Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A 40-year-old Allegany man is charged with rape for allegedly having sex with a teenage girl in a cemetery back in April. Sheriff’s deputies say Timothy Retchless had sex with the 16-year-old in a vehicle parked in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Following an investigation into the incident, Retchless was arrested late Friday afternoon. He was arraigned and then released on his recognizance by recommendation of the district attorney’s office. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two people are hospitalized following an ATV crash at about 2:30 this morning on Mason Hill Road in Cameron County. Police say 39-year-old David Cunningham of Cannonsburg crashed his Suzuki ATV, but details of the crash are not available at this time. Cunningham was taken to Elk Regional Health for treatment of moderate injuries. His passenger, 29-year-old Lauren Jones of Claysville was flown to Altoona Regional Hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. Police neither person was wearing a helmet. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Massachusetts man who killed a Bradford man in his New York City apartment three years ago has been sentenced. 33-year-old Alexys Fermaintt stabbed Michael Pecora a number of times, then stole his laptop, cell phone and watch. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in June. Even before today’s sentencing, the judge in the case indicated that he would sentence Fermaintt to up to 20 years in prison. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The dog who helped police track Ralph “Bucky” Phillips into the woods where he eventually surrendered back in 2006 has passed away. 12-year-old Harry was also the last living member of the New York State Police K-9 unit who worked at the World Trade Center after 9/11. Harry met and protected several dignitaries including President Bill Clinton, worked at the US Open Golf Tournament on Long Island, and performed demonstrations at the Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Allegany and Erie county fairs as well as the New York State Fair in Syracuse. He was assigned to Trooper Jeff Kaduc of the Amity-based state police, and retired in 2008. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947 Photo provided

A former Mansfield University professor who distributed child pornography has been sentenced to 5 ½ years in prison and 10 years’ probation. Daniel McKee McKee accepted a plea deal last year after being charged with distributing child porn. Police searched his Mansfield home and learned that he download the porn to his home computer. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Dewittville man is in jail for allegedly fighting with his brother and father, and then damaging a police car. Police say 23-year-old Christopher Dellahoy got into the fight at 10:30 Wednesday night at the Wildwood Pool on Memorial Drive in Cattaraugus. After being arrested for disorderly conduct, he allegedly kicked the inside door of the police cruiser, damaging the door, and was then charged with criminal mischief. His bail is set at $800. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Warren man is in jail for sexual assaulting a 2-month-old baby. 25-year-old Francis Notoro allegedly assaulted the baby on July 15, and was arrested after the baby was examined at Warren General Hospital. Court records say Notoro claims he was holding the baby when he tripped over a chair and lost his grip on the child. He claims bite marks were caused by another child. He’s charged with rape of a child, involuntary sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault, simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child. District Attorney Ross McKiernan says this is the sickest thing he’s ever seen. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 24-year-old Jamestown man is accused of holding a knife to a woman’s throat while she had a 3-year-old child in her arms. Police were called to the home at around 5:30 Thursday afternoon for a domestic incident and learned that Sean Klein restrained the woman and demanded that she throw her phone to prevent her from calling them. By the time police arrived, Klein left the house but was picked up outside the city by sheriff’s deputies. He’s charged with unlawful imprisonment, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child. Klein is being held in the Jamestown City Jail, pending arraignment. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Brockport woman who was apparently thirsty and has a new dog has been charged with stealing from the St. Marys Walmart four times last month. On July 23 32-year-old Jennifer Jamison was caught leaving the store with three cases of pop, a bottle of Lipton Iced Tea, a pack of Frontline, a bottle of liquid dog de-wormer and a dog leash. Police say the value of the stolen items is $76. Police say the thefts started on July 10 when she left the store without paying $1.78 a bottle of water. On July 19 she left without paying $1.68 for a bottle of Lipton Iced Tea. On July 21, she left without paying for a pair of shorts, a tank top and a bra valued at $22.82. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

CANTON, Ohio – St. Bonaventure football legend and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive standout Jack Butler, Class of 1951, will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday evening. Butler is joined in the 2012 induction class by Curtis Martin, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf and Dermontti Dawson. No player in history has had to wait longer than Butler’s 50 years to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. ESPN will televise the ceremony beginning on Saturday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. Coverage will be available on GoBonnies.com and all our social media platforms throughout the weekend, beginning Friday and concluding Sunday evening at the Hall of Fame Game between the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals, where Butler will be honored prior to the contest. Additionally, the NFL has developed the hashtag #PFHOF12 for fans to interact with on Twitter all weekend. Butler, who was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame during Super Bowl weekend this past February, becom...

