July 27, 2011

Tuesday’s high, 83; Overnight low a refreshing 48; no precipitation 

A Coudersport motorcyclist was treated at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville Monday afternoon for minor injuries he suffered in a spill on Route 449 in Genesee. John Hurlburt told state police while he  going south, his pant leg got caught in the kick stand spring on his Yamaha and when he tricked to remove it, the kick stand went down. As he looked down to flip the kick stand, the bike drifted off the road and hit a flower box and laid down in a driveway. He was taken to Jones Memorial Hospital by Genesee volunteer ambulance. State police said Hurlburt was improperly using his helmet at the time and is being cited for careless driving.

No one was hurt in a three-vehicle collision Monday afternoon on Route 6 just north of the Mansfield state police barracks. State police said the collision occurred when Dennis Williams of Morris and Carol Kohler of Elkland had completely l stopped their vehicles in the westbound lane for another vehicle which was turning left.  Theresa Pearson of Wellsboro came behind the two stopped vehicles and allowed her Ford Focus to run into the back of the Williams Toyota Tacoma which then ran into the back of Kohler’s Chevrolet HHR.  Pearson is being charged with speeding.

A short while later, both drivers escaped injury in another rear-end collision in Tioga County. State police said Todd Tomlinson of Wellsboro failed to stop  his Eagle Talon for Misty Day-Stanley of Tioga who had stopped her Toyota RAV on South Main Street in Richmond Township and ran into the back of the SUV. Police say alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the collision.

Troopers at Mansfield overnight released details about a one-vehicle crash occurring last Friday afternoon on Marsh Road in Nelson Township. Police said Katherine Reece of Addison, NY was going south when she swerved her Saturn SL to the right and went onto the berm. The car zig zagged a couple of times, hit a tree on the west berm, spun counter clockwise and struck another embankment with the driver’s   door before coming to rest.  Reece and a 5 year old girl were taken by ambulance to Corning Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Brian Ribble and a 12 year old boy who were also passengers in the car, escaped injury. Reece is being cited for speeding.

Coudersport-based state police are continuing their investigation into an identity theft victimizing an Austin resident earlier this summer. Someone used a Home Depot car in Ruth Baker’s name to purchase $812 worth of merchandise on June 24, 2011.

The theft of a an ATV from the front lawn of a residence along Heck of a Drive in Mainsburg  is under investigation by state police at Mansfield. The red 1999 Polaris Sportsman ATV belonged to Hugh Heck. The theft of a camera from a campsite in Bloss Township  Tioga County is also being probed by troopers at the Mansfield barracks.  The Canon digital camera belonged to Jessica Kinley of Williamsport was taken while she was camping with ten friends during the afternoon and evening of July 16.

Vandalism to vehicles are being investigated by state police at Coudersport and Emporium. Culprits keyed cars owned by Nicole McClelland of Austin and Bonnie Osborn of Roulette Friday between 3:00 and 11:00 pm while the vehicles were parked in the lot at Sweden Valley Manor.  And, someone damaged the right door and front right front tire on a 2000 Honda Civic owned by Michael Cherry of St.Marys over the past three weeks while it was parked on Marvin Street in Wilcox. 

Two McKean County men have been charged with criminal trespass by state police at Coudersport. Authorities claim 49 year old Donald Connelly of Port Allegany and 39 year old Larry Walker of Eldred were observed picking ginseng roots Tuesday morning on Dry Run Road in Hebron Township without the permission of the owner, Jan Kleinguenther of Lafayette Hill, PA. 

Some 150 people braved the excessive heat last Thursday night to attend the 25^th annual Progress through Communications Ag Picnic at the Carl Erway Farm on Route 29 in Gold. The event began earlier that afternoon with a farm tour which included a visit to a local cheese making operation.  Government and agriculture leaders then participated in a roundtable discussion about concerns for the county’s number one industry.  Potter County Commissioner Chairman Doug Morley who was the Master of Ceremonies for the picnic, opened by saying that 25 years ago agricultural  leaders told the politicians their concerns and he joked they are the same, 25 years later. Morley has MC’d the event 24 out of the 25 years.  Speakers included FFA students, Paula Plumstead from the Headwaters Chapter (Northern Potter School) and Rea Ianson, from the Spud Growers Chapter (Coudersport Area High School).  Two state FFA officers participated as well.  Tyler Claypool, state FFA Sentinel gave the invocation and Casey Hall, State FFA president from Roaring Branch was the guest speaker. Hall credited FFA and its leaders with teaching her important life skills and noted that until seven years ago, she was a “city girl.” Several awards were presented that evening:  

Dairy of Distinction: Roger and Rhoda Lent and Four Winds Farm LLC

Take Pride in America: Don and Cathy Thompson

Service to Ag: Phil Lehman

Educator of the Year: Gods Country Trout Unlimited

Conservationist of the Year: Roy Thompson

Partner of the Year: Williams

Henry Staiger Award:  (FFA member, Spud Growers, Coudersport): Haley Wilson

Robert Barnett Award (FFA member, Headwaters Chapter, Northern Potter) Paula Plumstead

July 26, 2011

Monday’s high, 88; Overnight low, 54; .41” rain (.67” on Fishing Creek)

A 20 year old Johnstown driver is being charged with careless driving following an accident Sunday morning on Long Level Road in Elk County. State police say Daniel Johnson was going south at about 10:30 am when he fell asleep at the wheel. Johnson awoke as his Chevrolet Silverado was entering the intersection with Rute 948.  and when he tried to steer the truck to the west side of the intersection, it went out of control, traveled across the  Red Mill Dam Road and 948 intersection, traveled into a field and rolled over onto its roof. Johnson was wearing a seatbelt and escaped injury.

Troopers at Ridgway say they conducted a Checkpoint Strike Force Initiative  over the weekend on Route 948 in Kersey.  Officers detained 43 vehicles and put two drivers through additional sobriety test which proved negative.  Police say more such initiatives will be conducted in Elk and surrounding counties over the next several weeks where there is a high incidence of alcohol related crashes and crimes. 

Meanwhile, 41 year old Mary Jo Peterson of Ridgway is accused of DUI after being stopped early Sunday morning on Route 219 in that town for alleged traffic violations. Coudersport-based state police have charged 56 year old Richard Farmer, Jr. of Elizabethtown with DUI after stopping him for speeding on Route 6 near the Loucks Mills Road in Pike Township last Thursday night.  State police at Mansfield arrested 21 year old Brooke Weller of Middlebury Center for DUI early Sunday morning after he was allegedly observed committing traffic violations on Route 287 near Old Keys Road in Tioga.

Several people have been charged with harassment recently  for a variety of incidents across the region. Nicole Harvey, 30 of Driftwood is accused of assaulting 51 year old James Ambrose, Jr. during a domestic disturbance on the afternoon of July 16 a residence on Hicks Run Road. A 14 year old boy is being prosecuted through juvenile court for allegedly subjecting 43 year old Tina Hill of Ridgway to unwanted physical contact last Thursday night in the Ridgway Commons. Chad Wilson, 38 of Middlebury Center is accused of grabbing 32 year old Alissa Hogue by the throat last Friday afternoon while they argued at the intersection of Main and Mechanic Streets in that village. Kent Miller is charged for hitting a victim during a disagreement last Wednesday afternoon on Longview Driver in Knoxville. Both people involved in a fight a few minutes earlier that day at a residence on Forest Glen Lane in Ward Township, Tioga County are facing charges in district court. State police claim 28 year old Tonyasue Chambers threw a beer bottle at 49 year old Timothy Dunkle  causing a cut on his nose.  Police say Dunkle slapped Chambers causing a red mark around her eye.

Troopers at Emporium are investigating the theft of some gasoline from a vehicle parked on Arrowhead Lane in Shippen Township over the past weekend. Some $60 worth of fuel was siphoned out of the vehicle owned by Preston Clingan. 

A couple of criminal mischief incidents are under state police investigation. State police say someone used a ball bat or similar tool to smash mailboxes belonging to Kathleen Sikora and Todd Hilliard located along East Carly Hill Road in Roulette last Thursday night or Friday morning. Vandals causing about $200 in damage to a door at the home of John Cribbs on the Million Dollar Highway in Fox Township, Elk County Saturday or Sunday. 

Deanna McMillan, 33, of Columbia Crossroads will be answering charges in district court for writing a bad check to a Middlebury Center business earlier this month. State police contend McMillan wrote a check for $72.56 to Donna’s Corner Market on a closed account.

The Potter County Commissioners, during the July 14 meeting, adopted a county sexual harassment policy. Chairman Doug Morley said the policy had been implemented for some time, following federal and state rules, but had not been formally written.  Commissioner Paul Heimel said the local board had gleaned information from several other counties in preparing the brief document which is available to the public.  The commissioners said the policy has been introduced to department heads and training is likely to  take place among employees.

July 25, 2011

Sunday’s high, 88; Overnight low, 65; no precipitation

With the hottest day of the year, and the hottest in several years, there was tremendous danger to area firefighters  who responded to a house fire Friday afternoon on North Main Street, Coudersport.  Fire Lt. Bryan Phelps, who was the OIC said the department was summoned just after 4:00 pm to the home of Dr. Marlene and James Smith when a passerby noticed flames. James Smith had been asleep in an upstairs bedroom but was awakened by his two Labrador Retrievers.  Smith and the dogs burst through the front door with smoke alarms sounding and made their way safely to the neighbors.  Phelps said he when he saw the Citizens Bank thermometer reading 102, he immediately called in a second alarm which brought in Austin, Roulette and Galeton departments.  Upon arrival, he found the house heavily involved and requested a third alarm which brought in Shinglehouse, Port Allegany and Emporium. Phelps, minutes later, requested a fourth alarm which brought in volunteers from Genesee, Ulysses, Smethport and Eldred.  In all, an estimated 90 to 110 volunteers responded. Phelps credited all area departments for their response and numerous others who provided coverage of responding stations under the mutual aid system. He said several departments also sent their EMS departments. Despite the extreme heat and intensity of the blaze itself, firefighters carrying an extra 100 pounds in gear only one firefighter, a member of the Shinglehouse department was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for heat exhaustion.  The blaze was declared under control at  around 7:00 pm.  Route 44/49 was closed to traffic for several  hours and traffic was detoured around the site.  Phelps said the 2-1/2 story house was heavily damaged and an electrical malfunction is believed to have sparked the fire. The Smiths, their daughter and pets are staying with friends and the Red Cross is assisting them.  About 90 minutes later, a wildfire erupted on Park Avenue in the borough, behind the library.  Port Allegany, Eldred and Austin volunteers went to that location and doused the suspicious fire.  Some Shinglehouse volunteers were released at about the same time to deal with a brush fire on Canada Hollow Road. Shinglehouse Fire Chief Doug Estes told Black Forest Broadcasting that the new owner of the property, Katherine Simkovic was burning trash and the fire got away from her.  About two acres were blackened and a small shed, valued at $600, was destroyed but there were no injuries.

