Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Police have captured the woman who they believe robbed the Community Bank in Allegany at around 11:15 Friday morning. Troopers say 25-year-old Katherine Hayes handed the teller a note and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police caught up with Hayes overnight and charged her with first-degree robbery. She’s jailed on $100,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Phyllis J. Sprague, 82, of 585 West Washington Street, Bradford, passed away Thursday, May 24th, at her residence. Born November 1, 1929 in Bradford she was the daughter of the late James S. and Rhea P. (Franklin) Lawrence. She was a 1947 graduate of Bradford High School. On September 4, 1948 in Niagara Falls, NY she married James E. Sprague, who died on June 20, 2010. Mrs. Sprague was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was a well known organist, playing at most of the area churches for Sunday sevices and weddings. She was a member of the TOPS Club of Bradford. Surviving are three daughters; Danita (David) Hersh, of Quarryville, Laurie (Mark) Marcello, of Palm Harbor, FL; and Diana (Ernest) Rankin, of Mt. Jewett., four grandchildren, one great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a son, Dennis Sprague. Family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 from 3 to 5 & 7 to 9pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main S...

Police are looking for a 17-year-old Kersey girl who hasn’t been seen since Friday afternoon. They say Christina Bennett was last seen walking from her home in Kersey at 1:30 yesterday. She was headed toward the Kersey park. Anyone with information on Christina’s whereabouts is asked to contact Ridgway-based state police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The bodies of both Jamestown kayakers who drowned last weekend have been found. At around 8 o’clock Friday morning the body of 23-year-old Jonathan Miller was pulled from the Allegheny Reservoir. He was found along a shoreline in Stateline Bay. At around 12:30 Friday afternoon, crews found the body of 32-year-old Jacob Maynard in the dredge area of the Allegheny River in the Starbrick area. Maynard’s kayak capsized and he drowned on Saturday. Miller’s kayak capsized on Sunday. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Police are continuing to search for a woman who robbed the Community Bank in Allegany Friday morning. Troopers say the woman handed the teller a note and got away with an undisclosed amount of money at around 11:15 a.m. She said she had a weapon, but did not display one. She's believed to be in her 50s, weighing around 180-pounds with reddish hair. Police say the woman may be working with another female, who is described as having long, dark hair. They may be driving a charcoal, gray late 1990s Chevrolet two-door Blazer or GMC Jimmy. The vehicle has a roof rack, spare tire on the back and possibly a big shield. Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 585-268-9030. Photo provided by NY State Police The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Law enforcement officers are searching for a woman who robbed Community Bank this morning. The woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall and heavyset and was last seen on foot going toward Wal-Mart at about 11:20 a.m. Bank employees say the woman was in the Community Bank for quite some timebe so they do have surveillance video of her. We'll have more information on this developing story as it's made available. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Three people were hurt when a minivan hit a tour bus Thursday afternoon on Route 5 in Dunkirk. State troopers say the bus stopped to pick up passengers when the minivan slammed into the back of it. The driver of the van was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment of an ankle injury. Two men on the bus complained of head and neck injuries, and were also taken to Brooks Memorial. No further information has been released yet. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Police have completed their investigation into the death of a St. Marys woman earlier this year, and say her death was accidental. 30-year-0ld Shannon Mecca was found dead in her North St. Marys Street apartment on February 25. Police did not release information on what kind of accident caused Mecca’s death. The Elk County Coroner’s Office worked with St. Marys Police in the investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A source tells us the body of the 22-year-old Jamestown man whose kayak capsized Sunday has been found. Jonathon Miller was with a friend on the Allegheny Reservoir when the boat flipped over. State Police dive teams found the Miller's body this morning near Webbs Ferry. Crews are still searching for the body of 32-year-old Jacob Maynard of Jamestown whose kayak capsized Saturday near Starbrick. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The man who grew his own pot because it’s cheaper than buying it on the street has been sentenced to 45 days to a year in jail. Police found the marijuana-growing operation of 38-year-old Richard Wixson while looking into a report of an underage drinking party at his home in November. Charges related to the drinking party were dropped as part of his agreement to plead guilty to the drug charges. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Forestville homeowner got a surprise early Thursday morning when a car ended up inside his house. Sheriff’s deputies say at around 4:40 a.m. a car driven by 21-year-old Tiffany Covert left the road, hit a street sign and traveled inside the house on Creek Road. The homeowner was in the house but was not hurt. Covert was issued a ticket for failing to reduce speed on a corner. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Seneca Nation says if the New York State Department of Transportation isn’t going to follow the rules while repairing Interstate 86, they’ll take on the project themselves. Seneca President Robert Odawi Porter said during a news conference today that he was informed last week by New York State transportation officials that they would not be following the 19-year-old agreement that allows the nation to monitor construction sites and look out for their interests. The Nation’s Tribal Employment Rights Office rules have been followed on every other state project that crossed Seneca territory. Porter says if New York goes ahead with the project the state would be considered trespassers on Indian land. Porter has contacted the Federal Highway Administration to ask that the $28.5 million for the project be re-allocated from the state to the nation so a Seneca company can do the work. The Interstate 86 project calls for reconstruction of 11.5 miles from Exit 17 near Steamburg to Exit 20 in...

