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Trees in the Black Forest - By Curt Weinhold
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Listen To Today's News - February 6, 2012
Winter finally comes (briefly) to Fishing Creek.
We haven't enjoyed too many scenes like this recently. Winter "arrived on January 13, 2012 and bitter cold temperatures preserved the scene for a few days before the warming sun and above normal temperatures melted all the snow. It's been the mildest winter in the Black Forest in recent history. What will March be like?
Photo By Gerri Miller
Have a picture to share with our viewers? click here -> e-mail it to us
Today's News For And About Northern Pennsylvania
February 6, 2012
Sunday’s high, 30; Overnight low, 19; no precipitation
The state police fire marshal is continuing his investigation into a blaze which destroyed an apartment building in Ridgway Sunday evening. Damage to the three-story vacant building, owned by Joseph Aiello of Ridgway, is estimated to be about $300,000. Fire departments from Ridgway, St. Marys, and Johnsonburg, battled the fire while volunteers from Fox township stood by in Ridgway under the mutual aid system. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 814-776-6136.
A Lewis Run driver was injured early this morning in a one-vehicle accident on Route 59 in Lafayette Township, McKean County. State police said 22 yer old Joshua Hilmes was headed north when his Chevrolet Avalache crossed to the other side of the road and hit a tree. He was taken to Hamot Medical Center in Erie for treatment of unknown injuries. The investigation into the crash is continuing.
No injuries were reported for a Rew driver whose Ford pick-up wrecked Saturday afternoon on the Droney road in Lafayette Township. According to Kane-based state police Robert Pierotti overcompensated when the eastbound truck drifted off the road while going uphill making a sharp right curve. The pick went over an embankment and struck a tree head-on. Pierotti allegedly fled the scene but was later located.
Troopers at Coudersport did not release details but say they are charging 26 year old Jedidiah Ingalls of Roulette with DUI following a crash early Saturday morning on Dividing Ridge Road in Homer Township.
State police nabbed one driver for DUI and four other people for drug possession during a sobriety check point conducted between 11:00 pm Friday and 3:00 am Saturday on Route 6 in Roulette Township, Potter County. The four drug suspects were in the same vehicle and authorities allege they were found in possession of marijuana, morphine and related paraphernalia for ingesting and/or injecting the drugs.
A Gifford man is being charged in District Court for harassment. State police allege Patrick Fetterman entered the home of a female victim on the Brooklynside Road in Liberty Township last Wednesday evening and assaulted her.
Coudersport-based state police are continuing their investigation into a harassment taking place sometime Thursday in Harrison Valley. Someone threw a yellow type substance, perhaps eggnog, onto the sidewalk in front of the home of 81 year old Jeanne McAndrew.
A 16 year old Roulette girl is being charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Troopers claim the girl took her aunt’s car from a residence at 42 Third Street during the night of January 26 with out permission and returned the car after wrecking it. The girl is also being charged with driving without a license, careless driving and failing to stay on the road.
An identity theft victimizing a Mills woman remains under investigation by Coudersport-based state police. Thieves from the Waterford, Michigan area used a bank card belonging to Ileta Calcote last week to purchase several items from multiple stores in that area.
Troopers are also probing the theft of a chain saw and demo saw belonging to Gas Field Specialists Friday morning. The Stihl saws, both orange and white in color were taken after thieves cut locks on five storage trailers at a work site at Dominion Station in Harrison Township.
Thieves forced their way into four camps in Keating Township sometime since Thanksgiving, rummaged through drawers and closets and made off with several items. The camps are located on the Bark Shanty Road about a half mile west of the Reed Run Road. Anyone with information about any of the thefts is asked to call the Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690.
Ridgway-based state police say they have three suspects in a criminal mischief and trespass by motor vehicle incident taking place at around 1:00 am January 28. A trail camera belonging to Michael Meyer of St. Marys was taken from hits tree mounted position and destroyed with a 410 gauge shotgun. The weapon was then used to damage locks on two gates located on private property near the Ridge Road in Jay Township. The camera is valued at $150 and damage to the locks is estimated to be about $20.
Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are encouraging bird and nature fans throughout the state to join tens of thousands of everyday North American bird watchers for the 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Feb. 17-20.
A joint
project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this
free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to
discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and,
at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation. Participants
count birds and report their sightings online at
www.birdsource.org/gbbc.
Officials say anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the information wildlife managers use to decide where to invest limited resources in land conservation, as well as habitat improvement or protection.
Participants are asked to count birds for at least 15 minutes on at least one day of the event and reporting their sightings online at www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Additional online resources include tips to help identify birds, a photo gallery, and special materials for educators.
Those
submitting reports to the GBBC website are also encouraged to contribute bird
sightings by registering at Pennsylvania eBird website managed by the Game
Commission. To submit sightings, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us)
and click on “Wildlife” in the menu bar at the top of the page, then choose
“Birding” and then click on “Pennsylvania eBird.”
The data collected helps the Game Commission and other wildlife researchers
understand the importance of particular locations to birds and bird population
trends, information that is critical for effective conservation. Each year, in
addition to entering their tallies, participants submit thousands of digital
images for the GBBC photo contest. Many are featured in the popular online
gallery.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Harold D. Danforth, 84, of Shinglehouse, died surrounded by his loving family on February 3, 2012 in Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Born January 18, 1928 in Myrtle on the family homestead, he was a son of John C. and Lila A. Palmer Danforth. On June 24, 1950 at the family home on Horse Run Road, he married Patricia A. “Pat” Terrette, who survives.
Mr. Danforth was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, class of 1946. He was employed by Dresser Rand (Clark Brothers) in Olean for 45 years as a fitter and erector, retiring in February 1992.
Mr. Danforth was a lifelong member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, having served his church in many capacities, including helping at the church’s funeral dinners. He was a charter member of the former Oswayo Valley Lion’s Club in Shinglehouse. Along with his wife, he was an avid bowler for many years and he enjoyed roller skating. He loved to dance and was a huge fan of NASCAR, the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres and the NY Yankees.
Surviving besides his wife are six children: Robert B. (Patricia) Danforth of O-Fallon, Illinois, Bruce A. (Kay) Danforth of Shinglehouse, Wendy S. (Tim) Hann of Coudersport, Harold D. Danforth, Jr. of Sherrills Ford, NC, Deanna L. (Don Peters) Wetherby of Knapps Creek, NY, and Shari R. (Dana) Hemphill of Coudersport; fifteen grandchildren: Todd Danforth, Erin Carr, Melissa Shreckengost, Shannon Danforth, Michelle Black, Chris Taylor, Mandy Kandare, Christopher Hann, Christie Butler, Billy Danforth, Katie Prosser, Kelly Wetherby, Levi Whitman, Ciarra Boyd and Kaden Hemphill; fourteen great-grandchildren: Shane Carr, Austin Dickerson, Morgan Schreckengost, Hannah Shreckengost, Stevie Danforth, Payton Danforth, Brailee Linden, Shaelyn Black, Ryelle Black, Brody Taylor, Bowen Taylor, Braylon Kandare, Kylie Butler, and Gavin Butler; a sister, Gloria Kellogg of Shinglehouse; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. In addition to his parents, Mr. Danforth was predeceased by three sisters, Alene Perry, Grace Kellogg, and Betty Lyon; and a brother, A. Byron Danforth. Friends may call at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday, February 6, 2012 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church at which time funeral services will be held. The Rev. Becky L. Edwards, pastor, and the Rev. Randall W. Headley, pastor of Port Allegany United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, PO Box 296, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Harold D. Danforth, 84, of Shinglehouse, died surrounded by his loving family on February 3, 2012 in Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, after a short illness. Born January 18, 1928 in Myrtle on the family homestead, he was a son of John C. and Lila A. Palmer Danforth. On June 24, 1950 at the family home on Horse Run Road, he married Patricia A. “Pat” Terrette, who survives. Mr. Danforth was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School, class of 1946. He was employed by Dresser Rand (Clark Brothers) in Olean for 45 years as a fitter and erector, retiring in February 1992. Mr. Danforth was a lifelong member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, having served his church in many capacities, including helping at the church’s funeral dinners. He was a charter member of the former Oswayo Valley Lion’s Club in Shinglehouse. Along with his wife, he was an avid bowler for many years and he enjoyed roller skating. He loved to dance and was a huge fan of NASCAR, the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres and the NY Yankees. Surviving besides his wife are six children: Robert B. (Patricia) Danforth of O-Fallon, Illinois, Bruce A. (Kay) Danforth of Shinglehouse, Wendy S. (Tim) Hann of Coudersport, Harold D. Danforth, Jr. of Sherrills Ford, NC, Deanna L. (Don Peters) Wetherby of Knapps Creek, NY, and Shari R. (Dana) Hemphill of Coudersport; fifteen grandchildren: Todd Danforth, Erin Carr, Melissa Shreckengost, Shannon Danforth, Michelle Black, Chris Taylor, Mandy Kandare, Christopher Hann, Christie Butler, Billy Danforth, Katie Prosser, Kelly Wetherby, Levi Whitman, Ciarra Boyd and Kaden Hemphill; fourteen great-grandchildren: Shane Carr, Austin Dickerson, Morgan Schreckengost, Hannah Shreckengost, Stevie Danforth, Payton Danforth, Brailee Linden, Shaelyn Black, Ryelle Black, Brody Taylor, Bowen Taylor, Braylon Kandare, Kylie Butler, and Gavin Butler; a sister, Gloria Kellogg of Shinglehouse; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. In addition to his parents, Mr. Danforth was predeceased by three sisters, Alene Perry, Grace Kellogg, and Betty Lyon; and a brother, A. Byron Danforth. Friends may call at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday, February 6, 2012 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church at which time funeral services will be held. The Rev. Becky L. Edwards, pastor, and the Rev. Randall W. Headley, pastor of Port Allegany United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery,Shinglehouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, PO Box 296, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
February 3, 2012
Thursday’s high, 30; Overnight low, 25; trace of flurries
You may have heard or read that the natural gas boom in the northern tier has cooled down. Some analysts say the downturn is due to market forces (lower natural gas prices), the lack of pipeline distribution networks and the recession. Here in Potter County alone during 2011, (DEP) issued 72 permits for Marcellus Shale gas wells in Potter County, but just 16 wells were drilled. That compares to 33 shale gas wells drilled in 2010. Of the 72 permits issued last year, 13 were renewals of existing permits that were about to expire without drilling commencing. Another eight were for wells whose permits had expired, or to drill existing wells deeper.
A Penn State educator who has specialized in Marcellus Shale issues will discuss some of the reasons for the downturn at the next meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force to be held later this month. Why has the “gas boom” been delayed and what does the future hold?
How can communities take advantage of the economic development potential of shale gas development?
What are the latest gas industry practices for environmental protection, drilling efficiency and business strategies?
Those questions and others will be addressed on Tuesday, Feb. 14, when an educator who has immersed himself in the issues over the past several years presents a program to the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force. The meeting will be held at the Gunzburger Building auditorium in Coudersport at 7 pm and is open to the public. Guest speaker is Jim Ladlee, director of initiatives at the Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center and executive director for Penn State Extension in Clinton County. Also on the agenda is an update on many critical issues before the state legislature, including the proposed “impact fee” on shale gas production; new information from the Triple Divide Watershed Coalition and the county’s Water Quality Work Group; and reports on emergency services training and local government/planning issues.
In other news, Tioga county authorities have released more details about the escape of an inmate from the county prison Tuesday morning. Mansfield-based state police say 22 year old Jeffrey Blair, of Wellsboro stole a vehicle belonging to Timothy Geiser of Wellsboro while they were working at Metal Krafts early Tuesday morning. Geiser noticed his keys were missing from his tool box and summoned police after he discovered Blair had left the plant. Blair and Britian L. Loyd, 19, of Elmira were taken into custody by New York State authorities in the Dansville Village Mart Sunoco gas station in the Village of Dansville. Loyd was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and operating the vehicle without a license. Police issued the controlled substance charge after allegedly finding crack cocaine inside the vehicle.Blair and Loyd were both arraigned in Dansville Village Court. Blair is being held in Livingston County Jail on no bail as a fugitive from justice and $100,000 cash bail for the stolen property and controlled substance charges. Loyd is being held on $5000 cash bail.
A 17 year old Tioga County driver has been charged with speeding in connection to a one-vehicle crash Tuesday morning on Route 2017 in Union Township. State police said the youth was headed north when his Oldsmobiel Intrigue went off the road on a right curve and hit an embankment then hit the bank a second time, rolled down across both lanes of the road coming to rest about 300 feet later.
Pennsylvania Game Commission officials have announced that a Lancaster County hunter has undergone post-exposure rabies shots after harvesting and field dressing a deer on Jan. 20, in Valley Township, Chester County, that ultimately tested positive for rabies.
“The hunter contacted us about his concerns that the deer was unfit for human
consumption “The hunter said that he saw the deer standing in a creek, straining
and growling. He thought there was a coyote nearby from the sounds the deer was
making.
“After gathering information from the hunter, as well as samples for testing, it
was determined that the deer was rabid. Because the hunter had scratches on his
hands and had field dressed the deer without wearing gloves, we considered this
a human exposure and urged him to contact his doctor about post-exposure rabies
shots.”
Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, reiterated the
agency’s long-standing recommendations that hunters and trappers avoid
harvesting animals that appear sick and to wear rubber or latex gloves when
field dressing any mammal.
“All mammals are susceptible to rabies and can spread the virus in the right
circumstances,” Dr. Cottrell said. “To prevent the spread of wildlife diseases,
we encourage hunters and trappers to contact the Game Commission about any
animals that they encounter that may appear to be sick. Also, when field
dressing any mammal, it is critical to wear rubber or latex gloves to prevent
exposure to not just rabies, but also to other disease organisms.”
For more information on rabies, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us),
put your cursor over “Wildlife” in the menu bar listing, then put your cursor
over “Wildlife Diseases” in the drop-down menu listing, click on “Wildlife
Disease Reference Library” in the second drop-down menu listing and then select
“Rabies” in the alphabetical listing.
To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following:
Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us
February 2, 2012
Wednesday’s high, 52; Overnight low, 27; trace of rain
Today is Ground Hog Day and even though it’s been a mild winter so far, all eyes were focused on Punxsutawney, PA this morning where the famous weather prognosticator made his long-awaited prediction. The furry rodent emerged from his “cave” at sunrise and saw his shadow, meaning, as legend has it, there will be six more weeks of winter. Phil has a batting average of about 39% accuracy.
Members of the Potter County Snowmobile Club are hoping Phil is right and spring holds off for awhile as they look forward to hosting the first annual Potter County Vintage Snow Fest. Originally scheduled for January 14 – 16 and rescheduled for February 3 – 5, the event has again been rescheduled due to unseasonably warm weather conditions. Organizers have seta new date of February 17 – 19 and hope the third time is a charm.
The event will be held at the clubhouse at 949 North Hollow Road in Coudersport. The weekend will feature all things vintage, including vintage sled displays and a vintage ride on Sunday.
The highlight of the weekend will be Saturday’s competitive snow track races around the club’s quarter mile oval snow-track. Snowmobiles built in 1983 or earlier are considered vintage. There will be 16 race classes, including a “mini” class for children ages 5 to 10 years old. Organizers hope the retro rides and races revive the ‘70’s spirit of snowmobiling.
In addition to outdoor activities, the clubhouse kitchen will be open serving hot foods and beverages throughout the weekend. Organizers welcome attendees, whether they are snowmobile enthusiasts or not, to join in a weekend of winter fun. Admission to the event is $5 per person and will be charged on Saturday only.
More information is available at www.pcscriders.com or by calling Jon Blass at 814-260-1467. For information on racing, contact Scott Boucher at sbboucher@zitomedia.net.
Meanwhile, legislation that would give owners of antique and vintage snowmobiles a break in state registration fees has been approved by a key committee in the Pennsylvania House. Bill sponsor Representative Matt Gabler (R- Clearfield & Elk), said his legislation would direct the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, who licenses these vehicles, to offer a reduced fee for vintage machines similar to the special registration rules for antique and classic automobiles and allow collectors and hobbyists to more easily participate in shows and special events. There are now about 40,000 active snowmobiles registered in the state of Pennsylvania. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
A Wellsville, NY driver escaped injury in a one-vehicle mechanical failure mishap Tuesday on Route 6 in Sullivan Township, Tioga County. State police said Tabetha Billings was going west when the left front tire on her Ford Ranger detached from the axle cause the left front of the pick up to drop onto the roadway.
Troopers at Mansfield also released details yesterday about a couple of accidents occurring Sunday afternoon in Tioga county. Troopers said the first occurred at about 12:30 pm on Route 287 in Lawrence Township when Jason Kriebel of Millerton who was traveling south made a left hand turn in front of an SUV driven by Jessica McCarthy of Mainesburg. McCarthy was unable to stop in time and her GMC Envoy struck Kriebel’s Chevrolet Lumina in the right rear quarter panel. A passenger in his car, Stephanie Bentley of Tioga, was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were unhurt and two children, two years of age, riding in the McCarthy unit also escaped injury.
Injuries were reported in a collision occurring a couple of hours later on Route 287 in Middlebury Township, Tioga County. Troopers said that collision occurred when Randal Christy of Bemus Point, NY pulled his tractor trailer onto Route 287, heading north and did not see a Dodge Dakota driven by William Southard Jr. of Westfield. Southard’s car hit the rig’s saddle fuel tank. He and his wife Donna were taken to Soldiers and Sailors hospital in Wellsboro for treatment of injuries. While three children in their vehicle ages 2, 10 , and 12 escaped injury.
Coudersport-based state police have charged a 13 year old with disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place Sunday night on Route 6 in Pike Township. Authorities say the youth used a slingshot to fire BBs toward Jody Nudd.
Both people involved in a fight on the night of January 24 on Forest Glenn Lane in Ward Township, Tioga County have been charged with harassment. Troopers say 29 year old Tonyasue Chambers and 49 year old Timothy Dunkle got into a verbal argument which became physical.
The state police fire marshal reports two fires in Elk County Wednesday afternoon were accidental. A blaze at a camp on Mefferts Run Road in Jones Township just after 3:00 pm was caused by a problem with the chimney from a wood burner. Damage to the camp owned by Ben Samick of St. Marys amounts to about $5,000. A couple of hours later, firefighters were called to the home of 81 year old Arida Lunder on the Oknefski Road in Ridgway Township after a bucket containing ashes from a wood stove melted and ignited nearby combustible material on a partially enclosed side porch. A passerby saw the flames and helped to evacuate occupants of the house. Damage there said to be $2500.
A Wellsboro resident has committed to the Tioga County Prison on theft charges. State police at Mansfield claim 21 year old Ryan Arena put a TV set and various clothing items into a shopping cart and left the Mansfield Walmart during the evening of January 16 without paying for the merchandise.
Troopers at Mansfield are continuing their investigation into a theft occurring late last week on Cherry Street in Lawrenceville. Thieves stole various hand and power tools from a trailer belonging to Timothy Short of Lawrenceville.
An identity theft in McKean County is being probed by state police at Kane. Someone stole two debit cards from a purse belonging to Crystal Updegrove of Eldred during the middle of last month and used one of them to make several purchases in the Bradford area. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kane Barracks at 814-778-5555.
February 1, 2012
Tuesday’s high, 53; Overnight low, 42; .07” rain
It’s been the mildest winter in recent history and while some are enjoying the warmer temperatures and lack of snow, others are lamenting the anomaly among them, members of the Potter County Snowmobile Club. Members had planned the first ever vintage snow fest for mid-January but had to postpone the event due to lack of snow. A new date was set for this coming weekend, but the weatherman is still not cooperating and the club has re-scheduled the event for the weekend of February 17-19.
As we have reported the state supreme court has thrown out the proposed re-apportionment plan and sent it back to the legislature but Rep. Martin Causer says the court “got out of Dodge” without leaving any direction as what it wants the Reapportionment Commission to do.
The challenged plan would have divided Potter County into two legislative districts, with the western half remaining in the 67th currently represented by Causer and the eastern portion, including the borough of Galeton and a couple of surrounding townships moving to the district covered by Rep. Matt Baker of Tioga and Bradford Counties. One of the points made by the high court was that municipalities should not be divided without good reason. So, the question is, does the Potter County division meet the court’s standard?
Rep. Causer has also expressed concern about a plan to reduce the size of the state legislature. He says he disagrees with those who believe the change would save taxpayers money and would be detrimental to rural areas.
The lawmaker says it will take time for the proposal to become law, if it does. It will have to be a constitutional amendment, passed by two sessions of the legislature and then approved by voters.
State Police in Wayland New York have arrested an escapee from the Tioga County Prison after he reportedly walked away from a work detail near the prison.
Police say Jeffrey Blair, 22, was caught after they located a stolen vehicle that was heading northbound on I-390. The vehicle was stopped after it pulled into the Dansville Village Mart Sunoco gas station in the Village of Dansville. The operator of the vehicle, Britian L. Loyd, 19, of Elmira, NY was apprehended inside the gas station. Blair was apprehended inside the stolen vehicle.
Blair has been charged with being a fugitive from justice, criminal possession of stolen property and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Loyd was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and operating the vehicle without a license. Police issued the controlled substance charge after allegedly finding crack cocaine inside the vehicle.
Blair and Loyd were both arraigned in Dansville Village Court. Blair is being held in Livingston County Jail on no bail as a fugitive from justice and $100,000 cash bail for the stolen property and controlled substance charges. Loyd is being held on $5000 cash bail.
Mansfield-based state police are looking for a stolen vehicle. Troopers say 42 year old Lisa Deacon “borrowed” a 1996 Dodge Intrepid belonging to her mother, 72 year old Loan Siebel last Thursday evening and has not returned the vehicle and reportedly has refused to do so. Her whereabouts are currently unknown. The mother and daughter reside on Route 549, Mansfield. The car is described as being maroon in color and bears Pennsylvania registration FRK6828. Anyone who spots the car is asked to call state police in Mansfield at 570-662-2151.
A criminal trespass at a McKean county camp is being probed by state police at Kane.Sometime over the past couple of weeks, unknown persosn kicked in a back storm door at the camp on Newell Creek Road owned by Erich Bush of St. Marys. The door’s windows were smashed with a rock but it doesn’t appear anything was taken.
Pennsylvania dairy
farms are invited to apply for this year's Dairy of Distinction
award from the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program. Applications must be
submitted by April 15.
The award is based on the idea that attractive farmsteads enhance consumer
confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and stimulate milk sales and public
support for the industry. Dairies receiving the highest scores in each of 10
Pennsylvania districts will be awarded an
18-inch-by-24-inch Dairy of Distinction sign to display in front of their farm.
The program is run by volunteers and recognizes the hard work and dedication of
dairy producers who promote a positive image for the dairy industry.
Roadside judging will take place in May, and farms will be evaluated on factors
that can be controlled by the dairy producer. Judges will look for clean and
attractively finished buildings; neat landscaping, ditches, roads and lanes; and
well-maintained fences. They also will take into account other aspects of the
farm, such as manure management and cleanliness of animals, the barnyard and
feed areas.
To receive an application, call (814) 863-3913 or visit the Web at
http://dairyofdistinction.org.
Since 1987, Pennsylvania's Dairy of Distinction program has recognized more than
800 dairy farms. Some are located in the Black Forest Broadcasting service area
including Kenyon’s Jersey Farm in Hebron Township, Potter County. The
Pennsylvania program is part of the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program,
which also includes New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Vermont. Dairies in these
states can contact the program secretary in their states for applications.
January 31, 2012
Monday’s high, 29 (Just before midnight) Overnight low, 27; Temps. rose through the night to 38 by sunrise
The unemployment picture improved in all counties within the Black Forest Broadcast Service area, except in Cameron County, between November and December according to figures just released by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The seasonally adjusted jobless rate in Cameron County went up slightly from 11.4 to 11.5% keeping it the worst rate in the commonwealth once again. However, unemployment in Potter County went down from 8.8% to 8.5% during the perod. McKean County saw a drop from 8.3% to 8.2%; Elk County realized a decreas from 7.2% to 6.8% while Tioga which has consistently had the best percentage in the region saw a drop from 6.8 to 6.3%. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s seasonally adjusted unemployment dropped 3/10ths of a percentn to 7.6% while the national rate went down only a tenth of a percent to 8.5%.
Speaking of jobs....The Potter County commissioners have released a chart comparing salaries and benefits for county solicitors in a variety of counties. The chart is shown below. The commissioners last week voted to hire Attorney Tom Shaffer as county solicitor at a flat rate of $45,000 replacing longtime solicitor D. Bruce Cahilly whose position was re-defined by a previous board making him a county employee enjoying health insurance, vision and dental plans at a cost to the county of about $30,000 on top of his $45,000 salary. Attorney Shaffer also serves as the solicitor for Potter County Human Services at the flat fee of $12,000 which we incorrectly reported last week. Black Forest regrets the error.
County Solicitor Compensation Study 2012
Potter County (Population 17,457) 2012 budget: $73,320
County solicitor is considered a county employee
Salary $48,063; Secretary/Administrative $3,850; Benefits (health, prescription, vision, dental): $17,032; FICA $3,677; Workers Comp $428; Meals, etc. $270
Potter County (revised/anticipated with change in solicitor): $45,270
Salary $45,000
Meals, etc. $270
Jefferson County (Population 46,000)
Solicitor is not an employee
Salary $24,000 (no benefits or secretary stipend)
Columbia County (Population 63,000)
Solicitor is not an employee
Salary $28,700 (no benefits or secretary stipend)
Forest County (Population 7,700)
Solicitor is not an employee
Contracted on as-needed basis at $90/hour (no benefits or secretary stipend)
Perry County (Population 44,000)
Solicitor is not an employee
Salary $44,264 (also receives health, dental and vision; no secretary stipend)
Blair County (Population 127,100)
Solicitor is an employee with benefit package
Salary $46,400 (plus $2,400 secretary stipend)
Cameron County (Population 5,100)
Solicitor is an employee with benefit package; being revisited by Commissioners
Salary $21,245 (no secretary stipend)
Schuylkill County (Population 148,300)
Solicitor is an employee with benefit package
Salary $32,097 (no secretary stipend)
Fulton County (Population 14,900)
Solicitor is an employee with benefit package
Salary $30,400 (no secretary stipend)
Venango County (Population 54,400)
Solicitor is not an employee
Salary $60,000 (no secretary stipend)
Fayette County (Population 145,000)
Solicitor is an employee with benefit package
Salary: $35,000 (no secretary stipend)
Separate legal counsel is retained for Tax Assessment/Tax Claim, Elections and Zoning
A Shinglehouse woman has been charged with a host of offenses. State police allege 54 year old Christine Deyoe pointed a rifle at a 58 year old Shinglehouse man at her home Saturday night and pulled the trigger twice. The gun did not discharge either time but Deyoe was taken into custody and was remanded to the Tioga County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail after being arraigned on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, and reckless endangerment.
Robert Johnson IV of Canton has been charged with harassment for an incident allegedly taking place during the evening of January 23. State police contend Johnson harassed a 33 year old woman during a domestic violence incident at a residence on Cherry Flats Road in Charleston Township.
State police at Mansfield are charging 45 year old Joseph Kappel, Jr. of Hatboro with harassment alleging he repeatedly sent text messages wot a 57 year old Blossburg man last Thursday after being told to stop. Troopers also report a Tioga County teen received two lewd text messages last week from an unknown sender.
Two Gillette, PA residents have been charged by Mansfield based state police with retail theft. Authorities claim 27 year old Michelle Brown and 20 year old Steven Thome tried to leave the Mansfield Walmart Saturday night merchandise without paying for $43 worth of merchandise.
Coudersport-based state police are probing a couple of thefts. Sometime between last Tuesday and Thursday, someone stole a .45 cal. handgun from the home of Nicholas Williams on Water Street in Ulysses. The pistol is an AMT model Colt 1911 and is black with wood grips. An inspection sticker was removed from a vehicle belonging to David Frazier over the past several months while it was parked at his home on Southeast Street, Coudersport.
Troopers at Mansfield are continuing their investigation into a scam by a Craigs List buyer. Authorities say a 46 year old Mansfield resident was selling a Ford Taurus Sedan on the website for $1100. A woman contacted him and offered to purchase the car with a $2200 check asking the seller to return a check for $900 to cover shipping. The victim forwarded the $900 to a woman from East Syracuse but later found out the $2200 check was fraudulent.
Would-be thieves apparently left empty-handed after trying to break into Allison Crane and Rigging on Route 6 in Mansfield last Wednesday or Thursday. The criminals cracked a window in the building while trying to pry open the frame.
Someone stole a check from a purse belonging to Dianne Kuhns of Liberty from St. Paul’s Methodist Church on Linck Hill Road in Liberty Township January 19 or 20.The thief forged the victim’s signature and cashed the check at Citizens and Northern Bank in Knoxville.
Ridgway-based state police accused 29 year old Michael Long of Brookville with theft claiming he wrote a worthless check to Rick’s Used Auto Pars on Brandy Camp Road in Fox Township in Mid-November and failed to make it good.
Bruce Adams, 48, of Lititz, PA has been cited for criminal trespass by Coudersport-based state police. Authorities claim Adams walked onto property on the Loucks Mills Road in Ulysses belonging to the Hector Hunting Lease without permission on the morning of January 21.
Mansfield- based state police overnight released details about a couple of crashes occurring Saturday in Tioga County. Ryan Cady, 18, of Westfield escaped injury Saturday afternoon when his Ford Explore went off of The California Road in Brookfield Township, while headed south and struck a utility pole and traffic sign. He’s being charged with speeding. Another Westfield driver also escaped injury in a crash occurring late Saturday night on Route 249 in Middlebury Township. State police said William Jacobson was going west when he fell asleep at the wheel of his Chevrolet pick up allowed it to go off the road, hit a speed limit sign and travelinto a ditch where it came to rest.
The Pennsylvania State Police and the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office have announced the arrest of a Bridgewater man who is charged in the 1979 strangling death of Catherine Janet Walsh.Gregory Scott Hopkins, 65, was arrested by state police on Sunday and charged with criminal homicide. He is being held at the Beaver County jail. Walsh’s father discovered his 23-year-old daughter’s body when he went to her Monaca home on Sept. 1, 1979.
State police and the Monaca Borough Police Department began investigating, identifying Hopkins at the time as a possible suspect. Numerous items of evidence were sent to the State Police Crime Laboratory for processing during the entire course of the investigation. However, investigators were unable to generate enough evidence against Hopkins to make an arrest.
In late 2010, investigators resubmitted various items of evidence collected in connection with the case to the Pennsylvania State Police Greensburg Regional Crime Laboratory for forensic analysis. The lab concluded earlier this month that a sample taken from Hopkins positively matched evidence found at the scene.
If you have information on a serious crime or wanted person, call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS or visit their website at www.PACrimeStoppers.org.
January 30, 2012
Sunday’s high, 34; Overnight low, 19; .14” precip. 2.0 “ new snow
Federal Prosecutors have withdrawn tax evasion charges against Adelphia founder John Rigas and his son Timothy. Authorities said they were dropping the charges because they were not likely to end in substantial additional jail time or restitution and continuing would not be a prudent expenditure. Federal prosecutors alleged in 2005 that the Rigases failed to pay income tax on proceeds of the fraud on which they were convicted in 2004 in a New York City trial. The Rigases had argued that charges constituted double jeopardy which is prohibited by the US Constitution. The Rigases are currently serving time in federal prison; John, 12 years and Timothy 17. About half of their sentences have been completed. Meanwhile, The Rigases filed a motion last fall in southern District of New York asking that their convictions be overturned because prosecutors in the original case violated their constitution rights and new evidence demonstrates the false allegations made by the government and demonstrates abuses of power on the part of prosecutors.
