Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson, Indiana, Armstrong) joined Governor Tom Corbett in DuBois City and Jefferson and Clearfield Counties today to meet with local officials and emergency management personnel to assess local flood damage. During a tour of the region, Senator Scarnati, Representative Smith and Governor Corbett were accompanied by Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director, Glenn Cannon, and Adjutant General, Wesley Craig. The group was able to view and evaluate areas affected by the severe thunderstorms and flooding which began impacting the region on Thursday. Scarnati and Smith expressed their gratitude for the quick response and tireless efforts of emergency responders, water rescue crews, local police, municipal workers, local officials and area volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help victims recover from this disaster. DuBois City has sustained the most si...

HARRISBURG – In response to the recent storms and flooding in DuBois and the surrounding area, state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-DuBois) is issuing the following statement: “My thoughts and prayers are with the residents of DuBois and the surrounding area who continue to deal with widespread flooding from recent storms. “I particularly want to thank Governor Tom Corbett for responding rapidly to our plight and moving quickly to personally inspect the damages. There is no substitute for boots on the ground, and I am extremely grateful for the rapidity with which he responded. “I would also like to say how lucky I feel to share my district with the president pro tempore of the state Senate and to share a border with the speaker of the House. Few districts could expect to have the top three leaders of state government visit on such short notice. “While it was necessary for them to return to budget negotiations in Harrisburg, Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and I are planning a v...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Pennsylvania National Guard's Black Hawk helicopter today took Governor Tom Corbett, House Speaker Sam Smith and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati over areas damaged by Thursday’s flooding. Those areas included Jefferson County, where Scarnati and Smith both live, as well as Clearfield and Clinton counties. During a news conference in DuBois, one of the hardest hit places, Corbett said the three state leaders had a chance to see some of the damage close up. “Obviously it doesn’t look the same after the fact, when the waters have receded,” Corbett said, adding that he and everyone else was watching the skies, hoping they didn’t see a repeat. Rumbles of thunder could be heard during the news conference and a flood advisory is in effect for that area until 10:30 tonight. Corbett said the state would do everything possible to help the areas get federal aid. Glenn Cannon, head of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, s...

A line of severe thunderstorms raced through McKean County this afternoon, pounding Relay for Life participants at Pitt-Bradford with rain and wind, and temporarily flooding Congress Street in the city. In Annin Township, the storms knocked down trees and power lines, closing Annin Creek Road. In Chautauqua County, Pomfret, Brocton and Portland all saw flooding. The American Red Cross set up a shelter at Brocton Central School to house residents of 45 evacuated homes. The shelter was closed late this afternoon after the people were told they could return to their homes. The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down in Centre County on Thursday. The tornado was at least 1½ miles long and 75 yards wide with winds reaching 100 mph. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A jury has agreed with state that the so-called HIV Predator should remain locked up. The jury in the civil confinement trial of 36-year-old Nushawn Williams found that he as a “mental abnormality” that would make him a threat to society if he is released from prison. Williams finished serving a 12-year-old sentence three years for knowingly infecting 13 Chautauqua County residents with HIV, but the state kept him behind bars under its civil confinement law. Another phase of the trial will determine how long Williams will stay in jail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

University of Pittsburgh chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg has announced his retirement. During a university trustees meeting this morning Nordenberg said he plans to retire effective in August of 2014. Nordenberg joined the faculty of the university’s School of Law in 1977. He served as Dean of the School of Law from 1985 to 1993, and was elevated to the special faculty rank of Distinguished Service Professor of Law in 1994. He served as Interim Provost in 1993-94 and chaired the search committee for the Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences in 1994-95. He was elected Interim Chancellor by the Board of Trustees in June of 1995 and, following a national search, was elected Chancellor in June of 1996. Nordenberg’s successor will be chosen by way of a nationwide search. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The National Weather Service In Buffalo Has Issued a Flood Warning For Urban Areas and Small Streams In... Cattaraugus County In Western New York... This Includes The Cities Of...Salamanca...Olean... Chautauqua County In Western New York... This Includes The Cities Of...Dunkirk...Jamestown...Fredonia... Until 315 PM EDT At 1112 AM EDT National Weather Service Doppler Radar Displayed Showers And Thunderstorms Over The Region...With Additional Heavy Showers And Thunderstorms Moving Across The Region Over The Next Several Hours. Some Areas Have Already Received Over An Inch Of Rainfall This Morning. Additional Rainfall Amounts Of Localized 1 To 3 Inches Are Possible In The Warned Area. A Flood Warning Means That Flooding Is Imminent Or Has Been Reported. Stream Rises Will Be Slow And Flash Flooding Is Not Expected. However...All Interested Parties Should Take Necessary Precautions Immediately. Most Flood Deaths Occur In Automobiles. Never Drive Your Vehicle Into Areas Where The Wate...

