Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Gerrit Cole struck out 10 batters in 8 1/3 innings to lead the Pirates to a 4-1 win over the Mets Friday night. He gave up only six hits – all singles – and lowered his ERA to 2.05. Chris Stewart had two hits and an RBI for Pittsburgh. Jung Ho Kang, Pedro Alvarez and Gregory Polanco also drove in runs as the Pirates dropped New York to 7-13 on the road. Prince Fielder smacked two homers, drove in four runs and helped the Texas Rangershold off the New York Yankees 10-9 Friday night for their third straight win. The Yankees have lost four in a row and eight of nine. Brandon Moss homered and drove in three runs, while Carlos Carrasco allowed two runs in six innings to help the Indians earn a 7-3 win over Cincinnati. It was Cleveland’s fourth win in a row and sixth in eight games. Washington Nationals beat the Philadelphia Phillies 2-1. The Phillies have lost three of four after winning six in a row. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford High’s Ashton McGriff broke the school record in the 400 during Friday’s PIAA Track & Field championships in Shippensburg. She not only broke the previous record set in 1996 – she shattered it by nearly a full second. And, she’s only a freshman. Unfortunately, she just missed out on a berth in the finals. Her sister Brooke competes in the pole vault today. Also yesterday, Kane’s Savannah Anderson medaled in the pole vault in Class AA. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Rick Nash scored twice and was dominant in the New York Rangers’ 5-1 win in Game 4 over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Rangers’ win evened the NHL Eastern Conference finals at two games apiece. ~~~ LeBron James had his 74th 30-point game in his postseason career, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 94-82 win over the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals. The Cavs are now up 2-0 in the series. The 30-point game ties James with Jerry West for fourth on the all-time list. Only Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant andKareem Abdul-Jabbar have more. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Smethport man charged in connection to a crash that killed an 8-year-old Shinglehouse boy in February of 2013 has pleaded no contest. 22-year-old Tieler Raymo pleaded to a charged of involuntary manslaughter, which was added as part of a plea agreement that dropped eight other charges, including homicide by vehicle. District Attorney Ray Learn explained that the reason the no contest plea was offered is that experts have differing opinions on the circumstances of the crash. Raymo is scheduled for sentencing on July 9. He remains free on unsecured bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Former McKean County Sheriff Brad Mason had been scheduled to appear in McKean County Court on Friday for a Last Day to Plea conference, but that has been moved to next month. Mason is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl who was renting a house from him in Bradford Township. The relationship was consensual. Mason resigned as sheriff in July of last year. The charges were filed in January. His next court appearance is now scheduled for June 18. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Kill Buck woman is accused of selling crack cocaine. The Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say 29-year-old Leah Thomas sold the crack in Great Valley in January. She’s charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Also, the task force picked up 33-year-old Jermaine Bordeaux of Buffalo on a parole warrant. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Ridgway man is facing charges for burning down an unoccupied house. State police say 43-year-old Robert Lilley was burning brush on property near the house in Daguscahonda at around 9 o’clock last night when the fire got out of control and caught the house on fire. Four fire departments battled the blaze. The building was a total loss. There was no insurance on it, and it was scheduled for demolition in a few weeks. No one was hurt. Lilley is charged with Dangerous Burning. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and One Book Bradford are teaming up to bring “Orphan Train” author Christina Baker Kline to Bradford this fall. Kline will visit Pitt-Bradford at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, when she will give a talk that will be open to the public in the Bromeley Family Theater of Blaisdell Hall. Her best-selling novel “Orphan Train” will be used as a common reader in freshman seminar and creative writing classes on campus. Community members are encouraged to read the book and attend as well. One Book Bradford is a collaborative venture under the auspices of the Bradford Area Public Library that annually chooses a book for the community to read together. Its annual events culminate with a visit to Bradford from the author. Pat Shinaberger, chairwoman of One Book Bradford, said, “Our committee is very excited to join Pitt-Bradford in bringing an author of Kline’s caliber to Bradford. We are hopeful this is just the beginning of something great ...