New York will be getting tougher on registered sex offenders. Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed into law a bill that authorizes law enforcement officials to update the photographs of high-risk sexual offenders every 90 days or if the person’s appearance changes. The pictures will be sent to the sex offender registry for use by the public and law enforcement. Currently the offenders are required to submit a photo once a year. This bill will take effect in 30 days. http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/08022012-protect-ny-from-sex-offenders The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

If the Seneca Nation and New York State can’t come to an agreement on how to proceed with roadwork on Interstate 86, the state will used the $47 million allocated for projects on the highway on other projects throughout the state. Back in May when Seneca President Robert Odawi Porter was informed that the state would not be following the 19-year-old agreement that allows the nation to monitor construction sites on their territory, he said the Nation would take on the project themselves if they had to. “We are here today to show that this is a priority project for the State of New York and for the Department of Transportation,” McDonald said in a news release following a news conference today in Evans. “DOT is prepared to immediately advance the I-86 project, which will rehabilitate and improve safety on this important highway while creating more than 450 jobs in the process. This project will benefit all residents – Seneca and non-Indian alike – as well as the motoring public. We need ...

Two tractor-trailers crashed and caught on fire this morning on Interstate 80 in Clearfield County, seriously injuring one of the drivers and causing part of the eastbound lane of the road to be closed for a couple of hours. At around 5 a.m. a truck hauling flashlights and driven by Yurly Ivanov of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, was experiencing difficulties and almost came to a complete stop. The driver of the second truck, Eddie Courtney Jr. of Chicago, could not stop in time and hit the first truck. State police say Courtney suffered major injuries and was flown to Altoona Regional Hospital for treatment. Ivanov and his passenger were not hurt, but Ivanov was cited for a number of vehicle code violations. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Franklinville man is accused of threatening another man with a knife. Sheriff’s deputies say at around 11:30 Tuesday night 20-year-old Sean DeWitt pulled the knife and threatened the man at the Cattaraugus County Fairgrounds. DeWitt is charged with menacing and has been scheduled to appear in Little Valley Town Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Olean man is accused of assaulting a woman who had an order of protection against him. At just after 11 o’clock last night in Westons Mills sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a woman yelling for help and learned that 33-year-old Joseph Brockel went to his ex-girlfriend’s house, tore her shirt and pants, pushed and shoved her, and then ran away. Brockel was charged with harassment, criminal mischief and criminal contempt and was sent to jail on $1,000 bail. He’s scheduled to be back in court on Monday. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A St. Marys man has been found guilty of burglarizing camps in McKean, Elk and Cameron counties at around Christmastime. A jury found 27-year-old Daniel Aiello guilty of 61 felony counts of burglary, 61 counts of conspiracy, 25 counts of theft and 66 counts of criminal mischief in Elk County alone. For the burglaries in McKean and Cameron counties he was found guilty of 36 counts of burglary as well as theft and criminal mischief. According to court records Aiello and his half-brother 20-year-old Mark Aiello, forced their way into most of the camps using a pry bar to break the padlocks, then removed items from the camps. Police found them along the side of the road in the early morning hours of January 4 in Benezette Township, where several of the burglaries happened, and they had a pry bar with them. They confessed to the crimes and Mark Aiello showed police the camps he and his brother had broken into. His case is still making its way through the court system. The news leader of the...

SALAMANCA, NY – As New York gears up for the largest stock car race of the year, Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel will add to the excitement by hosting a public meet-and-greet with legendary race car driver Rusty Wallace. The event takes place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, in the pre-function area near the Seneca Allegany Events Center. Wallace is one of the winningest drivers in the sport of professional stock car driving with 55 victories throughout his 35-year career. He is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association’s (NMPA) Hall of Fame and a two-time NMPA Driver of the Year. Wallace is widely acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities on NASCAR racing and continues to contribute as an analyst during nationally-televised races. Wallace comes to Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel just before a major racing weekend in nearby Watkins Glen, NY. During the meet-and-greet, racing fans will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken and get autog...

St Marys – Work to improve Route 255 in Fox Township and St Marys is continuing in a work zone that stretches from the Route 948 intersection in Fox Township to the intersection for Tractor Supply. Once the project completes in late summer 2013, travel along this section of Route 255 will be smoother and more efficient. PennDOT will issue regular updates on this project. Activity the week of Aug. 6 will include work from approximately Greenbriar Drive (T-593) to the intersection at Tractor Supply. • Changing traffic patterns: The northbound and southbound travel (right) lanes will be closed 24 hours a day/7 days a week until the work listed below is complete. The northbound and southbound passing lanes will remain open to through traffic. • The contractor will be placing concrete curb. • The contractor will be performing drainage work. • Motorists should allow for additional commute time due to periodic traffic congestion at the Walmart intersection and traffic signal. • Motorists are ...

