Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

These birds who didn't fly south for the winter spent some time in this bush this morning -- maybe because it was too foggy for them to fly anywhere else. They shouldn't have to worry about fog tomorrow, but their wings might get a little wet. There's a 90 percent chance of rain on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. But the thermometers will soar almost into the 60s. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police answered a number of calls on Friday including a report of a hit & run on Jackson Avenue, disorderly conduct on Bushnell Street and a domestic incident on Main Street. Officers also checked on the welfare of several people, and checked out a report of harassment on Interstate Parkway. They also looked into a couple of traffic and parking problems on Interstate Parkway. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Addison, New York, man who tried to kill two state troopers in September of 2011 has been sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison. 38-year-old Richard VanGorden was convicted in November of attempted murder and other charges related to a high-speed chase in Hornellsville. VanGorden held police at bay during a three-hour stand-off at a trailer park in Wellsville that ended when police used tear gas to force him out. VanGorden still insists he did not try to kill the troopers. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Author Clinton Heylin chats with Anne Holliday about his book E Street Shuffle -- The Glory Days of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Listen here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Corbett Administration has awarded a contract to British company Camelot Global Services to take over management of the Pennsylvania Lottery. The deal pledges $34 billion in profits to the state over the next 20 years. Pennsylvania currently has one of the country’s largest lotteries with $3.5 billion in sales last year. But challenges to the plan are not over. State Treasurer Rob McCord and the labor union representing state lottery employees say Camelot is banking on an expansion of gambling they contend is not currently allowed by state law. McCord has threatened not to pay Camelot until he is satisfied that its plans to expand gambling are legal, and the union, Council 13 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, has sued to block the contract. Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa said in a news release, “This is extremely disappointing and disturbing. The action taken by the Corbett Administration was done without public input. (Friday's) deci...

Port Allegany quarterback Matt Bodamer has been named a MaxPreps Small School All-American. The Pennsylvania Football News and Gatorade had already named Bodamer the State Player of the Year after he became the state's career yardage leader with 10,948 yards. This year he completed 227 of 323 passes for 3,951 yards and 52 touchdowns. Bodamer’s teammate, wide receiver Nick Conway, was named a second team All American. http://www.maxpreps.com/national/national.htm The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Helen “Honey” Lee Wilson Colella, 77, of 284 Bolivar Drive, Bradford, passed away peacefully January 11, 2013, in her home surrounded by her loving family. Born July 19, 1935 in Clearfield, she was the daughter of Burton and Violet Wilson. On July 2, 1960, in St. Bernard Church, she married Francis “Tubby” Colella, who survives. Mrs. Colella was a 1953 graduate of Clearfield High School. She attended Warren Wilson College in Asheville N.C. before she transferred to Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN. She was actively involved in many activities in college including Tau Beta Gamma soroity, cheerleading, glee club, Varsity Queen, and Who’s Who. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education in 1957. After college, she accepted a teaching position in the Bradford School District, where she remained for 37 years. She retired in 1995. Her passion for teaching remained after retirement because she volunteered to teach at Crook Farm and also religious education. She was a member of the St...

Richard (Dick) J. Gleason, 74, of Bradford and St. Augustine, Fla., passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2013 in Shands Jacksonville Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla. Born March 8, 1938, in Bradford, he was the son of Stanley Merle and Ellen Veronica (Durnein) Gleason. On August 18, 1962, in St. Francis Church he married Karen E. (MacDonald) Gleason who survives. Dick was a 1956 graduate of St. Bernard High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1960. In 1972, he and Karen began Gleason Distributing Company in Bradford working side by side for 33 years. Upon retirement, he pursued one of his greatest pleasures, traveling throughout the United States to visit family and friends in their motorhome, which later became their home. Being a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved traveling to attend many of their programs, events and games. ...

Robert N. Austin of Hillside Drive, Westons Mills, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 9, 2013) at Olean General Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born June 8, 1922, in Rushford, he was a son of the late Frank and Lela Porter Austin. On April 11, 1947, in Portville, he married the former Elva I. Hollamby, who passed away Aug. 15, 2001. He attended Friendship Central School and was an honorary graduate in 2002 on his 80th birthday. Bob served in World War II from 1942 to 1945 with the U.S. Army Air Cop. as a crew chief on P47 Aircraft, serving in England, France and Germany. He received the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, French Legion of Honor and New York State Medal of Merit. He worked at Daystrom Furniture for many years and retired from Dresser Clark in 1986 after 20 years of service. He was a great fan of Notre Dame football, the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. Surviving are five sons, Robert (Sherry) Austin Jr. of Westons Mills, Joseph (Jean) Austin of Portville, Alan (Kim...

Plymouth Meeting – Governor Tom Corbett today ceremonially signed into law the Brad Fox Law or the Straw Purchase Gun bill, also known as House Bill 898. Corbett was joined at the ceremony by Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), who sponsored the legislation, and the family of Plymouth Township Police Officer Bradley Fox who was shot and killed last September. “Officer Fox died in the line of duty last year at the hands of a felon who should never have had a gun and, less directly, by the hand of the man who later admitted buying the gun and passing it along," Corbett said. “Such ‘straw buyers’ are as deadly a threat to our citizens and our first responders as the felons to whom they pass along the weapon. “State and federal laws are very plain: convicted felons are forbidden from owning firearms. And those who knowingly provide firearms to felons are themselves criminals and worthy of being locked up.’’ The new law allows for imposition of a five-year mandatory minimum senten...

