Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The Cameron County Red Raider Marching Band was one of three that performed in exhibition tonight during the 35th Annual Autumn Classic at Parkway Field. The other two were Bradford and Otto-Eldred. Cameron County has been selected to be the official state representative band for the 2014 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 7. If tonight's performance is any indication, they will do us proud! As for the results for the bands that were being judged: Class A: Coudersport 3rd, Port Allegany 2nd, Saegertown 1st Class AA: Cochranton 1st Class AAA: General McLane 2nd, Iroquois 1st You can see more pictures at Facebook.com/1490wesb . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Cattaraugus County woman is facing theft and fraud charged after taking thousands of dollars from acquaintances. State troopers say 54-year-old Susan McKay of Delevan acquired more than $100,000 from various acquaintances over a period of 2 to 3 years, and did it under false pretenses. Police did not elaborate. After being arraigned in Town of Freedom Court, she was released pending further court proceedings. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford hospitality management program will mark World Tourism Day Sept. 27 with a service project in downtown Bradford that will also promote the downtown area as a place for students to spend time. In keeping with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Community Development,” volunteers from Pitt-Bradford will perform general clean-up and projects requested by business owners from 10 a.m. until noon in the area of Main Street downtown. From noon to 3 p.m., a Main Street Fair will be held for all students to see what is available in Bradford and specifically, what student specials are available for them. The hospitality management program is working with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority to encourage businesses to set up sidewalk sales and promotions for students. Businesses not on Main Street downtown can set up on Veterans Square, where inform...

August Jobs Report a Stark Reminder  By Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its August jobs report that indicated only 142,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy, marking the lowest amount of job growth in 2014. Perhaps worse, only 62.8 percent of the working aged population is currently employed. During the week of September 12th, 315,000 Americans applied for unemployment aid, an increase of 11,000 claims from the previous week and more than all summer. As the economy continues to creep along with marginal growth, more people continue to feel that the country is heading in the wrong direction. A recent POLITICO poll indicated that 57 percent of likely voters disapprove of President Obama’s handling of the economy. Unfortunately, we are caught in the president’s second term slump, where international crisis has risen to the forefront, while Americans continue to struggle at home. While President Obama cannot bear ...

Everyone is invited to join Ca$h Mob Bradford as it makes its next “hit” this Saturday, September 20th at 11am. Those interested in participating should bring at least $20 cash to spend and meet at Veterans’ Square, where the target business will be announced. The Ca$h Mob Bradford program is organized by the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to stimulate the economy and support locally owned businesses. The idea was put into action after a local resident shared information about the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce’s successful cash mob program with Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce staff. Ca$h Mob Bradford will target a different BACC member business each month, with mobsters each spending $20 or more in cash at the target--which is not announced until the day of the event. “We had a great turnout and a great time at the first Ca$h Mob Bradford event in August,” said Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Event Coordinator Kara Kennedy. “We are hoping for at least 25 mobs...