Scranton, PA – Today, United States Marshal Martin J. Pane announced the successful conclusion of Operation Safety Net III – an initiative designed to verify the addresses of more than 1,300 convicted sex offenders residing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. This operation is the direct result of The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, signed into law July 27, 2006. The Act commemorated the July 27, 1981 abduction and murder of 6-year old Adam Walsh. It designated the United States Marshals Service (USMS) as the lead federal law enforcement agency charged with assisting jurisdictions in locating and apprehending sex offenders who fail to register, and pursuing convicted sex offenders who cross state lines to avoid their registration requirements. Beginning in February 2012, Deputy U. S. Marshals teamed with the Pennsylvania State Police Megan’s Law Section as well as state and local police officers to verify Megan’s Law addresses of 1,309 convicted sex offenders li...

Route 394 in the Town of Chautauqua was closed for about two hours this afternoon after a pickup truck sheared off a utility pole and the live wires started a fire on a nearby pine tree. Sheriff’s deputies say that at about 2:30 17-year-old Nicholas Melquist of Jamestown was just past the Willow Run Golf Course when he got distracted and veered off the road. His pickup sheared off a National Grid pole. National Grid had to turn off the main transmission lines for the area before the truck could be removed from the scene, and power will remain off for several more hours because the pole was carrying the main transmission lines for the area. The truck was destroyed in the crash. Melquist’s airbag deployed, and he was wearing a seatbelt. Although he suffered only minor injuries he was taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital for observation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The man who kidnapped and raped a woman in the Allegheny National Forest two years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison. 37-year-old Mike Beaulieu of Anson, Maine, was sentenced today in federal court in Erie after pleading guilty in March. On August 3, 2010, at the Kinzua Point Information Center, Beaulieu tied up a 23-year-old man with rope and duct tape, then kidnapped his 20-year-old girlfriend at gunpoint, drove her to the Red Bridge area of the forest in McKean County and raped her. U.S. District Judge Sean McLaughlin said the sentence is so long because of Beaulieu’s prior record, which includes convictions for rape, arson, escape and domestic-violence assault, among others. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Work to replace a bridge on Route 246 in McKean County will get underway Thursday, Aug. 16 and a detour will be in place. The bridge spans a tributary of Kendall Creek on Route 246, near the intersection of Looker Mountain Trail and Dallas Road. Replacing the box culvert will allow PennDOT to remove it from McKean County’s list of structurally deficient bridges and provide a smoother, safer ride for area travelers. The bridge was built in 1940, is 22 feet long and carries almost 1,200 vehicles per day. In order to replace the box culvert, the road near the bridge will be closed and a detour will be in place. Drivers will use Route 46 and Route 646 to get around the closure. PennDOT McKean County Maintenance will perform the work on this project, which is expected to last through Sept. 7. Work includes removal and replacement of the current box culvert, guide rail updates, and paving. All work is weather dependent. Drivers are reminded to follow official detour signs, obey posted speed ...

Bradford City Police are investigating a burglary that happened earlier today. They say someone broke into Swanson’s Fabrication at 19 East Washington Street and removed cash from the business. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the City of Bradford Police or use the anonymous tip line at www.cityofbradfordpolice.com The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

SALAMANCA, NY – Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel will host an Expansion Job Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 8, from noon to 8 p.m. at Seneca Allegany Events Center in Salamanca. Recruiters will be available to meet with career-seekers for nearly 50 available full- and part-time positions. Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel has a mix of existing as well as new positions available, due to the expanded hotel tower that is slated to open later this fall – which will increase the number of rooms from 212 to 413. Career openings at the upcoming Expansion Job Fair include housekeeping and resort operations, food and beverage positions, table games dealers, and more. Prospective employees are encouraged to bring copies of a resume, dress professionally and be prepared for on-the-spot interviews, as most positions will provide immediate offers for hiring. For more information about careers at the Seneca Casinos and to learn how to join the winning team, please visit www.senecagamingcorporation.com...

