Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A tractor-trailer driver wasn’t hurt when his rig turned over in a ditch Friday night in Ripley. Sheriff’s deputies say that at 8 p.m. 71-year-old Lowell Farmer of Ohio was hauling a load of wood on Route 5 when his tractor-trailer went out of control and into the ditch. Riplely Rescue personnel got Farmer out of the vehicle. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City firefighters were called to the construction site of the Holiday Inn Express that's being built at Forman and Davis streets, but it turned out to be a false alarm. The calls were prompted by a flame that could bee seen in a commercial heater. Traffic was being directed away from Forman Street for a short time.

Harrisburg - Cody Steele from Brockway, Jefferson County, exhibited the Grand Champion Overall Junior Meat Goat on Thursday, Jan. 12, during the 96th Pennsylvania Farm Show. World Class was named champion after taking the Champion Purebred title and being selected as the class winner for the 10-12-month-olds. Reserve Grand Champion Junior Meat Goat honors went to Hayden Remesburg of Middletown, Dauphin County, with his goat LBCSZ6 Ruth. Ruth was named Reserve Champion Purebred after winning the 19-24 month class. Judge Mike Borsch from Jacobsville, Ohio, evaluated the goats based on soundness, broodiness, age and conformation. Youth meat goat breeders from across Pennsylvania competed in the show's three divisions: Purebred, Percentage and Crossbred. The Keystone Goat Producer's Association sponsored embroidered chairs for the champions of each division. The results of each division were as follows: Champion Purebred: Cody Steele from Brockway, Dauphin County, with JPHIL World...

“America Unsettled,” an exhibit of small sculptures and drawings by Drake Gomez, will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s KOA Art Gallery Jan. 27 through Feb. 24. The exhibit will open with a talk by the artist and reception at noon Jan. 27 in the KOA Speer Electronics Lobby of Blaisdell Hall. The exhibit explores mid-20th-century suburban America, including American idealism, optimism, consumerism, conformity and complacency. Gomez is an associate professor of art and director of exhibits at Keystone College in LaPlume, Pa. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Cranbook Academy of Art. In addition, he studied at Texas Tech University. The KOA Art Gallery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays. For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (814)362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu .

Middletown –Douglas Giles of Reynoldsville, Jefferson County, today claimed the 2012 Ford Mustang GT he won by playing the Pennsylvania Lottery’s Mustang instant game. Thomas Miller, area manager of Lottery’s Clearfield Office, today presented the Mustang to Giles at Murrays Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, 3007 Blinker Parkway, DuBois, Clearfield County. “I’ve always wanted a Mustang,” said Giles, explaining it was an easy decision to choose the car instead of the $60,000 cash prize option. Giles, who works at a local powder metal plant, said he was very pleased with the assistance the dealership provided in helping him pick out the car, including its color, Kona Blue. Giles bought the Mustang Lottery ticket at Backstreet Distributor in Reynoldsville. Mustang, $5 per ticket, offers 10 top prizes of $100,000 and 10 Ford Mustang GT prize packages valued at $60,000 each. As of Jan. 9, one top cash prize and three Ford Mustang GT prize packages remained to be claimed. The odds of winning a top prize...

Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit group that builds affordable housing for low-income families, has chartered a collegiate chapter at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. John Bevan, a senior criminal justice major from Wexford, is the president of the new chapter, which has been working with the Bradford Habitat for Humanity Chapter on its first home. The home is being built on Interstate Parkway, and Bevan said that students will be able to contribute more hours once interior finishing begins. Tonya Ackley, coordinator of community engagement at Pitt-Bradford, is the advisor for the club. “The Office of Community Engagement had a table at Club Night last year to see if there was interest in reactivating the club, and we got an overwhelming response from our students,” she said. “They were very supportive of the mission of Habitat for Humanity and were excited about the opportunity to go on alternative spring breaks.” More than 40 s...

