Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Still trying to think of something new and interesting to serve your guests this holiday season. Top Chef's Tiffany Derry has some wonderful -- and easy! -- ideas for you to try. Listen here The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 36-year-old man and 17-year-old boy are charged with burglary following an incident Thursday night in South Valley. Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies say they were called about a burglar alarm at a seasonal camp and, during their investigation, stopped a vehicle with 36-year-old James Baran and the teenager inside. The car was impounded and the pair was taken to jail. Deputies say more charges and arrests are pending. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The law firm of Caroselli, Beachler, McTiernan & Conboy (CBMC) announced that a partial settlement has been reached in the Luzerne County juvenile detention civil case. Under the agreement, Mericle Construction and its president, Robert K. Mericle, will pay $17.75 million into a settlement fund. "We could not be more pleased on behalf of these kids and their parents who have been waiting for this day for years," said William R. Caroselli. CBMC was the first firm to file a civil case in the matter, and Caroselli, David Senoff, and Lauren Fantini led the effort along with co-counsels Mike Cefalo and James Albert. The settlement resolves all claims against Mericle Construction, Mr. Mericle and Luzerne County. The lawsuits will continue against, among others, the former judges, Robert Powell, and the private juvenile facilities. The settlement has been entered into with no admission of liability. To read the release issued jointly by all of the settlement participants, please...

The St. Bonaventure women's swimming and diving team defeated little three rival Canisius Friday, 141 to 101. Lauren Caldwell, Whitney Dougherty and Meaghan McCann took first, second and third for the Bonnies in the 200-yard IM. Caldwell finished first with a time of 2:12.16, Dougherty finished second with a time of 2:17.80 and McCann finished third with a time of 2:19.01. Caldwell also finished first in the 100-yard IM with a time of 59.40. Lanae Petty touched in just behind with a time of 1:00.44, good for second place. Petty also finished third in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:02.48. Ivanna Smirnova and Jeanette Dietrich took the top two spots in both the 50-yard freestyle, with times of 53.62 and 54.03, respectively, and the 100-yard freestyle, with times of 24.95 and 25.23, respectively. McCann and Natascha Muhl came in first and second for the Brown and White in the 100-yard backstroke. McCann touched in at 1:01.05 good for a first place finish and Muhl came in...

A commercial dryer caught on fire at FCI-McKean Friday evening. No one was hurt and Lafayette Township volunteer firefighters were on the scene for about an hour. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

James J. “Jim” Salvamoser, 71, of 349 Kinzua Avenue, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday (December 15, 2011). Born January 9, 1940, in Kane, he was a son of Francis “Frank” and Julia Powley Salvamoser. On August 26, 1961, in Mt. Jewett, he married Marjorie Kimbrough who survives. Jim and Margie recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A graduate of Indiana University of PA, he received a degree in elementary education and also was a member of ROTC. He retired from Osram Sylvania in St. Marys and had previously held several management positions at PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, Grobowski Industries in Sheffield and Emporium Specialties in Emporium. He also had been a 4th grade teacher in Johnsonburg. Jim served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain, and was active during the Berlin Crisis. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. For the past 35 years, Jim w...

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. announced today that the organization has reached 90% of its $325,000 goal, with roughly $30,000 left to raise. Although the official appeal process ended December 15, the organization will continue to accept donations until January 5, 2012. “If the campaign falls short, the deficit will be equally applied to all funded agencies,” says Megan Minich, Executive Director. “We hope to not have to write that letter notifying our funded agencies of a shortfall in this critical year of need. At this time, we are counting on the generous nature of the Bradford community to step in with a last minute pledge to help us reach goal, hopefully by Christmas.” Campaign Co-Chair Karen Costello-Pecht added that “We are grateful to the loyal contributors that support United Way year after year. Even though the economy has created problems for a lot of us, we still were able to gain 75 new donors this year. I’m proud to say that I’m a part of this amazing communi...

The St. Bonaventure Department of Athletics, in conjunction with University Ministries, has established an assistance program to help the family of freshman women's basketball player Tatiana Wilson, whose house in Far Rockaway, Queens, was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning. Wilson's mother and five younger siblings jumped from their second-story home into the arms of New York City Sanitation Department workers, who saw the flames from a distance and called 911. Temeka, Wilson's mother, broke her back while trying to escape, sister Amari, 12, suffered a broken leg and sister Shaina, 17, suffered third-degree burns. The family lost everything in the fire. University Ministries is accepting cash and checks on behalf of Wilson to help aid the family in its recovery. Checks should be made payable to "St. Bonaventure University," and the Memo line should read "Wilson Family Assistance Program." Cash/check donations should be directed specifically to the ...

