused of fatally stabbing Balser and hitting him with a crowbar. Farr is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He’s in jail without bail. An autopsy will be performed on Balser today to determine the official cause of death.

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The so-called traffic calming area at the intersection of East Washington and Mechanic streets will soon be a thing of the past. Bradford City Council on Tuesday awarded the contract for the removal of the area to Bob Cummins Construction. Cummins submitted the only bid, which was $15,120. Also Tuesday council approved certificates of appropriateness to several downtown property owners. Dr. Andrew Young will have a sign installed at 119 Main Street that reads “Bradford Chiropractic Center.” The property is owned by Tut Holdings LLC. Don Britton, owner of 15 Barbour Street, will have new windows installed on the third floor. They will be resized and trimmed in tan. Brown vinyl cedar siding will be installed around openings. Jeff and Rainey Coles, owners of 80 Boylston Street, will have 14 windows and all doors replaced. They will all remain the same size. Cedar shake siding on the building will also be repaired. Pinciaro Inc. will replace and res...

First Lady Susan Corbett welcomed dozens of Harrisburg children to the Governor's Residence today to celebrate the Halloween season with a pumpkin decorating contest. The children, grades K-5 attend the after-school program at the Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church. The Center is located just a few blocks from the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg. It has been serving the Harrisburg community since 1910. The State Dining Room was transformed into an art studio, with pumpkins, paints, glitter, and other decorating supplies. The children competed for scariest, most creative and funniest pumpkin. Art instructors from A.C. Moore donated their time to help the kids. All the pumpkins and art supplies were donated. The kids even went home with goody bags filled with healthy snacks, fruits and cookies. Pictured, Corbett watches Quamere Dorsey, 4 years old, left, and Brian Wallace, 5 years old, right decorate their pumpkins Provided by Commonwealth Media Services

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has opened a new writing center to help students of all writing abilities strengthen and sharpen their skills. Dr. Dani Weber is the director of the new center, which offers one-on-one tutoring from composition professors. Next semester the center will add peer tutors, who will be students majoring in English education 7-12 who have been trained as tutors. Faculty consultants and tutors are trained to ask questions to guide students through a thought process that sharpens ideas and clarifies organization. Weber said that tutors also look for patterns of errors to help students with mistakes that they often repeat. “The purpose of a writing center is not to fix a student’s paper,” she explained. Faculty consultant Catherine Kula is working 10 hours a week in the center, where about 75 percent of her appointments are filled. She said that most of the students she is seeing are takin...