Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

UPDATE: State police say "after returning home from drinking" at about 1:30 a.m. Bernhard got into a fight with a 28-year-old woman, which left her with a small cut below her nose. ~~~ A Westline man is charged with assault following an incident this morning in Lafayette Township. 27-year-old Travis Bernhard was arraigned by District Judge Bill Todd on charges of simple assault and harassment. He is free on $10,000 unsecured bail and has been scheduled to appear in Central Court on Thursday in front of District Judge Rich Luther.

One person was hurt when a minivan sideswiped a tractor trailer Friday afternoon near Kane. State police say the van driven by 20-year-old Stevie Girts of Kane was on Route 321 just before 2 p.m. when it traveled into the opposite lane and sideswiped the tractor trailer. Girts was taken to Kane Community Hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries and then released. The tractor trailer driver, 42-year-old Victor Tindle of Duncansville and his passenger 37-year-old Adam Lees of Altoona were not hurt. A baby in Girts’ van was in a child safety seat and was not hurt. Girts was cited for a traffic violation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Harrison Valley woman was hurt in a collision Wednesday afternoon on Phoenix Run in Potter County. Police say a minivan driven by 51-year-old Ruth Kinchen was traveling south at 2 p.m. when a northbound pickup truck driven by 52-year-old Clarence Bush of Sabinsville pulled in front of the van. The van bounced off the pickup, left the road and then hit an embankment and a culvert. Kinchen was taken by ambulance to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. Bush was not hurt. Police are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Alfred State College President John Anderson is leaving that post to take over the reins at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. The appointment was announced Friday by the State System of Higher Education. Anderson was chosen following a national search, and will take over on April 1. He will succeed Francine McNairy, who is retiring next month after nearly 10 years as Millersville’s president. Anderson has been president of Alfred State since 2008. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A reminder that a memorial service will be held at 10:30 this morning at Northern Potter High School for Darlene Sitler. You can watch it on the Internet on one of the school district’s Ustream sites. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/northern-potter-cs-news or http://www.ustream.tv/channel/northern-potter-high-school-news Sitler was shot and killed during a church service on December 2. Her ex-husband is facing murder charges for the shooting. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Just last month City of Bradford Police Officer Butch Bartlett updated the school board on safety procedures within the Bradford Area School District. He said the district and area law enforcement have been proactive in developing the procedures. You can hear Bartlett's presentation to the school board here: Bartlett by wesbnews1 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Major Christopher L. Cummings, Troop “A” Commander announces that the New York State Police in Troop “A” are participating in a national impaired driving enforcement campaign called the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over National Crackdown.” Beginning Friday, December 14, 2012 through New Years Day. More than 20,000 police agencies nationwide are expected to participate. Around the State, the New York State Police are planning 30 sobriety checkpoints, 10 saturation details, 18 underage drinking details, and 41 additional dedicated local DWI patrols. Saturation details consist of multiple roving units that target a specific area of focus. It is a massive effort supported largely through grants from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, aimed at preventing tragedies during the Holiday Season. There are a number of these concentrated details planned throughout Western New York and they will be conducted for the remainder of December. “The Holiday Season is all about...

Aletta E. Buchanan, 73, of 86 Euclid Ave, Bradford, passed away Friday, December 14th, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Born May 7, 1939, in Bradford she was a daughter of the late James F. and Anna L. (Kline) Weaver. On May 31, 1958 in Bradford she married Richard G. Buchanan, who died on April 6, 2000. Mrs. Buchanan attended Bradford Area Schools. She had worked as a nurse's aid at The Pavilion. Her favorite past time was spending time with her family and friends but most of all spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, bingo and word search puzzles. Surviving are two daughters, Diana (Sam) Priest, and Laurie (Stephen) Davis, all of Bradford, nine sisters, Ethel Gould, Pearl Sloan, and Norma Lee, all of Bradford, Shirley (William) Confer, of Jamestown, NY, Mary Jane (William) Buchanan, of Jacksonville, NC, Delsie Wingard, of Warren, Helen (Glenn) Miller, of Lewis Run, Linda (James) Barrett, of Lewis Run. and Martha ...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett ordered all Pennsylvania flags across the state lowered to half-staff immediately in honor of the Connecticut school shooting victims and their families. Corbett also issued the following statement: “My wife, Susan, and I want to offer our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of today’s tragic shooting in Connecticut. As parents, we can imagine nothing more horrific than such a violent, senseless act committed against innocent children. “On behalf of all Pennsylvanians, we want the families of all these victims to know they are in our thoughts and prayers and we share in their grief.’’ Flags shall remain at half-staff until sundown on Tuesday, Dec. 18. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in this tribute.

