Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Two 20-year-old Coudersport men are in jail for allegedly breaking into two buildings last summer. Christopher Bailey was arrested Friday at his home. Joshua Silsby was arrested Friday at his home. They were each charged with two felony counts of burglary and criminal trespass, as well as criminal mischief. State police say they pair entered and damaged two properties on Summit Road in Hebron Township last July . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Randolph man is accused of threatening police with what they are calling a large baton-like stick. 41-year-old Wayne Wright Jr. is charged with menacing, obstruction of governmental administration and making false reports to law enforcement. Sheriff’s deputies say Wright called in a false report of an assault with a weapon and when they responded to the call he threatened them with the baton. Wright was arraigned and released, and will appear in court again at a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

60 animals – including horses, sheep, cows and rabbits – have been rescued from a makeshift barn in East Otto, New York. The Cattaraugus County SPCA says Jay Williams already has two previous animal cruelty convictions, and spent time in jail. Back in 2000, more than 100 malnourished animals were removed from his farm. This time he is charged with failure to provide food and water to the animals. The US Department of Agriculture is also looking into reports that Williams sold meat from sheep and goats he butchered at the farm. The Farm Sanctuary of Watkins Glen took most of the animals. The SPCA is looking for people to adopt seven horses that were at the farm. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The state attorney general’s offices says Jerry Sandusky’s lawyers have been improperly issuing subpoenas and using them for a fishing expedition to help mount a defense in his child sex abuse case. The AG’s office today asked Judge John Cleland to have the subpoenas withdrawn and to force Sandusky’s lawyers to show how the information they want is relevant to the case. The motion filed in Centre County Court claims Sandusky’s lawyers sent subpoenas that improperly revealed the names of alleged victims. Senior Deputy Attorney General Joseph McGettigan wrote that treating secret information that way shows “spectacular irresponsibility.” Cleland issued a gag order on April 9 so Sandusky’s lead counsel Joe Amendola could not speak to the media about today’s motion. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The case of a Wellsville woman accused of being under the influence of prescription medication during a fatal crash is in the hands of a jury. The jury got the case of 56-year-old Robin Drouin this morning. Drouin was driving a pickup truck on Route 417 in Wellsville in November of 2010 when it rear-ended a van. 11-year-old Cheyenne Wolfer of Rushford was a passenger in the van, and later died at Jones Memorial Hospital. Drouin has admitted to taking some of her husband’s oxycodone on the day of the crash. She is charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A former Rixford man pleaded guilty Thursday in Federal court in Erie to the sexual exploitation of children. 45-year-old Jack Lee Johnson is charged with receiving and distributing computer images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Police found a laptop computer and 16 discs with child porn on them at Johnson's home. Johnson will be sentenced on September 10. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The latest person arrested in Cattaraugus County’s continuing crackdown on welfare fraud is also charged with criminal trespass and criminal possession of stolen property. 52-year-old Roger Canute of Olean is accused of taking a food stamp benefit card that was issued to someone else, and then spending and selling more than $2,300 worth of food stamps. Sheriff’s deputies say the incidents happened from March 15 to April 2. Canute is free on his own recognizance. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today praised the Obama administration’s decision to withdraw its proposed labor rule that would prevent youth from working on their families’ farms. To put this rule in context, 99 percent of Pennsylvania’s farms are family owned and operated, and this new rule would impede their ability to operate. Sen. Toomey highlighted the impact this onerous rule would have on families during a press conference at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January and in an Ag Day op-ed in the Patriot-News. “We can all agree to disagree on the degree to which the federal government chooses to regulate our roads and waterways, but the federal government has no business dictating to parents how to raise their children. It belies an ideology that not only believes in an ever larger government, but an ideology that says government always knows best – even when it comes to our own families. I am glad the agency is withdrawing its proposed regulation amid t...

Work will begin Tuesday, May 1 on a Route 219 bridge in Lafayette Township, McKean County. Since Route 219 is wide in this area, no lane restrictions will be necessary. Barriers will be in place on the bridge but two-way traffic will be maintained as crews work to replace the expansion dams of the bridge. The bridge spans Kinzua Creek at Tally Ho, about two miles south of the Route 59 intersection. The expansion dam work should be complete in early August. Work on the Tally Ho Bridge is part of a contract to preserve three bridges in Elk and McKean counties. Along with the Tally Ho Bridge, the contract includes: • A bridge on Route 969 over Toby Creek near Portland Mills in Elk County • A bridge on Route 969 over the railroad near Portland Mills in Elk County Deck replacements are underway on both Elk County bridges. The bridges are about 500 feet apart and traffic is controlled by signals at each end. Work on all three bridges is weather and schedule dependent. The L.C. Whit...