Motorists traveling along two routes in McKean County in the coming weeks will be reminded of one of the most common types of aggressive driving behavior: speeding. PennDOT recently placed radar-controlled speed display signs on Route 770 (Warren Road), near Custer City, where truck speed is 20 mph; and Route 155 in Eldred Township near the Larabee Y, where the speed limit is 55 mph. The speed display sign uses radar to determine the speeds of oncoming traffic. Vehicle speeds are then posted on the lighted section of the sign. The speed display signs in McKean County will remain on location for up to four weeks. PennDOT says Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania. Other aggressive driving behaviors include running stop signs or red lights, passing illegally and tailgating. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Judge John Cleland will be the speaker for Kane Area High School’s commencement exercises on June 8. Cleland is a Kane native and 1965 graduate of Kane High School. He was appointed to the McKean County Court of Common Pleas 1984. He was a Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge from 2008 to 2009. Cleland chaired the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice that was created to investigate the circumstances that led to the Kids for Cash scandal in Luzerne County. Now, he is presiding over the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Horton Township resident says he was scammed by a person selling merchandise from the back of a pickup truck. Police say the person bought three boxes of meat from the person at around 9 o’clock last night on Court Road, and when he looked inside the boxes, two of the three were empty. As one of our co-workers said upon seeing the news release, “That’s what you get when you buy meat from the back of a pickup truck.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Authorities have released the name of the 22-year-old man who has been missing since his kayak capsized on the Allegheny Reservoir Sunday afternoon. Sheriff’s deputies say 22-year-old Jonathon Miller of Jamestown was with a friend near Onoville when their kayaks overturned. Miller’s friend went for help. Crews are still searching for Miller’s body. A search is also continuing for another Jamestown man, whose kayak capsized Saturday near Starbrick. Witnesses say 32-year-old Jacob Maynard struggled against the current before disappearing underwater. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

American Refining Group's Fire Brigade Team and Bradford Township volunteer firefighters participated in a training exercise Wednesday evening. Earlier in the day, city firefighters participated in the training. WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Rarely in today’s world of employment, can an organization boast of employee longevity. Yet Bradford Manor, managed by HCF Management Inc., Lima, Ohio, recently honored 10 employees for over 20-plus years of service to the care community, at the exclusive annual Platinum Club Celebration held in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. According to Chuck Okorowski, Vice President of Human Resources for HCF Management Inc., “employee longevity is one of the unique characteristics of Bradford Manor which results in the outstanding level of quality of care that is provided to the residents. HCF is honored to have such a dedicated team of care providers working for them.” Overall, HCF recognized over 340 employees who have twenty or more years of service with HCF. The employees were honored with a celebratory luncheon, awards and a special cloisonné pin. Susan Hughes, Bradford Manor’s administrator, celebrating her 20 years, is pleased to recognize the following employees for their devotion to providing...

A Scottsdale, Arizona, oil and gas investments company, is participating in a project in McKean County that encompasses five wells over 1,100 acres. Petrochase says the area they are exploring has a potential for more than 200 wells, because the area is very porous, allowing for easier transmission of oil and gas after fracking. This is not solely a Marcellus Shale project, but Petrochase does have existing projects in the Eagle Ford Shale and Marcellus Shale regions. You can read the news release here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 10-year-old boy is being treated for a gunshot wound after what is believed to be an accidental shooting in the Town of Portville last night. State police say the boy was playing in a field when he was shot. He was stabilized at Olean General Hospital and then flown by Mercy Flight to Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. During their investigation troopers learned that a 17-year-old was shooting at a skunk in the general area where the boy was hit, but they are continuing to investigate. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Machias man is accused of several burglaries in Cattaraugus County. 29-year-old Dustin Dashnaw is accused of burglaries in 2010, 2011 and earlier this year. Besides burglary, he is also charged with identity theft, criminal possession of a stolen credit card and criminal possession of stolen property. Dashnaw is free on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Town of Machias Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

