Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Court will not be in session tomorrow in the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse trial, but Judge John Cleland did not say why. At the end of testimony today Cleland said court will not be back in session until Monday, but said he wasn’t sure what time. He said that information will be posted on the Centre County website. The prosecution has not rested its case yet, but is expected to do that Monday. The defense is expected to present its case in about a week as well. Sandusky is accused of sexually abusing 10 boys over a 15-year period. Eight of the alleged victims have testified. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

DuBOIS – Volunteers are working to organize the Inaugural Golf Tournament For America’s Heroes, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 8, 2012 to be held at the DuBois Country Club with all proceeds benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. Volunteers are requested who may be available to assist on the day of the tournament, or for any period of time prior to the tournament. Any amount of time would be appreciated. Opportunities for financial sponsorships range from $25 to $1,000 and up. Both corporate and individual donations are accepted. Domtar Paper Company’s DuBois Converting and Distribution Facility will host the event. Domtar Public Affairs Manager Craig Timm, Facility Manager Kip Jones and Administrative Assistant Ashley Blessel are currently working with State Representative Matt Gabler, and community members Julie Stewart and Carl Lias to organize the event. Inquiries regarding how to volunteer, contribute, or participate in the tournament may be directed to Ashley...

Law enforcement officials across the country are being asked to be on the lookout for Dr. Timothy Jorden, who is a person of interest in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend at ECMC Wednesday morning. The 49-year-old trauma surgeon and military weapons expert hasn’t been seen since 33-year-old Jackie Wisniewski was killed in a hospital stairwell at around 8 a.m. yesterday. During a news conference this morning Buffalo Police Commissioner Dan Derenda said Jorden should be considered armed and dangerous, but would not call him a suspect. Police are confident Jorden hasn't crossed the border into Canada, but Derenda said they do not know where he might be headed. All four of his registered vehicles have been accounted for, he said. Today, a bomb threat was called in to ECMC. Hospital CEO Jody Lomeo issued a statement saying, "Shame on the person who made today's cowardly threat that interrupted patient care and the healing process from yesterday's incident. This is a d...

Nanci K. Garris was re-elected president of Bradford Little Theatre during the group's annual meeting on Tuesday at its 79 Main St. office. Also re-elected to office for one-year terms were Cindy Graham, vice president; Marcia Morrison, treasurer; and Cindy Matteson, secretary. Re-elected to two-year terms on the board were Graham, Morrison and Kristin Asinger. Re-elected to a one-year term was Matteson. The board also includes Kathy Bryant, Diane Kerner Arnett and Marcia McAndrew. A non-profit group now entering its 16th season, the community theater group features productions with all-local talent. The past season included Charlotte's Web, Twelve Angry Men and Stay as Dead as You Are. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – June 13, 2012 – Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel is home this week to Nik Wallenda, who will make worldwide history on Friday evening when he crosses directly over the breathtaking Niagara Falls on a two-inch high-wire. Wallenda and his family previously stayed at the AAA Four Diamond Award–winning casino and hotel in May, as he trained for 11 straight days in the casino’s parking lot in front of thousands. The May 12 to 22 practice sessions were covered by dozens of news outlets from around the world. In a message to readers of the Wallenda Walks blog ( http://wallendawalks.wordpress.com ), managed by Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Wallenda said: “The room and the hospitality [at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel] is amazing. To top that off, the restaurants are incredible. The Western Door [Steakhouse] is probably my favorite. [Seneca Niagara’s] staff is courteous, and we even played some of the slots.” Wallenda’s favorite entrée at the Western Door Ste...

OLEAN -- Officials at Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce have announced that the 44th Annual Chamber Clambake was a great success. The clambake was held Wednesday, June 13th, at new location, Premier Banquet Center, Olean. Nancy Morgan, Membership Director, states, “The Clambake is a great kickoff to the summer with fun, food, music and prizes for our Chamber members and guests. This year’s attendance was 632 Chamber members and guests. The event is sponsored by the forty-nine corporate sponsors.” Chamber member, the Premier Banquet Center, catered the event. The restaurant served up Beef on Wyck, Clams Casino, Clam Chowders, Sausage Sandwiches, BBQ Chicken, Hot Dogs, and BBQ Ribletts. The next event for the Chamber is the Annual Corporate Challenge Run/Walk Wednesday, June 27. For more information on upcoming Chamber events, please contact the office at 372-4433 or events@oleanny.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Olean man has been found guilty of raping a child younger than 11. After a two-day trial in Cattaraugus County Court a jury found 35-year-old Wayne Irvin guilty of rape, criminal sexual act, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. Irvin had sex with the child on August 15 in Olean. He is scheduled for sentencing on September 4. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