It’s not believed there is a connection to the Park Avenue fire, but Coudersport Borough police are investigating an arson at the pavilion in Mitchell Park, Saturday morning. Authorities accuse a known suspect of tying a piece of cloth around a 2” x 4” wooden support beam and igniting it. The flames were extinguished by a neighbor. Police Chief Lee Gross told Black Forest Broadcasting, charges are anticipated and the suspect’s name will be released at that time.

Meanwhile, today’s rainfall notwithstanding, the Roulette Township supervisors are asking residents to refrain from burning outdoors until we get a good soaking.  The board is also requesting that water customers begin voluntarily reducing water consumption during the current dry spell.

Ryan Long, 39,  of Eldred was jailed after being arraigned Friday on charges of violating Megan’s Law. State police at Kane allege Long failed to report a change in employment information within 48 hours as required for convicted sex offenders.

Coudersport-based state police Sunday night released details about a mishap occurring last Wednesday morning on Route 44 in Hebron Township. Troopers say Todd Grimes of Turtlepoint was traveling north with an oversized load, hauling a Franklin 832-Forwarder which caught a phone line running across the road. The phone line was pulled down and the pole, which was broken in half fell across the road. Grimes was unaware of the damage and continued traveling north.  He was apparently located sometime later.

Minor injuries were reported for a Ridgway woman following a one-vehicle accident Saturday morning on Gibson Township Road 300 in Cameron County. Emporium-based state police said Richard Bowers was going south when the brakes on his 1988 Dodge Dakota went out while going down a hill. The truck hit an embankment and rolled over onto its roof before coming to rest.  Pauline Bowers was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment. The driver was unhurt.

Troopers in  four counties  are investigating thefts from vehicles. Last Thursday afternoon someone stole a woman’s wallet and a purse from a vehicle owned by Justina Bowen of Bradford while it was parked at the Elijah Run boat ramp at Kinzua Dam.  Both contained cash and ID cards. Over the past several months, criminals removed batteries and radiators from vehicles owned by Paul Beuter, Jr. of Mansfield which were parked on Johnson Hill Road in Charleston Township. Thieves smashed the rear window on a Ford Explorer owned by Derrick Gibble of Emporium while it was parked at the Cameron County Fair Gropunds over the past weekend. After breaking the window, the criminals took various items including Gribble’s wallet containing $200 in cash, a Garmin GPS unit with 3” screen and a hand held game along with some prescription medication.   And someone took the ignition  keys out of an unlocked car owned by Barbara Spinda last Thursday afternoon while it was parked at her home on Taylor Street in Kekrsey.

Three Tioga County women have been arrested for stealing merchandise from the Mansfield Wal-Mart recently.   Misty Schultz, 31 of Tioga, PA is said to have left the store last Thursday afternoon without payhing for $134.85 worth of items. Melissa Swain, 32,  also of Tioga is accused of trying to take  various automotive and make-up items from the store later that evening without paying for them. Value is said to be $92.27.Dana Pello,32, of Middlebury Center is accused of trying to steal $69.74 worth of goods from the store late Friday night but was apprehended by a Wal-Mart security person.  All three women are being charged with retail theft in district court.

Troopers at the Coudersport barracks are looking for an older couple for stealing gasoline Saturday afternoon at the Nittany Minit Mart in Galeton.  Authorities say a white male, possibly 60-70 years of age pumped $49 worth of fuel into a late model tan  Cadillac Deville or Buick a few minutes before 5:00 pm. His female companion of approximately the same age went into the store but left without paying.

Thieves broke a small window in the Genesee Acorn market between 11:00 pm Friday and 6:00 am Saturday.  Police did not indicate what was taken from the store.

Someone entered the Abram Bonham’s basement on Tioga River Road in Lawrenceville Saturday night and stole various vehicle parts including an Audi muffler, a Mitsubishi muffler, Mitsubishi struts, an Alpha Sonic Speaker and a Kicker L7 speaker valued at a total of $1100.

Camp burglaries are being probed by state police in Tioga and Cameron counties. Thieves took a 6’ diameter stainless steel shower base and a horse drawn single molt plow from the yard at a camp on Pease Hill Road in Nelson Township owned by Gary Stryker of Trout Run, PA. The theft occurred sometime over the past month. Criminals forced their way into a camp on Hooks Lane in Gibson Township over the past couple of weeks but apparently took nothing. The camp belongs to Thomas Tarr of Kittanning.  Thieves broke windows and doors to gain entry to six camps located along Sizer Run Road last Thursday or Friday.  The camps are owned by Richard Olivett and Don Sestina, both of Emporium; David Albert of Lagrangeville, NY, James Alderson of Cannonsburg, PA Ken Heisel of Pittsburg, and Harry Smith, address not provided.  Plastic gasoline containers, and a small quantity of gasoline were taken. Damage amounts to about $600. Various types of alcoholic beverages and a .22 cal. single shot bolt action rifle were stolen from a camp on Sterling Run Road in Gibson Township in Cameron County sometime last week. The camp is owned by Douglas Wittman of St. Marys. A 12 gauged single shot 16 gauge Savage shotgun was taken July 16 or 17 from a camp on Huston Hill Road also in Gibson Township. The thieves caused about $300 in damage to the camp owned by Kenneth Robinson, also of St. Marys. Thieves took about a half pick up load of oak firewood from a camp owned by Larry Berry of Emporium located at the intersection of Sterling Run Road and May Hollow Road during the same period of time.

A criminal mischief at a Potter County camp is being investigated by Coudersport-based state police. Between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m. last Thursday, vandals cut telephone wiring to a camp on Cemeteryh Road in Wharton Township owned by Janet Thierfelder of Norristown, PA. 

Vandals caused $200 in damage to the metal fence around the swimming pool at the Cameron County High School over the past  weekend. 

July 22, 2011

Thursday’s high, 96; Overnight 73; no precipitation

With a serious heat wave affecting much of the state and country, Agriculture Secretary George Greig is  cautioning livestock and pet owners to take measures to protect animals from high temperatures that can cause them to suffer from heat-related stress.

Greig recommends looking for signs of stress in livestock that are outside during the hottest part of the day. These signs include animals bunching together, heavy panting, slobbering, lack of coordination and trembling.

Greig said that heavier, fattened livestock, animals with darker coats and those with chronic health conditions are at the greatest risk of stress from the extreme heat.

Pet owners should not leave animals in vehicles. A car’s interior temperature can rise within minutes, creating suffocating temperatures that lead to animal health problems and possibly death. Likewise, if pets are left outside, make sure they have access to shade and plenty of fresh, clean, cool water.

It is important to have proper ventilation for animals kept indoors, and be sure to have backup power generation systems in place should an electrical outage occur. 

Greig offered additional tips for helping pets and livestock animals including cows, horses, pigs, sheep and others deal with the heat:

·         Provide shade – move them to shaded pens if possible.

·         Provide water – as temperatures rise, animals need to consume more water. Spraying animals with water can also help them to cool down, using a sprinkler that provides large droplets.

·         Avoid overworking livestock – it’s safest to work with cattle early in the morning when their body temperatures are low. In addition, routine livestock management procedures such as vaccination, hoof trimming and dehorning should be postponed until the weather cools.

·         Avoid unnecessary transportation - if cattle must be moved, try to do so in the late evening or early morning hours.

·         Take dogs for early morning or late-evening walks, when temperatures are cooler.

For more information, contact a local veterinarian.

Steven Taylor, 20 of Bradford was committed to the McKean County Jail this week, in lieu of $10,000 bail after being arraigned on charges of statutory sexual assault. State police allege Taylor had sexual intercourse with a 13 year old girl on Bishop Street in Bradford late last week.

Mansfield-based state police have charged sixty-four year old James A. Spencer with criminal mischief for smashing out 34 windows at the Shell Appalachia building in Charleston Township on June 25, over a lease dispute. Spencer also allegedly damaged a window on a truck parked at the gas company property. According to authorities, Spencer admitted doing the damage and said he was angry because he wasn't getting the money he felt he deserved for a lease and pipeline. He also allegedly admitted that he had been drinking alcohol before the incident. The damage was estimated at about $9,000. Arraignment is set for Aug. 8.

An Emporium man escaped injury in a car/deer accident Wednesday afternoon on Cowley Hill Road in Keating Township. State police said Bruno Carnovale swerved into a left hand curve when he came upon two deer in the road. His Ford Focus traveled across the left hand lane and onto the shoulder. Carnovale was unable to re-gain control and the car struck a section of guard rails before coming to rest.

A truck tore down some electric wires Wednesday afternoon in Genesee. Troopers said as a Mack Econolyne turned right into the Acorn Market, the bed caught the wire while passing under the wire and yanked it from the meter box and the side of a residence.

 The number of police pursuits in Pennsylvania dropped last year,  according to State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan.

Law enforcement agencies across the state reported involvement in 1,413 vehicle pursuits in 2010, compared to 1,582 pursuits in 2009. Last year’s pursuits resulted in 583 crashes, with 174 involving injuries.

The pursuits resulted in nine fatalities, including eight people who died while fleeing police and an additional person who was not directly involved in a pursuit. No police officers died in pursuits last year.

The statistics are contained in the 2010 Pennsylvania Police Pursuit Report, compiled by State Police from data submitted from police departments statewide.

The report can be accessed through the Police Pursuit Reporting System at http://ucr.psp.state.pa.us. 

Other information contained in the report shows that:

·                     Slightly more than half of all the pursuits (742) were initiated because of traffic violations, including speeding. The other most common reasons for police to initiate pursuits were driving under the influence or suspected DUI (208); felony criminal offenses (214); and stolen or suspected stolen vehicles (101).

·                     1,000 pursuits ultimately resulted in the apprehension of the fleeing motorist.

·                     56.9 percent of the apprehensions were accomplished using a trailing pursuit, in which officers simply follow the violator’s vehicle in an attempt to bring it to a stop. Trailing pursuits are the least aggressive type of pursuit.

The report is designed to provide statistical information to police agencies to help them evaluate their pursuit policies and to help identify training successes and deficiencies. It does not organize the statistics by department, municipality or county, nor does it attempt to explain increases or decreases in any of the categories.

Since 1996, the Vehicle Code has required State Police to compile and publish pursuit reports. In addition to submitting information to State Police, every police department in Pennsylvania is also required to have a written emergency vehicle-response policy governing procedures under which an officer should start, continue or end a pursuit.

A pursuit is defined in the Vehicle Code as an attempt by a police officer to apprehend one or more occupants of a vehicle when the driver is resisting apprehension by maintaining or increasing his speed or by ignoring the police officer’s audible or visual signal to stop.

For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us. 