The following influenza vaccination clinics are free and open to the public: January 16 10a.m.-12p.m. Seventh Day Adventist Church, Coudersport, PA January 23 10a.m.-12p.m. Potter County Human Services, 62 North St., Roulette February 16 10a.m.-12p.m. Ulysses Fire Company, 810 SR 49W, Ulysses February 13 10a.m.-12p.m. Seventh Day Adventist Church, Coudersport February 27 10a.m.-12p.m. Potter County Human Services, 62 North St., Roulette Ma rch 6 10a.m.-12p.m. Ulysses Fire Company, 810 SR 49W, Ulysses March 13 10a.m.-12p.m. St. Bibiana Church, Galeton March 27 10a.m.-12p.m. Potter County Human Services, 62 North St., Roulette Please call for an appointment: Potter County State Health Center (814) 274—3626 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Portville woman is in serious condition after being attacked by her own dog Thursday afternoon. State troopers say a neighbor of the woman’s on Windfall Road heard someone calling for help from a wooded area behind her house. The neighbor and the victim’s son found 66-year-old Jacki Hopkins lying on the ground with numerous bite wounds to her face, upper body and legs. Hopkins was treated at the scene by Westons Mills Fire Department personnel, and was then taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC in Buffalo. Police say the 125-pound Doberman escaped from fenced-in yard and Hopkins was trying to return the dog to the yard when she was attacked. Troopers had to destroy the dog. The Cattaraugus County Health Department has been contacted, and the investigation is continuing. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Police have released a sketch of the man wanted for robbing the CNB Bank in Johnsonburg Tuesday afternoon. The suspect is described as a white man, about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a thin build. At around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday he displayed a gun, demanded money and ran away with an undisclosed amount of cash. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg– A new smartphone application has been developed to help the Pennsylvania State Police receive reports regarding suspicious activity that may be linked to terrorism. The new See Something, Send Something app allows suspicious activity to be captured as a photo or written note and sent to the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center (PaCIC). “This App provides concerned citizens with an effective communications and reporting tool,” State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said. “The See Something, Send Something mobile app, developed by My Mobile Witness, sends terrorism-related tips directly to PaCIC where tips are evaluated by analysts and assigned for investigation as warranted,” Noonan said. The application, which is available at no cost for iPhone and Android phone users, also includes information on what to look for and when to report suspicious activity, along with how to receive important alerts. “No one knows what goes on in your neighborhood better th...

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to Pennsylvania to supplement the commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of Oct. 26 to Nov. 8, 2012. The President's action makes federal funding available to the commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy in Bedford, Bucks, Cameron , Dauphin, Forest , Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Potter , Somerset, Sullivan, and Wyoming counties. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Thomas J. McCool has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operatio...

For nature lovers interested in seeing American Bald Eagles in the wild, there is a great opportunity to do so on Eagle Watch Day, held annually at Kinzua Dam in Warren County, PA. When the cold expanse of Allegheny Reservoir behind the dam freezes over and ice forms downstream in Allegheny River, the open tailwaters below the dam become prime fishing waters for eagles. On a wintry day during February 2012, nearly 500 visitors to Big Bend Recreation Area viewed juvenile and adult eagles, just downstream from the dam. Other wintering birds and cold-water creatures were also observed. For 2013, this event will be held on Saturday, February 2nd from 8:00am until 2:00pm. Sponsors include US Army Corps of Engineers, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council, Kinzua Cachers, Allegheny Outdoor Club, and Eagles Club, Warren Aerie #313. In addition to wildlife observation, activities include an audio-visual program detailing eagle restoration e...

Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives return to Harrisburg on Monday, Jan. 14, to continue the organization process for the 2013-14 legislative session. Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) will announce the composition of each of the House’s 23 standing committees and brief meetings will then be held off the floor for each committee to organize. Committees are the foundation of legislative activity in the House. All bills introduced by lawmakers must first be referred to the appropriate committee and vetted before being sent to the full House for consideration. Committees conduct meetings and public hearings to discuss issues and specific legislation in order to develop the best policies for the Commonwealth. Members have begun circulating memos seeking co-sponsors for proposed legislation. Continuing the commitment to open government, all co-sponsorship memos are being posted publicly for the first time. They can be viewed under the “session” tab a...