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and the league's board of directors (presidents) has announced that Clarion University President Karen M. Whitney has been named an at-large representative to the PSAC's Executive Committee, starting with the spring 2012 semester. Whitney replaces Dr. Maravene Loeschke, who recently resigned from Mansfield University to accept the presidency of Towson University. "I look forward to serving Clarion University and our Pennsylvania conference to ensure that collegiate sport supports our university values of student learning, service, inclusion and good sportsmanship," Whitney said. The PSAC Executive Committee, made up of five of the league's university presidents, has Dr. David L. Soltz, Bloomsburg as chairman; Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, Kutztown, as vice-chair; Dr. Gregory Weisenstein, West Chester, as treasurer; and Dr. Thomas J. Gamble, Mercyhurst, and Whitney as at-large members. PSAC is governed by the board of directors, who...

The Department of Environmental Protection has fined TerrAqua Resource Management LLC of Williamsport, Lycoming County, $18,500 for a March 2011 hydraulic fracturing, or frack, water spill at the company’s treatment facility in Lycoming County. “This spill of between 800 and 1,000 gallons of frack water was caused by operator error,” DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber said. “Accidents like this can be prevented.” The spill occurred when TerrAqua employees were in the process of filling three frack water storage tanks that overflowed into the containment system. The containment berms were not elevated enough and were too close to the tanks to contain the frack water. A DEP investigation determined that the overflow occurred because the operator was not able to shut off the pump quickly enough after the alarm system displayed that the levels were high. The release was halted by opening valves to other storage tanks, allowing the frack water to flow into them. TerrAqua hired a...

Bradford High's Winter Carnival -- including the dance and spaghetti dinner -- has been cancelled. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Olean Common Council will be working on the city’s budget on Tuesday during a finance committee meeting. Fire Chief Robert Bell and Parks and Recreation Director John Anastasia will be discussing budgets for their departments. The committee will also discuss procedures to be used by aldermen to adopt the budget for fiscal year 2012-2013. The budget is due April 15. Tuesday’s public meeting is at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal building. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Bradford High boys and girls basketball games with Brookville tonight have been canceled. No makeup dates yet. Also, the Bradford Freshman and Fretz Middle School basketball games with Brookville have been canceled. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Olean woman has been charged with stealing 20 gas vouchers from the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services. Sheriff’s deputies say 27-year-old Stefanie Scanlon took the $25 dollar gas vouchers then “caused them to be used” to buy gas at contracted stations during the month of November. Scanlon is charged with two counts of forgery and petit larceny and will appear in court at a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bingo at the Smethport Fire Hall has been cancelled tonight. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Jamestown woman is jail after ramming a marked sheriff’s patrol car during a chase in a stolen vehicle Thursday night. Sheriff’s deputies and New York State Police spotted the vehicle driven by 27-year-old Elizabeth Marlett on Route 60 in the Town of Pomfret. At first she pulled over for them, but then sped off on Route 60 and took police on a chase through Pomfret, Dunkirk and Sheridan. The sheriff’s car had minor damage and no one was hurt. Marlett is facing about a dozen charges and traffic law violations including a felony count of possession of stolen property. Sheriff’s deputies say the investigation is continuing and they expect Jamestown Police to file more charges. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Nancy B. Teague, 77, of 22 Bon Air Ave., passed away, Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 at Bradford Regional Medical Center Born November 30, 1934, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Jack H. and Sarah (Yates) Bird. On September 17, 1955 in Bradford, she married Russell E. Teague who survives. Mrs. Teague was a 1952 graduate of Bradford High School. She attended The Pennsylvania State University and received a degree in Elementary Education. Upon returning to Bradford she taught school at Lafayette School, Hobson Place School, West Branch School and George G. Blaisdell Elementary School from where she retired. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the National Education Association.She enjoyed playing bridge with various groups and was an avid reader. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Lisa (Jim) Dwyer of Fredericksburg, VA; two sons Jack (Santi) Teague of Danville, CA and William (Roxana) Teague of Limestone; a sister, Linda...

