Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Firefighters were called to Woodlawn Avenue at around 9:30 tonight for a working structure fire. Derrick City, Limestone and Bradford City firefighters are on the scene. We'll have more information on Sunday.

Two men are charged with stealing and selling stolen auto parts in several Cattaraugus County towns. State troopers say between November 30 and Wednesday they received reports from automotive businesses in Allegany, Hinsdale, Olean and Portville about the stolen parts that included numerous brake rotors. They also got a report of stolen aluminum gutters from another business. The total value of the stolen property is more than $4,000. While investigating at a scrap yard they were able to identify a couple of suspects. Troopers say 27-year-old Joseph Vavrecan of Hinsdale admitted to conspiring with 22-year-old Michael Crawford to steal the items. Vavrecan is charged with two counts of grand larceny and four counts of petit larceny. Crawford is charged with one count each of grand larceny and petit larceny with additional charges pending. Both were released on their own recognizance.

Venango College Veterans Club members delivered gifts to 15 veterans residing at the Oil City Presbyterian Home as their final fall semester project before going home for the holiday break last week. The community-focused project started four years ago as the club’s first project. Due to the popularity of this event, the club has now partnered with Venango Allies, Rehabilitative Services, and Criminal Justice Clubs to adopt three more Venango County nursing homes in order to support some 60 veterans receiving holiday visits and gifts from Venango College student-led organizations. Pictured is Venango College Veterans Club member Sheri Symosko greeting Presbyterian Home resident Fay Durham, U.S.M.C. and Vietnam War Veteran. Symosko is a dual major in Criminology and Rehabilitative Sciences who also is an R.O.T.C. cadet at Clarion University. She is very active in the multiple projects that the club supports. In the past, the club has also co-sponsored the campus’ Thanksgivin...

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday provided an update on its ongoing national study currently underway to better understand any potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Results of the study, which Congress requested EPA to complete, are expected to be released in a draft for public and peer review in 2014. The update provided today outlines work currently underway, including the status of research projects that will inform the final study. It is important to note that while this progress report outlines the framework for the final study, it does not draw conclusions about the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, which will be made in the final study. As the administration and EPA has made clear, natural gas has a central role to play in our energy future, and this important domestic fuel source has extensive economic, energy security, and environmental benefits. The study EPA is curre...

A world-renowned criminalist, and native of Bolivar, New York, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. 84-year-old Herb MacDonell, is also charged with forcible touching, exposure of a person and second-degree aggravated harassment. Read the full story at the Elmira Star-Gazette The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A school bus driver has been cited following an incident that injured an 8-year-old Bradford girl. 58-year-old Jack Spring has resigned from his job as well. Foster Township Police say at around 4:30 on December 6 the girl was getting off the bus on Bolivar Drive when her backpack got caught in the bus door. Spring told police he was distracted by another child that got out of her seat and got between him and the door of the bus. He says he didn’t see that the backpack was caught when he started moving the bus. The bus dragged the girl about the length of the bus until she got separated from the bag, and rolled off the side of the road and into a yard. She suffered a broken arm, scrapes and bruises. Spring is cited for careless driving. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

In case you missed the LiveLine with Sal Lizard on "Being Santa Claus," you can still listen to it. After that, you'll hear some easy entertaining tips. Video streaming by Ustream The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Ping Werner has been named interim chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois effective January 1, 2013, following the retirement of current chancellor Anita McDonald. In this role, Werner will be responsible for the administrative oversight of the campus, as well as the direction of its academic functions. She will serve as interim chancellor until a permanent chancellor is identified, likely during the spring semester. Werner is a professor of engineering at Penn State DuBois, and began teaching at the campus as an instructor in 1990. She rose through the ranks of assistant professor and associate professor, and was promoted to professor in 2005. Werner's concentration is in electrical engineering, and she has taught a variety of courses in that field at the campus. Her research interests include theoretical and computational electromagnetics with applications to antenna theory and design, electromagnetic metamaterials, wireless and personal comm...