July 21, 2011

Wednesday’s high, 92; Overnight low, 62; no precipitation

A significant heat wave will continue to  impact the state today  through Saturday, July 23.•Heat index values will approach a maximum of near 105F statewide on Thursday increasing over southeastern PA to near a maximum of 110F on Friday and again on Saturday. The highest values will be experienced in urbanized areas.
•Overnight low temperatures will be in the 70s may not drop below 80 in urbanized areas.
•A return to normal summertime heat is foreseen on Sunday. The Potter County Emergency Management Agency says

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs & symptoms of heat exhaustion & heat stroke. Wear light weight & loose fitting clothing when possible & drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work.the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool & shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency.call 9 1 1.

Children & pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during hot weather.when car interiors can reach lethal temps in a matter of minutes. Residents should check up on elderly relatives and neighbors.& remember to provide pets with adequate water and shelter from the sun.

Across the state, PennDot Staff will be heavily monitored and only working on low impact projects during this event.  PennDOT is not working dual shifts right now and is only active until approximately 3:00 pm Road problems are  not predictable but are likely to occur in some locations.

The PA State Police Watch Center will be performing hourly checks. The state Public Utility Commission will continue to monitor for drains on the power grid due to increased use of air conditioners and fans. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be keeping an eye out for brush fires. A couple have occurred already this week in the Black Forest Broadcasting Service area. The American Red Cross has set up cooling centers in some communities and is standing by to open others. Forecasters believe Friday may be the worst day of the heat wave.

An Arnot, PA woman escaped injury in a car/deer accident Sunday afternoon on Route 660 in Covington Township, Tioga County.  Troopers said Mary Thomas lost control of her westbound Chevrolet Blazer  when she swerved to the north to avoid hitting a deer. The SUV went off the road, behind the guardrail, and traveled on top of an embankment for about 100 feet before hitting the guardrail post. The vehicle then traveled about 80 feet before sliding down an embankment and coming to rest in a ditch.  Thomas was wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Mansfield-based state police are investigating a camp burglary taking place in late June. Thieves forced open a door at a camp on Metarko Lane in Ward Township owned by John Pittman of Pottstown and made off with a Visio TV, DVD player, assorted movies, a Panasonic radio, Black and Decker cordless drill, assorted household items and two rib eye steaks. Value of the stolen items amounts to $1155.  Burglars broke into the Charleston Township building over the weekend and stole an undisclosed amount of US currency. Anyone with information about either theft is asked to call the Mansfield barracks at 570-662-2151.

Another criminal mischief on Cris Drive in Eldred is being probed by state police at Kane. Sometime last Thursday or Friday, vandals damaged a vehicle owned by a 30 year old Eldred woman.  A few days before that, culprits cut a cable at a residence on that street.

A Potter County resident has been sentenced in Tioga County Court for stealing medication.

Max George Solis, 20, of  Genessee, has been sentenced to six months probation.

Mansfield University Police charged him with stealing oxycodone from a roommate in Laurel Manor at the university.

State police at Ridgway say they will conduct a sobriety checkpoint within Elk County this month. In a related note, troopers arrested 20 year old Cory Cannella of Kersey for DUI after stopping him early Sunday morning on Route 255 in Fox Township for a traffic violation.  And seven  St. Marys teenagers have been charged with underage drinking following a routine traffic stop early Saturday morning at the intersection of Thunder Road and W. Theresia Road in that town. Charges are being filed against three 17 year olds; a 16 year old and an 18 year old.

Organizers of the 9^th annual Dam Show to be held  Saturday, July 23, in Austin have released the schedule for the music and cultural restival , which includes a tribute program commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the tragic Sept. 30, 1911, flood. Local folk band Jakob’s Hollow and author Paul Heimel are teaming up for a program that will recall the failure of the Austin Dam on that fateful Saturday afternoon.

Jakob’s Hollow has prepared a song medley based on actual events of that day. The band’s performance will follow Heimel’s “The Dam Broke! A Dramatic Reading,” based on his new book, “1911: The Austin Flood” (knoxbooks.net). The program will include local actors reciting the actual words of flood survivors.

Tickets are now on sale for the Dam Show, which is returning to Austin Dam Memorial Park. Prices (parking included) are $15 for those 18 and older, $5.00 for ages 13-17; those 12 and under will be admitted for free. Among ticket outlets are Gauld’s Corner Store and Olga’s Café in Coudersport, and Big Mike’s and Cockeyed Cricket in Austin. Tickets will also be available the gate.

After the famous “Dam Jam” open mic starting at noon, featuring a variety of local performers, the festival kicks into high gear with professional performers. Among musicians booked as opening acts are Bradford’s Marshmellow Overcoat, Coudersport troubadour Tom Martin, and vocalist Grace Solomon from Dallas, Texas.

An opening block starting at 3 pm will feature the eclectic Freakish Owl Boy; a versatile jam band, Raw Dough, which includes Coudersport product Michael Kamper and other music school graduates from Ohio; and one of the show’s two headliners, Chester River Runoff.

A high-energy bluegrass band, the Runoff blends three- and four-part harmonies with intricate instrumentals. With the recent release of its debut studio album, “Blue Heron Farm,” Chester River Runoff has made a name for itself on the national bluegrass scene.

The flood tribute program will follow. Jakob’s Hollow will then take the stage for a set that features songs from its popular album, “The Legend of Bobby the Kid,” and a preview of its latest CD, which will be released soon.

All of that sets the stage for the Grammy Award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops to close out the show starting at approximately 9 pm. They will arrive in Austin from two high-profile performances in New York.

Once again, colorful and entertaining lights will bathe the ruins of the Austin Dam from dusk until the festival concludes at about 11 pm. Vendors are being booked to market their goods at the park. Food and rest rooms will be available. Parking is free and primitive camping sites have been established. 

More details can be found on the event’s website, damshow.com. Assisting the Austin Dam Memorial Association in sponsoring the ninth annual Dam Show is the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, through its Partners in the Arts Program.

Charles Cole Hospital announces that Dr. Phong Nguyen  has joined the medical staff at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. Specializing in anesthesiology and interventional pain management, Dr. Nguyen earned a medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed an internship at Heart of Lancaster Hospital, a residency at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital where he was named chief resident, and a fellowship in interventional pain management at Michigan State University. He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology and American Society of Regional Anesthesia. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 814/274-5228.

July 20, 2011

Tuesday’s high, 89; Overnight low, 60; No precipitaton except on Fishing Creek where we received a baptismal sprinkling between 6:00 and 7:00 pm

Three Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers, including one from McKean County were killed and five wounded Monday when an improvised explosive device detonated on their convoy outside of Bagram, Afghanistan.

Sgt. Edward Koehler, 47, of Lebanon, Sgt. Brian Mowery, 49, of Halifax, and Staff Sgt. Kenneth VanGiesen, 30, of Kane, were transporting supplies and equipment when they were killed in the same vehicle.

None of the five wounded soldiers sustained life-threatening injuries.

The soldiers were serving with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s, 131st Transportation Company, 213th Area Support Group, based in Williamstown and Philadelphia. The company is primarily in charge of convoys and convoy security.

Koehler was a 1982 graduate of Lebanon High School. After serving with the Marine Corps from 1982 to 1988, he took a 10-year break from service. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1997 as a motor transport operator, serving his entire Guard career in the 131st Transportation Company.

Koehler served with the 131st in Kuwait and Iraq from 2003 to 2004. His awards included the Combat Action Badge, three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Governor’s Unit Citation.

“As a former Marine noncommissioned officer, Edward Koehler was known for his impeccable military bearing and eagerness to challenge himself and those around him,” said Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig, Pennsylvania adjutant general. “When he was a private in the Marine Corps, Koehler took pride in playing Taps at the end of each day while his company was deployed to Diego Garcia. Unfortunately it is now our solemn duty to play Taps for him.”

Mowery was a 1980 graduate of Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg. He started his military career in the Marine Corps Reserve from 1979 to 1985. After a 15-year break in service, Mowery returned to uniformed services, this time with the Army National Guard, in 2000. He served in the Pennsylvania National Guard as an infantry team leader and a motor transport operator.

Mowery served for several months in Kosovo from 2003 to 2004 with the Kutztown-based Company C, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment. His awards included two Army Commendation Medals, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Kosovo Campaign Medal and the Governor’s Unit Citation.

“Brian Mowery exemplified what it means to be a noncommissioned officer and served as an example to the younger soldiers around him,” said Craig. “He demonstrated leadership potential far above his rank and never hesitated to assume responsibility, no matter how big the challenge.”

VanGiesen was a 1999 graduate of Kane Area High School. After enlisting in the Pennsylvania National Guard as a fuel and electrical systems repair specialist in 1999, VanGiesen went on to become a heavy-vehicle driver, light-wheeled vehicle mechanic, and armament repairman.

VanGiesen was on his fourth active-duty tour. He previously served in Germany from 2002 to 2003, Iraq from 2005 to 2006 with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 2009 with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His awards included two Army Commendation Medals, Combat Action Badge, two Iraq Campaign Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and two Navy Unit Commendations.

“Kenneth VanGiesen was an enthusiastic soldier who never shied away from the call to duty,” said Craig. “During his 12 years in the National Guard, VanGiesen served more than four total years on active duty. His selfless dedication to serving our country will be sorely missed.”

The deaths of Koehler, Mowery and VanGiesen bring to 39 the total number of Pennsylvania National Guard members killed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They will be posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. Memorial service arrangements are pending.

Editor’s note: The family of Sgt. Edward Koehler wished to release the following statement: The family would like to express their appreciation for the heartfelt condolences and prayers. Please know this thoughtfulness is providing much needed comfort. Continue to pray for all of our troops and their safety. Their daily sacrifices must not go unnoticed.

With “feels-like” temperatures approaching or exceeding 100 degrees forecast for parts of Pennsylvania this week, the Department of Health is reminding all Pennsylvanians of important steps they can take to protect their health.    

According to the National Weather Service, afternoon heat indices may reach 100 degrees – and possibly higher – between Thursday and Saturday.To keep cool, residents are encouraged to do the following:

?         Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can increase the risk of dehydration;

?         Dress in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing;

?         Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours when temperatures tend to be cooler;

?         Spend time in air-conditioned areas as much as possible to effectively cool down, preventing heat-related illnesses.

?         Monitor high-risk individuals by checking on elderly neighbors and children; and

?         Never leave children or pets in vehicles.

Infants and young children, people over age 65, and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, breathing problems or chronic conditions are at greatest risk for developing heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, exhaustion and cramps. The incidence of these conditions increases when humidity is high, because sweat cannot evaporate as quickly and the body cools itself at a much slower rate than typical.

Heat stroke, the most severe heat-related illness, occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature due to overheating and, in turn, loses the ability to sweat. Someone suffering from heat stroke may experience a body temperature above 103° F; red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, attempt to cool the person off in a shady place while waiting for emergency medical assistance.

Heat exhaustion can occur after sun exposure or not replenishing fluids after spending time outside. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. To treat heat exhaustion, rest, drink plenty of water and cool off the body. If not treated, heat exhaustion could result in heat stroke.

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms usually in the arms, leg, or abdomen that typically result from performing strenuous activity in heat. Sweating excessively during physical activity lowers the level of salt in the muscles, which causes cramps. If you experience heat cramps, cease all physical activity and rest. Be sure to drink clear juice or sports drinks.

