Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

United Way of the Bradford Area officials hope the generous spirit of giving will be evident in the next several weeks, resulting in continued successes for the 2013-2014 campaign, Life is Good When You’re United . To date, 35% of its $330,000 goal has been raised, with just little over four weeks left in the fundraising period. Mandi Wilton Davis, executive director, is confident the campaign will reach 50% by Thanksgiving, which will partly be attributed to the generosity of employees after the last month of campaign presentations. “We have been so fortunate to have several local businesses and corporations allow us time with their employees, relaying the mission of the UWBA and directly asking for their support,” said Wilton Davis. “There are also several others who promote our campaign internally, which is greatly appreciated as well. “This division of the annual appeal makes up roughly a quarter of our goal, which is quite substantial.” United Way has utilized mail solicitati...

City of Bradford Police on Thursday investigated a burglary on Park Street and criminal mischief on Thompson Avenue. Officers were called to a disturbance on Congress Street and a report of disorderly conduct on Campus Drive. They also got a report of suspicious activity on Davis Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) today announced that Pittsburgh’s Andrew McCutchen has been named the 2013 National League Most Valuable Player. McCutchen is the sixth different player in Pirates history to receive the award since it was created in 1931, joining Dick Groat (1960), Roberto Clemente (1966), Dave Parker (1978), Willie Stargell (1979 - tied with Keith Hernandez) and Barry Bonds (1990 and 1992). Hall-of-Famer Paul Waner also received the National League Most Valuable Player Citation in 1927. The 27-year-old McCutchen hit .317 with 38 doubles, five triples, 21 home runs, 84 RBI, 97 runs scored and 27 stolen bases in 157 games in 2013 while leading the Pirates to the postseason for the first time since 1992. McCutchen ended the season ranked seventh in the league in batting, third in hits (185) and on-base percentage (.404), second in multi-hit games (59), sixth in runs scored and slugging percentage (.508) and fifth in total bases (296). “This is a trem...

Pete Rahn of HNTB Corporation chats with Anne Holliday about a study from a transportation research group that found 27 percent of America’s roads are in substandard condition. Listen here . PA US Senator Bob Casey PA US Senator Pat Toomey PA Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson NY US Senator Chuck Schumer NY US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand NY Congressman Tom Reed The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

According to the entry in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess  “Chess is a recognized sport of the International Olympic Committee…” In Bradford the sport of chess is off to a great start as the 23rd annual Bradford Businessmen’s Chess League kicked off on Wednesday evening. Each team will face every other team in its division during the season, which runs through March 12th and pits the best players against each other. At the end of first round action at School Street Elementary, Hennard’s Construction is in first place in the varsity division. In the junior varsity division, Burns & Burns, Ed Shults Toyota, Eschrich Construction, and Lang Surveying are all undefeated and tied for first place. For additional information about the league, visit http://bradfordchessclub.org/  or email the club at execdir@amchess.org . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

State Rep. Marty Causer wasn’t hurt, but his car was heavily damaged when it hit an elk last night in Cameron County. State police say Causer was on Route 120 (CCC Memorial Highway) 574 feet north of Bucktail Trail Highway at 8:20 p.m. when the elk entered the road. His car had to be towed from the scene. Photo courtesy of Marty Causer The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The state attorney general’s office says there’s no reason the state Supreme Court should consider an appeal of Jerry Sandusky’s child sex abuse convictions. Kathleen Kane’s office filed papers saying that in his request "Sandusky nowhere argues that there are special and important reasons for allowance of appeal, much less identify such reasons or explain their importance. Rather, he simply argues the merits of each of the issues that he raised before the Superior Court without explaining why this court should address those issues." Sandusky argues that his lawyers were rushed to trial, prosecutors improperly referred to his decision not to testify, and that Judge John Cleland made a mistake by telling the jury to weigh evidence of his good character against all other evidence in the case. The 69-year-old former Penn State assistant football coach is serving the second year of a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence. You can read the prosecutors' 28-page brief here . ...

Frank Williams has been elected president of the Don Raabe Big 30 Charities Classic Committee for the 2014 All Star Football Game to be played August 2 at Parkway Field in Bradford. Williams succeeds Bill Kleinberger. Following Williams in the office of Vice President will be Craig Funk of Smethport, who is a former player in the Big 30 game. Re-elected to the offices of secretary and treasurer are Bob South and Tom Bowes, respectively. The new officers’ terms begin with the regular monthly meeting December 11. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A local state trooper is one of 53 being honored today for their efforts to fight drinking and driving in Pennsylvania. Trooper Robert Means will be recognized by the Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association during its annual meeting in Seven Springs. The Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association was founded in 1979 to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from DUI. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Op-Ed by Senator Richard Alloway As an avid sportsman and conservationist, I find the rhetoric surrounding opposition to Senate Bill 1047 and House Bill 1576, known as the Endangered Species Coordination Act, both disappointing and disingenuous. Protection of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable species and preservation of the habitats that sustain them is one of the core functions of three Pennsylvania state agencies-the Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). These agencies effectively protect the Commonwealth's threatened and endangered species, and they are undoubtedly the best equipped to continue to fulfill this critical charge. This legislation would not change that, rather it would simply establish a consistent, transparent and accountable framework for doing so. SB 1047 and HB 1576 strike the right balance between species protection and economic considerations. Species are best protected when thos...

