Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Legendary pop singer Whitney Houston was found dead at a Beverly Hills, California, hotel at age 48, officials said Saturday night. For more on this story go to CNN.com

A Delevan man has been sentenced to 5 years’ probation for his role in a shooting in the Town of Yorkshire. 27-year-old Nathan Biehl pleaded guilty in Cattaraugus County Court to reckless endangerment and attempted criminal possession of a weapon. Biehl was with another man at around 3 a.m. June 22 when a shot was fired into a house on McKinstry Road, just missing the homeowner who was asleep in bed. 22-year-old Joseph Walenka was sentenced in December to two to six years in prison for his guilty plea to reckless endangerment. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Lady Owls dumped Brookville Friday night 59-30 at the Lady Owls Nest. The girls are now 20-0 overall and have captured a least a share of the D-9 League championship. Kaserra Owens led the team with 18 points. Ali Rinfrette scored 14. Alex Vinelli and Haley Vinelli each had 10. The Lady Owls host Elk Catholic Tuesday. A win would earn the Bradford girls the D-9 championship. The Lady Crusaders are 6-2 in league play. The Lady Owls are 8-0. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The St. Bonaventure softball team (1-1) plated three runs on three errors in its final half inning to earn a two-game split at the Upstate Classic. Tied 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth, the Bonnies took advatage of Detroit miscues to steal the 6-3 win. Junior Jessenia Andujar, who notched the Bonnies' only hit in a 3-0 loss to Ohio to open the day, advanced to third on the innings first error and came around one batter later when Christine Watson reached on a wild pitch after striking out. Watson later scored from first on another outfield error, with freshman Grace Rooney plating the final marker on an infield boot. Senior Diana Phalon of Smethport, Pa., (1-0) registered the win and Jen Sansano the three-out save (1) after Phalon fanned eight through six innings of work. Sansano (0-1) allowed just one earned run in the loss to Ohio, but four Bona errors spoiled a four hit outing. St. Bonaventure continues play today with games against Ohio and host S.C. Upstate....

Police say the Emporium man who was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident died of natural causes. 65-year-old Donald Selb was pronounced dead on February 5 after his pickup truck crashed near Rich Valley Road in Shippen Township. The police investigation into the crash showed that Selb “suffered a fatal medical emergency prior to the crash.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

With the idea there’s power in numbers, the tourism agencies in McKean and Cattaraugus counties are partnering to bring visitors into the region. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization for McKean County, and the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., have joined forces with FORE! Golf magazine to entice golfers to come to the region. The group has developed marketing materials and golf packages that will be used at travel shows and other distribution areas. The group plans to attend the Toronto Golf & Travel Show in March to promote packages and distribute information on golf courses as well as other attractions in both areas. Focusing on Toronto as one of the key markets in this joint effort helps the agencies reach their target audience, said Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “There’s already a steady stream of visitors coming from Canada to Ellicottville,” Devlin s...

HARRISBURG -- Attorney General Linda Kelly today announced the filing of a series of felony charges against a Butler County man accused of using Facebook to operate an elaborate and disturbing false identity scheme that was used to solicit young girls for explicit photos or meetings for sex. Kelly identified the defendant as William R. Ainsworth, 53, 110 Raupp Lane, Mars. Kelly explained that the investigation by the Attorney General's Child Predator Unit began in September 2011, after agents received information that Ainsworth had traveled to the home of a 14-year old girl in Butler County in order to engage in various sex acts. For more on this story go here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The 2012 Bradford Owls football schedule is out. The Owls will be playing this fall in Region 5 of Distrcit 10. Region five includes, Oil City, Warren, Slippery Rock, Dubois, Franklin and Meadville. Also non league schools on the schedule include Olean, St Marys and General Mclane. 2012 Bradford Owls Football Schedule August 31 Olean September 7 Oil City 14 Warren 21 @ Slippery Rock 28 Dubois October 5 @ Franklin 12 @ General McLane 19 @ Meadville 26 St. Marys

