Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A bill to require Pennsylvania voters to show photo ID before their ballot is counted has passed the state Senate. The bill now goes on to the state House for approval. If it passes the House and is signed by Governor Tom Corbett, Pennsylvania would be the 16th state to require ID before voting. Democrats say Republicans are trying to suppress turnout by traditionally Democratic voters such as the disabled, poor and minorities. Many Board of Elections officials across the state say it will make lines at polling places longer and slower, but will do nothing to improve security. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 71-year-old West Washington Street man accused of threatening to kill another man with a shotgun at his home and outside Marsh’s Bar back in November has waived his preliminary hearing. Paul Smead is facing charges of disorderly conduct and DUI. A felony count of aggravated assault, as well as several misdemeanors, have been dismissed. Smead is free on bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Pitt-Bradford will hold the seventh annual Empty Bowls and Baskets Dinner of homemade soup and bread to heighten awareness of the fight against hunger and to raise money for the Friendship Table. The dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door. Diners are invited to take home a hand-painted ceramic bowl, handcrafted basket or hand-sewn cloth napkins as a reminder that someone else’s bowl might be empty. To date, close to $8,855 has been raised to benefit the Friendship Table. Dr. Holly J. Spittler, associate dean of student affairs and director of career services, who is chairwoman of the event, said, “What makes the Empty Bowls and Baskets project so special is that people of all ages and backgrounds in our community come together to fight hunger and raise awareness of a growing problem at home and abroad.” Pitt-Bradford faculty and staff, members of the Alpha Ph...

Charges against a Bradford woman accused of assaulting a man with a glass ashtray have been bound to court following a preliminary hearing in front of District Judge Dominic Cercone. 49-year-old Sharon Fitzsimmons is accused of hitting a man in the face with the ashtray at around 2 a.m. on August 5. Court papers say after the ashtray broke, she continued to hit him with it. When police arrived the man had several lacerations on his cheek and finger, and blood on his neck. Fitzsimmons is free on unsecured bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

State police are investigating an incident of indecent exposure in Emporium. They say at about 4:40 a.m. on Sunday a man woke up his girlfriend’s daughter while she was sleeping on the couch, and his genitals were exposed. Police did not release the suspect’s name or the age of the victim, but did say she is a juvenile. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Potter County man who pleaded guilty to raping two young girls will not get a new trial. 49-year-old David Thomas, formerly of Coudesport, asked for a new trial claiming ineffective representation by his attorneys. Judge Stephen Minor denied his request. In March of 2010 Thomas was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison, and is currently at SCI-Albion. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Another arrest has been made in connection to methamphetamine sales in the Wellsville area. New York State Police say a lengthy narcotics investigation resulted in the arrest of 34-year-old Keith Moore of Willing. He was arrested on a grand jury indictment warrant for two counts each of criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Senator Scarnati discusses his legislation - SB10 The Individual Healthcare Freedom Amendment: March 7, 2012 - Senator Scarnati discusses his legislation - SB10 The Individual Healthcare Freedom Amendment from Senator Scarnati on Vimeo . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Congratulations to Scott Douglas and The Morning Buzz for winning a Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Award! The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

St. Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt was chosen by staff writers and editors at Sporting News as the Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year, the publication announced on its website Tuesday. Schmidt guided the Bonnies to a 17-11 overall record, going 10-6 in conference play in 2011-12. The 17 wins tied a career best for Schmidt -- who went 17-11 with Robert Morris during the 2006-07 season prior to his arrival – and rank as the most for the Brown and White since the 2001-02 season (17-13). The 10-6 standing in A-10 play was enough to tie Xavier for third in the conference and the fourth seed – along with a first-round bye – in the A-10 Championship this weekend in Atlantic City, N.J. It also marked just the third season in program history with 10 conference wins, and the first since the 1999-2000 squad went 11-5 en route to the NCAA Tournament. Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Andrew Nicholson, a Schmidt recruit, leads the conference in points per game (17.9) and ranks second in reb...

The Tuesday Trivia Question from St. Bonaventure University -- Where were the windows of the Doyle Chapel manufactured?* -- reminded me that I didn't post pictures from One Book Bradford's Glass Heritage Luncheon held on Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church. So, here they are: One of the windows of the sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church. Several glass artists showed off their creations. Pat Shinaberger, Pat Donahue and Cheryl Bazzoui serve up chili to the luncheoners. Another window at the Presbyterian Church. People who attended the event were also able to tour the First United Methodist and St. Bernard's Catholic churches. One Book Bradford events culminate on May 1 when Susan Vreeland, author of "Clara and Mr. Tiffany," gives a talk at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. It's free and open to the public. ~~~~~ *Paris, France http://web.sbu.edu/friedsam/archives/chapel/windows.htm The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Center for Rural Health Practice’s WalkWorks program wrapped up this month, but leaves designated walking trails and a core group of walkers. The program was administered by the center at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. When WalkWorks kicked off in Bradford, Kane, Port Allegany and Smethport last year, more than 120 participants in nine walking groups registered; 50 participants have stayed with the program, logging a total of 4,035 hours of walking. Support from local governments allowed the designation of four existing community walkways with WalkWorks signs and stencils that can continue to be used in communities. Claudia Caminite, project coordinator, worked with borough managers and other local officials to identify flat, accessible walking paths. In Bradford, the Richard E. McDowell Community Trail is the designated walkway. The 1.8-mile Kane route circles Evergreen Park and also inclu...

