Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

From Kane Area Little League: The Kane Area Little League needs YOUR HELP! There are motr than 200 players and not even a handful of people willing to umpire a game -- both softball and baseball. We are not looking for professional umpires although that would be super cool. You have to know the basics and know how to be fair. You don't have to commit to every single game... just one or two. Try it... you may really enjoy it. Think of all the fun you will have. And now this year there are black out things behind home plate so you don't have to deal with distractions from that direction. Please call Jim Vito at 594-4598 or Michelle Palmer at 837-9472. Leave us a message. Come on... You know you want to... Please and Thank you! The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Tom Corbett today announced that commonwealth support will enable Delta Air Lines' wholly-owned subsidiary, Monroe Energy LLC, to acquire the ConocoPhillips refinery in Trainer, preserving hundreds of direct jobs and thousands of jobs in related industries. Monroe will receive a $30 million Opportunity Grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development for job creation and site improvements. Financial support is contingent upon the company investing at least $350 million at the project site, including acquisition costs, and employing at least 402 full-time workers on-site for at least five years from the date of occupancy. In addition to direct jobs, an economic impact study conducted by the Department of Labor and Industry reported that every 100 direct jobs at the refinery support 1800 indirect jobs. Pictured with Corbett is Delta president, and St. Bonaventure University graduate, Ed Bastian. Provided by Commonwealth Media Services

Daniel R. Benner, 36, of 262 Derrick Road, passed away, Monday, April 30th, 2012. Born in Bradford, on November 13, 1975, he was a son of Dan and Rhonda (Benner) Bunce. On July 15, 2000, in Limestone he married Karina M. (McCormick) Benner who survives. Mr. Benner was a 1994 graduate of Bradford High School. He had worked at ARG and later as a mechanic at Charlie's Cycle Center. He enjoyed hunting, fishing camping and four wheeling. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by a daughter, Amanda M. Benner, of Bradford, a sister, Kimberly Bookhamer, of Harrison Mich., a grandmother, Better Benner, and several nieces’ nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family will be receiving friends on Thursday, May 3, 2012, from 4:00 to 5:00pm in the Emanuel Lutheran Church where a memorial service will be held at 5:00pm with Rev. Douglas Soley Pastor Emeritus, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Memoria...

A Fillmore, New York, man is accused of stealing money from his father when the older man was hospitalized with serious injuries. State police say the father of 43-year-old Thomas Parker was hit by a car in December. While he was recovering, Parker allegedly stole $1,500 by using his father’s bank card and checking account. Parker is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and identity theft. He’s jailed on $10,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Afghanistan, landing aboard Air Force One at Bagram Air Base under the cover of darkness. The president planned to join Afghan President Hamid Karzai to sign a new Strategic Forces Agreement, setting out a path for the U.S. troop drawdown in Afghanistan. The president will speak to the American people in a live televised address from Afghanistan tonight at 7:30 ET. Watch live breaking news coverage now MSNBC. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The McKean-Potter Counties American Red Cross is replenishing its stock of comfort kits to give out to disaster victims. The following items are needed in trail size bottles or containers in order to complete the kits: shaving cream, hand lotion, and deodorant (men’s and women’s). The Red Cross also needs child size toothbrushes, coloring/activity books, and small packs of crayons. A complete list of Comfort Kit contents can be found on the chapter’s website at www.mparc.org . Donations of these items can be dropped off at the chapter office on Congress St. in Bradford. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Victorian Tea hosted for the young at heart was enjoyed by about 90 guests. It is the first tea by the KCH Employee Action Team, an event the group hopes will become an annual event to raise money for projects that enhance patient care and services at Kane Community Hospital, an affiliate of UPMC Hamot. The Tea was held at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on Sunday afternoon. Guests from Johnsonburg, Mt. Jewett, Sheffield, Kane and all parts in between attended. For dozens of little girls, it was a first formal tea party. Many guests wore beautiful dresses, hats or other hair ornament, gloves, and at least one tiara. Guests enjoyed an array of tea sandwiches and cookies, and a few extras along with tea or punch, conversation, and formal and informal photo shots. This year's proceeds benefit a planned KCH Cafe Makeover that will provide patients and their families an updated food service delivery and gathering space. Event Coordinator Sue Singer, LPN and office...

An East Otto, New York, woman was seriously hurt Monday afternoon when she was hit by a car as she was collecting mail from her mailbox on the East Otto Springville Road. Sheriff's deputies say a car driven by 62-year-old Janet Green of East Otto crossed the center line and hit 33-year-old Kelli Russell. Russell was flown to ECMC in Buffalo for treatment of severe head and internal injuries. Green was taken to Bertrand-Chafee Hospital in Springville for treatment of chest pain. Deputies are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A jury has found a Wellsville woman guilty of vehicular manslaughter in connection to a crash that killed an 11-year-old. 55-year-old Robin Drouin was also found guilty of criminally negligent homicide. She was acquitted on charges of reckless endangerment and manslaughter. The jury got the case on Friday morning and reached its verdict Monday night. Drouin was under the influence of prescription drugs when he pickup truck hit a van on Route 417 in November of 2010. Cheyenne Wolfer of Rushford was a passenger in the van, and died of her injuries at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. Drouin is in Allegany County Jail and will be sentenced on May 17. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

