Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

City of Bradford Police on Friday investigated a sexual assault and a simple assault both on High Street, as well as motor vehicle accidents at Congress and Clinton streets, and on Kennedy and West Washington streets. Officers looked into a “drug equipment violation” on Cornen Street, disturbances on Bedford and Davis streets and harassment on Lorana Avenue. They also got calls about barking dogs on Euclid Avenue and suspicious activity in Oak Hill Cemetery. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man is accused of leaving a two-year-old boy in a pickup truck while he went into a bar and drank alcoholic beverages. State police say 39-year-old Howard Foulkrod of Sabinsville did have the child in a car seat when he went into the Perma Stone Inn on Route 6 in Potter County at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Foulkrod is charged with a felony count of endangering the welfare of children, a misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person and a summary charge of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle. He’s free on bail. Children and Youth Services made arrangements for the child. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Presented by the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and Signature Sponsor American Refining Group, Inc, the BACC Oktoberfest/21st Annual Public Auction will be held on Thursday, October 24th at The Bradford Club, 32 Boylston Street, Bradford. This community event, open to the public, is the Chamber’s primary fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the many services provided by the Chamber. The doors open at 5:30 pm; with the live auction beginning at 6:30pm. Through the generous donation of products, services, and more, an exciting variety of items has been put together for the event, which will feature approximately 30 fantastic live auction packages, as well as silent auctions, pretzel drawings, and a 50/50 card drawing. The live auction will be conducted by professional auctioneer Lloyd Burkhouse as well as local celebrity auctioneers Tim Asinger of Kessel Contruction and Scott Douglas from WESB/WBRR. Included in this year’s festivities is a delicious menu of German and traditional

National Teen Driver Safety Week is underway and Governor Tom Corbet at the Pennsylvania State Mayors’ Association are also behind the initiative. Bradford Mayor Tom Riel is the spokesman for the Northwest Region and says, "One may wonder why a mayor might care about this issue. The answer is really simple. Over one third of deaths among teenagers are caused by motor vehicle accidents." He also pointed out some figures released by the Centers for Disease Control including that per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are three times more likely than drivers 20 and older to be in a fatal crash. He also noted that people ages 15 to 24 represent only 14 percent of the US population, but they account for 30 percent of the total cost of motor vehicle injuries among males, and 28 percent of the total cost among females. You can find more information at http://pamayors.org In conjunction with National Teen Driver Safety Week, Bradford Area High School has entered a contest a

Local residents should be aware that there is no charge to file a state Property Tax/Rent Rebate form and they shouldn’t fall prey to companies offering to submit the forms for a fee, warned Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). “Recently, I was alerted that a company is contacting Pennsylvania senior citizens offering to file state Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms for a fee,” Scarnati said. “I want to make sure that everyone is aware that there is no charge to submit this form.” A group calling itself the ‘Senior Advisory Center’ with an address listed as a Harrisburg Post Office Box is mailing seniors offering to complete the forms for $39. “It is important for seniors to know they do not have to pay for this service, Scarnati said. “Local Area Agencies on Aging and other groups serving seniors are available to prepare these forms at no cost.” “In addition, my offices are available to help anyone needing assistance in applying for this important program,” Scarnati explained. Claim

A physician’s assistant who worked in Olean and Salamanca is accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with several female patients – including a 16-year-old. Back in 2010, similar charges against 39-year-old Scott Piatt had been dropped. But now the New York State Department of Health is investigating allegations against Piatt that go back to the 1990s. The women are between the ages of 21 and 43. He is also accused of saying a male patient was able to drive a commercial vehicle when, in fact, he was on medications that made him unfit for that type of job. Piatt will appear before the health department’s Professional Medical Misconduct board on 29 charges, including willfully harassing, abusing or intimidating patients, moral unfitness, negligence, incompetence and failure to maintain records. The incidents were alleged to have happened at the Olean Family Health Center, Olean Medical Group, Summit Health Care in Olean, Dr. Paul Kirsch's Olean office, Salamanca, Family He