Besides talking like a pirate, you can celebrate by learning more about pirates (including those baseball players in Pittsburgh). Listen to my chat with Eric Riback here . Go here to see a copy of the map http://bellaterramaps.com/pirates.html The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford woman who police say was distracted by her phone and food was seriously hurt in a crash this morning near the East Main Street Kwik Fill. City police say at 1:35 a.m. a car driven by 36-year-old Cherish McKee hit a parked SUV, causing a chain reaction and damage to three other parked vehicles. McKee had to be freed from her vehicle by fire department personnel, who then took her to BRMC. Police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash as well. They are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A two-year-old Amish boy is dead following a house fire Thursday afternoon in Busti. The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team says firefighters knew Eli Shetler was missing when they arrived on the scene, and knew he was probably on the third floor. But, because of the intensity of the blaze, they couldn’t get to him until it was too late. The fire was started by children playing with matches. 13 fire departments and the Chautauqua County Tech Rescue Team were on the scene. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Former Bradford OB/GYN Abaz Sosic will be on probation for nearly two years. He was sentenced Thursday in McKean County Court after pleading guilty back in June to indecent assault for having inappropriate contact with a an employee in January and a patient in June of 2012. In a statement to the court, Sosic apologized for his behavior. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Range Resources has been fined more than $4 million for violations at six of its Washington County impoundments. The DEP consent order requires the company to pay the $4.2 million fine – the largest against an oil and gas operator since Marcellus and Utica shale drilling started in Pennsylvania – close five impoundments and upgrade two others to meet higher standards that are currently under development. DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. “This landmark consent order establishes a new, higher benchmark for companies to meet when designing future impoundments, which is an environmental win for Pennsylvania.” Violations at the impoundments include various releases of contaminants, such as leaking flowback that affected soil and groundwater. To date there has been no impact on drinking water. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man originally charged with attempted murder for throwing gasoline in the faces of two people in an attempt to set them on fire has pleaded guilty to attempted assault. 42-year-old Chris Sherlock of Olean threw the gasoline at the people in the early morning hours of September 5, 2013. He was in violation of an order of protection during the incident. Sherlock was originally charged with two counts each of attempted murder attempted assault as well as reckless endangerment, criminal contempt, stalking and menacing. Besides attempted assault, he also pleaded guilty to criminal contempt. He is scheduled for sentencing on November 24 in Cattaraugus County Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) issued the following statement upon passage of H. J. Res. 24, Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015, which includes provisions fulfilling the President's request to train and equip vetted Syrian forces against the terrorist group ISIL: “We are presented with few good options about how to best confront ISIL. However, failing to confront the growing threat it poses to regional stability and U.S. national security, is not an option. Today the House passed a bipartisan resolution that is part of a strategy to combat and defeat this brutal terrorist group. Importantly, the resolution does not authorize U.S. troops in a combat role and includes new oversight provisions to ensure the Administration’s plan is managed effectively and within the confines of the law.” H. J. Res. 24 passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 319 - 108. The Senate is expected to consider the measure later this week. NPR on ...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will host a Firearms Safety and Rights Seminar on Monday, Oct. 27, at the Smethport Fire Hall. People who wish to attend must register in advance by visiting www.RepCauser.com or calling 1-866-437-8181. Seating is limited. “This region is home to many gun owners, and it is important for all of us to be knowledgeable about our rights and responsibilities, and to practice safety when using or storing our firearms,” Causer said. “The free seminar is an opportunity to refresh our memories and discuss these important issues.” The seminar will feature a presentation by Ray Learn, McKean County District Attorney, and Roger Sager, McKean County deputy sheriff and long-time firearms instructor. The two will discuss Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws, the Castle Doctrine and other valuable information regarding state gun laws and gun safety. The seminar runs from 6-8 p.m. The fire hall is located at 109 S. Nelson St. in Smethpor...

Dr. Gregory Page, associate professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, made a presentation at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention last month on data gathered from the McKean County Court of Common Pleas. Page examined the court records and judicial files of 258 defendants processed by the McKean County Court of Common Pleas during 2012. While preserving anonymity of each defendant, Page recorded characteristics associated with each, such as age, sex, prior offenses, drug and alcohol use, and/or treatment, etc. Page was particularly interested in the characteristics of a rural population since previous research has neglected to explore rural court systems. By examining court records, he was able to include defendants who were not incarcerated in addition to those who were incarcerated, thereby giving a more complete picture of the rural defendants. Page plans to expand the data set to include 10 year...

A man who had been banned from the Seneca Allegany Casino is facing charges for going back in. 52-year-old Donald Pettit of Friendship had been banned back in December of 2009. He was arrested as he entered the casino last Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with trespassing and was scheduled to appear in City of Salamanca Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two people were seriously hurt when their vehicles collided head-on this morning on Route 62 in Kiantone. Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies say 48-year-old Radha Latona of Kiantone was traveling north, but her vehicle crossed the center line and hit a vehicle driven by 67-year-old Douglas Bergstrom of Jamestown. Latona had to be freed from her vehicle by personnel from the Warren, Frewsburg and Kiantone fire department. Both she and Bergstrom had to be flown to UPMC Hamot for treatment. Deputies are continuing their investigation and say charges may be filed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A tractor-trailer and three other vehicles were involved in a crash Monday afternoon on Route 417 in Kill Buck. Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies say a car driven by 22-year-old William Pavlicin of Greenville, New York, was waiting to make a left turn when the tractor-trailer driven by 57-year-old Jaymie Smith of Odessa, New York, rear-ended it, and sent it into oncoming traffic, where it collided with a vehicle driven by 42-year-old Brian Aleo of Hudson, New York. Aleo’s vehicle spun around and hit a vehicle that was parked at Mikey’s Emporium. Aleo was taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment of his injuries. No one else was hurt. Smith was issued tickets for following too closely and driving out of class. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An infant is being treated for multiple skull fractures after the Amish buggy he was in was hit by another vehicle. Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s deputies say the buggy was on Route 62 in Leon late Monday afternoon when a pickup truck driven by 33-year-old Peter Riley of Conewango hit it. Marie Miller, her 5-week-old son and one-year-old son were all thrown from the buggy. The one-year-old suffered a cut to his eye and was taken to Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo for treatment. Miller and the infant were taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital. Charges are pending. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