Across the state, many municipalities and organizations such as senior centers have set up “cooling stations” that allow residents to seek shelter from the heat. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for information on cooling station locations. Visit the Department of Aging online at www.aging.state.pa.us.

For more information and hot weather safety tips, visit www.health.state.pa.us. 

 Meanwhile, Roulette Township Supervisors are reminding residents  that the Roulette Public Library is equipped with central air-conditioning.If you are experiencing difficulty staying cool in these extreme temperatures, why not come in, sit down and read a book in comfort.

They also have free wireless internet access that you can utilize with your laptop.

The library hours are 9AM to 6PM, 7 days per week and it costs nothing to become a member.

The township office can also be used as a place of refuge from the heat during normal business hours. Residents are welcome at either place. 

Two motorcyclists were hurt in separate crashes in Tioga County recently. Richard Allington of Elmira, NY suffered major injuries Sunday afternoon when his Harley-Davidson wrecked on Re 549 in Jackson Township. State police said Allington was going north at a high rate of speed while entering a curve. The bike went out of control and laid down, skidded about 90 feet before coming to rest in some weeds. Allington was thrown off and landed about 150 feet away.  Allington was taken to Arnot-Ogden Hospital for treatment of a head laceration.  Carl Seidl of Shillington, PA also suffered critical injuries when his Harley Davidson crashed Monday afternoon on Route 660 in Delmar Township. State police said Seidl was going through a left curve when his bike went off the road and struck some guardrails, then traveled along the guardrails for about 207 feet ending in a gravel pull-off. The unit laid down on its left side and slid into the pull off area coming to rest about 48’ feet beyond the end of the guardrails.

A Kersey teenager is being charged for various traffic offenses after she fell asleep at the wheel of her Chevrolet CK 1500 Monday morning. Troopers said 19 year old Ashley McCandless was going south on the Toby Road at about 7:00 am when she nodded off causing her truck to go off the right side of the road, strike some guardrails, travel up an embankment, and hit  a mail box before crossing the road and colliding with a utility pole.  The truck then rolled down an embankment before stopping. McCandless was treated at Elk Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.

State police at Ridgway are charging 21 year old Shane Hurlburt of Kane with speeding and other traffic offenses following a chase which began at about 2:30 am Monday on Dill Hill Road in Ridgway Township. Authorities claim Johnsonburg Borough police began pursuing Hurlburt when he was observed speeding. His truck went off the road while attempting a left hand curve, went off the road and struck a mailbox, then continued north, hit a Ford F-150 and Dodge Camery parked in a driveway. Hurlburt continued going north until the truck hit the west wall of a garage.  Hurlburt fled the scene but was later taken into custody by Ridgway Borough Police.

Galeton Borough police are asking anyone with information about an attempted break-in at the Galeton Drug Store to come forward with the details. Police were summoned to the tore Monday when the burglar alarm was set off after someone smashed the glass in the front door in an attempt to enter the store but they took off before officers arrived on the scene.

A couple of thefts in Tioga County are being investigated by state police at Mansfield. Thieves took several items from a vehicle parked at the west end of Cowanesque Lake in Nelson Township Sunday afternoon while Jon Carpenter and Daniel Snyder of Corning were in a boat on the lake. Unknown persons stole a black 10x8 utility trailer belonging to Alphonse Tetreautlt of Covington Sunday night or Monday morning while it was parked at his residence.

Troopers at Ridgway are looking for the thief who took a payroll check in the amount of $120 belonging to Lynn Pichler of Kersey from her car while it was parked in her driveway on Main Street over the past weekend.

A St. Marys man is being charged with theft after allegedly writing a bad check earlier this month. Troopers claim 26 year old Judah Carnail wrote a check for $80 to the Corner Market in Kersey on July 2 which was returned due to insufficient funds.

July 19, 2011

Monday’s high, 88; Overnight low, 64: no precipitation

A Potter County native is recovering at a military hospital in Afghanistan after being wounded last week during a suicide attack.  Army Medic Dan Butler suffered a head injury while trying to deliver medical supplies to fellow soldiers who had been hurt when a truck carrying 2000 pounds of explosives and shrapnel exploded 50 feet away last Wednesday. While 22 American soldiers were injured, there were no fatalities except for the suicide bomber. Four buildings on the base were destroyed.  Butler was in and out of consciousness for two days.  His mother, Shelley Long Butler, formerly of Coudersport, received word of her son’s injuries while at work in the Wellsville School District.  The long awaited call from Dan himself came Friday morning as Shelley and her husband. Bill, were helping a balloonist involved in the Wellsville Balloon Rally. Butler assured his parents he is ok and recovering and wants to go back in a few days to help take of his guys.  Shelley told Black Forest Broadcasting that Dan wants everyone back here to know that despite troop draw downs, there is still fighting going on and it’s a very dangerous place. He has been advised that he will be receiving the Purple Heart for his heroic action. Dan attended Northern Potter Schools until 2006 when his family moved across the border to Wellsville, NY. His grandparents are Ted and A.J. Stiles of Roulette; William and Jeannette Butler of Ulysses and Donna and the late Sam Long of Coudersport.

A Johnsonburg driver escaped injury Saturday evening when his car hit several vehicles parked on or near  Route 219  State police said 50 year old David Dragone was going south near the Ridgway Road when his Chevrolet Cavalier went off the right side of the road and onto the shoulder where it hit a Mitsubishi Endeavor and Toyota Highland, both legally parked on the shoulder in front of a house.  Dragone’s car continued southbound and struck a mailbox in front of a second house, then veered to the right and into a lawn where it continued through the grass before hitting a utility pole head on. Dragone backed up onto the highway before stopping. Debris from the collisions fell onto a Ford F-350 also parked nearby.  Dragone is being cited for careless driving.  

No injuries occurred last Thursday morning when a Roulette man’s car wrecked on Railroad Avenue in Roulette Township. State police said 29 year old Melvin Wackwitz was going west when he drove his Chrysler Cirrus off of the north side of the road and over an embankment into some trees before coming to rest.

Coudersport-based state police say a 17 year old Westfield girl has admitted that she lied when she told them her car had been damaged by a hit and run vehicle while parked at Kosa’s Country Market in Ulysses on the evening of July 5. The girl confessed that her 2002 Mercury Cougar went off the road and struck a guardrail on Route 49 just east of Moore Hollow road when she swerved to avoid a deer.  The teen failed to stop and report the fender-bender but went to a relative’s home where she called police and gave them her concocted story.  She is now being charged with speeding, having an accident involving unattended property and making false reports. She escaped injury in the mishap.

Coudersport based state police are charging 24 year old Joseph Clemons, address not given, with possession of a controlled substance and public drunkenness. Authorities say the charges are the result of their department being called to Charles Cole hospital at around noon time on July 6. No further details were provided except to say the investigation is continuing.

Troopers are also continuing their investigating into a harassment occurring last Wednesday afternoon at Sweden Valley manor. An unknown person phoned the nursing home numerous times within a short period of time and used obscene language to harass a 34 year old woman.

Gregory Broussard, 38 of Mansfield is being cited for harassment in connection to an incident  allegedly taking place just before 8:00 am on July 5 at Lafayette Steel Erectors located at the intersection of Route 6 and 660 in Charleston Township, Tioga County. Broussad is accused of trying to strike 47 year old James Harshberger of Lake Charles, LA in the head with his fist. As the victim moved forward, Broussad alleged struck him in the arm.

Both people involved in an argument in Clymer Township, Tioga County are being charged with harassment.  State police said 48 year old Sheila Echuk and 23 year old Erik Echuk became involved in a disagreement during the afternoon of  July 9 which escalated to the point where each pushed the other before Erik fled the scene.

A burglary at a Summit Township camp is being investigated by state police in Coudersport. Sometime over the past month, someone cut and removed some wiring from a camp on Deering Run Road  owned by Dale Wentzel of Fleetwood, PA.

Thieves took a wallet containing several credit cards, a social security card and $15.00 in cash from a vehicle owned by Todd Herzing Saturday afternoon while it was parked  along the Clarion River about a mile and half south of Toby Creek in Springcreek Township, Elk County. 

An investment of $3.8 million in federal and state funds will improve operations at eight Pennsylvania airports,  according to an announcement by Governor Tom Corbett. Two of the airports are located in the Northern Tier.

percent of the state workforce. These investments go directly to improving operations at the airports that are responsible for so many jobs.”

The state portion of funding – $85,726 from PennDOT’s aviation development program – comes from the state’s jet fuel tax and leverages more than $108,887 in local matching funds.

The Federal Aviation Administration is providing nearly $3.7 million in grants through the block grant program, which is funded through taxes collected nationally on airline tickets, freight waybills, international departure fees, and sale of aviation fuel. Airports receive up to 95 percent of eligible project costs for projects included in Pennsylvania’s 12-year transportation program.

Public-use airports in the state are eligible for the aviation development program. Airports eligible for the federal block grant program include: general aviation airports, designated reliever airports, and non-primary commercial airline airports (those with fewer than 10,000 annual passengers) that are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

The state has 133 public-use airports and heliports and 15 airports have scheduled commercial service.

For more information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us and then click on the “Public Participation 2013 Program Update” button, or call 717-783-8800.

Editor’s Note: Following is a list of airport improvement grant recipients, the amount of funding, and a brief description of the projects:

Bradford County: Bradford County Airport -- $156,000 to design a full parallel taxiway. 

Columbia County: Bloomsburg Municipal Airport -- $2.2 million to install a drainage system, pave and light the re-aligned runway. 

Crawford County: Titusville Airport -- $184,750 to acquire snow removal equipment and improve the airport’s electrical supply.

Lawrence County: New Castle Municipal Airport -- $153,947 to design a snow-removal equipment storage building.   

Mercer County: Greenville Municipal Airport -- $555,750 to extend the runway.

Montgomery County: Pottstown Municipal Airport -- $146,250 for final design on the runway pavement rehabilitation and for final design of the runway safety area. 

Tioga County: Wellsboro-Johnston Airport-- $273,250 to re-mark the runway to meet design standards for more advanced approach equipment and to acquire snow-removal equipment.

Venango County: Venango Regional Airport -- $82,875 to acquire snow-removal equipment. 

Middletown – One jackpot-winning Cash 5 ticket worth $225,000 from the July 16 drawing was sold at St. Marys Pharmacy, 4 Railroad St., St. Marys, Elk County. The ticket correctly matched all five balls, 07-17-22-42-43, to win a jackpot of $225,000, less 25-percent federal withholding. The retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

Lottery officials cannot confirm the identity of the winner until the prize is claimed and the ticket is validated. Cash 5 winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.

The Lottery encourages the holder of the winning ticket to sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 717-702-8146 and file a claim at Lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County or at any of Lottery’s seven area offices. Claims may be filed at headquarters Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at area offices.

