Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

These are some of the Ukrainian Pysanky eggs Shandra Wilson decorated. She presented a program on the history and decorating of the eggs Thursday at the Bradford Area Public Library. Bradford Area Public Library photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Firefighters Local 655 held their annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning in Callahan Park. The Kentucky Derby is called "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports." Check out our video to see why annual event could be called "The Fastest Two Minutes in Easter Egg Hunting." These young ladies were among the hundreds hunting eggs. Retired Fire Chief Bill McCormack hands out prizes to the hunters as they leave the park. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Sparky the Fire Dog (with his pal, Terry Brinker) made an appearance at the annual Firefighters Local 655 Easter Egg Hunt Saturdary at Callahan Park, and almost made the kids forget they were there to hunt for eggs and win prizes. Almost. WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg has released another statement concerning the bomb threats on the university’s main campus. He said university officials understand the threats are a source of heightened anxiety, not only for those living and working on campus but also for their family members. Nordenberg said they appreciate the cooperation and support that have come from throughout the entire University community and from their many friends. He said they do believe progress is being made in the ongoing investigation and look forward to the time, hopefully in the near-term, when they can put this set of challenges behind them. Pittsburgh’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is heading the investigation. The university is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Nordenberg added that some people think the university is being too cautious by evacuating and searching the buildings in response to each threat. Others, he said, believe the campus should be ...

Two men are dead and another is hospitalized in serious condition after being hit by a Norfolk Southern freight train Friday night in Chautauqua County. 20-year-old Justin Halpainy-Livermore of Jamestown and 25-year-old Brian Reed of Westfield were pronounced dead at the scene. 26-year-old Benjamin Reed Westfield is being treated at UPMC Hamot for broken bones and head injuries. Police did say the three men are related. Autopsies on the two victims will be conducted today. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford’s Zach Foster made his debut with the Pirates’ Bradenton Marauders Friday. Foster pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out one. AJ Burnett, who is on a rehab assignment in Bradenton, started the game and went 4 2/3 innings giving up one run and striking out 5. The Marauders lost the game 5-1 to the St. Lucie Mets. Pittsburgh Pirates photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 24-year-old man is dead after a large piece of pipe crushed him at natural gas well site near Tionesta. Brandon Pennywell of Harrisburg died instantly when the pipe slipped, crushing him between it and a large beam, according to Forest County Coroner Norman Wimer. A team of workers was placing the pipe together with another piece when the accident happened at about 8:20 a.m.. Pennywell was employed by Patterson-UTI drilling, a subcontractor hired by Seneca Resources. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

For continuing coverage go to CNN.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Pittsburgh’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is now investigating the string of bomb threats at the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus. US Attorney David Hickton released a statement this morning saying, “The safety and welfare of the University of Pittsburgh community is a top priority. The bomb threats since February 13 are being vigorously, aggressively and thoroughly investigated through every possible means." Since mid-February, someone has threatened to bomb several campus buildings, including the Cathedral of Learning and Litchfield Towers. As of last night, the number of building threats was 26. The threats have been written in bathrooms or emailed to university officials and local newspaper reporters. A Bradford resident whose daughter attends Pitt-Oakland tells us the bomb threats have left students, staff and parents on edge. "While the disruption and fear engendered by such threats is unconscionable, we commend the resilience of the University community," Hick...

The Easter Bunny took time out of his busy schedule to hop on in to the Bradford Area Public Library this morning for bunny storytelling and an Easter Egg Hunt. Tomorrow's annual firefighters' Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11 a.m. at Callahan Park -- rain or shine, but expect sunny skies. Bradford Area Public Library Photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director All three of Thursday’s Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce award recipients could have won the Community and Spirit Award because they all exemplify what it means to work for something you believe in, and to make Bradford a better place. Steve Cavallaro received the actual Community and Spirit Award for his work to restore and revitalize the Willow Dale Duck Pond. The Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe received the Exemplary Business Award. Madeline Miles received the Directors Award for her tireless efforts in activities throughout the area. In accepting his award, Cavallaro thanked the many people who donated time, money and talent to help make his dream come true. He singled out Howard Fesenmyer who, Cavallaro said, does every day for the community what he did for the duck pond. He also thanked Russ Safran, who donated the pavilion and bridge in memory of his wife, Kristin, who died in the crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence Center in 2009. On a lighter not...

The wildfire in Cameron County is under control, but DCNR firefighters are still on the scene between Driftwood and Sinnemahoning. Emporium-based state police say Route 120 has re-opened but will sporadically close while trees are being cut down. Motorists should be prepared for delays. The fire is under control “but definitely still burning,” a police dispatcher told WESB and The HERO this afternoon. Wildfire fighting specialists from Bradford Township were on the scene Wednesday, but their detail has been cancelled for tonight. Firefighters from Cameron, Potter, Elk, Clinton and Clearfield counties were on the scene last night as well. On his Facebook page this morning State Representative Marty Causer wrote, “A sincere thank you to all of the dedicated volunteer firefighters who came together to fight the forest fire in Cameron County -- your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated.” Causer is a former vice president of McKean County’s EMS council. The fire started near the...