OLEAN, NY -- Olean General Hospital (OGH) honored its nursing staff during the eighth annual Hilal Nursing Recognition Program in conjunction with National Nurses Week. The hospital presented its annual Nurse of Distinction Award to Deborah Stevens, RN, CCRN, CDN while Christina Fusco, LPN was named Outstanding LPN, and Ann Burke, RN was selected as Outstanding Staff Nurse. “We congratulate Deb, Christina, and Ann for their outstanding achievements,” said Timothy J. Finan, president and CEO of Upper Allegheny Health System and member hospitals Olean General Hospital and Bradford Regional Medical Center. “These three nurses each demonstrate leadership, and the passion and dedication that we value from our nurses. We thank them, and all of our nurses, for helping our hospital fulfill its mission of providing excellent care in response to the health care needs of the community.” The Hilal Nursing Recognition Program was established in 2005 by Drs. Ahmad and Naheed Hilal to express their ...

Anyone who has seen a Bradford Area High School chorus concert or musical knows about the wealth of talent the students possess. Wednesday evening those talented students were recognized for their accomplishments during the Vocal Music Awards Night and Pops Choral Concert. The seniors recognized were Angela Barger, Tianna Card, Chelsea Clark, Brigid Colligan, Patricia Eck, Zara Ellis, Garrett Evan, John Golden, Dallas Helgren, Sara James, Kelsea Kagarise, Danielle Keyes, Christina Kohlmeier, Danielle Lutz, Emily Marshall, Alexandria Martin, Cody Mascho, David Reinhardt, Deborah Rickman, Michael Silvis, Bethany Swan, Mark Thompson and Kristina Tingley. Kitty Colligan received the BAHS Choral Booster Award (and I thank her for setting up all those LiveLines!). The school's stagecraft class was also recognized. You have one more chance to see these talented students perform -- May 31 at 7 p.m. at Bradford High for the Spring Showcase. Here's a preview: The Bradford Area School Dis...

HARRISBURG – The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today approved legislation authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) to streamline the process for removing potential flood hazards from streams. “The process for removing obstructions such as gravel bars from our streams is not only inefficient and cumbersome but also a threat to public safety,” Causer said. “The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been unable to offer a solution to the problem, and we simply cannot wait any longer.” House Bill 2359 aims to create a clear, efficient and effective process to better manage stream obstruction problems without an unnecessary, complicated and expensive permitting process. The bill also includes measures to further expedite stream clearings when such activities are deemed to be an emergency by local, county or state authorities. “In Emporium, Cameron County, borough officials have been trying to remove a gravel bar for more than five years but have been u...

Two men have pleaded guilty to robbing and assaulting a Randolph couple in their home last November. D’Allyn Washington and Derrick Williams, both of Jamestown, pleaded guilty to burglary and robbery this morning in Cattaraugus County Court. They entered the home of Thomas and Marjorie Andrews at about 2:15 on the morning of November 10 and held the couple at gunpoint. They also kicked, punched and pistol whipped Thomas Andrews and bound Marjorie’s wrists together with duct tape and a shoe lace. They also stole two cell phones, cash, Mr. Andrews’ wallet and a flat screen TV. Washington and Williams are both scheduled for sentencing on August 13. The cases of their co-defendants, Cameron Rives and Samuel Rodriguez, are still making their way through the court system. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Bradford City Council has decided the “Band-Aid approach” to making necessary capital improvements isn’t working, so they are taking a new approach. Council approved on first reading Tuesday a bond issue that would go toward a street restoration project, replacement of the floor at the Callahan Ice Rink and improvements to several buildings including the city fire station.* City Clerk John Peterson explained that new borrowing would be $5.025 million, but the ordinance as it reads right now also includes refinancing of the city’s 2008 bonds, which brings the number up to $7.4 million. He said they won’t know until the next meeting whether the refinancing is feasible. “It will depend on the bond market at that time (of the next meeting) if refinancing our 2008 bonds is feasible,” Peterson said. He added that the city is looking at other funding opportunities for the projects listed in the ordinance. He explained, for example, that if they get a ...