Hershey – Team Pennsylvania Foundation (Team PA) President Laura Williams has recognized 50 outstanding Pennsylvania companies and entrepreneurs for creating jobs, developing ideas, expanding into new markets and making positive contributions in local communities at the 2015 Governor’s ImPAct Awards. “Today we celebrate Pennsylvanians who work hard every day to help their workers thrive, to grow their companies, and to improve the communities in which they live.” said Ms. Williams. “All of these things, one day, one place at a time, help to make Pennsylvania better.” The Governor’s ImPAct Awards recognized 50 companies at the Hershey Lodge from throughout the state in five categories: Jobs That Pay, Community Impact, Small Business Impact, Entrepreneurial Impact and Export Impact. The awardees were chosen by an independent judging panel selected by the state’s partners, Team PA and Journal Multimedia. Nominations for each award were provided by the state’s regional economic developm...

The body of a man who had been missing since last Wednesday has been found. Authorities say the body of 64-year-old David Spink of Wyoming County was recovered from Chautauqua Lake at around 6:45 this morning. They haven’t released any further information yet. The search started a week ago when he didn’t show up to meet a fishing buddy. His truck and boat trailer were found at the Prendergast Point boat launch. His empty boat was found on the shore at Long Point State Park. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man is in jail for allegedly dragging his ex-girlfriend with his pickup truck, causing serious injuries, including a collapsed lung. Court papers say early this morning 26-year-old John Vinelli III and the victim were arguing while she was standing at the open passenger side door of the truck when he drove off. The open door knocked her down dragged her for “some distance,” but Vinelli didn’t stop. She said the battery in her phone was missing after the incident, so she couldn’t call for help, so she walked from Hillside Avenue to the Hotel Holley, where she knew the bartender, and they called for help. When police went to Vinelli’s house, he let his German Shepard out, and the dog charged toward one of the police officers. The dog later bit the officer’s arm. Police say it was apparent from his speech and his staggering that Vinelli was under the influence. His bail is set at $50,000. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Woods Beats Bartlett Pingie, Duffy, Church Win Yaros Defeats Yoder, McClure Unofficially incumbent Tom Riel has won the Republican primary for Bradford Mayor. He beat his opponent Paul Berg by a margin of about 2 to 1. Unofficially, : 1st Ward: Riel 20, Berg 12 2nd Ward: Riel 58, Berg 42 3rd Ward 1: Riel, 63, Berg 38 3rd Ward 2: Riel 100, Berg 22 4th Ward: Riel 100, Berg 26 5th Ward: Riel 31, Berg 16 6th Ward 1: Riel 101, Berg 45 6th Ward 2: Riel 72, Berg 40 In the race for McKean County District Attorney, it appears that Stephanie Vettenberg-Shaffer has defeated incumbent Ray Learn by a little more than 200 votes. Dan Woods has defeated Butch Bartlett for McKean County Sheriff by a vote of 3,340 to 1,532. Incumbent Al Pingie and Carol Duffy led the Republican pack in the race for McKean County Commissioner. They got 2,518 and 2,163 votes, respectively. On the Democratic ballot, Judy Church got 905 votes and incumbent Cliff Lane got 786. They’ll square off again in Nov...

As a young boy, Pittsburgh attorney John R. “Jack” McGinley Jr. would stay at St. Bonaventure University to visit one of his uncles and watch the Pittsburgh Steelers practice during training camp. That uncle — Fr. Silas (Dan) Rooney, O.F.M. — proved to be a “strong presence” in McGinley’s life and also within the large, tight-knit McGinley/Rooney family where athletics were encouraged and education valued. Now, as Jack McGinley celebrates 50 years as a Bona alumnus, he and his family and the Rita M. McGinley Foundation of which he is chair have committed $2 million to enhance University Ministries at St. Bonaventure. The gift will primarily be used to create a renewed ministries center on campus. “Jack McGinley, like his father and mother, always recognizes the strength that comes to us when we belong to communities of faith,” said Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., university president. “This gift will create a fitting center and expression of this fundamental creed: We must...