UPDATE at 5:30 p.m.: DK Miller Building is now open, along with the rest of the ECMC campus. Police have not been able to speak with Dr. Timothy Jorden yet. Buffalo-area police are still looking for Dr. Timothy Jorden, who is a person of interest in the fatal shooting of a clerk at ECMC this morning. 33-year-old Jackie Wisniewski was shot and killed at around 8 a.m. in the DK Miller building connected to the hospital. The entire ECMC campus was locked down for about four hours. The DK Miller building is still locked down. Although police are not calling the 44-year-old doctor a suspect, they are saying he should be considered armed and dangerous. Police have been keeping a close watch on Jorden’s Lakeview home. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Stephen G. Distrola, 85, of 70 Bank St., Bradford, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at The Pavilion at BRMC. Born July 2, 1926 in Bradford, he was a son of the late Phillip and Mary (DeAugustino) Distrola. He attended Bradford schools. In 1944 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to Bradford after the service and worked at Dresser Manufacturing for over 43 years. Mr. Distrola became a member of the Bradford Moose Lodge in 1951, he served as Governor from 1991-1992, and also served as District President. In May of 1999 Steve received his calling form Mooseheart, Ill to where he received the highest award given in the "House of God" and received "The Pilgrim Degree of Merit". He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, past member of the Drum & Bugle Corp., Had served as chairman of the Memorial Day Parade, and past chairman for the Buffalo Children's Telethon, sponsored by the Bradford Moose. Survivi...

William A. Sutherland, Jr., 62, of 8 Ash Ct. Lewis Run, passed away Wednesday, June 13th, at Select Specialty Hospital, in Erie. Born July 23, 1949, in Bradford he was a son of the late William A. and Arlene (Keller) Sutherland. On March 30, 1974 at the Bolivar Drive Baptist Church he married Karen S. (McKee) Sutherland who survives. Mr. Sutherland was a 1967 graduate of Bradford High School and he attended Bryant & Stratton Business College. He enlisted in the United States Army served in Germany during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. He returned to Bradford and worked at Corning Glass, S&G Pizza, in Allegany, Limestone High School in the maintenance department and then as a welder for Allegany Bradford Corp. He had been a coach for Limestone Little League Baseball for many years. He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabers and Baltimore Orioles he also enjoyed watching and playing golf. His most favorite past time was spending time with his grandchil...

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University, in conjunction with The Ink Well in Allegany, is offering a four-day summer art camp for children ages 6 to 11. The camp, Hidden Treasures, will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 6 through 9. Mornings will be spent in and around the Quick Center on campus, with afternoon activities taking place at the Ink Well. Children will walk from campus to the Ink Well each day, stopping on the Allegheny River Valley Trail along the way to enjoy their own bagged lunch. On Thursday, the camp’s last day, they will be treated to a pizza party. Students will explore the hidden wonders of art each morning and create their own marvels at The Ink Well in the afternoon. “Art is everywhere, and each day, students will reveal these hidden wonders, finding treasures in daily adventures on the university campus, surrounding areas, on nature walks, and on our daily picnics,” said Evelyn Sabina, curator of education at ...

Harrisburg, PA – PCAR, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, and NSVRC, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, are on-site in Bellefonte for the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse trial. PCAR will provide insight and expertise throughout the trial in response to key statements made during courtroom proceedings. DAY 2 Central Mountain High School guidance counselor, according to Victim 1: Sandusky "had a heart of gold and wouldn't do something like that (in reference to allegations made by Victim 1)." PCAR: People who commit sexual offenses are often nice, responsible, upstanding, loving and law abiding members of their communities and even families...except for when they are committing the abuse. The words often used to describe people who commit sexual offenses ("monster," "pre dator" or "animal") obscure this reality, and can make it difficult for people to see the incredible harm they are causing. Sex offenders use their good repu...