A Kane man will spend a year in jail for burglarizing camps and sheds in McKean, Elk and Cameron counties. 20-year-old Mark Aiello pleaded guilty to 66 counts of burglary in Elk County, 30 in Cameron County and 15 in McKean County. He’ll be on probation for 15 years after being released from the Elk County Jail. He has also been ordered to pay more than $57,000 in restitution. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

EDINBORO – Rep. Greg Lucas (R-Erie/Crawford) has announced he plans to introduce legislation in the near future that would empower teachers to protect students by enabling qualified school personnel in Pennsylvania to carry firearms on school property. “This is about trusting our teachers to protect our students,” Lucas said. “We trust our teachers with our students’ minds. However, current law prevents them from defending our children’s bodies during an emergency situation. My law would change that.” Current Pennsylvania law severely restricts firearms on school property. Lucas’s bill – the “School Personnel Right to Carry Act” – would allow, but not require, teachers, principals, administrators and other school personnel to carry a firearm if they pass a three-point check system. Teachers would have to pass the background check that is already a pre-condition for employment in the Pennsylvania School Code. The teacher also would have to pass an additional background check – i...

Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating an incident where some kind of projectile hit a delivery van on I-86 this morning. The incident happened at 9:15 a.m. about three miles east of the Findley Lake exit. Deputies believe someone hunting in the area may have fire a shot that unintentionally hit the van. No one was hurt. Anyone with information about someone who may have been hunting in the area at the time is asked to contact the sheriff’s office. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Derrick City woman and four Salamanca men are facing charges following an investigation into the sale and trafficking of drugs in Salamanca, and other parts of Cattaraugus County. Nichole Gilbert, Travis Doner, Michael Walters, Reginald Crouse and Douglas Farnham are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and related offenses. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force says they were arrested following a search warrant at Doner’s home, where they found a substantial amount of cocaine and marijuana. Two other people were also indicted, but have not been picked up yet. Todd Green is believed to be in the Irving, New York, area while Thomas Doner is believed to be in the Salamanca or Randolph area. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Director Kristin Asinger has announced the cast for next week’s Bradford Little Theatre production of the comedy “The Marriage Counselor.” The show by Joey Ouellette will be performed script in hand at First Presbyterian Church, 54 E. Corydon St., at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. The seven roles will be performed by Chris Lathrop as the taciturn vacuum cleaner salesman; Kim Nicholas as Susan, married but having an affair; Ron Buchheit as Tiger, Susan’s cheating spouse; Maureen Curcio as Susan’s uninhibited sister Jeanine; Zach Ruth as the charming UPS delivery man Rudolpho; Ashley Fitzpatrick as Rudolpho’s airheaded co-worker Kate; and Gianluca Chimenti as Brian, an effeminate man at his breaking point. "This cast had great chemistry together at auditions. We will start rehearsing this weekend and I am very excited to work with them. We have actors with a variety of experience levels and one...

Governor Andrew Cuomo today delivered his 2013 State of the State Address, outlining a comprehensive agenda that builds on the progress of the past two years to attract good jobs and economic growth, creates a world-class education system that prepares the next generation for the future, maintaisn fiscal integrity and discipline, and continues to restore New York as the progressive capital of the nation. You can read a transcript of Cuomo's address here .

Here is the complete audio from last night's meeting. Sorry for not writing a story, but I'm still suffering (and that is the right word) from the after-effects of the flu. Bradford City Council 1-8-13 The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

UPDATE: I-86 East is still closed from Exit 16 to Exit 19. ~~~ Route 66 is expected to be closed for a couple more hours following a 10-vehicle crash involving five tractor-trailers and five passenger vehicles. ~~~ Freezing rain throughout the region has turned area roads into ice skating rinks. Numerous accidents have been reported on routes 219 and 86, as well as other roads in McKean, Cattaraugus, Elk and Potter counties. Traffic on I-86 going toward Olean is traveling at about 10 miles an hour.

UPDATE: At about 4:45 p.m. a "Be on the Lookout" (BOLO) was issued for McKean County law enforcement agencies regarding this bank robbery suspect. Elk County police are looking for the person who robbed the CNB Bank on Market Street in Johnsonburg this afternoon. The person, who is believed to be a white man, had what they think is a black handgun during the robbery at around 2:15 p.m. The man was wearing a gray hoodie, a ski mask and a red bandana across his face. Anyone who sees the suspect is urged to call 9-1-1. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The man who traveled from Chautauqua County to Warren County trying to lure young girls into having sex with him will be sentenced in federal court on May 13. 42-year-old David Lopus of Ashville, New York, pleaded guilty to federal charges of sexual exploitation of children for traveling across state lines four times to try to have sex with the young girls. On one occasion he tried to lure an 11-year-old girl into a portable toilet near the Sugar Grove Elementary School playground. Although the law provides for a total sentence of 90 years in prison, as part of the plea agreement, Lopus will spend only 21 years in prison, and then will be on parole for the rest of his life. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Salamanca man is accused of stealing an employee uniform from the Seneca Allegany Casino. Sheriff’s deputies say back on December 22 18-year-old Tyler Jimerson walked into a restricted area of the casino and stole the uniform. Jimerson is charged with trespass and petit larceny and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two teenagers are charged with criminal trespass for going into an abandoned house in the Town of Coldspring early Monday morning. Sheriff’s deputies say the 17-year-old girl and 18-year-old boy were found inside the house at around 3:30 a.m. after a suspicious vehicle was spotted on the side of the road. Deputies did not release the names of the teens, who were sent to jail in lieu of $1,000 bail each. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947