A state police fire marshal is continuing to look into the cause of a fire that destroyed a Kane house late last night. The fire in the two-story house on Park Avenue started at around 11:50 p.m. Trooper Greg Agosti says the fire did about $30,000 worth of damage. The home was occupied by 51-year-old Barbara Floyd, 20-year-old Gabrielle Floyd and three boys, ages 5, 6 and 8. Agosti says they all got out of the house safely and the Red Cross is assisting them. The building is owned by John Capello of Kane. The Kane police and fire departments are helping Agosti with the investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

When Olean's City Operations Committee meets on Tuesday, members will be discussing possible changes to the way water/sewer charges can be collected if service is transferred during a billing cyle. The committee also plans to discuss amendments to the street sweeping schedule, snow plowing and snow removal from sidewalks. A public hearing will be held at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in Common Council Chambers to get citizens' views and suggestions on the proposal to designate the following parcels an Urban Renewal Area prior to adopting an Urban Renewal Plan pursuant to Section 504 of Article 15 of the General Municipal Law: 107 N Union St.; 101 N Union St.; 110 West State St.; and 116 West State St. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Linda Kelly today cautioned schools and school districts of scam artists, who promise schools that they can have celebrities or sports starts present assemblies on popular topics such as cyberbullying. Kelly said these scam artists accept payment for the assemblies and then cancel at the last minute and fail to provide refunds. "It is especially important that our schools, which may already be experiencing budgetary constraints, be cognizant of who they entrust their money and with whom they do business," Kelly said. The specific details of the assembly scams can vary, but nearly every one promises celebrities, well-known to children, who appear on popular children's networks such as Nickelodeon, or professional athletes to appear at the school for anti-bullying programs. The scammers will promise schools at least an hour with the celebrity as well as opportunity for students to have pictures taken and autographs signed. "The expensive r...

Akron, Ohio –FirstEnergy is urging customers to make a list and check it twice to ensure their outdoor and indoor holiday lights and decorations are installed safely. Outdoor Lighting  Double check the lights for any frayed wires or cracks and be sure there is a light in each socket; damaged strands should be discarded.  If you decide to add more lights, don’t use a ladder anywhere near overhead wires; be sure the ladder is securely placed on level ground.  Lights should be approved by Underwriters Laboratory; “UL” will be clearly displayed on the tag. And be sure the lights are approved for outdoor use.  Check to make sure tacks or nails were not hammered into the electrical cord during installation; most lights now have clips that can be used to attach to the house.  Be sure heavy-duty, outdoor extension cords are being used.  If possible, outdoor lights and any inflatable decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.  Use a timer,...

Someone in Warren County apparently thought stealing a couple of Christmas trees would be better than buying them. Earlier this week two spruce trees were taken from property along Samuelson Road in Sugar Grove Township. Police say the trees were taken for the thief’s "Christmas pleasure." The property owner says the trees were about 15 years old and were planted along his property as a privacy fence. He said a few of the trees have been stolen each holiday season over the past 10 years. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The woman who was a passenger in a car during a high-speed chase in Hornellsville back in September has been charged. 19-year-old Christine Stevens of Bath is charged with hindering prosecution and filing a falsely written statement. Police say Richard Vangorden led them on a high-speed chase with Stevens in the passenger seat. He allegedly fired several shots at troopers during that chase, and was charged with attempted murder. Vangorden and Stevens were arrested after a standoff in a Wellsville trailer park. Stevens' charges are related to false information she gave to state police after the chase. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Cassadaga woman was hurt when her car ended up in a creek Wednesday morning. Sheriff’s deputies say Tara Cobb was on Route 83 in Villenova when her car hit a patch of black ice, then hit a guard rail, crossed the road, hit another guard rail and two parked cars, went over an embankment and ended up in the creek. Cobb suffered injuries to her chest, face and head. She was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A mentally challenged Hinsdale woman who had been missing since Thursday afternoon was found early this morning in Olean. 66-year-old Carol Bierfelt left the Underwood Manor assisted living facility in Hinsdale at around 2 p.m. Thursday for a doctor’s appointment in Olean, but did not return to the manor. Olean City Police found Bierfelt early this morning lying under a tree at the end of Main Street. She was taken by ambulance to Olean General Hospital, where she is being treated for possible hypothermia and other minor injuries. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Titusville girl is hospitalized with serious injuries after allegedly falling out of her crib, but police are investigating the incident. They say the 3-year-old was taken to Titusville Area Hospital Wednesday afternoon with a fractured skull. After testing, hospital personnel learned the toddler also had bleeding in her brain and behind her eyes, bruising on her legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, sides and upper lip, and an old fracture that had healed. She was taken to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for further treatment. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Police are investigating an incident of trespass by motor vehicle in Lewis Run early Thursday morning. They say between 2 and 4 a.m. someone drove a vehicle through yards behind Jose’s Bar. The person drove across several yards and through a wire fence. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Kane-based state police at 814-778-5555. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