Tammy Haley, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has earned her Doctor of Philosophy in nursing from the School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. In her dissertation, Haley studied the personal, environmental and behavioral factors influencing condom use among rural high school students. Last spring Haley and research assistants surveyed more than 1,100 students in three school districts in northwestern Pennsylvania. Haley said that while nationwide slightly less than half of teens are sexually active, her study found 56 percent were sexually active and that only six out of 10 of those students were using condoms, placing them at an increased risk for both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. She found that the strongest predictor for condom use was whether or not teens thought they should use them. Boys were likely to use them, and those that used a condom the first time they had intercours...

HARRISBURG – The deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to December 31, 2012 to allow eligible individuals more time to take advantage of the program, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those with disabilities 18 years or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, excluding half of Social Security income, Supplemental Security income and Railroad retirement benefits. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. Scarnati said that more than 600,000 senior citizens and residents with disabilities are expected to benefit from the program, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery. “With the cost of housing going up, it’s important for those who qualify to get their ap...

A Kane man is accused of sexually assaulting a Warren woman. Robert Moore Jr. was arraigned Monday on charges of aggravated indecent assault in connection to an alleged incident that happened at 11:30 a.m. on May 3. Moore is free on $50,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 27. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The former director of the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library in Shinglehouse is accused of buying thousands of dollars with of items with library money for her own use and not reimbursing the library. 38-year-old Tammy Ann Ray of Liverpool, New York is charged with two felony counts of theft, along with receiving stolen property and related offenses. Former library board member, 36-year-old Rebeccah Lynn Dickerson of Shinglehouse, is charged with misdemeanor counts of theft and receiving stolen property. Police say between November of 2007 and August of last year Ray bought more $8,000 worth of merchandise, including electronics, sports memorabilia and clothes. Police started their investigation after the library’s board of directors and current staff conducted an internal audit that revealed discrepancies in the library’s purchases and its inventory. Charges against both women have been filed with district judge Kari Stubbs. Dickerson’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday. A date...

HARRISBURG - Agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police have filed criminal charges against nine individuals linked to an organization allegedly responsible for shipping large quantities of marijuana from Texas to northwestern Pennsylvania. Attorney General Linda Kelly said the grand jury investigation, known as "Operation Texas Twins," identified two brothers - Marcelino Rodriguez, of Eddy, Texas and Miguel Rodriguez, of Corpus Christi - accused of coordinating the transportation and distribution of as much as 20 pounds of marijuana per month, over a two year period of time. According to the grand jury, Miguel Rodriguez operated from Texas, communicating with his brother Marcelino and other associates by telephone in order to arrange the shipment of drugs to Pennsylvania and the transfer of money back to Texas. Kelly said the Rodriguez brothers were allegedly assisted by Robert Karl Conaway, who is accused of assist...

HARRISBURG – Legislation supported by State Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) to force the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to streamline the process for removing gravel bars and other stream obstructions was advanced on the House floor Monday. 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. “Once again, I was pleased to work together with my friend and colleague, Representative Martin Causer to secure House passage of this legislation which is a significant victory for protecting private property rights in Pennsylvania, particularly protecting access and use of private water resources from government overregulation,” said Rapp. “Whether it’s removing potentially dang...

From WGRZ.com : The hospital is currently in lockdown and the SWAT team has been called to the scene. Sources tell 2 On Your Side one person is dead. They tell us a female was shot in a domestic situation in a passage way between the D.K Miller Bldg. and the Kidney Center. Police have not identified the victim and/or a suspect. http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/171271/292/LIVE-VIDEO--Fatal-Shooting-Reported-on-ECMC-Campus

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Special Police won’t be working in Bradford as we know them anymore. Mayor Tom Riel made an announcement during Tuesday’s City Council meeting saying, effective immediately, the city and Special Police no longer have a working relationship. City solicitor and city police chief Chris Lucco spoke with the media after the meeting to explain. Hollenbeck said after a question from a citizen he dug into the history of the organization as well as state law and “couldn’t find anything that made us comfortable” with continuing to use them. State codes say that having auxiliary police is OK, but they can only be used in emergency or disaster situations not, for example, to direct traffic during parades. The state also allows Special Fire Police, but they are connected to volunteer fire departments. Hollenbeck stressed that the Special Police are not disbanding, but having them work for the police department would be improper. “They will continue in so...