In other news, Coudersport-based state police over the weekend released details about a one-vehicle crash occurring last Thursday morning on the Eleven Mile Road in Oswayo Township. Troopers said 18 year old Maranda Coyle was headed west when her Dodge Ram went off the road on a left curve. Coyle overcorrected, sending the truck to the other side of the road where the drivers side hit a tree then rolled over onto the passenger side where it came to rest. Coyle was first taken to Charles Cole Hospital by Shinglehouse ambulance but was later transferred to Hamot Medical Center in Erie for treatment of leg and head injuries.
A McKean County teenage driver suffered minor injuries in a crash Saturday evening on Route 155 in Liberty Township, McKean County. According to Kane based state police, 18 year old Alissa Peterson was talking on her cell phone when her northbound Chevrolet Tracker went out of control on the slippery road, slid off the road and struck a culvert. She was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by Port Allegany ambulance and is being charged with careless driving and failing to wear a seatbelt.
Minor injuries were also reported for a Sabinsville driver whose pick up wrecked last Wednesday on Route 2017 in Hamilton Township, Tioga County. Troopers over the weekend Michael Moyer overcorrected when his southbound Ford F-350 went off the road on a right curve. The truck went to the other side of the road, struck an embankment and rolled over onto the passenger side before coming to rest. Moyer did not require treatment at a hospital for his injuries.
A Wellsboro driver also suffered minor injuries in a rear end collision Friday night on Route 6 in Delmar Township. State police at Mansfield said Richard Butler was traveling west and did not see that Jeremy Grossman of Gaines had stopped his Subaru Legacy for traffic ahead. Butler’s Chevrolet CK 1500 ran into the back of Grossman’s car shoving it into the back of a Buick Century driven by Paul Wynkoop of Middlebury Center. Butler was taken by ambulance to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro. Grossman and Wynkoop were not hurt.
State police in Elk county said a Ridgway driver escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident early Friday morning on the Pittsburgh-Buffalo Highway in Horton Township. Jewel Santaniello was going north when her Mercedes Benz crossed to the other side of the road and collided with an embankment. The sedan then spun counterclockwise before rolling over onto the driver’s side.
Troopers at Mansfield have charged 20 year old Dillon Philip of Lawrenceville with criminal contempt. Authorities allege he violated a Prtoecton From Abuse order by going to the home of 43 year old Josephine Philip, also of Lawrenceville last Tuesday evening.
The state police fire marshal has charged a Mt. Jewett man with dangerous burning. According to an investigation of a fire occurring January 21 on Route 46 in Norwich Township, Christopher Johnson was hired by the land owner to clear the property of two mobile homes. Johnson ignited the trailers as a form of demolition and a passerby called 9-1-1 to report the blaze. Volunteer fire fighters from Norwich Township, Smethport and Port Allegany responded to the call. There were no injuries.
Joshua Smith, 31, of Ridgway has been jailed in lieu of $25,00 bail after being arraigned on drug charges. State police there claim Smith took some prescription medication belonging to Lindsey Imhof while at her apartment Friday and then was found trying to sell it later that day in the parking lot of the Ridgway Elks Club. He’s been charged with theft, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 31 year old Kristopher Wilson of Smethport. State police at Kane say Wilson stole a 2004 Pontiac Vibe owned by 89 year old William Sobczak of Smethport last Tuesday afternoon. The car. which was parked in the victim’s driveway when it was taken, is white in color and has Pennsylvania registration GFS5270. Anyone who has information is asked to call the Kane barracks at 814-778-5555.
Mansfield-based state police say they are continuing their investigation into the theft of a 1986 Jeep Wagoneer belonging to Tracy Sweely of Mansfield. The Jeep, which was taken sometime over the past couple of years has been recovered at Costy’s Salvage.
A break-in at Pequignot Fleet Station on East Hill Road in Covington Township, Tioga County remains under investigation as well. Thieves entered the business sometime over the past month and stole three Pennsylvania Inspection Stickers.
Unknown persons stole a GPS unit and some prescription medication from a vehicle owned by Stephen Olmstead while the vehicle was parked at his home on Route 328 in Jackson Township, Tioga County last Wednesday or Thursday. Thieves also siphoned out some gasoline from a vehicle owned by Robert Whhittemore of Middlebury Center during the same period of time while it was parked at his home on Route 287.
Kane-based state police are probing a theft occurring sometime over the past six weeks on Route 646 in Cyclone. Someone entered a camp owned by Douglas Smith of Gifford and stole a Remington 12 gauge shotgun, a Remington 243 model 788; a banjo in a case, a guitar in a case and a Husqvarna chain saw model 282.
Troopers at Coudersport are investigating a camp burglary taking place sometime since December 7 on the East Fork road in Wharton. Thieves made off with a DVD player, DVD’s and VHS tapes from the Wagon Wheel Lodge owned by Matthew McKnight of Connellsville, PA.
A criminal mischief occurring since January 13 on the Dahoga Road in Jones Township, Elk County is being probed by state police at Ridgway. Vandals caused $200 in damage to the wooden exterior door and window screen at the camp owned by Mary Ann Becker of East Pittsburgh, PA.
January 27, 2012
Thursday’s high, 34 (at midnight); Overnight low, 34; .90” rain
A State Supreme Court ruling may affect the proposed
changes in Potter County’s
state representation. The court, by a 4-3 decision, ordered the Pennsylvania
Legislative Reapportionment Commission to fix its state House and Senate
redistricting plans. Chief Justice Ron Castille, a Republican, joined
with three Democratic Justices to order the reapportionment fix. The
court order marks the first time in 50 years the court has negated the
commission’s work rather than affirming it. The Supreme Court order
did not say what was unconstitutional about the plan, reserving that for
a forthcoming opinion. But it did state that the 2001 state House and
Senate lines "shall remain in effect until a revised final 2011
Legislative Reapportionment Plan having the force of law is approved."
The state constitution says townships and counties should only be split
if "absolutely necessary," and observers say that questions about the
interpretation of which splits were "absolutely necessary" may have led
to the decision.
Several Democratic lawmakers and citizens had filed 11 challenges in
response to the new maps, and the court heard their arguments on Monday.
The critics told the court the new legislative districts unnecessarily
divided up neighboring communities around the state, especially those
with common interests.
The proposed
re-districting plan would have divided Potter County with the western portion
staying in the 67th, currently served by Rep. Martin Causer. Galeton
and a couple of surrounding townships would be moved into the district served by
Matt Baker of Tioga and Bradford Counties. So it is possible another change
would be made in order to comply with the court’s ruling.
:
It’s a new year and a new term for the Potter County Commissioners, who yesterday may some key changes in their office. Commissioner Susan Kefover was absent, being out of the state on personal business. Chairman Doug Morley and Commissioner Paul Heimel approved a resolution to hire a new county solicitor.
The commissioners also announced a vacancy in the position of Fiscal Director, previously held by Judy Snyder. When asked by Black Forest about the changes, Chairman Morley explained the choices were made by the board.
Attorney Shaffer will be paid a flat rate of $45,000 in addition to the $57,000 flat fee he receives as solicitor for Potter County Human Services. Following the meeting, Commissioner Paul Heimel explained to BFB that the previous board had hired D. Bruce Cahilly as a county employee, making the health care, dental and vision plans available to him in addition to his rate which amounted to some $75,000 a year for the county. Heimel provided confirmation that several counties, with populations greater than Potter, pay their solicitors as independent contractors without benefits well below Cahilly’s amount. Heimel said the commissioners had talked to Cahilly about their plans prior to Thursday’s meeting. He has served as county solicitor for many years, being appointed by several different boards.
In other business, the commissioners appointed Roy Thompson, Leroy White, Sara Gilliland and Jim Lane to the Farmland Preservation board. All will serve from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014.
In recent Potter County Court action, 29 year old Todd Putman of Galeton was ordered to spend 9-18 months in jail for forgery, concurrent to a previous one-month conviction of another charge. Putman was also ordered to pay a $500 fine; all costs and fees; make restitution; perform 25 hours of community service; undergo mandatory DNA testing; attend the next DUI Victim Impact Panel and to have no contact with the victims. His jail term began on January 20. Putman was deemed work release eligible. According to Potter County DA Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, Putman was arrested by Galeton Borough Police after he used two checks from Denise Doud’s checking account, without her permission, on August 3, 2010 to make $400 in purchases.
In Tioga County Court news, Jeremy S. Woods, 28, of Mansfield, has been sentenced to 24 months intermediate punishment for reckless endangerment, with the first year in prison, then probation and fined $250 and $175 restitution to the victim. Mansfield-based State police charged him after causing an accident by hitting another vehicle on Route 660, Covington Township on Aug. 4, 2010, as he was chasing down his ex-girlfriend, who was driving by his workplace.
Mansfield University police have arrested two people for separate incidents. Nicholas A. Lose, 20, of Watsontown has been charged with institutional vandalism. According to authorities, Lose intentionally broke 25 windows out of the new residence halls on Morris Drive on Dec. 3. Police said damage was done to 22 bedroom windows, two large picture windows and a front door. Damages were estimated at $17,437. Lose was released on $15,000 bail. His county arraignment is set for Feb. 13.
Julie R. Jerzak, 36, of Gillett was arrested for theft. According to documents, Jerzak took a gift card worth $65 from the desk of Michele Moore Jan. 12 and used it at Walmart two days later.
Police said they tracked the card through a receipt provided by the purchaser of the card, and the store provided digital surveillance footage of the transaction and records of a debit card transaction used at the same time belonging to Jerzak, who police allege admitted to the theft.She was issued a summons for a Feb. 22 preliminary hearing.
January 26, 2012
Wednesday’s high, 29; Overnight low, 27; .03” precip. .30 new snow
The Commonwealth
Financing Authority (CFA) has approved an $18 million grant to
fund rehabilitation of the George B. Stevenson Dam at Sinnemahoning State Park
in Cameron County, announced Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Brockway) and Reps. Martin
Causer (R-Turtlepoint) and Matt Gabler (R-DuBois).
“This is an important investment in protecting the health and safety of people
living along, or downstream from, the dam on First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek,”
Causer said.
Scarnati added. “Clearly, once this project is completed, it will meet the needs
of area citizens and businesses, as it is vital in terms of not only public
safety, but also economic development.”
The grant money will be used to construct a grout curtain and cutoff wall along
the upstream toe of the embankment to eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of
seepage through the rock foundation of the dam. Prior engineering studies have
shown the potential for embankment material to wash away, threatening a failure
of the dam that could impact towns and communities up to 140 miles downstream.
Funds for the dam project come from H20 PA Flood Control Program revenue bonds
authorized by Act 63 of 2008. Debt service on the bonds is paid from a portion
of slots revenue that is deposited in the Gaming Economic Development Tourism
Fund.
Coudersport-based state police finally have released details about a one-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on Route 44 at the Carpenter Road in Hebron Township. Troopers say a 16 year old Coudersport girl was going north when her 2003 Dodge Truck went off the road and hit a telephone pole, bringing wires down across the highway. The girl was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by ambulance for treatment minor injuries. Traffic was re-routed for several hours. The driver is being charged with speeding.
Two Eldred men were hurt Tuesday afternoon in a one-vehicle mishap on the Artline Road in Eldred Township. State police said Jay Rice was going east negotiating a slight right hand curve down a small grade when his Ford Contour dropped onto the berm. Rice overcorrected and sent the car sliding back across the road, rotating counterclockwise. The car hit an embankment with the right front end, then hit it again with the passenger side before rolling over a couple of times. The car came to rest on its roof on the north side of the road. Both Rice and his passenger, Seth Hamilton were able to get out of the wreckage and go to a nearby house to summon help. They were taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
No one was hurt in an unusual collision Tuesday just after 7:00 am on Route 46 in Keating Township, McKean County. According to Kane-based state police who investigated, Todd page of East Smethport was traveling north when for unknown reasons, the left front tire on his Nissan Extra came off and hit the front end of a Ford F-150 driven by Jeffrey Gigilotti of Bradford.
Coudersport-based state police have charged two more Potter County residents with DUI. Ryan Downey, 30 of Ulysses was stopped last Friday night on Route 49 in Bingham Township after allegedly committing traffic violations and Anthony Cary of Harrison Valley was pulled over Sunday night on First Street in Galeton also after allegedly violating the traffic code.
Troopers at Coudersport and Ridgway have not released the names of suspects but say they are continuing their investigation into a couple of bad check incidents. Coudersport-based state police say a female suspect wrote a worthless check in the amount of $889.81 to County Line Enterprises in Galeton on October 24 and has yet to make it good. Elk County authorities say a 21 year old Weedville woman provided a check at MJ’s Mini Mart in Kersey Sunday evening from an account she was not allowed to use and got an amount of money from the check before leaving the store.
Members of the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call Wednesday afternoon to a fire at the Gerner residence on the Back Road. Chief Roger LaBar told Black Forest Broadcasting that the boiler in the basement had overheated and opened up the safety valve emitting a lot of steam. One engine and a crew of 7 firefighters were on scene approx. 30 minutes. Little damage was done.
In recent Potter County Court action, 22 year old Timothy Cheplic of Austin was ordered to spend 18 months on probation, consecutive to a previous sentence for receiving stolen property in connection to a theft last Memorial Day weekend at the Hemlock Campgrounds near Austin. The coolers and their contents were valued at about $350. According to Potter County DA Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, Cheplic and two other defendants stole coolers from campers Beth Ann Sheredy and Jerome Gradizzi. Judge Stephen Minor also ordered Cheplic to pay all fines and costs and to make restitution; to perform 15 hours of community service and to have no contact with the victims.
Another Austin resident was sentenced to two years on probation for theft by deception to be served consecutive to a previous sentence.. Kali Denhoff, 21, was also ordered to pay all fines, fees and costs; to perform 15 hours of community service and to attend the DUI Victim Impact Panel. DA Watson said Denhoff was arrested by Coudersport borough police for passing worthless checks last April and May and not making them good.
In Tioga County Court news, Sandra Schrader, 31, of Westfield, has been sentenced to 12 months for bad checks and restitution of $1,747.36.State police charged her for cashing $1,747.36 in bad checks between April 3 and May 13 at various banks and businesses in Westfield, Wellsboro, Middlebury Township, and Galeton.
January 25, 2012
Tuesday’s high, 32; Overnight low, 25; trace of freezing drizzle
The Potter County Commissioners will host a meeting March 29 in the Gunzburger Building auditorium for local government officials, Chambers of Commerce and others interested in revitalizing their Main Streets. Commissioner Susan Kefover reported at the board’s January 12 meeting, that John Bry, formerly with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, was traveling through Coudersport about 18 months ago and according to Kefover, “fell in love with the town.” Bry contacted the borough and “ended up” talking to the commissioners and “really felt he could bring important information to help revive our Main Street.” Bry will be the guest speaker and will make a Power Point Presentation which will be an overview of design, promotion, organization and economic restructuring of Main Street. Commissioner Kefover is making the rounds inviting interested organizations to the meeting. She spoke last week to the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce and now is the time to move forward when others may be fearful and want to pull back, “this is our time to advance.” The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and according to Kefover will be a prelude to an entrepreneur fair being planned for this summer.
While Commissioner Kefover discusses Main Street revitalization to improve local economies, Rep. Martin Causer says lawmakers are busy considering legislation to improve the state’s economy. The lawmaker recently told Black Forest Broadcasting News that the House Finance Committee has reviewed a package of bills. House bill 1972 would extend the state’s Research and Development tax credit beyond the scheduled sunset date December 31, 2015. Another bill would allow for the expansion and extension of the Keystone Opportunity Zone initiatives to encourage companies to locate in Pennsylvania and give them a “kick start to get going.”
Mark Williams, 22 of Wellsboro has been arrested by Mansfield-based state police on charges of theft and forgery. Authorities claim Williams stole six checks from the Wellsboro home of 79 year old Jean Albert and used the checks over a two week period to make purchases totaling slightly more than $728.00.
Troopers at Mansfield are also probing a couple of other incidents. Someone entered the home of Julie Sherman in Delmar Township between 9:30 pm January 12 and noon January 13 and stole some prescription medication while the victim was sleeping.
And, unknown persons deposited waste material in a field located along Bear Creek Road in Jackson Township sometime over the past six weeks. The land is owned by Frank Kessing of Millerton. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Mansfield barracks at 570-662-2151.
January 24, 2012
Monday’s high, 40; Overnight low, 32; .16” rain
The Department of Environmental Protection announces it has submitted a revised version of its erosion and sediment control general permit for earth disturbance associated with oil and gas activities for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, along with four other supporting documents, including a draft permit application and a policy explaining the permit requirements. DEP will accept comments on the documents until March 21, 2012.
DEP revised the permit and the associated documents to incorporate recent regulatory revisions, to improve the administration of the program and to implement changes agreed to in a settlement with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Talisman Energy USA Inc. and Ultra Resources Inc.
The permit mandates protection of waterways and watersheds from sediment runoff during construction disturbing more than five acres over the life of an oil- or gas-related project.
The agency may also revoke licensed professionals’ ability to request expedited permit reviews if they routinely submit applications for coverage under the general permit that have administrative or technical problems.
DEP will no longer offer expedited review of permit applications for projects that have the potential to discharge sediment and runoff to exceptional-value or high-quality watersheds, have well pads that lie within floodplains or would take place on contaminated lands.
For permit applications that do qualify for the expedited review process, DEP will complete its review and return a decision within 14 days from the submission of a complete and accurate application. In other cases, staff will complete the review within 60 days. The agency has the right to “stop the clock” on a permit application if it has administrative or technical problems.
The draft policy provides guidance on the operators’ obligation to implement best management practices for erosion and sediment control and to restore and stabilize a well site within nine months of completing the well.
When submitting a notice of intent to construct, operators must also demonstrate that their post-construction stormwater management plans are consistent with county stormwater management requirements.
To view the permit and related documents, visit www.dep.state.pa.us and click on “Oil and Gas.”
Written comments may be submitted on the draft technical guidance document for 60 days after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. DEP will accept comments submitted by email; no comments submitted by facsimile will be accepted. A return name and address must be included in each email transmission.
Written comments should be submitted to Joseph Adams, DEP Office of Oil and Gas Management, P.O. Box 8765, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8765 or by email to josepadams@pa.gov.
Coudersport-based state police overnight released details about a hit and run occurring Friday night in the parking lot of the Ulysses American Legion. An unknown vehicle, while backing up hit the passenger side fender on a Chevrolet Silverado owned by Deborah Lewis of Ulysses. The hit and run unit is believed to be a red Ford pick up. Anyone with information is asked to call the Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690. No details have been released yet about a one-vehicle accident Sunday afternoon on Route 44 in Hebron Township. Two people were reportedly injured and wires were pulled down across the road when the car hit a utility pole.
A Galeton driver escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash occurring Monday morning in Shippen Township, Tioga County. State police said Robert Pickup Jr. was going west on Route 362 when his Ford Ranger went off the road and hit an embankment.
Troopers at Coudersport have made several recent DUI arrests. Kenneth Ruter, 51 of Coudersport was pulled over early last Thursday morning at the intersection of Route 6 and 872 at Ladona for displaying improper registration plates. Becky Lewis, 31 of Elmira, NY was stopped for an alleged traffic violation Friday night on Route 49 just west of Steer Brook Road in Eulalia Township and alleged traffic violation and subsequently placed under arrest for DUI. Darren Hamilton, 26, of Academy Street Genesee was arrested for DUI early Saturday morning after being stopped on Route 6 in Coudersport borough for speeding.
State police are advising motorists that they will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint the first week of February somewhere in Potter County.
Troopers are continuing their investigation into an assault allegedly taking place last Thursday night at 159 Main Street in Roulette. Wilson Graniela-Rivera,30, is accused of punching his roommate Emilio Guadalupe-Cruz,30, in the nose, causing a minor injury. No charges have been filed pending completion of the investigation.
Mansfield-based state police have charged 37 year old Tiffany Morley of Westfield with harassment. Authorities claim Morley repeatedly sent text messages to a 29 year old Blossburg woman after being told to stop.
Two people are accused of writing bad checks to the Corner Market and Deli in Kersey during November. State police claim 27 year old Nathaniel Poirier of Kersey wrote three worthless checks to the state and failed to make them good. They also assert 22 year old Kayla Huff of DuBois wrote a check on a closed account during the same period. Both defendants have been charged in district court.
The theft of a laptop computer late last month in Richmond Township, Tioga County remains under investigation by state police at Mansfield. A black Acer brand laptop with a gray top and black charger was taken from a residence on Blacktop Lane December 29 or 30. The computer which was in a black carrying bag and bears model number A35250-0810 and serial number 02058131364EB and is valued at about $500.
A couple of recent criminal mischief incidents are being probed by state police at Mansfield. Some damaged a back door at the home of 74 year old Margaret Tanner on Mechanic Street Lawrenceville January 13 or 14. And, vandals damaged a wooden fence at the home of 70 year old Alba Wainwright on Boatman Road in Knoxville over the past weekend.
Dorothy A. Steadman BISHER, 76, formerly of Genesee, PA and Lockport, NY, died Saturday, January 21, 2012 in Absolute Care of Gasport, NY. Born December 16, 1935, in Genesee, she was the daughter of Richard and Hazel A. Taft Steadman. On November 17, 1956, in Genesee, she married David Roger Bisher, who predeceased her on October 23, 2001. She was employed by Simon Saw and Steel and Lewis Flower Shop, both of Lockport and owned and operated Dorothy Bisher’s Dress Shop in Genesee for several years. She was a member of the Genesee Park Committee and volunteered at the Northern Tier Children’s Home Thrift Store in Genesee. Surviving are: two sons, Kevin (Theresa) Bisher of Roulette, PA and Douglas (Gail) Bisher of Lockport, NY; two daughters, Rebecca (Scott Clark) McDonell of LeRoy, NY and Wanda (Thomas Jr.) Helmicki of Tonawanda, NY; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Rodger C. Steadman in 1997. Friends may call at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA, on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with Funeral Services following at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Deborah L. Watkins will officiate. Burial will be in Genesee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee Township Park & Recreation Committee, Genesee, PA 16923 or your local hospice organization. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
Mary Jane WRIGHT, 88, of Sunderlinville, PA, formerly of Westfield, PA and Catlin, NY, died Friday, January 20, 2012 in the Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA. Born January 3, 1924, in Catlin, NY, she was the daughter of Arthur and Florence Scriven Parker. On January 26, 1952, in Alexandria, VA, she married Charles E. Wright, Jr., who predeceased her in 2002. During World War II, she served with the Civil Defense in Elmira, NY. She was a member of the Sunderlinville Full Gospel Church, where her husband served as pastor for many years. Surviving are: a son, Martin E. Wright of Sunderlinville; a daughter, Bonnie (Don) Hann of Sunderlinville; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by three brothers and a sister. A Memorial Service will held 3:00 PM, Sunday, January 29, 2012 in the Sunderlinville Full Gospel Church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
January 23, 2012
Sunday’s high, 25 (at midnight)/Monday’s low, 25; Trace of precip, (Freezing drizzle)
Changes are in the wind regarding the state legislature. Rep. martin Causer told Black Forest Broadcasting last week, the state supreme court will begin hearing arguments today on the proposed re-apportionment plan. The proposal calls for dividing Potter County into two legislative districts. The western portion of the county would remain in the 67th district while Galeton and a couple of surrounding townships would become part of the district represented by Matt Baker of Tioga and Bradford Counties.
Causer also reports the House state government committee will begin hearings on reducing the size of the state legislature....which the lawmaker says may sound good at first but the implications could be harmful to rural counties. House Bill 153 would reduce the House of Representatives from 203 to 153. Causer says he doesn’t buy the argument from the bill’s supporters that it would save money. He says the first thing that would happen to accommodate the larger districts would be that more district offices would be set-up and more staff would be hired. The measure would require a constitutional amendment before becoming law.
No details yet from Coudersport based state police regarding a one-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on Route 44 near the Carpenter Road in Hebron Township. Reportedly two people were hurt when a passenger car went off the road and hit a utility pole, tearing lines down. Coudersport Volunteer emergency services assisted state police at the scene and traffic was detoured for several hours.
State police at Coudersport though, released details over the weekend about a one-vehicle accident on Route 6 west of Coudersport Thursday afternoon. Troopers say Banda Baer of Port Allegany was headed east when her Chevrolet Cavalier went out of control on Cemetery Curve, crossed to the other side of the road and hit an embankment. Baer who was not using a seatbelt was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by ambulance for treatment of minor injuries.
State police at Kane say Natasha Wright of Port Allegany escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash Friday afternoon on the Lower Grimes Road in Liberty Township. Authorities say her Ford Taurus slid out of control on a right hand curve and fishtailed on the snow covered surface off the road and into a ditch. A witness told police the car had almost hit their vehicle head on before going off the road and into the ditch.
Major injuries were reported for a 72 year old Brockport man who was a passenger in a vehicle which wrecked Friday around noontime on Keystone Road in Horton Township, Elk County. State police said Scott Miller of Brockport was coming out of a left curve when his northbound Chevrolet Tracker slid on the snow covered road and crossed to the other side, hit an embankment, spun counterclockwise off the road and rolled over once before coming to rest on its wheels. The driver was not hurt but his passenger was taken to DuBois Regional Medical Center.
A Wellsboro driver was reportedly speeding early Friday morning when his Ford F-350 wrecked in Delmar Township. According to Mansfield-based state police, Joseph Jones was going west when he failed to stop at the intersection of Route 3007 and Pheasant Hill Road. His truck crossed both lanes on 3007 and struck a parked vehicle and a garage door before coming to rest. Jones escaped injury.
No injuries were reported fro a Voorhees, NJ driver following a one-vehicle accident Saturday afternoon on South Bullock Road in Richmond Township, Tioga County. Troopers report Robert Sapio, III was headed west when his Ford Explorer slid out of control on the snow-covered road and struck a drainage ditch and some shrubbery before coming to rest.
Snowy roads are also blamed for a one-vehicle accident occurring early Saturday morning on Route 6 in Delmar Township. Craig Wimmer of Galeton escaped injury when his Chevrolet Blazer slid off the road, traveled down an embankment and rolled over.
Kane-based state police have charged 54 year old Terry Mead of Warren with indecent assault and harassment for an incident allegedly taking place last Wednesday afternoon on Route 59 just west of Smethport. Mead is accused of making unwanted indecent contact with 23 year old Elizabeth Austin of Eldred while they were inside a moving vehicle.
A Kersey man has been charged with simple assault and other crimes for an incident taking place Friday night at the intersection of Gahr and Sheely Roads in Fox Township. State police claim 29 year old Scott Beck and 34 year old Ann Kesten of St. Marys were arguing when Beck tried to leave the location in a 2008 Jeep owned by 82 year old John Herbstritt of St. Marys. Then, they say, Beck intentionally rammed the Jeep several times with his Ford F-150, pushing it into the parking lot of the Fox Township Ambulance Company. Kesten and a 14 year old girl who was in the Jeep fled on Route 948 and called police. Beck is facing two counts each of reckless endangerment, simple assault and harassment and one count each of criminal mischief, reckless driving, failing to obey stop and yield signs and failing to use a seatbelt.
Troopers at Mansfield are continuing their investigation into a burglary taking place in late December at a home on Austinville Road in Sullivan Township. Thieves stole two guns from a gun safe in the basement at Gary Adock’s home. One of the guns is a Savage Youth Model 243 cal. rifle with a black stock, scope and a sling. The other is a Daisy .22 cal. rifle with a black plastic stock. Anyone with information is asked to call the barracks at 570-662-2151.
Deanna Bellman, 23 of Johnsonburg was arrested Sunday afternoon by state police in Ridgway. Authorities claim Bellman entered the Family Dollar Store in that town even though she had been advised that she was no longer welcome in the store due to a prior incident. Following a brief confrontation with the manager, Bellman left the store.
Environmentally conscious businesses, organizations and individuals have until Jan. 30 to apply for the 2012 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award
The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, government agency, educational institution, individual or farm that has created or participated in the development of a project that promotes environmental stewardship and economic development.
Eligible projects include environmental technology innovation, clean energy innovation, pollution prevention and resource efficiency, community revitalization, environmental education or outreach, watershed stewardship and mine safety, among others.
Projects will be evaluated based on applicants’ demonstration of how their project will protect the environment; teamwork; public service; environmental education and outreach; pollution prevention; economic impact, including potential job creation; and the use of innovative technology.
The project must have been completed between Aug. 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011
Applications for the award can be found at www.dep.state.pa.us by clicking the button on the front page, “Apply for the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards.”
Projects should be submitted by 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2012, via email to RA-EPgovenviroawards@pa.gov. For assistance with completing the application, call 717-783-8727.
Eleven members of the Pennsylvania State Police have been promoted to the rank of sergeant and 41 others, including Allen Brothers of Weedville have been promoted to the rank of corporal. Brothers is currently stationed at the Emporium barracks but is being transferred to Clearfield with his promotion.
Albert H. “Junior” Nolan, 81, of Shinglehouse, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 21, 2012 in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.
Born July 15, 1930 in Bell Run, he was a son of Albert A. and Ida Austin Nolan. On November 11, 1950 in Bell Run, he married Betty L. Ayers, who survives.
A lifelong Shinglehouse area resident, Mr. Nolan worked for Sandburg Oil Company in Olean for many years until retiring in 1992.
He was a charter member of Bell Run Union Church and was a former Ceres Township supervisor. He enjoyed camping, hunting, helping his daughter and son-in-law with their horses, going to his son and daughters’ camps, and riding his 4 wheeler.
Surviving besides his wife are a son, Rodney (Lyn) Nolan of Shinglehouse; two daughters, Vickie (Robert) Benson and Cathy (Rick) Milliken, both of Shinglehouse; nine grandchildren, Brock Benson, Brice Benson, Ryan Milliken, Courtney Tandeciarz, Jordan Nolan, Carter Nolan, Grant Nolan, Nicole McNeal, and Charity Nolan; eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold S. (Nancy) Nolan of Shinglehouse; a sister, Cressence A. Nolan of Shinglehouse; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Nolan was predeceased by a brother, Horace T. Nolan.
Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where funeral services will be held at 11 am. on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 with the Rev. Darell D. Harris of Oswayo and the Rev. Chad E. Shaffer, pastor of Bell Run Union Church, officiating. Burial will be in Bell Run Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Bell Run Community Club, 308 Austin Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 or to the Bell Run Union Church, 904 Taylor Brook Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
January 20, 2012
Thursday’s high, 22; Overnight low, 8; .17” precip. (3” of new snow)
Specialty courts have been gaining momentum across Pennsylvania. They are seen as a means of reducing jail costs and taking lesser offenses out of the criminal system. Potter County President Judge Stephen Minor has been actively pursing specialty courts here since taking office. Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel noted at the January 12 meeting that a recognized authority of drug and alcohol addiction will meet next week with the county’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board.
Dr. Michael Flaherty, founder of the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions, will be guest speaker at the Criminal Justice Advisory Board meeting on Friday, Jan. 27, at the Gunzburger Building auditorium in Coudersport. He’ll present information as part of the county’s plan to establish a Drug Treatment Court in the coming months. Dr. Flaherty, a clinical psychologist, calls for locally controlled strategies to reduce the number of repeat offenders by providing more effective treatment for those with mental health or addiction issues. With the inmate count consistently high at the Potter County Jail, and an increasing number of female inmates being held at rented cells outside of the county, local officials welcome alternatives.
Studies consistently show that separating out non-violent criminal defendants suffering from addiction, mental health issues, or both, can reduce the proportion of repeat offenders. There is widespread support for the concept among the CJAB membership. Several members, including Judge Stephen Minor, recently traveled to Lewisburg for a first-hand look at the widely acclaimed Drug Treatment Court of Union County. Federal and state grants could cover much of the Drug Treatment Court’s initial costs.