Harold Z. Neidich, 92, of 100 St. Francis Dr. Bradford, formerly of 728 Wilson St., Franklin, passed away Friday, October 18, 2013, peacefully, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Oil City on November 1, 1920, he was a son of the late John and Sara (Zeigler) Neidich. He was a 1938 graduate of Franklin High School. On September 3, 1946, in Franklin he married Opal (Beach) Neidich who died April 15, 2005. He served in the U.S. Army from July 28, 1942 in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged on December 3, 1945. He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin and locally attended First Presbyterian Church Bradford. He worked as a printer at General Manifold Printing Company for more than 30 years and retired from Seneca Printing Company in Oil City. Surviving is one son, Ross (Patty) Neidich, of Bradford; three grandchildren Lindsay (Michael) Gianoutsos of Pittsburgh, Katie Jo Neidich of B

New York State Police don’t put their work aside even when they’re on a lunch break. Troopers had stopped at a Gowanda sub shop for lunch on Thursday and saw a man inside they knew was wanted on an active bench warrant. After getting their food, they quietly confirmed that 24-year-old Joshua Bowers of Persia was still wanted and then arrested him. While taking him into custody they found that he had a hydrocodone tablet and a small amount of marijuana with him. Bowers is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and is scheduled to appear in Collins Town Court later this month. Troopers did not say if they got to finish their lunch. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Salamanca man is accused of taking police on a chase Tuesday night when they tried to stop him for a traffic violation. They caught up with 22-year-old Joshua Hahn after the brief chase that started at just before 11 p.m. Along with fleeing from police, he’s charged with driving while intoxicated. Hahn will answer the charges in Salamanca City Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police on Thursday investigated thefts on Main, Congress and Clinton streets and a motor vehicle accident at Elm Street and South Avenue. They also got reports about a disturbance on South Avenue and suspicious activity on Lorana Avenue. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – The state House today approved Rep. Martin Causer’s (R-Turtlepoint) bill that clarifies the authority of wildlife and waterways conservation officers to use discretion when enforcing the state’s game, fish and boat laws. House Bill 1584 specifically states the officers may issue written or verbal warnings in lieu of making arrests or issuing citations. “As a former police officer, I know how important it is to exercise discretion in law enforcement,” Causer said. “While conservation officers already have the authority to exercise such discretion, it is not specifically spelled out in law and is likely not being used as much as it could be or should be.” As chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, Causer also noted passage of Senate Bill 648, which protects the rights of property owners who allow hunting on their property. The bill ensures those landowners are not subject to prosecution for violations committed by hunters on their land. The bills

Legislation to reauthorize and extend the Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has been signed into law, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). Scarnati stated that House Bill 108 was signed by Governor Corbett on October 16th as Act 74 of 2013. Act 74 eliminates the six-month waiting period for children to receive coverage and extends CHIP through December 31, 2015. The legislation was unanimously passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. “I commend my colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives for swift passage of this important legislation to provide children in our Commonwealth with immediate access to the quality care that they need and deserve,” Scarnati said. Pennsylvania’s CHIP was created in 1992 as a one-of-a kind-program designed to provide insurance coverage to children whose families do not qualify for Medical Assistance, but who cannot afford to purchase private insurance. Scarnati explained that in

Patricia Marie Nuzzo, 43, of 10 Ash Court, Lewis Run, released her energy into the universe on Thursday, October 17, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Born in Bradford on December 6, 1969, she is a daughter of Clara Abrams Nuzzo and the late John A. Nuzzo. Tricia was a 1987 graduate of Bradford High School and a 1995 graduate of The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. She spent many years helping people in her jobs at the Bradford Job Center and The Victim's Resource Center at the YWCA. She loved Taco Bell, frappes, cartoons, a good sale, hanging out with friends and family and giving someone in need a hand. She is survived by her fiancee Robert Krieg of St. Marys, her mother, Clara Nuzzo of Bradford a sister, Angela Nuzzo of Bradford, two brothers Jesse (Carrie Thomas) Nuzzo of Custer City and Joseph (Rochelle) Nuzzo of Bradford; two nieces, Abbagayl Nuzzo and Freya Nuzzo; her much loved aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends that she conside