A federal study says Lake Erie and some rivers flowing into it would offer ideal habitat for Asian carp, the invasive species that could threaten the Great Lakes’ multi-billion dollar fishing and recreation industry. The U.S. Geological Survey says the Maumee, Sandusky and Grand rivers have temperatures and water flows suitable for spawning by silver and bighead carp. Both species that have been advancing toward the Great Lakes for years after escaping into the Mississippi River and its tributaries from southern fish farms and sewage lagoons. The study released today says there is reason to worry about the potential threat to Lake Erie. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3074 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg - Agriculture Secretary George Greig celebrated more than 450 combined years of family farming across the commonwealth on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Greig honored the four farms families by presenting them with certificates designating each farm as a Pennsylvania Century Farm. "The Farm Show is a great place to honor Pennsylvania's long-standing farm families," said Greig. "This is where farm meets city and where people from all walks of life can appreciate what these families have done to maintain their farms for a century and keep Pennsylvania growing." The four farms include: The Tim and Sandra Brown Farm, the Marguerite Maxwell and James Maxwell Farm, the Linda (Lang) Mathias and Kevin Mathias Farm and the Prange Family Farm. The 101-acre Brown farm was established on April 1, 1893 and purchased for $14.85 per acre. A blacksmith and sawmill business was also on the Ebensburg, Cambria County farm and today...

By DIANE KERNER ARNETT Richard J. “Dick” Marcott has been chosen to receive the 2012 Lester Brauser Theatre Appreciation Award, announced Bradford Little Theatre president Nanci K. Garris on Thursday. Established in 2001, the Brauser Award is presented to an individual whose work makes community theatre possible in the Bradford area. It is named after theatre enthusiast the late Lester Brauser. “Dick is most deserving of this particular award recognizing his efforts in and dedication to community theatre,” said BLT president Nanci K. Garris, noting he has appeared in BLT almost since its founding; has served on the board as president, treasurer and hospitality chairman; has designed and founded programs including various types of acting and technical workshops and Senior Theatre. “This is only the second time BLT has honored one of our own, the first time being founder Patty Bianco in 2006. She, like Dick, was also honored by Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center, another group ...

Concerned about abuse of prescription drugs in New York State, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has detailed the extent of the problem as he pushes for legislation to help combat what many view as a growing crisis. Schneiderman’s 42-page report documents the year-to-year increase in the number of hydrocodone and oxycodone prescriptions being written in New York State, as well as prescription drug-related addiction and death. In a news release, Schneiderman said, “The prescription drug abuse crisis in Western New York and across the country has reached epidemic proportions (and) the time to act is now.” Earlier this week the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force arrested three Salamanca residents in an on-going investigation into illegal sales of prescription drugs in the area. They say more arrests are coming. You can find a copy of the report here PDF The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Lebanon, PA, man has been charged with criminal homicide in connection to his girlfriend's death after police found the woman's body in the couple's home on January 3. 31-year-old Jennie Cassel is a native of Dunkirk and has relatives living in Chautauqua County. Police say 25-year-old Nathan Patrick admitted to strangling Cassel over the New Year’s weekend. They say they also found a video on Patrick's cell phone in which he admits to causing Cassel's death. A memorial service for Cassel is being held today in Lebanon. Patrick is jailed without bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A state police fire marshal and Bradford City fire and police departments are still investigating to find the origin and cause of the blaze that destroyed the old Tuna Mill Wednesday morning. Damage to Tuna Mill and Lumber is estimated at more than half a million dollars. The building was unoccupied at the time and no one was hurt. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Bradford City Police at 368-6133 or State Police Fire Marshal Greg Agosti in Ridgway at 776-6136. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Firefighters are still on the scene of the old Tuna Mill and demolition of the parts of the historic building not destroyed by this morning's fire is underway. The fire was reported at about 10:30 a.m. At least half a dozen fire companies responded. A state police fire marshal and city firefighters are investigating. No injuries have been reported. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG - Agents from the Attorney General?s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and police from the City of Corry have arrested an Erie County man following the discovery of a suspected indoor marijuana growing lab and hallucinogenic mushroom operation inside his trailer home. Attorney General Linda Kelly identified the defendant as Mark Michael Varasso, age 62, of 13695 West Washington St., Lot 27, Corry. According to the criminal complaint, Varasso was arrested today as agents and local police officers executed a search warrant on his Corry home. Investigators located 24 suspected marijuana plants, along with "grow lights" and hydroponic plant growing materials in the bedroom and closest of his residence. Agents also located three plastic bins in the kitchen area of the home which contained suspected Psilocybin mushrooms. Kelly noted that this is an ongoing investigation involving the Attorney General?s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation along with police departments from...