After a car slammed into a house in Portville an Olean woman was arrested and sent to Cattaraugus County Jail. State police say Meaghan Jackson was on Route 417 when her car went out of control, left the road and hit the house. She failed field sobriety tests and was subsequently arrested for driving while ability impaired by drugs. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

As part of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Alumni and Family Weekend, Pitt-Bradford will celebrate its 3rd annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival. The festival will be from noon to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4 in Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. This event is free and open to the public. Twenty-two films, which begin at noon, are on the schedule this year. Several breaks throughout the day will allow time for discussion, food, and live music from regional musicians Stony and Company. Additionally, there will be door prizes throughout the day. Each attendant will receive a free ticket for the chance to win several grand door prizes, including a mountain bike donated by sponsor Just Riding Along, and a Kayak donated by the Sportsman’ Outlet. There will be other prizes from national partners Cliff Bar and Klean Kanteen, and area sponsors, including Stoneman Guitars, Zippo Manufacturing Co., and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery. Short films from the South Yu...

By Laura Meyers SBU ’15 ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y., Sept. 16, 2014 — During this year’s Welcome Days, the St. Bonaventure University class of 2018 learned that there is much more to Bona’s than the degree on their horizon. As has become tradition, this freshman class was warmly introduced to the campus with smiles, information packets and an envelope containing a crisp $1 bill. Still unaware of the purpose of the dollar, the students went about settling into their new college lives. The following day, each student was asked to either keep the dollar or donate the dollar back to the university. By offering this choice, the students were introduced to the concept of philanthropy and The Power of a Bonnie, which encourages fellow Bonnies, past and present, to give back to their university. This year, nearly every member of the freshman class returned the money, and with these donations, St. Bonaventure was able to fund two $250 scholarships for fellow freshman students. ...

PORTVILLE, N.Y. – Fall in love with the outdoors this Saturday with a Family Autumn Walk sponsored by the Pfeiffer Nature Center. This family-oriented event will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1974 Lillibridge Road. The walk will include snacks and games. “Explore the forest, learn about the vernal pool and what creatures live in our fields,” said executive director Chris Walden. There is no cost for members of the Pfeiffer Nature Center and is just $8 per family for non-members. Reserve your spot online at pfeiffernaturecenter.org. Registrations must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Pictured, Children enjoy the outdoors during a workshop at the Pfeiffer Nature Center in Portville, N.Y. A Family Autumn Walk is set for this Saturday. Photo courtesy of Pfeiffer Nature Center The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The New York State Police based in Amity are investigating a robbery which occurred 3:25 this morning at the 7-11 Convenience store at 22 Main St. in the Village of Almond in Allegany County. Two white male subjects entered the store and demanded money from the cashier. The cashier then handed over an undetermined amount of cash and the two suspects fled the scene on foot. The suspects were last observed running north from this establishment. No weapon was threatened or displayed. The suspects are believed to be in their late teens or early 20s, approximately 5' 9 and 150 to 180 lbs. The State Police request that anyone with information or that can help identify the suspects to please contact the NYSP Amity BCI at 585-268-9031. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – The Property Tax Independence Act was approved by the Senate Finance Committee today, according to the bill’s prime sponsors Senators David G. Argall (R-29), Mike Folmer (R-48), Judy Schwank (D-11) and John Yudichak (D-14). “Today marks the first time in Senate history that there has been a vote in favor of eliminating the school property tax and represents a major victory for homeowners throughout the state,” Argall said. “For too many years, legislative plans to remedy this problem have languished in committee, never to see the light of day. While much work remains in the battle to rid ourselves of the state’s most-hated tax, approval of this legislation by the Senate Finance Committee is considerable progress toward our ultimate goal of removing this burden from homeowners once and for all.” Senate Bill 76 would eliminate all school property taxes across the state. To replace the revenue the property tax currently provides to public schools, the legislation woul...

One of the young people charged in connection to a string of church burglaries back in July in Cattaraugus County has pleaded guilty. Christopher Boilard of Franklinville, who turns 21 on Thursday, stole cash, two safes, musical equipment and other smaller items from eight churches over a period of three days. Boilard pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and was scheduled for sentencing on November 17. His three co-defendants have not entered pleas yet. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947