And as state lawmakers prepare to grapple with a possible 500-million dollar budget shortfall at the end of the fiscal year, you can expect debate over alternative sentencing legislation to relieve pressure on state prisons to pick up. Pennsylvania’s inmate population increased 522% between 1980 and 2009 while the state’s total population increased only 6.2% during the same period. Senator Mary Joe White, of Venango County, recently testified before the Senate Judiciary committee saying the commonwealth must find a better way to deal with low level offenders. The senator said “Now that we’ve moved. past the $1 billion mark on corrections it’s getting people’s attention.” She says it’s time to get serious about successful re-entry and diversion of non-violent offenders. “because we simply can’t keep warehousing people at the rate we’re doing it .If it’s not successful, I don’t think it makes us any safer and it certainly does not improve lives.” Pennsylvania has 27 state prisons. Twenty five years ago, there were only seven.
The snow storm which moved through the region Thursday afternoon caused slippery roads and a number of traffic accidents. Coudersport-based state police have yet to release details about a one-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on “Cemetery Curve” west of the borough. Reportedly one person was taken to the hospital. One lane of Route 6 was closed to traffic for a couple of hours. A Canadian man escaped injury just after 3:00 pm Thursday in a one-vehicle accident on Route 219 in Lafayette Township. State police said Brett Nash was headed south behind a tractor trailer which was “generating atmospheric sight disability in the form of snow.” Nash turned to the left and encountered a deeper concentration of snow deposited in the center of the road, causing his Ford Ranger to begin fish tailing and cross into the southbound lane before overturning. The pick up came to rest on its roof along the southern shoulder. Amanda Brant of Kersey also escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident a few minutes later on Route 255 in Jay Township, Elk County. Troopers said Brandt’s Nissan Exterra spun out of control on the snow and ice covered road and hit an embankment with the front end; then spun sideways hitting the embankment again, this time with the right rear before coming to rest in a nearby field.
A Galeton woman escaped injury Wednesday afternoon when her car wrecked on Route 44 in Brown Township, Lycoming County. Troopers said Rose Pasquale was headed north when her Suzuki SX4 went across the road and collided with an embankment. Pasquale is being cited for speeding.
The name of a driver facing DUI charges following a crash last Friday on Route 49 in Allegany Township, Potter County has finally been released. Authorities claim 31 year old Crystal Taylor of Coudersport was driving under the influence when her eastbound Jeep Cherokee went off the road on a straight stretch just after 11:00 am and went into a ditch where it continued for about 15 feet before coming to rest in the ditch about three feet off the road. State Police say upon investigating, they determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Taylor’s name apparently was inadvertently left off the original news release and could not be obtained until the investigating trooper, Mark Van Volkenburg returned to work from “days off.”
State police at
Coudersport say they have solved a simple assault taking place on the
afternoon of November 9 on Route 44 in Eulalia Township. Authorities say it was
31 year old Justin Pratt of Allegany Avenue Coudersport who threw a Monster
Energy drink from a car hitting passing motorist Curtis Jones in the head,
causing an injury. Police have confirmed the car, from which the can was thrown,
was driven by 41 year old Sean Little of North West Street Coudersport. He’s
being charged with limitations on overtaking on the left and Little is being
charged with disorderly conduct.
Two Wellsboro
residents are scheduled for preliminary hearings January 25 for allegedly
stealing TV sets from the Mansfield Walmart. . Ryan C. Arena, 21, was arrested
by state police after being observed by Walmart personnel placing a 47-inch 3D
TV valued at $898, and clothing for a total value of $944 into a cart and
leaving without paying recently. He was released on $5,000 bail following
arraignment. Melissa M. Swain, 32, was recently
observed by Wal-Mart personnel putting a 32-inch Vizeo LED TV valued at $268
into a cart and walking out of the store accompanied by a male friend. According
to Police the TV was found in the back of her car, but Swain said she thought
her friend had paid for it, and that it was a misunderstanding. The friend later
went back to the store and paid for the TV, though he was told it would not
change the outcome or charges against Swain.
LeoLa Louise Grover GILL, 86, of Inwood, WV, formerly of Genesee, PA and Whitesville, NY, died Sunday, January 15, 2012. Born March 13, 1925 in Whitesville, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ira Merrill and Leanora Bell Seger Grover. She graduated high school in Whitesville, NY and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Genesee, PA. She had a remarkable gift for oil painting. Surviving are: two daughters, Brenda Leanor Gill-Kear and husband, Kenneth of Bunker Hill, WV and Cheryl Nan Gill-Barker and husband, Russell of Inwood, WV; a son, Gary Marshall Gill and wife, Dianna of Weatherferd, TX; five grandchildren, Kelinda Schuster and husband, Kevin, Karmon Fanton and husband, Todd, Ryan Barker, Heather Andre and husband, Bradley, and Hayley Barker; and four great-grandchildren, Kyla, Tristan, Riley, and Reese. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Francis Gill, Jr.; brothers, Clyde, Lloyd, Leon and Keith Grover; and sisters, Luella and Shirley Grover. Friends may call at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA on Monday, January 23, 2012 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, with a Memorial Service following at 3:00 PM. Pastor Harold Kiel will officiate. Burial will be in Genesee Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
January 19, 2012
Wednesday’s high, 22; Overnight low, 6; .02” precip. including 1” of snow in some locations
We’ve been telling you about Pennsylvania’s reapportionment plan necessitated by the results of the 2010 census. Under the plan, Potter County will be divided into two districts for the state house with the western portion remaining in the 67th served by Rep. Martin Causer. Under proposal, Galeton and a couple of surrounding townships will be served by Rep. Matt Baker of Tioga and Bradford Counties. Rep. Causer recently told Black Forest Broadcasting News that there is one final legal hurdle for the plan. Under state law, citizens can file objections about the plan with the state supreme court. Eleven people have filed complaints and the court will begin hearing testimony this coming Monday. Causer says the court must act quickly as its decision will have a bearing on the upcoming electoral process.
The U.S. Marshals Service sponsored Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force in Erie announces that they arrested 153 fugitives which cleared a record 205 warrants in 2011. These warrants were issued by federal, state, and local magistrate courts for fugitives wanted for Homicide, Attempted Homicide, Rape, Robbery, Bank Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Firearm Offenses, Escape, Burglary, Theft, Fraud, State Parole/ Probation Violations, Federal Probation Violations, and Drug Related Offenses.
The Erie Division of the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency, collaborative law enforcement effort sponsored by the U.S. Marshals Service that specializes in locating and apprehending violent felony fugitives in the counties of Elk, Erie, Clarion, Crawford, Forest, McKean, Mercer, Venango, and Warren. Participant agencies include the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, District Attorney and Sheriff’s offices in each county plus the Erie Police Department Further information about the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force may be viewed at www.usmarshals.gov/district/pa-w/.
The public is encouraged to call the Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force’s Tip Line at (814) 464-9683 or email WPAFTF@comcast.net with information about fugitives. All information will remain confidential and callers may remain anonymous. A cash reward may also be available through Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.
A Roulette woman and her teenage passenger suffered minor injjuries in a one-vehicle accident Wednesday just before noon. State police said Elma Lannager was going west when her Mercury Grand Marquis went off the north side of the road and struck an embankment with the front end. The car then spun clockwise, coming to rest with the rear in a ditch and the front tires on the road. Lannanger and her 15 year old female passenger were taken by Roulette Ambulance to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment. A portion of Route 6 was blocked for a short period of time.
Moderate injuries were reported for a Shinglehouse man following a one-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning on the Plank Road in Sharon Township. According to state police, Travis Siebert was headed north when his Chevrolet Silverado failed to make a left curve and went off the road where it collided with a tree. Coudersport and Shinglehouse emergency services personnel assisted state police at the scene. Siebert was taken by ambulance to Charles Cole Hospital.
DUI charges are being filed against 30 year old Ralph Stout of Coudersport following a one-vehicle crash Wednesday morning at about 3:00 am on Route 6 a quarter mile east of Main Street in Roulette. Troopers did not release details of the crash but say when they investigated they determined Stout had been driving under the influence at the time.
Troopers at Coudersport say they will charge 37 year old Shawn Rader of Roulette with terroristic threats for an incident allegedly occurring at around 1:00 am Wednesday in his home on Maple Street. Authorities claim Benjamin Price was visiting Rader when Rader began to argue with Price and others at his house. He then, allegedly grabbed a large kitchen knife and threatened Price multiple times before hitting him in the face.
Justin Hanes, 30, of Genesee is accused of harassment for a domestic violence incident allegedly taking place Tuesday afternoon on School Street. Troopers say Hanes pushed a 31 year old woman and spit on her during an argument.
Mansfield-based state police have charged 19 year old Christopher Wilson of Blossburg with escape, loitering, public drunkenness and underage drinking. According to authorities, Wilson was charged after he failed to return to jail following a temporary leave on Jan. 10. According to police, he showed up drunk at a Jackson Township residence and loitered around the property. Police said Wilson’s vehicle ran into some pine trees following a hit and run crash, in which he was involved near the residence.He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 bail, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 9.
Hills Creek State Park in Wellsboro, PA is seeking individuals or groups to operate the beach food concession stand from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located in the day use area, on a hill overlooking the lake and the beach, the concession stand would offer a variety of food, snacks, and drinks as well as camping supplies to park visitors throughout the summer months. For bidding information, please contact Assistant Park Manager Ben Stone at the Hills Creek State Park office at 570-724-4246.
Malissa S. ERWAY, 40, of Ulysses, PA, died Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in her home. Born December 3, 1971, in Olean, NY, she was the daughter of Gary O. and Rita Lehman Erway. She was a 1992 graduate of Northern Potter High School. Missy loved country music and was active in Special Olympics. She was a member of the Ulysses United Methodist Church and served as a volunteer at Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport. Surviving are: her parents of Ulysses; two sisters, Nicole (Dennis) Proctor and Angela Erway, both of Bradford, PA; a nephew, Bailey; aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Herman William and Frances Lehman; and paternal grandparents, Clifton and Mary Erway. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 21, 2012 in the Ulysses United Methodist Church. Pastor Nettie Treat will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ulysses United Methodist Church, the Ulysses Library, or the Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance Association, Ulysses, PA 16948. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
January 18, 2012
Tuesday’s high, 48; Overnight low, 21; .36” precip. including trace of snow
Gusty winds tore across the region Tuesday evening downing trees and power lines in several locations. Fortunately no injuries were reported. The National Weather Service posted a rare January Severe Thunderstorm warning which expired at 8:15 pm though winds gusting to 60 miles per hour continued through the night.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced it will continue to suspend the implementation of area code relief in the 814 region because the projected exhaust date has been extended until first quarter 2016. Originally, it was believed that phone numbers in the 814 area would be exhausted by the first quarter of 2015. The Commission has reviewed the projected exhaust date released in October 2011 and has determined that a continuation of the suspended implementation schedule is warranted at this time. The suspension will continue until at least April 2012, when the Commission is scheduled to receive updated projected exhaust dates for the 814 area code.
On
Dec. 16, 2010, the PUC approved a plan to split the 814 area code along
geographic boundaries to avoid running out of phone numbers, creating a new area
code, 582, for customers in portions of northwestern Pennsylvania. The
Commission’s initial decision considered the June 2009 petition submitted by the
telecommunications industry as well as public input and comments on the
appropriate area code relief for the 814 area. In January 2011, the Commission
received more than 40 petitions for reconsideration to its December 2010 area
code relief decision. In March 2011, the Commission reopened the record on the
case and received testimony during additional technical conferences and public
input hearings conducted over several months. The petitions for reconsideration
as well as the numerous comments are pending at the Commission while the PUC
further reviews the numbering resources available in the 814 region.
To view this press release in its entirety, select the following link:
http://www.puc.state.pa.us/general/press_releases/press_releases.aspx?ShowPR=2914
The state legislature returned to voting session today and Rep. Martin Causer recently told BFB that the state’s infrastructure will be one of the main priorities facing lawmakers. He says the legislature will have to find ways to fund improvements. He says Private/Public partnerships may be one component of the solution. Sen. Joe Scarnati, in a recent interview, concurred the state’s infrastructure is in poor shape. He says the commonwealth has a large number of structurally deficient bridges and roads, especially in western Pennsylvania are in poor shape.
The Senator who
represents the BFB service area added that if Pennsylvania is going to become a
major economic player, it needs to have the infrastructure that can accommodate
the economy.
Two people were hurt in a head-on collision involving commercial vehicles Tuesday afternoon south of Port Allegany. Kane-based state police say the collision occurred when Al Wen Zeng, 68, of Brooklyn, NY was going north on Route 155 and began to pass a school bus which had stopped in the northbound lane, preparing to turn left onto Gardeau Road and struck a box truck driven by Jacqueline Daughtery of Bradford which was headed south. Daugherty and a passenger in Zeng’s Freightliner, Gildaardo Encarnacion, also of Brooklyn were taken by ambulance to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Troopers said all three people were wearing seatbelts. Volunteer emergency services personnel from Port Allegany and Roulette responded to the scene. Authorities say Zeng is facing a number of traffic violation charges.
A Bel Air Maryland man escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident Sunday evening on Route 15 in Richmond Township, Tioga County. State police say Andrew Connorton was headed north when his Saab hit a piece of steel lying on the road. Connorton steered the car to the right off the road. The car had to be towed from the scene.
Coudersport-based state police say DUI charges will be filed against a driver whose Jeep crashed last Friday morning on Route 49 in Allegany Township. Troopers say the eastbound unit went off the road on a straight stretch just after 11:00 am and went into a ditch where it continued for about 15 fee before coming to rest in the ditch about three feet off the road. Authorities say upon investigating, they determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Police say they will not be able to release the name of the driver until Trooper Mark Van Volkenburg returns from “days off.”
Pennsylvania high school students are invited to enter a PennDOT contest aimed at discouraging distracted driving. Students can submit a 30-second radio public service announcement, or PSA, and the winning announcement will be professionally produced and sent to the student’s local media market.
Distracted driving poses a serious safety risk to drivers of all ages, and particularly to relatively inexperienced drivers. According to PennDOT, in 2010 there were 14,294 crashes statewide involving drivers who were distracted or were using a hand-held cell phone. Approximately 37 percent of those crashes involved a driver who was 16 to 25 years old.
To enter the contest, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors should submit recorded scripts in MP3 or MP4 format. Students may also submit written scripts.
One finalist will be chosen from each of PennDOT’s 11 engineering districts. The winning students will be invited to travel to Harrisburg to have the PSA professionally recorded and then distributed to their local radio stations. Winning students from each PennDOT district will receive certificates and recorded copies of their PSAs.
Entries may be submitted by email to RA-penndotpress@pa.gov. Students can also submit entries by mail to: PennDOT Press Office, c/o Erin Waters, 8th Floor-Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg, PA, 17120. Entries must be received or postmarked by March 23.
Visit www.DriveSafePA.org for full contest rules.
January 17, 2012
Monday’s high 30; (midnight); Overnight low, 30; .06” precip. Trace of sleet
Winter just got here but thoughts are turning to spring and the Game Commisson says now is the time for landowners to begin making plans to help wildlife by to planting tree and shrub seedlings offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nursery, which will begin Jan. 3 through April 20.
Order forms and information are available on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us)
by putting your cursor on “General Store” in the menu bar at the top of the
homepage, then clicking on “Howard Nursery” in the drop-down menu listing and
scrolling down and choosing “2012 Seedling Order Form.” (NOTE: If you have
problems downloading the order form, you likely need to install the latest
version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be found doing an internet search and
downloaded for free.)
The order form can be completed and submitted on line, or printed out and faxed
or mailed. Payments are not due until the order is confirmed by Howard Nursery.
For those without internet access, order forms can be obtained at Game
Commission offices or various displays or booths at shows in which the agency
participates through the spring or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope
to: Howard Nursery, 197 Nursery Road, Howard, PA 16841.
The nursery sells seedlings in units/bundles of 25. Orders of 12 more total
units receive discounted pricing. Prices are as low as $3.75 per unit of 25
seedlings (15 cents each).
These species will be available for purchase beginning Jan. 3, 2012: Eastern
white pine; red pine; white spruce; Norway spruce; Douglas fir; Eastern hemlock;
Arborvitae/Northern white cedar; blue spruce; common elderberry; silky dogwood;
graystem dogwood; flowering dogwood; arrowwood viburnum; American highbush
cranberry; buttonbush; winterberry; sawtooth oak; scrub oak/bear oak; pin oak;
mixed Northern red oak and black oak; white oak; black oak; black walnut;
Chinese chestnut; American mountain ash; Washington hawthorne; assorted
crabapple; American sweet crabapple; and assorted standard apple.
Those interested in red elderberry, Bartlett pear, Seckle pear, wild plum,
Eastern redbud, wild black cherry, dwarf chinquapin oak and gobbler sawtooth oak
should call Howard Nursery (814) 355-4434, as these species are in limited
supply. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A
description of each species available, along with size information, is available
on the website under “Tree Seedling Index.” Some of the new native shrubs are
available in limited quantities and are expected to sell out quickly. The
selection of native trees and shrubs is being expanded annually. With the
exception of black locust, all of the hardwoods are grown from seed collected
and processed by Game Commission personnel from Pennsylvania sources.
The preferred method of delivery is by United Parcel Service (UPS). Shipping
and handling charges do apply. This is very efficient and most orders are
received next day. Orders are shipped only Monday through Wednesday to assure
delivery for weekend planting. However, orders also may be picked up in person
at the nursery once notified the order is ready.
For more information, contact the Howard Nursery, 197 Nursery Road, Howard, PA
16841, telephone (814) 355-4434. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 7
a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Game Commission’s Howard Nursery produces bare-root seedlings for wildlife
food and cover on State Game Lands. The nursery has been producing and
distributing 2.7 to 6 million seedlings annually for wildlife food and cover
since 1954. Landowners who have land open to public hunting and are enrolled in
one of the Commission’s public access programs are eligible to receive up to 500
free seedlings annually, as available. Those enrolled cooperators with more
than 500 acres are eligible for one free seedling per acre enrolled up to a
maximum of 10,000 seedlings annually, as available. Cooperators are provided an
order form each fall for following spring delivery. Free seedling orders are
taken only in the fall through local Wildlife Conservation Officers (WCOs) and
Land Management Group Supervisors (LMGS).
During the January 12 meeting, the Potter County Commissioners approved four year contracts for four unions representing Potter County Human Services, county employees, a small association for probation officers and the Teamsters representing jail staff. Chairman Doug Morley said most often work agreements are driven by wage increases but this time around, the main component was changing all employees to a health care plan offered through the Teamsters union which will save the county money in the long run. All employees and elected officials are now under one health care plan, at a reduced premium for the county.
Chairman Morley said because of the savings realized, the county will be able to continue paying 100% of employees’ health insurance premiums and they will realize some enhancements to their coverage.
Morley said there is one difference with the new plan. Employees will have a difference in deductibles. There is now an 80/20 deductible; $500 for individuals and $1,000 for families but Morley said even though that means an increase for employees, union representatives approved the change because of the overall improvement in the coverage.Three of the contracts had been ratified by their memberships prior to last Thursday’s meeting. Chairman Morley said the contract with the Teamsters had also been ratified but the paperwork had not reached the commissioners’ office.
A St.Marys man has been cited for careless driving following a one-vehicle mishap Monday afternoon on Route 219 in Ridgway. State police there say Shawn Weidow was going south when his Ford F-450 crossed the highway and hit a utility pole and large rock before coming to rest upright. Weidow was wearing a seatbelt and escaped injury.
Coudersport-based state police have arrested 31 year old Justin Ruppert of Coudersport on drug law violations. Authorities claim they found Ruppert in possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia at his home on Rocky Lane in Ulysses Township last Friday afternoon.
A criminal mischief taking place at about 2:20 pm on Saturday January 7 in Richmond Township, Tioga County is under investigation. Someone driving a red and silver Ford pick-up damaged a mailbox on Kellytown Road near Pickle Hill Road which is owned by Roland Satterlee.
Potter County Judge Stephen Minor has sentenced an Austin resident to 12 months probation for possession of drug paraphernalia. Skyler Shaffer, 19, was also ordered to pay a $300 fine and submit to a mandatory 90 day driver’s license suspension for underage purchase of alcohol. The judge also ordered Shaffer to pay all costs, fines and fees, perform 15 hours of community service; take part in recommended drug and alcohol treatment; attend AA/NA meetings as directed and attend the next DUI Victim Impact Panel. Shaffer is also prohibited from having any contact with unlawful users of controlled substances. According to Potter County DA Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, Shaffer was arrested by Austin Borough Police Officer Kyle Day last April 30 after he was observed ducking between cars at Ritsick’s garage and entering one of the vehicles. A glass pipe found on Shaffer was later confirmed by a crime lab, to have held marijuana.
January 16, 2012
Sunday’s high, 16; Overnight low, -1; no precipitation
The National Weather Service has posted a winter weather advisory for the Black Forest Broadcasting Service area through Tuesday morning. Clouds will increase and bring along a mixed bag of precipitation which will change over to all rain around daybreak.
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and most government offices at a local, county, state and national level are closed today in observance. There will be no regular mail delivery and it’s a bank holiday Most area students have the day off from classes while many schools have an in-service day for teachers. Normal schedules resume tomorrow.
A Web-based seminar sponsored
by Penn State Extension will examine seismic testing associated with Marcellus
gas development in Pennsylvania this Wednesday
Titled "Seismic Testing: What's It All About?", the 75-minute webinar will begin
at 1 p.m. on Jan. 19. Presenters will be Kenneth Hall, of Kenneth Hall
Consulting Services of Snow Shoe, and Dennis Langlois, of Houston, Appalachian
region sales and marketing manager for CGG Veritas.
During the webinar, the potential problems that may be encountered with seismic
testing and conditions property owners should require prior to approving the
testing will be discussed.
a slide presentation,will be ofofered giving a brief summary of events that
take place in acquiring a 3-D seismic survey, from the initial contact with the
landowners until a company has acquired the data and left the area.
.
The webinar is part of a monthly series of online workshops addressing
opportunities and challenges related to the state's Marcellus Shale gas boom.
Information about how to register for the session is available on the webinar
page of Penn State Extension's natural-gas website at
http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas/webinars.
Future webinars will focus on transportation patterns and impacts from Marcellus
development, and municipalities' roles related to water use and protection.
Previous webinars, publications and information also are available on the Penn
State Extension natural-gas website (http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas),
covering topics such as air pollution from gas development; the gas boom's
effect on landfills; water use and quality; zoning; gas-leasing considerations
for landowners; implications for local communities; gas pipelines and
right-of-way issues; legal issues surrounding gas development; and the impact of
Marcellus gas development on forestland.
For more information, contact John Turack, extension educator based in
Westmoreland County, at (724) 837-1402 or by email at
jdt15@psu.edu.
State police across the region investigated several accidents over the weekend, many were weather related. No one was hurt in a collision Friday morning on Rotue 872 in Eulalia township. State police said Daniel Glassmire, 29, of Coudersport was going north when his Hyundai Elanta slid out of control on the snow covered road and struck the front end of an International Harvester driven by Billy Chestnut of Austin. After impact, the rig traveled onto the west side of the road, partially block the southbound lane of travel. The passenger car had to be towed from the scene. There was no damage to the tractor trailer.
A Coudersport woman was hurt in an accident Saturday afternoon on Route 872 in Homer Township, Potter County. State police said Alfred Ritter of Coudersport was going south when his Ford Explorer went off the road and hit a mailbox then a ditch before stopping. He escaped injury but this passenger Patricia Barton was taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital for treatment of undetermined injuries. He's being charged for speeding.
Moderate injuries were reported for a Mansfield driver following a one-vehicle crash Friday afternoon on Painter Run Road in Rutland Township, Tioga County. Troopers report James Dornblaser was headed north when his Jeep Wrangler crossed to the other side of the highway, struck an embankment and rolled over. Dornblaser was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro by ambulance. He’s also being cited for speeding.
An Elkland driver is also being charged with speeding for a crash taking place Friday afternoon on Cummings Creek Road in Farmington Township, Tioga County. State police report Branden Burfield was headed north when his Chevrolet Caviler slid out of control on the icy highway while making a slight left curve. The car went off the road, hit a ditch and rolled over onto its roof. Burfield suffered minor injuries but was not taken to a hospital.
A Millerton man declined treatment following one-vehicle crash a few minutes before that when his GMC Savana spun counter clockwise off the road and collided with three sections of guardrail before coming to rest in a grassy area off of the west berm. Police said 76 year old Ladrue Wheeler was wearing a seatbelt at the time.
Speeding charges are being filed against 22 year old Ian Valone of Corning, NY following a crash Saturday afternoon on Route 15 in Bloss Township, Tioga Count. According to state police, Valone was going south negotiating a left hand curve when his Subaru Impreza went off the road and hit a guard rail, then went back across both lanes and collided with a concrete barrier on the west side of the road. Valone was not hurt.
A Roulette man is accused of harassment in connection to an incident late Friday night at his home on Horseshoe Court. State police allege 39 year old Jeffrey Jones shoved and hit a 30 year old woman during an argument.
Troopers at Coudersport are probing a couple of camp burglaries taking place earlier this month on the East Fork Road in Wharton Township. Thieves forced their way into camps owned by Clark Taylor of Lancaster, PA and Jack Zaluski Jr. of Austin and then ransacked the interiors but apparently left empty handed.
The theft of a piece of jewelry from a Ulysses home between October 28 and November 21 is also being investigated by state police at Coudersport. Thelma Thomas, 96, told authorities someone took a diamond pendant necklace during that period from her house on School Street.
Mansfield-based state police have charged 27 year old Corey Rook of Bath, NY with access device fraud. Authorities claim Rook used a credit card belonging to Energy Transportation Services of Tioga, PA to make eight unauthorized purchases at various stations around Tioga County over the past month.
The theft of a pick up truck from a Lawrenceville dealership late last week is being probed by state police at Mansfield. Authorities say the criminals first kicked in the front door at Lawrenceville Cart Town in an attempt to find car keys. Unable to do so, they went to Chilson-Wilcox, Inc. and found an unlocked Dodge Ram 1500 with the keys in it and drove off. The truck is owned by Stephanie Warner of Tioga.
Thieves took 50 aluminum wheels from Auwarter Salvage on the North Williamson Road in Covington, Township between January 5 and 12. No value was provided by police. And, someone yanked a mailbox from the end of a driveway on Summit Street in Morris Run last week. The mailbox belonged to Edward Johnson.
January 13, 2012
Thursday’s high, 40; Overnight low, 17; .34” precip. (2” of new snow)
Potter County’s water protection efforts are receiving national recognition. Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel reported at yesterday’s commissioners meeting that a representative of the US Environmental Protection Agency attended Wednesday’s meeting of the Potter County Triple Divide Water Coalition in Roulette. The official announced that Potter County is being considered as national model for pulling together public water suppliers and others interested in water quality in cooperative efforts. Commissioner Heimel said the efforts are not just targeted to the Natural Gas Industry but they are targeted to the broader protection of public water supplies. The group was also applauded b the League of Women Votes and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection who both had representatives at the meeting.
Representatives from all 10 public water suppliers in Potter County have joined Triple Divide. Its goal is to protect public water sources from potential degradation caused by natural gas well drilling or other disturbances, through a combination of public education, communication with industry, and/or regulations. The group draws its names from the county’s unique geographic distinction as the headwaters for three major Northeastern U.S. watersheds. Water from Potter County flows north to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence, south to the Ohio and Mississippi, and east to the Atlantic Ocean. By forming the coalition, public water system managers in Potter County will be able to share best practices and speak with a unified voice on proposed legislation and regulations/enforcement issues. Coalition members will also investigate options for the county or municipal governments to control industrial activities such as natural gas drilling in close proximity to public water sources and recharge areas.All of the public water supplies in Potter County have been tested to establish a baseline. Coalition members are looking into acquiring automated equipment that monitors water quality on a constant basis. Results would be more reliable than sporadic testing.
Coudersport-based state police late last night released details about a one-vehicle crash last Saturday afternoon involving a teen driver. Authorities said a 16 year old Shinglehouse boy was going north on Mill Street and while making a right curve, his Ford Focus began to slide off the road toward a nearby house. The youth tried to correct the car’s path, causing it to spin counterclockwise off the road where it hit a utility pole and pulled down a power line. The boy was wearing a seatbelt and was able to get out of the car on his own. He’s being charged with speeding.
A Coudersport driver and her passenger are facing drug charges following a traffic stop during the evening of November 26. State police said when they stopped 25 year old Jamie Fry on the West Branch of Dingman Run Road in Eulalia Townshp, they found she was driving impaired by a controlled substance. Police also claim they found Fry and her passenger 21 year old Lonny Meacham of Austin to be in possession of some pot ad related paraphernalia.
A camp burglary taking place Tuesday or Wednesday on the East Fork Road in Wharton Township is being investigated by Coudersport-based state police. Thieves damaged a door to gain entry into the camp owned by Timothy Abel of Sadieville, KY. It’s not known if anything was taken.
Troopers are also probing a criminal mischief occurring late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning on the Loucks Mills Road in Hector Township. Vandals spray painted several road signs belonging to PennDot. Anyone with information about the camp burglary or vandalism is asked to call Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690.
More than 100 special needs children and adults got a chance to be cowboys and cowgirls for a day during the fourth annual Exceptional Kids Rodeo on Thursday, Jan. 12, at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show.
Sponsored by the Outback Trading Post of Oxford, Chester County, 83 professional rodeo contestants were paired with special needs students from the Milton Hershey School, the Upper Dauphin Area High School Life Skills Program and the Greater Harrisburg YMCA.
Each participant was suited up in riding gear and taught rodeo skills, including barrel racing, cattle roping and pony and bronco riding. With the chance to practice like a professional, participants learned what it takes to be a top rodeo rider.
Participants had the chance to sign the rodeo's clown barrel that will be used in the Circuit Final Rodeo tonight through Saturday.
All participants received a t-shirt, cowboy hat and a poster and were able to get their favorite rodeo riders' autographs.
Today’s events include Sheep and Dairy Cattle judging; a Cow Milking Contest, and a Sticky Bun Contest. The Supreme Champion Meat Sheep show and presentation of “Today’s Agriculture FFA awards will highlight Saturday’s events.
Officials say the Farm Show is experiencing record attendance and heavier than usual traffic volume. Visitors planning to travel to the show are advised to exercise caution when traveling on roads near the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. Drivers may experience times when parking is not available. The Pennsylvania Farm Show is working with the Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT to ensure motorist safety.
The 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs through Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10. Visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us for details.
January 12, 2012
Wednesday’s high, 40; Overnight low, 33; .57” rain
Area 4-H
members continue to bring home awards from the Pennsylvania Farm Show. 4-H
and FFA students from throughout the commonwealth displayed a wealth of
knowledge during the Pennsylvania State University Farm Safety and Health Quiz
Bowl, held during the 2012 Farm Show on Wednesday, Jan. 11. Eight teams of 4-H
and FFA members competed in the event. n a close FFA match-up, Mifflinburg
beat-out Somerset for first, Conococheague placed third and Cumberland Valley
placed forth in the competition. In the 4-H competition, Union County 4-H came
out on top, Cumberland County second, Snyder County, third and
Potter County
fourth. All 4-H and FFA teams and coaches were presented with certificates of
participation. The quiz bowl is designed to motivate youth to increase their
awareness and knowledge of agricultural safety and health issues. During the
competition, students are asked a sampling of more than 1,000
questions. Categories include: machinery; equipment and tools; occupational
health; environmental hazards; pesticides and other chemicals; confined spaces;
farm shops; special populations; and animals and livestock management.
Sponsors of the 2012 Farm Safety and Health Quiz Bowl were: Pennsylvania State
University, Case New Holland North America, Westfield Group Agribusiness
Insurance, AgChoice Farm Credit, and Farm Family Insurance Company.