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today praised the passage of bipartisan legislation to prevent the repeal of trade remedies that help Pennsylvania companies compete against unfair imports from countries like China. “This is a big victory for Pennsylvania’s workers,” Senator Casey said. “For far too long, China has been allowed to disadvantage U.S. manufacturers though unfair trade practices and this law will help crack down on China to level the playing field for our workers.” The legislation, which will now go to the President to be signed into law, would maintain the Commerce Department’s ability to apply tariffs, known as countervailing duties, on unfairly subsidized goods produced in nonmarket economies like China. A ruling in December by a federal appeals court would have limited the Unite States’ ability to apply these tariffs, putting Pennsylvania jobs and manufacturers at a disadvantage. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Alumni Association will honor Tamra Minnier, chief quality officer at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, as the recipient of the Alumni Award of Distinction. The award will be presented during commencement exercises on April 29 by Dr. Livingston Alexander, university president, and Chris Luke, PBAA president and senior vice president and director of marketing at PNC Investments. “Tamra Minner is an excellent choice for this award,” Alexander said. “She exemplifies those outstanding qualities and attributes that distinguish Pitt-Bradford alumni from alumni of other institutions. Her commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality in health care is certainly one of the reasons she has advanced so rapidly in the UPMC system.” Minnier was a member of Pitt-Bradford’s first nursing class, graduating with her Associate of Science in Nursing degree in 1981. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing a...

The current average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline in Western PA is $3.788, up four cents a gallon from a week ago. This week’s average prices: Western PA Average: $3.788 Average price during the week of February 28, 2012: $3.748 Average price during the week of March 8, 2011: $3.507 Today’s National Average Price : $3.764 The following is a list of the average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas: $3.792 Altoona $3.786 Beaver $3.797 Bradford $3.711 Brookville $3.787 Butler $3.791 Clarion $3.779 Du Bois $3.787 Erie $3.806 Greensburg $3.794 Indiana $3.828 Jeannette $3.797 Kittanning $3.795 Latrobe $3.853 Meadville $3.810 Mercer $3.789 New Castle $3.764 New Kensington $3.777 Pittsburgh $3.826 Sharon $3.766 Uniontown $3.737 Warren $3.764 Washington The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Minnetonka, MN—Zippo Manufacturing Company, maker of the legendary lighter synonymous with surefire performance, has joined their Outdoor line of products with the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit as an Official Sponsor for the 2012 tournament season. “Our anglers and staff are proud to welcome the Zippo Outdoor division to the Cabela’s MWC family,” said Executive Director Dan Johnson. “Their rugged products are a perfect fit for our hard-fishing competitors, as well as the legions of fans following them in our television, print and digital spaces.” In 2012, Zippo marks its 80th anniversary as one of the world’s most recognized brands. Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Zippo markets in more than 160 countries and is on track to produce its 500 millionth windproof lighter in 2012, each backed by an unparalleled lifetime guarantee. In addition to its iconic windproof lighter, Zippo’s diverse product line includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; watches, fragrance and lifestyl...

Vernon S. Fitzgerald, 90, of Lewis Run, formerly of Bingham, a loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Saviour, Tuesday, March 6th, 2012 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Born January 3, 1922, at home on the family farm in Hottleville, he was the youngest of nine children of the late Sylvester and Bertha (Eminger) Fitzgerald. On January 24, 1947 he married the love of his life, Ida Louise (Moore) Fitzgerald who survives. They lived in Bingham for over fifty years where they raised their family before moving to Lewis Run in 2005 to reside with their son. Mr. Fitzgerald attended high school in Seigel. On February 24, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed at Bainbridge, MD for boot camp and then trained at the Armed Guard Gunnery School in Littlecreek, VA. He served aboard an oil tanker, the SS Maley; and two liberty ships; the SS William Wirt and SS Edwin W. Moore. During his service he attained the rank of Gu...

A Bradford man has pleaded guilty in federal to court to the theft of mail. 60-year-old Dean Meacham took a Wal-Mart gift card, a $20 bill and a $5 bill from cards that were being mailed last July. Meacham faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both when he’s sentenced on August 14. He is free on bond. http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/news/2012/2012_march/2012_03_05_01.html The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Lawyers in the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse case will be in court next week to present arguments on how much information prosecutors should have to turn over to the defense before the trial. Judge John Cleland scheduled the hearing for Monday in Centre County. Sandusky’s lawyer Joe Amendola says he wants the attorney general's office to provide more details about the allegations to help him prepare possible defenses. Prosecutors said they’ve turned over as much information as they can. The 68-year-old former Penn State assistant football coach denies allegations that he sexually abused 10 boys over a 15-year period. Cleland has scheduled jury selection in the trial for May 14. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today released a new analysis showing visitors to Pennsylvania’s State Parks generate more than $1 billion in economic activity in nearby communities and support almost 13,000 related jobs. “Pennsylvanians get a great return on the investment they make in state parks. The report shows for every dollar invested, more than $12 is returned to Pennsylvania’s economy,” Allan said. “Connecting communities to our natural resources through their state parks generates significant local economic activity and helps build sustainable local economies.” The study, conducted by Penn State University’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Management, was based on data from 2010, when state parks hosted about 38 million visitors. “Especially in challenging economic times, Pennsylvanians turn to their parks for affordable, healthful recreation and relaxation,” Allan said. “Just as importantly, this analysis shows...