Dunkirk, NY – Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards has announced approval of seed funding in the amount of $20,000 to Henlie, Inc., headquartered in the SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator at 214 Central Avenue, Dunkirk. Henlie, Inc. is a developer of social networking applications, mobile applications, and educational software. Founded by Craig Rittling, President, the company recently wrapped up development of its first application called “PettyCourtTM” which will launch end of April. PettyCourtTM is a first-of-its-kind social networking application that will launch simultaneously as a stand-alone website and also a Facebook application with exposure to approximately 170 million U.S. members. PettyCourtTM will target various market segments including reality TV viewers, social network members, and online gamers. With the tagline “Resolve the debate… litigate- PettyCourt awaits,” PettyCourtTM will provide an online solution for members to resolve disputes that are eithe...

The inaugural named fund at Futures Rehabilitation Center was the highlight of the Donor Recognition Event Thursday night at the Center. The Mary M. Rae Fund was established by Bill Rae to honor and recognize his mother’s life work and to continue his mother’s legacy for years to come within Futures Endowment Trust. Mary Rae was instrumental in the establishment of the Futures Endowment Trust and was present to accept the honor. Futures President/CEO Bill Leven said “The response to the Mary M. Rae fund has been overwhelming. I am pleased to announce that the fund has grown to over $35,000.” Proceeds from the Mary M. Rae Fund support Futures’ services to over 200 adults and students with disabilities. Vocational training, activity services, extended employment and school-to-work transition services are offered at Futures facilities and at community-based sites. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By SANDRA RHODES Great Places, Great Design, Inspiring Youth and Government Leadership Awards were presented to McKean County entities Wednesday evening at the Pennsylvania Wilds Annual Update hosted by the PA Wilds Planning Team on Wednesday, April 26. Rick Allan, Secretary of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and Carolyn Newhouse, Dep. Sec. for Innovation & Investment at the Department of Community & Economic Development, Tourism & Film both presented on current efforts of their agencies in support of the great work being done in our region in developing heritage and nature tourism. Keynote speaker was Ted Eubanks of Fermata Inc. who has assisted Pennsylvania in planning for long term sustainable tourism development, first with the development of the Elk Scenic Drive and then the creation of the Pennsylvania Wilds marketing brand which is based on the footprint of the Lumber Heritage Region’s 12 counties. “I was very pleased to be a part of t...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) was selected today to be the next chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, a caucus of conservative senators that includes the majority of the Republican Conference. He will take this post in early September. “Sen. Pat Toomey is a proven and trusted conservative, and I'm very glad he's taking on this new role,” said outgoing Steering Chairman Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C). “I've fought hard over the last few years to help elect new conservatives to the Senate, and it's very rewarding to see them step into positions of leadership. I’ve enjoyed chairing this group for the past five years, and I look forward to working closely with Pat and the other Steering members to advance conservative principles at this critical time when our country needs them most.” “I’m honored to lead the historic Steering Committee,” Sen. Toomey said. “It is a privilege to be entrusted with this position. Sen. DeMint has been a courageous leader, and...

With the opening of UPMC Hamot Medical Park - Mt. Jewett (at 18 W. Main Street), a service of Kane Community Hospital, now two physician assistants are providing primary care in addition to Linda Rettger, MD, family medicine and Mohammed Suddle, MD, internal medicine. Eric Asp, PA-C has worked with Dr. Rettger at KCH’s community clinic in Mt. Jewett for four years. "The move to the new facility on Main Street," Eric noted "will offer the same high quality, caring staff who have served the community for three decades, while giving us room to add care and services." Eric works fulltime at FCI McKean and one day a week at the Mt. Jewett Family Practice. His specialties are family medicine, men’s health, infectious diseases (like Hepatitis C and HIV). He will also provide care for Walk-In Saturdays to begin at the new facility on May 12. Walk-In Saturdays offer care 9 a.m. to 12 noon for routine clinic visits and minor problems. This is a new service at the new Mt....

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chair of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), released the following statement after he chaired the JEC hearing which he called on gas prices. “With gas prices nearing $4 a gallon, it is important to that we take a close look at how these refinery closures will affect Pennsylvanians and consumers across the nation”, said Senator Casey. “With limited pipeline capacity to import from the Gulf Coast, this loss of refining activity in the Northeast will increase the region’s dependence on foreign fuel and lead to higher prices for consumers.” The hearing was entitled “Gas Prices in the Northeast: Potential Impact on the American Consumer Due to Loss of Refining Capacity.” The hearing focused on the impact potential closures of petroleum refineries serving the Northeast could have on prices at the pump in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. Senator Casey has also recommended some common-sense steps that Congress can take...