FFA Chapters:
1st - Mifflinburg Area FFA, Union Co., Lindsay Spurrier, Advisor
2nd - Somerset FFA, Somerset Co., Dan Overdorff, Advisor
3rd - Conococheague FFA, Franklin Co., Herb Hoffeditz, Advisor
4th - Cumberland Valley FFA, Cumberland Co., Michael Woods, Advisor
4-H Clubs:
1st - Union County 4-H, Lindsay Spurrier Coach
2nd - Cumberland County 4-H, Kris Speers and Dwane Duncan Coaches
3rd - Snyder County 4-H, Marissa Ewing and Matt Hauck Coaches
4th - Potter County 4-H, Amy Murphy Coach
Today’s highlights include the Junior Dairy Goad Showmanship Contest, Horseshoe Pitching Contest, Special Kids Rodeo, Pennsylvania Equine Showcase and Circuit Finals Rodeo. Tomorrow’s events include Sheep and Dairy Cattle judging; a Cow Milking Contest, and a Sticky Bun Contest.
Officials say the t Farm Show is experiencing record attendance and heavier than usual traffic volume. Visitors planning to travel to the show are advised to exercise caution when traveling on roads near the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. Drivers may experience times when parking is not available. The Pennsylvania Farm Show is working with the Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT to ensure motorist safety.
The 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs through Saturday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10. Visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us for details.
The state police fire marshal is investigating a blaze which destroyed the Tuna Mill and Lumber company on Charlotte Avenue in Bradford Wednesday. The fire was discovered at about 10:30 am and quickly spread throughout the unoccupied building owned by Michael Steinhauser of Bradford. Damage is estimated to be in excess of $500,000. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Bradford City Police department at 814-368-6133 or the state police fire marshal I Ridgway at 814-776-6136. the city has been plagued by several destructive fires recently, some of them due to arson while others have been accidental.
No one was hurt in a collision occurring Monday evening on Route 6 in Keating Township, McKean County. State police said the accident occurred when Richard Brunsgaard of Parker, PA tried to overtake Bette Hyatt of Smethport in a legal passing zone as both were headed west just as Hyatt applied her turn signal to make a left turn into a driveway. Hyatt’s Buick clipped the front of Brunsgaard’s tractor trailer. The rig operator then swerved to the left causing the semi to go onto the shoulder and roll over onto its left side coming to rest in a ditch.
State police at Ridgway are investigating a hit and run taking place just before 8:00 pm Tuesday on Route 120 in Ridgway Township. Troopers say a Red Jeep Cherokee went off the road and struck a sign pole located in front of Intec Metals. The driver left the scene headed toward Ridgway and failed to notify police of the damage.
Joseph Woodley, Jr., 28 of Johnsonburg has been charged with theft by Ridgway based state police. Troopers claim during mid October, Woodley stole an oxygen cylinder from Elk County Recycling in Kersey.
Mansfield-based Pennsylvania State Police are looking into whether criminal mischief was the cause of a fracking spill in Bradford County Tuesday night in Canton Township. The spill may have involved up to twenty thousand gallons of wastewater. Investigators believe someone tampered with a tank between midnight and 8:30 am. The fluid spilled into a containing area, and was put back into the tank.
A theft at a residence on Oak Street in Jones Township, Elk County remains under investigation by state police at Ridgway. Sometime over the past month, thieves took a bathroom vanity from a house owned by Blue Sky Real Estate of Sykesville. The criminals also broke several lightbulbs inside the house. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 814-776-6136.
In recent Potter County court action, 53 year old Gregory Lampman of Galeton was ordered to serve 11-1/2 to 23-l/2 months in jail and pay a $2500 fine for manufacturing, delivery and possession with intend to deliver drugs. He was also sentenced five years probation consecutive to the first charge, and ordered to pay another $2500 fine for conspiracy to manufacture with intent to deliver. Lampman was also ordered to attend AA/NA meetings, undergo mandatory DNA testing and pay the costs, and attend the DUI Victim Impact Panel. According to Potter County DA Andy Watson, Lampman and co-defendants conspired to deliver cocaine to multiple Pennsylvania residents between December 2005 and 2009. Robert Nortum, 57 of Roulette, was ordered to spend three to 12 months in jail and pay a $350 fine for Simple Assault. Judge Stephen Minor also ordered Nortum to pay a $50 fine, perform 25 hours of community service or make a donation to the Potter County Food Bank for harassment. Nortum must also attend AA/NA meetings and the DUI Victim Impact Panel and have no contact with the victim. DA Watson said state police arrested Nortum this past May after he punched, slapped and kicked Renee Nortum causing a concussion, whiplash and an eye injury.
January 11, 2012
Tuesday’s high, 35; Overnight low, 19 (16 on Fishing Creek) no precip.
The
Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation presented 26 students
with
$3,500 scholarships on Tuesday at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.
Kristen Hayman, of Genesee, Potter County was one of the 26 recipients
.Agriculture Secretary George Greig presented the scholarship awards The
foundation has awarded $977,250 to 370 junior Farm Show exhibitors since the
program began in 1993. In addition, Delaware Valley College provides matching
grants to its recipients, and Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences
offers $2,000 to its full-time students.The Sale of Champions kicked off the
Junior Livestock Sale Tuesday, at the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show, with grand
and reserve champion lambs, pigs, steers and goats sold to the highest bidders,
bringing $35,200.The total gross for the sale was $281,977.52 for 420 animals..
The Sale of Champions helps to fund a portion of the scholarships along with
donations from members of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation.
Outstanding 4-H leaders were honored during the livestock sale last night.
Today’s events at the Farm Show include an Antique Tractor Display; Youth
Fleece-to-Shawl Contest; Antique Tractor Pull, Sheep to Shawl Auction and Fleece
auction. Thursday’s highlights include the Junior Dairy Goad Showmanship
Contest, Horseshoe Pitching Contest, Special Kids Rodeo, Pennsylvania Equine
Showcase and Circuit Finals Rodeo.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 7-14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10.For more information, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.
Speaking of contests for youth, Pat Northeimer, Contest Chairman for the Coudersport Rotary Club says it’s time to start preparing for the District 4-Way Test Speech Contest which will be “held on Monday March 5th, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Hotel Crittenden, located in Coudersport. The contest is open to both public and home-schooled students in Grades 9 through 12. The purpose of the contest is to teach students how to apply the “Principles of Ethics” through a short oral presentation showing how problems may be resolved and goals can be advanced through the principles of the 4-Way Test;
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and better friendships?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
According to Northeimer, up to four (4) students will be accepted into the Coudersport 4-Way Test competition.
The 1st place winner will receive $100.00 at the local level before competing on the regional and then District-level where the grand prize is a $1,000 cash award!
Parents and children wanting more information should contact Pat Northeimer by email at patnortheimer@yahoo.com. Potential participants are asked to apply by January 30th, if possible.
Governor Tom Corbett has signed an execution warrant for Dustin Ford Briggs, who was sentenced to death for killing two Bradford County sheriff's deputies in March 2004. Briggs was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for shooting Deputies Christopher Burgert and Michael VanKuren. Burgert and VanKuren were attempting to serve a warrant on Briggs for non-payment of fines, costs and restitution. Briggs shot the two deputies when they confronted him outside his home and meth lab. After fleeing into a wooded area, Briggs was the subject of a massive manhunt until State Police captured him.Briggs, now 34, is held at the State Correctional Institution at Greene. His execution by lethal injection is scheduled for March 8. This warrant, signed Jan. 9, is Corbett's 11th execution warrant.
Coudersport-based state police have arrested 27 year old Benjamin Post of Harrison Valley for harassment for an incident allegedly taking place Tuesday afternoon at a residence on located at 335 East Main Street in that town. Troopers claim Post bear hugged a 40 year old woman and punched her in the back during an argument. Charges are pending before District Judge Delores Bristol.
State police here are also continuing their investigation into an assault taking place Christmas Eve outside the Friendly Inn on Main Street in the village of Roulette. 34 year old Luis Rodriguez of Roulette was assaulted by three unknown men and suffered minor injuries. Anyone who can shed light on the altercation is asked to call state police at 814-274-8690.
A Genesee man is accused of criminal mischief for incidents allegedly taking place during the early morning hours this past Saturday on Grover Hollow Road and Route 44 in Genesee Township. Authorities say 21 year old Christopher Crippen damaged two road signs belonging to Penn Dot and Genesee Township and will answer charges in district court.
Potter County’s elected officials were sworn into office during ceremonies in the court room January 3. The Commissioners were among those starting a new term. During the December 29 meeting, Black Forest Broadcasting News asked the board if they would be keeping the same make-up as in the previous term; Doug Morley, chairman; Paul Heimel Vice-Chairman and Susan Kefover, secretary-treasurer. It has been the custom in Potter County that the commissioner candidate receiving the most votes in the fall election becomes the chairman. That was the case in 2007 as Morley received the most votes in a field of four candidates. However, Paul Heimel received a few more votes than Morley in the 2011 election. Heimel responded to our question that he saw no reason to change, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He added that candidates appearing at the top of the ballot (due to chance) often receive more votes than others and said his margin was no doubt due more to that than a referendum on his work. Commissioner Kefover agreed that Morley has done a good job as chairman and there is no need to make a change.
The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) has announced the hiring of its first paid CEO, Angela Klopf Ms. Klopf served as Director of the Catholic Charities Outreach Center of Tioga County, NY, since 2005 and has spent all her adult life working for non-profits. The foundation is hosting an open house to welcome Klopf. The event will be held at the CFTT offices at 104 West Lockhart Street, Sayre, on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The public is welcome.
The CFTT is a non-profit charitable organization which encourages community philanthropy with a mission to enhance the quality of life in Bradford, Potter, Sullivan and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania and Tioga County, New York. Anyone interested in learning more about CFTT or in establishing a fund can contact the organization by any of these methods: telephone - 570-888-4759; fax - 570-888-2179; email - cftt@stny.rr.com or website - www.twintierscf.org
E. Pauline Canfield, 83, formerly of Ceres, PA, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in Sena-Kean Manor, Smethport, after a brief illness. Born April 22, 1928 in West Clarksville, NY, she was a daughter of Cleo F. and Mildred I. Ferrington Fisk, Sr. On September 21, 1945 in Obi, NY, she married Leon J. Canfield, Sr., who died on June 21, 2008. She was a graduate of Bolivar (NY) High School. Mrs. Canfield was a member of the Ceres United Methodist Church and a member of the Rushford Lake Landowners Association where she served as secretary for many years. She was a member of the Oswayo Valley School Board for over 32 years having served as president for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and all kinds of crafts. Mrs. Canfield and her husband enjoyed traveling, having gone to Hawaii and having driven to Alaska. Surviving are seven children, The Rev. Leon J. (Patricia) Canfield, Jr. of Bradford, Patrick M. (Sandy) Canfield of Ceres, Marilyn A. (Wayne) Zywiec of Mechanicsburg, Ted O. (Dee) Canfield of Ceres, Robin A. (Randy) Batterbee of Kalkaska, Mich., David B. Canfield of Carlisle, and Jane A. (Bruce) Gilliland of Belmont, NY; twenty-three grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Griswold of Bolivar, NY, Josephine Bernard of Shinglehouse, and Ruth (Robert) Lowe of Portville, NY; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Canfield was predeceased by two sisters, Margretta Dubots and Emma Scheppel; and two brothers, Cleo F. Fisk, Jr. and William Fisk.
Friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, PA where funeral services will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11 a.m. with her son, the Rev. Leon J. Canfield, Jr., pastor of the First Baptist Church in Bradford, and the Rev. Becky L. Edwards, pastor of the Ceres United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Ceres. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Ceres United Methodist Church, 9289 School Street, Shinglehouse PA 16748 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
January 10, 2012
Monday’s high, 36; Overnight low, 28, no precip.
Lawmakers continue to grapple with the state’s 2012 budget and Marcellus Shale Legislation. Senator Joe Scarnati who represents the BFB service area says he’s optimistic about the House/Senate Conference Committee reaching a compromise according to Hanson Quickle. In an interview Monday, the Senator said protection of natural resources is the most important issue being considered as part of the final legislation. He said despite more than a hundred years of drilling in Pennsylvania, our streams, springs and reservoirs are among the most pristine in the nation and said that’s because “we respect the environment.” The senator says lawmakers have a responsibility to regulate the industry while maintaining job growth.
The mild conditions this fall and winter have seemed refreshing to some and peculiar to many but the lack of snow has forced the postponement of a new event. The Potter County Snowmobile Club’s Vintage Snow Fest, originally scheduled for January 13 - 15, 2012 at its clubhouse at 949 North Hollow Road in Coudersport, has been rescheduled for February 3 - 5, 2012 due to a forecasted lack of snow for the original event dates.
All originally scheduled activities will be held on the new dates, including the highlight event, Saturday’s competitive snow track races around the club’s quarter mile oval snow track. Snowmobiles built in 1983 or earlier are eligible to compete in 16 race classes, including a “mini” class for children ages 5 to 10 years old. Entry is $25 per snowmobile. Pre-registration will be held Friday evening, February 3, from 5:30 – 9:30 PM.
Collectors and enthusiasts who do not wish to race are encouraged to display their vintage snowmobiles under a tent out of the elements. There is a $5 display fee to help cover the cost of the tent.
Riders are welcome to join in a groomed trail ride on Friday evening at 7 PM and a vintage trail ride on Sunday morning for no charge. Hot dogs and beverages will be served for $5 Friday night’s ride and the clubhouse kitchen will be open throughout the weekend serving a variety of hot foods and beverages.Admission for the weekend is $5 for those 12 and older and free for children under 12.
More information is available at www.pcscriders.com or by calling Jon Blass at 814-260-1467. For information on racing, contact Scott Boucher at sbboucher@zitomedia.net.
Ed Pitchford, president and CEO of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, (CCMH) is the recipient of the 2012 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Advocate Award for Excellence for providing leadership and advocacy for nurse practitioners in Pennsylvania.
Each year, the AANP recognizes a nurse practitioner (NP) and a nurse
practitioner advocate in each state. The advocacy award recognizes the efforts
of individuals, other than nurse practitioners, who have made a significant
contribution toward increasing the awareness and acceptance of the nurse
practitioner profession.
Patti Thum, CRNP at Charles Cole Memorial’s Northern Potter Health Center in
Ulysses, stated that the 2012 State Award for Excellence nomination noted that
Mr. Pitchford is supportive of independent Nurse Practioners’ practices and he
values their ability as primary care providers, as demonstrated by his recent
development of an institutional policy change at CCMH. Additionally, Mr.
Pitchford assisted with a policy that offers tuition reimbursement to CCMH Nurse
Practitioners that are pursuing a Doctorate of Nurse Practice degree.
Mr. Pitchford’s health care administration career spans more than 30 years,
President of ProMed Healthcare. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of
the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, its Public Payer
Policy Committee and the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board for
NY, NJ and PA. Mr. Pitchford is also active with the National Rural Health
Association including participation in its Rural Fellowship program.
Mr. Pitchford will receive the award in June at the AANP 27th
National Conference in Orlando.
The AANP was founded in 1985 and is the oldest and largest full-service national
.
Pennsylvania FFA members were honored during the youth agricultural organization’s annual convention at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Monday. The Keystone Degree was bestowed upon 282 FFA members, the highest honor they can earn at the state level.
Nearly 5,000 FFA members and guests including Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley and Agriculture Secretary George Greig, attended the convention, held on Monday, Jan. 9, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
The
Pennsylvania FFA Alumni Association awarded 252 first-year members with their
own official FFA jackets. Each student had to go through an application process
before being selected.
The National FFA Association, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America,
boasts more than 500,000 members in all 50 states, including Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands. Pennsylvania, alone, is home to nearly 8,000 members. A number
of area FFA members attended yesterday’s ceremonies. Today’s highlights include
the Sale of Champions; Junior Market Lamb sale: Championship Horse pulling and
Celebrity Draft Horse Team Driving. Tomorrow’s event will include an Antique
Tractor Display; Sheep- to -Shawl Contest and Sheep –to- Shawl Auction.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs through Saturday January 14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10. Visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us for details.
State police across the region have made several arrests for simple assault and harassment. Dale Berry, 42, of Emporium was charged after allegedly hitting Alicia Berry, 32, during a domestic violence incident at their home on West 4th Street Saturday afternoon. Steven Cohorsky III, 38, of Avenel, MJ has been cited for harassment for allegedly threatening and sending harassing text messages to Crystal Frey of Liberty, PA, a bartender at the Liberty VFW post after she refused him service and ordered him to leave the premises early Sunday morning. Lewis Foster, 50,of Canton was arrested for allegedly hitting a woman in her cheek with his fist during an argument Saturday evening on W. Union Street in Union Township, Tioga County. Trooeprs at Ridgway have cited Alan Polohonki of Falls Creek with harassment for shoving Rod Fairman of DuBois during an argument at the Bandits Hide Away in Horton Township on the afternoon of October 15. State police there are also continuing to investigate harassment by a woman from Reno, NV. Authorities claim she made unwanted harassing phone calls to 61yearold Linda Kurg-Feronit between December 31 and January 4.
The theft of some tires from Express Lube on Route 255 in Fox Township, Elk County Saturday morning is under investigation by state police at Ridgway. According to witnesses, thieves arrived at the store in a blue extended cab Ford F-250. A white male loaded four Cooper CTS tires into the back of the truck which then drove away. The tires which are valued at $760 had been stacked against the outside wall of the garage.
State police at Emporium are probing the theft of some money from a car during the early morning hours Saturday. Thieves helped themselves to $200 in cash from a purse belonging to Becky Stanton which was in her car while parked at a residence on Route 155. Troopers there are also investigating a couple of criminal mischief incidents. Vandals used an unknown object to damage the rear window on a 2010 Kia owned by Clarence Swank while it was parked at his home on the Rich Valley Road last Friday night or Saturday morning. And vandals placed some moth balls in the yard at the home of Pam Stuart on Old West Creek Road in Shippen Township overnight Saturday.
Robert Francis Potocek, 80, of Summerville,SC, formerly of Coudersport, PA, died Monday, January 2, 2012 at his residence.
He was born February 19, 1931 in Akron Ohio, a son of the late John Potocek. In May, 1951 he married Geraldine Thomas. A veteran of the Korean War, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was loved dearly by his family and will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Carolyn (Allen) Berfield of Coudersport, PA, Diane (Jerry) Austin of Shelby, NC, and Cindy (Richard) Speroni of Salamanca, NY, one son, Mark (Shawn) Potocek of Ladson, SC, 5 grandchildren, Alan (Andreea) Berfield, Jennifer (Joe) Austin Plummer, Stacey (Chris) Austin Shasteen, Lark (Eric) Berfield Parker and Carrin Potocek, 7 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara L. Potocek, granddaughter, Carrie Austin, and brother, Anthony Potocek. A memorial service was held at his home on Saturday, January 7,2012. Cards and flowers may be sent to the home at 209 Taylor Drive, Summerville, SC 29485.
January 9, 2012
Sunday’s high, 29; Overnight low, 15, trace of precip. (flurries)
A Shinglehouse woman died Thursday evening after being hit by a pick up truck on Kings Run Road in Ceres Township, McKean County. State police at Kane released details late Saturday night saying that the accident occurred when 34 year old Linda Wood was walking in the southbound lane and as Russell Hartzell of Eldred approached Wood, he was blinded by two oncoming vehicles and did not see her walking in his lane due to the fact she was dressed in all dark clothing. After impact both the victim and the truck continued for a short distance before Wood was thrown into a ditch. She was taken to Olean General Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police said there will be no charges filed against Hartzell.
No injuries were reported for a Coudersport resident following a one-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on the North Hollow Road a mile north of Route 6 in Eulalia Township. State police said Erin Grasser was going north when his Jeep Rubicon went to the other side, hit an embankment and traveled back across both lanes before coming to rest.
Two people were hurt in a one-vehicle accident Friday morning on Route 219 in Horton Township, Elk County. Ridgway based state police said 75 year old Major Reeves of Ridgway was going south when his Chevrolet Cruse crossed the road and collided with some guardrails on the eastern side, then crossed back across both lanes and came to rest against an embankment. Reeves and his passenger, Linda Papa also of Ridgway were taken to DuBois Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
State police across the region have made several recent DUI arrests. Franklyn Bollock, 50 of Wellsboro was charged after being pulled over late Saturday night on Route 144 in West Branch Township, Potter County for alleged traffic violations. Timothy Kiser, 35, of Roulette was arrested after being stopped on the West Branch of Fishing Creek in Roulette Township Friday night. Troopers at Mansfield charged 35 year old Alan Watkins of Knoxville with DUI after investigating a one-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on Route 49 in that town. A Coudersport resident has been arrested for violating drug laws. State police say 21 year old Matthew Gutshall was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia by Potter County Probation staff January 4 while at a location on First Street in Shinglehouse.
State police at Mansfield are investigating some recent thefts in Tioga County. Thieves made off with about $6,000 worth of items from the Robin Hood Inn located on Route 249 in Chatham Township during mid-December. The items belonged to 83 year old Frank McCormick of Naples, Florida and included two Vulcan Fat Fryers, commercial grade stainless steel ABC freezer, GE washer and gas dryer, a cream colored refrigerator and four bedroom sets. Thieves also took several items from two camps located on Porcupine Lane in Deerfield Township during the same period. Stolen items include a 17 cal. Savage 310 rifle, a 12 gauge Winchester shotgun; several knives, various types of ammunition, a camo vest, American currency, tool kit containing various tools, and a machete with a red handle. No value was given for the stolen items but police did say $95 in damage occurred when the criminals broke windows to enter the camps owned by Kathryn Batdorf of Harrisburg and Fred Batdorf of Reading and Thomas Oliver of Lahaska, PA. Anyone with information about any of the break-ins is asked to call the Mansfield State Police barracks at 570-662-2151.
The theft of a cast iron claw foot bathtub from a residence on Lanninger Creek in Roulette Township is being probed by state police at Coudersport. The tub was taken from the front yard on property owned by Mary Fourness of Coudersport last Wednesday or Thursday.
The 2012 Pennsylania Farm Show is underway in Harrisburg. The annual event opened Thursday with the unveiling of a butter sculpture crafted from nearly 1,000 pounds of butter depicting a young 4-H member showing his prized calf at a county fair pays tribute to the 100th anniversaries of the Pennsylvania 4-H and Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. The butter sculpture was created by Jim Victor of Conshohocken, Montgomery County.At the close of the eight-day show, the butter will be given to a Juniata County dairy farm which will put it through a digester that will convert it to 65 kilowatt hours of electricity to operate the farm. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, the sculpture was crafted from butter donated by Land O’ Lakes in Carlisle, Pa. Lt. Governor Jim Cawley and Agriculture Secretary George Greig unveiled the sculpture along with Pennsylvania Fair Queen Claire Werkiser of Chester County, and Pennsylvania 4-H State President Sarah Bassett of Northumberland County. During the ceremony, officials noted more than 5 million people attend Pennsylvania’s 113 county and local fairs each year and 125,000 youth are enrolled in 4-H, many of whom exhibit their projects at fairs. A Potter County 4-H club had the honor of being chosen to sing at the opening ceremony Saturday.
Cow Patty Kickers 4-H Club from Roulette submitted a demo recording last month and was selected from multiple entries across the state. Cow Patty Kickers includes Ashley Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Marissa Baker, Shelby Baker, Marcus Murphy, Frances Kujawski, Evie Russell, David Talkington and Mira Terrette. In addition to performing in front of hundreds of Farm Show attendees, the nine-member group met with the Secretary of Agriculture and Governor.
The 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 7-14 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $10.
Maynard L. COLVIN, 67, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Woodhull, NY and Genesee, PA, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012 in the Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA. Born February 13, 1944, in Wellsboro, PA, he was the son of Frederick L. and Ruth Simpson Colvin. A Veteran, he served honorably with the US Air Force from 1963 – 1968 and the US Army from 1977 – 1992, including Operation Desert Storm. He was employed by the PA Department of Forestry. Surviving are: a daughter, Nicolle (Robert) Brandt of Olathe, KS; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three brothers, Edward Colvin of Springfield, MO, Richard Colvin of Corning, NY, and Gary Colvin of Hammond, IN; five sisters, Eleanor Brown of Knoxville, PA, Wanda Vance of Woodhull, NY, Mary Bradstreet of Batavia, NY, Janet Smithers of Elkland, PA, and Helen Chase of Blossburg, PA; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Frederick L. Colvin, Jr. Friends may call at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA on Monday, January 9, 2012 from 2:30 – 3:30 PM, with Funeral Services following at 3:30 PM. The Rev. Paul M. Karges will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
January 6, 2012
Thursday’s high, 30; Overnight low 25; no precipitation
Fires continue to plague the region. The state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze which destroyed a two-story wood frame home on Baker Street in Ulysses Thursday afternoon. One of the occupants was able to get out of the burning structure safely to call for help and when volunteers arrived on the scene moments later they found the house fully engulfed. Volunteers from Genesee, Harrison Valley and Coudersport assisted Tri-town firefighters at the scene while Roulette, Westfield and Whitesville (NY) stood by under the mutual aid system.
Chief Ken Wingo told Black Forest Broadcasting News that firefighters were able to keep the fire, at the Wheaton home from spreading to a garage located about three feet east of the house and a residence located about 40 feet to the west. There was some heat damage to the vinyl siding on the garage. Tri-Town Safety Officer Betty Hager confirmed that a Tri-Town firefighter suffered a sprained ankle when he slipped on ice, but that was the only injury. Hager told us that the house was occupied by a woman and her children and the Red Cross is assisting the family.
Units were reported back in service, just before 7:00 pm, almost five hours after the 911 call but were summoned overnight briefly for a re-kindle.
A Tioga County man was taken to the hospital last night when his home on Route 287 in Lawrence Township was destroyed by fire. The fire was reported at around 7:15 p.m. and by the time they arrived the fire had spread throughout the entire home. Fire officials say the man was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor burns which he suffered when he re-entered the cinderblock house to find his dog. The dog has not been found. Investigators believe the fire started around the kitchen stove, which was being used by the two men inside, but the actual cause of the fire is not yet known.
As we reported yesterday, a Mansfield apartment building was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday night leaving six people, including four Mansfield Univesity students homeless. There have been several fires recently in McKean County, most occurring in the city of Bradford. Some have been accidental, but others were due to arson.
Volunteer fire and emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $316,000 in grants from the state, according to an announcement by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint
The grants were awarded to 37 fire and ambulance companies in the three-county area. The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not general fund tax revenue.
This year’s program provided $25 million in grants statewide. Projects eligible for funding include: construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt.
Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards:
Cameron County
McKean County
Potter County
Mansfield-based state police investigated three accidents in Tioga County Thursday. Troopers hve charged Delann Swan of Mansfield with speeding after her Ford Windstar went out of control on a curve while traveling north on the Antrim Road in Duncan Township, mid-morning. The van crossed the highway and struck an embankment then spun back across both lanes and came to rest against a tree. Swan escaped injury. Later in the afternoon, no one was hurt in a rear-end collision on route 549 in Sullivan Township. State police said Larry Wesneski of Mansfield had stopped to make a left turn when his Dodge Ram was rear-ended by a GMC Sonoma driven by 19 year old Christopher Gunn of Westfield. Michel Birois of Drummondville, Quebec escaped injury last night in Tioga Township when he swerved his tractor trailer to miss a deer standing in his lane on Route 15. The rig went off the road and collided with an embankment before stopping.
Two women have been charged with retail theft for allegedly trying to steal merchandise from the Mansfield Walmart. State poice said 32 year old Melissa Swain, no address given, tried to leave the store Monday night with a 32 inch Vizio TV without paying for it. The set is valued at $268. And 20 year old Victoria Lacey of Mansfield is accused of trying to leave the store Thursday afternoon without paying for about $57.00 in merchandise.
Potter County Commissioner Susan Kefover reported at the board’s December 29 meeting that she will be working with several organizations to conduct an entrepreneur fair this spring. Kefover said people who started their own businesses will be invited and several agencies will be on hand to offer information. She said partners in the fair include the Potter County Redevelopment Authority, North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission, the Potter County Education Council, Clarion University’s Small Business Development Center and the Small Business Administration. Kefover also says there is significant interest across the county in revitalizing downtown business districts.
A Coudersport businessman has received a “Troop Commander’s Letter of Appreciation” for his efforts and community service commitments, particularly involving state police. Captain Donald Peters noted Stanley Goodwin donated countless hours of his time, materials and heavy equipment in the design and construction of a shooting range located behind the Coudersport barracks. The official said when a private shooting range used by law enforcement for spring and fall firearms qualifications was being closed in 1998 and no site could be find, Goodwin stepped in and offered to design and build the new range. Since its completion, the range has been used by state police from Coudersport, Mansfield and Emporium and it has been used, or is being used by every municipal police department in Potter County as well as by members of the Game Commission, Fish Commission, DCNR and other law enforcement for practice and qualification. Capt. Peters said Goodwin saved Potter County and Pennsylvania taxpayers in construction and design costs as well as continuing travel costs.
Sylvia Johnson LOZIER, 62, of Westfield, PA, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012 in her home. Born March 5, 1949, in Lock Haven, PA, she was the daughter of Clifford and Mabel Counsil Ross. Sylvia operated a residential and commercial cleaning service for many years. She attended the Abundant Life Fellowship in Knoxville, PA. Surviving are: her husband, Jesse E. Lozier; a son, Mark D. (Mary) Johnson of Westfield; a daughter, Paula Taft of Pavo, GA; four grandchildren; two step-daughters, Stephanie Vinzant of Fernandina Beach, FL and Amanda Farmer of Barney, GA; a brother, David (Jean) Ross of State College, PA; three sisters, Nancy Karstetter of Sebring, FL, Emma (David) Rupert of Daytona Beach, FL, and Mary (Keith) Baker of Harrison Valley, PA; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband, Paul D. “Brummy” Johnson in 1995; and a son, Steven P. Johnson, in 1993. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, January 13, 2012 in the Abundant Life Fellowship, Alba Street, Knoxville, PA. The Rev. Terry Spencer will officiate. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Potter Brook, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Potter County Hospice, c/o Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA 16915. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
January 5, 2012
Wednesday’s high, 21; Overnight low, 20; no precipitation
The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Talisman Energy USA Inc. of Warrendale, Butler County, $51,478 for a January 2011 gas well control incident at the company’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 587 #8 well pad in Ward Township, Tioga County.
“Equipment failure during fracing on Jan. 17 caused about 21,000 gallons of hydraulic fracturing fluid and sand to be released for about three hours,” DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber said. “Fortunately, Talisman responded quickly and most of the release did not escape secondary containment.”
The fluid discharged from the head of the well under high pressure, tearing the well pad’s secondary containment liner for several yards. Vacuum trucks recovered the fluid on the well pad. No streams, wetlands or private drinking water wells were impacted by the spill.
A department inspection conducted Jan. 25 confirmed that Talisman staff had repaired the damaged liner, replaced the failed equipment and removed contaminated soil beneath the liner.
An investigation by DEP’s Oil and Gas Program and Talisman staff determined that the cause of the incident was a needle valve that had failed and could not be shut off. To regain control of the well, the hydraulic valve above the master valve was remotely closed and fluid was allowed to flow back through the production test separator. A new pipe connector called a hammer union was also installed and closed. For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 570-327-3659.
The Potter County Visitors Association (PCVA) encourages business owners and organizational leaders to submit upcoming event information for inclusion in the 2012 Calendar of Events. Each year, the calendar reaches thousands of potential visitors, through 10,000 printed copies and several online event calendars, including www.visitpottercounty.com, www.pawilds.com, www.paroute6.com and the Visit Potter County Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VisitPotterCountyPA.