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Linda Kelly today announced the arrest of an Erie County man suspected of manufacturing and selling "DMT," a psychedelic drug often produced using the root of a plant from South America. Kelly identified the defendant as Lucas Andrew Youngs, age 28, of 11390 Cross Station Road, Lot 35, Girard. Kelly said that agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, members of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Meth Task Force and Edinboro Police participated in a coordinated investigation to locate a DMT lab allegedly operated by Youngs. "Our joint investigations have been very effective in shutting down meth labs and cutting off the supply of synthetic drugs like 'bath salts,' forcing drug dealers and users to search for other alternatives, including DMT," Kelly said. "Today's arrest marks the first seizure of a suspected DMT lab in northwestern Pennsylvania." Kelly explained...

ALBANY – State Senator Cathy Young is helping spearhead an effort with other Senators who represent upstate districts, asking Governor Andrew Cuomo to give rural schools extra consideration in the upcoming state budget. The Governor will release his 2012-13 Executive Budget proposal on January 17. Senator Young joined 14 of her colleagues in signing the formal letter, requesting a significant boost to rural school aid. “New York State is unique in the country because the Governor has enormous power over the budget making process, unlike other states. The courts have made it more difficult for the state Legislature to change the Executive’s proposal. The Governor’s leadership to include more rural school funding up front in his plan would help ensure success in the final enacted budget,” Senator Young said. In December, legislation supported by Senator Young and area Assemblymen Andrew Goodell and Joseph Giglio was passed and signed by the Governor, ensuring a four percent -- or $800 mi...

Wanted for Multiple Sex Crimes against Several Minors Scranton, PA – U.S. Marshal Martin J. Pane announced today that the United States Marshals Service (USMS) arrested Raymond Brennan – a 37-year old Bradford County man - in Burlington, North Carolina. Brennan was being sought on multiple charges by the Pennsylvania State Police-Towanda barracks and the Athens Township Police Department (Bradford County). In July of 2011, the Athens Township Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police received information that two minors were sexually assaulted. The assaults allegedly began in 2009 and continued for two years, in both Athens and Litchfield Townships. These allegations were fully investigated. On August 17, 2011, Magisterial District Judge Michael Shaw of Sayre issued an arrest warrant for Brennan, based upon the Athens Township Police investigation. Brennan was charged with: 20 counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse 20 counts of Statutory Sexual Assault 20 counts of Aggr...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and House Speaker Sam Smith today named members of the Task Force on Child Protection, a panel created by the General Assembly to thoroughly review state laws and procedures governing child protection and the reporting of child abuse. “This task force has a tremendously important job,” Corbett said. “It will provide input to help us strengthen state laws and ensure every Pennsylvania child receives the protection from harm they deserve.” The four members appointed by the governor are: · Hon. David W. Heckler, Bucks County District Attorney; · William Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation; · Dr. Cindy W. Christian, M.D., director of Safe Place: The Center for Child Protection and Health, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and · Delilah Rumburg, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Corbett also designated District Attorney Heckler, a fo...