In the 2009-10 fiscal year, in addition to awarding nearly $5.7 million in prizes to Elk County, the Pennsylvania Lottery contributed more than $3.8 million to programs serving Elk County’s older residents. 

How to play Cash 5: To play Cash 5, players pay $1 and select five numbers from 1 to 43. Players may select their own numbers using a Cash 5 playslip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks. Players must match all five numbers drawn to win the jackpot. Players also win prizes for matching two, three or four winning numbers. Cash 5 drawings are held seven nights a week, and tickets can be purchased up to seven draws (one week) in advance. Odds of winning the jackpot prize are 1-in-962,598; the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1-in-10.5.

For more information, visit www.palottery.com, log in to Facebook and like us at www.facebook.com/palottery or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery. 

William L."Bill" "Red" McGavisk, Jr., 79, of Hubert, NC, died Thursday (July 14, 2011) at his residence.

He was born Oct 19, 1931 in Olean, NY, a son of William L. and Ernestine Peeler McGavisk, Sr. On August 18, 1962, in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, he married Pauline M. Dragoone, who died on Oct. 15, 2006.

Mr. McGavisk was a graduate of Smethport High School and worked as a lab technician for the Quaker State Oil Refinery in Farmers Valley, PA. He was a former member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for many years, and was currently a member of St. Mildred's Catholic Church. He volunteered many man hours at The Hem of His Garments Christian thrift store in his home town in North Carolina.

He is survived by
one twin daughter: Christine M. "Dee-Dee" (Joseph) Giampa of Hubert, NC
one sister: Phyllis Bretz of Port Allegany, PA
Grandchildren, Jacinta Mae McGlone, Zachary Jarrett Harrison, Patrick David Harrison, Travis William Giampa, and Justin Joseph Giampa.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a twin daughter, Elizabeth Jean "Lisa" "Dee-Dee" Harrison on May 17, 2009.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 20, at the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, from 6-7 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Thursday at 10 A.M., in St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport, with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport.

Memorials, if desired, can be made to the St. Elizabeth Church Development Fund. Online condolences can be left at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

July 18, 2011

Sunday’s high, 87; Overnight low, 58; no precipitation

A 23 year old Galeton man died Friday morning when his motorcycle ran into the back of a car on Route 6 in Shippen Township, Tioga County. State police said Clinton Batterson was speeding and coming out of a right turn as Michael Peterson of Wellsboro was turning left off of Route 6 onto Straight Run Road while both were headed east. Batterson’s Honda CBR struck the rear of the passenger car and came to rest on its right side in the westbound lane. Peterson was not hurt. Police said Batterson was wearing an approved helmet but died at the scene.

Moderate injures were reported for a 54 year old  Mansfield motorcyclist following a one-vehicle crash Sunday morning on Round Top Road in Charleston Township, Tioga County. Troopers said Kenneth White was going south when his Yamaha  crossed into the oncoming lane, rolled onto its side and slid into a guardrail.  White was taken by ambulance to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro by Wellsboro volunteer ambulance. Authorities say White was speeding at the time and was not wearing a helmet or eye protection.

Four people were hurt in a collision last Wednesday night on Route 49 in Westfield Township, Tioga County. State police at Mansfield over the weekend said a 16 year old Westfield girl was headed west when her Dodge Neon crossed into the opposite lane and struck a Chevrolet Blazer driven by Starla White of Knoxville which was going east.  After impact, the Neon traveled about 56 feet and s truck a guardrail then spun counterclockwise before stopping in the middle of the road. White’s SUV crossed to the other side of the road, struck an embankment and traveled back across the road and struck an embankment on the other side before coming to rest in the westbound lane.  The teen driver was taken to Charles Cole Hospital while White and her passengers, Gordon White and Nathaniel Setzer, also of Knoxville were all taken to Soldiers and sailors hospital in Wellsboro for treatment of unknown injuries.

A Clarendon driver and his passenger escaped injury Sunday morning when their truck hit a deer on Route 6 just west of the Main Street intersection in Roulette. Gerald Moore was going east when the white tail ran in front of his Dodge 3500.  Both the driver  and his passenger Jacob Moore, also of Clarendon were wearing seatbelts at the time. The truck became disabled and had to be towed from the scene.

Kane-based state police are investigating an incident of cruelty to animals. Someone shot and wounded a dog belonging to a 28 year old Smethport resident Friday afternoon.

Several assault cases have been investigated recently by state police across the region. Both teenagers involved in a fisticuff in the alley behind China Gardens in Coudersport early last Thursday are being charged with simple assault. State police say Devin Van Pelt of Wellsville and Tyler Randolph of Olean were intoxicated at the time. Van Pel is charged with simple assault, possessing drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and underage drinking. Randolph is charged with harassment, disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and underage drinking. A 16 year old Ridgway boy is being charged through Elk County Juvenile Probation with simple assault. Troopers accuse the teen of hitting his mother, Lori Rung, several times Friday morning. The youth took off but was located at another residence a short while later. State police at Ridgway are also looking for two unknown men who assaulted 34 year old Robert Trayer and 64 year old Richard Sabin, Sr., both of Force, PA Saturday evening on Caledonia Pike in Jay Township.  The assailants hit the victims several times in the head and torso before the victims were able to defend themselves. The suspects took off in a newer dark green Toyota Four door truck, headed south.

State police at Mansfield are investigating a theft of some cigarettes from a delivery truck on Friday July 8 at the Dandy Mini-Mart on N. Williamson Road in Putnam township. Thieves helped themselves to a case containing 32 cartons of cigarettes from a truck owned by Miller distributing at about 10:40 am.

Several thefts in the Dagus Mines area are being probed by state police at Ridgway. Someone stole several cigars from a car belonging to Tina Copello whle it was parked at her home on Dagus Mines Road in Fox Township sometime last week.  Thieves also entered an unlocked garage owned by her neighbor, Lisa Lavella, during the same period of time. A gas can, funnel and two cases of Busch Light beer were taken from that property.  Criminals also entered an unlocked garage owned by Kenneth Nero on that same road between July 2 and 11 and made off with a red gas can belonging to Thomas Nero. Thieves stole several items including $20 in cash from cars belonging to Kathleen Lockwood of DuBois  and Richard Swanson of Dagus Mines last Tuesday or Wednesday while the vehicles were parked on Dagus Mines Road.

State police at Mansfield are also investigating a couple of recent burglaries. Sometime last week, thieves smashed a window at a camp on Mountain Ridge Road in Ward Township owned by Jerry and Brenda Stokes of Allentown and stole a home security unit, various food items, and four circular saw blades and damaged the frame of the front door. The burglars also stole five extension cords, a pair of jumper cables, battery charger and a high wood finish fouton from a storage shed on the property and before leaving, damaged a lock on a camper parked along the west side of the camp. Thieves lifted a Craftsman floor jack valued at $200 from a garage owned by Leigh Frye on South Schodac Road in Mansfield sometime over the past couple of months.

Thieves took a 24 inch green aluminum road sign with white lettering reading “Hawk Rd.” from the intersection of Hawk Road and Hunts Run Road in Lumber Township in Cameron County  during the mid-morning hours last Wednesday. The sign belonged to the Hunts Run Land Owners Association of Emporium.

Troopers at Ridgway are charging 47 year old Peter Wells of St. Marys and 49 year old Dixie Gornati of DuBois with theft of a motor vehicle. Authorities claim the pair stole an ATV and other items belonging to Abraham Gornati from his garage in the village of Byrnedale last Thursday evening.

A New York state fugitive from justice was picked up on the afternoon of July 6 in Ulysses.  Alfred Norton, 27, was taken into custody by Coudersport-based state police at PA Pellets LLC and placed in the Potter County Jail to await extradition.

Noelle Swearer, 27 of Ridgway is being charged with retail theft. Troopers claim she stuffed $233.27 worth of items in her purse while at the St. Marys Wal-Mart back on May 23  and left the store without paying for the merchandise.

Alex Phillips, 20, of Kersey has been arrested for unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle. State police contend Phillips took a 1998 Chevrolet 1500 pick up belonging to James Himes, also of Kersey, Saturday night without the owner’s permission. Authorities say Phillips was discovered driving the truck and was taken to the Elk county jail on a probation warrant.

State police at Kane are asking anyone with information about a stolen vehicle recovered in McKean County to contact them. A 1997 Ford Club Wagon E-350 owned by North American Furniture Tech, Inc. was stolen in Oneonta, NY last week and was found abandoned in the parking lot behind Big Dog Heavy Duty Recovery and Repair on Route 219 in Hamlin Township last Thursday. Anyone who observed the truck or has information about it should call the Kane Barracks at 814-778-5555. Troopers at Kane are also looking for a mid to late 90’s maroon single cab Chevrolet pick up observed leaving the scene Friday morning after vandals cut a cable wire on Cris Drive in Eldred. The truck has a square front end and a silver stripe going completely around and tinted windows. It’s in very good condition but has a loud exhaust.

Elk County authorities are advising residents and businesses to be on the lookout for phony $20 bills. One was passed late last week at Challingsoworth Cyles on Route 219 in Ridgway.

Walter Richards Fleet, Jr., 85, of Coudersport, PA died Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 24Charles Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport.

Born on June 28, 1926 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, he was the son of  Walter and Beatrice Jones Fleet, Sr. On August 18, 1956 at the First Prebyterian church, Nanticoke, PA he married Shirley Jean Rees, who survives.

Mr. Fleet was a resident of Coudersport for many years. He was a veteran of the U S Army Air Corps serving from 1944-1946. He graduated from the  University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada,  worked as a textbook salesman and later taught high school history in Potter and McKean counties until his retirement.  He was a member of Eulalia Lodge #342, Coudersport Consistory (recipient of the MSA Award and the 33°), the Headwaters Amateur Radio Club, and was active in Park United Methodist Church, Coudersport, being a longtime member of the Chancel Choir and serving on numerous committees in the church and the district. He was a faithful volunteer at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital with 4000+ hours.

Surviving are his wife, and his sister Barbara Mathews of Chevy Chase, MD, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Fickinger Funeral Home, Coudersport, on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 from 6-8pm. A Masonic service will be performed at 8pm following visitation. Friends may also call Wednesday, July 20, 2011 from 10-11am at the Park United Methodist Church where funeral services will be held at 11am, with the Reverend Scott Ogden officiating. Burial will be in the Eulalia Cemetery, Coudersport. Military rites will be accorded at the cemetery by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Park United Methodist Church, 15 E. 3^rd St. Coudersport, PA 16915, Coudersport Consistory, East Second St., Coudersport, PA or Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, 1001 E. Second St., Coudersport, PA 16915

July 15, 2011

Thursday’s high, 78; Overnight, low 52 No precipitation

As County Treasurers process 2011-12 antlerless deer license applications,  THE Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding license buyers they now can check the status of their applications on the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).