Information can be submitted electronically by emailing potter@penn.com or using PCVA’s online form at www.visitpottercounty.com. Information can also be submitted by calling 814-274-3365 or by stopping in to the Potter County Visitors Association at 118 North Main Street, Coudersport. Please submit event information as soon as possible. Include event names, dates, times, admission fees (if any), parking information, brief descriptions of events and contact information. There are no fees for listings and no limits on the number of submissions.
"PCVA’s Calendar of Events is a great way for our County’s businesses and organizations to reach within and beyond the local community to increase attendance at events,” said Allison Armstrong, PCVA Communications Manager. “This is an outstanding free service that PCVA provides. It costs businesses nothing but a few minutes of time to reach tens of thousands of potential visitors and community members.”
The Potter County Visitors Association is the official tourist promotion agency of Potter County, PA. A membership-based, 501(c)6 non-profit organization, PCVA’s mission is to enhance local economic development and quality of life by promoting tourism and recreational opportunities in Potter County. Originally incorporated in 1962 as the Denton Hill Recreation Association, PCVA currently serves 185 business members. 2012 marks PCVA’s 50th year of serving Potter County. The organization will be celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year and Executive Director David Brooks told the Coudersport Chamber of Commerce PCVA will be incorporating celebrations in various events scheduled throughout the year.
A Woodhull, NY driver has been cited for speeding following a one-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon in Bingham Township, Potter county. State police said Joseph Duell was headed south on the Rowley Road when his Ford Freestar went out of control on a left curve, crossed to the other side of the road where it collided with an embankment, then traveled back across the road and bounced off a tree before coming to rest. Duell escaped injury.
State police at Ridgway have charged 25 year old Nathan Delhunty of that town with harassment for an incident taking place Sunday afternoon at a home on Old State street. Troopers claim Delhunty grabbed 21 year old Chelsea Spyers and threw her to the ground during an argument.
Coudersport-based state police have arrested a couple of Coudersport drivers for DUI recently. Leslie Howarth, 55, was arrested New Year’s Eve after being pulled over on Route 872 in Keating Township for careless driving. Donald Switzgabel, 60, was charged on December 8 after being stopped on Route 44 in Hebron Township.
Troopers have also charged a 16 year old Ulysses boy with underage possession of alcohol. Authorities claim the youth was found transporting booze just before midnight New Year’s Eve on Route 49 near the Johnson Road intersection.
Two Knoxville teens have also been charged with underage possession of alcohol. State police at Mansfield say 19 year old Jacob Whalen and 18 year old Jordan Kendall consumed alcoholic beverages on December 11 near the intersection of Baker Hill and Boatman Roads in Deerfield Township.
Drug charges are pending against a 24 year old Ridgway man. State police there say the suspect was found in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia on Depot St. near St.Leo’s Church early New Year’s morning. An arrest is pending lab results.
The theft of some car keys is being probed by state police at Mansfield. Someone reached into Deanna Drake’s car Christmas Day between 8:00 am and noon and ran off with the keys.
A criminal mischief occurring New Year’s Eve on Wharton Road in Keating Township, Potter County is under state police investigation. Vandals damaged a truck belonging to Tristin Crumrine of Austin while it was parked at that location just before midnight.
Troopers at Mansfield are also investigating a criminal mischief. Some damaged a window and siding on a camp located along Tower Hill Road in Jackson Township over the past couple of months. Damage is estimated to be about $300. The camp is owned by Monica Jewell of Sussex, NJ.
Six people are homeless following a fire late Tuesday night in an apartment building on South Academy Road in Mansfield. Fire officials say the fire started in the electrical wiring in a second floor wall and quickly spread quickly to the attic and the first floor because of the age of the home. Four Mansfield University students lived on the lower floor. While some rooms were left untouched, others were completely destroyed. Damage is estimated to be in excess of $250,000. The six residents are now staying with family and friends until they find a new home to live in while the home is rebuilt.
January 4, 2012
Tuesday’s high, 14; Overnight low, -7 (-8 on Fishing Creek) trace of snow
Ten people were killed and 172 others were injured in the crashes investigated by Pennsylvania State Police during the four-day New Year’s holiday driving period, according to State Police headquarters. Officials said “Although the number of fatalities decreased by one compared to last year’s holiday driving period, the number of child safety seat violations and DUI arrests increased. From Dec. 30, 2011 through Jan. 2, 2012, State Police investigated a total of 552 crashes. Of those crashes, 79 were alcohol-related and involved two fatalities. Also, six of the 10 people who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
Troopers made 285 arrests for driving under the influence and issued 3,408 speeding citations during the holiday period. State Police also cited 379 individuals for failure to wear seat belts and issued citations to 51 drivers for failing to restrain children properly in child safety seats.
During last year’s four-day New Year’s holiday driving period, 11 people were killed and 220 others were injured in 693 crashes investigated by State Police.
The crash numbers cover only those incidents investigated by State Police and do not include statistics on crashes to which other law-enforcement agencies responded.
Fortunately, there were no fatal crashes in the Black Forest Service area over the long holiday weekend. However, road conditions are blamed for several accidents on Monday. A six yearold Coudersport girl suffered minor injuries in a crash occurring at about 3:00 pm Monday on Steer Brook Road in Hebron Township. Troopers said Jannine Naal of Coduersprot was headed south when her Chevrolet Tahoe went out of control on the snow-covered road, and hit a guardrail with the front end. Naal and four children ranging in age from 3-10 years escaped injury. The injured girl apparently did not require transport to the hospital. Authorities said all of the children and Naal were properly restrained. However, she is being cited for speeding.
A few minutes later, Curtis Cary of Harrison Valley escaped injury when his Kia Sephia went off the south side of snow-covered Route 49 in Bingham Township and hit a tree before coming to rest. Police said Cary was wearing a seatbelt but has been cited for speeding.
A Fairfax, VA man escaped injury Monday afternoon in a crash on Route 15 in Liberty Township, Tioga County. Mansfield-based state police said Andrew Senecal was going south when his Chevrolet Sierra entered a yaw after hitting an icy patch. The vehicle then went up an embankment after reaching a dry patch and rolled down the embankment coming to rest on its wheels. Police said Senecal was also wearing a seatbelt.
Troopers are continuing their investigation into a one vehicle accident Monday afternoon in Charleston Township which resulted in major injuries for an elderly driver. An eye witness told authorities a Ford Fusion driven by 77 year old Rosemarie Kappel of Blossburg was swerving when it crossed the road, traveled along the road for about 160 feet and hit a culvert at Fish Road. The car then became airborne and traveled over Fish Road and landed in a ditch, then collided with a rock, continuedfor another 20 feet or so, hit a “No passing” sign and traveled another 41 feet before coming to rest in a ditch on the south side of the road. The witness told police Kappel appeared to be leaning to the left when the car went out of control. Kappel was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro for treatment.
A Westfield man suffered moderate injuries New Year’s Eve when his Chevrolet Cheyenne wrecked on Route 49 in Westfield Township. State police said 24 year old Erik Echuk was headed east at a high rate of speed when his truck went onto the berm and into the gravel, then entered a yaw and crossed both lanes of the highway, went into a drainage ditch and struck an embankment head-on before rolling over onto its roof. Echuck was able to extricated himself. He’s being cited for speeding and other traffic violations.
The state police fire marshal says a fire which destroyed a garage in Kane yesterday was accidental. The 14’ x 22’ wood frame garage, a Harley Davidson motorcycle and lawnmower were also destroyed. The building was owned by Earl Rich and damage is estimated to be $40,000.
Two residents of Morris, Tioga County have been cited for harassment following a barroom fight late Sunday night in that town. Mansfield-based state police said 48 year old Stacey Crooks and 44 year old Michael Gower were arguing when Crooks shoved Gower and then Gower “kneed” Crooks in the head while inside the Twin Streams Bar on Route 287.
State police at Coudersport have charged 22 year old Vance Surra and 23 year old Allen Moore of Coudersport with disorderly conduct. Troopers claim the pair were playing loud music at 2:15 am last Friday at their home on Dwight Street.
Several recent thefts in Tioga County remain under investigation by state police at Mansfield. A vehicle belonging to Kristan Mendenko of Ricetown, NJ was stolen December 26 from a location in Nelson Township. Thieves abandoned the car after crashing it into a tree. Someone stole a 1998 Dodge Caravan owned by Joan Siebel of Mansfield from Mitchell Creek Road in Tioga Township last week. The van is described as being Amethyst in color and has Pennsylvania registration HWA8772 and was reportedly disabled at the time. And, burglars took a bottle of prescription medication from the Delmar Township home of 74 year old Harriet Priset during mid-December. Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call the Mansfield barracks at 570-662-2151.
State Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-25) was sworn in as President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate for 2012, the sixth time Senate colleagues have elected him to the third-highest constitutional office in the commonwealth. In brief remarks to the chamber, the senator said the legislature must continue to focus on creating jobs and making state government live within its means. Scarnati also highlighted several cost saving initiatives that have been implemented in the Senate in 2011.“We have all recognized the need to make government more accountable and efficient. The public expects it and our economic conditions require it,” he said. Senator Scarnati is currently serving his third term in the Senate. He was born and raised in Brockway, Jefferson County, and represents the 25th Senatorial District, which includes Cameron, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Tioga and portions of Clearfield and Warren counties.
Oscar C. MONROE, 89, of Rochester, NY, died Thursday, December 29, 2011 in the Unity Hospital, Greece, NY. Born May 8, 1922, Ulysses, PA, he was the son of Leon M. and Grace Page Monroe. He was married to the former Rebecca Erhard, who survives. A World War II Veteran, he served honorably with the US Army. He was employed by Frankel Brothers in Rochester, NY for many years. Surviving besides his wife, Rebecca, are: four children, Laura (Victor) Marzovilla of Rochester, Donna (Michael) Jones of Macedon, NY, Eva (Sam) Polito of Webster, NY, and Mark Monroe of Rochester; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Monroe of Sabinsville, PA; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Leon Monroe, Jr.; and three sisters, Eva Reynolds, Tina Fry, and Alice Bedelyon. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 7, 2012 in the Ulysses Free Methodist Church. The Rev. Brad J. Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
Raymond A. GARRISON, Jr., 94, of Sunderlinville, Hector Township, PA, died Sunday, January 1, 2012 in his home. Born September 16, 1917, in Collingswood, NJ, he was the son of Raymond A. and Alele Taylor Garrison. On June 24, 1954, in Wellsboro, PA, he married the former Bertha Redcay, who predeceased him on March 10, 2005. A World War II Veteran, he served honorably with the US Army in the European Theatre and North Africa. He owned and operated a dairy farm in Hector Township and was employed as a real estate specialist with PennDOT from 1968 – 1983. Surviving are nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Carolyn George. Friends may call at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA on Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Thomas Shatto will officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
January 3, 2012
Monday’s high, 27; Overnight low, 10; .05” precip. (1-1/2” snow)
A Genesee driver escaped injury in his second vehicle crash occurring within a week. Coudersport-based state police say 52 year old Varley Fuller was traveling north on the Hickox/Ulysses Road last Thursday morning when his Pontiac Grand AM spun off the road on a left hand curve, crossed to the other side, struck an embankment, spun for about a total of 100 feet before coming to rest along the road. Fuller is being charged with speeding and failing to give immediate notice to police. On Thursday, December 22, Fuller’s Chevrolet Lumina hit a parked pick up, traveled through a closed garage door and ended up against an interior wall. State police said Varley Fuller was going east on the Wintergreen Road in Genesee Township just after 11:00 am when his Chevrolet Lumina went off the road, bumped the guardrail and bounced back across both lanes of the road before entering a private driveway. He’s being cited for failing to stay within roadways laned for traffic in connection to the first crash.
An Emporium driver escaped injury Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash on Route 155, Keating Township Potter County. State police said Samuel Olivett was going south at around 11:00 am when his Dodge Dakota began to slide off the road and onto the gravel. The pick up slide back across the road and when Olivett saw approaching traffic, he cut the wheel to steer back into his lane, but overcorrected causing the truck to roll over onto the drivers side where it came to rest.
Moderate injuries were reported for a Bradford woman following a crash Sunday evening on Route 46 in Otto Township. Troopers said Leslie Shallop was going south when, for unknown reasons, her Jeep Liberty went off the road, struck a guardrail, climbed the guard rail, became airborne and hit a tree. Shallop was pinned inside the wreckage and had to be extricated by members of the Otto Township Volunteer fire department. She was taken by Otto ambulance to Bradford Regional medical Center for treatment.
Two people were hurt in a weather-related crash Monday morning at the Westline Intersection in Lafayette Township, McKean County. State police say Timothy Hall of Bradford was traveling south on Route 770 “ at a speed that was beyond reasonable and prudent for the snowy roadway conditions that existed” and his Pontiac Aztek slid through the intersection, crossing both lanes of Route 59 before colliding with a guardrail. Hall and his wife, Jacqueline escaped injury but two passengers, Marilyn Updegrove, 59, and Michael Updegrove,36, also of Bradford were taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. Hall has been cited for speeding.
Speeding charges have also been filed against another Bradford driver in connection to a crash occurring Monday afternoon on Route 66 about a half mile south of Kane Monday afternoon. According to state police who investigated, Kristin Fiore was going north when her Ford Escaped went off the road on a right curve and struck a pole before coming to rest against several small trees. Fiore escaped injury.
Two Elk County teens were hurt in a crash early Sunday morning on Jones Township Route 369. Troopers said 18 year old Cody Colson was going east when his Lincoln Continental went off the road and struck a tree where it came to rest. Colson and his 17 year old female passenger allegedly fled the scene and were later located by police. Both were hurt in the mishap and Colson is being charged with numerous traffic violations including speeding.
Minor injuries were reported for an elderly Kersey man following an accident last Friday morning on Route 948 in Fox Township, Elk County. Authorities said 86 year old William Hillebrand was headed south when he lost consciousness and allowed his Toyota Camry to go off the road and hit a utility pole. He was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
Two people were hurt in a weather-related crash Monday morning at the Westline Intersection in Lafayette Township, McKean County. State police say Timothy Hall of Bradford was traveling south on Route 770 “ at a speed that was beyond reasonable and prudent for the snowy roadway conditions that existed” and his Pontiac Aztek slid through the intersection, crossing both lanes of Route 59 before colliding with a guardrail. Hall and his wife, Jacqueline escaped injury but two passengers, Marilyn Updegrove, 59, and Michael Updegrove,36, also of Bradford were taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. Hall has been cited for speeding.
Speeding charges have also been filed against another Bradford driver in connection to a crash occurring Monday afternoon on Route 66 about a half mile south of Kane Monday afternoon. According to state police who investigated, Kristin Fiore was going north when her Ford Escaped went off the road on a right curve and struck a pole before coming to rest against several small trees. Fiore escaped injury.
Mansfield-based State police are looking for a bicyclist involved in a minor collision early last Friday morning. Troopers say Christopher Wood of Elmira and the bicyclist were traveling east on Route 49 in Nelson township at a round 2:15 am, the bike was in the fog lane when Wood saw it and tried to pass on the left just as the bicyclist turned into the side of his Dodge Ram. The bike fell to the ground but the unknown man picked it up and continued on even though Wood had stopped to render assistance. Anyone who can identify the bicyclist is asked to call the Mansfield barracks at 570-662-2151.
Troopers at Mansfield are also looking for a hit and run tractor-trailer which yanked some utility wires from a transformer and a building at a residence on Route 414 in Liberty Township Friday afternoon. The driver did not stop to report the damage to the property owner.
Animals were factors in a couple of accidents taking place recently in Tioga County. State police said Michael White of Almond, NY escaped unhurt when his Suzuki SUV hit a deer on Route 15 in Lawrence Township Friday morning. Police did not reveal the identity of a driver whose Hyundai Santa Fe collided with a bear on Route 15 in Richmond Township Saturday night. Troopers said the woman applied her brakes in an attempt to avoid the bruin but the left front of her SUV clipped it. She was able to drive from the scene.
The state police fire marshal says a blaze which caused an estimated $30,000 in damage to a two-story wood frame apartment complex on Elm Street in Bradford Friday night was accidental. The investigation determined that the fire was caused by a burner on an electric range which was left unattended for about a half hour. Radiant heat from the burner caused combustible material on the counter near the range to ignite. The building is owned by the Bradford Redevelopment Authority and the apartment was occupied by Donald McAlpine and Doug Ekas. There were no injuries.
An Eldred man is facing simple trespass charges for an incident allegedly occurring late Sunday night at a home on Phillips Street in Mt.Jewett. Authorities claim 22 year old Christopher Campbell was asked to leave the home of Danielle Conner several times but refused to do so and began damaging a clock with a wooden baseball bat. When police arrived, Campbell initially refused to put the bat down, but then complied with orders.
Joseph DeRenzo, 20, of Tioga, PA has been jailed following an altercation on the evening of December 28 in the parking lot of the former Fred’s Lobster Garden. State police claim DeRenzo used a club to punch Aaron Low, also of Tioga, in the head and back causing injuries which required treatment at Arnot-Ogden Medical Center. DeRenzo was committed to the Tioga County Prison on a probation violation. He is now facing the additional charges of reckless endangerment, simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and underage drinking.
Both Austin residents involved in a shouting match have been charged with harassment. Troopers say George Dynda and Chuck Thomas were having a loud argument on the porch of the Thomas residence on Oak Lane late last Friday night.
A theft at Canfield Lawn and Garden on the Kings Run Road in Ceres Township, McKean County is under investigation by state police at Kane. An unknown thief stole about $300 in cash during the early morning hours Saturday.
Coudersport-based state police are probing a burglary at Missy’s Market on East Main St. in Harrison Valley between 2:00 and 2:30 am Saturday. Thieves forced their way through a back door and into the office from which they took about $600 in cash. The cash included about $100 in Susan B. Anthony $1 coins.
Thieves stole a set of 18.4 x 34 Bear Paw Steel Tire chains from a logging site on Dyer Road in Stewardson Township between December 24 and 29. The chains belonged to Steven Gabriel of Kane. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690.
December 30, 2011
Thursday’s high, 32; Overnight low, 28; .02”, ½” of new snow
The Potter County commissioners on Thursday adopted the 2012 $8.2 million budget which calls for a one mill increase in property taxes. At the time the budget was initially presented, the commissioners explained the increase was necessary because of higher criminal justice/jail operations costs; county matches to Human Services programs and an increase in the annual required contribution to the county employee retirement fund. Commissioner Paul Heimel said the board had not received any public comment while the document was awaiting adoption and credited area media with getting the word out. He also noted that the county Natural Gas Task Force is partnering with several organizations including the Triple Divide Watershed Coalition, the Potter County Ed council, Penn State Cooperative Extension and the county Conservation District, to apply for a public education grant from the Department of Environmental Protection. He noted the next meeting of the Task Force will be February 14 at 7:00 pm in the Gunzburger annex.
The State Police Fire Marshal is conducting an investigation into the cause of a fire Tuesday night on Butter Creek Road in Oswayo Township, Potter County. Damage is estimated to be more than $150,000 to the house owned by Lori Miller of Harrisburg. A wooden door on a storage shed on the property was also damaged. Anyone who has information about the blaze is asked to call the fire marshal, Trooper David Surra at the Emporium barracks 814-486-3321 or state police in Coudersport at 814-274-8690.
A Rochester, NY driver escaped injury in a car/deer accident Thursday afternoon on Route 15 in Lawrence Township, Tioga County. Mansfield-based state police said Christopher Beikirch was going north when his Nissan Altima struck a deer which was standing on the highway. Troopers said Beikirch had braked in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid the whitetail. His 14 year old male passenger from Webster, NY also escaped injury.
Injuries of unknown severity were reported for a Williamsport driver following a one-vehicle crash early this morning on Route 14 in Union Township, Tioga County. According to state police, Aaron Murray was speeding while negotiating a long sweeping curve causing his Volkswagen, northbound Volkswagen Cabrio to spin off the road and hit a parked semi-trailer with the driver’s side door where it came to rest. Murray flagged down a passer by and caught a ride home. He was first taken to Troy Medical Center by personal vehicle but was later transferred to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre for treatment of unknown injuries.
State police in Mansfield have been kept busy investigating several minor incidents.
Someone tried to enter a cabin on Marsh Creek Road in Shippen Township over Christmas weekend but apparently left empty-handed. The camp is owned by Joseph Broscious of Shamokin, PA. Thieves, however, were able to steal several items from a car owned by Tyler Kutz of Canton while it was parked near the Ogdensburg Ball Fields in Union township early December 17. Two Road signs and a yield sign were stolen between December 16 and 19th from the intersection of McCollum road and McCollum Hollow Road in Farmington Township. Vandals damaged Christmas decorations belonging to a 28 year old woman on her property located on West Hill Road in Putman Township sometime between December 16 and 20. And culprits damaged the hood of a rental car driven by Jolanda Fitzwater of Covington by throwing an egg at it as she drove on Route 660 near the John Deere dealership last Friday night, December 23 at about 8:00 pm.
Two Potter County residents have been sentenced to 12 months on probation in separate cases. Thomas Pritt of Keating Summit was arrested by state police this past May 6 after punching his brother, Matthew Pritt two or three times in the face during a scuffle at the home of their father, Clarence Pritt, in Keating Summit. Matthew’s injuries required treatment at Charles Cole Hospital. The defendant was also ordered to pay a $300 fine for simple assault. Brenda Crain, 45, of Coudersport was ordered to pay a $200 fine for disorderly conduct. She was arrested by Coudersport Borough police on June 14, 2010 after she created a disturbance at Charles Cole Hospital. Police said Crain was “manifestly under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance at the time. Both were ordered by Judge Stephen Minor to perform 15 hours of community service; attend the DUI Victim Impact Panel and to pay all costs and fees.
December 29, 2011
Wednesday’s high, 26; Overnight low, 7 (6 on Fishing Creek) .01” precip. (1/2” snow)
Potter County will soon be represented by two members in the General Assembly with the reapportionment plan recently adopted by the state legislature. Rep. Martin Causer will continue to represent most of the county but Rep. Matt Baker who currently serves Bradford and Tioga Counties will pick up Galeton Borough and a couple of adjacent townships. Today we have news from both lawmakers.
The new law will
authorize the PUC to conduct safety inspections and investigations of natural
gas pipelines within the Commonwealth in coordination with the U.S. Department
of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (U.S.
DOT).
Baker says the keeps Pennsylvania in line with
what the other 31 natural gas-producing states are doing and noted that the
new law will also give the PUC the power to regulate natural gas pipelines
without having to deem them a public utility. Therefore, the power of eminent
domain is not extended.
“Although we are all concerned with the
environmental and economic impacts of natural gas exploration, we also need to
be cognizant of the occupational and industrial risks associated with production
of this energy source,” said Baker. “This new law will make sure that proper
oversight takes place for the safety of natural gas workers and the public.”
Because an increased amount of inspections will
need to be performed, the law also provides for the hiring of additional safety
inspectors. Baker said money to hire the inspectors will come from both federal
funding and the gas industry through assessments outlined in the legislation. It
is anticipated that at least 12 or more new additional pipeline safety
inspection engineers will be hired.
Act 127 of 2011 will take effect in 60 days.
Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel, the board’s point man on Marcellus Shale
drilling told Black Forest Broadcasting that most pipelines in the Black Forest
Service area are exempt from the new law.
Rep. Martin Causer is reminding area senior citizens to visit his office if they need assistance filing for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Seniors need not pay for assistance from a private entity; Causer’s office will help for free.
“Several people called our office after receiving a solicitation in the mail offering filing assistance for a fee of $39,” Causer said. “They need not pay a fee. Anyone who has questions or needs help filling out an application can stop by my offices in Bradford or Coudersport at no charge.”
Causer reminded senior citizens that the deadline to apply for the 2010 rebate is Dec. 31. The 2011 program will not open for applications until early next year.
The program is open to Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. It provides a rebate of up to $650 based on rent or property taxes paid in 2010.
Eligibility income limits are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:
$0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters)
$8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters)
$15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only)
$18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only)
Residents are reminded to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately.
For more information, contact Causer’s office in Bradford at 814-362-4400 or Coudersport at 814-274-9769. A link to program information and the application are also available at www.RepCauser.com.
Moderate injuries were reported for a Bradford man after his car hit a house on South Avenue in the city Wednesday evening. State police said Richard Greene swerved his car to the right when he realized he would not be able to stop for a vehicle ahead, causing the car to go off the road and into the building.
Coudersport-based state police have just released details about a couple of crashes taking place during the early morning hours, Christmas Eve day. Samuel Mesler, Jr. of Shinglehouse is being charged with having an accident involving damage after his Chevrolet CK 1500 hit the Shinglehouse American Legion building at around 3:00 am. Troopers said Mesler was leaving the Legion, when his truck hit the west side of the building then traveled through the yard, hitting a wooden fence attached to the structure. Mesler continued traveling east through the yard and hit a UGI gas meter near Route 44 before stopping. Mesler escaped injury.
About 90 minutes later, Charlotte Nelson of Roulette escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident on Route 6 in Roulette Township. Troopers said Nelson was responding to an emergency call when her GMC Yukon struck and killed a deer. Nelson was wearing a seatbelt.
State police at Mansfield are also getting caught up on their paperwork. Troopers there say Joshua Miller of Endicott, NY suffered minor injuries in an accident early Tuesday morning on Route 15 in Bloss Township. Miller was going south on Route 15 when his Mitsubishi Outlander went off the road on a right curve, crossed the median and rolled over before striking a concrete barrier. Miller was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital by ambulance.
Later that afternoon, no one was hurt in a minor collision in Richmond Township. Sate police said James Hubert of Trout Run was headed west on Route 6 and tried to turn left onto Route 549 and his GMC Sonoma struck the rear axle tire group on a semi operated by Ronald Summers Of Millville, PA which was stopped at a stop sign at the intersection.
A Venge, CA man escaped injury in a one vehicle crash Monday evening on The Ogdensburg Road in Union township, Tioga County. Authorities said Matthew Morris lost control of his Infiniti G20 on a left curve. The unit went off the road and hit an embankment, then rolled over one time coming to rest on its wheels.
Two Canton women escaped injury Monday night in a one-vehicle mishap on Route 414 in Union Township, Tioga County. State police say Courtney Machmer was going west when her Chevrolet Cobalt left the road on a right curve and rolled over. Both Machmer and her passenger Amber Phelps were wearing seatbelts at the time.
Sharon Snyder of Cockeysville, MD received minor injuries Christmas morning when her Honda Accord went off of Route 6 in Richmond Township, traveled down an embankment and came to rest after hitting the embankment. She was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital for medical evaluation.
A Liberty, PA driver was hurt Wednesday morning in an accident on Route 15 in Liberty Township, Tioga County. Troopers said Victor June’s Chevrolet 1500 slid out of control while crossing an icy bridge, went onto the berm, hit an embankment, then climbed up the embankment for about 20 feet before it rolled over onto its roof.
Coudersport-based state police have charged 38 year old Jennifer Flynn of Roulette for making false reports to law enforcement authorities. Troopers say Flynn gave them information on November 1 regarding a domestic violence incident which led to the arrest of 39 year old Kenneth Rushmore. The investigation reportedly determined that Flynn’s statements were false. She is now facing charges in district court.
A 16 year old Liberty boy has been charged with theft for stealing a pack of cigarettes out of the desk of the Liberty High School Principal on December 22. Police did not say if the smokes belonged to the principal or had been confiscated.
Agnes L. LaBar, 82, of Coudersport, PA, died Tuesday, December 27, 2011 in the Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA. Born August 4, 1929, in Silver Springs, NY, she was the daughter of Louis and Dorothy Stocking Greenman. On January 23, 1953, in Wellsville, NY, she married Bernard H. LaBar, who survives. She was employed by Potato City and Cole Memorial Hospital. Agnes was a member of the First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Hebron and the WSSS. Surviving besides her husband, Bernard, are: a son, Roger (Tammy) LaBar of Coudersport; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four brothers, Lewis Greenman of Port Allegany, PA, Bert Greenman of Wellsville, Merle (Sandy) Greenman of Wellsville, and Keith (Gloria) Shelley of Athens, TX; two sisters, Martha (Robert) Gaines of Friendship, NY and Edith (Clair) Meyer of Wellsville; and nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA on Friday, December 30, 2011 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. A fellowship time will follow at the Coudersport Fire Hall at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coudersport Ambulance Association or the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Company, Coudersport, PA 16915. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com
December 28, 2011
Tuesday’s high, 32; Overnight low, 26; .54” precip. (1/2” snow)
The unemployment rate rose slightly between October and November across the Black Forest Broadcasting service area, according to figures just released by the state department of Labor and Industry. Unemployment in Potter County went from 8.2 to 8.3%; in McKean County, from 7.9 to 8.0%; Cameron County from 10.3 to 10.4%; Elk County from 6.6% to 7.2% and Tioga County from 6.0 to 6.1%. Cameron County continues to have the worst rate in Pennsylvania while Tioga County continues to have the best rate in the Black Forest Service area. The jobless rate in Pennsylvania during the period realized a slight decrease from a month ago going from 7.5% to 7.4%. And as you may heard, the national figure saw an improvement too from 8.8% down to 8.2%.
A 57 year old Addison, NY man is being held by New York State authorities awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania to answer charges of burglary, attempted burglary, terroristic threats, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, attempting to elude a police officer, harassment and criminal mischief. State police at Mansfield say the charges against Raymond Enderle stem from an incident taking place last Thursday morning at the home of a 42 year old woman on Chamberlain Lane, Lawrenceville. Authorities claim Enderle went to the victim’s home to pick up their child for visitation and returned a short time later, alone, after leaving the youngster with a family member in New York state. Endnerle is accused of kicking in the front door at the victim’s home, entering the residence and threatening the victim with a pistol. Police say Enderle kep the woman in the home against her will, threatening to kill her and himself. Somehow, the victim was able to run out of the home and sought refuge at a neighbor’s apartment. Enderle’s adult son arrived at the scene and confronted his father and the pair wrestled inside and out on the porch where the gun went off. Enderle then, reportedly, tried to enter the neighbor’s apartment where the victim had gone, but unable to get in, he fled to his home were he barricaded himself before surrendering to New York State authorities some four hours later. Mansfield troopers were assisted by Elkland Borough, Lawrence Township and Osceola Police departments, New York State police and the Steuben County (NY) Sheriff’s department.
Mansfield-based state police have arrested several other suspects on harassment and assault charges. Luke Castle, 28, is accused of kicking 32 year old William Eckman in the jaw several times causing multiple fractures during an argument at a camp on Hollow Road in Richmond Township on the night of December 17. Both are residents of Lancaster, Ohio.
Troopers have charged 23 year old Brian Dake of Covington with harassment claiming he punched a woman in the back during a disagreement Monday evening on West Hill Road in Putnam Township.
Both men involved in a fight during the afternoon of December 18 on McCollum road in Farmington Township, Tioga County have been charged with harassment. Authorities say 19 year old Justin Slocum of Lawrenceville and 24 year old Anthony Hurd of Tioga “duke it out” after a argument escalated. Slocum is accused of hitting Hurd in the head with a closed fist and Hurt is accused of kicking Slocum in the stomach while trying to stop further physical contact.
A Millerton woman was cited for harassment for an incident allegedly occurring Christmas morning at her home on Back Street. Troopers assert 62 year old Louise Wilber slapped 39 year old Steven Wilber in the face.
Jesse Spurgeon, 34, of Wellsboro has been arrested for indirect criminal contempt for an incident allegedly taking place last Wednesday afternoon in Delmar Township. Officers claim Spurgeon violated an active Protection From Abuse Order filed against him.