OLEAN – A former Green Beret who served for two tours in the U.S. Army was honored on Thursday with long overdue awards he never received. Sgt. Mark Close of Olean was surrounded by friends and family at a special ceremony held at Senator Catharine Young’s office where he received the Korea Defense Service Medal, the New York State Medal For Merit, and the Cold War Recognition Certificate. “It always is a tremendous privilege to present medals to deserving veterans like Sgt. Close. As a Green Beret, Sgt. Close went through intense training in order to better protect our country. Like all veterans, he is deserving of our respect and gratitude and it is my honor to thank him for his outstanding service,” said Senator Young. After enlisting in the U.S. Army in August 1976, Sgt. Close was sent to Fort Jackson in South Carolina for basic training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in supply. From 1978 until 1979, he served at Camp Casey in Korea with the Second Infantry Division on the ...

Dr. Ron Binder, associate dean of student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, was the 2011 recipient of the Robert H. Shaffer Award from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. The Shaffer award is the AFA’s highest honor for a professional fraternity or sorority advisor. The award was presented during the organization’s annual meeting in St. Louis. The Shaffer Award is presented annually to an individual in the field of higher education who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to fraternities and sororities and who demonstrates a commitment to fostering positive change in the Greek community. Binder is a past-president of the AFA, having served in 2005-06. He joined the staff at Pitt-Bradford last year not only as associate dean of student affairs, but also as director of judicial affairs. He came to Pitt-Bradford from the University of South Carolina, where he was the director of Greek life and special proje...

LEWISTON, NY – In only its second season in existence, Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course has received another impressive honor: Golfweek magazine named it one of the “Best Casino Courses” in the U.S. The news is featured in the magazine’s just-released January 2012 issue. Seneca Hickory Stick is one of the newest courses listed among Golfweek’s top 50 casino courses and is one of four recognized from New York State. The $25 million course, designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones II and owned by Seneca Gaming Corporation, celebrated its first full season of golf this past year after initially opening on July 2, 2010. Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course is located in Lewiston, NY, just minutes away from Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. “Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course is an essential part of the entertainment mix from Seneca Gaming Corporation,” said Cathy Walker, president and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corporation. “It has quickly become a premier golf destination ...

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today applauded the enactment of legislation that will remove the requirement for hunters and trappers to display their licenses on an outer garment. The law takes effect in 60 days. House Bill 735, sponsored by Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), was unanimously approved by the House on June 15, and was approved by a vote of 46-3 in the Senate. Gov. Tom Corbett signed the bill into law today, which will take effect on Feb. 13. “Since 2003, the Game Commission has been supporting various drafts of legislation sponsored by Rep. Gillespie and Rep. Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill) to remove this antiquated requirement,” Roe said. “With today’s new license format, this change in law will make hunting less complicated, improve license management by hunters and trappers, and limit the inconveniences and troubles associated with lost or misplaced licenses. “While we are pleased with the change in law, it is important to remember ...