Chris Mackowski, associate professor of journalism and mass communication at St. Bonaventure University, is helping bring the undead back to life for iPad users. Mackowski’s work is featured in the inaugural issue of an interactive digital magazine called Undead Zine, launched this month for the Apple iPad. Mackowski, who taught an online class at St. Bonaventure this summer called “Pop Culture: Tales from the Zombie Apocalypse,” was recruited by the editors of Undead after they saw a series of zombie-related posts he had written last semester for the blog Scholars & Rogues (www.scholarsandrogues.com). “Intelligent, quality writing on the zombie genre is not easy to find, so it was very refreshing to read Chris’s writing,” said Undead co-creator and editor Matt Hill. Mackowski’s piece “Zombies: The New Media Darlings” serves as an introduction for the launch issue. The magazine also features an article by Mackowski titled “Night of the Living Dead: The Birth of the Modern Zombie,” ...

Sheetz Company President & CEO Stan Sheetz has been named a 2012 Golden Chain Award winner by Nation’s Restaurant News. The award recognizes leaders in the restaurant industry who have consistently demonstrated improved overall business performance and growth. The award will be presented at the 53rd annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Dallas, Texas. “It takes vision and confidence in your strategy to stay the course and prosper through changing and challenging times, and that’s what this year’s Golden Chain winners have been doing,” says Randall Friedman, publisher of Nation’s Restaurant News. “We will be honoring these executives not only for their outstanding recent accomplishments but also for career achievements that have benefited our industry and the consumers we serve.” One of the outstanding achievements for Sheetz has been the company’s continued revenue growth and unit expansion during difficult economic conditions. “We continue to open n...

By SANDRA RHODES When Mark Doolittle attends his 30th high school class reunion Saturday night, the 1982 Bradford Area High School graduate, along with two classmates, will have a little something special to brag about - like taking part in a sprint triathlon that morning. Doolittle, joined by Chris Wilson Minich and her twin brother Chuck Wilson, are participating as a team and the seventh annual Willow Creek Triathlon on Saturday. Proceeds from the triathlon benefit the transportation fund for the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties. For Doolittle, who is traveling from Indianapolis, Ind., for Saturday's events, the triathlon takes on special meeting. Doolittle himself is 60 percent disabled. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, Doolittle was injured as a result of an accident involving "friendly fire" when a fellow soldier fell asleep at the wheel and ran him over. This left him a three rods inside his right ankle plus a plate and 14 scre...

Today is the first day of Lucy Fest in Jamestown and, in recognition of that, we asked a question about "I Love Lucy" on WESB's Facebook page: To answer go here: https://www.facebook.com/1490wesb For more about Lucy Fest go here: http://www.lucycomedyfest.com/ The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Destinations-Bradford is hosting two FREE educational components to the community: Gardening 101 and Habits for Abundant Living. Both classes are being taught by local resident and homesteader, Jim Machuga. Habits for Abundant Living will be held on Wednesday, August 8th at 2pm in the Destinations office. This class offers a guideline of life changing habits to take one from Dependence to an Independence state, helping individuals and families have a self sustaining lifestyle. Gardening 101 will be held on August 15th at 2pm at the Destinations-Bradford office. No matter what size your farm, from patio to acres, this class helps newcomers to gardening learn the basics of composting, planting, maintenance and harvesting. Gardening can aide with healthy food choices, promote physical and social activity and help persons and families cut food expenses. Both classes are FREE have limited seating. Reservations are required. Please contact Destinations-Bradford to reserve your seat. 1...

A Randolph woman is accused of trying to hit a person with her car. Sheriff’s deputies say the victim already had a protection from abuse order against 39-year-old Jennifer Knuth when she went to the person’s house Friday, stole some property and attempted to hit the person. Deputies found her driving away from the scene and, after their investigation, also charged with driving while intoxicated, and possession of marijuana. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Randolph man is charged with assault for allegedly cutting another person with a knife. 30-year-old Matt Shields is accused of cutting the person while the two were fighting on July 21 in Conewango. Shields was arrested Saturday. He’s jailed on $5,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Someone broke into the apartments of two Ridgway women last week and stole several items. Police say some of the 22-year-old victim’s make-up products and various DVDs were stolen on July 23. The burglar also damaged drywall in the apartment. Jewelry belonging to a 35-year-old woman was stolen in the other break-in. Both women live at the Ridgway Commons. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

We didn't see a rainbow at the station today, but we were treated to this beautiful sunset.

Pennsylvania's Big 30 All-Stars got a little bit of a break from the rain during this evening's practice at Fretz Middle School. The 39th Annual Don Raabe Big 30 Charities Classic football game is at 7 p.m. Saturday at Parkway Field, and on 1490 WESB and 100.1 The Hero, where the pre-game show starts at 6:30 p.m. with Frank Williams, Stefan Arlington and Matt Walter. You can also hear the game at wesb.com and 100.1TheHero.com.