Dozens of grassroots organizers and concerned citizens joined in a rally in the state Capitol today to urge passage of legislation calling for the public display of the official national motto “In God We Trust.” Rep. Kathy Rapp said the legislation calling for the public posting of the motto in school buildings throughout the Commonwealth serves as an educational aid to remind students about the underlying values held by the nation’s founders. “In God We Trust” was officially adopted as the national motto in 1956, and appeared on US currency as early as 1864. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section -- Keep it clean! (Note: All comments have to be approved by the moderator before they show up, so there's no need to re-post if you don't see your comment right away.) The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Rob Grubka, President of Lincoln Financial Group's Group Protection Business, chats with Anne Holliday about November's Benefit Open Enrollment. Listen here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

In an effort to make it easier for the city’s new financial officer to do his job properly, Bradford City Council has approved on first reading changes to several tax ordinances. During its meeting Tuesday night council OK’d changes to the Local Taxpayer Bill of Rights, Mercantile License Tax, Business Privilege Tax, Local Services Tax and Public Utility Tax Ordinance. City Solicitor Mark Hollenbeck explained the changes give Michael Shanks “the ability to monitor the ordinances, enforce them as part of his duties with the city.” Mayor Tom Riel stressed that council is not raising taxes or creating new taxes. In other matters, council authorized the filing of a Keystone Communities Façade and Public Improvement Grant for the Second Ward Neighborhood Partnership Program. The $400,000 grant would go toward the NPP façade program, streetscape improvements and new construction. The city is also seeking a Home Program grant from the state’s Department of Community and Economic Develo...

To honor those who serve in our country’s military, the St. Bonaventure University Class of 2017 is collecting items in the Thomas Merton Center on campus — and at Saturday night’s basketball game — to send overseas for the holidays. Collection barrels will be set up at each entrance to the men’s basketball game against Canisius on Saturday, Nov. 16. Those attending the game are encouraged to bring an item. Students and community members are asked to bring beef jerky, trail mix, canned ravioli, microwavable food, gum, wet wipes, holiday and birthday cards, footballs, Frisbees, Q-tips and nail clippers to the Merton Center throughout the week to add to the collection. The idea surfaced with a group of freshmen after writing letters during Welcome Days to veterans and those currently serving, said Sr. Suzanne Kush, C.S.S.F., director of the Franciscan Center for Social Concern. “There was a group who made two quilts (for soldiers) and now they’re doing this package proje...

Two people have been sentenced on drug charges in Cattaraugus County Court for separate incidents. Because she is a repeat felony offender 33-year-old Heidi Clayson will spend six years in prison for selling crack cocaine in Olean on February 27. 44-year-old Kyle Johnson of Buffalo will spend two years in prison for possessing heroin with the intent to sell it on July 16 in Olean. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Civil War cannons are cool – but not when one of them is being fired at your home. But neighbors of 52-year-old Brian Malta in the Chautauqua County Town of Kiantone says that’s exactly what he was doing. Sheriff’s deputies got a search warrant and found the cannon. Malta was charged with menacing and harassment and was sent to jail on $2,500 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Nearly 85 percent of the hunters participating Pennsylvania’s 2013 elk hunt have taken home a trophy. The Pennsylvania Game Commission today announced 72 elk were taken by hunters during the regular one-week elk season that ended Nov. 9. And for those licensed to hunt antlered elk, also known as bulls, the success rate was a perfect 100 percent. In calling the season a success, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe offered congratulations to the hunters lucky enough to participate in this year’s hunt. “Our annual elk hunt has become quite a tradition here in Pennsylvania and it’s a hunting opportunity we’re proud to provide,” Roe said. “The fact we’ve been able to expand the hunt in recent years is a testament to the health and management of our elk herd, and hunts like this year’s are something to get excited about. “Congratulations to all of the hunters who took part in the season, and for those of you still awaiting your chance, rest assured more great el...

