Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

UPDATE: The victims are 33-year-old Robert Higginbotham, 33-year-old Clyde W. Nelson II and 36-year-old Delores Woodall, all of Kane. Three people are dead following a crash on Route 66 in Elk County Thursday night. The accident happened at about 9:15 p.m. in Highland Township, when a vehicle that was traveling south crossed the centerline and went into the northbound lane, where it collided with another vehicle. Police say the first vehicle rolled, ejected the 33-year-old man who was driving. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Another 33-year-old man, who was a passenger, was also pronounced dead at the scene. A woman in the car died at Kane Community Hospital. Police are withholding the names of the victims until their families are notified. The driver of the second vehicle, Larry Saline Jr. of Johnsonburg, was not hurt. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Clearfield – PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch has recognized 30 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT’s District 2, which represents Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter counties were among the honorees. “I am honored to present the Star of Excellence Award to our employees who embody the drive and dedication that are so vital to keeping PennDOT moving,” Schoch said. “While they work in every area of the department, they have the common goal of achieving excellence and are an example for the rest of us.” Local winners Kristen Smeal and Brian Brosius were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. “Kristen and Brian are fine examples of employees who are giving their all in the name of customer service and productivity,” said District 2 Executive Kevin Kline. "They view each day as an...

Governor Tom Corbett today recognized Zippo and 49 other Pennsylvania companies and entrepreneurs that are creating jobs and making positive contributions to the state's economy at the first-ever Governor's ImPAct Awards. “Today we honor the men and women who spend countless hours providing the leadership and care that it takes to run a successful business,” Corbett said. “You are the champions partnering with us to put Pennsylvania on the path of growth.” The Governor’s ImPAct Awards recognized 50 companies from throughout the state in five categories: Jobs First, Community Impact, Small Business Impact, Entrepreneurial Impact and Export Impact. The awardees were chosen by an independent judging panel selected by the state’s partners, Team Pennsylvania Foundation and Journal Multimedia. Nominations for each award were provided by the state’s regional economic development partners – the Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) network. Each of the 10 PREP regi...

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R. 1991, the Smarter Solutions for Students Act, a bill to prevent the student loan interest rate increase scheduled for July 1, 2013, and set all new student loans, except Perkins loans, to a market-based system. Loan rates would be calculated using the 10-year Treasury note plus 2.5 percent, reset once a year, and capped during higher rate environments. Thompson delivered the following remarks during floor debate before the bill passed the House by a vote of 221-198. “Short-term, one-year patches are not fair to our students and leave them waiting on Congress each year to see if it will act to prevent a rate increase,” Reed said. “Today’s bill prevents students from seeing their interest rates jump to 6.8 percent, which is mandated by law if Congress does not act. This is the long-term solution local colleges and students have been advocating for, lowering rates for federal loan recipients...

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA) and Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) have introduced H.R. 2001, the Veterans E-Health & Telemedicine Support Act of 2013, or VETS Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing veterans' access to care and expanding the use of telemedicine at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VETS Acts allows credentialed VA health professionals to practice telemedicine across state borders. The bill removes licensure requirements mandating that health care professionals be licensed in every state where the care is received, thereby expanding the number of qualified professionals able to treat the nation’s veteran population. “We must make every effort to find new and innovative ways to help our veterans achieve physical health and mental wellbeing," stated Rep. Thompson. "The VETS Act will increase the number of qualified professionals who are able to service the needs of these brave men and w...

Washington, DC - As a loss of the U.S. honeybee population continues, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), today, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) urging the agencies to update the federal action plan on how to mitigate honeybee population loss. The rapidly declining honeybee population could have a substantial impact on Pennsylvania’s $57 billion agriculture industry. In Pennsylvania, farmers grow a number of pollinated crops, including apples, pumpkins and potatoes, all of which support jobs and economic growth. “Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry is a major driver of economic growth and job creation across the Commonwealth,” Senator Casey said. “Helping our state’s farmers grapple with the declining honeybee population will aid our state’s economy and help our farmers continue to support economic growth.” In Pennsylvania, farmers grow many pollinated crops, such as apples, pumpkins and potatoes. In t...

Teacher Laura Cochran from Oswayo Valley School District was selected to take part in the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (TGC) sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Ms. Cochran was among 84 teachers from across the country selected to participate. The Teachers for Global Classrooms Program is an exchange and professional development opportunity for secondary school teachers sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the non-profit organization IREX. Through the program, teachers from across the United States learn how to advance their schools’ global education practices, internationalizing teaching and learning in their classrooms. Following the teachers’ completion of an online course last fall, the participants gathered along with many of their principals and district administrators in Washington, D.C. for a Global Education Symposium. This spring and summer the U.S. teachers will learn with, and ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced a resolution in the Senate today to recognize the anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, a pivotal contest in the War of 1812. Bicentennial celebrations to commemorate the battle and its participants will commence this Memorial Day weekend in Erie, Pa. “I’m proud to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie,” said Sen. Toomey. “This dramatic encounter breathed new life into a damaged American war effort. Contributing in no small way to this victory was the city of Erie, which provided the safe locale, supplies, and muscle necessary to build the victorious fleet in limited time. I thank the city of Erie and the Perry 200 Commemoration Commission for their efforts to ensure the appropriate recognition of this historic event over the course of this summer.” William P. Garvey, Ph.D., General Co-Chair of the Perry 200 said, “We are grateful that Senator Toomey is advancing a Congressional Proclamation to co...