A Kersey couple is accused of buying bath salts from a vendor in China and then selling most of it to Kane man. 48-year-old Cynthia Bizzak and 43-year-old Michael Bizzak were questioned in August after the owner of the Kane View Motel called police about drug paraphernalia in a unit he had rented to the Bizzaks. They told police they bought 50 to 100 grams of alpha-PVP by way of the Internet or telephone, according to papers filed in District Judge David Engman's office. On Tuesday, test results from the state police crime lab in Erie showed that items taken from the Bizzaks contained alpha-PVP, which is one of several synthetic drugs known as bath salts. They are in McKean County Jail on $100,000 bail each. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The man accused of robbing Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy in Eldred has waived his preliminary hearing. 23-year-old Chase Lotter of Eldred went into the pharmacy claiming to have a gun and demanding prescription pain killers, according to court records. He got away with 151 Oxycontin pills valued at $1,100. Police were able to target him as a suspect by using cell phone records. He remains in McKean County Jail on $150,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Bradford woman who drove her husband to a Crosby’s store so he could rob the place has waived her preliminary hearing. 34-year-old Alice Hannon dropped off her husband, 39-year-old Robert John Hannon Sr., at the South Avenue store as the clerk was closing up for the night, and then forced her back inside where he stole money from the safe, according to court records. She is charged with robbery, theft and kidnapping. Her husband waived his hearing last week. Both remain in McKean County Jail on $50,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

UPDATE: Opening statements in the trial are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Lawyers in Chautauqua County have been trying for nearly a month to choose a jury in the Anthony Taglianetti murder trial. And, late yesterday, they did it. Seven men and five woman have been sworn in as jurors. Two alternates have been chosen as well, and lawyers will try to pick two more today. The trial had been scheduled to start two weeks ago. Taglianetti is accused of shooting 51-year-old Keith Reed Jr. to death in September of last year because he believed Reed was in a relationship with his estranged wife. Reed was the Clymer School Superintendent, a native of Salamanca and a graduate of St. Bonaventure University. Pictured, Keith Reed Jr. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The man police believe murdered an assistant manager at the Hamburg Toys R Us in June has been picked up in the Village of Allegany. 38-year-old Bernard Grucza was arrested Wednesday morning in a South Seventh Street home, where he moved sometime after the June 29 murder. Police say he stabbed 35-year-old Larry Wells when Wells walked in on him while he was burglarizing the store and that DNA evidence is part of what tied him to the crime. Grucza had been a loss prevention officer at the store. He’s in jail without bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – Legislation to reduce the state’s debt, require more efficient and transparent use of taxpayer dollars while continuing job creation initiatives through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) authored by state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk), House Bill 493, awaits the signature of Gov. Tom Corbett following passage by the state Senate and today’s concurrence by the House of Representatives. “Passage of House Bill 493 is a vote for the people of Pennsylvania, who deserve better stewardship of their hard-earned dollars, as well as those of future generations,” Gabler said. “I am glad to see my colleagues in both the Senate and the House agree with this legislation, which increases the efficiency of an economic tool that is already in place, but was often misused by the previous administration.” RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural

