Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

I had the great pleasure of speaking with one of today's most prolific, entertaining and successful American authors -- Dean Koontz -- about the latest installment in his "Odd Thomas" series. We talked about this book, the series, Odd and the movie based on the book (He's seen it and tells us what he thinks of it). Listen to my conversation with Dean Koontz here . You can find more information at http://deankoontz.com The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Seneca Nation and the Cuomo administration could be going at it again. At the center of this potential dispute is a possible convenience store at gas station at the Niagara Falls casino. Governor Andrew Cuomo's director of state operations sent a letter to Seneca President Robert Odawi Porter saying a request for proposals for the new business is worrying local business people and community leaders. The Cuomo administration told the Senecas they were limited in the sorts of businesses they could locate at the casino, but Porter says the state's claim is absurd. Relations between the state and the Senecas have already been strained lately. The tribe has held back casino payments for several years because the state violated an agreement that gave the tribe exclusive gaming rights in the region. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Salamanca man has been convicted of taking his young relatives across state lines and repeatedly raping them. Following a two-week trial, a jury found 47-year-old Kevin Donaldson guilty of transporting minors across state lines for the purpose of sexually abusing them, and witness tampering. Between April 2004 and July 2007, he took three of his relatives across state lines. One of the victims was 13-years-old, and Donaldson raped the child for the next three years. Donaldson had previously been convicted of rape charges in Cattaraugus County and was sentenced to four years in prison. Sentencing in this case is scheduled for November. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The search continues in Cameron County for the man accused of holding a bank employee at gunpoint on Wednesday. 56-year-old Thomas Smith asked the 39-year-old victim for a ride, claiming his car broke down, and then demanded that she take him to the bank where she works. She refused, and eventually was able to get out of her SUV and call police. Smith ran from the scene after the SUV crashed into the front porch of a house. Smith is reportedly upset because his house is in foreclosure. According to papers filed in the Cameron County Courthouse, that happened in September of last year. The woman he is accused of holding at gunpoint works at the bank that is handling the foreclosure. Smith is also accused of threatening another person who works at a different branch of the bank. Emporium police Chief John Lovett says Smith is considered dangerous because he remains "armed and aggravated." He added that police have a car outside the bank in case Smith thinks about returning. Th...

For updates throughout the afternoon: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Endeavor-Media/101971879891091 Thomas Smith Still on the Loose Authorities say they are following up on possible leads to find a man who took a 39-year-old woman hostage Wednesday afternoon and is still on the run. Emporium Borough Police say 58-year-old Tom Smith of Clear Creek held the woman at gunpoint in her SUV, but she was able to jump out a few minutes later. Smith ran from the scene after the SUV went off the road and hit the front porch of a house. The woman, who police did not name, is an employee of a bank, and police say Smith also threatened another bank employee. Police called off the search overnight, but started it up again this morning. They say Smith is armed and agitated, and should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1. Police say because Smith is a wanted felon anyone who gives him food, clothes, money, transportation or shelter will face charges...

A bomb threat at a Jamestown beauty salon turned out to be a hoax by a man who says he’s not getting enough attention. 48-year-old Robert Wilson walk into Salon 2000 Wednesday morning, said he had a bomb and had placed other bombs down the street. Police say he told them he was upset because no one ever acknowledges him on the street. Later, he told police he is also upset about the theater shooting in Colorado. Shortly after police arrived, he walked outside and was arrested. He is charged with falsely reporting an incident, a felony. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Someone stole flags and flagpoles from the memorial for a soldier from Kane who died while serving in Afghanistan. Police say sometime between August 1 and Monday someone went to the VanGiesen Memorial in Gibbs Hill Cemetery, broke 2 20-foot flagpoles off at their bases and stole them, along with a POW flag, a Pennsylvania state flag and an American flag. Ken VanGiesen died July 11, 2011, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his convoy with an improvised explosive device. He was a 1999 graduate of Kane Area High School, where he played football and he was honored at Saturday’s Big 30 game. Anyone with information on the theft is asked to contact Kane-based state police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A search is still under way in Cameron and surrounding counties for the man who kidnapped a woman at gunpoint Wednesday afternoon and forced her drive him away in her SUV. The woman was able to dive out of the SUV, and after that 58-year-old Thomas Smith of Clear Creek ran away from the scene. The woman, who police did not identify, was not seriously hurt. She is an employee of a bank, and Smith is also accused of threatening another person who works at the same bank. Emporium residents were told to lock their doors; band camp and other activities near Cameron County High School were moved inside, and the school was on lockdown. The Cameron County Fairgrounds was searched as well, but after the search the fair continued. Smith is 5 feet 10 inches tall with gray hair. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact 911 or Emporium-based state police. Tina Johns at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center is providing frequent updates on their Facebook p...