HARRISBURG- Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced today the filing of criminal charges against retired Washington County Common Pleas Judge Paul Pozonsky. Pozonsky is accused of misappropriating cocaine that was submitted as evidence in drug cases he presided over. The case was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which recommended the charges against Pozonsky. In May 2011, Judge Pozonsky began to request that police bring to his courtroom the controlled substances-usually cocaine-- that had been confiscated in drug cases, according to investigators. The controlled substances would be entered into evidence and retained by Judge Pozonsky or his staff. In May 2012, State Police investigators, pursuant to an Order issued by the President Judge of the Washington County Court of Common Pleas, examined the evidence envelopes and found cocaine was either missing or had been tampered with. Pozonsky is charged with the following: • 4 counts of theft; • 1 count r...

At least three people will be charged with drug offenses following a search of a two Emporium apartments Wednesday afternoon. Borough police say the raids at the Poplar Street apartments were a result of an ongoing investigation into illegal drug activity. Illegal drugs, paraphernalia, scales and packaging material were all confiscated. Charges are pending lab analysis of the confiscated items. Police have not released the suspects’ names. The attorney general’s narcotics bureau, state police and the North Central Municipal Drug Task Force coordinated with borough police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today voted to support H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act, a bill approving completion of the Keystone XL Pipeline project. H.R. 3 passed the House by a vote of 241-175. “Despite broad support, including substantial Democratic support in the House and Senate, the Administration continues to delay this important and economically beneficial energy project,” stated Rep. Thompson. On March 23, 2013, the U.S. Senate approved the project as part of the 2014 Budget Resolution by a bipartisan vote of 62-37. The measure garnered the support of Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey. “The Keystone XL Pipeline, which has undergone a more extensive environmental review process than any similar project of its kind, is expected to create thousands of jobs, but only if we move forward with approval,” Rep. Thompson added. “It is past time for the President to put jobs first and approve Keystone XL – we cannot affo...

City of Bradford Police on Wednesday investigated a theft from a vehicle on East Main Street and criminal mischief to vehicles on Cole Avenue. They got reports about harassment on Pearl and Davis streets, South and Jackson avenues, and on Chautauqua Place. Officers were sent to reports of disorderly conduct on State Street and disturbances on Main Street and Constitution Avenue. They also got a complaint about a barking dog on Congress Street and suspicious activity on Ascension Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Charges against a Port Allegany teacher and coach caught masturbating on Interstate 80 have been bound to Mercer County Court. Court records say 56-year-old Robert Haskins was in his vehicle at 8:18 a.m. on March 29 in the left passing lane next to a truck tractor, when he exposed his genitals while masturbating in full view of the truck driver. The truck driver called state police, who stopped Haskins and charged him with indecent exposure, open lewdness and careless driving. His preliminary hearing was today in front of District Judge Neil McEwen. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Coudersport teenager convicted in connection to the death of an Eldred teen two years ago will not be re-sentenced. 17-year-old Kaylynn Benson had asked a judge to reduce her sentence, and she wanted part of it to be served under house arrest. She’s currently serving a 10- to 20-year state prison sentence. Judge Stephen Minor denied her request, saying she was sentenced in accordance with a binding plea agreement she read and signed. Benson pleaded guilty in connection to her involvement in the murder of 18-year-old Sam Miller. 21-year-old Jonothan Prather shot Miller eight times. 27-year-old Avery Buckingham helped Prather dump Miller’s body into Prouty Creek. Benson held a spotlight for them. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A woman and her 4-month-old baby were not hurt in a crash at just before 2 o’clock this morning in the Town of Cherry Creek. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies say 21-year-old Samantha Seekings of Jamestown was on Davison Road when she failed to negotiate a curve, and her vehicle left the road, hit a ditch and crashed into some trees, causing the airbag to deploy. Deputies say the baby was properly security in his safety seat. Seekings and her son were both taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two Austin men were hurt in a two-car crash over the weekend in the borough. Police say an SUV driven by 41-year-old Christopher Hewitt was north on Route 872 while a car driven by 37-year-old Christopher Metcalf was traveling south. Hewitt under compensated while going around a curve, crossed into the southbound lane, started spinning and hit the car twice. Hewitt was thrown through the passenger side window of the SUV and was flown to Altoona Hospital for treatment of major injuries. Metcalf was treated at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By MATT PAUL Schools have always issued report cards grading our students, but new legislation would require the state to issue report cards grading our schools, too. Under HB 1300, schools and school districts would receive a letter grade - A through F - every year. "Coupled with providing options in education, providing this data to parents just really empowers them to get involved and make those decisions about their child's education," explains Ashley DeMauro, state director of StudentsFirst. "So I think as long as we're empowering parents, obviously, it will have a positive impact." To read the full post, visit: PAMatters.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man accused of hitting a bar bouncer in the head with a beer bottle has waived his preliminary hearing. 23-year-old Bo Fox of Warren allegedly hit the bouncer in the early morning hours of February 17 at The Lighter Side. Papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office say the bouncer and his co-workers were trying to break up a fight when Fox hit the man and ran away. When police were talking to the victim, they saw a 1 ½ inch cut on the top of his head and blood on his shirt. Fox is free on bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two men are accused of stealing an Xbox and games, and then selling them to get money for heroin. State Police say a woman returned to her house to find 22-year-old James Hall of Harmony inside without her permission, but she drove him home after he said he didn’t have a ride. While she was gone, 23-year-old Scott McChesney of Panama went into the house and stole the Xbox, two games and a CD. Hall and McChesney then allegedly sold the stolen items at Gamerz Haven in Jamestown for $71 and used the money to buy heroin. They are both charged with burglary and conspiracy. Hall is also charged with possession of stolen property, criminal trespass and for violating probation. Both men are in Chautauqua County Jail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as 49-year-old David J. Lewandowski of Fredonia. One person is dead following a crash late Tuesday night in the Town of Pomfret. Sheriff’s deputies haven’t released the name of the driver yet, but say the person was on Chestnut Road at just before 10 p.m. and didn’t navigate a curve in the road, went off the road, through a lawn and hit a tree. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A little more than 26 percent of registered voters in McKean County made their way to their polling places Tuesday. According to the McKean County Board of Elections, 4,089 of 13,337 registered Republicans cast ballots. 1,442 of the 7,613 registered Democrats voted. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