Another Wellsboro man has been charged with three counts Open Lewdness. State police were told by employees of both Wendy’s and Arby’s in Mansfield that 21 year old Charles Melko ordered food at their restaurants’ drive through windows and showed up committing a lewd act while being naked from the waste down. (We can only hope he ordered hot coffee!) Melko has also been charged with three counts of indecent exposure. Authorities are asking any other businesses or victims who have experienced similar incidents to contact them at 570-662-2151. Ask for Trooper Thomas Wool.
Several thefts have also been investigated by state police at Mansfield. Some used a fuel card belonging to Atlas Oilfield Construction of Mansfield to rack up almost $16,000 in fuel purchases at various locations around Tioga County since late June.
Thieves drove off in Tristan Thompson’s 1999 Jeep Cherokee last Thursday night while it was parked in his driveway on Walnut Street in Bloss Township between 9:30 and 10:30 pm. The jeep is green and bears Pennsylvania registration HWX 2842. anyone who spots the vehicle is asked to call the Mansfield barracks. Again, that phone number is 570-662-2151.
Jessi Rall, 22 of Millerton has been arrested for theft and forgery. State police contend that last summer Rall entered a work vehicle in the care of a neighbor Robert Copley Sr. and stole several checks, forging the victim’s name and cashing them over a two week period. The forged checks amounted to almost $2100.
Theft charges have also been filed against 26 year old Christi Nile of Tioga. Authorities say Nile stole a $50 coat from the Mansfield Wal-mart last Thursday evening.
The rush of Christmas shopping must have been a factor in several similar incidents last week in Tioga County. Jessica Watson, 23, of Knoxville told authorities she accidentally left her wallet in a cart at the Dollar General on Route 49 in Nelson Township last Tuesday morning and left the store. When she returned, the wallet was gone but a review of the surveillance tape showed a white male in his late 50’s or early 60’s using the same cart and leaving with the wallet. Troopers say the suspect was wearing dark clothing, a dark baseball cap and was driving a silver Dodge Caravan. Mary Sherman, 71, of Mansfield reported to state police her brown denim purse was either lost or stolen last Wednesday morning at the ld Wal-Mart or the CVS Pharmacy parking lot in Mansfield. Apparently there was a least one Good Samaritan in the bunch. A purse belonging to Patricia Butler, 64, of Tioga was stolen from a cart in the parking lot of the Mansfield Wal-Mart last Friday afternoon but was later recovered with all of her belongings inside.
Minor injuries were reported for a Wilcox driver following a collision Monday afternoon on Clarion Street in Jones Township, Elk county. State police said the collision occurred a northbound Kenworth tanker driven by Daniel Hill of Ridgway failed to negotiate a right turn from route 210 onto Route 1106 and struck a Dodge neon driven by Jack Bryington of Wilcox. Bryington was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment. Hill was not hurt but is being cited for careless driving and making an improper right turn.
No one was hurt in a rear-end collision Monday afternoon on Route 6 on Sullivan Township, Tioga County. Troopers said that collision occurred when Tyler Monks of Arnot slowed down for an unknown vehicle making a left turn off of Route 6 onto Seymour Road and Matthew Wilbur of Rome, PA failed to notice Monks had slowed down and allowed his Chevrolet HHR. to run into the back of Monks’s Chevrolet Silverado. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts as were a passenger in the pick up, Michael Harbold of Blossburg and a passenger in Wilbur’s SUV,
Tamra Berry of Rome, PA.
Kennard E. “Shorty” Goss, Sr., 77, of Millport, died in his home Monday, December 26, 2011, following a short illness. Born October 25, 1934 in Lewistown, he was a son of Lester T. and Ernestine P. Aumiller Goss. On December 29, 1955 in McClure, he married Irene M. Romig, who survives. Mr. Goss attended Lewistown High School. He retired after many years of service from St. Gobain Container Plant in Port Allegany. He loved to fish and also loved cars, tinkering with them and repairing them. He enjoyed planting fruit trees and gardening, especially flowers. Surviving besides his wife are five sons, Ken E. “Jr.” (Linda) Goss of Mabton, Washington, Steve L. (Pam Palmer) Goss of Millport, Michael A. Goss of Olean, NY, Lester H. (Alicia) Goss of Coudersport, and Toby J. (Nicole) Goss of Millport; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Sharon (Earl Dickerson) Goss of Shinglehouse; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Goss was predeceased by a brother, Ted Goss. Friends may call on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011. The Rev. Becky Edwards, pastor of the Millport United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials in Ken’s name to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748 would be appreciated by the family.
December 27, 2011
Monday’s high, 32; Overnight low, 26; trace of snow
A Genesee man escaped injury last Thursday morning when his car hit a parked pick up, traveled through a closed garage door and ended up against an interior wall. State police said Varley Fuller was going east on the Wintergreen Road in Genesee Township just after 11:00 am when his Chevrolet Lumina went off the road, bumped the guardrail and bounced back across both lanes of the road before entering a private driveway. He’s being cited for failing to stay within roadways laned for traffic.
Speeding charges have been filed against an Ohio driver following a rear-end collision last Wednesday on Route 120 in Gibson Township, Cameron County. Troopers report Scott Graham of Driftwood was going east when he stopped his pick up truck to avoid some deer on the road and was struck in the rear by a car driven by Charles Ackman of Akron. Both drivers were unhurt but a passenger in the Ackman car, Melinda Ackman of Emporium, was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
State police at Ridgway have charged 23 year old Ashley McMillen of Wilcox for an incident allegedly taking place early Friday morning at her home on Faries Street. Authorities claim McMillen and 21 year old Kristina McMillen of St. Marys were arguing when Ashley hit Kristina in the face giving her a bloody nose. The accused was released on $2500 bail after being arraigned before District Judge Alvin Brown on one count each of simple assault and harassment
An accidental fire caused an estimated $40,000 in damage to a Bradford home early Friday morning. The state police fire marshal and officials from the Bradford city fire department found that the fire on High Avenue was caused by an overheated extension cord which was powering a 1500 watt electric space heater, LCD big screen TV, DVD player and cell phone charger. The house is owned by Patricia Verrelli of Bradford and was occupied by Terry Short and Ellie Howard.
Mansfield-based state police have charged Melvin L. Stafford, 61, of Middlebury Center with theft. Stafford is alleged to have cut a fence and taken three horses belonging to his neighbor because he said they had damaged his property and he had a court order allowing him to take them if they were on his property. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 16.
Philip R. Gee, 21, of Lawrenceville, has been charged "with propelling a missile" into occupied vehicles.According state police Gee threw a large flat rock at a vehicle that was occupied by Joel T. Swan. The rock went through Swan's windshield, as he was attempting to move out of Gee's residence Nov. 29. Gee was issued a summons to appear at a Jan. 12 preliminary hearing.
A burglary at an Emporium home last week remains under investigation by state police there. Thieves kicked in a back door at the home of Jamie Schatz on North Broad Street and stole about $1600 in cash and several Christmas gifts. Anyone with information is asked to call the Emporium state police barracks at 814-486-3321.
State police at Ridgway say criminal charges are pending against a known suspect accused of taking a car without the owner’s permission. The incident allegedly occurred last Friday afternoon when the woman took a vehicle owned by Timothy Sanchez of Ridgway while it was parked in the Ridgway Commons parking lot. It was later located in DuBois.
Vandalism occurring on Route 219 in front of the DeCasper Trailer Court in Lewis Run is under investigation by Kane-based state police. Vandals smashed seven mail boxes in front of DeCasper Trailer Court between 10:30 am and 1:45 pm.
A bobcat trapping season is underway in several Wildlife Management Units including those in the Black Forest Service area, 3A, 2F and 2G. The season will conclude on January 8 and will be followed by a separate bobcat hunting season which runs January 17 through February 7.
Last year, the Game Commission removed the need to conduct a public drawing for a limited number of bobcat permits in exchange for a shortened season. Officials said the change came after a review of past seasons and consideration of hunter and trapper input, noting data indicate that bobcat populations have increased significantly in the state. Potter County often leads the state harves. The game commission says it believes it is prudent to retain a permitting process but it believes than it can offer an unlimited number of permits to allow each fur taker and combination license hold the opportunity to harvest one bobcat in the specified WMUs.
Reba NAUMAN, 92, formerly of Ulysses, PA, died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at the home of her daughter in Freeville, NY. Born May 3, 1919, in Bird-in-hand, PA, she was the daughter of Ira and Nettie Landis Myer. On May 6, 1961, in Yorks Corners, NY, she married Daniel P. Nauman, who survives. She and Mr. Nauman owned and operated a dairy farm in Ulysses Township for many years, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Valley Christian Church in Westfield, PA. Surviving besides her husband, Daniel, are: three sons, Benjamin (Mary Jane) Newcomer of Lake Wales, FL, Glenn (Lisa) Newcomer of Elmira, NY, and Lynn (Sue) Newcomer of Emporium, PA; two daughters, Joyce (Harold) Lefever of Elmira, NY and Sharon (Larry) Cleek of Freeville, NY; a step-son, Jesse (Sandra) Nauman of Ulysses; four step-daughters, Janet (Charles) Ness of Skippack, PA, Jeanette (Donald) Miller of Ulysses, Mildred (Fred) Hershey of Lancaster, PA, and Margaret (Marcus) Thomsen of Millersville, PA; 33 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; a brother, Floyd (Patricia) Myer of Leola, PA; a sister, Ruthie (Abe) Lefever of Lititz, PA; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Benjamin F. Newcomer in 1956; two step-sons, David Nauman and Jonathan Nauman; four brothers; and four sisters. Friends may call at the Zion Christian Assembly, Ulysses, PA on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 1:00 PM. Her son-in-law, Pastor Larry Cleek, will officiate. Burial will be in Landisville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Penn-York Camp, 266 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
December 23, 2011
Thursday’s high, 42; Overnight low, 32: .62” precip. (trace of snow)
Sad news to report today from Tioga County. State police at Mansfield say 72 year old Madeline Smith used a high powered handgun to fatally shoot her husband, 77 year old Warren Smith in the chest and then turned the gun on herself sometime since Monday. The bodies were found in their Farmington Township home by a family member around noontime Wednesday. State police from Mansfield, Montoursville and Coudersport along with the Tioga County coroner and forensic services unit from Montoursville investigated. Authorities say the evidence and autopsies led to the conclusion that Mrs. Smith was the shooter and the case is now closed.
No one was hurt in a collision last night on Bennetts Valley Highway in Jay Township, Elk county. State police at Ridgway say the collision occurred when James Howard of McClellandtown, PA was going south and allowed his Buick Century to drift into the northbound lane. When Lisa Barackman of Weedville who was traveling north, saw the approaching car, she swerved her Chrysler Town and Country to the left into the southbound lane. When Howard realized he was in the wrong lane, he steered back into the southbound lane where the units collided. Troopers said both drivers, and a passenger in the Howard car were wearing seatbelts.
The state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze which destroyed a Tioga County home Tuesday afternoon. Flames broke out at the home of 68 year old Barbara Gerhardt on the Korb Road in Richmond Township between 1:00 and 1:30 pm. She and family members, 45 year old Shari Gerhardt and 40 year old Timothy Gerhard suffered from smoke inhalation and minor burns before escaping the burning structure. Damage to the house is said to total $150,000 and the contents were valued at $50,000.
Coudersport-based state police picked up a Port Allegany woman Wednesday at her home on Kio Hollow Road in Pleasant Valley Township on a New York State warrant. Carol Weakland is wanted there on fraud-bad check charges. After being arraigned, Weakland was released on $1000 bail.
Troopers at Ridgway say a Highland Township man is suspected of burglarizing a storage building on Montmerenci Road in Ridgway Township earlier this month. The man is believed to have stolen thousands of dollars worth of miscellaneous construction equipment owned by Thomas Mertz of St. Marys.
The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Appalachia Midstream Services LLC of Horseheads, N.Y., Chesapeake Energy’s pipeline division, $19,510 for numerous erosion- and sediment-control violations originally found last winter at its compressor station in Albany Township, Bradford County.
“Appalachia Midstream did not correct the violations documented in February by the Bradford County Conservation District until August, which is far longer than needed,” DEP North-central Regional Director Nels Taber said..”
Inspections by the conservation district and DEP’s Oil and Gas staff in February and May found that Appalachia Midstream had failed to implement and maintain effective best-management practices to control erosion and sediment runoff during excavation for construction of a compressor station.
Best-management practices are measures used to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation to protect the quality of surface and groundwater in the area. They include various devices, such as silt-filter socks, as well as constructing diversion channels, sediment basins and stabilized slopes.
The inspections revealed violations of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, Dam Safety and Encroachment Act and state regulations. A notice of violation letter was sent to the company on March 28, and a DEP inspection on Aug. 16 verified that Appalachia Midstream had corrected all the violations.
For more information, call 570-327-3659 or visit www.dep.state.pa.us.
The New York State Oil Producers Association has created the Karney Cochran Scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, in memory of a prominent Wellsville, N.Y., oil producer.
Stephen D. Plants, secretary of the association, said that it has scholarships at several local colleges and wanted to create one at Pitt-Bradford because of its contributions to the area oil industry through its petroleum technology programs, first in the 1970s and ’80s and again today.
The $1,500 annual scholarship will be awarded to a student from Cattaraugus, Allegany or Steuben counties in New York, or McKean or Potter counties in Pennsylvania.
Cochran, Plants said, was a natural choice for an honoree.
“He was a pretty impressive guy,” Plants said, “a brilliant man who had traveled the world.”
Cochran grew up in Tulsa, Okla., and attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State), where he earned a degree in engineering. After moving to the northeast, he took a job in 1938 with the Empire Gas and Oil Co. which was owned by the Bradley Producing Co. in Wellsville N.Y.
He retired from Bradley in 1976 as vice president, and he and his wife started their own producing company, which they closed when the price of oil bottomed out in 1985.
He took an active part in several national oil groups and was a former director of both the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the American Petroleum Institute.
Louise M. CARPENTER, 84, of Ellisburg, PA, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 in her home surrounded by her family. Born September 15, 1927, in Shippenville, PA, she was the daughter of James F. and Annie E. Clark Milliron. On March 30, 1946, in Urbana, NY, she married Calvin R. “Bud” Carpenter, who predeceased her in 1996. She was a graduate of Genesee High School, where she was a cheerleader. A mother and homemaker, she operated a catering service for many years and served as a volunteer at Sweden Valley Manor. She was a former member of the Ellisburg Union Church, where she served as church secretary, treasurer, Sunday school teacher, trustee, and faithful kitchen coordinator. She was a current member of the West Union Mennonite Church. Louise enjoyed cooking, gardening, hunting, and was an avid sports fan. She loved her family and friends and she worshipped, praised, and adored her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and served as a faithful prayer warrior, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Surviving are: three sons, James Calvin (Jolene) Carpenter of Jersey Shore, PA, William Richard (Patricia) Carpenter of Forest Hill, MD, and David Clyde (Abby) Carpenter of Uniontown, OH; two daughters, Lois Ann (Robert) Walters of Ellisburg and Ella Loraine (Thomas) James of Stafford Springs, CT; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; three brothers, James W. Milliron of Warner Robbins, GA, Joseph F. Milliron of Tucson, AZ, and Thomas W. Milliron of Horseheads, NY; nieces and nephews. Friends may call Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Funeral Services will be held on 11:00 AM, Wednesday in the West Union Mennonite Church, 1459 County Route 84, Rexville, NY 14877. Visitation will precede the funeral from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Her son-in-law, Pastor Robert Walters, will officiate. Burial will be in Genesee Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Union Mennonite Church, 1459 County Route 84, Rexville, NY 14877 or Potter County Hospice, c/o Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA 16915. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
December 22, 2011
Wednesday’s high, 47; Overnight low, 39; .85” rain
PennDOT has earned its eighth consecutive national Partner Award for its continued support of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania. The award is presented annually by Keep America Beautiful and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The award recognizes states for supporting litter-cleanup programs and emphasizes the importance of anti-litter programs through public/private partnerships.
Started in 1990,
PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway Program currently has 7,100 participating groups
involving more than 130,000 volunteers who have adopted 16,335 miles of
state-maintained roadways.
Adopt-A-Highway allows residents to demonstrate their pride in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. The program solicits volunteers to clear litter on a two-mile section of state highway, four times a year. In addition to benefiting the environment, the effort helps to reduce PennDOT maintenance costs.
PennDOT provides complete safety training for volunteers as well as orange safety vests and highway warning signs to be used during litter pick-ups. Trash bags are provided and PennDOT will pick up the bagged litter from the roadside. To recognize volunteers’ efforts, PennDOT posts signs along the highway giving the group full credit for their efforts. Groups wishing to enroll in the Adopt-A-Highway Program should contact a local PennDOT office.
PennDOT was nominated for the national Partner Award by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. The organization is the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., the nation’s largest volunteer-based community action and education organization.
For more information about PennDOT and its programs, visit www.dot.state.pa.us.
A Shinglehouse driver is being cited for speeding following a collision with a parked pick up early Sunday morning on Butter Creek Road in Oswayo Township. Coudersport based state police say Travis Wackwitz was going east when his Dodge Dakota left the road and hit a parked Ford Ranger owned by John Cyran, also Shinglehouse. The Ranger was shoved to the right of the road and authorities claim Wackwitz fled the scene but was later identified and located. Wackwitz was not hurt.
A Ridgway couple escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident Wednesday morning on Route 120 in Ridgway Township. Troopers say 74 year old Thomas Heatherdale lost control of his Ford FST on the wet roadway while going east. The unit spun counter clockwise off the road and hit a guardrail before coming to rest.
A Roulette man has been admitted to the ARD program for 12 months for DUI. Russell Falk, 44, was arrested by state police this past May 30th on Railroad Avenue in the village. He was ordered to attend DUI Safe Driving Schooll, refrain from using alcohol, perform 25 hours of community service, pay all costs, fines and fees, attend the DUI Victim Impact Panel and surrender his driver’s license for 60 days.
Mansfield State police have charged Patrick Tracz with burglary, theft, and receiving stolen property.According to authorities, Tracz took several items from the Duane Starkweather residence on North Williamson Road, Putnam Township, including a safe containing cash between Nov. 26 and Nov. 29, 2009.He was committed to the Tioga County Prison in lieu of $35,000 bail
State police at Ridgway say they have recommended that a dispute between partners be taken to civil court. According to authorities a Kane man removed several well supplies from a well site on Route 1001 in Jones Township during the afternoon of December 15. The equipment reportedly belonged to the man’s partner, September Corporation of Titusville.While investigating, troopers found that both owed the other money.
SOME PEOPLE AVOID FRESH CHRISTMAS TREES BECAUSE THEY THINK CUT TREES ARE NOT ECOLOGICALLY FRIENDLY. BUT AN EXPERT IN PENN STATE'S COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SAYS REAL TREES CAN PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS. CHUCK GILL HAS MORE:
If you’re concerned that having a real Christmas tree adds to the community’s post-holiday waste-disposal burden, you should consider using it to benefit your landscape instead.
Penn State professor emeritus of horticulture Larry Kuhns says if you have a wooded area or other appropriate place on your property, putting the entire tree out to decompose can provide habitat for wildlife. And Kuhns says with proper handling, cut trees also can provide benefits for ornamental plants:
"any homeowner can cut the branches off the tree and just place them around any plantings of flowers or shrubs they have around the home, and use them as a mulch. The trunk can just be placed somewhere out of sight and within a few years it will totally decompose."
Kuhns also notes that the farms where Christmas trees are grown provide ecological services such as erosion control, atmospheric oxygen and wildlife habitat.
December 21, 2011
Tuesday’s high, 37; Overnight low, 33; .12” precip. (trace of snow)
Pennsylvania’s new law aimed at increasing safety for young drivers takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 27.(PennDot incorrectly announced December 24 as the effective date in a news release). The new law increases behind-the-wheel training requirements, places a limit on the number of passengers a young driver can transport and makes not wearing a seatbelt a primary offense for young drivers.
The new law adds 15 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel training for driver’s license permit holders younger than 18, bringing the total to 65 hours. Ten of the additional hours must include driving at night and five hours must occur during poor weather conditions. Current permit-holders younger than 18 who have not yet passed the driving skills test before Dec. 24 will have to meet the requirements of the new law.
Also, as part of the law, drivers younger than 18 will not be permitted to transport more than one passenger who is under 18 and is not an immediate family member unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. After six months, the junior driver may transport up to three passengers younger than 18 who are not immediate family members without a parent or legal guardian present, but only if that driver has not been convicted of a driving violation or has not been partially or fully responsible for a reportable crash.
The law also requires that junior drivers and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a seat belt, and children under the age of eight must be fastened in a child restraint system. The seat belt provisions of the new law are primary offenses, meaning a driver can be stopped and cited solely for that violation.
More information on the changes for teen drivers can be found at http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/ by clicking on the “New Teen Driver Law 2011” button.
For more information on young driver safety, visit PennDOT’s highway safety website, www.DriveSafePA.org and select the “Young Driver” link under the Traffic Safety Information Center.
Pennsylvania residents are asked to display a blue light in their home or office windows during the holiday season to remember fallen law enforcement officers and their survivors, State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said today.
“Project Blue Light” was developed by C.O.P.S., or Concerns of Police Survivors, a nonprofit organization based in Missouri that represents more than 15,000 families of officers killed in the line of duty.
In 1988, Dolly Craig wrote to C.O.P.S. that she would be putting blue candles in her living room window that holiday season to honor her son-in-law, Daniel Gleason, who was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Officials say the color blue is symbolic of peace. 93 members of the Pennsylvania State Police have been killed in the line of duty since the department’s founding in 1905. The most recent death occurred on Jan. 13, 2010, when Trooper Paul G. Richey was shot and killed while responding to a domestic incident in Venango County. Richey, who was 40 years old, is survived by his widow and two children.
Additional information about C.O.P.S. is available at www.nationalcops.org.
For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556.
Coudersport-based state police are continuing their investigation into a party taking place overnight last Thursday into Friday at a home on the Loucks Mills Road. Troopers say two 14 year old girls were taken to that home and were provided alcohol, marijuana and prescription medication. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690.
A Roulette man is being charged with harassment for a domestic violence incident allegedly taking place Monday evening at his home on Conable Avenue in the village. Authorities claim 58 year old Rodney Hersey pushed a six year old Fourth Street boy causing him to fall to the floor.
Troopers at Ridgway are continuing their investigation into an incident also taking place Monday evening. State police say a 17 year old Ridgway boy was sitting in the passenger side of a vehicle parked at the Sandy Beech Recreational Park on Laurel Mill Road when an unknown assailant opened the passenger door and hit the victim twice in the face before fleeing the scene.
State police at Ridgway are also probing a theft occurring between December 14 and December 19 at Express Lube on the Million Dollar Highway in Fox Township. Thieves stole a copper heating radiator owned by Matthew Donachy. The part is valued at $600. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Ridgway barracks at 814-776-6136.
Three people were taken to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after a fire in Tioga County. The fire started at around 1:30 p.m. at 1008 Korb Road in Richmond Township .Fire officials say an elderly woman and two adult children were taken to the Arnot Ogden Medical Center with minor and moderate burns and smoke inhalation. The fire destroyed the home. Fire officials say the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is helping State police in Elk County with their investigation into an arson taking place on Erich Lane in Weedville on October 23. A John Deere Excavator was torched by unknown vandals. Damage totaled $10,000. Anyone with information is encouraged to call toll Free 1-800- 4 PA tips. All callers will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
In recent Potter County court action, 26 year old James Frenya of Rouses Point, NY was sentenced to a jail term of 23-1/2 months; ordered to pay a $300 fine and directed to perform 20 hours of community service after being convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Judge Stephen Minor also ordered Frenya to undergo drug and alcohol evaluation and to have no contact with the victim. According to Potter County DA Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, Frenya was arrested on November 7, 2010 near Andover, NY after he wrecked a truck he had taken from a co-worker the night before. New York State police charged Frenya with DUI and various summary traffic offenses and held him in jail until he could be transported to the Potter County Jail. The DA explained Frenya had spent Saturday November 6, 2010 at the home of Ronald Nichols on Pleasant Street in Ulysses and after Nichols left his home to visit his girlfriend, Frenya took his 2006 Nissan Titan pickup, driving it into New York state where it was extensively damaged in a one-vehicle crash. Nichols told authorities Frenya had never driven any of his vehicles and did not have his permission to take the truck that night.
Rachel E. HILE, 96, of Genesee, PA, died Monday, December 19, 2011, in the Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA. Born December 14, 1915, at Ford Hill, Coudersport, she was the daughter of Ernest and Ruby Fosmer Burch. She was married to Harlan G. Hile, who predeceased her in 1996. She was a member of the Harrison-Ulysses-Genesee Senior Center, the Andrews Settlement—Ellisburg Community Club, and the Wellsville Grange. Surviving are: a son, Gary (Mary Spellicy) Hile of Genesee; a daughter, Diane (Richard) Traver of Ontario, NY; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis (Robert) Burdick of Coudersport; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Robert G. Hile; and a brother, Ralph Burch. Friends may call at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA on Friday, December 23, 2011 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM, with Funeral Services following at 2:00 PM. The Rev. Darell D. Harris will officiate. Burial will be in Andrews Settlement Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Andrews Settlement—Ellisburg Community Club, the Genesee Volunteer Ambulance, Genesee, PA 16923, or the Allegany County SPCA, Wellsville, NY 14895. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
December 20, 2011
Monday’s high, 37; Overnight low, 31; .07” precip. (rain)
The state Senate has passed House Bill 1950, the Marcellus Shale legislation. This version looks very much like the original legislation (Senate Bill 1100) passed earlier by the Senate and incorporates very few of the changes made to the bill in the House. As with the earlier bill, Senate Democrats attempted to add amendments that would have increased the impact fee from 50 thousand dollars to 75 thousand dollars per well, and would have eliminated a provision that subjected local zoning laws to state review if drilling companies took issue with them. Both amendments were defeated prior to the bill's passage. The bill now goes to the House for concurrence; if the House refuses to agree with changes made by the Senate, the bill will go to a House/Senate conference committee to iron out the differences.
As Pennsylvania state legislators debate bills related to natural-gas drilling, specialists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences consider how Marcellus Shale development will impact one of the state's top industries.
Farming and agribusiness are among the state's top economic drivers, and Penn State Extension Educator Gary Shepherd says natural-gas drilling can represent a two-sided coin: the same development that removes land from production also can provide farmers with much-needed cash to fuel innovation and keep farm families in business:
"For agriculture to be viable in Pennsylvania, it has to find a path toward profitability, balancing that with the needs of our environment. The Marcellus development, I think, gives people the opportunity to think through some of those tools, and perhaps use them to move forward in a way that's really going to enhance their lifestyle as well as the business."
A recent Extension webinar examining how shale gas development affects agriculture can be found online at extension.psu.edu/natural gas.
A Ulysses driver escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash Saturday on the Rooks Road in Ulysses Township. State police said Timothy Elwood was going too fast for conditions when his Toyota Tacoma went off the snow covered road, near his home, and slid sideways into a tree.
State Police at Coudersport have charged 52 year old David Jenkins of Johnstown with DUI after pulling him over for a traffic violation on Route 6 in Sweden township on the evening of December 10. Jenkins allegedly failed field sobriety tests and was taken into custody.
A Northern Potter Volleyball player has been disciplined by the school for an altercation which followed the December 6 game with Port Allegany which Port won. While the two teams were in the locker room, the player who was upset with the outcome pushed through members of the Port Team who were at the lockers and injured two members of the visiting team. State police said because the school handled the incident administratively, no formal charges will be brought.
A camp burglary on the Yahn Road in Pike Township is being investigated by Coudersport-based state police. Sometime since Thanksgiving weekend, thieves forced their way into the camp owned by Kenneth Schoonover of North Brunswick, NJ and stole a bolt action .22 caliber rifle.
Coudersport resident Mark Benson was recently presented the Paul Harris Fellowship award in recognition of his several years of community service.
“Mark Benson, above many, is the epitome of what the Rotary stands for: SERVICE ABOVE SELF. This is a man who brings peace to the area in which he lives and works,” stated Paul Herzig, lead presenter.
Benson’s community involvements includes a 26-year career in Human Services, his work in emergency management, his vast volunteer efforts with the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Christmas House, the Yellow Ribbon program, Chamber of Commerce, the Coudersport Rotary Club and the Lyons Club, not to mention his community service at the local Maple Festival and Falling Leaves Festival.
Benson is also a member of the Park United Methodist Church where he has served as a youth group leader, he has volunteered as a PeeWee baseball & football coach and he presently works with the released inmates for community service. “This award was well deserved, and long overdue. Mr. Benson is a gentleman who is always willing to help and give of himself for others,” added Herzig.
December 19, 2011
Sunday’s high, 26; Overnight low, 24; .01” precip. (.30” snow)
You’ve heard of getting sea legs….Area drivers are having to get used to snow and ice legs. State police across the region report investigating several recent weather-related accidents. Robert Swank of Austin escaped injury early Saturday morning when his northbound Chevrolet Cavalier hit a patch of ice while rounding a right curve on Route 872 in Keating Township, Potter County. The car spun off the road and into a ditch before coming to rest facing south in the northbound lane.
A Westfield couple escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident Saturday night on Shin Hollow Road in Gaines Township, Elk County. State police said Michael Dimouro was going north when he encountered a section of roadway that had become extremely icy due to a sudden drop in temperature. His Ford F-150 slid off the road, climbed slightly up an embankment, rolled onto the passenger side and skidded back onto the highway, blocking both lanes. Dimouro and his wife, Mary, were both wearing seatbelts at the time.
No injuries were reported for a Cyclone woman and her two young children following a one-vehicle accident Saturday morning on Route 646 in Keating Township, McKean County. Troopers said Amanda Howard was headed south when her Chrysler PT Cruiser skidded off the road, hit a tree and overturned one time before coming to rest upright facing south. Howard was wearing a seatbelt and a 4 year old boy and 5 year old girl were properly restrained in child safety seats.
Tammy Tomisman of Elmira escaped injury Saturday afternoon when her Nissan Altima slid out of control after hitting a patch of ice on Route 549 in Sullivan township, Tioga County. The car went off the road and hit an embankment on the eastern side of the road. Tomisman and her passenger Thomas Swinko, also of Elmira, were both wearing seatbelts, according to police.
A Mansfield woman also escaped injury Friday night when her Dodge Durango rolled over on the Gor-Wood Road in Rutland township, Tioga County. State police said Lorraine Selleck was going west when the SUV failed to negotiate a right hand curve and struck an embankment.
Troopers at Mansfield report one driver of a vehicle involved in a rear-end collision Friday around noontime took off without providing information. Authorities say the fender bender occurred when Jamie DeWolf of Lawrenceville failed to notice that the vehicle ahead of her had slowed down for a truck turning from Route 287 onto Fish Street and allowed her Toyota Corolla to bump the back of the unknown vehicle.
Elk County authorities are looking for a hit and vehicle which damaged an occupied unit Saturday morning on Route 255 near Jay Township, Elk County. State police say Lisa Brouse, no address provided, was not hurt when her northbound Chevy Impala was struck by an unknown southbound vehicle which spun out of control and crossed into her lane. The driver fled the scene but police say debris left at the scene points to GMC Jimmy of unknown color. Anyone with information about the offending vehicle is asked to call the Ridgway barracks at 814-776-6136.
A Texas driver is being charged for speeding in connection to a crash Saturday morning on the Long Level Road in Ridgway Township, Elk County. Troopers say Refugio Gonzales III was going north when he lost control of his Ford F-150 on a left hand curve. The truck went off the berm and hit a tree and PennDot sign before coming to rest. Gonzales was not hurt.
DUI charges have been filed against 22 year old Jeffrey Steudler of Kersey after his Mitsubishi Eclipse wrecked Friday afternoon on the Old Kersey Road in Fox Township, Elk County. Steudler received minor injuries.