ALBANY – WWII veteran John J. Maroon has one piece of advice for students in Western New York – never give up. In honor of his dedicated service, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I –Olean) named Private First Class John J. Maroon an inductee to the 2012 New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. Private Maroon served in the U.S. Army, participated in combat operations in Italy during 1944 and spent time as a Prisoner of War (POW). He often shares those experiences with school children. “It is a privilege to recognize John for his military service and his unflagging commitment to our country during combat and captivity. His service continues in his dedication to the community. His patriotism and tenacity in the face of hardship serve as a positive example to us all,” said Senator Young. Private Maroon tells his life story to students, many of whom are the same age as he was when he entered military service. “I try to tell these kids about how great our country is. I ask them ...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today presented the following proclamation honoring retired Pittsburgh Steelers player Hines Ward during an event at the state Capitol in Harrisburg: Tribute to Hines Ward WHEREAS, Hines Ward played 14 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, during which he established himself as one of the all-time greatest NFL wide receivers, being heralded as a leader on and off the field; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ward was drafted in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers from the University of Georgia; and WHEREAS, over the course of his career, Mr. Ward earned three team Most Valuable Player awards, was selected to four consecutive NFL Pro Bowls and was named to three NFL All Pro teams; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ward is a two-time Super Bowl Champion, and was named Super Bowl XL Most Valuable Player; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ward holds Pittsburgh Steelers all-time records for receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, and is one of only eight receivers in...

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced Ryan E. VanGuilder of Bradford, Pa., has accepted a fully qualified appointment to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ryan, the son of Jan and Alan Bean, is currently a senior at Bradford Area High School. “Ryan’s commitment to serve our country, coupled with superior academic achievement and leadership traits, will serve him well at the U.S. Air Force Academy,” said Representative Thompson. “The education, leadership training, and skills that Ryan will learn at the Academy will not only prepare him for a distinguished military career, but also give him the tools to succeed in life’s many challenges.” A member of the National Honor Society, Ryan will graduate from Bradford Area High School with a 100 cumulative grade point average, which includes both Advanced Placement and College courses. Ryan was also active in athletics as a member of the Varsity Soccer and Wresti...

Joseph Chapman is back in McKean County Jail. The 28-year-old former fugitive was arraigned by District Judge Bill Todd in Smethport this afternoon on an escape charge for walking away from a work detail at the jail back in July of 2007. Chapman was captured Sunday in Chautauqua County after a Stockton woman called police saying she recognized him from an episode of “America’s Most Wanted” that was rerun on Friday night. Jeannie Story tells the Dunkirk Observer newspaper that after seeing the show, she went online to look at Chapman’s picture and said, “If it was not him, it was his identical twin.” She told police Chapman had been using the name Joshua Tompkins since he moved to the Arkwright area last September. Chapman’s bail is set at $200,000. A preliminary hearing on the escape charge is scheduled for May 31 in Todd’s office. Chapman is also facing charges in Cameron County of rape of a child, sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault on a child and indecent a...

HARRISBURG – Two Potter County bridges are being named in honor of area Vietnam veterans under legislation authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) and signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett today. Under the law, the bridge carrying State Route 607 over Freeman Run in Austin Borough will be designated as the Captain Edgar E. Nuschke Memorial Bridge. The bridge carrying State Route 872 over the east fork of Sinnemahoning Creek in Wharton Township will be named the Private First Class Edward Ritsick Memorial Bridge. “Decades have passed since these men gave their lives for our country, but their sacrifice is no less significant today than it was on the day each of them died,” Causer said. “Naming these bridges in their honor ensures that their service is remembered by both current and future generations.” Nuschke served his country for 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. He served in World War II and Korea, and in 1966 was assigned to duty in Vietnam, where he was shot down and killed....

In observance of Memorial Day, Mrs. Denise O’Neil will lead 3rd, 4th and 5th grade St. Bernard's School students as they assist the local American Legion Post #108 in placing American flags on the graves of fallen soldiers in St. Bernard Cemetery on Thursday, May 24, 2012. The students will start at 12:30PM and finish at 2PM. O’Neil, a 32 year veteran teacher at SBS, along with her father, Clair D. Butler, Adjutant of The American Legion, Post #108 will set out to mark close to 1,300 graves in St. Bernard Cemetery. Butler is a Korean War Veteran, serving from 1952 to 1954 and has teamed up with the young students for three years. "Being able to include the students in this commemorative and civic exercise is a real life illustration of what service for others means. Why our freedom is so precious. It also enables me personally, to recognize the service of own father, which continues through activities like this,” says O’Neil. “A special thank you to Commander Donald McClell...