A Westfield, New York, man has been charged with selling cocaine in the village. 27-year-old Juan Rivera was arrested Tuesday following an lengthy investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. Rivera is accused of selling quantities of cocaine to an undercover agent. He’s in jail on $60,000 bond. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Sheridan man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection to the shooting death of another man in October of last year. 54-year-old Thomas Rell had been indicted on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for shooting and killing Alan Kilburn in his home on October 17, 2010. Rell shot Kilburn while showing him defensive military maneuvers with an older model military-style rifle. According to the terms of a plea deal, Rell will be sentenced to 2 to 6 years in state prison when he goes before the court on February 6. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Cuba, New York, man has been arrested on a warrant out of Ontario County for failure to appear. 40-year-old John Gagner was picked up shortly after being released from Cattaraugus County Jail. He’s accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Gagner was taken to the Ontario County Jail and will answer the charges at a later date in Ontario County. http://www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/SomsSUBDirectory/offenderDetails.jsp?offenderid=31966 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania residents are asked to display a blue light in their home or office windows during the holiday season to remember fallen law enforcement officers and their survivors, State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said today. “Project Blue Light” was developed by C.O.P.S., or Concerns of Police Survivors, a nonprofit organization based in Missouri that represents more than 15,000 families of officers killed in the line of duty. In 1988, Dolly Craig wrote to C.O.P.S. that she would be putting blue candles in her living room window that holiday season to honor her son-in-law, Daniel Gleason, who was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Philadelphia Police Department. “The color blue is symbolic of peace,” Noonan said. “By displaying blue lights, you will show that you support America’s law enforcement officers. Any police officer passing by it on some dark, cold winter’s night will be warmed by the kindness it implies.” Noonan said 93 members of the Pennsyl...

Three people have been sentenced in Cattaraugus County Court on drug charges. Sarah Gamble of Olean has been sentenced to five years probation for attempting to sell oxycodone last December in Olean. Rebecca Oakley of Olean has been sentenced to five years probation for selling generic Xanax in Olean on October 23 of last year. Lavelle “Hawk” Sotero, whose address is unknown, has been sentenced to a year in prison for selling cocaine on July 23 in Olean. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Delevan man will spend the next two to six years in state prison for firing a rifle into a Town of Yorkshire house on June 22. 32-year-old Joseph Walenka pleaded guilty to a felony charge of reckless endangerment. He fired the shots into a house on McKinstry Road, narrowly missing the homeowner, who was asleep in his bed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

by Kristina Pydynowski Senior Meteorologist for AccuWeather A mild but wet day is unfolding across the Northeast with chilly air and the prospect of snow in some areas waiting in the wings. The rain that soaked and set daily records in the Midwest on Wednesday will continue to crawl through the Northeast today, weakening in the process. While steadier pockets of rain stream across the Northeast's interior, spottier showers will dot the I-95 corridor. "Very little rain may reach the lower Delmarva Peninsula and southeastern Virginia," stated AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski. Most of the showers from New York City to Washington, D.C., will hold off until later this afternoon, allowing residents to take full advantage of this unusually mild mid-December day. Temperatures today will approach or crack the 60-degree mark northward along the I-95 corridor to New York City and from the upper Ohio Valley to Erie, Pa. Highs in the 50s and 40s, which are m...

Five people have been charged for dumping a dead deer in a church back in October. 23-year-old John Paul Gier of St. Marys, 19-year-old Bradley Van Voorhis of Weedville, 19-year-old Brandon Ott of St. Marys, 22-year-old Martin Chicola of St. Marys and 19-year-old Haley Heindl of Houston, Texas, are facing nearly 40 charges in connection to the incident on October 26. Papers filed in District Judge Donald Wilhelm’s office say the group was drinking and playing cards before one of the men shot a deer and loaded it into a vehicle. They then allegedly broke into the Gardner Hill Community Church in Weedville and dragged the carcass inside. Police say an anonymous tip led them to the suspects. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for February on charges of burglary, vandalism and unlawful taking of big game, among others. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s released the following statement concerning the reapportionment developments in Pennsylvania: “I have the distinct honor and privilege of representing the residents of the Fifth Congressional District and have brought a strong voice for our region of Pennsylvania to Washington. With national population increases and population changes here in the Commonwealth, some changes in apportionment are inevitable. This process could result in the Fifth District losing communities that have played an integral part of our cultural heritage, and should this happen, I will miss my friends, and the countless hardworking families that I have served for the last three years. However, I am equally optimistic about any new communities the Fifth District may encapsulate and look forward to providing those residents with the same level of service to those now residing in the Fifth District when the time comes. As we all wait for the final reapportionment in Ha...

