Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Thomas A. Szafran, 64, of 296 Seaward Ave., Bradford, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014, in his residence. Born August 7, 1949, in Oil City, he was a son of the late Joseph and Frances (Woloszyn) Szafran. On June 29, 1991, in the First Baptist Church, he married Geneva Szafran who survives. Mr. Szafran was a 1967 graduate of Oil City High School and a 1971 graduate of Slippery Rock University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. While in college, he was on the cross country and track team. He served four years in the United States Navy. He had worked for the Oil City Chamber of Commerce and owned and operated the Ultimate Record Store in Oil City. He then worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Bradford, was a substitute teacher for the Bradford Area School District and worked at Temple Inland for ten years. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a supervisor for McKean County Children and Youth Services. He was a member of the YMCA and volunteered for Bi...

Police have released the name of the 16-month-old girl who was beaten to death Wednesday night in Jamestown. Nayla Hodnett was first taken to the emergency room at WCA Hospital, but was later taken to Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, where she died of blunt force trauma. Police say Nayla’s mother and her boyfriend are considered “persons of interest” in the little girl’s death, which has been ruled a homicide. Police are continuing to investigate. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police are investigating a sexual assault on Linwood Avenue and a theft on Oakwood Avenue. Also on Thursday officers were called to a fight on Brennan Street, a domestic incident on High Street, harassment on Cole Avenue and an assault on Oakwood Avenue. They also received a report about suspicious activity on Main Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

McKean County Senior Judge John Cleland has been appointed to preside over a libel suit brought by state Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery and his wife, five days after the co-owners of Philadelphia's two major newspapers won a bid to recuse the entire Philadelphia bench. The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts recommended Cleland, who was later approved by Supreme Court Justice Thomas G. Saylor. Cleland presided over the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse trial and was also chairman of the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice that looked into the Kids for Cash scandal in Luzerne County. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

UPDATE: The victim is a 93-year-old man. A person died in a house fire Thursday night in the Chautauqua County Town of Ellicott. Sheriff’s deputies, who have not identified the person yet, say a “male subject” was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner John Sixbey. He believes the victim died of smoke inhalation. The fire started when an electrical wire had been compromised in a crawl space under the kitchen. The wire shorted out, causing the floor joist to ignite and spread to the rest of the house. The death and the fire have been ruled accidental. About a dozen fire companies were on the scene for more than seven hours. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By Kiara Catanzaro SBU ’15 St. Bonaventure University will host its 28th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29. Local high school girls and their coaches will participate in sporting event programs throughout the day with St. Bonaventure’s female student-athletes and staff. The event, sponsored by the School of Education, the Department of Physical Education, the Department of Athletics, the Department of Military Science and the Visiting Scholars Program, will host 15 school districts including 400 women student-athletes along with their coaches and teachers. Students from the following school districts will attend: Allegany-Limestone, Archbishop Walsh, Austin Area Schools, Bath, Bolivar-Richburg, Bradford, Cuba-Rushford, Fillmore, Franklinville, Jamestown-Lutheran, Portville, Randolph, Seneca Nation, South Park and Southwestern. After 9 a.m. registration, students will listen to a keynote address from alumnus Amy Mo...

A book chronicling the rich 50-year history of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been published, and current president Dr. Livingston Alexander and former president Dr. Richard E. McDowell will autograph copies at a book signing next week on campus. The book-signing event, being held to mark the release of the book, “A History of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford,” will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 25, in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The event will begin with brief remarks by Alexander and McDowell in the Commons’ first-floor lobby. Following the remarks, Alexander and McDowell will move to the Panther Shop, where they will sign books. The book is currently available for pre-order at the Panther Shop’s online store at http://thepanthershop.com . Anyone pre-ordering the book will receive a 10 percent discount. Books also will be available for purchase beginning April 25 at the Panther Shop. The book signing, which is b...

(News Release) Responding to a growing shortage of volunteer firefighters, Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) and Senator Sean Wiley (D-49) have joined forces to introduce a bill to give municipalities the power to waive their local earned income tax for volunteer first responders. Volunteers at nonprofit emergency medical service (EMS) agencies would also be eligible to receive the tax credit. “If every local government in Pennsylvania had to convert to a paid firefighting force, it would cost an estimated $6 billion,” Baker said. “Giving firefighters a small break on their local taxes is a simple benefit that will compensate them in some small measure for their priceless life-saving work.” Senator Wiley agreed, noting, "Erie County is home to over 30 volunteer fire and EMS companies, organizations that give countless hours to ensure the safety and well-being of our neighbors. I am proud to work with Senator Baker on a piece of legislation that gives back to these brave men...