The state police fire marshal is investigating two arson fires occurring within minutes of each other Saturday night in Bradford. City fire fighters were summoned at 8:36 pm to 10 Congress Street where a vacant two story frame house was on fire. A second call went out at 8:45 pm to 10 Congress Street for another unoccupied house. No estimate of damage was available and ownership of the buildings had not been determined as of news time. Anyone with information is asked to call Bradford City police at 814-368-6133 or the state police fire marshal, Trooper Agosti, at the Ridgway barracks 814-776-6136.
State police at Mansfield say what they originally thought was an arson turns out to be accidental. A 2008 John Deere 350 excavator owned by Michaels Pipeline Construction of Tioga, PA was damaged by fire during the evening of December 12 while it was parked at the intersection of South Callahan road and Route 362 in Delmar Township.
State Police at Kane are probing another theft of diesel fuel. Thieves siphoned the fuel from three rigs parked at Johnson Trucking parking lot on Route 6 in Wetmore Township early Saturday morning. A similar theft occurred earlier this month.
The theft of a car from a Tioga County property is being probed by state police at Mansfield. Troopers say sometime since early July, thieves took a 1998 silver Audi A$ owned by Virginia Driscoll of Gillet, PA while it was parked near Route 287 in Delmar Township. The car is valued at $5,000.
Would-be burglars walked away empty-handed when they tried unsuccessfully to enter the homes of Gary Colegrove and his neighbor Phyllis Bartlett on the Bliss Road in Lawrence Township at about 9:00 pm Tuesday, December 6.
Thieves took about 50 ft. of old copper shielded RF cable belonging to the Elk Amateur Radio Club after climbing a fence enclosing an antenna field and communications equipment shed at the end of Clearview Road in Ridgway Township, sometime last week. The cable is valued at $100.
State police at Ridgway have charged 70 year old Charles Buchman of Marienville for unprofessional conduct violating the Board of Vehicles Act. Authorities say the charges stem from activities involving the sale of a motor vehicle last summer. Buchman is the owner of Camp Watch Sales, Inc.
Vandals damaged a wooden post with house numbers on it owned by Ann Simon of Millerton during a brief period this past Saturday afternoon.
December 16, 2011
Thursday’s high, 52; Overnight low, 30; .27” precipitation (trace of snow)
A Kane family of five is homeless today following a fire just before midnight which heavily damaged their two-story wood frame home on Park Avenue. The state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire which caused an estimated $60,000 in damage to the building owned by John Capello of Kane. Barbara Floyd, her daughter Gabrielle and three boys ages 5,6, and 8 were able to get out of the burning structure safely. The Red Cross is assisting the family.
State police at Coudersport have charged 43 yearold Earl Tubbs of Loucks Mills Road, Ulysses with harassment for an incident allegedly taking place on the afternoon of December 8 at a home on White Knoll Road in Harrison Township. Troopers claim Tubbs grabbed a 48 year old woman by the neck during an argument.
A burglary at an Otto Township home is being probed by state police at Kane. Burglars forced their way through a locked door at a home on the Kansas Branch Road Thursday between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm and made off with an HP laptop computer, Kindle e-reader, Nook e-reader and other items.
Troopers at Kane are also investigating a trespass by motor vehicle taking place between 2:00 and 4:00 am Wednesday along Main Street in Lewis Run. Vandals droved through yards behind Jose’s Bar and damaged a wire fence. Property owners were identified as Dian Tacar and Nick Pingle. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Kane Barracks at 814-778-5555.
State police at Kane have charged 36 year old James Kilpatrick of Cyclone with DUI after pulling him over for alleged traffic violations on Route 59 just east of Route 219 in Lafayette Township yesterday.
As we have reported, Potter County will be split into two legislative districts under a preliminary reapportionment plan that is nearing final approval. Three municipalities in eastern Potter County will become part of the 68th District, which currently includes Tioga County and the western section of Bradford County and is represented by Republican Matt Baker.
Affected municipalities are Galeton Borough and the townships of Pike and West Branch. The rest of Potter County will remain in the 67th District, represented by Republican Martin Causer. A previous version of the plan placed Abbott, Stewardson and Hector townships in the 68th District, but in the most recent document they stay in the 67th according to Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel who reported on the change at Thursday’s meeting.
All of Potter and Cameron counties will remain part of the 25th Senatorial District, represented by Republican Joe Scarnati. That district would pick up parts of Clinton and Clearfield counties.
Changes are the result of the 2010 U.S. Census which showed a decline in Potter County’s population.
The Pennsylvania
Game Commission is applauding the enactment of legislation that
will remove the requirement for hunters and trappers to display their licenses
on an outer garment. The law takes effect in 60 days.
House Bill 735, sponsored by Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), was unanimously
approved by the House on June 15, and was approved by a vote of 46-3 in the
Senate. Gov. Tom Corbett signed the bill into law today, which will take effect
on Feb. 13.
Officials say the change in law will make hunting less complicated, improve
license management by hunters and trappers, and limit the inconveniences and
troubles associated with lost or misplaced licenses.
The Game Commission says while it’s pleased with the pleased with the change in
law, it is important to remember that the new law doesn’t take effect for 60
days. So, hunters and trappers will need to continue to wear their licenses on
an outer garment until Feb. 13.
The PA Route 6 Alliance presented its first annual Heritage Community of the Year Award to Smethport Borough Council and Mayor Ross Porter at the borough council meeting on Monday, December 5.
According to the Alliance, Smethport was the first community to be recognized as a PA Route 6 Heritage Community, which included the development of a heritage work plan. The Smethport Heritage Council, appointed by the borough council, has been implementing the projects outlined in the work plan for the last four years.
In May 2011, Smethport was recognized as a Preserve America Community by the to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Preserve America communities are designated based on a communities’ commitment to protect and promote historic assets through education and heritage tourism. PA Route 6 Alliance Executive Director Terri Dennison said Smethport has addressed issues of trail connections, wayfinding and interpretive signage and local promotion both on their own and through the efforts of the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau.
Alliance also presented its first annual Heritage Tourism Award to the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce for its operation of the Stourbridge Rail Excursions on this past Tuesday, December 13..
According to the Alliance, the Stourbridge Line is one of the top “Must Do” attractions and one of numerous railroad related activities along the scenic highway. Since 1976, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce has been operating the “Stourbridge Rail Excursions”. This attraction has given more than 790,000 people the opportunity to step back in time, while enjoying the beautiful scenery and historical and cultural significance along the Lackawaxen River and Route 6 corridor.
Passengers board the train (powered by a rare BL2 locomotive) in Honesdale (birthplace of the American railroad) on the site of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company’s boat basin. From this terminus, anthracite coal- brought to the basin by the D&H’s gravity railroad from Carbondale and the Lackawanna Valley- made its 108-mile journey from northeastern Pennsylvania to New York City. Depending on the particular theme of each ride, visitors can enjoy the many and various attributes of the historic towns along the way. This attraction continues to draw many visitors to the area, and accordingly, much needed tourism dollars to the local economy.
Dennison said the Heritage Tourism Award is presented to recognize a project that furthers economic and tourism development while respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the Route 6 Corridor.
For more information on PA Route 6, check out their website at www.paroute6.com.
Meanwhile, as colder temperatures move in, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says Pennsylvania’s forest and park system offers a wide range of ways for visitors to enjoy spending time outdoors during the winter. Families are invited to find a steep hill at a nearby state park and take the sleds for a spin, or stroll on a trail and enjoy the beauty and peace winter landscape offers.
Snowmobile and ATV trails are now open, and hunters and anglers will be seeking out our state forests and parks for late-season hunting and ice fishing.”
To view scheduled activities around the state, visit www.getoutdoorspa.state.pa.us.
This season, snowmobile riders in state forests and parks have access to 2,894 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads, and trails in 18 of the state’s 20 state forest districts and 32 state parks. Winter ATV trails stretching more than 170 miles in seven state forest districts opened Dec. 11.
Snowmobile enthusiasts are reminded Bureau of Forestry snowmobile maps have been updated to reflect considerable changes linked to gas operations and recent storm damage. Maps can be found at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/snowmobile/smplacestoride/snowmobiletrailmaps/index.htm.
As of this week, DCNR is providing condition updates on its toll-free, snowmobile hot line, 1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-766-6253). Recorded messages, providing reports on snow depths and trail conditions across the state, are updated at about noon each Tuesday and Thursday. DCNR also provides weather and condition reports online for state parks and forests.
Snowmobile enthusiasts will find maps, conditions, and other detailed information at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/snowmobile/index.htm. Updated ice conditions—important to skaters and winter anglers—and snow depths also are available.
All snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must be registered with DCNR’s snowmobile/ATV Unit. For more information on registration, call toll free (866) 545-2476 or visit DCNR’s website.
When winter weather cooperates, state parks and forests also are the scene of coordinated winter festivals with games, dog-sled races, sleigh rides and fun competitions for families.
For cross-country skiers, more than 330 miles of marked cross-country ski trails are offered on Pennsylvania’s more than 2.3 million acres of state forestland. Also available are nearly 400 miles of groomed and un-groomed cross-country ski trails in 73 state parks. Downhill skiing is offered at Blue Knob State Park, Bedford County; Denton Hill State Park, Potter County; and Camelback (Big Pocono State Park), Monroe County. Skiing again is not being offered this season at Laurel Mountain, Westmoreland County.
Most state parks with bodies of water are open, weather permitting, for ice-skating, ice fishing and ice boating. Sledding and tobogganing also are available at many parks.
Archers, muzzle-loaders and other late-season hunters are reminded that more than 400 miles of normally gated state forest roads were opened for the late fall and early winter seasons to provide easy access to often remote areas. As much as 3,040 miles had been open to hunters, but openings and closings are at the discretion of local forestry officials and are weather-dependent. Hunters are urged to check with forest district offices about specific roads.
Several state parks have winter cabin rentals available. Cabin reservations can be made online at www.visitPAparks.com or by calling the toll-free information and reservation line, 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757). It operates Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For details on ice and snow conditions, or winter festivals at state parks and forests, visitors also may call the nearest state park or state forest district office. For general information, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us or call 717-783-7941 (Bureau of Forestry) or 717-772-0239 (Bureau of State Parks).
Looking ahead to warmer times, Cameron County Arts Council has turned over the reins of ArtFest to the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce. Since 2000 the event was held on Broad Street in Emporium in July. “The only difference will be that the event will be held yearly starting in 2012,” according to executive director Tina Johns Solak.
The Cameron County Arts Council has funded the event for 2012 with a donation to the chamber. Vendors will be contacted for the event set for the first Saturday in July which will coincide with Weekend in the Wilds and the fireworks.
December 15, 2011
Wednesday’s high, 40; Overnight low, 35; .16” rain
Governor Tom Corbett has announced an investment of $31.5 million for 218 conservation and recreation projects designed to protect natural resources and revitalize communities across the state.
The DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships grant program combines several funding sources into one grant program. Funding comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal funds.
The grants will support a variety of proposals, including 43 trail projects; protecting 3,051 acres of open space; supporting 122 community parks; 12 river conservation projects; and 41 projects for regional and statewide heritage area, park, greenway and trail initiatives.
Lumber Heritage Region of PA, $125,000 to provide technical support to partner organizations in Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties to advance heritage development and the PA Wilds in 2012. Conduct three workshops to build capacity of the Potter-Tioga County Maple Producers and assist in the development of material to promote the Maple Industry. Provide technical assistance to the West Creek Recreational Trail Association to advance the trail.
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corporation, $140,000 to provide technical assistance to communities to in Bradford, Crawford, Erie, Lackawanna, McKean, Pike, Potter, Tioga, Warren, Wayne and Wyoming counties to implement their Heritage Work Plans and coordinate Artisan Trail for 2012. Coordinate Mile Marker Maintenance program. Develop printed materials to market Route 6 and its assets. Update Interpretive Plan and History of Route 6 and develop application for National Scenic Byway and All-American Road designation for Route 6. Update Management Action Plan.
North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, $150,000 to provide mini grants to implement the North Central Greenways and Open Space Plan in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties.
Some individual counties also received grants.
The West Creek Recreational Trail Association, $280,800 for development of approximately 5.5 miles the West Creek Recreational Trail from the eastern boundary of Emporium Borough to the village of Howard Siding in Shippen Township, including ADA access, parking, bridge re-decking, safety fencing, landscaping and project sign.
DCNR-Bureau of Forestry-Moshannon State Forest, (Cameron, Centre, Clearfield & Elk) $27,800 for the purchase of trail maintenance equipment to construct and maintain approximately 200 miles of trails. Abigail Kane, 814-
Jones Township, Elk County, $32,000 for further development of Community Park to include installation of adult fitness stations and appropriate surfacing; ADA access, landscaping and project sign.
Kinzua Valley Trail Club, McKean County, $148,000 for further development of the Kinzua Valley Rail Trail in Hamilton Township to include the construction of approximately 2.4 miles of trail from the existing trail at Whiting Run to the Red Bridge Campground; ADA access, landscaping and project sign.
For a list of grants by county, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/index.aspx
The new School Street Bridge on Route 244 in Genesee will officially open to traffic on Friday, Dec. 16. Work to build the new bridge across the Genesee River has been underway since fall of 2010 and completion of the project comes about five months ahead of schedule.
The old bridge was replaced with a new, wider, one-span box beam bridge. Work also included roadway improvements, drainage and guiderail updates and installation of a dry hydrant.
The old bridge has been out of service since the end of 2003. The new bridge eliminates a short, local detour and provides a safer, more efficient route for emergency responders and the public.
Area officials and local residents will mark the completion of the project with a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning. Dolomite Products Company, Inc. of Hornell, New York was the contractor on the $1.5 million job.
Minor injuries were reported for a couple of Elk County residents following a one-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon on Bennet Road about a mile south of the Clearcut Road in Fox Township. State police at Ridgway say 34 year old Ann Kesten of St. Marys experienced a medical emergency and let her Chrysler Town and Country zig zag across the road before hitting a tree where it came to rest. Kesten and her passenger Roger Pressler of Kersey were taken to Elk Regional Health Center by Fox Township and St. marys ambulance for treatment of minor injuries.
Mansfield-based are charging 20 year old Anthony Smith of Ulysses with speeding following a crash early Wednesday morning on Route 349 in Gaines Township. Troopers said Smith lost control of his Mercury Topaz on a left curve causing the car to go onto the berm and roll over. Smith was not hurt.
Troopers at Mansfield overnight released details about a couple of crashes taking place over the weekend. A Warren, PA tractor trailer operator escaped injury early Saturday morning when his rig hit a horse on Route 287 in Delmar Township. The semi had to be towed from the scene. Police did not indicate the fate of the horse. Police said Mark Wagner had tried to avoid hitting the equine.
Two passengers were hurt in a one-vehicle mishap Saturday afternoon on Baker Hill Road in Deerfield Township Tioga County. State police said 18 year old Jordan Kendall was going west on Baker Hill Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the Swing Gate Road in Boatman intersection. When he tried to turn left the Saturn slid off the side of Boatman Road and hit a tree. Kendall was not hurt but 19 year old Jacob Whalen received moderate injuries and 18 year old Corinna Christensen received minor injuries. They were taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital by ambulance for treatment.
Robert Updike, 47, of Blossburg is facing DUI charges following a crash Tuesday night on Route 2014 in Hamilton Township. State police did not release details but said when they investigated they determined Updike had been driving under the influence of alcohol.
Harassment charges are being filed against a couple of Tioga County residents for separate incidents. Troopers at Mansfield claim 41 year old Julie Sherman of Blossburg slapped an adult female during a disagreement Sunday morning at his home on Hannibal Street. Darryl Liberati, 46 of Mainsburg is also facing harassment charges in district court. Authorities allege he threatened to get a gun and shoot a woman during an argument on Gray Valley Road in Sullivan township on the afternoon of December 4.
A burglary on Ash Street in the Elk County village of Force over the past few months is being probed by state police at Ridgway. Troopers say thieves took numerous items from the basement of a house owned by Nathanial Assalone of DuBois.
Mansfield-based state police are investigating a theft occurring sometime in October or November on Fuller Road in Farmington Township, Tioga County. Burglars took a 20 inch Vizzo TV, RCA VCR/DVD player and 14.2 volt Dewalt drill, a bottle of Captain Morgan rum and about 30 VHS tapes and DVDs from a camp owned by Lisa Kaufman of Bechtesville, PA. Value of the stolen property is estimated to be $820.
A 21 year old Covington woman has been arrested on charges of theft by deception and forgery. State police contend Bridget Konan stole checks belonging to Marjorie Konan and forged the victim’s signature in order to cash them last week.
Thieves helped themselves to $47 worth of items from a car owned by Kimberlyn Strange of Mansfield last Friday morning while it was parked at in the Walmart lot.
Unknown vandals cut the Christmas lights in the bushes on the front lawn of the home of Stephen Kopp on Hills Creek Drive in Charleston Township last Thursday night or Friday morning.
December 14, 2011
Tuesday’s high, 42; Overnight low, 28; No precipitation to report
Coudersport-based state police have charged 19 year old Sean Clemens of Meyerstown, PA with indecent assault for crimes allegedly taking place at a camp on McCoy Meadow Lane in Stewardson Township over the Fourth of July weekend. Troopers say that a 10 year old Denver, PA girl was taken to the camp by family friends for the holiday weekend and Clemens who was there with his family inappropriately touched the girl numerous times. When she reported the alleged assault to an adult, everyone left the camp. When the girl’s mother was informed on her return home, state police were notified and the investigation began. On Monday, Clemens was arraigned before on-call District Judge Barbara Easton who set bail at $20,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday morning, December 20.
An inmate at the Waymart State prison has been arrested by state police in Mansfield on charges of aggravated indecent assault in connection to crimes allegedly taking place during 2008 and 2009 on Stoney Fork Road in Delmar Township, Tioga County. Authorities allege 28 year old Merle Jayne sexually assaulted a 5 year old girl on lat least two occasions during the period. Jayne is in the Tioga County Prison awaiting court action of two counts of aggravated indecent assault; indecent assault and one count each of endangering the welfare of a child and corruption of minors.
Apparently state police across the region are cracking down on illegal possession of firearms. Coudersport-based state police have charged 47 year old Cabot Densmore of Shinglehouse with breaking gun laws. Troopers claim a handgun was found at Densmore’s home on Canada Hollow Road in Clara Township December 9 even though Densmore is not allowed to own guns. Ridgway-based state police say two men tried to buy guns earlier this year at Elk County Ammo and Arms in St. Marys but when they were refused due to a background check, both left the business without further incident. One attempted purchase occurred on January 5 and the other on March 12, 2011.
A criminal mischief at the Woodland Cemetery in Hebron Township earlier this week is under investigation by state police at Coudersport. Unknown vandals drove into the cemetery and damaged various plots by spinning their tires and driving in circles. The incident happened between 1:00 am Sunday and 1:45 pm Tuesday. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 814-274-8690.
State police are reminding area residents are continuing to conduct their illegal activities in the region. Recently, a letter was received by several individuals claiming to be from the Senior Advisory Center in Harrisburg. The letter fraudulently implies that older Pennsylvanians who qualify for a property tax/rent rebate may be eligible for a refund up to $900 if they reply and send $39. If an individual sends the amount required by personal check to the address provided, the con artist not only cashes the check and steals the money but they also now have the victim’s bank account number and financial information. Authorities say, remember “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Scam victims are advised to contact the police department serving their area.
The Pennsylvania Legislative
Reapportionment Commission HAS approved its plan to redraw state House and
Senate district boundaries according to population shifts identified in the 2010
U.S. Census, according to Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) .
Under the plan, Causer’s 67th Legislative District would see the following
changes:
• All of Cameron County would become part of the 75th Legislative
District served by
Rep. Matt Gabler.
• In Potter County, the Borough of Galeton along with Pike and West
Branch townships
would become part of 68th Legislative District served by Rep. Matt
Baker.
• In Warren County, Sheffield Township would become part of the 67th
District. The
township was represented by Rep. Kathy Rapp.
• All of McKean County would become part of the 67th District. The
following
communities are being added: the townships of Hamilton, Hamlin,
Lafayette and
Wetmore, and the boroughs of Kane and Mt. Jewett.
“It is my honor and privilege to represent our area in the state House and while
I am disappointed to see Cameron County moved into a different district and for
Potter County to be split into two House districts, I also welcome the
opportunity to serve the western portion of McKean County and the people of
Sheffield Township,” Causer said.
The Pennsylvania Constitution requires state legislative district boundaries to
be adjusted every 10 years based on census data. The census showed a significant
shift of population away from northwestern Pennsylvania and in to the northeast
and south central regions of the state.
Now that the Legislative Reapportionment Commission has given its approval to
the proposal, there is a 30-day period during which the plan can be challenged.
It will become final when those challenges are resolved by the state Supreme
Court.
For more information or to view maps of the new legislative districts, visit
www.RepCauser.com and click on “Redistricting in Pennsylvania.”
The Potter County commissioners during the December 1 meeting took action to pave the way for the former Adelphia Operations Center, called by locals , "the Mausoleum", to become occupied once again .Chairman Doug Morley noted the building had been sold at auction and the bank has asked for relief from an obligation which would remain in effect until 2018. Morley said the fee is equivalent to the gas industry impact fee in that it was designed to help the borough, county and school district absorb some of the costs associated with the company’s expansion and pressure on the infrastructure. The bank which currently holds the title, has advised that the fee would make it prohibitive for the buyer to proceed with plans to lease out space in the structure. Coudersport Borough had previously approved the waiver and the school district was expected to concur. Morley said he’s confident all of the entities look forward to having the building occupied rather than sitting empty as it has for several years.
December 13, 2011
Monday’s high, 38; Overnight low, 16 (11 on Fishing Creek) no precipitation
One person was killed and five others were injured in a head-on crash Monday afternoon on Route 6 in Wetmore Township, McKean County. Kane-based state police said the collision occurred when 76 year old Thomas ginnery of Oil City, while headed east, allowed his GMC Safari van to cross into the opposite lane for unknown reasons. When Thomas Brinkley of Kane, who was going west, and Ginnery saw each other, both tried to counter steer to avoid a collision but in so doing, steered into each other’s path causing the head-on collision. Ginnery’s 80 year old wife, Bertha, who was riding in the front seat was killed instantly. Ginnery who suffered major injuries was taken to UPMC Hamot in Erie. Tina Wagoner and an 11 year girl riding in the back seat of Ginnery’s van were flown from the scene to Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. Brinkley, was taken to Kane Community Hospital by ambulance for treatment of moderate injuries while his wife, Marilyn was flown to UPMC Hamot in Erie for treatment of major injuries. State police were assisted at the scene by EMS volunteers from Kane, Mt.Jewett, Highland Township, Elk County and PennDot.
A criminal mischief occurring over the weekend at the Genesee United Methodist Church is under investigation by state police at Coudersport. Sometime between 10:00 am Sunday and 12:45 pm Monday, vandals used an unknown tool to scratch the glass front doors of the church numerous times. Authorities did not provide a damage estimate but anyone with information is asked to call state police at 814-274-8690.
A 24 year old St. Marys man has been cited for criminal trespass. Troopers in Ridgway say Nathan Liggitt drove onto properly posted land along the Shawmut Grade Road in Jones Township November 19th without the permission of the owners, Jude Wegemer of Force and Mark Wegemer of St. Marys.
Emergency waterline work will close Route 449 (Main Street) in Genesee today Dec. 13. in the area of River Road from 8 am to 3 pm, as crews repair a waterline in the area according to a PennDot announcement.
A short, local detour will be in place. The detour will use Route 244 (School Street/Academy Street) and Route 1010 (Commercial Street). In order to use Route 244 as part of the detour, the new Genesee River Bridge will be open to traffic for the day.
PennDOT expects the closure to last just one day but that could change, dependent on work progress. PennDOT reminds drivers to follow detour signs, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up.
With
the two-week statewide general deer season closed, the Pennsylvania Game
Commission is encouraging hunters to take the time to report harvested deer
through the online reporting system, through the new toll-free Interactive Voice
Response (IVR) telephone reporting system or by using the postage-paid report
cards included in the 2011-12 Digest provided free to each license buyer.
Offiicials say, unfortunately based on more than 20,000 deer checked by Game
Commission deer aging teams last year, less than 40 percent of hunters who
harvested deer took the time to report that harvest.
The commission says that one of the recommendations to improve the agency’s
deer management program from the 2010 Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s
audit of the deer management program was to increase harvest reporting rates.
When reporting antlerless deer harvests, hunters with multiple antlerless deer
licenses are urged to be sure that they file the correct report for the
antlerless license used to tag the deer in the field.
To report a deer harvest online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us),
click on “Report Your Harvest” above the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand
column, click on “You can link to PALS by clicking here,” check “Harvest
Reporting,” scroll down and click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of
the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the
checkbox for the harvest tag being reported. A series of options will appear
for a hunter to report a harvest. After filling in the harvest information,
click on the “Continue” button to review the report and then hit the “Submit”
button to complete the report. Failing to hit the “Submit” button will result in
a harvest report not being completed.
The toll-free Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone harvest reporting
system can be accessed by dialing 1-855-PAHUNT1 (1-855-724-8681). Hunters should
have their Customer Identification Number (hunting license number) and field
harvest tag information with them when they call, and should speak clearly and
distinctly when reporting harvests, especially when providing the Wildlife
Management Unit number and letter.
Hunters may report one or more harvests in a single session and responses to all
harvest questions are required.
Hunters who use the toll-free number to submit a harvest report will receive a
confirmation number, which they should write down and keep as proof of
reporting. Those who report online should print or save a copy of their harvest
report submission as proof of reporting.
Hunters still have the “old fashioned” option to file harvest report postcards,
which are included as tear-out sheets in the current digest.
Funding for a long-planned flood control project in Port Allegany, according to an announcement from Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) and Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Brockway).The $22 million initiative will help address both public safety and economic development in the region, the lawmakers said.The funding will aide in construction of a levee along a section of the Allegheny River near the former Indian Echo Golf Course to prevent flooding in the area. The flood control project will enable Verallia, formerly Saint-Gobain Containers, to maintain and expand its operations in the area. It will also help protect Port Allegany’s sewer treatment plant from damage due to flooding according to officials.
Byron Sutton Jr., who recently joined the county as director of veterans affairs, addressed several issues of interest to veterans and their families during the December 1 meeting of the Potter County Board of Commissioners Sutton says one of his most important goals is getting word out to veterans about the many programs that are available to them. He says different services are available at all levels of government and programs are constantly changing for instance, there is a new initiative that benefits those veterans who may have been exposed to radiation as part of their service. But he says, first veterans have to know about the programs and then apply for help. He’s available to walk them through the process and is working on a field visit schedule with local veterans’ service organizations. His office, located in the Gunzburger County Office Building on North Main Street is open Mondays and Tuesdays, 9 am to 3 pm, and other days by appointment. He can be reached at 814-274-8290, Ext. 210, or bsutton@pottercountypa.net.Sutton, a Galeton native, succeeded Leonard Kalkbrenner Jr., who retired in September.
December 12, 2011
Sunday’s high, 31; Overnight low, 18 (10 on Fishing Creek); No precip.
A gas well worker was killed Saturday night in an industrial accident on a Wellsite on Hunters Road near Antrim in Duncan Township, Tioga County. Mansfield-based state police said 35 year old Michael Johnson of Clintwood, VA was run over by a forklift at about 8:45 pm. He was employed by Highlands Drilling, also of Clintwood.
A 27 year old Cyclone resident has been jailed following a stand-off with police Saturday afternoon. State police at Kane say the incident began around noon when they responded to a domestic violence call on Route 646. Troopers allegedly found Simon Heffner and his father, 68 year old Andrew Heffner, Sr. had become involved in an argument and the son allegedly grabbed his father’s arm and hand and broke a finger. After the confrontation, the younger Heffner left his father’s trailer and went to his home, a camper trailer out back. The victim and family left the scene and went to a relative’s home to call police telling authorities the suspect had threatened to shoot them and any responding officer and had in fact been hunting earlier in the day, armed with a 30.30 rifle. After troopers arrived, a perimeter was set up and the suspect was notified that the Special Emergency Response Team was on its way, but refused to come out. Members of the team negotiated several hours before using tear gas forcing the suspect to finally emerge at about 1:30 am Sunday. Heffner was taken into custody and arraigned before District Judge William Todd who set bail at $100,000. Unable to post the bail, Heffner was committed to the McKean County Jail.
Mansfield-based state police have charged 34 year old Jesse Spurgeon with aggravated assault, simple assault, and reckless endangerment for a domestic violence incident taking placed Friday afternoon at his home on Dutch Hill Road, Wellsboro. Troopers claim Spurgeon choked a 35 year old woman to the point where she nearly passed out , and struck her several times in the face during an argument. Police also claim, that while in an enraged state, Spurgeon pointed two loaded guns at the woman and shot a hole through the ceiling of the residence. He was taken into custody a couple of hours later and committed to the Tioga Couty Prison to await arraignment before a district judge.
Troopers at Coudersport are charging 18 year old Cody Thomas of Roulette with theft, receiving stolen property and illegal drug possession in connection to an incident allegedly taking place on the night of December 3 at his home. When state police responded to a report of a drug overdose they allegedly found Thomas had OD’d on Xanax and Klonopin he had stolen from Carl Haring Sr. and Christine Falkenberg while they were not at home. All three live at 17 Oak Lane.
A 19 year old Coudersport man is also being charged with violating state drug laws. State police say when they responded to a mental Health Call at 1277 East Second Street in the Borough at around 8:30 am, December 4, they found several drug paraphernalia items in Jonah Rushmore’s bedroom.
Drug charges are also being filed against 22 year old Robert Olivieri of Wellsboro. Mansfield-based state police say heroin and drug paraphernalia were discovered December 4 at the suspect’s home in Middlebury township.
Disorderly conduct charges are being filed against 47 year old Timothy Cole of Coudersport following an incident allegedly occurring just after 2:00 am Saturday at his apartment building located at 201-/2 North Main Street. Troopers claim Cole slammed the door to an apartment several times, pound on the apartment doors and yelled profanities.
John Sproule, 51, of Lawrenceville has been cited for disorderly conduct for an incident reportedly taking place Saturday afternoon in that town. State police contend Sproule tried to stop a tree trimmer from cutting a tree by grabbing the trimmer’s safety rope to keep him from going any further.
Troopers at Kane are investigating the theft of a catalytic converter from a pick up truck parked along Route 6 in Liberty Township near Port Allegany last Thursday. Thieves cut the part off of a white 1999 Ford F-150 pick up between noon and 11:00 pm. The truck is owned by Eric Johnston of Port Allegany.
A theft at a Westfield Township home is being investigated by state police at Mansfield. Authorities say a suspect who was living at the home of Duncan Williams from June 1 to July 1 2011 while Williams was incarcerated stole several items and sold them to his friends.
A 23 year old Roulette woman is being charged with criminal trespass. State police allege Savanna Carpenter went into to the home of her Second Street neighbor, Jennifer Flynn Saturday afternoon without permission and after being told not do so.
Troopers here are also continuing their investigation into a criminal trespass occurring on the afternoon of November 13 in Pleasant Valley Township. Authorities say four people in a green Subaru Outback arrived on property owned by Frank Dean of Shinglehouse without his permission. The trespassers were observed by an eyewitness who told police the car had a Pennsylvania license plate GVX9762. Anyone with information is asked to call the Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690.
An Eldred driver and his 12 year old passenger escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident Sunday evening on Columbia Hill Road just south of Looker Mountain Road in Otto Township. State police said George Tadder was going north when he encountered some winter ash chips causing his Jeep Grand Cherokee to fishtail out of control. The SUV slid across the road and rolled over coming to rest on its right side in a ditch.