Workshops help ‘teams’ take local projects from vision to action A regional conference on sustainable tourism development will be held in early November in the Pennsylvania Wilds, and organizers are encouraging communities in the region to send teams to the two-day event to help advance local projects in their areas. “PA Wilds Fall Workshop: Connecting Nature, Economy, and Community Character,” will be held Nov. 8-9 at the Red Fern in St. Marys. The conference is designed to help communities advance sustainable tourism projects that are important to them. Participants will hear from state and national experts on topics relevant to the region, and then work as a group in a structured setting to flesh out their project ideas, budgets, and next steps. The conference, offered by the PA Wilds Planning Team, is similar to one the group held in 2007, which led to several successful community-driven tourism projects in the region, from the “Trail Central” branding and trail developments in McK...

If you’re headed to the Bills game Thursday, expect some changes before you get inside the stadium. Security officers will inspect all fans with hand-held metal detectors before they enter the stadium. Fans are being asked to hold their keys and cell phones in their hands to keep the process moving. And, a reminder that Abbott Road will be closed to all vehicle traffic between the south entrance of Lot B and the north entrance of Lot C starting at 4:15 on Thursday. You can hear the Bills/Redskins game on 100.1 The Hero starting with the pre-game show at 5:30 p.m. Steelers fans can listen to the Steelers and Eagles on 1490 WESB starting at 5:30 p.m. as well. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Olean School Board last night discussed parameters for selling ads in schools to help off-set a multi-million dollar budget deficit. Board members agreed that staff and students cannot be employed by companies who pay for the ads, and the ads that may appear on school websites and athletic scoreboards must be age-appropriate and not promote gambling or drugs. The board did not vote to move forward with purchasing ads, just to set guidelines for doing it. School districts across the country have been allowing ads on school buses and mailed report cards. Budget shortfalls have forced the district to lay off 48 employees this year, and some buildings had to close. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Three people were hurt in a two-car crash late Monday afternoon on Ford Road near Plymouth Road in St. Marys. Police say a car driven by 21-year-old Hannah Ellenwood of Spencer, Iowa, left a driveway behind the Aaron’s/Dunham’s Plaza and collided with a car driven by 33-year-old Joshua Knepp of Kersey. Ellenwood, Knepp and a passenger in Ellenwood’s car, 24-year-old Laura Franz of Spirit Lake, Iowa, were all taken by ambulance to Elk Regional Health Center for treatment of their injuries. Both cars were severely damaged. Knepp was charged for driving with a suspended license. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

In the "Oh, really?" story of day: The Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University has reported that the average temperature in the 12-state region was 49.9 degrees from January through July. That's the warmest seven-month period since 1895, the year systematic record keeping began. The second-warmest comparable period was 1921, when the seven-month average was 49.2 degrees. The data come after the Northeast endured a sweltering July with record-breaking temperatures around the region. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A North Carolina man is facing a number of charges following a traffic early Monday morning in Olean. Sheriff’s deputies say at 12:45 a.m. they stopped a vehicle and the passenger, 29-year-old Parris Mobley, refused to give them his name or birth date. When they asked him to get out of the vehicle he took off his shirt and pants, leaving only his underwear on, and was verbally combative with deputies. Deputies later learned Mobley had two bench warrants out of Jamestown. After being processed in Olean, he was turned over to Jamestown Police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 16-year-old Allegany County boy is in jail after allegedly shooting his stepfather twice. State police say the boy shot 60-year-old Robert Garrison Tuesday afternoon in their home in the Town of Wellsville. Garrison is in stable condition at ECMC. Police say the boy shot Garrison once in the stomach and once in the buttocks with a .40-caliber handgun. They are still trying to determine why the teen shot his stepfather. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Ulysses man who was found guilty of attempted rape in June has been reported missing. 53-year-old Roger Cole did not show up for work on Tuesday, and has not been seen since he left work at about 3 o’clock Monday afternoon. His truck was found near his home. A jury found Cole guilty of attempted rape, intimidation of a witness, endangering the welfare of children, all felonies, and a number of misdemeanors, including indecent assault. The incidents happened in February of 2009. Anyone with information is asked to contact Coudersport based State Police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Kiwanis Club of Bradford has pledged $10,000 to the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, continuing its collaborative efforts with the organization to support early learning and literacy initiatives. The contribution will fund a child-friendly reading area in the preschool classroom in the new facility, which will include a reading loft and an age-appropriate library. Members of Kiwanis, visited students at Rainbow Corner’s Preschool Fun Camp on Tuesday, taking some time to read to the kids, as well as present CARE with payment for half of the campaign pledge. Pictured are preschool campers Jake Whitlow and Ianna Schoonover with Kiwanis Board Members Gene Carll and Kathy Durner, and President Shane Oschman. Whitlow, 3, is the son of Jay and Krista Whitlow of Lewis Run. Schoonover, 3, is the daughter of Kari Schoonover of Limestone, NY. Photo provided by CARE for Children The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

