Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Listen now: WESB News Review for May 4, 2009 .

Nearly sixty volunteers came out to pick up litter and participate in the third annual Project Pride Clean up. Neighborhood residents, members of Bradford City police, fire and public works departments, the Parks Department and City Council all worked side by side cleaning up Bradford’s Project Pride Neighborhood and the Historic District. A citywide tire collection was also part of this year’s event. The tire crew was able to collect one thousand tires, saving residents $5,000.00. Enough tires were collected to fill an entire tractor trailer supplied by Buffalo Fuel Corp in conjunction with Lakin Tire and Firestone. This is the third year that tires have been disposed of free of charge and it proved to be the largest net to date. This service is provided by national sponsors of Keep America Beautiful in an ongoing effort to remove and recycle discarded tires in communities across the country. “Each year we find more and more tires as part of our effort. It is amazing to see the n...

From the Potter County Education Council: The Executive Director from the Potter County Education Council and other Community Education Council Directors received a warm reception from their legislators in Harrisburg April 28-29, but the state’s revenue shortfall continues to cast concern over CEC funding for 2009-10. “Our legislators firmly believe in the need to continue delivering education and training opportunities to rural Pennsylvania, but it remains to be seen whether that need will carry the day when the final budget decisions are being made,” said Helene Nawrocki, executive director of the Potter County Education Council. The CEC executive directors first met collectively with 10 state representatives, including Rep. Paul Clymer of Bucks County, minority Republican chairman of the House Education Committee who chaired the meeting. The CEC directors then met with eight state senators and staff members for two additional senators, in a meeting coordinated by Senator Joe Scarnat...

A Dunkirk man is accused of setting two picnic tables on fire in front of his house. 26-year-old Walter Lanneaux V also allegedly set a wooden storage unit on fire. The destroyed property belonged to the South Shores Motor Lodge on Route 5 in Dunkirk. Lanneaux is in Chautauqua County Jail awaiting further court action.

Coudersport state police are investigating a reported rape that happened on April 26. An 18-year-old woman told them two people drove her to a camp along Route 872 in Wharton Township at 2:30 in the afternoon, raped her and drove her home. Police did not identify the suspects.

MEADVILLE – The Department of Environmental Protection has determined that Schreiner Oil and Gas Company has affected at least seven water supplies along Hedgehog Lane in Bradford Township, McKean County, and has notified the company of its responsibilities to those residents. Two of the water supplies were affected by methane and five supplies have iron and manganese above established drinking water standards. Schreiner has been actively drilling combination oil and gas wells in the area since last fall and did not establish background water quality in the area prior to drilling. Therefore, Schreiner is presumed responsible for restoring water supplies within 1,000 feet of the drill sites. Last week DEP also issued a notice of violation to Schreiner for failure to submit well records in a timely manner, the second notice of violation that the company has received regarding this issue. “On Thursday, we notified the affected residents that Schreiner will be taking measures to restor...

“Last night, we learned of the passing of Jack Kemp, who dedicated his life to public service, including nine terms representing Western New York in Congress. “Whether it was quarterbacking the Buffalo Bills to two American Football League Championships in the mid-sixties, serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H.W. Bush, or running for vice president in 1996, Mr. Kemp was a leader who passionately participated in our national debate. He epitomized Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘Man in the Arena,’ providing ideas and taking action on issues important to the Buffalo area, New York State and nation. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jack Kemp. Mr. Kemp will be forever linked to Western New York and we will remember his many years of dedicated service.”

HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today issued the following statement in response to the death of former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ralph Cappy: “I am shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ralph Cappy. The Commonwealth has lost one of its finest public servants. “Justice Cappy led the Supreme Court in deciding issues that have had a significant impact on the lives of every citizen. It is not an exaggeration to say that actions taken under Ralph Cappy's leadership led directly to resolving Pennsylvania's medical malpractice crisis. Our system of justice and our entire Commonwealth are better due to his service. “He will be missed.” ~~~ HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett issued the following statement on the death of former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Ralph J. Cappy: "The sudden death of former Chief Justice Cappy is a terrible loss to his family, friends and colleagues, along with th...

Listen now: Midday News for May 5, 2009 .

Animal lovers, take note! The McKean County S.P.C.A. is offering something for everyone at its Rabies Clinic and Open House set for Saturday, May 9. Lots of activities will take place outside at the Glenwood Avenue Shelter, beginning at noon. Food will be plentiful, with sales of baked goods, along with hot dogs, chips, pop, and bottled water at tables outside the building. Other tables will house a silent auction, with numerous items of interest donated by local individuals and businesses. A 50-50 raffle will be held. “Buddy,” the Shelter mascot, is expected to put in an appearance. Lori Burkhouse, an SPCA Board member who is chairing the Open House, promises goodies for all age groups. “We have lots of food, a large array of sale and auction items, and even face-painting for the kids.” Pet items for sale will include homemade dog treats, toys, animal clothing, leashes and collars. People items available for purchase will in...