John Judge Cleland set a tentative date of May 14 for Jerry Sandusky’s trial on child sex abuse charges. Cleland heard arguments this morning in Centre County on whether a jury should be brought in from outside the State College area; whether Sandusky’s legal team can see secret grand jury testimony; and whether to modify Sandusky’s bail conditions. The former Penn State assistant football coach is on house arrest and the Commonwealth says he’s violating terms of his bail by standing on his back porch and watching children at a nearby elementary school. Cleland promised a quick ruling on those matters. UPDATE: CNN reports that Cleland is expected to rule Monday. Sandusky is accused of sexually abusing 10 boys over a period of 15 years. He denies the allegations. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Great Valley teenager is charged with burglary for breaking into a home and stealing property. 18-year-old Matthew Grimes Jr. is also charged with petit larceny in connection to the incident that happened in January. Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies say Grimes is already in jail for a separate incident. He’ll appear in court at a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford woman has been sentenced in Cattaraugus County Court on a drug charge. 21-year-old Samantha Conner will be on conditional discharge for one year following a conviction for criminal possession of a controlled substance. On December 22, 2010, in Olean, Conner possessed a controlled substance with the intent to sell it. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, D.C. — Members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation including U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5), Charlie Dent (PA-15), Jim Gerlach (PA-6), Bill Shuster (PA-9), Mike Kelly (PA-4), and Lou Barletta (PA-11) today joined on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the life of Coach Joe Paterno. The Members delivered their remarks during a special order speech following the conclusion of legislative business in the House. “Joe Paterno’s accomplishments as a teacher and a coach rank him among the very best, most especially his push for higher academic standards for both high school and college athletics,” said Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson. “He was a man, but his legend continues. With the passing of Joe Paterno, we are all Penn State, and we mourn his loss. Thank you Joe Paterno.” “While many Americans will remember coach Paterno for his unparalleled success on the field, Penn State students, alumni and fans will never forget his love for the U...

HARRISBURG -- The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Chesapeake Appalachia LLC a total of $565,000 in civil penalties and reimbursement costs for erosion and sediment control violations, wetland encroachment violations and an April 2011 well control incident. “The governor and I expect the highest standards to be met and when they are not, we take strong enforcement action,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “We will continue to be vigilant on that front. The protection of the state’s water is paramount.” West Branch Township, Potter County DEP fined Chesapeake $215,000 for a March 2011 incident in West Branch Township, Potter County, where sediment discharged into a stream classified as high quality. High-quality streams receive some of the highest levels of protection in the state, and operators are expected to ensure their work does not negatively affect them. In late February and early March, heavy rain caused significant erosion to an access road and Chesapeake’s Beec...

Ralph J. DeSantis, 93, of 19 Valleybrook Dr., formerly of 291 Congress Street, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at UPMC-Cranberry in Cranberry Twp., after a long and fulfilling life. Born March 25, 1918, in Bradford, he was a son of the late John and Carmel (Pepe) DeSantis. On September 22, 1951 in St. Bernard Church, he married Theresa Magnella, who passed away December 4, 1993. Mr. DeSantis was a 1936 graduate of St. Bernard High School. On April 23, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 86th Mountain Infantry, 10th Division during WW II. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his valiant service during engagement with the enemy in Italy. He was honorably discharged a SGT on January 16, 1956. He was a member of St. Bernard Church. He was a postal worker for the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1976 after 33 years of service. He is survived by four daughters, Mary Jo (Robert) Bernini of Cranberry Township, Anne (Doug) Holmes of St. College, P...

An Olean woman is accused of bringing cocaine to a meeting with her parole officer in the Cattaraugus County office building. Sheriff's deputies say 30-year old Jennifer Heitzinger had the suspected drug in a small glass container in her pocket. She was taken into custody on a parole violation. A charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance is pending. Heitzinger is jailed without bail for the parole violation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An 11-year-old boy is dead after being hit by an SUV Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of North Main and 12th streets in Jamestown. Police say the boy walked between two parked cars, onto North Main Street and into the path of the SUV. He was taken to WCA Hospital, where he died. Police did not release the boy’s name. They say the driver of the SUV, who they did not identify, could not avoid hitting the boy. No charges have been filed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been named one of the 150 “Best Value Colleges” in America by The Princeton Review. Pitt-Bradford is one of only eight Pennsylvania colleges and one of only five public colleges with fewer than 2,000 students included on the list. Also, it was one of 56 colleges that are new to the list. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president at Pitt-Bradford, said he wasn’t overly surprised by the selection of Pitt-Bradford as a “best value college.” “This new recognition by The Princeton Review substantiates what many have said for years about Pitt-Bradford -- that we provide the highest quality education available in our region at an affordable price,” he said. “Most students who attend Pitt-Bradford qualify for generous merit awards and donor scholarships that bring the cost of attendance to a manageable level.” The “Best Value Colleges” project was launched in 2004 by The Princeton Review to identify America’s top u...