"Perfectly blending nail-biting suspense with accessible science, bestseller Suarez establishes himself as a legitimate heir to Michael Crichton with this gripping present-day thriller. . . ” — Publisher's Weekly I couldn't have said it any better. You can listen to my conversation with Daniel Suarez here . For more information: http://www.thedaemon.com/ Later this week: Andrew Kaplan talks about the latest book in his "Scorpion" series; and Dean Koontz (Yes. That Dean Koontz!) talks about the long-awaited novel in the "Odd Thomas" saga. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The last of the five people who dragged a deer carcass into an Elk County Church has been sentenced. 20-year-old Brandon Ott of St. Marys pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal mischief and was sentenced to four to 24 months in jail. He and his co-defendants must also pay more than $3,700 in restitution. Back on October 26 Ott, along with Bradley VanVoorhis, Martin Chicola, John Gier and Haley Heindl broke into the Gardner Hill Community Church in Weedville, where they dragged a deer that Chicola and VanVoorhis shot. They also took a stereo and a table, broke a window and fired a gun inside the building. The other men were also sentenced to jail time. Heindl was put on probation for two years. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man has been arrested for hitting a St. Marys woman with his car and then leaving the scene. 41-year-old Dean Schatz is charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal injury, duty to give information and render aid, making false reports to law enforcement and tampering with evidence. Police say on July 28 at 3:15 a.m. Schatz hit 21-year-old Natasha Schmitz while she was standing near the side of Washington Road. She had to be taken to Altoona Regional Hospital for treatment of multiple injuries. The false reports and tampering with evidence charges stem from Schatz reporting the vehicle stolen. He was arraigned before District Judge Mark Jacob and released on $5,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Composer and conductor Marvin Hamlisch, best known for the torch song "The Way We Were," died Monday. He was 68 years old. Hamlisch collapsed after a brief illness, his family announced. In a career that spanned over four decades, Hamlisch won virtually every major award: three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony, and three Golden Globes. For more on this story go to MSNBC.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The McKean County Fair Queen candidates paid a visit to The Morning Buzz today. Pictured with Scott Douglas are Mary Rosenswie, Miss Port Allegany; Makayla Anderson, Miss Kane; Mandy Myers, Miss Otto-Eldred; Brianna Barnish, Miss Smethport; and Marissa Pattison, Miss Bradford. You can hear part of their conversation with Scott here , including their rendidtion of "Stayin' Alive." For more about the 107th annual McKean County Fair go to http://mckeancountyfair.net/ The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Seneca Nation and New York State have resolved a dispute that has held up repairs to a portion of Interstate 86 that runs through Indian Territory. Under Monday's agreement, the Senecas will receive a 3 percent administrative fee on the $28.5 million Southern Tier Expressway repaving project. The nation wanted 3.5 percent, a fee amount it said had been built in to contracts involving work on nation territory since 1993 under the nation's Tribal Employment Rights Office rules. “The New York State Department of Transportation and the Seneca Nation of Indians agreed today to a framework to allow the start of much-needed rehabilitation work on the Southern Tier Expressway and other New York roads that pass through Seneca territory. The agreement, approved by the Seneca Council, means the contractor will deploy to the site as soon as feasible," said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald in a news release. They will be working on an 11 ½ mile...

The Bradford Area Public Library will host a Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee and Conversation event from 8:00 to 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 8th. The Bradford Area Public Library is located at 67 West Washington Street, Bradford, PA. Coffee and Conversation is designed to be a morning alternative to the Chamber’s popular Business After Hours series. Like Business After Hours, Coffee and Conversation gives members of the business and professional community an opportunity to come together in a relaxed, social setting for networking. “Business After Hours draws a great crowd, but evening events don’t fit everyone’s schedule,” said BACC Executive Director, Ron Orris. “We’d like to offer the same great relaxed networking opportunities at a variety of times to accommodate even more members of the local business community. We’re hoping that many of our regular Business After Hours participants as well as some new faces will be able to join us on the 8th!” Coffee and Conversati...