City of Bradford Police on Wednesday investigated thefts on Main Street and Holley Avenue, disturbances on South Avenue and Kiwanis Court and criminal mischief on High Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two Kersey residents are in McKean County Jail on drug charges. 48-year-old Cynthia Bizzak and 43-year-old Michael Bizzak are each charged with felony counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, and criminal use of a communication facility. The incidents happened in July in Wetmore Township. Their bail is $100,000 each. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The woman who was pulled from her car seconds before it burst into flames Sunday has been charged with driving while intoxicated. Sheriff’s deputies say additional charges are pending against 28-year-old Valerie Roach of Silver Creek. At 5:20 a.m. Sunday Deputy Stephen Romanik and off-duty EMT Ray Austin pulled Roach from the car. She was later taken by Starflight to ECMC in Buffalo for treatment of serious injuries. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Street Dreams Car Club and the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce plans for the fifth annual Cruisin' into Christmas Parade on November 22 at 6 pm on Main Street. They will also be lighting the new lights on Main Street and Veterans Square. This year they will be offering cash prizes for different divisions: ~~ Best holiday music arrangement by a school band will receive $500 ~~ Best holiday float by a business will receive $250 ~~ Best decorated fire truck (one from each department) $300 ~~ Best holiday float by a non-profit organization will receive $500 ~~ Best decorated Classic Car will receive $250.00 ~~ Best holiday arrangement by a dance team will receive $250 Applications can be picked up at the Chamber office at 121 Main Street , Bradford, any weekday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration will close on November 15. If you have any questions contact Gary Hoy, President of the Street Dreams Car Club or Ron Orris, Executive Director of

The State Senate today approved legislation to require greater transparency and rigorous guidelines for the awarding of economic development grants through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati explained that House Bill 493 would immediately decrease the Commonwealth’s RACP debt ceiling from its current $4.05 billion to $3.45 billion. Reforms to the RACP legislation, as amended into the bill by the Senate, will also protect rural communities and ensure that project applications from rural counties receive equal consideration as those from suburban and urban areas. The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program provides grants to local communities for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, and historical improvement projects. The funding may be used for the design and construction of facilities that are economic development projects which generate substantial increases in emp

HARRISBURG – The state House today approved Rep. Martin Causer’s (R-Turtlepoint) resolution designating October as “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. “Due to advances in medicine, children born with Down syndrome can live long, healthy and productive lives,” Causer said. “But early intervention, therapies and treatment are vital, which is why raising awareness of Down syndrome is so important.” Research has shown the average life expectancy for a person living with Down syndrome has increased from just 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age today. It is estimated that this genetic condition occurs in approximately one in every 800 births. The population of people living with Down syndrome in the United States is estimated at anywhere between 250,000 and 400,000. House Resolution 501 passed the House unanimously. More information about Down syndrome is available at the National Down Syndrome Society, www.ndss.org . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford plans to break ground next week on a $9.3 million, 109-bed residence hall. Earlier this month, the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees’ property and facilities committee approved the project, which is expected to be approved by the full board on Friday. The 40,120-square-foot, three-story residence hall will be located on the side of the lawn in front of Hanley Library nearest to Blaisdell Hall. “This will be the fourth residence hall we’ve built in 8 years,” noted University President Dr. Livingston Alexander. “This rate of campus construction reflects not only the growth in our student population, but also its changing profile. Since more of our students are coming to us from distant locations, more of our students now require on-campus accommodations. We’re very grateful to the Board of Trustees for their recognition of our growing need for new student housing.” The additional rooms should b

The daughter of a state prison inmate who was brutally murdered in his Forest County cell last year has filed a lawsuit saying the state Department of Corrections’ mishandling of mentally ill inmates is what caused her father’s death. 63-year-old Frederick Kirkland was wheelchair bound when he was placed in cell with 26-year-old Elwood Braswell at SCI-Forest in August of last year. Just hours later Braswell beat and suffocated Kirkland and smeared him with feces. Braswell was found guilty but mentally ill of first-degree murder this past August and sentenced to life in prison. Carla Davis-Vining of Pittsburgh is seeking damages based on the claim that prison officials violated her father’s Eighth Amendment right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two Kill Buck residents are in Cattaraugus County Jail for having heroin and crack cocaine with the intent to sell it. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force arrested 43-year-old Maria Jimerson and 49-year-old Terrance Smith after they found the drugs at their home while executing a search warrant this morning. Police say more charges are pending. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947