Paul Ceglia has paid a $5,000 court fine for obstruction, but is contesting a claim by Facebook that he owes the company $84,000 in attorney fees. The Wellsville man claims he owns half of Facebook. He filed court papers saying the court costs are outlandish. Ceglia's suit against the multi-billion social networking site is based on his contention that he Mark Zuckerberg entered into a contract in 2003 that gives him a 50 percent interest in the company. Zuckerberg acknowledges knowing Ceglia but says he had nothing to do with Facebook. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Emporium man convicted of killing a Brockway couple in 2010 has filed post sentence relief motions. Last month, Steven Rebert was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for killing Wayne and Vicky Shugar. The post sentence relief motions are the first step in the appeal process. Judge John Foradora is expected to rule on the motions in the next couple of weeks. If granted, the appeals hearing would be in the Jefferson County Courthouse. If Foradora denies the request, Rebert would have to appeal to the state Superior Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A $100,000 leadership gift committed by Jim and Kristin Canty of Concord, Mass., will see a student collaboration area in St. Bonaventure University’s new School of Business building named in honor of Jim’s great-uncle, Francis Walter “Hookey” Frey, the university announced today. St. Bonaventure is in the midst of a $15 million campaign to construct a new building to house its School of Business. Jim Canty (class of 1984) is a partner with Boston-based investment advisory firm Clough Capital Partners L.P. and a member of St. Bonaventure’s Board of Trustees. He has long supported the Bonaventure Fund and Bona Athletic Fund. Of his current gift, $25,000 helped finance the Center for Entrepreneurship in the new Business building. Now, he and his wife, Kristin, hope to carry on the legacy of his great-uncle (an “Olean Institution,” according to many) by naming a student collaboration area in the School of Business building after him. Francis Walter Frey left high school at Corning Free Ac...

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today joined 182 Members in sending a bipartisan letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar requesting new, expanded access to offshore energy production in order to encourage new job creation, reduce America’s reliance on foreign energy and generate new revenue. Last November, the Obama Administration released a draft five year plan that closes the majority of the OCS to new energy production through 2017. The draft plan includes lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic—leaving portions of Alaska, the entire Atlantic and Pacific coasts off-limits to new energy production. Next week the House is expected to consider the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7), which would lift President Obama’s offshore drilling ban and require the Administration to lease offshore areas containing the most oil and natural gas. Text from letter: “Dear Mr. Secretary: “With the release of the Proposed Outer ...

A Kersey woman escaped injury in an accident earlier this month on Cuneo Road in Fox Township. Police say a pickup truck driven by 54-year-old Cindy Taylor went out of control on loose gravel on the road, and then hit a utility pole. The pickup had to be towed from the scene. Taylor was cited for driving at an unsafe speed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Anger and frustration freely flowed into and infiltrated last night’s Foster Township supervisors meeting, when the better part of two hours was taken up by a variety of sewer line-related issues. Even before supervisors introduced a motion to appoint a township engineer, residents – who packed the meeting room in the municipal building – brought up issues concerning hook-up fees to the new sewer line. But the discussion really heated up after supervisor chairman Jim Connelly Jr. made a motion to appoint The EADS Group as township engineer. He read quotes for the sewer line project from EADS ($684,000), Hill Engineering ($576,000) and E&M Engineers ($320,000). For months residents have been asking the supervisors to take action against E&M for a mistake that cost the township a PENNVEST loan for the project. But, last night, they were not happy about paying twice as much money to another engineering firm. Connelly said if E&M hadn’t made the mistake they wouldn’t even be ha...