An Allegany man has pleaded guilty to bludgeoning his neighbor to death last year at Valley View Estates in Allegany. 22-year-old Gregory Farr used a crowbar and a knife when he beat 58-year-old Stephan Balser to death on October 24. Farr told police he and Balser had been arguing for several days because Balser falsely accused him of stealing things from him. Farr faces 15 years to life in state prison when he is sentenced July 16. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man committed suicide Monday night in the Crosby Mart parking lot on Route 219 in Lewis Run. State Police say 36-year-old Daniel Benner was found dead in an SUV. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 9:15pm. Police were getting ready to stop Benner for questioning when he pulled off the road and into the Crosby's parking lot. When police approached Benner's SUV they discovered him dead inside. McKean County District Attorney Ray Learn says Benner was wanted by Foster Township Police for several charges, including rape, indecent sexual assault and incest. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing University of Pittsburgh at Bradford John Schlimm sure knows how to make a crowd feel special. Speaking before more than 200 University of Pittsburgh graduates and their guests Sunday, the award-winning writer said that the address would be one of the highlights of his life. "When I was told that you, the seniors, specifically chose me to be your speaker, I was so humbled and honored, and I knew that this would be a moment that I would never forget as long as I live,” he said when taking the podium. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president, addressed the choice of Schlimm by students in his introduction. “Some of you may be wondering how a vegan cookbook writer ended up as our commencement speaker,” Alexander said, then explained that a group of students had had the chance to hear Schlimm speak at a career-preparedness event held at the beginning of ...

National Fuel is decreasing its rates by 4 percent starting Tuesday. This means the bill of a typical residential customer will go from $77 a month to $73 a month. National Fuel’s Nancy Taylor says the change reflects decreases in the market price of natural gas due, in part, to Marcellus Shale gas production. National Fuel’s next opportunity to adjust gas supply charges will be August 1, 2012. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A dog was ejected from a vehicle when a man and woman were fighting while driving on Route 20 in the Town of Portland at around midnight Friday. Sheriff’s deputies say 41-year-old James Robbins of Fredonia was in a physical fight with the woman while driving and, during the fight, jerked the steering wheel, spun off the road and hit a utility pole. Robbins was evaluated at Westfield Memorial Hospital, and then charged with DWI and a number of traffic violations. The woman was not hurt. Deputies wanted to thank the passing motorist who stopped to check on Robbins’ dog, who was not hurt. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

United Way officials report that John Peterson and Greta Billings will be honored at a luncheon to recognize their service to the Bradford community and support of United Way. “Both John and Greta consistently go above and beyond for United Way. Their community service efforts to the Bradford community are outstanding,” stated Executive Director Megan Minich. Peterson will be receiving the Red Feather Award, which was implemented to honor outstanding individuals and/or groups who have made an impact on United Way, and the community as a whole, through their day-to-day selfless attitude and commitment to exemplify the organization’s mission of community building and enhancing the quality of life in the Bradford area. Peterson, City Clerk & Administrative Assistant to City Council for the City of Bradford, has been a long standing supporter of United Way. Peterson served on United Way’s Board of Directors from June 2001 through September 2011, serving as President of the org...

The final chapter of this One Book Bradford season will be played out on Tuesday with a visit from a New York Times Best Selling author. Susan Vreeland, author of “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” – this year’s One Book Bradford selection, will be in Bradford for a workshop and talk on Tuesday. Vreeland’s talk will start at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Mukaiyama Room at the university of Pittsburgh at Bradford. “I am grateful to all who worked on the Bradford community read and to all who have participated,” she said. “I'm honored that you chose “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” and am excited about coming to meet you.” Vreeland’s talk is free and open to the public. Her talk will be followed by a book signing. Books will be available for purchase. The One Book Bradford committee will also be soliciting suggestions for next year’s One Book Bradford selection. There are still spots available for the workshop Vreeland will be holding a workshop starting ...

Two 20-year-old Coudersport men are in jail for allegedly breaking into two buildings last summer. Christopher Bailey was arrested Friday at his home. Joshua Silsby was arrested Friday at his home. They were each charged with two felony counts of burglary and criminal trespass, as well as criminal mischief. State police say they pair entered and damaged two properties on Summit Road in Hebron Township last July . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Randolph man is accused of threatening police with what they are calling a large baton-like stick. 41-year-old Wayne Wright Jr. is charged with menacing, obstruction of governmental administration and making false reports to law enforcement. Sheriff’s deputies say Wright called in a false report of an assault with a weapon and when they responded to the call he threatened them with the baton. Wright was arraigned and released, and will appear in court again at a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

60 animals – including horses, sheep, cows and rabbits – have been rescued from a makeshift barn in East Otto, New York. The Cattaraugus County SPCA says Jay Williams already has two previous animal cruelty convictions, and spent time in jail. Back in 2000, more than 100 malnourished animals were removed from his farm. This time he is charged with failure to provide food and water to the animals. The US Department of Agriculture is also looking into reports that Williams sold meat from sheep and goats he butchered at the farm. The Farm Sanctuary of Watkins Glen took most of the animals. The SPCA is looking for people to adopt seven horses that were at the farm. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The state attorney general’s offices says Jerry Sandusky’s lawyers have been improperly issuing subpoenas and using them for a fishing expedition to help mount a defense in his child sex abuse case. The AG’s office today asked Judge John Cleland to have the subpoenas withdrawn and to force Sandusky’s lawyers to show how the information they want is relevant to the case. The motion filed in Centre County Court claims Sandusky’s lawyers sent subpoenas that improperly revealed the names of alleged victims. Senior Deputy Attorney General Joseph McGettigan wrote that treating secret information that way shows “spectacular irresponsibility.” Cleland issued a gag order on April 9 so Sandusky’s lead counsel Joe Amendola could not speak to the media about today’s motion. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947