HARRISBURG – Families and friends visiting Pennsylvania’s popular outdoor spots over the Memorial Day holiday weekend can enjoy a day of free fishing, thanks to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend - May 24 – marks the first of two free fishing days in the Commonwealth. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone – residents and non-residents – to legally fish in Pennsylvania without a fishing license. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on both days, no fishing license is needed to fish in Pennsylvania's waterways. All other fishing regulations apply. “Fish-for-Free days offer an easy, convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “Many families already spend the day at lakes and parks throughout the state. Now they can try fishing at no cost. “We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do...

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane today announced multistate settlements with two deceptive cancer charities and three executives. The defendants are accused of accepting millions of dollars in donations earmarked for cancer victims and using much of that money for their personal gain. The multistate group of regulators also sued three non-settling defendants. The settlements with the Children’s Cancer Fund of America, the Breast Cancer Society and the three executives will result in combined payments of approximately $914,000. It also permanently prevents the executives — Rose Perkins, Kyle Effler and Jim Reynolds II — from managing charitable assets in the future. “Everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another,” Attorney General Kane said. “That is what makes this so unfathomable. To take not only from hard-working Americans but sick women and children as well, that is something I will not stand for.” Perkins was executive director of the Children’s Cance...

Carolyn Diane Breznik 25, formerly of Bradford, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) introduced H.R. 2407, the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015. “Milk is the number one source of nine essential nutrients in many young American’s diets and provides many significant health benefits,” said Congressman Thompson. “The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015 seeks to reverse the decline of milk consumption in schools throughout Pennsylvania and across the country,” added Thompson. “As our nation works to replace ‘empty calorie’ foods in our children’s school meals, one thing is clear—low-fat dairy is the opposite of ‘empty,’” said Congressman Courtney. “It packs valuable nutrients including protein, potassium, and calcium—a solid foundation for building a healthy menu in America’s schools,” Courtney added. “With Congress set to reauthorize school nutrition programs this year, we applaud Congressman Thompson and Congressman Courtney for introducing this bill, and for recogn...

Police are reporting two burglaries in Potter County – one solved; one still under investigation. They say at about 8:30 on May 10 21-year-old Cody Plants of Roulette went into Silverbrook Storage on River Street in Roulette Township and took an ATV from a storage building. He was taken into custody and placed in Potter County Jail on a probation detainer. Burglary and related charges will be filed. Earlier in the month, someone broke into Mildred Williams’ Roulette home and damaged the ceiling. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact state police. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The mother of a 1-year-old will be charged with manslaughter after the little girl’s death last month. Mila Whipple died in Women and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo two days after being taken there by Mercy Flight. Hospital staff told police the baby was probably abused. Salamanca Police arrested Mila's mother 24-year-old Leslie Finch this afternoon. Finch is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter, first-degree reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child. She's in Cattaraugus County Jail on $100,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By SENATOR JOE SCARNATI Pennsylvania faces a monumental state pension crisis. Public employee pension systems were initially designed with the goal of balancing the retirement benefits of employees and interests of taxpayers. Unfortunately, economic conditions over the past several years have tipped the scales heavily against taxpayers. The state’s pension obligations are staggering. This year alone, we face a $1 billion increase in our pension contributions (in addition to $3.5 billion spent in 2014-15). As the pension crisis has continued to devour state resources and drive up property taxes, viable solutions have been difficult to come by. In the Senate, we have been actively working to find a solution to this increasing problem. I recently joined my Senate colleagues in passing Senate Bill 1, legislation to restore balance by restructuring the state’s public employee pension systems. While the pension problems are extremely complex, the goals and facts of Senate Bill 1 a...

A woman accused of beating another woman to death last month has waived her preliminary hearing. 27-year-old Danielle Craker of Corry is accused of beating Robin Ostrowski in her Warren apartment on April 15. County coroner Jerry Borden, who pronounced Ostrowski dead at the scene, said she was severely beaten in the head and face. Craker remains in Warren County Jail without bail on one count of criminal homicide. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man is accused of grabbing the owner of the Hotel Holley by the throat after being told he wasn’t allowed on the property. Court records say 50-year-old Mark Andress was told by owner Joseph Troutman that he wasn’t allowed on the property and, as Andress entered the main lobby he shoved Troutman and grabbed him by the throat. The incident happened last month. Andress was arraigned this morning. Andress is charged with simple assault and harassment, and is free on unsecured bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947