To access the information, go to the Game Commission website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and click on the blue box (Buy Your License) in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.  Click on the “Purchase Fishing and/or Hunting License Permit and or Application / Replace License and or Permit” option, which includes the ability to “Check on the status of an Antlerless Deer or Elk Application,” scroll down and click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page.  At this page, choose one of the identification options below to check your records, fill in the necessary information and click on the “Continue” button. Click on the appropriate residency status, which will display your current personal information.  At the bottom of the page, choose the “Check on the status of any Lottery Application” button, and then hit “Continue.”

Officials say while this may seem like a lot of clicking and box checking to get to the information, the system is designed to protect an individual’s personal information, while at the same time enabling that person to check on the status of his or her application. As doe licenses are processed by county treasurers, a license buyer’s application status will be updated in the system and consequently can be checked online.  This update – which includes the Wildlife Management Unit for which the license was issued – occurs as soon as a county treasurer’s office allocates a license to a license-buyer’s account. This feature provides application tracking on the doe license issuance process unlike anything we have offered before. 

Additionally hunters will be able to see for themselves if their application for the elk drawing is recorded accurately.  Those who apply for the elk license drawing also will be able to confirm their preferences listed for Elk Hunt Zone and antlered or antlerless elk.

Shortly after the elk license drawing is held on Sept. 9, license buyers’ records will be updated to let them know if they were drawn for one of the 56 elk licenses,” Roe said.  “The update also will let them know whether they received an antlered or antlerless elk license and which unit they were assigned to.”

For antlerless deer licenses, the application period started this MondayJuly 11, when county treasurers began accepting applications from residents.  Nonresident applications for regular antlerless deer licenses will be accepted beginning on July 25.  After this, residents and nonresidents will apply for the first round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 1, and residents and nonresidents will apply for the second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 15. 

County treasurers will have to mail regular and first round of unsold antlerless deer licenses no later than Sept. 12, and second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses no later than Sept. 26.

A “Doe License Update” page has been launched through PALS, and that it can be accessed from the agency’s homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on the “Doe License Update” link in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column.  This update provides a real-time status of antlerless license allocations and availability by WMU, and will aid license buyers as they determine which WMU to list as their first, second and third preference when they submit applications.

Hunters do not need to list a second or third preference on their application. But this option is available for those who hunt in multiple WMUs and want to avoid the possibility of having the application returned to them if their first preference is sold out.

As of this morning, WMU 3A which includes parts of Potter, Tioga and McKean north of Route 6 had 21,553 licenses available from its allocation of 26,000. WMU 2G which includes portions of Potter, McKean Tioga and others south of Route 6 had only 686 licenses of its 23,000 allocation left and WMU 2F, which includes parts of McKean and Warren Counties among others had 15,250 left of its 34,000 allocation.

A Smethport 17 year old was hurt in an ATV crash Wednesday night on the Valley Cross Road in Keating Townships, McKean County. State police said the boy was traveling east when his Polaris 800 left its lane and traveled onto the shoulder where it struck a tree. The four wheeler bounced off the tree, went across the road and came to rest along the westbound shoulder. He was taken to Bradford Regional Medical center for treatment and is being cited for failing to stay within roadways laned for traffic and operating an ATV on streets and highways.

Careless driving charges are being filed against 21 year old Amber Vanduser of Fairport, NY following a one vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Route 15 in Lawrence Township, Tioga County. State police said Amber Vanduser suffered minor injuries when she fell asleep at the wheel of her Chevrolet Cavalier causing it to cross to the other side and strike a guardrail. The compact continued heading northwest and re-crossed the road, colliding with guardrails on the west berm. She was taken by ambulance to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro for treatment.

Troopers at Mansfield are also charging a Westfield woman with careless driving for a one-vehicle  crash occurring later that morning, at about 7:30 am on Route 249 in Chatham Township. Authorities say Nancy Caster was going north when her Dodge Caravan traveled into the south bound lane, went off the west side of the road and came to rest in a ditch. Caster was wearing a seatbelt and escaped injury.

An 18 year old Mansfield driver is being charged for speeding following a collision Sunday afternoon near the intersection of Route 6 and 549 in Richmond Township. Trtooers say Rayven Amaros was traveling west on Route 6 when she turned right onto 549 and crossed the center line going into the southbound lane where the front of her Saturn SL hit the front of Lefevre’s Ford F-150.  Amarosa was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro for treatment of minor injuries.  Lefevre and his passenger, Jennifer Wells of Edgewater, MD were wearing seatbelts and escaped injury.

Greg Cummings of Tioga, PA escaped injury Monday night when a deer ran in front of his westbound  Volkwagen Jetta on Route 6 in Delmar Township.

The theft of a car from a  McKean County dealership is being probed by state police at Kane. Thieves drove off in a 2005 silver Hyundai Elantra from Kevlar Motors on Route 219 in Hamlin Township sometime between midnight and 8:00 am Thursday. The four-door sedan bears PA dealer plate J19226J.  Anyone who spots the car should contact state police at 814-778-5555.

Mansfield-based state police are investigating some recent thefts in Tioga County.  Thieves removed a Unite LAU Box belonging to Veritas CGGVeritas of Williamsport from a location along Beuterstown Road in Liberty Township late last month. The box which is valued at $1,000 has a serial number of 6242096.  A bag of seismic equipment belonging to the company was lifted last weekend from a location along the northbound berm of Route 15, a half mile south of the Sebring Exit also in Liberty Township. No value was provided for the equipment. Thieves made off with a 2000 Yamaha Banshee ATV belonging to Candy Aldrich during late June. The four-wheeler was taken from a canvass storage area at Aldrich’s home on Route 287 in Morris Township.

State police at Ridgway are investigating a couple of recent incidents of criminal mischief. Vandals threw a large rock through the side window of a garage owned by Thomas Lenox on Dagus Mines Road in Kersey Tuesday or Wednesday. The rock landed on Lenox’s vehicle and caused $450 in damage to the hood.  Someone caused $200 in damage by breaking two windows in a house owned by Robert Breindel on Center Street in St. Marys.  Vandals also caused $350 in damage when they kicked in a door on a garage owned by George Mattiuz of Kersey. Both crimes took place sometime between Sunday and Wednesday.

Someone unplugged an alarm cable at the Tractor Supply in Mansfield at about 10:15 pm Wednesday and windows in seven campers parked at the Fallbrook Campground in Ward Township, Tioga County between Sunday and Wednesday. Several electrical cords were taken from the campground as well.

July 14, 2011

Wednesday’s high, 78; Overnight low, 45; no precipitation 

Two people were critically injured in a one-vehicle accident Wednesday morning on Route 646 in Otto Township, McKean County. State police said Donald Holtz of Bradford was headed north on Rock City Road when a deer in front of his Subaru Legacy at about 9:30 am. Holtz swerved to miss the white tail causing his car to go of the road and onto the shoulder. Holtz overcorrect causing the car to veer across the double yellow lines and go of off the road and hit a large tree. The car bounced of the tree and traveled north for a short distance before coming to rest. Holtz was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown out of the car through the windshield. His passenger Ashley Frederick of Portville had to be extricated from the wreckage by members of the Bradford City Fire Department. Frederick was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center and then  was flown by helicopter to Eric County medical Center in Buffalo. Holtz was flown from the scene to UMPC Hamot in Erie. He’s being charged with failing to have a drivers license, having  bald tires and failing to use seatbelts.

Coudersport-based state police are investigating a theft at the Fox Den Camp north of Cowley Hill Road over the past couple of months. Criminals cut electric wires that were run underground between the camp and outhouse as well as wires beneath the front porch roof.  The camp is owned by Richard Cooper of Harrisburg. Anyone with knowledge of the theft should call state police at 814-274-8690.

Troopers at Kane are probing the theft of a red Tonneau cover from a pick up truck parked in a pull-off along Route 219 just north of the village of Burning Well in Sergeant Township between 7:00 and 10:00 am Wednesday. The truck is owned by John Compton of Hazel Hurst.

A burglary at along Scotland Street in Dagus Mines Tuesday or Wednesday is under investigation by state police at Ridgway. Thieves rummaged through the interior of a garage owned by Harry Malburg but apparently took nothing.

A 13 year old Ulysses boy is being charged with criminal mischief for an incident occurring last Saturday afternoon on State Street in that town. State police allege the youth caused $250 in damage to a mped and air compressor owend by Daniel Burnside.

Pennsylvania motorists can help PennDOT prioritize its highway safety efforts by sharing their opinions on traffic safety enforcement and driving behaviors through an online survey available now through July 30 at www.DriveSafePA.org.

The survey consists of 19 questions focused on highway safety, including seat belts, impaired driving, speeding, motorcycles and distracted driving. All answers to the questions are anonymous. In addition, there are general demographic questions such as gender, age and ZIP code.

More than 3,800 people responded to last year’s survey. Among the notable results, the survey showed that nearly 80 percent of motorists reported that within the past 60 days they did not drive within two hours after drinking alcohol. Ninety-one percent of drivers also indicated they used a seat belt all or most of the time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires states to conduct this survey annually.

 Perhaps in a related note, PennDOT has  announced that part of a nearly $2.1 million statewide investment of federal funds will help municipal and state police to crack down on aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating and running red lights. Approximately 320 municipal police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police will carry out aggressive-driving enforcement activities through Aug. 28.

The theme for this statewide enforcement wave is “Distracted Drivers are Aggressive Drivers,” as distracted drivers often exhibit aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating and speeding. Police will concentrate efforts on roadways that are known to have a high number of aggressive-driving crashes.

The aggressive-driving enforcement is a part of the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project and is funded by PennDOT’s investment of federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Visit www.DriveSafePA.org for more information on Pennsylvania’s traffic-safety initiatives. 

PennDot will soon embark on two significant road projects in Potter County. Starting next week, Potter County drivers will encounter road crews along the West Branch Road  in the Galeton area. The 2.2-mile work zone will stretch from West Branch Township toward Galeton. Flaggers will be on the roadway to enforce an alternating traffic pattern and drivers are reminded to proceed with caution in the work zone. The entrance to the lumber mill will remain accessible to all traffic.  

Work will begin next week with sign placement, followed by drainage improvements. Other work will include slide repair, roadway grinding and paving, and roadway markings.  During the roadway grinding, a pilot car will be used to guide vehicles through the work zone.

Starting about halfway through the project time-frame, a detour will be in place for eastbound/northbound truck traffic. Trucks headed east or north will be detoured onto Route 44 to Route 6 and back to Route the West Branch Road.

Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this $1.2 million roadway improvement project. Work is expected to be complete in mid-September.

Work to repair a bridge on Route 1009 (Pusher Siding Road) in Potter County will begin on Tuesday, July 19. The bridge spans Ludington Run in Ulysses Township, two miles north of the village of Newfield. Through August 31, crews from PennDOT Potter County Maintenance will be working replace the deck and beams of the existing bridge. All work is weather dependent. 

With Route 1009 closed, a detour using Routes 49 and 1011 Ulysses-Hickox Road) will be in place. Signage will be in place to alert drivers to the closure.  