Bradford City Clerk John Peterson is retiring after 42 years of service to the city. He was a firefighter before taking the job as city clerk 14 years ago. A date hasn’t been set yet for his retirement, but it will be sometime after the city hires a city manager to take his place. He explained that the hiring of a city manager does not mean the form of city government is changing, but that council can create the position of city manager that will do basically what the city clerk does now. During last night’s meeting, city council OK’d a resolution to advertise for the position. Peterson said a job description will be posted on the city’s website soon. Peterson said the event he remembers most in the past 42 years is the Dresser Home fire in the mid-1980s. He said the fire department got calls for media outlets all over the country including states as far away as California, Texas and Florida. He said the first they the reporters asked was how many fatalities there were. “When ...

The state police Special Emergency Response Team had to be called to a Ulysses home at 9 o'clock last night after reports that a man was shooting a rifle at another man. The victim, 49-year-old Russell Carter of Genesee, was able to get out uninjured. State police were then able to get 55-year-old Terrance Mills out of his home. He is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. He will be arraigned after being treated for pre-existing injuries. Police are continuing their investigation. Troopers wanted to give special recognition for the assistance of Tri-Town Fire and Ambulance. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Olean man will spend the next seven years in prison for sexually assaulting a child younger than 11. 29-year-old John Williams had sexual contact with the child between March of 2006 and November of 2007 in Allegany. He pleaded guilty to a felony count of criminal sexual act. Williams will be on parole for 15 years after he’s released from prison. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Penn Soil RC&D Council announced today the completion of the paving of the Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail and the receipt of a $5,000 donation from Shell Appalachia in support of the project at the Big Bend Recreation Area at the Kinzua Dam. Wes Ramsey, Executive Director of Penn Soil RC&D, Doug Helman, Kinzua Dam Resource Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Bill Massa, special projects coordinator of the Allegheny Outdoor Club (AOC), accepted the contribution on behalf of the project partners from Becki Ivancic, Communications Representative and Joe Minnitte, Community Liaison Officer with Shell Appalachia. "Shell Appalachia is very pleased to support this worthwhile project that has made the Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail handicap accessible,” said Joe Minnitte, during the check presentation and final inspection.” “We are also very impressed that you were able to get the project completed so fast and it looks as if it turned out great. This ...

HARRISBURG – The House Game and Fisheries Committee today approved legislation designed to bring consistency, transparency and accountability to the process of designating endangered species and wild trout streams in the Commonwealth, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), chairman of the committee. The Endangered Species Coordination Act would require the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to submit proposed designations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC). IRRC already reviews regulations from every other state agency, including endangered species designations made by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and most stream designations made by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “Our ultimate goal with this legislation is to bring about the kind of consistency and transparency needed to better facilitate the co-existence of a healthy environment and a healthy economy,” Causer said....

Hanley Library at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is one of more than 1,000 libraries around the world that will celebrate the American Library Association’s 6th annual International Games Day @ Your Library this Saturday. The Hanley Library event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. for guests age 13 and older. There will be a variety of board, card and dice games on hand, but guests are free to bring games as well. Games that could make an appearance are Zombie Dice, Settlers of Catan, Pandemic, Survive! Escape from Atlantis and Hey, That’s My Fish! Refreshments will be served. Games Day is co-sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford club, Gamers United. For more information, contact Dina Whitehouse, circulation supervisor, at 814-362-7616 or did13@pitt.edu . For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Stoney Greenberg, President of the Exchange Club of Bradford, dropped by CARE for Children on Tuesday to drop off proceeds from the 10th Annual Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Bowling Tournament. The contribution to CARE will benefit the organization’s child safety and injury prevention program through the organization’s leadership of Safe Kids McKean County. Other recipients from the tournament include the McKean County Family Centers, The Guidance Center, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems, The Children's Advocacy Center, Children and Youth Services, YWCA, and the Bradford Regional Medical Center Emergency Room. Sponsors for the 2013 tournament were Northwest Savings Bank and Shults Toyota. Over the past ten years the Exchange Club Tournament has raised $50,000.00 to support local child abuse prevention services; and children and youth organizations. Pictured from left to right in CARE’s Rainbow Corner Preschool: Vanessa Merrick, 4, daughter of Yuri and Buffy Merri...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Field Operations announced today the arrest of a Canadian male attempting to smuggle marijuana across the border. On Nov. 10, CBP officers working at the Peace Bridge encountered 39-year-old Jordan Rodger, a citizen of Canada and resident of Toronto, Ontario. Rodger was traveling in his mother’s 2009 Porsche and claimed to be destined to the local area for shopping. The CBP officer inspecting the vehicle noticed luggage in the rear of the vehicle during a trunk exam and referred the vehicle for further inspection. When the vehicle was searched by CBP officers, a brown suitcase was found to contain coffee grinds surrounding vacuum sealed bags with a green leafy substance. All 20 vacuum sealed bags tested positive for marijuana. Often coffee grinds are used in an attempt to mask the potent marijuana smell. The approximate weight of the marijuana was 23 pounds. Rodger was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to the custody of the Buffalo...