Senior Judge John Leete of Potter County will preside over the suit against the NCAA filed by the family of the late Joe Paterno. The lawsuit filed by the family, several Penn State trustees, former players and others argues that the NCAA bypassed its own rules in taking action against the university. The penalties include a four-year postseason ban and a $60 million fine. The penalties were in response to the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case. Sandusky is serving a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence after being convicted last summer of 45 counts of child sexual abuse. He denies the allegations and is pursuing appeals. Leete was assigned after Centre County’s president judge requested that an out-of-county judge hear the case. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two more months have been added to the sentence of an inmate at FCI-McKean who had cell phones and cigarettes with him in the facility. 26-year-old Leray Lanier was sentenced this week following his conviction for possession of contraband in prison. He was found with the items in January. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police on Thursday investigated three reports of sexual assault. They also investigated drug-related incidents on Barbour and Main streets and a theft on Thompson Avenue. Police received reports of disturbances on Lincoln Avenue as well as Park and West Corydon streets; disorderly conduct on Bushnell and High streets; and harassment on South Avenue and School Street. Officers were also called about a public drunk on East Corydon Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Clearfield – PennDOT reports that several roadways in District 2 are closed at this hour due to flooding. Motorists should not attempt to drive through standing water on roadways. Water may be deeper than it appears. The following state routes are closed due to flooding: Clearfield County Route 219 from the intersection with Route 322 near Salem to the intersection with Route 119 in West Liberty; Route 255 (East DuBois Avenue) from the intersection with McCracken Run Road in DuBois City to Penfield. A local detour is in place; Route 4003 (Mine Road) is closed between the intersection with Route 410 (Shamokin Trail) and the intersection with Route 4002 (Stanley Bottom Road) in Brady Township; Route 3009 (McGees Mills Road) is closed between the intersection with Buhite Road and the intersection with Grant Road in Brady Township. Route 4015 (Sher de Lin Road) is closed from Route 255 to Home Camp Road in Sandy Township. Route 219 is closed from Route 830 in Sandy To...

Clearfield – PennDOT reports that several roadways in District 2 are closed at this hour due to flooding. Motorists should not attempt to drive through standing water on roadways. Water may be deeper than it appears. The following state routes are closed due to flooding: Clearfield County Route 219 from the intersection with Route 322 near Salem to the intersection with Route 119 in West Liberty; Route 255 (East DuBois Avenue) from the intersection with McCracken Run Road in DuBois City to Penfield. A local detour is in place; Route 4003 (Mine Road) is closed between the intersection with Route 410 (Shamokin Trail) and the intersection with Route 4002 (Stanley Bottom Road) in Brady Township; Route 3009 (McGees Mills Road) is closed between the intersection with Buhite Road and the intersection with Grant Road in Brady Township. Route 4015 (Sher de Lin Road) from Route 255 to Home Camp Road in Sandy Township. Route 219 from Route 830 in Sandy Township to the City ...