Four vehicles crashed at around 8 o’clock Tuesday night on the Mill Street Bridge of Route 219. First reports said 7 or 8 vehicles had crashed, but police say the rest of the vehicles had stopped to help the people involved in the accident. The bridge was completely iced over, which police say caused the crash. The road was closed for nearly 2 hours while police waited for PennDOT to treat it. Several people were taken to BRMC with minor injuries. Also last night, the southbound lanes of Route 219 from Bradford to Lantz Corners were closed at around 10 o'clock after two tractors trailers got stuck on a hill. South Kendall Avenue was closed from Looker Mountain Trailer to the top of the hill because of a tractor-trailer that was stuck. Again, it was because of icy conditions. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A jury has convicted a man who forced a child to have sex with him from June of 2008 to June of 2013. 39-year-old David Frederick of Duke Center was found guilty of corruption of minors, sexual in nature, and endangering the welfare of a child. The child was younger the 13. Frederick will be sentenced July 17 in McKean County Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man is accused of pointing a 12-guage shotgun at two people because he didn’t like the way a 13-year-old boy was looking at him. 29-year-old Eric Travis pointed the gun at a woman and the boy while they were in the Dairy Queen Drive-Thru and pumped it as if he was loading it. Travis told police he pointed the gun because the teenager stared at him in an odd way, but he wasn’t going to shoot them, according to court papers. Travis was sent to McKean County Jail on $25,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Beverly Jean Jackson, 67, of 87 Olean Road, Derrick City, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2014, at her residence. Born August 3, 1946, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Laura Jean (Stowell) Robbins. On May 29, 1965, in Bradford she married Jim Jackson, Jr. who survives. Mrs. Jackson was a 1964 graduate of Bradford High School. She, along with her husband, have owned and operated the Dari Hut for 23 years. She enjoyed camping and reading. In addition to her husband of 48 years she is survived by three daughters, Laurie (Art) Howell, Brenda (Jeffrey) Stack, and Angela Jackson; two sons, Kevin Jackson and Matthew Jackson; a sister, Susan D. Kunig, five grandchildren, and a niece and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter, Gabriella Jackson. Family will be receiving friends on Friday, April 18, 2014, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 33 South Ave., where funeral and commit...

Burglars did about $5,000 worth of damage to St. Boniface Elementary School in Elk County overnight. Police say the burglar or burglars removed an exhaust fan to get into the cafeteria, and then damaged the walls, doors and other items in the building. Then, they took about $145 in cash. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Ridgway-based state police or Elk County Crime Stoppers. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An 81-year-old guy just couldn’t handle Wal-Mart anymore. Or, more specifically, his wife shopping there. Ralph Ross of West Salem Township near Sharon is accused of pushing a shopping cart into the electric car is wife was driving, and then choking and shaking her. Police say Ross told them he got fed up with his wife wandering around the store and just lost it. He’s charged with assault, harassment and disorderly conduct and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Sexual abuse charges against a school bus driver accused of having inappropriate contact with a child have been dropped, but the man has pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child. 67-year-old John Hitchcock of Randolph had been accused of abusing young boy on a number of occasion between September and October of 2012 between Randolph and Ashville. Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley says he made the plea deal so the young victim would not have to testify in court, but Hitchcock would still be held accountable. Sentencing is scheduled for July 14. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man who took a loaded gun into the Seneca Niagara Casino because he was upset with other gamblers at a card table will spend 4 years in prison. The US Attorney’s Office says after 38-year-old Mashama Hill of Niagara Falls got upset he threatened to leave and come back with a gun. A short time later, he came back, wearing different clothes. Security saw him on video surveillance, searched him, and found the loaded gun. Hill had previously been convicted of a felony and was not allowed to have a gun. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Potter County man is accused of embezzling more than $6,000 from his union. The US Attorney’s Office say 46-year-old Robert Vargeson of Galeton was responsible for the financial records for the local branch of Communications Workers of America and, during 2012 and 2013, he falsified those records to cover the theft of about $6,300. If convicted, Vargeson faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

MIDLAND – Bradford resident Marissa Buchheit will be performing in the concert version of Jesus Christ Superstar this month at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center Professional Company show dates are April 25-27 and May 2-4. Buchheit will be featured as Soul Girl in this concert version which brings to life the songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice from the award-winning musical about the last days of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Based on the Gospels, the critically acclaimed rock opera profiles Jesus and those closest to him. Using contemporary elements, Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert highlights the struggles between Jesus and Judas and ends with the crucifixion. Currently a senior at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, Buchheit will graduate May 3 with bachelor’s degree in acting and a minor in broadcast journalism. During the past year her other professional credits have inc...