A Commonwealth Court judge’s injunction in a lawsuit challenging a portion of the impact fee law has prompted the state Public Utility Commission to delay action on a final implementation order. For the full story go to PA Matters.com The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will graduate its largest class – 342 students – during commencement exercises Sunday, April 29. John Schlimm, internationally award-winning author of 12 books on cooking/entertaining, history, how-to and fiction, will speak to the graduating class. The commencement will also be broadcast live at www.upb.pitt.edu/commencement.aspx . Those graduates from Bradford expected to receive an Associate of Science degree are Andrew M. Flynn, Samantha McGriff, Nathan M. O’Lay and Nathan Alan Rees, all nursing majors, and Beth Christman and Burton Markert, both petroleum technology majors. Other students from McKean County expected to receive associate degrees are Richard Edward Castina, a liberal studies major, and Stephanie Denise Hungiville, a nursing major, both of Mount Jewett; Marklyn Dawn Simms, a liberal studies major from Smethport; Steven Paul Kriner and Hazen E. Robson, both nursing majors from Eldred; Sara Hyde and Kelly Elizabeth McKinney,...

Two people were hurt in a two-car crash Wednesday night at the intersection of Main Street and Cris Drive in Eldred. State police say at about 9:10 p.m. 27-year-old Jessica Green was stopped on Cris Drive while a car driven by 60-year-old Craig Switzer of Rixford was on Main Street. Green did not see the other car and pulled into the intersection where her car was hit by Switzer’s. Green and Switzer were both taken to BRMC for treatment of minor injuries. Both cars had to be towed from the scene. Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG –Today’s decision by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to dismiss a scheduled geographic split for the 814 area code is good news for area residents and local businesses, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), who has been working to find a solution to the proposed change. “This is a real victory for the many residents who came to public hearings to offer their opinions and express their concerns about dividing communities into 582 and 814 area codes,” Scarnati said in a news release. “I would like to thank the PUC for giving consideration to the businesses and citizens in this area that would have been placed into a new area code before rendering its decision.” In 2010, the PUC approved a plan to split the 814 area code along geographic boundaries to avoid running out of phone numbers. That plan would have created a new area code for many customers. But after hearing public input and reviewing more than 40 petitions for reconsideration, th...

A Wellsboro company has been fined for operating an illegal transfer station at a well pad in Potter County. DEP fined Ultra Resources $40,000 for having storage tanks that were holding more than 760,000 gallons of raw flowback fluid that was being used for fracking at other sites, which requires a permit. Other violations included flowback fluids around wheelie tanks and on the containment liner; failure to properly stabilize several areas of the well pad and access road; and improper construction of a sediment basin. Also, Ultra did not post well permit numbers at the site. DEP says all the violations have been corrected. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two Elk County men will be facing charges after a man watched them steal scrap metal from his property Wednesday afternoon. Police say Donald Herbstritt was on the back porch of his Kersey home at 4:30 when he saw the two men remove some scrap metal and leave. He watched their truck drive away, and then called police. The thieves are a 47-year-old from Weedville and a 35-year-old from Kersey. Police haven’t released their names yet, but say theft charges are pending. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A state police fire marshal says a Cameron County house was so badly damaged by fire that he will not be able to determine the cause of the blaze. The fire destroyed the home of Richard Johnson of Mechanicsburg. His son, John Johnson, lived in the house but was not home at the time of the fire on Monday. Damage is estimated at $200,000. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted to put the 814 area code relief plan on hold at least until 2018. The commission voted 5-0 this morning to dismiss the petition filed by North American Number Planning Administrator that said numbers in the area code would be running out this month and they needed to do something about it. New studies show numbers won’t run out for six more years. “This is certainly great news, as I recognize that any form of area code relief has an impact on industry and the public. Today’s action certainly helps minimize that impact,” said PUC Vice Chairman John F. Coleman Jr. in a news release. The PUC had originally said the 814 area code region would be cut in half, with people in the western half of the region getting a new area code. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

J. Gary Rhodes, Vice President, UPMC Hamot and CEO of Kane Community Hospital, has announced that "Mohammed Nawaz Suddle, MD, physician of internal medicine, will extend his internal medicine practice to patients in Mt. Jewett at UPMC Hamot Medical Park, 18 W. Main Street. He will begin to see patients there in mid-May." "To KCH, Dr. Suddle brings a wide range of medical skills that include internal medicine, emergency medicine, noninvasive cardiology and occupational health. One of the benefits of practicing in a small community hospital is the opportunity it affords physicians to use their full complement of skills, as Dr. Suddle does so well," Rhodes said. "Dr. Suddle joined the medical staff at KCH in January of 2002 as an Emergency Room Physician. At the end of 2002, when Renato Ocampo, MD retired his general medicine practice, and several years later when Bruno Sicher, MD retired his family practice, Dr. Suddle assumed these practices while e...