Flooding in DuBois this afternoon prompted emergency management officials to close all roads into the city. Jefferson County Commissioners have issued a disaster declaration. Many roads there and in Clearfield County are flooded, and some have been washed out by flood waters. For more pictures, and video, go to our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/1490wesb Photo courtesy of Jim Armstrong The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

From https://alert.pa.gov/ Due to severe flooding all roadways into the city of Dubois are CLOSED. All motorists should avoid the city of Dubois at this time. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police on Wednesday investigated an incident of possible child abuse on Jackson Avenue, and a theft on Rochester Street. They also received complaints about harassment on Chautauqua Place and Jerome Avenue; disturbances on Kiwanis Court, Main Street and South Kendall Avenue; and an animal on Congress Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A flash flood watch is in effect for the entire region until 2 o’clock Friday morning. This includes McKean, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Warren, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, Tioga and Allegany counties. The National Weather Service says heavy downpours will produce rainfall rates exceeding 2 to 3 inches an hour. Widespread storm totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected, with 3 inches possible where slow moving storms drop higher amounts. Flooding of low-lying and poor drainage areas is likely, and rapid rises on streams is possible. Once again, a flash flood watch is in effect until 2 o’clock Friday morning for the entire region. The flood watch for Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties remains in effect until 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Delevan, New York, woman is facing drug charges. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force says38-year-old Leanne Vickman indented to sell a controlled substance in Franklinville. She is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A fight involving a shotgun landed a Chautauqua County man in jail. 21-year-old Ian Ward of Silver Creek was in a fight with family members at about 2 o’clock Wednesday morning and displayed a 12-guage shotgun. Sheriff’s deputies say he still had the gun when they found him hiding in the attic of the house. Ward is charged with two counts of menacing. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives this week approved Senate Bill 4, legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25) and Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) that would clarify the authority and criteria for charitable institutions in the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 4 amends the Pennsylvania Constitution to clearly define a Purely Public Charity and ensure these organizations, such as hospitals, are eligible for an exemption from paying property taxes. “The Senate took the first step of passing this important measure in March, and I commend the House for furthering the effort by advancing this legislation,” Scarnati said. “It is vital that we make sure that essential charitable organizations within our local communities are able to continue to receive the status of public charities.” “I applaud my colleagues in the House for recognizing the need and urgency for this legislation. Senate Bill 4 simply allows the citizens, through their elected offic...

City of Bradford Police on Tuesday investigated a motor vehicle accident on McClellan Street, as well as disturbances on Pike, Main and East Main streets. Officers got calls about disorderly conduct on Summer Street, Walker Avenue and Pike Street, and harassment on Clarence Street and Chautauqua Place. Police also received complaints about animals from Calvin Court and West Corydon Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Seneca Casinos will host some of the most extravagant fireworks displays in Western New York to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day holiday. Each of the two Seneca Casino resort hotels, in Niagara Falls and Salamanca, will host these exciting and memorable events, which are free and open to the public. The first display takes place Wednesday, July 3, outside Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, and begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. near the outdoor parking lot. A rain date is slated for Thursday, July 4. A second fabulous fireworks display takes place Friday, July 5, outside Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, and begins at approximately 9:40 p.m. near the 6th St. outdoor parking lot. A rain date is slated for Saturday, July 6. Both displays will last approximately 20 minutes. The public is welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and also is encouraged to allow ample time for nearby parking. In addition, three excit...

HARRISBURG – In preparation for its 50th anniversary celebration this fall, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford was recognized by the state House of Representatives today, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint). “From day one, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been a cornerstone of our community,” Causer said. “What started as a two-year college, whose students would then move on to Pitt’s main campus, is now a well-respected academic institution in its own right, offering two- and four-year degrees in more than 40 majors. “I am proud to represent the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and even prouder to be an alumnus of this outstanding institution,” he added. The House on Wednesday unanimously approved House Resolution 372, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the university’s establishment. The school opened its doors on Sept. 3, 1963, with an initial enrollment of 130 students. Today’s enrollment exceeds 1,600 students. The university generates...