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau If you want to take a trip down the Tuna, Brian Pfister is your man. Bradford native Pfister has started B’s Canoeing Guide Service, which allows people to canoe seven miles of scenic water trails during a six-to-seven hour trip on the Tunungwant Creek. Registration will run from 9 to 10 a.m. with the trip setting off at 10:30 a.m. Lunch, consisting of sandwiches, potato chips and a white cake with homemade maple syrup, will be provided; bring your own beverage. Alcohol is prohibited. The cost is $50 per person and reservations are required. Pfister can accommodate up to 10 people per trip. Adults and children at least 8 years old are welcome. Life jackets are mandatory. Parents need to provide life jackets for their younger children; life jackets will be provided for adults. Pfister explained that starting a business like this is just a natural progression sin...

HARRISBURG – Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25), Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-66), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-28) announced today that the Senate and the House will not convene for a lame-duck session this year. "This will be the third consecutive legislative session in which the Senate does not convene for a lame-duck session," Senator Scarnati said. "This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that members of the General Assembly are accountable to the public for the decisions we make." "This legislative session has seen a remarkable number of reform-related bills signed into law," Representative Turzai said. "New laws will create an online budget database, strengthen the Sunshine Law and reform the regulatory process. This announcement is another significant step forward in our commitment to change how Harrisburg operates." "Fewer than a dozen s...

Joseph Chapman will be extradited from Chautauqua County to McKean County today. Pennsylvania State Trooper Dale Vuckovich says Chapman will be arraigned on an escape charge by District Judge Bill Todd in Smethport this afternoon. Chapman escaped from the McKean County Jail in July of 2007. He was picked up Sunday in Chautauqua County, where he had been living under the name Joshua Tompkins. A person who saw an “America’s Most Wanted” episode featuring Chapman that aired in December contacted New York State Police. Chapman is also wanted on warrants out of Cameron County for sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl and rape. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Eva Mae Smyth, 90, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and neighbor, formerly of 200 Gates Hollow, Bradford, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 in Pleasant Ridge Manor in Girard. Born in Bradford, on June 23, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Charles E. and Ruby (Hullihen) Wolcott. On August 17, 1940 in Limestone she married Charles E. Smyth who died May 10, 1981. She graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1939. She worked as a Secretary at Sunnybrook Dairies for 20 years then City Creamery for 15 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Bradford Chapter of the Eastern Star and the Orak Grotto Auxiliary. Family was the essence of who she was, she was the backbone, the heart and soul of the family. She will be sadly missed each day and she made each of her families lives a better place. She was selfless and always doing for others. Her home was always open to all who entered and she made each person who entered feel special. She enjo...

Harold F. "Bud" Holmes, 92, of 2 West View Road, Bradford, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012 at his residence. Born in Bradford on May 18, 1920, he was a son of the late Willis and Estelle (Smiley) Holmes. On March 3, 1943 in Bradford he married Mary A (Romanelli) Holmes who survives. Mr. Holmes attended Bradford Schools. On December 31, 1942 he enlisted in the U. S. Army, served during World War II and was honorably discharged on November 5, 1945. He had been employed at Kendall Refining Co., Bovaird & Seyfang and then at Dresser Manufacturing for 20 years. He was a member of the former Moose Lodge, American Legion and the AFL-CIO John F. Kennedy Lodge. Surviving in addition to his wife, Mary of 69 years, is one daughter, Betty A Holmes, of Bradford and a son, David W Holmes, of Brockport, NY. He was preceded in death by one son James G. Holmes in 1968 and one brother Gerald Holmes. There will not be any public services. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ...

Robert L. "Slope" Schlopy, 46, of 907 W. Washington St. Bradford, passed away Sunday, May 20,2012, at The Bradford Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born in Kane on July 17, 1965, he was a son of the late Ray "Rusty" Schlopy and Sandra (Smead) Schlopy who survives. He attended Bradford Area Schools. He had been self-employed with his own vending machine business, worked construction for various contractors and prior to his illness he worked at the Bradford Era for 15 years. He loved riding his Harley Davidson, living in the moment, his dog "Ezzy" and spending time with family and friends. Surviving in addition to his mother are four sisters, Laura Johnson, Bonnie Austin, Roxann Schlopy and Diane Morrison, all of Bradford, several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Wilbur and Laura Smead. Family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 3-5pm. at Hol...