HARRISBURG – Gov. Tom Corbett unveiled his 2012-13 state budget proposal before a joint session of the General Assembly on Tuesday, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint). The $27.1 billion plan includes no new or increased taxes and represents a 0.1 percent reduction in spending when compared to the current year’s budget. More than $1 billion in spending cuts were made to address an anticipated shortfall of $500 million by the end of the fiscal year, as well as at least $700 million in mandated cost increases in things like debt service, Medical Assistance and long-term care services. “Controlled spending with no tax increases is a good starting point for budget negotiations, especially as the statewide economy still struggles to recover,” said Causer, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Like families across the state, we have to live within our means and prioritize our spending to focus on core government services. The governor has laid out his priorities, and it is now...

Come rain or snow or shine – the Marilla Winter Trek will take place on Saturday. The annual event, now in its third year, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Marilla Reservoir, located five miles west of the City of Bradford on Route 346. Sponsored by the Tuna Valley Trail Association, the winter trek generally includes cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the agenda. However, in the event Mother Natures does not come through with some snow, the event will still be held and would focus on hiking the Marilla Trail System. The event, free and open to all ages, provides an outlet for people to escape cabin fever and hit the trails. A free shuttle service will be held to the top of Marilla Springs Trail for a four-mile return hike and Hidden Valley Trail for a one-mile return hike. A new geocaching component will take place from noon until 2 p.m. Temporary event caches – artic animals that turn white for winter - were placed along the Marilla Bridges and the Marilla Springs trails....

The state Senate passed a Marcellus Shale regulatory and impact fee measure this morning. A six-member conference committee of Republican and Democratic lawmakers from both chambers gave a party-lines approval to the measure Monday evening. The fee is projected to raise more than $190 million retroactively for 2011, and should rise $333 million by 2015. You can see and hear Senate Joe Scarnati's floor remarks here . House Bill 1950, which must receive House approval before it goes to the governor for his signature, was approved after months of negotiation and compromise on a number of areas, including local zoning issues and how funding would be allocated. "This legislation will help communities in the Marcellus Shale region provide for reasonable local zoning parameters and implement strong environmental protections," Scarnati said. "Drillers will pay their fair share, and that revenue will help our state and its citizens as this industry continues to grow." Th...

Jerry Sandusky wants copies of secret grand jury testimony to help him prepare for trial on charges he sexually abused 10 boys. Sandusky’s lawyer Joe Amendola has filed a court motion seeking transcripts of testimony by any witness the attorney general intends to call to testify. This hearing will be added to Friday’s scheduled hearings on the Commonwealth’s request to bring in a jury from outside Centre County and the request for bail modification so Sandusky can see his grandchildren. In a response filed this morning Attorney General Linda Kelly says Sandusky was fortunate to have been granted house arrest because the Commonwealth believes he should be in jail. The response adds that “house arrest is not meant to be a house party.” Sandusky is facing 52 criminal counts and denies the allegations. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg –Governor Tom Corbett today unveiled his 2012-13 budget to the General Assembly, asking legislators to continue the path of fiscal restraint and to encourage free enterprise for a more prosperous Pennsylvania. “Last year, we accomplished much of real consequence. For the first time in 40 years, we spent less,’’ Corbett said. “Pennsylvania took its first steps toward changing the culture of tax and spend. Together, we showed we can make reforms that count. It is time to show citizens, weary of empty promises…that we can accomplish more. “Today I bring before you a budget grounded in difficult realities but framed in the optimism that we are solving our problems,’’ Corbett said. “Once again, revenues do not match mandated, escalating costs. That means we must continue the course bravely charted by this assembly in the year just passed.’’ The $27.14 billion proposal maintains Corbett’s commitment to balance the state budget. The budget closes a projected revenue shortfall of mo...