A 57-year-old Chautauqua County man is accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl. Sheriff's deputies say Ismael Ortiz of Brocton abused the girl between October 31 and November 20 in a house in the Town of Portland. Ortiz is charged with first-degree sexual assault and is jailed on $30,000 bail. The investigation started with Child Protective Services. The DA's office and the county child advocacy program were also involved in the investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Hollidaysburg – The PA State Police today received a 9-1-1 call for shots fired at approximately 9:00 a.m. As troopers responded, a subject in a truck fired shots at the marked patrol cars as they passed. The subject then struck another marked patrol car head-on disabling both vehicles. The subject got out of the truck and began to fire into the marked patrol car, striking the trooper. The troopers returned gunfire striking and killing the male subject. It was then discovered that there were three deceased persons at three different locations where the troopers were responding. It is believed that the male subject committed three homicides before encountering the troopers. The PA State Police Troop G major case team was activated and investigators are currently examining four separate crime scenes -- interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence. The Blair County District Attorney is also on the scene. Three members are currently being treated at the hospital for non-lif...

An Allegany man has been indicted for raping a child. Back in August 40-year-old Timothy Retchless was charged for having sex with a 16-year-old in a vehicle parked in the St. Bonaventure Cemetery. The Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s Office says that between November of 2009 and December of 2010, in Olean, Retchless also had sex with a minor and is facing four counts of rape. He also allegedly sent the child indecent material, and is facing 12 counts of disseminating indecent material to minors. He is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg - Governor Tom Corbett was joined today by First Lady Susan Corbett, Lieutenant Governor Cawley, members of his cabinet and staff to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The governor also issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 21, 2012 as an official day of mourning in remembrance of those who were lost one week ago today. Pictured with the Corbetts is Pennsylvania State Trooper Adam Reed, who rang a bell 26 times in remembrance of the school's students and teachers who died on December 14. Photo provided by PA Internet News Service The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

In an effort to help families cover the cost of college education, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will adjust its criteria to enable more full-time freshmen and transfer students entering Pitt-Bradford in Fall 2013 to qualify for merit scholarships. Full-time freshman commuter students enrolling in fall 2013 with an SAT of 930 or higher (math and critical reading only) and high school grade-point average of 2.5 or higher will qualify for a $2,000 merit scholarship. In-state transfer students enrolling in fall 2013 with a 2.50 GPA and 12 credits from another institution will qualify for a $3,000 merit scholarship, if living on campus, or $1,000, if commuting. The criteria for these awards are different from those applied in previous years and only apply for students entering Pitt-Bradford in fall 2013. “We’re very mindful of the struggles families in our region and beyond experience as they strive to keep up with the rising cost of a col...

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Buffalo Bills have committed to remain in Western New York for at least the next seven years. The Agreement signed today by the Governor, the Buffalo Bills, and Erie County includes a commitment from the Bills to stay in Buffalo for at least the next seven years, and $130 million in upgrades to Ralph Wilson Stadium. The agreement also includes the creation of a New Stadium Working Group and Fund to explore the potential for constructing a future new professional sports stadium in Western New York. "The Buffalo Bills are a central part of the cultural, economic, and of the entire Western part of New York State, and the state has never wavered in our commitment to keeping the Bills a thriving part of the Buffalo community," Governor Cuomo said. "With a fan-base as diverse, passionate, and energetic as any professional sports team in the nation, the Buffalo Bills account for hundreds of millions of dollars in eco...

