Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

City of Bradford Police today investigated a trespassing incident on Bishop Street, disturbances on South Center Street and South Avenue and a report of harassment by communication on Williams Street. They also went to a domestic incident on Cornen Street, issued a traffic citation on Route 219 and dealt with a public drunk on Chestnut Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Police defused a potentially explosive situation in St. Marys this afternoon. City police say a man bought a box of used items unaware that it contained older blasting caps and detonation cord. When he discovered the items he drove to the police station, left the items in his truck and went inside to ask how to dispose of them. Police established a safety area around the truck and evacuated two nearby homes while waiting for explosive technicians from Penn State as well as state police to arrive. When they got there, they safely removed the items from the truck, moved them to a safe location and destroyed them. Crystal Fire Department and St. Marys Ambulance assisted. No criminal charges will be filed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Jean Ann Shields, 67, a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, of 15 W. Irvine St. Lewis Run, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2014, after a yearlong courageous battle with brain cancer. Born December 30, 1946 in Uniontown, she was the daughter of the late James Robinson and Ellen Jean (Metz) Hochstetler. Jean Ann was a 1964 graduate of South Union High School and a 1968 Home Economics graduate of Mansfield State College. She completed her Elementary certificate at Clarion University. On November 29, 1968, in the Falls City Baptist Church in Ohiopyle, she married James E. Shields Sr. who survives. She began her career as a second grade teacher at the Eldred Borough Elementary School in the Otto Eldred School District. In 1970 she began teaching in the Bradford Area School District. She taught second grade at M.J. Ryan School then in 1990 went to School Street Elementary from which she retired in 2003. Jean Ann was a 37 year member of the Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Departme...

HARRISBURG – The State Senate has recently passed bi-partisan legislation to begin reforming Pennsylvania’s pension system by moving members of the General Assembly and other statewide elected officials to a defined contribution plan, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). Scarnati explained that last month the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 922, which takes an important first step to move all elected officials, including members of the General Assembly, out of a defined benefit public pension plan to remove this financial burden from taxpayers. “Reforming public pension benefits is an important goal that Senate Republicans have been engaged in throughout the current legislative session,” Scarnati said. “Leading by example is what Pennsylvania residents expect and deserve from their elected officials.” The amended version of Senate Bill 922, which was approved in a historic vote by the full Senate, would remove members of the Senate and House of Representative...

Sue Gleason has been named the new director of the Academic Advising Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The center’s staff work with students who have yet to declare a major or who are interested in changing majors by helping them understand degree requirements and academic policies and procedures. In her role as director, Gleason works with new faculty as well to provide them with advising training, assists with various aspects of student orientations and works closely with all faculty. She also is responsible for the Early Intervention Program and monitoring student progress. In the classroom, she teaches one section each year of Freshman Seminar and several management courses within the Division of Management and Education. Previously, Gleason served as the academic advisor in the Academic Advising Center, an assistant director of financial aid and administrative assistant for the Admissions Office and Office of Financial Aid. She holds ...