PennDOT posted a weight limit restriction today on the Phoenix Creek Bridge on Route 1005 (Phoenix Run Road) in Pike Township, Potter County. Effective today, May 4, PennDOT posted the bridge for a 5-ton weight limit. The Phoenix Creek Bridge is located on Route 1005, near the village of Sunderlinville. Vehicles that exceed the posting limit will need to use an alternate route. The decision to restrict the weight limit of the bridge was the result of a recent inspection. The Phoenix Creek Bridge was built in 1932, is 10 feet long and carries an average of 187 vehicles per day. The posting will remain in place until repairs can be made. PennDOT plans to begin repairs to the bridge in June.

Bemus Point schools are closed again today as a precaution while authorities continue to investigate the one remaining probable case of swine flu in the Chautauqua County area. The schools are expected to reopen Tuesday. In a news release, Christine Schuyler, Chautauqua County public health director, said swine flu has an incubation period of seven days when others can contract the illness. She said the last day the student was in school was April 27, so they feel confident that other students can be allowed back in school on Tuesday.

A 19-year-old from Tioga County is dead after falling into the spillway at Cowanesque Lake. Scott Beckett of Lawrenceville fell 50 feet from a rock ledge late Friday night or early Saturday morning. State police believe he climbed over a six-foot fence to get to a restricted area of the dam. They say the incident appears to be an accident, but they are continuing their investigation.

Pennsylvania Jarek Holjencin, Cameron County High School 6’ 170lbs. Wide Receiver, Safety Jarek plans to attend a four year college, either Mansfield University to play football or University of Pittsburgh Bradford. Jarek’s honors include: Defensive Player of the Year in Basketball, AML All-Star in football, District 9 Champions in Football and Baseball, Defensive Player of the Year, and is a Honor Roll Student. Jarek was asked why he would like to play in the Big 30 game and he said “To be part of a 35 year tradition that helps raise money for many charities throughout the communities of the Big 30.” Jareks biggest thrill came by winning the District 9 Championship and beating Coudersport twice in the same season. Matt Buck, Otto-Eldred high School 5’10” 160lbs. Split End, Strong Safety Matt plans to attend Slippery Rock University to Major in Physical Therapy. Matt’s honors include: Winning the Homecoming MVP, and is a honor Roll Student. Matt was asked why he would like...

By Josh Hatcher Bradford's "Biggest Loser" is 22 year old Justin Willoughby, who has reached an enormous milestone in his weight loss this week. Willoughby has lost 550 pounds. Forty-five of those pounds have been shed in the past year. "I made a resolution on January 1st to start a journey to lose 100 pounds by the end of the year, which will take me down to my goal," said Willoughby, who tipped the scale six years ago at 799 pounds. Within the first two years, Justin lost more than 200 pounds. "I have been working very hard, but to lose that initial amount of weight that I lost was only a miracle. You can't lose that kind of weight without some kind of hope and strength," Willoughby credits that source of hope to his faith, "I made a commitment to follow Jesus, and to trust Him to help me through this journey. Since that day, I've had a hope and a source of strength, and comfort, to get me through the times I want to indulge and over-eat...

The grand re-opening of the Olean Family YMCA Teen Center was on Saturday from 1-6 PM with over 100 area teens stopping by to check it out. Pizza was provided by Tasta Pizza, Dominos, 501 Café and Napoli. Abbott Welding, Community Bank, N.A., Olean Federal Credit Union, Café Grind and the Sports Locker provided prizes and balloons for the festivities. The Teen Center is located in the YMCA building on Wayne Street and will be open Mon – Fri from 3-9 PM for Y members and from 7-9 PM for the public. Pictured are members of the Teen Advisory Committee: L-R: Erin Zlockie, Leah Sitter, Sadie Bebko, Jeff Tang, Ahmad Munir and Andrew Moore. ( Photo courtesy of the Olean-Bradford Area YMCA )

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau Ca-chung, ca-chung, ca-chung … clang, clang, clang. The rhythmic sounds of a train pulling into station; the whoosh of a railcar speeding by. Those were the welcomed reunion of sounds that echoed through the Kinzua Bridge State Park. This time, instead of steam locomotives pulling up to the Kinzua Viaduct, it was a line of railroad motorcars – called speeders - that rolled in as rail traffic at the Viaduct increased dramatically Sunday morning. That was when members of the North American Railcar Operators Association continued the second part of a two-day excursion on the Knox & Kane Railroad. “We get to ride railroads we wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” said organizer Gary Shrey of New Freedom. The group also came to the Kinzua Bridge State Park in the fall. “It is beautiful. I like this area.” The group of 34 railcars took off from Kane at about 9 a.m. and arrived at the part before 11. On Sat...

Robert 'Bunny' McLean of Emporium was among those who wrote ideas down to improve exhibits at the Little Museum in Sterling Run during Saturday's Cameron County Genealogy Club meeting. An archivist recommended that displays contain more historical information. The project will be worked on over the next few months. ( Photo courtesy of the Cameron County Genealogy Club )

Week in Review for April 26, 2009 to May 2, 2009

Team Skid Mark from Burritt Appliance Center won the annual outhouse races at Stinkfest on Saturday afternoon in East Bradford. Rolling Thunder, the team from the US Army National Guard came in second. T 'n' T from Togi's took third place.