Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A Roulette man is in jail after allegedly hitting and injuring a 4-year-old. 43-year-old Michael Roberts was arrested on Friday and charged with simple assault, endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. Police say Potter County Children and Youth Services contacted them saying the child had visible injuries to his leg and buttocks. The investigation is continuing. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two of Bravo's "Million Dollar Decorators" chat with Anne Holliday about how to put the "festive" in your holiday festivities. Festive Decorating by wesbnews1 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Cattaraugus County man is accused of robbing another man at gunpoint Thursday afternoon. Sheriff’s deputies say 68-year-old Dennis Ziegler of Leon displayed a weapon and stole $20 from a Gowanda man while they were on Mosher Hollow Road in the Town of Leon. Zieger is jailed on $7,000 bail. Deputies say they will not be releasing information about the victim. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Salamanca truck driver who transported his young relatives over state lines to sexually abuse them has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison and, after that, the rest of his life on probation. 48-year-old Kevin Donaldson took three of his relatives across state lines and repeatedly raped them between April of 2004 and July of 2007. One of the victims was 13 years old when the sexual abuse started. Prior to the two-week trial that ended in this conviction, Donaldson was convicted of rape charges in Cattaraugus County and sentenced to four years in state prison. Donaldson was also convicted of witness tampering in this case for writing letters to one of the victims, and the child’s mother, in an attempt to influence the child’s testimony. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The retail cost of menu items for a classic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings increased less than 1 percent this year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF’s 27th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.48, a 28-cent price increase from last year’s average of $49.20. “At just under $5 per person, the cost of this year’s meal remains a bargain,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas. “Our diverse farm and ranch families are honored to produce the food from our nation’s land for family Thanksgiving celebrations. During this holiday season, I am encouraging farmers and ranchers to reach out to consumers in-person or through social media, to answer questions about the food that they grow or the livestock and poultry they raise.” The AFBF survey shopping list ...

These two young guys anxiously await the arrival of Santa Claus during Friday's 4th annual Cruisin' into Christmas parade on Main Street, as Santa's Helper Richard Obermyer hands out candy. Even before Santa's arrival, one of the boys turned to his grandfather and said, "Thanks for bringing me. This is great!" The parade is held a week before the traditional start of the holiday shopping season to bring people downtown to see what local merchants have to offer. This man got the best seat in the house -- Santa's chair -- at the Main Street Mercantile during the parade. And how did he manage to get the job of keeping the Jolly Old Elf's seat warm until he got to the Mercantile. Easy. He's the father of Mercantile owner Todd Hennard. (And that's Todd's Mom, too.) Santa's Mailbox is also at the Mercantile so kids can drop their letters off for Santa to read on 1490 WESB. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Olean-Bradford Area YMCA held its Community Appreciation Luncheon today at the Premier Banquet Center. Keynote speakers were Greg Booth, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Co. and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery, and Sister Margaret Carney, president of St. Bonaventure University. Pictured, from left, are Anita Schmidt, Olean Branch Board Member, Sister Margaret, Booth, and Bill Leven, Olean-Bradford Area YMCA Board Chair. YMCA photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Student Nurse Organization is working with CNB Bank to collect coats and other warm items for those who need them. The Warm Coats and Warm Hearts drive is collecting coats, mittens, gloves, scarves, blankets and other items to help children and adults stay warm through Dec. 7. New or slightly worn items can be dropped off at any CNB Bank location or from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in the nursing suite on the second floor of Swarts Hall at Pitt-Bradford. All items donated will be distributed free to those in need. Image from SweetClipArt.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson today voted to support H.R. 6156, the “Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012,” legislation authorizing the President to grant both countries permanent normal trade relations (PNTR). H.R. 6156 passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support by a vote of 365-43. "We must promote every opportunity for economic expansion and job growth, including finding new market opportunities for American businesses and U.S. products,” said Rep. Thompson. “Passage of H.R. 6156 will ensure that the U.S. benefits from Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization, which offers significant trade opportunities for American companies.” Russia joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) on August 22, 2012, and Moldova — a former Soviet republic — gained accession in 2001. As a result, both countries are required to open up their markets and comply with the WTO’s rules. The United States cannot receive any of the...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement today about the Environmental Protection Agency’s rejection of a waiver request from states seeking relief from the renewable fuel standard’s ethanol mandate: "Ethanol mandates disproportionately hurt states like Pennsylvania. From our dairy and chicken farms to our refineries, this ill-advised policy hurts all Americans every day, costing consumers more at the grocery store and damaging our economy. I’m disappointed that the EPA chose to disregard the impact this growing mandate will have on Americans’ food costs by denying the waiver request I supported. It’s time for Congress to put an end to ethanol mandates, and I look forward to working on this during the 113th Congress,” Sen. Toomey said. In an August letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Sen. Toomey and six other senators asked that the EPA not increase the renewable fuel standard in 2013 and keep it at the 2012 level, in response...