The current bridge was built in 1980 and carries average daily traffic of 130 vehicles. The bridge is currently posted for 8 tons for single vehicles and 11 tons for combination vehicles. This repair work will allow PennDOT to remove the posting.

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital will initiate a new appointment reminder system for its office practices as a service to its patients. The automated system, which will be activated over the next couple of weeks, will call to confirm patient appointments. After a brief introduction from Charles Cole, the message will update patients with the date, time and location of scheduled appointments. Patients will have the option to conveniently confirm or cancel their appointments via their phone’s key pad. Patients are encouraged to listen to the entire message as the system is designed to remind patients of all appointments including coordinated multiple appointments on one day.

Before you think about getting a swimming pool to cool off. Roulette Township supervisors are advising residents of a state requirement regarding prefabricated pools. Under the Uniform Construction Code to acquire a building permit prior to the assembly and filling of ANY pool with a designed water depth in excess of twenty-four (24) inches. It is also required that if these pools are taken down seasonally and put back up the following season, that the permitting process be completed each and every year. The only swimming pools that are exempt from this requirement are prefabricated pools with a depth of less than twenty-four (24) inches per UCC §403.62 Paragraph C section 5. The supervisors say while

                It’s not their  intent to prohibit residents from enjoying their summers, nor make it cost prohibitive for an individual to own such a luxury, it is their  duty to enforce the Pennsylvania Statues and Township Ordinances.  This public notification shall serve as fair warning for those who intend to purchase, or have already purchased and installed a pool that is deeper than 24 inches, that this law exists and give them until July 31, 2011 to make the proper requirements to acquire the necessary permitting, or be in the process thereof. After that time, the township Building Code Official will be instructed to enforce the regulation.

               Anyone with  questions regarding the regulation , or needs to obtain an application for a building permit, is urged to contact the Roulette Township Secretary at the township office during normal business hours at 814-544-7549 or in person at 80 Railroad Ave. in Roulette.

July 13, 2011

Tuesday’s high, 84: Overnight low, 60; .02” rain

aan Austin man escaped injury Sunday night when his pick up and horse trailer filled with hay caught fire on Route 155 just north of the Cameron County line in Keating Township. State police said Michael Tumas was going north when his 2001 Dodge Ram started to slow down and the transmission began to fail. Tumas was able to pull off the road and discovered the underside of the pick up was on fire. By the time state police arrived, the truck and trailer full of hay were fully engulfed. Volunteer firefighters from both Austin and Emporium responded.

Troopers at Ridgway are looking for a hit and run vehicle which injured a young girl Saturday morning on Silver Creek Road in Jones Township. Authorities say four pedestrians were walking south  along the west side of the road when the front tire on a two-door silver jeep Wrangler struck a 10 year old girl. The driver, described as being an elderly white male, about 80 years of age continued on without stopping to render aid.  Police are asking that anyone with information about the 9:20 am accident to contact them at 814-776-6136.

No details are available yet from  Coudersport based state police regarding a car/pedestrian crash Tuesday afternoon in Austin. A victim was reportedly flown by helicopter to a medical facility out of the area. 

Coudersport-based state police are advising there will be a sobriety checkpoint set up somewhere in Potter County this Thursday through Sunday night. Meanwhile,  an Emporium woman Tawnya McCurley, 48 of Emporium was arrested on the afternoon of July 5 while driving near the intersection of 5^th and Walnut in that town. Two area 19 year olds have been cited for underage drinking by Mansfield –based state police in Mansfield. Daniel Hunt of Wellsville, NY was arrested during the early morning hours June 26 after entering a DUI checkpoint at the intersection of Route 6 and the Mainsburg Road in Sullivan Township. Bryan Talada of Millerton was cited after troopers allegedly fund he had consumed alcohol on Church Street in Jackson Township late Monday night.

Both men involved in a fisticuff Monday night along the Hickox Ulysses Road in West Bingham have been charged with disorderly conduct. State police claim 38 year old Lawrence Thompson and 20 year old Travis Cardy, both of Genesee, engaged in fighting and threatening behavior which resulted in public inconvenience, annoyance and alarm. 

Joanne Cole, 31, of Ulysses is accused of writing a bad check to Beard Auto Sales in Knoxville on April 22, 2011. State police say the check for $360 was not honored by the bank due to insufficient funds and Cole has failed to make the check good.

Coudersport-based state police are investigating a couple of recent thefts in Roulette. Thieves took eight large aluminum plates from the C.A. Elliott Lumber Company. The plates measured 10 ft. x 5 ft and were ½” thick.  And, four car radiators were stolen from the William Nenno residence on Route 6.  Both thefts took place between July 1 and 5. 

Troopers at Mansfield are also investigating several thefts. Someone entered the home of Matthew Dean on Route 349 in Westfield Township in early June and stole an SKS rifle owned by Leonard Reese of Middlebury Center. Thieves took a 1999 KTM 125 from the front yard at the Brandon Proctor residence on Elk Run Road in Gaines Township, June 17 or 18.  The loss is estimated to be $1000.  A wooden picnic table was taken from the playground at the Covington Community Daycare Center on Williamson Road in Putnam Township July 1-5. Thieves entered vehicles owned by three Millerton residents during the morning hours of June 25.  A purse and $80 in cash were taken from a car owned by Cyndie Gorg but it appears nothing was taken from vehicles owned by Justin Gorg and John Sherman.

James Spencer, 64, of Horse Thief Run Road Wellsboro is facing criminal mischief charges. Troopers claim he smashed out all of the windows at Shell Appalachia located at the intersection of Route 6 and 660 in Charleston Township during the evening of June 25. 

Unknown vandals caused $1000 in damage to a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pick up by  scratching  both sides while it was parked on Rotue 49 in Nelson Township duringthe early morning hours June 23. The truck is owned by John Wood of Elmira, NY.

Marie Knight, 38,  of Coudersport is facing criminal trespass charges for an incident allegedly taking place Monday night on Third Street in Roulette. Authorities claim Knight entered the home of Monica Musser and made threatening statements toward Musser.

Area authorities are advising ATV operators about rules and regulations. Emporium-based state police say they have received numerous complaints about ATVs being operated on Cameron County highways. State police say ATV’s are not permitted on highways, and they will take enforcement action if they encounter violators. Roulette Township supervisors on Monday night by majority vote re-enacted via Resolution #03-2011 Ordinance #2004-3 which pertains to the legal operation of All Terrain Vehicles on specifically designated roads within Roulette Township. Officials say  not every township road is included in the ordinance, and there are specific requirements that must be adhered to in order to be considered lawful operation. these vehicles MUST be operated in accordance to Pennsylvania state laws pertaining to the operation of motorized vehicles on a public roadway, and is these laws are not abided by, the operator could still be cited by the Pennsylvania State Police. The supervisors further add that the ordinance also does not give anyone the right to operate their vehicles on any publicly or privately owned property without that property owners prior consent. As with any law, it is the operator’s responsibility to be familiar with the law and be compliant

Any questions regarding the ordinance may be directed to the Roulette Township Secretary during normal business hours at 814-544-7549 or in person at the township office located at 80 Railroad Ave., in Roulette. During the Monday night public meeting, Supervisor, Gary R. Fessenden, resigned his position as elected township supervisor. By motion and unanimous vote, Harold “Ray” Howard, Jr. was appointed to fill the vacancy for the remainder of Mr. Fessenden’s term ending December 31, 2011. Howard, the top vote getter in the Republican Primary  was in attendance at the meeting  accepted the appointment.

The Gunzburger Annex on Main Street in Coudersport will be undergoing a change this summer. The steps were damaged by the freeze/thaw cycle, and deciding to make lemonade out of lemons, the County Commissioners decided to make some changes during the repairs. The steps will be “squared off”, returning to the original appearance.  A triangular sign, with a flag pole and lighting will be erected on the southern end of the building. The work is being dong by Miller and Richard Masonry Inc. of Genesee.

July 12, 2011

Monday’s high, 87; Overnight low, 57; no precipitation

A 12 year old Knoxville boy drowned  Monday afternoon while wading in the Cowanesque river at the end of Maple Street in that town. State police at Mansfield said the boy was wading into the river near a deep hole with his brothers, ages 15 and 6. The boy could not swim and apparently lost his footing on the steep underwater bank leading into deeper water. Upon losing his footing, he slid into deeper water. His 15 year old brother was unable to bring his brother to shallower water because the victim kept pulling him under the surface. The boy’s body was later recovered from the pool which is 10-15 feet deep, by Knoxville Fire Department personnel. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Tioga County Coroner James Daugherty at 4:55 pm. Cause of death was asphyxiation due to drowning and has been ruled accidental. 

Three people were hurt in a motorcycle collision Sunday afternoon on Route 120 in Gibson Township, Cameron County. State police at Emporium say the accident occurred when Ronald Fox of Rockton, PA was making a sharp right hand curve on his Harley Davidson Heritage Softail when an unknown object struck him in the corner of his left eye and cause him to cross the center line into the path of a Harley Davidson Low Rider operated by Dorothy Spencer of DuBois. Both machines fell onto their sides and slid a short distance before coming to rest. Kathy Anderson of Clearfield, a passenger on the Fax bike and Spencer suffered minor injuries. Both women were flown by helicopter to Altoona Hospital. Fox was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. Police said no one was using safety equipment and the investigation is continuing. 

Troopers at Ridgway are  investigating a hit and run occurring Sunday afternoon on the Keystone Road in Horton Township, Elk County. An unknown vehicle went off the road at about 3:45 pm  while headed north and struck a mail box owned by Paul Star of Brockport. The driver left the scene without notifying Star of the damage. 

Harassment charges have been filed against an Emporium couple following a domestic violence incident early last Friday morning at their home on the Sizerville Road. State police say a verbal disagreement between 36 year old Clinton Stanton and 30 year old Becky Stanton escalated into a brawl. 

Two women have been cited for harassment for a fight taking place last Wednesday evening at a residence on mechanic street in Lawrenceville. State police at Mansfield say 43 year old Robin Lynn Robbins of Lawrenceville and 27 year old Shannon Youmans of Addison, NY were arguing when Youmans struck Robbins in the face with the back of her hand. No other injuries occurred but both women have been cited. 

 Coudersport based state police are seeking assistance from the public in solving a couple of recent burglaries and thefts. Someone walked into the unlocked home of Ashley McGinley on town Line Road in Coudersport early last week and stole a Sony Bravia flat screen TV valued at $600.  Thieves stole a red Schwinn Sidewinder bike belonging to Alfred Lund of Galeton from his camp located on Parker Hill Road in Hector Township on July 3. The bike has a shifter across the center bar, a speedometer and steel fenders.  Someone dumped a quantity of trash into Buckceller Creek in Buckceller Hollow off of the Brookland Road in Ulysses Township early Sunday afternoon. The property is owned by Kenneth Wingo. Anyone with information is asked to call the Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690.