NIAGARA FALLS and SALAMANCA, N.Y. – The area’s best summer entertainment series just got better. Joining the all-star Summer Rush 2014 lineup at Seneca Casinos are a solo acoustic performance by Melissa Etheridge at Seneca Allegany Events Center on Sunday, June 22 and “The Voice” Live Tour on Friday, July 11 at Seneca Niagara Events Center. After a sold-out performance of boisterous rock in July 2011, Melissa Etheridge returns to Seneca Allegany Events Center in Salamanca, N.Y. – this time as part of her subdued and acoustic “This Is ME Solo” run of intimate, live shows. She will perform on Sunday, June 22 at 5 p.m.; tickets start at $50 and go on sale Monday, Apr. 21 at noon. Etheridge’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful, raspy voice are the hallmarks of emotional singles such as “Come to My Window,” “I’m the Only One,” “Like the Way I Do” and “I Want to Come Over.” Her latest single, “Uprising of Love,” became the inspiration for a new coalition by the same name that supports the saf...

Annabelle A. Bottone, 90, a loving mother and grammie of 5866 North St., Limestone, NY, passed away, Sunday, April 13, 2014, at her residence. Born January 13, 1924, in Limestone she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mabel Giardini. On January 1, 1942 in Limestone, she married Francis T. Bottone, who died on March 15, 2001. Mrs. Bottone was a 1941 graduate of Limestone High School. She had been employed at Zippo Manufacturing and retired after 30 years of service. After her retirement she worked for her son at Raffael's Cafe for 16 years. She was a lifetime member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Annabelle enjoyed camping at Red Oak with family and friends and her trips to Las Vegas playing the slot machines. She was the happiest spending time with her family which was almost daily and cooking for them. Anytime you stopped at Annabelle's the coffee pot was always on. A coupl...

Lee A. McKinley, Jr., 76, of 23 Orchard Valley Road, passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 at Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born January 4, 1938, in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Lee A. and Ruth (Moore) McKinley. On July 2, 1960 in Olean, NY, he married Sandra (Habgood) McKinley, who survives. He was a 1955 graduate of Bradford High School, where he was on the state championship football team. He attended the University of Buffalo, then transferred to Embrey Riddle Aeronautical Institute, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Upon completing his education, Mr. McKinley began his career with Pan American Airways in Miami, FL. In 1963, he and his family moved to Guatemala and he spent most of his career in the commercial airline industry working throughout Central America, South America, The caribbean and Mexico. In December of 1978, he returned to Bradford and began working for National Aviation Underwriters and then he worked for Avemco Insuranc...

There are several reasons to do the Willow Creek Triathlon –money helps disabled veterans and gives people a chance to do something for those who put their lives on the line for our freedom. Now there are two more reasons. Participants have the option of doing a duathlon this year. The committee organizers added individual duathlon and team duathlon – paring down the stages to the 15-mile bike and three mile run – for both individuals and teams. This is in addition to the standard sprint triathlon on the same course, which is a 300-yard swim in Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park, the bike leg to the Corydon Hotel and the run to Willows Restaurant. Registration is under way at www.score-this.com or www.willowcreektriathlon.org. This year’s event is set for Saturday, Aug. 2. “We added the duathlon for teams and individuals for those who may not want to do all three events,” said Race Director Gregg Reynolds.“The triathlon is in its ninth year and we felt like we could expand what we of...

Dr. Fang-Yi “Flora” Wei, associate professor of communications, has received the 2014 Chairs’ Faculty Teaching Award for excellence in teaching at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. “Flora Wei is a real gem of a teacher at Pitt-Bradford who uses the latest technology with ease in the classroom and is always ahead of the curve,” said Jeff Guterman, associate professor of broadcast communications and chairman of the Division of Communication and the Arts. Wei was chosen for the award by the chairmen and chairwoman of Pitt-Bradford’s five academic divisions. In choosing an award recipient, the chairpersons review letters of recommendation, student evaluations of teaching, syllabi and grade distribution. They also consider the teachers’ knowledge of subject matter and their advising and dedication in working with students beyond the classroom in activities such as internships and research projects. The award, which is now in its 13...

Power outages in Foster Brook and Eldred. Penelec expects power to be restored in Eldred at around 10:30 this morning. Crews have just been dispatched to Foster Brook, so there's no estimate on restoration yet. Kane is also experiencing a power outage. It should be restored by 10:30 a.m. All the outages are believed to be weather-related. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Police are investigating a burglary at TJ’s Corner Store in Lafayette Township early this morning. They say a white man between the ages of 35 and 45 dropped off a white man between the ages of 25 and 35, and the second man forced his way into the store and attempted to steal money and cigarettes. He was leaving with the store with two cartons of cigarettes when a citizen temporarily apprehended him in front of Tack’s Inn. The driver of the gold Chevy Lumina the dropped than man off then drove toward the citizen at a high rate of speed, nearly hitting him. The two the left, traveling east on Route 59. All the items the men were trying to steal were recovered, but two doors and a cash register were damaged. The estimate for the damage is $2,000. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Kane-based state police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947