PA Crime Stoppers is now offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever vandalized the gravesite of a former governor. Police are still trying to find out who damaged the gravesite of former Governor Raymond Shafer, and the church across the street from the cemetery in Crawford County. On the weekend of November 3 someone spray painted grave markers in St. John’s Cemetery, and defaced the marble marker. The vandals also attempted to unearth the grave by digging to the vault. A message on the back of the church was written in French that, when translated, reads, “Cursed for all eternity, Shafer.” Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact PA Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. PA Crime Stoppers photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

As many as 26 dead; 18 are children Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news , world news , and news about the economy

The holidays are upon us and the Community Blood Bank is preparing for a slow holiday week by having several large blood drives before the holidays arrive. The Community Blood Bank is holding a blood drive this Monday December 17th at St. Bernard's Catholic Church located at 95 East Corydon from noon to 5:30pm. No appointment is needed to save a life. The holidays are usually difficult for the blood supply. Fewer people come and give blood because they are so busy (and we're closed for a few days) but the hospitals will continue to need blood for local patients. "They holidays are here and we plan to be ready," says Dan Desrochers Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. "We are hoping for a strong week so we make it through with no problems." The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

No one was hurt when a car hit an elk on Bennetts Valley Highway Sunday night. Police say the car driven by 70-year-old James Smith hit the elk, which rolled onto and over the roof, breaking out the driver’s side of the windshield. Police say the elk was able to walk away from the scene. Smith’s wife Marlene was a passenger in the car. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two FCI-McKean inmates will be spending extra time behind bars for having marijuana in the facility. 31-year-old Timothy Snard has been sentenced in federal court in Erie to six more months for having marijuana in the prison on April 15. 33-year-old Marvin Greer has been sentenced to two more months for having marijuana on July 11. The new sentences have been tacked on to the terms the men are currently serving. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Brocton man is facing charges for having 44 grams of marijuana in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Fredonia state troopers say they stopped 27-year-old Scott Stein on Main Street in Brocton for having no plate lamps. During the stop they found the 44 grams of pot and a smoking pipe with residue in it. Stein is charged with criminal possession and unlawful possession of marijuana. He is due in Village of Brocton Court on January 2. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will make available federal economic injury disaster loans to small businesses and private non-profit organizations located in McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties, as a result of the drought that began on June 26, 2012. “This past Summer, severe drought had a devastating impact along the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania and further west into McKean and Warren counties, with agriculture and small businesses suffering losses," said Rep. Thompson. “Local businesses impacted and eligible for disaster loan assistance have until July 29, 2013, to apply through the U.S. Small Business Administration.” When the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster. Under ...