A two-year-old boy was hurt earlier this week in a UTV accident in Potter County. Police say the UTV driven by 29-year-old Tanya Reisinger hit a railroad tie on the lawn of a house on School Street in Harrison Township, causing the little boy to fall off the vehicle. The toddler was not wearing a helmet. He was taken to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. Reisinger was cited for allowing a passenger to ride without a helmet. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Amish shop owner was robbed at gunpoint late Thursday afternoon, and a Cherry Creek man is jail for committing the crime. Sheriff’s deputies say the owner of the shop on Chapman Road in the Town of Conewango went to the shop to help a person he thought was a customer, but was then confronted by a bandana-wearing man who pointed a pistol at him and demanded money. The robber then tied the shop owner up and left him on the floor while he emptied the cash register. The shop owner was able to give deputies a description of the getaway vehicle, which led them to the home of 22-year-old Michael Dybka, who was charged with robbery and sent to Cattaraugus County Jail on $100,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man with a lengthy criminal history will spend the next three to 10 years in state prison. 58-year-old Thomas Bottorf, whose RAP sheet goes back to 1969, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in one case, and possession with intent to deliver in two others. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Pope Francis is coming to Pennsylvania. The Catholic News Service reported today that the pope will attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia from September 22 to 27 of next year. This is will be the pope’s first US visit. He is also considering visits to New York and Washington. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two people had to be taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle crash Thursday on Webster Road in the Town of Pomfret. Sheriff’s Deputies say 53-year-old Christopher Brunecz of Fredonia pulled his pickup truck out of a driveway in front of a vehicle driven by 22-year-old Mitchell Laurie, also of Fredonia. A female passenger and a child in Brunecz's vehicle were taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk with minor injuries. Brunecz was not hurt, and Laurie declined treatment at the scene. No charges were filed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Ulysses man is accused of getting into a fight with one man early Monday morning, and another man Monday night. State police say 31-year-old Michael Whitney got into a fight with 23-year-old Eric Shaffer at around 1 a.m. on Pleasant Street in Ulysses. Whitney was charged with simple assault. Shaffer was charged with harassment. At about 9:15 p.m. Whitney got into a fight with 22-year-old Zachary Vetter on North Street in the borough. They were both charged with harassment. Police say both cases are closed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City police investigated a possible drug act violation on Jackson Avenue, thefts on Prendergast Avenue and Davis Street, and motor vehicle accidents at Barbour and Bushnell streets and at Williams Street and Edna Avenue. They were called to domestic incidents on South Center and Bushnell streets and on Jackson Avenue, and to traffic and parking problems on Davis Street and Charlotte Avenue. Officers responded to calls about criminal mischief on Boylston Street, harassment on South and Holley avenues, disturbances on Futures Way, Belleview Avenue and High Street, and disorderly conduct on Tibbetts Avenue and Pearl Street. Police also got complaints concerning an animal on Lincoln Avenue, a public drunk on School Street and suspicious activity on Barbour Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Guy Bennett has resigned as executive director of the Bradford Area Public Library, effective August 6. Bennett is currently on a leave of absence. The library’s board of trustees accepted his resignation during a special meeting this afternoon. Board chair Chris Minich says the board and staff appreciate the improvements Bennett has provided over the past 10 months, and they wish him success in the future. The search has already started for a new executive director, which requires a master’s degree in library and information science. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A box truck got stuck under a flatbed truck in a three-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in Warren County. Police say the box truck driven by 18-year-old Nikalas Guadagnino of Kane hit the flatbed after failing to slow down at the intersection of Route 6 and Griff Hill Road in Mead Township. Guadagnino and his 16-year-old passenger, Ryan Alenali of Kane, had to be freed from the truck by EMS personnel, and were then taken by Star Flight and Life Star helicopters to UPMC Hamot in Erie for treatment of major injuries. After being hit by the box truck, the flatbed hit a pickup truck driven by 44-year-old Lars Olsson of Mount Jewett. Neither Olsson nor the flatbed driver, 44-year-old Scott Stillson of Warren, were hurt. Police are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Edward D. Lineman, 80, of 86 Oxford Street, went on to Glory, Wednesday, July 23, 2014, in his residence. Born February 25, 1934, in Bradford he was a son of the late Melvin and Mae (Whitling) Lineman. On December 21, 1957 at the Church of the Nazarene he married Ruthanne (Burritt) Lineman who survives. Mr. Lineman was a 1952 graduate of Bradford HIgh School, and attended Jamestown Business College. On February 19, 1953 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on February 18, 1957. He was employed as a Window Clerk at the United States Postal Service for 35 years. He was a lifetime member of First Church of the Nazarene where he served on the Church Board, and financial secretary for many years and Eldred Koinonia Fellowship. He was a volunteer for the American Red Cross Bloodmobile and the treasurer for the United States Postal Credit Union. Surviving in addition to his wife of 56 years are four sons, Brian Li...

People driving at 70 mph on Interstate 80 can start doing it legally next month – at least on parts of the road. 88 miles of I-80 – from Exit 101 in DuBois to mile marker 189 in Clinton County will have the 70 mph limit starting August 11. News Release: Pennsylvania moved ahead with steps to make travel more efficient today as the Pa. Turnpike activated its 70 mph speed limit from Blue Mountain (Interchange 201) to Morgantown (Interchange 298) and PennDOT announced it will launch 70 mph pilot projects on a pair of interstates next month. “As we increase the speed limit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, motorists need to increase their restraint behind the wheel accordingly,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Remember, even though we’re increasing the speed limit, motorists still must obey the law and drive safety. After all, 70 mph is the maximum speed, not the mandatory speed.” The Turnpike’s new 70 mph signs were put in place yesterday; it took Turnpike maintenance employees about s...