Destinations-Bradford is holding a blanket giveaway, Saturday, November 17th between 10 am and 2 pm at the Community Outreach Center at 1 Main Street. Due to the overwhelming response from community members, additional blankets are now available to walk-in guests. Both twin and full/queen sized blankets are available while supplies last. The program is sponsored by the Bradford Area Ministerium and the Pitt-Bradford student body. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

DALLAS, Luzerne County – A cat may not have nine lives, but a young bobcat in the Poconos received a second one recently, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. A female bobcat kitten was discovered in a wooded area of Luzerne County this past spring by a couple hiking in the woods. The seven-week old cat was found weak and unable to walk, and without any adult female seen in the vicinity. The situation remained unchanged the following day, and arrangements were made to deliver the bobcat the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near Saylorsburg, Monroe County for medical care and rehabilitation. The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is licensed for wildlife care through permitting by the Game Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Game Commission Northeast Region Biologist Kevin Wenner speculates that the female parent may have met an untimely demise. “Bobcats are sometimes hit on the roadway, or die from disease or...

Judge John Cleland today granted a request from Jerry Sandusky’s lawyers for an extension to file briefs in support of an effort to have his convictions on child sex abuse charges overturned, or be granted a new trial. Defense lawyers now have until December 14 to file their briefs. A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for January 10 in Bellefonte. Sandusky, who is serving a 30- to 60-year prison sentence, which is says is excessive, says hearsay evidence was improperly allowed during his trial and there wasn’t enough other evidence for convictions. His lawyer asked for the extension because lead appeals attorney Norris Gelman recently had a heart attack and open-heart surgery, and could not start work on the case until mid-October. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

You can listen to the entire meeting here: Foster Township Sewer Meeting by wesbnews The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two hundred members of the rail and manufacturing industries convened Oct. 24 in Gemmell Student Center at Clarion University of Pennsylvania for the “Next Generation Rail Supply Chain Connectivity” forum. Attendees included representatives from ElectroMotive, GE Transportation, Nippon Sharyo, Siemens, local manufacturer Brookville Equipment and others. Hosted by Northwest Industrial Resource Center and Northwest & North Central Partners for Regional Economic Performance, the forum fostered discussion between large car builders and smaller U.S. manufacturers, working toward the goal of reaching 100 percent domestic content in railcars. The all-day event included networking activities, professional panels and speeches. Among those addressing the audience were Kevin Kesler, chief of the Department of Transportation’s Rolling Stock division; Linda Martin, senior attorney at the Department’s Federal Railroad Administration; and Congressman Glenn Thompson. Clarion University Presi...

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania State Police is looking for information on an unsolved case, which involved the murder of United States Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Daniel Corriveau. He was discovered deceased along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Chester County, Pennsylvania about 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia. On November 18, 1968, a Pennsylvania State Trooper, while on routine turnpike patrol, spotted a man in a seated position alongside the highway about a mile east of the Downingtown interchange. The trooper stopped to check on the man and found that he was deceased. An autopsy determined that the victim had been stabbed once through the heart. He carried no identification and was considered a John Doe. He remained unidentified for 44 years. On July 29, 2009, in an effort to further the investigation, members of the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Investigation Assessment /Missing Persons Unit with assistance from the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and Chester Co...