Los Angeles (CNN) -- The latest photos of notorious killer Charles Manson have been released by the California Department of Corrections, one week before his next parole hearing. At the request of CNN, the department provided two photographs of Manson taken in June at the state prison in Corcoran, California. They show Manson, 77, with long, flowing gray hair, long beard and mustache. For more on this story go to CNN.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A variety of pre-trial motions were addressed this morning in the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse case, but Judge John Cleland announced early in the hearing that no rulings would be made today. One of the motions was by the defense to dismiss all charges; more arguments on that motion will continue in another hearing. Sandusky denies allegations that he sexually abused at least 10 boys over a period of 15 years while he was an assistant football coach at Penn State. Sandusky remains under house arrest, but he was in the Centre County courtroom for today's hearing. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

US! 65 years ago today 1940 WESB went on the air for the first time. We're going to let you get in on our celebration, too. Stay tuned for details! The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Man wins $1M on scratch-off using his last $10: wivb.com The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

If anyone has pictures, feel free to post them on our Facebook page or send them to news@wesb.com PEMA has been notified UPDATE 7:25 p.m.: Wildfire specialists continue to battle the fire. Route 120 is closed to everything except emergency vehicles. Firefighters from across the region are battling a wildfire near Sinnemahoning. An air tanker has been called in to help fight what’s being called a rapidly spreading forest fire. The plane made its first water drop at just after 6 p.m. DCNR personnel, besides those on the plane, are on the scene as well. Firefighters are also concerned about fire spreading to buildings, and smaller fires starting. Cameron, Potter, McKean, Elk and Clinton county firefighters are responding. The Red Cross is assisting the firefighters. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Watch the video here HARRISBURG – A bill to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Senate passed the House today by a vote of 140-49, Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Armstrong/Indiana) said. The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. House Bill 153, authored by Smith, would reduce the House of Representatives to 153 members from 203 and the Senate to 38 members from its current 50. “I believe that by reducing the size the House it will make the legislative process more efficient, because members would communicate better and understand the other person’s problem. And I think that will create better legislation at the end of the day.” With 253 members, the Pennsylvania General Assembly is the second-largest in the country. With a current population of more than 12.7 million people, the proposed 153 House districts each would represent about 83,022 people, which is not a significant change from 62,573 with the current 203 districts. ...

As part of its Spring Honors and Awards Ceremony Tuesday, April 3, St. Bonaventure University recognized 49 employees who marked employment anniversaries this year and three employees who are retiring. Individuals with 10 years of service and up were recognized, with those reaching 25 years of service and retirees receiving special recognition. Those recognized for 25 years of service were: Michael Polasik (Facilities); Patricia L. Shumway (Business and Finance); Carl Veno (Friary); Allen H. Weber, O.F.M., Ph.D. (School of Education); and Robert Worthington (Facilities). Michael Polasik started at St. Bonaventure in September of 1987 as a member of the university grounds crew. Two years later, he assumed his current position within the facilities department as automotive technician. This one-person department is responsible for more than 70 university-owned registered vehicles. In addition to vehicle registrations, inspections, and repairs, Polasik oversees grounds equipment repairs an...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Pentagon officials have told U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) that no remains from United Flight 93 passengers were disposed of in a landfill. In a letter to Sen. Toomey, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jo Ann Rooney said that all Flight 93 DNA specimens sent to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory for testing were returned to Somerset County Coroner Wallace Miller in 2005. “I am relieved to learn that no remains from United Flight 93 passengers were sent to a landfill for disposal. The families deserve the peace of mind of knowing that these remains were treated with the utmost respect and dignity,” Sen. Toomey said. “I thank Secretary Panetta and the Pentagon for this response to my inquiry, and I hope to learn more about the treatment of remains from the Pentagon soon.” Today’s response follows a letter Sen. Toomey sent to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Feb. 28 asking him to clarify if any remains from the Pentagon and United...