John R. "Jack" Randolph, 75, of 94 Gates Hollow, Bradford, passed away Monday, July 30,2012 at his residence. Born August 30, 1936, in Bradford he was a son of the late James H. and Leona K (Wilhelm) Randolph. On July 4, 1964 in St. Bernard Church before Rev. Martin A. Grady he married Mary A. (Good) Randolph who died, June 13, 2011. Mr. Randolph was a 1954 graduate of Bradford High School. On November 1, 1955 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on August 1, 1957. After the service he worked for Zippo Manufacturing and later went to school for meat cutting. He had been employed as a meat cutter at Loblaw's Grocery Store which later became Bell's Market until his retirement. Surviving are three children; a daughter, Colleen F. (John) Homon, of Frederick, MD, John M. (Cheryl) Randolph, of Lockport, NY and Mark R. (Janelle) Randolph, of Spring Grove, three brothers, James (Virginia) Randolph, of Bradford, Harold Wesmiller, and Robert Wesmil...

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for McKean County until 7:15 p.m. Locations that may experience minor flooding include, but are not limited to, Westline, Mount Jewett and Wetmore Township. As of 5:55 p.m., a road in Westline is reportedly washed out. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Berniece "Bam" W. Hartburg Moser, 91, of 354 West Corydon Street, passed away, Sunday, July 29, 2012 at The Pavilion at BRMC, surrounded by her loving family. Born January 25, 1921, in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Russell H. and Leona B. Williams. She was a 1939 graduate of Bradford High School. On June 26,1941, she married LaVern Hartburg who died September 11, 1974, then on November 19, 1988 she married Dean Moser who died December 1, 1996. She had formerly worked at Tool 'n' Toy, Bradford Credit Bureau and retired as a secretary for the American Red Cross after many years. She was a life long member of the First Presbyterian Church. Surviving are three daughters: Darlene (the late J. Timothy) Drehmer, and Cherri (David) Nichols, all of Bradford, and Kaye (Dennis) Campogiani, of Lehigh Acres, FL, a brother, Daryl (Martha) Williams, of Bradford, nine grandchildren; Stephanie Huber, Kristen Beckes, Brian Drehmer, Joseph Campogiani, Ryan Campogiani, Randy...

SALT LAKE CITY - Today, at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show in Salt Lake City, Zippo® unveiled six innovative products designed to enhance the great American pastime of camping. Engineered and built with durability, performance and reliability in mind, these products address many shortcomings found in traditional outdoor gear. Setting a new premium standard in the marketplace, the six new additions to Zippo's award-winning Outdoor line are the Windproof Stove, All-Terrain Grill, Utensil Tree, 4-in-1 Woodsman, Campfire Carrier and Rugged Lantern. The products are engineered for everyday use and to withstand the toughest of conditions year round. They're grouped by three camping experiences - fire, cooking and comfort - each of which drive and shape Zippo's strategy for product development. "As outdoor enthusiasts, we're particularly excited about this launch," said Chris Funk, Zippo Outdoor Brand Manager. "Zippo is located in the heart of the A...

UPDATE: Lightning hit a tree at the Potter County Fair Tuesday, and injured two adults and a child who were nearby. Shinglehouse Ambulance personnel say the lightning struck a tree close to a goat barn. The adults and child were inside the barn when the lightning struck. They were taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport for treatment of minor shock, and then released. Five other people were checked out by paramedics, but they were OK. At the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, a carnival worker was hurt when he fell 15 to 20 feet off a ride he was taking apart. Dunkirk firefighters say the accident happened at around 6:30 last night. He was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment of back pain. ~~~~~ Several people were reportedly struck by lightning this afternoon at the Potter County Fair. At least three people were taken to the hospital for treatment, but a number of others refused treatment. We’ll have more information as it becomes available. http://solomonswords....

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host two scholars from the Confucius Institute during the 2012-13 academic year who will teach Chinese language and culture to Pitt-Bradford students. The scholars, Professors Yidan Huang and Liulin Zhang, will also present seminars and noncredit courses to members of the community. “We’re thrilled to have these talented and resourceful scholars join our faculty for the next year,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. “I’m confident that our students and our friends in the community will take advantage of this unique resource. More and more businesses in our region are expanding operations into China, and I suspect that they too may find it beneficial to become familiar with the language and customs of China.” Both women are graduate students in the College of Chinese Language and Literature at Wuhan University in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is a partner with the University of...