A new scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will benefit students from the Mount Jewett-Kane area who would like to pursue a science or math major. Mary Ann Lambertsen made a $100,000 gift to the university to endow The Anna and Art Turnquist Mount Jewett Scholarship Fund in honor of her parents. First preference for the scholarships will be given to students who demonstrate some sort of financial need, are math or science majors and are from Mount Jewett. Second preference will be given to students meeting the same qualifications, but who are from Kane. Lambertsen grew up an only child in Mount Jewett and graduated from Kane High School in 1957. Her mother was a nurse, and her father worked for the railroad as a “track man,” a worker who laid and took care of tracks. They laid another kind of foundation for Lambertsen, also. “I wanted to honor my parents because they said, ‘You can do and be anything you want to be,’ an...

Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati has started a new monthly feature -- "The Scarnati Report." This month, he discusses legislative issues, his role as president pro tem, Marcellus Shale and more. June 2012 - In this month's The Scarnati Report, Senator Scarnati discusses legislative issues. from Senator Scarnati on Vimeo . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – The Senate Aging and Youth Committee, chaired by Sen. Kim Ward (R-39), today approved her legislation that would increase penalties for failure to report suspected child abuse or refer it to authorities. Senate Bill 1413 increases the penalties from a third- to a first-degree misdemeanor for the first violation, and from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for second and subsequent violations. The measure applies to mandated reporters -- individuals who come into contact with children in the course of their profession and are obligated by law to report suspected child abuse. "It's a shame we have to increase the penalties to get some people to do the right thing, but in light of what we have been hearing this week about child abuse going unreported, it's clear that this legislation is absolutely necessary," said Ward. Ward also sponsored Senate Resolution 250 creating the Task Force on Child Protection. The Task Force has held six heari...

HARRISBURG – The state’s emergency medical services (EMS) system will undergo an in-depth assessment under legislation sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) and approved by the state House today. “Efficient and effective EMS services are vital to the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians,” said Causer, a former dispatcher and emergency responder. “I think our providers do a fantastic job, but as a Legislature we have a responsibility to ensure we make the most of the opportunities presented by improved technology, management systems, infrastructure and communications capabilities. That is the purpose of this study.” House Resolution 315 calls on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) and the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to study both the financial and administrative effectiveness of the state’s EMS system. The LBFC will focus on a performance audit of the EMS operating fund, while the JSGC will focus on the EMS delivery system and its operation in ...

While the state House debate on privatizing liquor and wine sales has stalled, Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati is backing an alternative plan. The bill would create a special wine and liquor license to increase the number of retailers selling wine and spirits. It would also allow beer distributors to get an additional license authorizing them to sell six-packs or single bottles of beer. They now may sell only cases and kegs. The "proposal represents a significant step towards enhanced consumer choice and convenience, and I am looking forward to working with him on this proposal in the fall," Scarnati said. The House spent three hours debating Majority Leader Mike Turzai's privatization bill Monday night. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State lawmakers have agreed to several measures to strengthen domestic violence laws. The measures would establish a crime of “aggravated family offense” to crack down on repeat offenders, making it a felony. Also, judges would be allowed to consider risk factors before determining bail. The state would also establish a domestic violence death review team to take a closer look at domestic violence-related homicides. Also under the agreement, a person who is charged with killing his or her spouse could not control what happens to the person’s remains. A bill is expected to be voted into law before the end of the legislative session on June 21. For more on this story go to the governor's website . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today reminded that motorists attending the Nik Wallenda Event on June 15, 2012, in the city of Niagara Falls, Niagara County, should expect heavy traffic and limited parking in the downtown Niagara Falls area. Motorists attending the event should allow additional travel time due to increased traffic volumes, and arrive at the event as early as possible to avoid peak travel periods. Due to limited parking facilities, motorists may be required to use on street parking outside the downtown area. All travelers are advised to obey traffic control personnel and message signs when approaching and exiting the event, and use alternate routes when possible to avoid major delays. Drivers can expect congestion on Interstate 190 between the South Grand Island Bridge toll barrier and Exit 23 (US Route 62 - Niagara Falls Boulevard), and on the Robert Moses Parkway from Interstate 190 to downtown Niagara Falls. Motorists traveling to Canada f...