Harrisburg - Highlighting the dangers faced by road crews, PennDOT and other agencies today reminded motorists to slow down and drive carefully in work zones. Pennsylvania's Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, marking the unofficial start of the road construction season, runs through April 6. PennDOT's traveling Worker Memorial is on display in the lobby of the Keystone Building in Harrisburg this week. The memorial includes 83 posts topped by hard hats and draped in safety vests. Each post represents a PennDOT employee who died in the line of duty since 1970. Jack Griffin of Bradford died in a work zone on Olean Road in October of 2010 when a man under the influence of prescription and non-prescription drugs hit him. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

For the 13th time since mid-February, a building at the University of Pittsburgh’s main campus had to be evacuated because of a bomb threat. This morning’s threat was for Thackeray Hall. The building was closed for an hour while police searched it. The Litchfield Towers dormitory, the Chevron Science Center and the Cathedral of Learning were all evacuated on Tuesday for three separate bomb threats. University police are working with the FBI and Pittsburgh police to find out who's making the threats, and the university is offering a $50,000 reward. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Eldred teenager was hurt in an accident Tuesday afternoon on Route 155, just north of Port Allegany. Police say 18-year-old Marissa Olson tried to pull her SUV over to allow traffic behind her to pass her. The tires of the vehicle hit a large concentration of winter ash chips on the shoulder and the SUV started fishtailing. The SUV went off the road, hit three fences and an embankment. Olson was taken by ambulance to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Shinglehouse man is accused of trying to rape a 12-year-old girl. Police say 19-year-old Darren Blauvelt attempted to have sex with the child in December in a private home in Potter County. Blauvelt was taken into custody Tuesday without incident. He is charged with attempted rape of a child and attempted statutory sexual assault, both felonies. He was released on $25,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Charges against a former employee of the Bradford Area School District accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student have been bound to court. 25-year-old Stephen Schiappa is accused of having sex with the girl twice at his home. The allegations came to light when another student told a teacher she heard Schiappa was having sex with two students. Schiappa told police he and the girl started working out together at the Y, they began talking and it eventually led to a sexual encounter. The girl told police they were in the hot tub at Schiappa’s home, and then went to his bedroom to have sex. She said “a period of time went by” before they had sex again. Schiappa denied having sex with another girl, and said the encounter with the teenager was consensual, according to papers filed in District Judge Rich Luther's office. Schiappa resigned as a general aide and assistant varsity baseball coach with the school district in February. He is charged with a misdemeanor count of corruption ...

Lawyers for Paul Ceglia and Facebook are at it again. They’re in court this afternoon arguing about Facebook’s motion to have all exchanges of evidence stopped until a judge rules on another motion to have the case dismissed. The Wellsville man claims he and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg entered into a contract in 2003 that gives him half ownership of the mulit-billion social networking site. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Kill Buck man is accused of having sex with a girl from the time she was 4 years old until she was 14. 44-year-old Kenneth Crawford is charged with sexual abuse and other felonies. Sheriff’s deputies say the sexual abuse started in 1994 and continued until 2004. He allegedly had sex with the child 14 different times. Crawford was released on his own recognizance following his arraignment, and is scheduled to appear in Redhouse Town Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

US! 1490 WESB went on the air for the first time 65 years ago today. As usual, we want you to get in on our celebration. Stay tuned for details. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two more bomb threats were received today at the University of Pittsburgh's main campus. Chancellor Mark Nordenberg issued the following update to the university community: Very early this morning, the University received a bomb threat targeting the Litchfield Towers, and by mid-morning, another bomb threat targeting the Chevron Science Center was made. These were the third and fourth bomb threats targeting Pitt buildings to be received in less than 24 hours and the 10th and 11th to be received in recent weeks. Each of these threats has been disruptive – requiring the evacuation of facilities, interfering with classes, interrupting other important work and, in the case of the Litchfield Towers threat, causing students to leave their residence hall rooms in the middle of the night. Each threat has been taken seriously, with safety standing as our highest priority. Careful searches of each evacuated building, using trained canine units from within the University and from other area p...

Beatrice M. Powers, 73, formerly of South Ave., a resident of the Bradford Ecumenical Home, passed away on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born March 10, 1939, in Weedville, she spent all her adult life in Bradford. She is survived by a daughter, Pam (Doug) Caldwell of Texas; three sons, Howard (Sue) Powers of Bradford, Ken (Lori) Powers and Mark (Crystal) Reese, both of Wyoming; four grandchildren, one great grandchild and dear friends, Dee and John Baxter. Family will receive friends 10 to 11AM, Friday, April 13, 2012 in the Chapel at the Bradford Ecumenical Home where funeral services will be held at 11 AM with the Rev. Leon Canfield, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiating. Burial was in Limestone Cemetery. Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the First Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com The news leader of th...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Division of Communication and the Arts will present a unique production of “An Evening of Stories by Edgar Allan Poe” next week. Shows take place at 7:30 p.m. April 12 and at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. April 13 and 14 at the Seneca Building in downtown Bradford. There is no Sunday matinee. Tickets are $6 for the public and $2 for all students. Due to the unique nature of the production, advance reservations are necessary and can be made by calling the Bromeley Theater Box Office at (814)362-5113. Dr. Kevin Ewert, associate professor of theater, is directing the production, which will relate stories by America’s master of the macabre, including “Ligeia,” “Berenice,” “Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado.” “This production is a kind of a haunting,” Ewert said. “We’re taking an old building and inhabiting many of its empty rooms with Poe’s tales of obsession, madness and terror. “The rehearsal pro...