The Bradford Sanitary Authority has been awarded a state grant and a low-interest loan totaling more than $18.7 million to complete the second phase of upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant, according to Senator Joe Scarnati. Scarnati said the loan of $15.59 million and grant of $3.14 million were awarded through the state’s PENNVEST Program and announced today. He said the funding is vital to protecting the environment, providing clean water to area residents and encouraging economic development. “This funding is crucial to protecting our local water supplies and public health and ensuring that our streams are not polluted,” Scarnati said. “Because we will have new, upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, we can promote growth in our area, create new jobs and encourage economic development.” New construction projects have been all but stymied because of DEP restrictions on EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) due to wet weather overloading of the plant as well as discharges of pa...

Coudersport – A roadway improvement project on Route 6 in Potter County will bring short travel delays, starting next week. The four-mile work zone stretches from the Potato City Inn to about one mile east of the Denton Hill Ski area. This betterment work will extend the useful life of the roadway and bridges and result in a smoother, safer ride for motorists. Temporary traffic signals are located on the bridge at the Denton Hill Ski area and on the bridge about one mile east of the ski area. The signals will enforce an alternating traffic pattern so that crews can work in the closed lane of each bridge. For roadwork, daylight, alternating traffic patterns will be in place and drivers can expect to encounter flaggers on the roadway and short travel delays. Motorists need to be alert for sudden stops. Project work includes roadway and bridge repairs, roadway resurfacing, drainage improvements, guiderail updates, line painting, and miscellaneous construction. All work is weather depende...

Rainbow Corner Preschool students are marking the Week of the Young Child with several activities this week. On Tuesday, Safe Kids McKean visited the preschool to talk about riding in car seats. Children were measured and weighed, and then completed an activity sheet that shows the correct car seat for their size. On Wednesday, students were visited by Bradford Area School Board members Carla Manion and Paul Ridley, who read aloud Stop Snoring, Bernard!, which is the selection for the seventh annual Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child program. PA One Book highlights the importance of early literacy development in preschoolers ages three to six. On Thursday, the students will be focusing on the outdoors with a playground activity, nature craft and picnic. The Week of the Young Child, an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), focuses public attention on the needs of young children and their families, and recognizes...

Special Olympics athletes from throughout McKean County will travel to Kane Area High School on Wednesday, May 2, to compete in the annual Special Olympics/Zippo Track & Field Meet. Over 220 special athletes, ranging from 5 to 66 years of age, are registered to participate at the 37th annual event. Starting time is 10:00 a.m. In case of rain, the meet will be postponed to May 3. Ashley Komidar, teacher at Kane Middle School, will serve as event director. Up to six athletes can qualify to represent McKean County at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Games at Penn State, June 7-9. McKean Special Olympics coordinator Pat Ryan noted, “The track meet is our biggest event of the year. Our numbers are up and our athletes have been working hard in preparation.” Volunteers are needed to help with the meet. They should call 368-9310 or register at the concession stand on Wednesday morning. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and c...

Kids of all ages and their parents enjoyed Kids Derby Day activities at the Bradford Area Public Library Saturday afternoon. By answering questions and finishing projects throughout the building, kids earned a chance to ride a a real horse. Kids Derby Day is the second "jewel" the Triple Crown of events aimed at raising money and awareness for the library. (Kdis Derby events are free). The final jewel is the Derby Gala, being held May 5 at the Pennhills Club. Tickets are still available. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Sky Walk to Receive 'Great Places Award' Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today stopped at the Millstone Township Canoe Access Area during a tour of the Clarion River corridor, where he highlighted the partnerships that have improved recreational opportunities on the river in Clarion, Elk, Forest and Jefferson counties. "The Clarion River was once one of the most-polluted waterways in Pennsylvania, but today through hard work, partnerships and investments it offers residents and visitors alike tremendous opportunities for river-based recreation," Allan said. "We are here to celebrate the success that can be achieved when some start-up dollars, local commitment and a wide range of partners work together." In addition to canoeing and kayaking, the corridor offers opportunities for picnicking, sightseeing, camping, watching wildlife, birding, fishing and hiking. The corridor is the southwestern gateway to 12 1/2-county Pe...

By SANDRA RHODES John Kennedy Jr. has been described in many ways. Privileged. Handsome. Son of Camelot. But RoseMarie Terenzio did not skip a beat when describing her former boss. "Smart," she said. "People overlooked how very smart and thoughtful he was." Terenzio's insight into JFK Jr. is something no one else can offer. For the last five years of his life, she was his personal assistant, publicist and confidante. Terenzio, author of "Fairy Tale Interrupted," will talk about her experiences with JFK Jr. Friday at St. Marys Public Library. The event will start with refreshments from 7 to 7:30 p.m.; author question-and-answer period from 7:30 to 8 p.m., at which time Terenzio will be available to sign books. Books will be available for purchase. The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the library and St. Marys author John Schlimm. Terenzio envisions the event as a "great conversation" led by questions from the audie...