Judge John Cleland, who is overseeing the Jerry Sandusky criminal case, has established a schedule for prosecutors and defense attorneys, and says he plans to hear argument on pretrial issues in less than three months. According to Cleland’s order the attorney general's office to turn over material to Sandusky's lawyers by Monday. The deadline is Feb. 1 for Sandusky to ask for trial outside Centre County, or to bring in a jury from another county. Other pretrial motions are due March 1, with argument scheduled for April 5 in Bellefonte. Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant football coach, denies charges that he sexually abused 10 young boys. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today urged Shell Oil Company to bring a natural gas processing facility to Pennsylvania, which could create thousands of jobs and leverage billions of dollars in private investment to the region. Shell is considering locations to construct a large facility to break down natural gas, which is abundant in Pennsylvania, into substances used to produce plastics, fibers, and automotive products, which would also boost Pennsylvania manufacturing. “Pennsylvania is at the epicenter of the rapidly growing Marcellus shale natural gas industry, making it the ideal location for a processing plant that will create thousands of local jobs,” said Senator Casey. “Pennsylvania has the skilled workers, natural resources and innovative research network needed to support this plant and boost Pennsylvania’s economy.” Shell is considering building the plant, called an ethane cracker, in the northeast so it can process gas extracted from the Marcellus shale fo...

One of the teenagers accused of robbing the East Main Street Kwik Fill in November has waived his preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Dominic Cercone. 16-year-old Nathan Harvey is charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, theft by unlawful taking and possession of an instrument of crime. Harvey and 18-year-old Alexander Hayes allegedly threatened the cashier with a knife while demanding money from the cash register. Their co-defendant Kyle Eck is charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, tampering with evidence and theft. Harvey is free on unsecured bail while awaiting further court action. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

As of 5:45 p.m. firefighters are still on the scene. Firefighters are still on the scene of the blaze that destroyed the old Tuna Mill off Mechanic Street. The fire was called in at about 10:30 and at least half a dozen fire departments responded. Police tape has been placed around the scene and a state police fire marshal with a K-9 officer is investigating. Heavy smoke is still hanging in the area, including Jackson Avenue. Shortly after the fire started flames could be seen shooting hundreds of feet into the air and thick, black smoke was billowing from the burning building. We have not received reports of any injuries. The mill was built in the 1800s and, at one time, was the centerpiece of Bradford's booming lumber industry. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Salamanca man is accused of endangering the welfare of a child in a domestic incident last week in the city. Sheriff’s deputies say 32-year-old Wilson Rodriguez Jr. screamed and yelled threats at his girlfriend, using obscene language. He also allegedly threw an item in the kitchen, breaking a window. The incidents happened in the presence of a small child. Rodriguez was sent to jail on $500 bail. ~~~~ An Allegany man is facing charges following a domestic incident last week in the village. 54-year-old Tom Thomas was arrested after the parties involved were separated. Thomas is charged with assault and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. He was sent to jail on $2,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Wellsville man who claims to own half of Facebook has been sanctioned by a federal judge and ordered to pay $5,000 to the court. The judge also ordered Paul Ceglia to pay for part of Facebook's attorney fees and expenses. The ruling came after Ceglia did not turn over information about his personal email accounts following a court orderin August. Ceglia claims that he and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg entered into a contract in 2003 that gives him a 50 percent interest in the multi-billion dollar social networking site. Zuckerberg has acknowledged that, while he was a student at Harvard University, he and Ceglia worked together on another Internet project and that it had nothing to do with Facebook. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Warren man is hospitalized after his car crashed into a school bus Tuesday afternoon in Spring Creek Township. Police say 22-year-old Thomas Snider was on Route 426 when his car crossed the centerline and sideswiped the bus, then hit a mini-van head-on. Snider was flown to UPMC Hamot, where he is in serious condition. The van driver, 51-year-old Cynthia O’Day of Spartansburg, was also hurt, but police did not list the severity of her injuries. Neither the school bus driver nor the 10 students on board was hurt. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The old Tuna Mill off Mechanic Street has been destroyed by fire, and firemen are still on the scene of the blaze that was called in at about 10:30. Bradford City, Bradford Township, Derrick City, Lewis Run, Lafayette and Corydon townships and Salamanca are among the fire companies on the scene. Mechanic Street is closed from West Washington Street to Walker Avenue and traffic is tied up in the rest of that area. Please avoid traveling there if possible. Flames from the blaze could be seen in the East Main Street area and ash from the fire was covering cars in the Grace Lutheran Church parking lot. We'll have more information as it becomes available. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947