W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery continued its 125th anniversary celebration today by holding a picnic lunch for its employees and unveiling a custom made knife that is now on display in the Zippo/Case Museum on a pedestal that carries the names of all the current Case employees. Zippo/Case President CEO Greg Booth joked about how happy he was to find his name on the display. "I made the cut," he said. As for the knife itself, Zippo/Case owner George Duke simply said, "That is great. Fantastic." Artisan Mike DuBois crafted the special knife. Case Director of Marketing John Sullivan said today’s events were designed as a thank you to the company’s dedicated employees. Sullivan also noted that the community is a big part of Case’s success, which is why the “Thank you, Bradford” message is on the sign at the Davis and Main Street intersection. The Case factory on Owens Way is currently going through a $10 million renovation which, Sullivan says, will keep the com...

Dr. Elmer C. Myers, Jr., 74, of Gifford, passed away Monday, July 21, 2014, at his residence. Born July 1, 1940, in Altoona, he was the son of the late Elmer C. and Twila (Aber) Myers, Sr. Dr. Myers was a graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School in Blair County. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Science from Lock Haven University and his Masters Degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He pursued doctoral studies at Penn State University and completed his PhD in Educational Administration at the University of Pennsylvania. Elmer taught in the elementary grades in Bellwood-Antis. He served as Elementary Supervisor in the Northern York County School District, Director of Elementary Education in DuBois, and Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education in Corry. He was Director of Curriculum and Instruction and later Superintendent of Schools in the Pocono Mountain School District. Dr. Myers served the Bradford community as Superintendent of Schools fr...

Three people were hurt – one seriously – in a three car-crash at 11 o’clock this morning on Route 16 in Franklinville. State police say a vehicle driven by 29-year-old Erica Dainotto of Machias cross the center line and hit two other vehicles. Dainotto sustained multiple injuries and was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC in Buffalo, where she is in serious condition. The driver of the second vehicle, 58-year-old Thomas Young of Hamburg, was taken by ambulance to Bertrand Chafee Hospital in Springville with neck pain. The third driver, 36-year-old Jill Davidson of Clarence Center, was taken by ambulance to Olean General Hospital, also with neck pain. Dainotto was charged with failure to keep right, and troopers say other possible charges are pending. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Police believe they’ve solved the case of a string of church burglaries in Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties. 18-year-old Thomas Archer and 18-year-old Christopher Rose, both of Machias, 18-year-old Danae Chiarilli of Cuba and 20-year-old Christopher Boilard of Franklinville, are accused of stealing case, two safes, musical equipment and other smaller items over a period of three days. They are all charged with burglary, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, grand larceny and criminal mischief. All four are in Cattaraugus County Jail on $10,000 cash bail each and have been scheduled to appear in Court on Thursday. State Police photos The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The City of Bradford has an assistant fire chief for the first time in 20 years. Rich Zmuda was appointed to the post during tonight’s city council meeting. Prior to voting on the move Councilman Rhett Kennedy, who oversees the fire department, explained that the position has always been on the books, but hasn’t been filled since 1994. Kennedy said utilizing the position again will improve management of the fire department, although he said there's nothing wrong with the current management. He added that it will make the department even better. In other fire department matters, council approved an $11,270 payment to Witmer Public Safety Group for a thermal imaging camera and a $2,352 payment to Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. for fire hose and couplings. Fire Chief Chris Angell pointed out that the money for the purchases is part of a state grant. Also, council authorized a change order with Bob Cummins Construction for the Congress Street Streetscape Improvement Project. Dur...

Police think they know who started eight fires in Tidioute last month. 24-year-old Nicholas Cochran of Sheffield is charged with eight felony counts of reckless burning or exploding, and one count each of risking a catastrophe and felony criminal mischief. He’s in Warren County Jail on $200,000 bond. Back on June 1, firefighters got a call about a vehicle fire and explosion behind Tidioute Towers at just before 2 a.m. They got several more calls over the next several hours, most involving vehicles, but one about smoking coming from the concession stand at the ball field. Damage is estimated at $80,000. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man accused of threatening to kill several police officers during a domestic incident on Amm Street early Sunday morning is now in McKean County Jail. 54-year-old James Munson had to be hit with a stun gun three times before officers could subdue him, according to court papers. Police believe Munson was under the influence of crack cocaine during the incident that started when he hit a woman several times in the face. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947