A Tidioute woman is dead and a man is charged with criminal homicide after the woman was found shot in her home Thursday afternoon. Police say 56-year-old Kathleen Sweeney was shot to death during a burglary at her home on Davey Hill Road at just after 3 o’clock. 52-year-old Randy Lee Poole, also of Tidioute, was on the run for about 10 hours. Police found him in a car on Tidioute-Enterprise Road at 7:25 p.m. and, after a short chase, Poole crashed his car about two miles west of Tidioute and ran into the woods. Police found him near the crash site at around 1 a.m. Poole is at UPMC Hamot in Erie being treated for injuries he sustanined in the crash. He is also charged with burglary. Photo courtesy of Warren-based state police The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Little Valley man is facing assault and drug charges after sheriff’s deputies were called to his home for a domestic incident and found marijuana growing there. 27-year-old Brian Blasdell is charged with assault and strangulation in connection to the domestic dispute that happened at about 2:45 Thursday afternoon. He is also charged with growing of cannabis and criminal possession and unlawful possession of marijuana. Blasdell was sent to Cattaraugus County Jail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Charges against a Bradford man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a park have been bound to court following a preliminary hearing this morning in front of District Judge Dominic Cercone. 24-year-old Matthew Braund is charged with three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault for forcing a woman to have sexual contact with him on September 30 in the park at the end of Rochester Street. Papers filed in Cercone’s office say Braund attempted to kiss the woman and put his hands down her pants. The woman tried to get away several times during the incident that lasted about an hour, but he would grab her and start to fondle her again. At one point, he tackled her and put a knife to her throat. Braund is in McKean County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco says rumors are still circulating about threats at the schools. He called us to say all the schools are secure and the rumors are unfounded. Lucco said he will keep WESB and The Hero updated. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Benjamin O. and Blanche M. Wentworth Endowed Nurse Scholarship Fund The Bradford Hospital Foundation has announced the establishment of the Benjamin O. and Blanche M. Wentworth Endowed Nurse Scholarship Fund. This fund has been established to provide financial assistance to employees of the Bradford Regional Medical Center or McKean County, PA residents who are Licensed Practical Nurse's pursuing continuing education towards Registered Nurse licensure. The Wentworth Fund was established by Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth’s son and daughter-in-law Ben and Kathie Wentworth in the form of a $10,000 gift earlier this month. Mr. Wentworth was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church in Limestone, NY where he was awarded the St. Joseph the Worker award, as well as a life long member of the Bradford Lion’s Club, and most notably as the owner and operator of the A&B Electric Co. Mrs. Wentworth graduated as a registered nurse from the Bradford Hospital School of Nursing in 1945...

A snowy forecast indicates that the first snow of the season will coincide with the first official day of winter. AAA recommends motorists brush up on winter driving techniques before the weather outside turns frightful. Nearly one-quarter of weather related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, resulting in more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 people injured annually, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. Drive Distraction Free “It is especially important when driving in winter conditions to drive distraction-free,” according to J.J. Miller, AAA Safety Advisor. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash “If you are with a passenger, enlist the their help to carry out activities that would otherwise distract you from driving safely,” Miller added. Do Not Use Cruise Control and Avoid Tailgating Normal following distances of three to four seconds fo...

UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Buffalo has upgraded the watch to a warning in Cattaragus, Chautauqua and Allegany counties. It's in effect from 11 a.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday. The winter storm watch has been upgraded to a warning for McKean, Warren and Elk counties, and is in effect from midnight through 7 o’clock Saturday night. The National Weather Service in State College says we could see 8 to 12 inches of snow We will see rain tonight, but it will change to snow after midnight, and fall heavily at times into early Friday morning. The snow may taper off for a time before redeveloping as Lake Effect snow showers and locally heavy squalls later Friday and into Saturday. A winter storm watch remains in effect for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Allegany counties in New York, and Potter and Cameron counties in Pennsylvania. On the NWS map: Pink=Warning Blue=Watch Purple=Advisory The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