A 31-year-old Irving, New York, man is charged with endangering the welfare of a child for inappropriately texting a 14-year-old girl. Chad Ellis is accused of sending the girl numerous texts of a sexual nature over a period of two months. He will appear in Town of Hanover Court at a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District) is once again calling on residents of her district to pursue an urgent letter-writing campaign to the New York State Parole Board to help keep Edward Kindt behind bars when he becomes eligible for parole this month. At 15-years-old, Kindt was convicted of raping and brutally murdering Penny Lea Brown (pictured) of Salamanca on Mother’s Day 1999 while she was jogging on a trail with her two dogs. “Edward Kindt took the innocent life of Penny Brown, a wife, mother of two, and well-respected nurse-midwife. She deserved to have her life, and Kindt selfishly stole that from her. He is up for parole next week. I urge residents throughout the district to write letters of support in keeping this violent, dangerous individual from freely walking our streets,” Senator Young said. In 2003, prior to becoming a Senator, then-Assemblywoman Young lead the fight for four years before successfully passing Penny’s Law in the State Assembly. The bill, named...

The SUNY Cortland Gospel Choir will perform a free concert at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, in Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. The event is part of the university’s annual Spectrum Series. The SUNY Cortland Gospel Choir is directed by Robert Brown, instructor of African Studies at SUNY Cortland and director of the New Life Community Church. The Cortland A Cappella, directed by Noelle Paley, will also perform during the 90-minute concert. The ensembles will perform a varied program that consists of contemporary and traditional selections, as well as popular American hymns. The repertoire will include The Battle of Jericho by Mahalia Jackson, O Happy Day by Edwin Hawkins, Let’s Dance by Lonnie Hunter, Battlefield by Norman Hutchins, Perfect Praise by Richard Smallwood, Faithful is Our God by Hezekiah Walker, Ride on King Jesus and I’m Covered by John P. Key, and His Eye is On The Sparrow by Civilla Martin and ...

A Salamanca man who resisted arrest after police found him with a dagger has pleaded guilty in Cattaraugus County Court. Police found 21-year-old Jeremy Foster in the area of where a burglary had been committed on November 13. When they were questioning him they allegedly found two controlled substances and the dagger. He was not prosecuted for that or burglary, but was charged with a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest. Foster is scheduled for sentencing on April 9. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

For the first time in program history, the St. Bonaventure women's basketball team is ranked in the national polls. The 22-2 Bonnies – who just missed out the last two weeks – checked in at No. 25 in the Associated Press Poll. The ranking is also a first for any Big 4 women's basketball team, and marks the first time in more than 40 years that a Big 4 basketball team is nationally ranked. The Bonaventure men were the last Big 4 school to be ranked in January 1971 – a season before the women's program at Bona even existed. "The ranking is a great piece of national recognition that our players have worked extremely hard to achieve," head coach Jim Crowley said. "While we're certainly excited and proud of the ranking, we need to make sure that our focus remains on the next game." The Bonnies – who sit atop the Atlantic 10 Conference standings as the lone unbeaten team at 9-0 – are coming off an 80-69 win over George Washington Saturday afternoon. The v...

By SANDRA RHODES Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau A kiss may be just a kiss, but to kiss a loved one in the Allegheny National Forest … now that’s amore! Between the trails and the ambiance, there are plenty of places to kiss your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Here are the top 10 places: The Lodge at Glendorn Cozying up in front of the grand, stone fireplace at the Big House at this Relais & Chateau would warm up your sweetie for a little smooch. It’s the perfect end to an evening after enjoying a gourmet meal fixed to your liking by Chef Joe Schafer. glendorn.com Under a street light at Zippo/Case Museum You can rekindle an old flame with a kiss under these specially made streetlights that provide a glow from Zippo lighters. Afterwards, stroll through the Zippo/Case Museum at 1932 Zippo Drive, Bradford, hand-in-hand and view some great displays showing off two American icons. zippo.com Rimrock Overlook Any couple will be able to take their ...

Fire destroyed a vacant three-story building in Ridgway Sunday night. Firefighters were called to the intersection of Allenhurst Avenue and Depot Street at just before 9 o’clock, and the building was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived. No one was hurt. A state police fire marshal is investigating. Damage is estimated at $300,000 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Lewis Run man is in serious condition at UPMC Hamot after his car hit a tree on Route 59 in Lafayette Township this morning. Police say 22-year-old Joshua Hilmes was driving west at 1:15 a.m. when his car crossed into the eastbound lane, left the road and hit the tree. He was flown by Stat MedEvac to Erie. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947