Four inmates at the Chautauqua County Jail are facing more charges after destroying property at the jail Monday night. Sheriff’s deputies say that during a routine search of Podular Housing Unit A, the inmates had a large amount of destroyed Westlaw Legal Reference materials that belonged to the jail. 27-year-old Lance Clark and 23-year-old John Harper, both of Jamestown, and 34-year-old Luis Montanez and 30-year-old David Deynes, both of Buffalo, are all charged with criminal mischief and will appear in court to answer the charges. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man was hit by a vehicle this morning in downtown Bradford. The accident happened at just after 11 a.m. on Congress Street near Corydon Street. City police and ambulance were called to the scene. We’ll have more information as it becomes available. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – The state House today approved legislation authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) to force the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to streamline the process for removing gravel bars and other obstructions from streams. “This is great news for communities across the Commonwealth that have been unable to address these potential flood hazards because of the DEP bureaucracy,” Causer said. “We need a reasonable process that doesn’t force local officials or citizens to jump through hoops – sometimes very costly hoops – for what should be a simple fix.” 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. Causer cited a situation in Emporium, Cameron County, where boro...

Jack M. Archer, 82, of 6 West End Dr., Bradford, passed away, Saturday, June 9, 2012 at The Pavilion at BRMC. Born on March 20, 1930, in Butler, he was a son of the late Morris and Wilma (Prigg) Archer. On September 1, 1957 in Kane by the Rev. Clark Cochrane, at the First Congregation Church he married Margaret "Peggy" (MacEwen) Archer who survives him. Mr. Archer was a 1948 graduate of Kane High School and attended Syracuse University. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 27, 1950 and served during the Korean War. He was was honorably discharged ion December 10, 1955. He returned to the Kane area to run Archer's News & Sporting Goods with his father, and then worked for Sears & Roebuck. He moved to Bradford and purchased Levy's on the corner of Main and Congress Street in 1968. He changed the name to Archer's Cards and Gifts and also provided the services of a photo lab, bus station and the area's largest selection of magazines and n...

Two people pleaded guilty to drug charges today in Cattaraugus County Court. Terrence Tompson-Myscka of Olean had crack cocaine with the intent to sell it on February 12 in Olean. Rik Rinehart of Salamanca sold Oxycodone on August 9 in Salamanca. They will both be sentenced September 4. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Olean man has pleaded guilty to attempted rape. On March 16 of last year in Olean 20-year-old James Kemp attempted to have sex with a person younger than 15. Kemp is scheduled for sentencing; September 4. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Olean man has been sentenced to 10 years’ probation for promoting a sexual performance by a child. 24-year-old Brian Benson was sentenced today in Cattaraugus County Court. Between June 15 and October 25 of last year he promoted the sexual performance of a child who was younger than 17. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A third man has pleaded guilty to robbing and assaulting a Randolph couple in their home last November. 19-year-old Cameron Rives of Jamestown, along with three other people, 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. Rives is scheduled for sentencing in Cattaraugus County Court on August 13, the same day as two of his coo-defendants, D’Allyn Washington and Derrick Williams, also of Jamestown. The case of their co-defendant Samuel Rodriguez is still making their way through the court system. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel will soon brighten the Niagara Falls skyline and greet visitors in a big way. This morning, Seneca Gaming Corporation officials unveiled details about the construction of a 108-foot wide, 20-foot tall high-definition LED video sign that will be affixed to the top of the hotel tower, facing downtown Niagara Falls USA and Canada. Construction workers with Las Vegas–based YESCO and local contractors are currently framing 64,500 pounds of steel atop the 357-foot, 26-story hotel tower and will soon attach 140 giant LED panels that will, in essence, operate like one giant HD television. The entire project will be complete later this month at a total cost of $1.9 million. “Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel welcomes more than six million visitors each year and is an iconic building in Niagara Falls,” said Robert Mele, chairman of the board of directors, Seneca Gaming Corporation. “As a world-class, [AAA] Four Diamond Award–winning ca...