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced that 52 elk were harvested by the 65 hunters awarded elk licenses for the recently concluded 2012 elk hunt, which was held Nov. 5-10. Of that total, 19 were antlered and 33 were antlerless. The heaviest antlered elk was taken by Richard Tratthen, Jr., of Scott Township, Lackawanna County. He took a 840-pound (estimated live weight), 8x8 on Nov. 7, in Jay Township, Elk County. Other large antlered elk (all estimated live weights) were: Robin Carleton of Mansfield, Tioga County, took a 775-pound 7x7 on Nov. 7 in Covington Township, Clearfield County; Roger Rummel of Nanty Glo, Cambria County, took a 758-pound, 7x7 on Nov. 8, in Covington Township, Clearfield County; Charles Ulrich of Allenwood, Union County, took a 729-pound 7x7 on Nov. 5 in Karthus Township, Clearfield County; and Charles Cahill, Jr., of Upper Darby, Delaware County, took a 720-pound 6x6 on Nov. 7 in Covington Township, Clearfield County. ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford recognized seven faculty members for service anniversaries at a dinner Monday evening. Dr. J. Michael Stuckart, associate professor of anthropology, was recognized for 35 years of service. After growing up on Long Island and starting his career in a two-room school house in Lancaster, Stuckart joined Pitt-Bradford’s faculty in 1977. He is the director of the human relations program and teaches courses in Latin America today, religion and culture, and North American Indian art. He is active with the University of Pittsburgh’s internationally renowned Center for Latin American Studies. Andrea Robbins, instructor of chemistry, was honored for 30 years. She was the 2008 recipient of the Chairs’ Faculty Teaching Award for excellence in teaching. She lives in Rixford with her husband, Don. Dr. Jon A. Draeger, associate professor of chemistry, was honored for 25 years of service. Before coming to Pit...

March of Dimes Foundation president Dr. Jennifer L. Howse chats with Anne Holliday about World Prematurity Day and the 2012 Premature Birth Report Card. March of Dimes by wesbnews The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today elected leaders for the upcoming 2013-14 legislative session, with Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) reelected for a second term as Democratic Leader. Wednesday's leadership elections were held nearly one week after Democrats gained three seats in last week’s General Election, strengthening the caucus to 23 members. “I am grateful and honored by the support of my colleagues and humbled by the trust they have placed in me to lead them forward,” Costa said. “Our momentum has never been stronger and the caucus more unified in facing the challenges in front of us. “As we welcome three new members and welcome back caucus members who are already serving Pennsylvania, we look forward to next session with renewed energy and optimism for the future.” Prior to being elected Democratic Leader by his colleagues, Costa served as Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was fi...

Police are looking for a Megan’s Law offender who left the Just for Jesus shelter in Brockway a month ago and hasn’t been seen since. 34-year-old Timothy Weidinger also did not notify state police of his current address, as is required by Megan’s Law. Weidinger had unlawful contact with a minor in August of 2009, according to the Pennsylvania Megan's Law website. He has balding brown hair, is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact state police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two men are accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in Johnsonburg last month. Police say 22-year-old Andrew Kowalski and 24-year-old Justin Latona, both of Johnsonburg, picked up the girl and her friend in St. Marys at around 4 a.m. October 14, and took them to a house in Johnsonburg where "many wild and crazy parties" have been held over the last several weeks. Police say Latona started having sex with the girl, but Kowalski left after a few minutes. Latona is charged with felony counts of statutory sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault. Kowalski is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and statutory sexual assault. Both men are scheduled for preliminary hearings on November 28 in front of District Judge Tony King. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett has signed an execution warrant for Mark Newton Spotz of Clearfield County, convicted of kidnapping, robbing and brutally murdering a York County woman during a four-county homicide spree in 1995. This execution warrant is for the murder of Penny Gunnet, 41, who was the third of Spotz’s four murder victims during a homicidal rampage between late January and early February 1995. Gunnet was carjacked on her way to work around 6 a.m. on the morning of Feb. 2, 1995. Spotz forced his way into her car at gunpoint, stealing her cash, credit cards, wedding rings and other jewelry. Gunnet’s body was found beneath her abandoned car several hours later. During the carjacking, she had been shot and run over, a pathologist said. Spotz was arrested, tried separately and convicted in four different Pennsylvania counties for killing his brother and three women. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for each woman he killed. For his brot...