A Kane man escaped injury when his vehicle hit a bear in Clearfield County over the weekend. Police say at just before midnight on Saturday 36-year-old Philip Heasley was traveling north on Route 153 when his vehicle hit the bear, veered off the road and hit an embankment. Police say Heasely was wearing his seatbelt. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Nothing to do in Bradford? How 'bout a walk on one of the many trails in the Tuna Valley Trail System? These pictures were taken Monday afternoon on the Blaisdell Emery Trail. Oh, and by the way, walking the trails is absolutely free. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) has announced that Jason Kinkartz, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine and experience with NFL and Major League Baseball teams, will join the BRMC staff on September 4. Dr. Kinkartz is re-locating from Denver, CO, and will join BRMC as a member of The Foothills Medical Group. “This is a significant addition to the BRMC medical team and a major plus for the community,” said Timothy J. Finan, president and CEO of Bradford Regional Medical Center. “Dr. Kinkartz brings a wealth of special skills in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine to Bradford and Northwest Pennsylvania.” “We are delighted Dr. Kinkartz chose to come to Bradford. He is very enthusiastic about relocating from Denver, starting his new practice and getting to know the community,” Mr. Finan said. “I am passionate about orthopedics and the pursuit of excellence in the field, which I strive for in both the clinic and operating room,” ...

Warren Police have arrested the man they believe robbed a Kwik Fill and a Subway Restaurant Saturday. 36-year-old Roger Yaegle was picked up late Monday afternoon in the city. He is charged with robbery, criminal attempt at robbery and theft by unlawful taking. He’s jailed on $200,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An ATV crash sent a St. Marys teenager to the hospital Monday night. Police say a 13-year-old boy was driving the ATV on Glen Hazel Road in St. Marys at about 10:30 and started to turn into a driveway when a 15-year-old girl who was in the cargo bed fell out and onto the road. The girl was taken by ambulance to Elk Regional Health Center, and later transferred to Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. Police are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man is in the Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Hamot following a crash in Chautauqua County last night. 40-year-old Todd Dellahoy of Erie was on Stockton-Hartfield Road in the Town of Chautauqua at about 10 o’clock when his vehicle went off the road and hit a utility pole. He was taken by Starflight to Erie, where he is in stable condition. Deputies say he will be charged with DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana and traffic violations. They say he was traveling at an unreasonable speed before the crash. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Fredonia native Jenn Suhr won a gold medal in pole vaulting Monday at the Olympics. She vaulted 15 feet, 7 inches to defeat Cuba's Yarisley Silva, who cleared the same height but lost on a tiebreaker because she had one more miss in the competition. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Delevan man has been sentenced to two year in jail for attempting to sexually abuse a child younger than 11. 19-year-old Patrick Potter was sentenced Monday on charges of first-degree attempted sexual abuse. The incidents happened between April and May of last year. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Salamanca man will spend seven years in prison after his pickup truck hit and injured three people last October in Coldspring. 43-year-old Andrew Hoffman was sentenced Monday in Cattaraugus County Court. In June a jury found him guilty of assault, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and driving while ability impaired. On October 23 Hoffman’s pickup crashed into a car, which moved several feet and hit three pedestrians, who were all seriously hurt. Hoffman ran into the woods after the crash, but did eventually turn himself in to the sheriff’s office. Back in 1995 Hoffman was convicted in connection to a crash on I-86 that killed two people, but that conviction was overturned on a technicality. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

George Corignani is the new code enforcement officer for Foster Township. The annouoncement was made during Monday's township supervisors meeting. He takes over for Jim Robinson, who was let go for personal reasons. Corignani had been the code enforcement officer in Bradford for many years, until his retirement from the Bradford City Fire Department. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

On Friday, August 10, both the Olean and Bradford YMCAs will be open to the community as they celebrate the 3rd annual Fit ‘n’ Fun Fest. The event will be held at the Olean YMCA from 5:00-9:00 pm with opening ceremonies, similar to the summer Olympics, beginning at 5 PM. Our children from the summer camp program will be in a parade of flags of the countries in the Olympics and local singers, Kirk & Kellen Gilbert will be on hand for a musical opening. DJ Dan Shembeda will lead the festivities and the evening is open and free to the community, with free kids games and free demos and participation in such things as gymnastics and Zumba. The Flames Gymnastics team will put on a show at 6 pm in the gym, followed by instruction for those wanting to try out some skills. Zumba demos will be held on the hour outside under the tent. Local vendors will be on hand for an excellent health fair and the Y will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Olean Food Pantry. Food will be provid...

Police in Jamestown have arrested a man for stabbing another man Sunday morning. 23-year-old Michael Lapp is charged with assault following the incident at just after 10 o’clock Sunday morning on Barrett Avenue. Police say the two men were fighting when Lapp pulled out the knife and stabbed the other man. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947