Washington DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act: “The Supreme Court made the right decision in striking down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) this morning. As a U.S. Senator representing Pennsylvania, I have read many letters written to me by LGBT Pennsylvanians and their families who want nothing more than equal rights under the law. These letters included deeply personal statements from people across our Commonwealth and had a substantial impact on my decision to support marriage equality. I believe the Supreme Court’s ruling on DOMA was a critical step in strengthening equal rights for all.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – June 26, 2013 – Senate Democrats today called for a more rapid pace of reform of the governing structure at Penn State and said that the General Assembly has a role to play in ensuring that appropriate changes are made quickly. At a Capitol news conference, Sens. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) and Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin) called on legislative Republicans and the university to work with them to make significant changes. The lawmakers said that they are calling for hearings to be held over the summer leading to speedy consideration of comprehensive reform legislation in the fall. The Democrats focused on three specific areas as it related to Penn State: Right-to-Know, ethics and board composition. Yudichak, who has been a longtime advocate of board reforms but a critic of the pace and depth of the modifications made thus far by the Penn State board, said that it is important for taxpayers to understan...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will expand its College in the High School program, which allows high school students to take college courses in their own schools, to six more school districts this fall. The additional school districts are Brookville Area School District in Jefferson County, Forest Area School District in Forest County, Kane and Port Allegany area school districts in McKean County, Oil City Area School District in Venango County and Warren County School District in Warren County, which includes four high schools. “The College in the High School program offered by Pitt-Bradford is an extraordinary opportunity for students,” said Sandra Craft, superintendent of Brookville Area School District. “Students can enroll in a college class taught by a familiar teacher in the environment of their school at an affordable cost.” The new districts join 12 others representing 430 students enrolled in first-year college courses at their...

HARRISBURG (June 26, 2013) – Independent experts advise that pension bills under consideration in both the House and Senate will cost taxpayers an additional $40 billion, the president of Pennsylvania’s largest school employee union said today. Mike Crossey, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, pointed out that the Public Employee Retirement Commission (PERC) advised yesterday that House Bills 1352 and 1353 will cost at least an additional $37 billion. Actuaries for the Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) and the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) reported that elements of Gov. Tom Corbett’s pension plan, which are contained in Senate Bill 922, carry a $42 billion price tag. House Bills 1352 and 1353 were reported from the House State Government Committee yesterday. The Senate could begin consideration of Senate Bill 922 as early as today. “There is no reason for any lawmaker to vote yes on these bills, but there are 40 billion reasons to...

Motorists in Foster Township will be reminded to obey the posted speed limit as they travel on Route 646 (Olean Road) in Derrick City. PennDOT recently placed a radar-controlled speed display sign in this area to aid in curbing a common type of aggressive driving. The speed display sign uses radar to determine the speeds of oncoming traffic in the southbound lane. Vehicle speeds are then posted on the lighted section of the sign. The posted speed limit in this area of Route 646 is 45 miles per hour. The speed display sign will remain on location for up to three weeks. Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania. Other aggressive driving behaviors include running stop signs or red lights, passing illegally and tailgating. Aggressive driving behaviors were listed as a crash cause in more than 48 percent of McKean County crashes in 2012. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Several Cattaraugus County companies have been ordered by a federal judge to stop shipping or receiving unstamped cigarettes. The judge’s order follows Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s announcement last week that her office is suing Phillip Jimerson, Heidi Jimerson, Wendy Boon and William Achord for selling contraband cigarettes through online businesses set up to avoid paying state cigarette taxes. They had been selling the cigarettes through Allegany Sales and Marketing, Cloud and Company, Native Blends.net and several other companies. The Temporary Restraining Order will remain in effect until trial. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Someone stole a trail camera from a well site in Cameron County earlier this month. Police say on the morning of June 12 someone gained access to Well Site C9 on May Hollow Road in Shippen Township. The site is owned by Endeavour Operating Corporation of Denver, Colorado. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The fight against blight in the City of Bradford continues as three more unsightly and unsafe buildings are slated for demolition. Bradford City Council on Tuesday accepted quotes from Tom Vickery for the demolition of 177 Williams St., 13 East Main St., and 26 East Ave., for $5,454, $2,454 and $5,454 respectively. To hear more from last night's city council meeting go here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two people are dead and two children are hospitalized following a crash at 12:45 Monday afternoon on Route 322 in Clearfield County. 62-year-old Joyce Morse of DuBois and 35-year-old Jeffrey Hoffman of Dauphin were both pronounced dead at the scene. The children in Morse’s car were flown to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Police say Hoffman was traveling west when, for an unknown reason, his car went into the eastbound lane and hit Morse’s car head-on. Police are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947