HARRISBURG – Senate Republicans today elected their leadership team for the 2013-2014 legislative session. Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25) has been nominated once again to serve as President Pro Tempore. The full Senate will vote on Scarnati’s nomination when it reconvenes in January. As President Pro Tempore, he will be responsible for appointing the chairpersons and members of the standing committees of the Senate. He will also play a significant role in negotiations with the Administration and the House of Representatives. A native of Brockway in Jefferson County, Scarnati was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2000. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University at DuBois, the Senator is a third-generation small business owner and served in local government. Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) will serve his fourth term as Senate Majority Leader. His duties include overseeing the legislative agenda, developing policies an...

This Sunday, November 18th, Grizzly Gary's Goin' Fishin' & Huntin" Radio show will be honored to have as our guest, Pa. Game Commission President Ralph Martone. Topics to be discussed will range from Marcellus Shale & the PGC to Antler restrictions 10 years later to the PGC's stand regarding Bigfoots/Sasquatches. We will also be taking listener calls and reading questions submitted via email. The Pennsylvania Cable Network cameras will be in studio to record the show to re-air on PCN-TV during the week. Air dates are: Tuesday, November 20th at 9:30 pm EST Wednesday, November 21st at 11:00 am EST Grizzly Gary's Goin' Fishin' & Huntin' Radio Show is known for its classic mix of important information for all hunters and anglers with a nice dollop of humor thrown in. Laugh & Learn is our motto! We are about to celebrate our 8th year on the air and we invite you all to tune in on Sunday mornings from 7-9 am. We'll talk fishi...

A hunter from Butler, PA, was found dead in the woods of Chautauqua County Tuesday evening. Sheriff’s deputies got a call at about 3:10 p.m. from a concerned friend of 68-year-old Allen “Randy” Smith, who had gone hunting. Deputies and their K9 unit found Smith in a wooded area in Ashville at around 6:15. They say it appears something broke on his tree stand and he fell about 20 feet. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Purchase of New Firetruck Approved By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Tempers flared during Tuesday’s Bradford City Council meeting. Foster Township supervisor chairman Jim Connelly Jr., who is also a landlord in the city, asked how the city plans on paying off its 2012 bond. Mayor Tom Riel said the city has set aside money for this year’s payment, and then started to explain why the city needed to borrow money, giving the “deplorable” condition of the streets as one reason. Connelly interrupted, saying he agrees the streets are in deplorable condition, but he didn’t need an explanation on why the city borrowed the money. He wanted to know if the city is going to have to raise taxes to pay it off. Riel asked if Connelly was finished; Connelly said he asked Riel a question; then they talked over each other for a few seconds. “Mr. Connelly,” Riel said, “here is how it works here: A citizen stands and addresses council and we respond. We don’t banter and go back and forth ...

Bestselling and award-winning cookbook author Joanne Weir chats with Anne Holliday about helpful holiday cooking tips. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Emergency crews are on the scene of a one-vehicle rollover crash on Route 46 south of Smethport. The accident happened at just after 5:30 p.m. Police radio reports say one person has been ejected from the vehicle and one person is still inside. Reports indicate serious injuries. Also, at about 5:45 Foster Township Police were called to a one-car crash on East Main Street in front of Burger King. Earlier in the afternoon, two vehicles collided at the Foster Brook intersection. No injuries were reported in either Foster Township accident. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – The 111 members of the incoming Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus today once again elected Rep. Sam Smith (R-Punxsutawney) as their choice for speaker of the House and Rep. Mike Turzai as majority leader for the 2013-14 legislative session. Today’s caucus election comes seven days after Republicans increased their majority from 109 members going into Election Day, to 111 members and retaining control of the state House for the second session in a row. Smith’s and Turzai’s elections were part of today’s reorganization session of the Republican Caucus. The formal election for speaker will take place in the full House when the 2013-14 session begins on Jan. 1, 2013. Republicans hold a 111-92 majority in the state House. “We governed responsibly for the last two years and plan to keep moving in that direction,” Smith said. “We will continue to focus on the economy, private sector job-creation and restoring citizens’ confidence in state government.” “We ran o...