St. Marys police are looking into thefts of a gun and some knives. They say sometime between Friday and yesterday someone got into a truck in the 1100 block of Brussells Street and took a Smith & Wesson .40 cailber handgun. Then late last night or early this morning someone got into a vehicle in the 600 block of Pontzer Avenue and took about $45 in change and bills and three pocket knives. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A state police fire marshal has released the official cause of a High Street fire earlier month, and is hoping other people take precautions so the same thing doesn’t happen to them. Corporal Martin Henneman says the fire at 228 High Street on December 9 started because of electrical malfunctions in the outlet and extension cord leading to the Christmas tree. He is asking that everyone check their electrical equipment and only use equipment that is in good condition and is properly installed. Henneman also asked that people check their smoke detectors and have a safety plan. Several dogs, cats and birds died in the High Street fire. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The First Presbyterian Church of Bradford, 54 East Corydon Street, announces the 2012 Christmas Eve worship service schedule. A Communion and Candlelight Service will be celebrated on Christmas Eve, beginning with special music of the season by the Cathedral Choir at 6:30 p.m. under the direction of Regina C. Gabriel, the church’s director of music and organist. The traditional service of worship will begin at 7:00 p.m. Child care will be available for infants and children from birth through kindergarten in the church’s nursery during the Christmas Eve service. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.presbybradford.org . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. announced today that the organization has reached 100% of its $330,000 goal. The local staff, campaign volunteers and board of directors are extremely grateful to the Bradford community. “We are so excited to have reached goal right before Christmas. Local community members, businesses, and corporations showed the true meaning of generosity during this campaign, stepping up to increase their pledges. This is a fantastic gift to the Bradford community and its agencies that rely on United Way funding,” says Cara Costik, Community Relations Specialist. Campaign goal was reached by a record date this year, although any donations received by January 5, 2012 will also count towards this year’s campaign. An announcement detailing the total amount raised will be available in early January for both the Bradford and Smethport campaigns. For questions regarding 2012-2013 Campaign: LIVE UNITED or to make a financial donation, please contact the ...

Hamlin Bank and Trust Co. of Smethport has made a $200,000 commitment to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford that will allow more high school students to take advantage of a program that allows them to earn college credit. The contribution is made possible through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The funds will be distributed to Pitt-Bradford over a two-year period. Pitt-Bradford has two kinds of programs in which students can earn both high school and college credits for the same course, College in the High School and Bridges. Hamlin Bank’s contribution will allow Pitt-Bradford to increase participation across more school districts in the region. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford, said, “Our friends at Hamlin Bank are longtime supporters of Pitt-Bradford and its efforts to provide educational opportunities for students in our serv...

An Austin man is accused of lying to police about a robbery. State troopers say they were called about a home invasion at the house of 26-year-olf Michael McNally at 2:40 this morning, and he told them that while he was cleaning a hunting rifle in his living room a man forced his way into the house, hit him, took the rifle and drove away. Troopers later learned that there was no robbery or altercation. McNally is charged with two counts of making false reports to law enforcement. He’s free on $5,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A state audit of the Town of Olean’s internal controls shows that the town board did not have a procedure in place to ensure wages and salaries were paid as intended, which allowed a former supervisor to make payments to his sister and his son without approval by the board. The ex-supervisor’s sister was the town clerk and his son was a highway department employment. The payments totaled more than $17,000. The state comptroller’s office also says the board didn’t adopt policies for the cash disbursement process and didn’t establish an adequate system of internal controls for the town’s sewer districts. The office is recommending the town adopt policies to review payroll records during its annual audit, policies for the cash disbursement process and policies for the proper billing and collecting of sewer district usage. The report released today covers the period from December 24, 2007, to May 3 of this year. You can read it here PDF The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1...

HARRISBURG – As you heard first on Monday on 1490 WESB's LiveLine, State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) has been named chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee for the 2013-14 legislative session by Speaker-designate Rep. Sam Smith (R-Punxsutawney). “Hunting and fishing play an important role in our state and regional economies, but more importantly, these activities are a vital part of our heritage,” Causer said. “As chairman of the committee, my top priority will be to protect and preserve that heritage for future generations of sportsmen and sportswomen.” The House Game and Fisheries Committee is responsible for reviewing legislative proposals that impact hunters and anglers in the Commonwealth. The committee also receives and reviews annual reports from both the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. During the 2011-12 session, the committee worked on several bills that are now law, including: Enhancements to th...