A Web-based seminar
sponsored by Penn State Extension and the College of
Agricultural Sciences will examine how Marcellus Shale natural-gas development
is affecting forestland in Pennsylvania.
The 75-minute webinar will begin at 1 p.m. on Dec. 15. Presenters will be Ellen
Shultzabarger, chief of the Forest Resources Planning Section of the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Tony Quadro,
forester and assistant district manager for the Westmoreland County Conservation
District.
Shultzabarger said the session will highlight the policies and management
practices the department follows to decrease the fragmentation and impact to
state forestlands. "We'll also discuss the lessons we have learned and practices
we recommend for use in communities and on private lands."
Quadro will focus on the impacts of Marcellus gas drilling on private
forestlands and the issues affecting private forestland owners.
The webinar is part of a monthly series of online workshops addressing
opportunities and challenges related to the state's Marcellus Shale gas boom.
Information about how to register for the session is available on the webinar
page of Penn State Extension's natural-gas website at
http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas/webinars.
Future webinars will center on seismic testing, transportation patterns and
impacts from Marcellus development, and municipalities' roles related to water
use and protection."
Previous webinars, publications and information on topics such as air pollution
from gas development; the gas boom's effect on landfills; water use and quality;
zoning; gas-leasing considerations for landowners; implications for local
communities; gas pipelines and right-of-way issues; and legal issues surrounding
gas development also are available on the Penn State Extension natural-gas
website (http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas).
For more information, contact John Turack, extension educator based in
Westmoreland County, at (724) 837-1402 or by email at
jdt15@psu.edu.
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December 9, 2011
Thursday’s high, 34; Overnight low, 25, no precipitation
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If Christmas Shopping is on your agenda this weekend, Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly has some tips to avoid common problems, scams and fraud.
Kelly said that consumers should review a number of important details before making a purchase at a store:
Online shopping has become increasingly popular, but making purchases by long-distance generates other potential problems and pitfalls, Kelly said.
Consumers should be cautious about identity theft during the holidays, Kelly said. Whether shopping in-person or online, your credit card numbers and other personal information can be at-risk if you don’t take steps to protect it.
Kelly said the holidays are a busy time for many charities, adding that it is important to support charitable programs in your community, but consumers should also carefully consider any request for money.
If you have questions or concerns about a consumer issue, or you believe you have been targeted by a holiday scam, contact the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1?800?441?2555 or file an online consumer complaint.
A Coudersport man has been jailed in lieu of $250,000 straight bail on charges on five counts of theft, three of theft by deception, four counts of receiving stolen property, one of deceptive or fraudulent business practices, all felonies and one misdemeanor county of criminal mischief. State police claim 38 year old Jim Mills, Jr., owner/operator of M & M Mechanical was hired by 75 year old Margaret Andrews of Galeton to do work on her home. Over the course of two years, Andrews allegedly prepared work order estimates for jobs to be done. Authorities claim Mills took payment and advances but did not complete the jobs. Furthermore, police allege Mills convinced Andrews to invest in Tioga County properties which had mineral rights but bought the properties in his name alone and did not repay Andrews. Troopers also claim Mills took three vehicles belonging to Andrews including a 1998 Dodge truck with snowplow, a John Deere backhoe and a Cub Cadet lawnmower. He is also accused of taking numerous other items including a door, window, generator, portable wood saw mill, two refrigerators, gas in gas cans and items not used in the home repairs but paid for by the victim such as a 200 amp electrical service with fuses. Following arraignment Wednesday before on-call District Judge Barbara Easton, Mills was committed to the Potter County jail. A search warrant on his Cherry Springs area home was executed Thursday.
Troopers here are also looking into a possible theft by deception. James Nichols Sr., 50, of Austin told them he bought a vehicle on August 26 in Roulette but the seller did not have the title and Nichols has been unable to register or operate the vehicle.
Chad Orvek, 39 of Tioga has been arrested on charges of harassment and criminal mischief for an incident allegedly taking place on the afternoon of November 27 in that village. Authorities claim Orvek showed up at a residence on Willard Street and initiated a “heated argument which turned physical when Orvek pushed one victim through a wooden gate, causing the victim to fall back into a wooden fence on the deck. Then, Orvek is accused of going through a second victim’s vehicle and damaging some items inside before fleeing the scene.
Kane-based state police are probing the theft of some fuel from a truck tractor parked in the Johnson TA Trucking lot located about a mile west of Kane on Route 6 in Wetmore Township. Sometime between 9:00 pm Wednesday and 4:00 am Thursday, thieves siphoned about 35 gallons of diesel fuel from the vehicle owned by DeLulio Trucking of St.Marys. Anyone with information is asked to call the Ridgway barracks at 814-778-5566.
Mansfield based state police overnight released details about several crashes occurring over the past few days in Tioga County. A Wellsboro woman was hurt in a one vehicle mishap occurring Tuesday morning on Swede hill Road just north of Antrim Road in Duncan Township. State police report Tanya Myers was going north when her Ford Expedition went off the east side of the road and into a ditch where it continued for a ways before striking a tree. Myers was taken to Williamsport Hospital by the Morris Volunteer ambulance. She’s being charged with speeding. Troopers said 64 year old Richard Destasio of Westfield escaped injury a couple of hours later when his GMC Sierra wrecked on Route 49 in Westfield when a physical condition caused him to lose control. The truck crossed to the other side, hit a tree, continued for a short distance and went through a metal fence at a cemetery before coming to rest against a tombstone. He’s being charged with failing to stay within roadways laned for traffic. Weather conditions were said to be a factor in an accident occurring Wednesday afternoon on Route 2017 in Hamilton Township. Authorities say Luke Tanner of Blossburg was going south when he lost control of his Ford Focus during a sudden burst of snow. The car went off the road on a left curve and struck an embankment, then spun around clockwise and hit the embankment once again before stopping. Tanner suffered minor injuries but apparently was not transported to a hospital. Details were just released about a minor mishap occurring Sunday afternoon on Route 6 in Delmar Township. State police say 18 year old Steven White of Osceola escaped injury when his ’95 Chevrolet Monte Carlo crossed the road and hit a ditch after the front passenger side tire blew.
As we reported last week, increased costs at the Potter County Jail take a big bite out of the 2012 budge and are seen as one of the two reasons necessitating a tax increase of one mill. Jail expenses next year are estimated to total $1.4 million, up from $1 million this year. The other big expenditure will be the county’s contribution to the pension fund because of the stock market downturn. The county is required by law to make a contribution to bring the fund to a certain level if earnings on investments do not provide adequate funding.
Specialty courts are being considered all across Pennsylvania as a means of reducing jail-related costs and the concept has been under study over the past several months here in Potter County. Members from the Potter County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) traveled to Lewisburg recently for a first-hand look at the widely acclaimed “specialty court” system of Union County. More Pennsylvania courts have been developing a system to separate out cases involving defendants with mental illness and/or addictive disorders from the general criminal population. Studies repeatedly show that successful implementation of specialty courts can cut jail expenses and reduce the proportion of repeat offenders. Commissioner Susan Kefover said at the December 1 commissioners’ meeting specialty courts and prevention programs are being explored as a way to trim criminal justice costs. Changes in Potter County are not imminent, but officials say there is widespread support for the concept among the CJAB membership and the research will continue.
December 8, 2011
___________Wednesday’s High, 35; Overnight low, 24; .07” precipitation (.03” snow)
The General Assembly returned to voting session this week and Rep. Martin Causer told Black Forest Broadcasting News that a proposed reapportionment plan will be a top priority with lawmakers. Under a preliminary reapportionment plan, Potter County will be split into two legislative districts. Southeastern Potter County would become part of the 68th District, which currently includes Tioga County and the western section of Bradford County and is represented by Republican Matt Baker. Affected municipalities would include Galeton Borough and the townships of Abbott, Hector, Pike, Stewardson and West Branch. The rest of Potter County would remain in the 67th District, represented by Rep. Causer. He will also be Rep. Causer will be acquiring western McKean County and a portion of eastern Warren County with the change. He currently represents all of Potter and Cameron Counties and eastern McKean. All of Potter and Cameron counties would remain part of the 25th Senatorial District, represented by Republican Joe Scarnati. That district would pick up parts of Clinton and Clearfield counties. Potter County Commissioner Chairman Doug Morley says he is optimistic about the change because as he views it, Potter County will now have two representatives in the General Assembly to leverage for its concerns and goals but he said he is pleased the senatorial district will remain the same as it is now.
Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is helping state police in Elk County in an arson investigation. This past October 23, unknown persons set a 1997 John Deere Excavator on fire causing $10,000 in damage. The crime occurred in the area of Gardner Hill in Jay Township. Anyone with information about the arson or any other serious crime is encouraged to call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-Tips. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
Coudersport based state police overnight released details about a one vehicle crash occurring at around 3:30 am Saturday in Summit Township. Authorities say Jason Ayers of Austin was going south on the First Fork Road when he fell asleep at the wheel of his Ford Aerostar on a right curve causing it to go off the road, hit an embankment, a tree and a traffic sign before coming to rest on the east side of the road, partway on the berm and on the embankment. Ayers suffered minor injuries and is being cited for careless driving, failing to have registration, inspection sticker and insurance, and accidents involving damage to unattended property.
A St. Marys couple escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon on Chicken Hill Road in Fox township. Troopers said Bruce Mildrew was going east when a deer came onto the road and was hit by his GMC Sierra. Police said both Mildrew and his wife, Nancy, were wearing seatbelts at the time.
A Sutersville, PA man is facing DUI and related charges for a one-vehicle crash taking place Tuesday night on Route 555 in Jay Township, Elk County. Ridgway-based state police say Robert Herb, Jr. was going west when the right wheels on his GMC Sierra dropped off the road, traveled on the berm for a short distance then crossed the road and hit a small tree while descending into a drainage ditch. The truck then spun around counter clockwise and rolled onto its roof, then cart wheeled back onto its wheels coming to rest about 50 feet off the road. Herb was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment of major injuries. In addition to DUI, he’s being charged with careless driving and failing to use a seatbelt.
Troopers at Ridgway say they have two suspects in a case of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and criminal trespass in connection to an incident taking place Wednesday morning at a location in Ridgway Township. Authorities say a 30 year old Duquesne, PA man and a 34 year old West Mifflin, PA man drove onto property owned by Landvest of Warrant and Domtar of Johnsonburg and when their vehicle got stuck, used a Komatsu bulldozer owned by R. J. Symanski of Wilcox to pull it out. The investigation is continuing.
Coudersport-based state police say their investigation into a child pornography case is continuing. Authorities claim a 14 year old girl and an 18 year old boy sent sexual images back and forth via the internet over the past several months. At least one of the suspects is a Westfield resident.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has deployed a new security hologram that makes it easier to spot fake drivers’ licenses and identification cards. Pennsylvania is the first state in the nation to use this enhanced security feature.
The new hologram suppresses the “rainbow" colors normally associated with holographic images. The result is a hologram that appears to switch between white and black as the image is moved. Also, because the new image is of a much higher resolution, it is clearly visible in bright, moderate and even low-light environments.
This state-of-the-art technology is added to an array of security features including a holographic overlay of county names and keystone outlines already embedded in current license and ID cards.
For more information and to see an example of the new security feature, visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.state.pa.us and click on Identity/Security.
December 7, 2011
Tuesday’s high, 50; Overnight low, 35; .07”_____________________
Lawmakers serving the Black Forest Service area are warning area seniors about a scam involving property tax/rent rebate applications in exchange for payments up to $41. Representative Martin Causer told Black Forest that he’s received several calls from constituents:
“I want to alert senior citizens that I’ve received several calls at my offices regarding companies soliciting to assist seniors in filling out property tax rebate program applications for a fee. And I want to stress to area seniors that there's no need to pay a fee to have these forms filled out. My district offices will be happy to help any senior citizen fill out a property tax rebate form. This is an important program and I want make sure that all of our seniors benefit by it, but there's certainly no need to pay a fee to have these forms completed.”
Senator Joe Scarnati concurs with Causer, noting the state does not charge a fee for Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications. Scarnati adds, “No state government agency ever requires payment to apply for this program. These gimmicks are an effort to lure some of our most vulnerable citizens, many of whom are living on a fixed income.”
Scarnati urged local seniors to avoid these money making efforts by returning applications to Area Agencies on Aging, state senators’ and representatives’ district offices or the state Department of Revenue. Scarnati’s district offices in Warren, Brockway and Wellsboro offer seniors assistance in completing Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications. Causer has offices in Coudersport and Bradford, and there is a Department of Revenue office in Bradford.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid by seniors and disabled individuals in 2010. To be eligible, applicants must meet income requirements and be a Pennsylvania resident age 65 and older; a widow or widower age 50 and older; or a permanently disabled individual age 18 or older.
The program is available to homeowners with a household income of $35,000 or less and renters with a household income of $15,000 or less, excluding one-half of Social Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.
The application deadline for rebates on property taxes or rent paid by seniors and disabled individuals in 2010 is December 31. More information on the program is available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190.
Deer were factors in two Tioga County accidents Monday. State police at Mansfield said Craig Dickey of Tioga ,received minor injuries after he swerved his Honda Civic on Route 15 in Richmond township. The car went off the road and hit a traffic sign before coming to rest. Robert Scott of Lawrenceville escaped injury later that evening when his Chevrolet Cobalt hit a deer on Route 287 in Middlebury Township. Scott was headed south when the whitetail bounded onto the road and into his path.
Troopers across the region have made several recent DUI and drug related arrests. Timothy Wonderling, 35, of Force, PA was stopped by Ridgway based state police early Sunday morning at the St. Marys Sheetz after he was observed allegedly committing traffic violations. Wonderling was taken to Elk County Regional Medical Center for chemical testing.
Marlo Paxson, 40, of Camp Hill was arrested by Mansfield-based state police during the early morning of November 26 at the intersection of Route 549 and Bailey Creek Road in Rutland Township, Tioga County. Troopers took her to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital for chemical testing.
Coudersport-based state police have charged 18 year old Cody Wight of Genesee with purchase, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages. Troopers say the charges were filed against Wight after they were called to his home on the Ellisburg Road early last Friday morning on a report that he had consumed alcoholic beverages.
Stephen Fertitta, 48 of Williamsport was arrested by Mansfield-based state police on November 28 for possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities claim they found a pipe used to smoke marijuana in his vehicle while it was on the Spencer Road in Union Township.
Two electronic thefts are being investigated by state police at Mansfield. Someone passed two fictitious checks totaling $320 at First Citizens National Bank, Weiss and Wal-Mart Stores in Charleston and Richmond Township during early October. An unknown thief used a debit card belonging to Eugene Sticklin of Tioga, PA to make $590 worth of purchases at various stores on Black Friday.
State police at Coudersport are probing a camp burglary occurring between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm this past Monday. Burglars forced open a locked door to gain entry to the camp located off of Old Cross Fork Creek Road in Stewardson Township and made off with $700 in cash. The camp is owned by Donald Caswell of Columbia, PA.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for tomorrow for a Smethport man accused of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment for an attack allegedly occurring early Sunday morning outside the Seneca Inn located just east of Port Allegany. Authorities claim Diane Carpenter and Steven Miller went outside to talk and while in Carpenter’s car, Miller reportedly grabbed the victim’s right eye, causing serious injury. After being arraigned, Miller was committed to the McKean County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail.
December 6, 2011
Monday’s high, 50; Overnight low, 46; .26” rain
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The Game Commission says preliminary bear harvest results from the state’s three recently concluded seasons show that hunters harvested 3,968 bears, which would rank the total harvest as the second highest in Pennsylvania history.
The preliminary breakdown of harvest by season is: 257 bears taken during the
statewide, five-day archery bear season; 3,154 bears taken during the four-day
bear season, which included a Saturday-opener; and 557 bears taken during the
extended bear season held in various Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) during all
or portions of the first week of the deer season.
Official total bear harvest figures won’t be available until early 2012, after a
detailed review of each harvest report is completed. Preliminary bear harvest
totals do change occasionally by a few bears.
In the 2005 bear season, hunters harvested a record 4,164 bears. The harvest
record was set in a three-day statewide season and a six-day extended bear
season in five WMUs.
Other recent bear harvests include: 3,090 in 2010; 3,512 in 2009; 3,458 in 2008;
2,362 in 2007; 3,124 in 2006; 2,976 in 2004; 3,000 in 2003; 2,686 in 2002; 3,063
in 2001; 3,075 in 2000; 1,740 in 1999; and 2,598 in 1998.
Bears were harvested in 54 of the state’s 67 counties. The top five bear
harvest counties this year, once again, all come from the Northcentral Region.
The top county was Tioga, with 343 (183 in 2010); followed by Potter, 327 (148);
Lycoming, 291 (228); McKean, 246 (92); and Clinton 198 (248).
Preliminary county harvests by region (with 2010 figures in parentheses) are:
Northwest: Warren, 119 (54); Forest, 90 (47); Venango, 54 (56); Clarion,
45 (47); Jefferson, 45 (33); Crawford, 16 (10); Butler, 9 (12); Erie, 7 (3); and
Mercer, 6 (2).
Southwest: Somerset, 75 (83); Fayette, 67 (101); Armstrong, 66 (56);
Indiana, 33 (42); Cambria, 30 (18); Westmoreland, 24 (62); and Allegheny, 1 (0).
Northcentral: Tioga, 343 (183); Potter 327 (148); Lycoming, 291 (228);
McKean, 246 (92); Clinton, 198 (248); Elk, 150 (89); Clearfield, 143 (182);
Centre, 110 (118); Cameron, 95 (138); and Union, 40 (46).
Southcentral: Huntingdon, 65 (95); Bedford, 54 (84); Mifflin, 47 (41);
Juniata, 32 (19); Blair, 29 (31); Snyder, 26 (19); Fulton, 15 (11); Franklin, 13
(8); Perry, 13 (17); Cumberland, 4 (1).
Northeast: Sullivan, 177 (57); Wayne, 139 (82); Bradford, 122 (38); Pike,
116 (122); Luzerne, 95 (58); Monroe, 87 (57); Wyoming, 55 (22); Susquehanna, 51
(41); Carbon, 43 (35); Columbia, 24 (20); Lackawanna, 22 (16); and
Northumberland, 7 (3).
Southeast: Dauphin, 46 (20); Schuylkill, 34 (27); Lebanon, 13 (7);
Northampton, 4 (7); Lehigh 3 (0); and Berks, 2 (2).
According to preliminary reports, 81 bears weighing 500 pounds or more were legally harvested during the three seasons. The top 10 bears processed at check stations all had estimated live weights that exceeded 678 pounds.
Joseph C. Colyer, of Pocono Lake, harvested the largest bear, a male that
weighed 767 pounds (estimated live weight). The bear was taken in Tobyhanna,
Monroe County, at 6:50 a.m. on Nov. 16, with a crossbow during the archery bear
season.
Other large bears (all estimated live weights) included: a 746-pound male, taken
by Jonathan E. Byler, of Ulysses, in Ulysses, Potter County, on Nov. 19; a
734-pound male, taken by Steven Camasta, of Lakeview, in Salem Township, Wayne
County, on Nov. 19; a 733-pound male, taken by John J. Hennick, of Cambria, in
Bell Township, Clearfield County, on Nov. 19; a 733-pound male, taken by Robert
Christian, of East Stroudsburg, in Stroud, Monroe County, on Nov. 30; a
729-pound male, taken by William Simpson, of East Brady Township, in Highland
Township, Elk County on Nov. 21; a 714-pound male, taken by Timothy Kiser, of
Karns City, in Bradys Bend Township, Armstrong County on Nov. 19; a 706-pound
male, taken by Paul Hoyt, of Levittown, in Lehigh Township, Wayne County on Nov.
19; a 682-pound male, taken by Robert M. Serfass, of Saylorsburg, in Lehman,
Pike County, on Nov. 23; and a 678-pound male, taken by Matthew Romano, of
Conshohocken, in Fox Township, Sullivan County, on Nov. 19.
A couple of Shohola, PA residents were hurt in a collision early Monday morning on Route 6 in Sullivan Township, Tioga County. Mansfield based state police say the collision occurred around 1:30 am when 22 year old Stephen Gannon fell asleep at the wheel of his westbound Dodge Neon causing it to cross into the opposite lane were it struck the driver’s side tool box and trailer tire on a rig operated by Carl VanVleet of Hector,NY. After impact, the car spun counterclockwise and came to rest in the center of the highway. Gannon suffered moderate injuries while his passenger Stephanie Reis received minor injuries. Both were taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro. The truck driver escaped injury. Gannon is being charged with careless driving.
Troopers at Mansfield are getting caught up on their paperwork. On Monday, they released information about a couple weekend crashes.
Minor injuries were reported for a Tioga couple following a collision Saturday afternoon on Route 15 in Lawrence Township. State police said the collision occurred when Jerome Fish, also of Tioga, pulled out of School Road and headed south on Route 287, crossing into the northbound lane. Fish told police he did not see a Kia Rio driven by James Hurd which was traveling north on Route 287. Hurd tried unsuccessfully to avoid hitting the right front of Fish’s Ford F-150 which came to rest in his driveway. Hurd and his passenger, Lisa Hurd were taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital by ambulance. Fish was not hurt.
Numerous charges are being filed against Kevin Riff of Addison, NY following a one-vehicle mishap Saturday evening on the Thornbottom Road in Farmington Township, Tioga County. Troopers report Riff was headed south when his GMC Sierra went off the road and struck a tree along the berm at about 6:30 pm. Riff who was not wearing a seatbelt suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital. His passengers, Clinton Roe of Knoxville and Stephen McFall of Osceola escaped injury. Riff is being cited for speeding, failing to use restraint systems, driving with suspended or revoked license, failing to immediately notify police and careless driving.
State police at Ridgway are looking for a hit and run vehicle which damaged a yard on Route 4003 in Johnsonburg early Monday morning. Authorities say the unknown vehicle went off the road on a left hand curve, traveled through a yard at the home of William Repko. The driver was able to bring the unit to a controlled stop before it hit a tree; backed up and left the scene, traveling north. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at the Ridgway barracks 814-776-6136.
A 20 year old Mansfield resident has been charged with retail theft. State plice allege Cody Krotzer was caught stealing $9.51 worth of merchandise at the Walmart Store last Thursday afternoon.
Troopers at Mansfield are also probing several recent thefts. Someone stole 7 checks from Peggy Bennett of Tioga and forged them to obtain $1300 worth of items and to make an ATM withdrawal of nearly $403.Police say the investigation is continuing and charges are pending. Thieves took two packages belonging to Brian Tyson of Blossburg which were left at the gate of Blake Land and Blake Road in Covington Township during a one-hour period on the afternoon of November 14. The loss is estimated to be $234. Burglars took $2,500 worth of Brazilian Walnut flooring from the Grand Supply Outlet on Route 6 in Wellsboro between 11:00 am and 3:45 pm Thursday November 17.
Several criminal mischief incidents are being investigated by state police at Mansfield. Vandals damaged a 21012 Dodge Ram 1500 owned by Kyle Johnson of Tioga while it was parked on South First St. in Knoxville Sunday between 5:00 and 9:30 am. Culprits damaged a door knob and a storage shed owned by Paul Jackson of Mainsburg sometime November 29 or 30. And, Hooligans caused about $200 in total damage by smashing seven mailboxes along Alder Run and White Roads in Jackson Township between 4:00 pm Saturday and 8:00 am Sunday.
State police at Ridgway have charged 51 year old Gail Geer of Ridgway with Criminal Trespass. Authorities claim Geer entered posted property on Bear Creek Road in Spring Creek Township owned by Richard Heindl of DuBois Saturday afternoon afternoon.
A Georgia man has been jailed in lieu $100,000 bail after allegedly admitting to dumping approximately 800 gallons of synthetic drilling fluid on state game lands in Bradford County. Josh Foster, 27, from Temple, Ga., has been charged with third degree misdemeanor “scattering rubbish” by Pennsylvania State Police. Last Thursday morning, a neighboring resident discovered a large pool of viscous black fluid on Pennsylvania Game Land 219 off Regan Hill Road in Warren Township. The pool was reportedly two-to-three inches deep and covered an area of approximately 2,100 square feet on the 5,691 acre hunting preserve.
News of the fluid was then passed on to Talisman Energy Inc., which owns a natural gas well site approximately one-and-a half miles from that part of the game lands. Police documents say that it was Talisman, which then reported the spill to state troopers. Talisman officials said even though they could not initially confirm whether or not the sludge came from its site, the company immediately launched an emergency response team to assess the situation and notify appropriate authorities. Talisman officials told authorities Foster is not an employee of the company. At the time of the incident, Foster was an employee of a local trucking company subcontracted by Talisman.
Joanne M. COLE, 61, of Gaines, PA, died Friday, December 2, 2011 in her home. Born May 30, 1950, in Coudersport, PA, she was the daughter of Vincent M. and Margaret E. Gazdag Hosley. She was employed by Galeton Production and several area restaurants. Surviving are: her first husband, Clark Edward Crowell; a daughter, Rhea (Kevin Doud) Beacker of Galeton, PA; a son, Wesley (Penny) Crowell of Wellsboro, PA; four grandchildren, Ashlynn Beacker, Adam Beacker, Hunter Crowell, and Macey Crowell; five stepchildren, Christine Crowell of Mainesburg, PA, Erin Crowell of Mainesburg, PA, James Cole of Galeton, Belinda Cole of Rio Rancho, NM, and Rusty (Tina) Cole of Galeton; three step-grandchildren, Joshua (Krisanne) Cole of Galeton, Tasha Cole of Galeton, and Eric (Lilly) Cole of Coudersport; three sisters, Joyce (Lyle) Van Etten of Whitesville, NY, Patricia (Ronald) Lias of Westfield, PA, Judy (Ronald G.) Bennett of Ulysses; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her second husband, David S. Cole in 1988; and a brother, Lawrence V. “Larry” Hosley in 2009. A private gathering will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.secondchanceas.org / Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, Box 293, Wellsboro, PA 16901. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.
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December 5, 2011
Sunday’s high, 49; Overnight low, 39; no precipitation
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The region recorded two fatal crashes over the weekend. Courtney Obryan, 18, of Huntington, NY died Friday night when she was thrown out of an SUV on Route 219 just south of Route 59 in Lafayette Township, McKean County. Kane-based state police said Jonathan Edwards was traveling north at about 8:30 pm when his Nissan Pathfinder hit a section of icy highway. The SUV slid off the road, traveled down an embankment and rolled over before colliding with a tree. Obryan, who was not wearing a seatbelt was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by McKean County Coroner Mike Cahill. Edwards suffered minor injuries. Moderate injuries were reported for three other passengers, Jena Pardahan, 18 of Plainview, NY, 19 year old Lauren Bronstein of Maple Glen, PA.
A Milesburg woman was killed Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash on the Quehanna Highway near Grant Run Road in Benezette Township, Elk County. State police at Ridgway say 24 year old Tearany Lucas was going west when her Chevrolet Blazer failed to negotiate a left curve, traveled off the road and went into the grass along the westbound lane at about 7:30 am. The SUV then went back onto the road and traveled to the other side of the road, rolled over several times, then slid on its roof and front hood before coming to rest upside down on the road.
A Ridgway driver is facing speeding charges following a one-vehicle crash at about 2:30 am Saturday on Route 4003 in Ridgway Township, Elk County. State police said Philip Johnson was headed north when his Dodge Dakota went 6 off the road and hit an embankment before rolling over one time. Johnson was wearing a seatbelt and escaped injury.
No one was hurt in a three-vehicle collision later Saturday morning on ong Level Road in Jones Township, Elk County. Troopers said Timothy Smiley was headed south when his Chevrolet Silverado started to slide into the northbound lane while negotiating a right curve. When Smiley hit the brakes, the truck skidded into a Ford F-150 driven by Joseph Martonik and then collided with the rear-end of a Jeep Cherokee driven by Beau Martonik. Smiley’s truck then slid counterclockwise before coming to rest in the opposite lane. The other units stopped along the berm. Three boys, ages 3, 6, and 8 were properly restrained and the drivers, all from Johnsonburg, were all wearing seatbelts. Smiley is being cited for speeding in connection to the collision.
Careless driving charges are being filed against a Canadian driver following an accident early Sunday morning on Route 219 in Horton Township, Elk County. Authorities say Samir Asrar of Markham, Ontario was traveling north on Route 153, did not notice a stop sign and drove through it. When he realized he should have turned, he steered right and drove his Lexus across Route 219. The luxury car veered slightly to the right, went off the road and struck a tree. The driver escaped injury.
The state police fire marshal says a blaze which heavily damaged an Eldred Township home Friday morning was accidental in nature. Flames broke out just before 8:00 am at the home of Shannon Shroyer on Canfield Hollow Road. The family was home at the time but everyone was able to get out of the burning structure safely. There were no injuries. Several area fire departments assisted Eldred Township volunteers and the scene and under the mutual aid system. Damage is estimated to be $100,000.
One man has been cited for harassment following a fight at the Baker Crest Home for the Elderly in Millerton, Tioga county Friday night. Mansfield-based state police sai 67 year old Steven Lewis became angry at 66 year old Alden Wilson, Jr. when he took the TV remote from him to change the channel just before midnight. Troopers claim Lewis punched Wilson in the face and threw him out of his wheelchair and onto the floor. Authorities noted both men are residents of the nursing home.
Both men Brockport men involved in a fight Sunday morning on Shawmut Road in Horton Township, Elk County have been charged with harassment. State police say both 60 year old Michael Rhed and 39 year old Jeffrey Rhed threatened physical violence against each other during a disagreement.
A camp burglary off of Gas Well Road in Keating Township, Potter County is being investigated by Coudersport-based state police. Sometime since May 31, thieves cut copper wiring from the exterior of a camp owned by Brian Benjamin of Bechtelsville, PA. Several light bulbs were also stolen. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-274-8690.
Troopers at Ridgway are probing a burglary taking place overnight last Tuesday at the Paper City Car Wash on Route 219 in Ridgway Township. Thieves forced their way into the building and a change machine located on the outside. Damage is said to total $1100. Police did not indicate how much money was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to call the Ridgway Barracks at 814-776-6136.
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December 2, 2011
Thursday’s high, 41; Overnight low, 21; no precipitation__________________________
Potter County Property owners will be paying more in taxes next year following action by the commissioners yesterday raising taxes by one mill, the first increase in several years….Chairman Doug Morley explained that criminal justice costs were the driving force in making the increase necessary along with a requirement that the county contribute to the pension plan which suffered a hit this year in the stock market. The county is required by law to contribute whatever funds are necessary to bring the plan up to a certain level when its earnings fall below that level. Commissioner Paul Heimel commended Chairman Morley and Chief Clerk Kathy Majot for the work in preparing the proposed budget. Heimel said he and fellow commissioner Susan Kefover studied the proposal this week, looking for additional ways to cut expenses and found that it was already a lean spending plan with no other areas to cut. He also commended county department heads for keeping expenses as low as possible but concurred with Morley that criminal justice costs drove the plan. Heimel noted jail expenses alone, went from $1,000,000 in 2011 to an estimated $1.4 million next year—some of that due to an increase in crimes committed by female suspects as they have to be housed in other counties. An upcoming murder trial will also impact the county’s resources. The 2012 millage will be 14.55. Chairman Morley said the budget will be available for public view starting December 9 and will be adopted on December 29. Prior to the vote, the board accepted a bid from Northwest Savings Bank for the tax anticipation note with an unprecedented interest rate of 1.49%, the lowest submitted. Bids were also received from Citizens and Northern, 2.75%; First Citizens, 2.75%; First National Bank of Port Allegany, 1.99 %. The board also approved a resolution allowing the tax anticipation loan.
Potter County business owners and organization representatives are invited to join in a