A Cattaraugs County Sheriff's deputy was hit by a pickup truck while putting down a deer that had been hit by another vehicle. Jordan Haines' injuries are serious but not life-threatening. He was treated at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, but has since been released. The accident happened at about 6 o'clock this evening in East Randolph. Haines was hit by the truck's side view mirror and was spun around. State police are conducting the investigation and say the pickup driver was cooperative after the accident. Haines has worked for the sheriff's office for three years, according to a news release sent to WESB and The HERO from the sheriff's office.

McKean and neighboring counties will be receiving nearly a million dollars in state grant money to enhance trails, parks and other tourist attractions in the region. The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corporation will get $140,000 to provide technical assistance to communities in Bradford, Crawford, Erie, Lackawanna, McKean, Pike, Potter, Tioga, Warren, Wayne and Wyoming counties to implement their Heritage Work Plans and coordinate Artisan Trail for 2012. The money will also go toward coordinating the Mile Marker Maintenance program, develop printed materials to market Route 6 and its assets, update the Interpretive Plan and History of Route 6 and develop application for National Scenic Byway and All-American Road designation for Route 6. The Lumber Heritage Region of PA will receive $125,000 to provide technical support to partner organizations in Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren countie...

Washington, D.C. – Today, the full U.S. House of Representatives passed the final House-Senate agreement on H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, which included the Servicemembers’ Telemedicine and E-Health Portability (STEP) Act, legislation Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson introduced in May, 2011. Following today’s passage, General Peter Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, specifically praised inclusion of the STEP Act provisions, before the full measure was sent to the Senate for consideration. "I am very appreciative of the strong support of Congress on this issue, and particularly the efforts of Representative Glenn Thompson and his staff,” said General Peter Chiarelli, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. “This legislation is important in that it will enhance Service member and Veteran access to behavioral health care at a time when the Nation and our military services are faced with a significant shortage of behavioral health ...

Two people suffered minor injuries in an accident at 2 o’clock this afternoon on Bennett Road in Fox Township. Police say 34-year-old Ann Kesten of St. Marys experienced a medial emergency and her van traveled off the road and hit a tree. She and her passenger, 42-year-old Roger Pressler of Kersey were taken to Elk Regional Health Center. No charges have been filed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Endeavor International Corp. announced today that it has ended its purchase and sale agreement with SM Energy Corp. for a leasehold, pipeline and other items in McKean and Potter counties. The $80 million agreement would have included all of SM Energy’s Marcellus Shale assets, including 42,000 acres of leasehold plus wells and pipelines. The sale was announced in July and today was the deadline to finalize it. Endeavor did not give a reason for termination of the agreement. http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=131980&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1639405&highlight = The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Four breweries in Western New York brewed more than 31,000 barrels of beer last year, and Senator Chuck Schumer is promoting a campaign to expand the market share beyond regional boundaries. And it’s not just for Western New York. Schumer’s “I Love NY Brew” campaign aims to place more craft brews from all across New York in restaurants, bars and on convenience store shelves. As part of the campaign, Schumer called on the New York State Restaurant Association and National Association of Convenience Stores and Fuel Retailing to encourage its members to carry locally brewed beers. http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=335126 & The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG - Legislation intended to improve the state's efforts to track and prosecute sex offenders and include Pennsylvania in a national sex offender registry received final approval in the Senate and is now headed to the governor for his signature, according to Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny), the bill's sponsor. Orie said the bill brings the Commonwealth in compliance with the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. Pennsylvania will become part of coordinated and comprehensive national sex offender registry and will be required to meet strict standards for posting offender information on a centralized Internet data base. The Act was named for Adam Walsh who was abducted from a Florida shopping mall and later found murdered. Senate Bill 1183 also closes loopholes in Megan's Law regarding homeless offenders and out-of-state offenders to ensure that they register under Megan's Law and more carefully track their whereabouts. "This legislation will he...

MBA candidate Natalie Scarcello will address her classmates as the student speaker at St. Bonaventure University’s December Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17. The ceremony, recognizing those who will complete undergraduate and graduate degree requirements this semester, begins at 6 p.m. in the University Chapel in Doyle Hall. Scarcello is chief financial officer at Affival, Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management science with a concentration in international labor relations from SUNY Geneseo in 1988 and she is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. She and her husband, Darren, live in Clarence. St. Bonaventure President Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., will welcome the graduates and their families. Also at the recognition ceremony, Br. Basil Valente, O.F.M., associate professor of journalism/mass communication and director of the Integrated Marketing Communications master’s degree program, will give the faculty address. Dr. Michael J. Fischer, provost and vice president fo...