Futures Rehabilitation Center, Inc. held its annual meeting at the Center on Dec. 11 during which time board members reviewed the Agency’s 2011/2012 fiscal year operations. During the meeting, several board members were reappointed to serve three-year terms beginning January 2013. Those included, Sara Andrews, Susan Evans, Nancy Leonard, Katharine Pude and George Duke. Officers for the coming year are: Ron Orris, chairman; Richard Johnson, vice chairman; Marcia Avey, treasurer; Ross Neidich, secretary and Robert Esch, past chairman. Management team members gave a power point presentation to the board on their service areas. President and CEO William Leven provided an overview of the Agency along with program and fiscal results for the last fiscal year. The agency’s annual report, detailing program and financial results of the fiscal year was distributed to the board of directors. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Professor Xuesong Li, visiting professor in Alfred University’s (AU) Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering and celebrated Chinese renewable energy expert (right) , shares material from his study/presentation titled “Farmers’ Willingness in Transforming Traditional Houses to Solar Houses in Rural China – Surveying 456 Households Surrounding Chongqing” with Jacob Mallery, a junior electrical engineering major from Olean. Reflecting the recent move by the Alfred University Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering to add a renewable energy major to its curriculum, a number of AU students eager to learn more about a field gaining increasing relevance, both at the University and beyond, attended Li’s presentation. Among these were members of AU’s China 2013 Project Student Group. The Alfred University student group is part of “Team Alfred,” which also includes students from Alfred State College and Guilin University of Technology, China. The team is officially entered into the Solar Decathlon Ch...

A Bradford woman and a Johnsonburg woman are among the people sentenced on welfare fraud charges brought by the state Office of Inspector General. 43-year-old Diane Ayala of Bradford was sentenced to 45 days to 18 months in jail for receiving more than $6,800 in medical assistance transportation benefits. She must also do 80 hours of community service and pay full restitution. 24-year-old Deeanna Bellman of Johnsonburg will be on probation for five years for receiving more than $2,400 in SNAP benefits. She must also pay restitution. To see a full list of people who were sentenced or pleaded guilty to welfare fraud in November go here ( PDF ) The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG - A plan to privatize the operation of the Pennsylvania Lottery would be a good deal for the private bidder but carries significant risk for the Pennsylvania seniors who benefit from lottery proceeds, according to a new report from the Keystone Research Center. “Only one bidder has come forward, promising 30-year profits that barely match inflation despite plans to introduce new games like Keno,” said Stephen Herzenberg, author of the report and executive director of the Keystone Research Center. “The Corbett administration should slow down and thoroughly examine whether this is a good deal for Pennsylvania. “The lottery generates $1 billion a year for services that benefit seniors, including popular prescription drug and senior transportation programs,” Herzenberg added. “With the Baby Boom population aging, Pennsylvania should not rush into a 30-year multi-million dollar privatization plan.” Camelot Global Services is the sole company to bid on the privatization contrac...

Clarion University administration, faculty and staff served a late-night breakfast to 1,050 students Dec. 9 to support them in having a successful finals week. “The purpose of the late-night breakfast is to give students a boost of encouragement the night before finals week,” said Dr. Karen Whitney, president of Clarion University. Whitney proposed the idea for the free breakfast and was one of 45 university employees who served the students. Brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity sang holiday carols, and an ensemble including Andrew Ortega of Titusville, D.J. Conrad of Morrisdale, Zach Ray of Franklin and Matt Younger of New Castle played seasonal music on tuba and euphonium. Photo provided by Clarion University The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford Police say they believe the robbery that was reported Sunday night in the city was a false report made by the man they picked up last night as a fugitive from justice. Chief Chris Lucco says the person who reported the robbery identified himself as Louis Black, but he was later identified as Carlouis Brack, who was taken into custody on Tibbetts Avenue last night as a fugitive from justice from Illinois. Lucco says there hasn’t been a final determination yet as to whether Brack will be charged with filing a false report and false identification to law enforcement. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