In mayoral races in Tuesday's primary, former Police Chief Yogi Osmer received more than 86 percent of the vote to win the Democratic primary in Kane. In the Republican race, Doug Caldwell was running unopposed, but 193 people cast write-in ballots. Melissa McGuire got 78 percent of the vote in Mount Jewett to defeat her challengers. Vincent Montecalvo in Lewis Run and Ross Porter in Smethport ran unopposed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Acting McKean County Treasurer Mary Jo Sherwood defeated her challenger, Dustin Laurie. She got 69 percent of the vote. The four current Bradford Area School Board members running for re-election edged out challenger Daniel Kloss. Of the current members, Dave Feely received the highest vote total, followed by Pat Vigliotta, Shane Oschman and Joe Troutman. In Foster Township, incumbent John Sullivan edged out George Hocker by seven votes. Gayle Bauer had an easier time in Bradford Township, garnering 60 percent of the vote. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Incumbent Brad Mason has defeated his challengers in the GOP primary for McKean County Sheriff. Mason received nearly 57 percent of the vote. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police on Tuesday investigated a report of an assault on Constitution Avenue. They were also called to a motor vehicle accident on Limestone Street, criminal mischief on East Main Street, harassment on Walker Place and disorderly conduct on Brennan and Bushnell streets. Officers also receive reports of a disturbance on West Washington Street, a stray animal on High Street and an unspecified animal complaint on Lorana Avenue. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Dr. Art McMorris, Peregrin Falcon Coordinator for the PA Game Commission, gets ready to band one of the first of four young falcons, during its annual falcon banding event in the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Little Valley man has pleaded not guilty to growing marijuana that police say they found while going to his home for a domestic incident. 27-year-old Brian Blasdell is charged with assault and strangulation in connection to the domestic dispute that happened on the afternoon of December 20. He is also charged with growing of cannabis and criminal possession and unlawful possession of marijuana. The case has been adjourned for motions. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A motorcyclist was hurt this afternoon when a car pulled out in front of him in the Town of Hanover. Sheriff’s deputies say 49-year-old Jose Reyes of Fredonia was turning from Angell Road onto Hanover Road when he pulled out in front of 24-year-old Matthew Greenough of Forestville. Greenough couldn’t stop and the vehicles collided. Greenough was flown to ECMC in Buffalo for treatment of what deputies say are non-life-threatening injuries. Reyes was cited for not yielding the right of way. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Three men accused of running a meth lab in Allegany have pleaded not guilty. 31-year-old Joshua Safford and 32-year-old Anthony Ray, who both live at the South Seventh Street house that was raided back in March, along with 36-year-old Raymond Shaffer Jr. of Olean, are charged with unlawful manufacture and possession of meth, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. A few months earlier, 30-year-old Erin Bailey of Olean was arrested for running a meth lab in Olean. She pleaded not guilty to charges of unlawful manufacture and possession of meth, and endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors say a child younger than 17 was in the home when Bailey was allegedly cooking the meth. All the cases have been adjourned for motions. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947