It’s been three years since flooding damaged buildings and more in Gowanda, but the village still has not received all the money it was promised from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Today, US Senator Chuck Schumer urged FEMA to pay out $1.2 million to pay for infrastructure repairs. He says the village had to take on a $5 million bond anticipation note to pay for repairs, but the delay in getting reimbursement from FEMA has forced village officials to roll over their bonds to cover costs. He said unlocking the remaining $1.2 million immediately would keep Gowanda from accruing unsustainable debt. Schumer said he understands FEMA is busy with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, Gowanda needs the money now, too, and deserves it without further delay. For more on this story go to Schumer's website . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Holiday Valley will be open for skiing at 8:30 Saturday morning. Three lifts and four slopes will be open until 10 p.m. The resort will also be celebrating the grand opening of the new $12 million Holiday Valley Lodge. For updates you can go to www.Facebook.com/holidayvalley . Photo provided by Holiday Valley The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Rick Nelson, associate professor of business management at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, will retire at the end of the Fall semester. A native of Warren, where he still lives with his wife of 44 years, Susan, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Central Connecticut State University and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Connecticut. He was a commercial bank auditor in Connecticut and an investment researcher for Citicorp Inc. before he started teaching at Pitt-Bradford in 1985. In 1985, he inherited the leadership of the business management program from his good friend, the late David Blackmore, who had created one of the first four-year majors at Pitt-Bradford. Nelson led the program through 2011, overseeing creation of the areas of specialization within the major, which became the most popular on campus, and establishing ties with a variety of businesses across the region. ...

Hanah Seastrom is the proud new owner of the 2012 Retired Car from the Chautauqua Children's Safety Education Village in Ashville, NY. She tried out her driving skills through the streets of the village when she and her family arrived to pick up the car. Hanah’s mother, Sara, states, “Hanah has always asked for a Power Wheels vehicle but has never been able to have one.” Hanah also has a three-year-old stepsister who will be able to drive in a couple of years. “It made us especially happy to know how excited Hanah was over winning this car and that it will get many more years of use,” states Executive Director, Terri Kindberg. Grandmother, Donna Spencer, purchased the winning ticket at the Safety Village Town of Terror Halloween event this Fall. Tickets were sold over the course of the year at various Safety Village functions and at the Celeron Rib Fest. The drawing took place December 1st. Safety Village officials thank everyone who bought a ticket, and say the proceeds wil...

City of Bradford Police on Wednesday looked into reports of harassment on Interstate Parkway, an “incorrigible” girl on School Street, theft from a vehicle on West Washington Street, theft from a building on Fairbanks Avenue and traffic and parking problems on Congress Street, according to the police log. They also received a report of suspicious activity on Hilton Street on Tuesday night. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Ashville, New York, man is facing charges after police found a powdery substance in his home. State trooper Carl Corbelli says they received a complaint about 22-year-old James Hall having an unknown drug. They found the substance on a desk in his bedroom, and later determined it was crushed Vicodin, and that he does not have a prescription for it. He is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and is scheduled to appear in Harmony Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford Police picked up a fugitive from Illinois last night on Tibbetts Avenue. Assistant Chief Mike Ward says Carlouis Brack, who was considered armed and dangerous, was picked up at about 9 p.m. in the lower apartment of 16. Tibbetts. He is in McKean County Jail awaiting extradition. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford Police have found the driver who hit a pedestrian Tuesday morning on East Main Street near St. Francis Drive. Based on information from a concerned citizen48-year-old William Lucas of Interstate Parkway was identified as the driver who hit the person who was crossing the street in front of an ATA bus. Lucas is charged with a motor vehicle violation of Duty to Give Information and Render Aid. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man accused of stealing money from a boy waived his preliminary hearing today in District Judge Dominic Cercone's office. Joseph Reap, who turns 19 on Friday, is facing a number of charges for an incident on June 25 when he and 18-year-old Tate Hallock allegedly beat up the boy and stole $1,000 from him. Police say the boy told Reap, Hallock and another boy that he had just sold his dirt bike to his brother for $1,000. Reap and Hallock then choked him and hit him, causing a bloody nose and severely swollen left eye, and took the money. Hallock waived his hearing in November. In a separate incident on July 21, Reap is accused of displaying a gun while driving in the Pearl and State street areas. When police stopped his truck he threw two Air Soft guns out the window. Later, Reap told police he and his friend were “messing around” and didn’t think a prank like that would get them in much trouble. He also acknowledged that it was a stupid thing to do. The news leader...