A theft of some pills and a couple of criminal mischief incidents are being investigated by state police in Mansfield. Someone took a bottle of prescription medication from a bathroom medicine cabinet at the Wellsboro  home of Cindy Alexander between July 1 and 8.  Vandals broke a sliding glass window at a cabin on White Lane in Gaines Township also between July 1 and 8. And culprits damaged a mailbox owned by Eva Frost on the Canada Road in Covington at about 11:30 pm last Friday night.  Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call state police at 570-662-2151.

Criminal mischief incidents are also being probed by Ridgway-based state police. Wrong-doers took a camera from the front porch of Michael Burke’s home on Caledonia Pike in Weedville early last month.  And unknown persons using a BB or pellet gun shot the front windshield in a 1994 GMS truck owned by Jerome Hogan over the past month while it was parked at his home along Pine Avenue in the village of Force.

The Department of Environmental Protection has announced the award of more than $2.6 million in grant awards to 36 conservation districts within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Two of the districts, Potter and Tioga Counties, are in the Black Forest Broadcasting Service area.

The funds, which will support 50 staff positions that provide technical assistance with implementing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs), will also allow conservation district staff to begin a Chesapeake Bay-wide outreach effort to Pennsylvania farms. 

On May 17, the State Conservation Commission (SCC), which oversees the funding DEP provides to conservation districts, approved the department’s allocation of Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant (CBIG) funds for Chesapeake Bay technicians and engineers in various conservation districts. Part of the districts’ responsibility under these grants is to reach out to agricultural operations within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and inform the agricultural community of their regulatory obligations. Conservation district staff will begin conducting site visits with agricultural operations this month.

Since 1972, all Pennsylvania farms have been subject to environmental regulations which specify that farmers must maintain agricultural erosion and sedimentation control or conservation plans for all cropland and areas heavily used by animals.

Farms that handle manure are required to have a Manure Management Plan and use the state’s Manure Management Manual, which provides information on the environmentally correct ways to handle animal manure. Unlike some laws, manure management requirements apply to all farms, not only the large farms that are considered Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) or Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs). The Manure Management Manual includes requirements for winter application of manure and setbacks from streams, drinking water supplies and sinkholes. As with the required written agricultural erosion control plans, a written manure management plan is required.

In addition to grants for conservation district staff, more than $800,000 from the CBIG was awarded to 46 agricultural projects and targeted to impaired watersheds. Funding was granted for projects that focus on agricultural BMPs, such as no-till/conservation tillage; cover crops; conservation and nutrient management planning activities; and riparian corridor improvements.

Farmers interested in additional information or assistance with developing farm erosion, sediment control and manure management plans are encouraged to contact their local county conservation district.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us or call 717-787-1323.

Editor’s Note: The 36 County conservation districts receiving the grant awards are:

Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan,  Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wyoming and York.

July 11, 2011

Sunday’s high 84; Overnight low, 47; No precipitation

Coudersport-based state police continue to investigate a couple of recent hit and runs. An unknown red passenger car or mini-van caused a power outage in the village of Cross Fork early Saturday morning. Troopers say the northbound vehicle was going too fast to make the curve and tried to turn right off of Stewart Hill Road onto Main Street. The vehicle slid through the intersection and struck a Tri-County Electric pole, causing it to break half-way up. The top portion fell to the ground, pulling attached wires with it. The car backed  away from the pole and traveled back onto Stewart Hill Road, then went southwest from the scene.

Troopers are also looking for a white hit and run vehicle which damaged a car parked in the lot at Kosa’s Kountry Market in Ulysses last Thursday evening at about 6:15 pm. The unknown unit hit the passenger side fender, door and rear quarter panel on a Mercury Cougar while it’s 17 year old female driver was inside the store. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Coudersport Barracks at 814-274-8690.

Mitch Balfour, 20 of Westfield is being charged with DUI following a hit and run Friday evening at  a Harrison Township intersection. Troopers claim Balfour lost control of his Chevrolet pick-up while turning from North Fork Road onto Plumstead Road. The truck went into the yard at the Charles Kibbe residence and struck an area of mulch and a fire pit. Balfour then allegedly left the scene without providing information to Kibbe. He was later located and placed under arrest for DUI. State police were assisted by Westfield Borough Police in the investigation.

Two area teen drivers are being cited for speeding following separate crashes. Coudersport-based state police say a 16 year old from Kinney Road Genesee escaped injury last Thursday afternoon when her Chevrolet S-10 wrecked on the Ridge Road just south of Route 449 in Genesee Township. The girl told police she lost control of the pick up when she swerved to avoid a deer on the road. The pick up struck an embankment and was hit on the windshield by a fallen tree before coming to rest in a ditch. The teen driver escaped injury.

A 17 year old boy from Port Allegany lost control of his Oldsmobile Bravada on Route 6 west of Coudersport last Thrusday night while rounding a curve. The SUV went off the road, traveled through a yard and struck some blueberry bushes before coming to rest straddling a culvert and small stream.  The youthful driver also escaped injury.

A Roulette driver and his passenger escaped injury in a one-vehicle mishap Friday afternoon on Route 6 near Cemetery Curve on Route 6, west of Coduesport. Sate police said Lance Freeman was going east negotiating a left curve when his Toyota Camry hit a metal object on the road, punching a hole  in the oil pan. The car continued for about 120 feet before the engine seized up. Freeman was able to coast to the side of the road and notified police. Coudersport Volunteer fire department provided traffic control while the roadway was cleaned. Freeman’s passenger was identified as Jarrett Smith of Coudersport.

Both drivers escaped injury last Tuesday afternoon when an SUV and PennDot tractor collided on Route 872 in Grove Township, Cameron County. State police said the fender-bender occurred when 20 year old Scott Byers of Aliquippa tried to maneuver around a John Deere tractor driven by Craig Doud of Emporium which was mowing the roadside and struck the tractor’s rear tire.

State police at Emporium have charged 22 year old Heather Coon of Gifford with careless driving for a one-vehicle accident early Friday morning on Route 155 in Shippen Township, Tioga County. Troopers said Coon was going north at about 12:30 am when she nodded off, causing her Nissan Maxima  to go off the right side of the road. When Coon woke up, she tried to steer the SUV back onto the road, causing it to fishtail off the road and strike a Chevrolet Colorado and a Pontiac G6 parked in a driveway on Sizerville Road. Coon was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of unknown injuries and is being cited for careless driving. 

A York Haven motorcyclist and his young female passenger were hurt in an accident Friday morning on Route 414 in Morris Township, Tioga County. Troopers said Charles Wilt was going west behind an unknown vehicle whit turned right into a private drive, then backed up onto the road. When Wilt slowed down to avoid a collision his Harley Davidson laid down on its right side and slid for about 60 feet before coming to rest. Wilt and his passenger were taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro for  treatment.

One driver was hurt in a collision last Thursday morning on Route 414 in Morris Township, Tioga County. State police said the collision occurred when a Kia Optima driven  Ginger Post of Trout Run, while  traveling east came out of a right hand curve and crossed the center line where it hit the front bumper of a westbound Jeep Wrangler driven by Noah Hostetler of  Morris. He was taken to Soldiers and Sailors hospital for treatment of unknown injuries while Post was unhurt. However, she is being cited for failing to stay within her traffic lane.

Both truck drivers escaped injury when their rigs collided last Thursday morning on Route 219 in Horton Township, Elk County. Troopers said the accident occurred when Juan Perdomo of Elizabeth, NJ, after stopping his Volvo  on the west shoulder tried to turn left onto Route 153 and pulled in front of a Mack driven by James Miller of Punxsutawney which was traveling North on Route 219. Miller tried unsuccessfully to avoid a collision by braking and steering to the right. His rig hit the other semi on the right front. After impact, the Perdomo unit spun 90 degrees and came to rest on Route 153 while the Miller unit continued some 75 feet before traveling down a bank and coming to rest in a ditch. 

An Austin teenager is being charged with theft,  criminal mischief, and criminal trespass for crimes taking place between May 23 and June 24 at three camps located on the Smith Hollow Road in Keating Township. Troopers allege 18 year old Charles Goff Jr. removed copper tubing from the oil/gas supply tank and several pieces of electric wire from camps owned by Donald Scholly of Johnstown; George Huber of Valencia and Thomas Nissley of Landisville. He’s also accused of draining about 200 gallons of heating oil from a storage tank at one of the camps.  Apparently, after showing up at the Denton Hill barracks last Wednesday for questioning, Goff was found to be in possession of a Smith and Wesson switchblade and was advised by officers that such weapons are illegal in Pennsylvania. He is now an additional charge of possessing a prohibited offensive weapon in district court.

 State police at Mansfield have charged 24 year old Dontae Williams of Wellsboro with simple assault, institutional vandalism, aggravated harassment by a prisoner, and harassment for an attack at the Tioga County Prison during the evening of June 24. Authorities claim Williams began verbally harassing prisoner  Robert Bernstein of Knoxville about the cause of his incarceration and after being told to mind his own business, stood up and charged Bernstein, striking him several times in the head with a closed fist.  Williams then allegedly spat on Corrections Officer Jeremy Turner of Mansfield and broke two lighting fixtures. Bernstein was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital for treatment of facial bruises and lacerations and an elbow injury.

Zachary Vetter, 19, of Ulysses  has been cited for disorderly conduct after allegedly doing “donuts” in the parking lot of the Northern Potter Health Center Saturday night at about 6:30 pm.

Two Covington women have been arrested for stealing merchandise from the Mansfield Wal-Mart Friday night. State police claim 25 year old Melissa Smith and 20 Amber Smith took several items from the store with paying for them.

Police across the region have been busy investigating several thefts. Troopers at Mansfield are probing a theft during a Tioga County party on the night of June 25. Someone went into James Bump’s game room and took an XBOX 360 game console and controller without his permission. Someone entered the home of Robert Adams on Hillside Lane in Hamilton Township, Tioga County July 2 or 3 and stole some cash.

Troopers at Coudersport are investigating a criminal mischief and theft at a camp on Deering Run Road in Summit Township sometime since Memorial Day weekend. Thieves cut about 30 feet of RG6 Coax cable from a satellite dish at a camp owned by Joseph Black of Carlisle, PA.

Emporium-based state police are looking for the thieves who removed various items from a camp on Sterling Run Road in Lumber Township since Memorial Day. The camp is owned by Donald Bernardi of Elizabeth, PA.

Criminal mischief incidents are also under investigation by troopers at Coudersport. Vandals threw a rock and broke a window in a garage at a camp on Schaar Road in West Branch Township  owned by Ross Stephens of Middleburg, PA sometime last Thursday. And culprits using a blunt object smashed mailboxes on the Wild Cat Road in Sharon Township owned by Virgil Dietze and Jim Gietler between 11:30 am Friday and 5:45 pm Saturday.  

A blaze which caused $10,000 in damage to a two-story house on First Avenue in Johnsonburg was accidental according to the state police fire marshal. The occupants inside Pauline Stahli’s house were sleeping when flames broke out at about 7:30 am. They were alerted by neighbors and smoke detectors and were able to get out of the  house safely. Damage was confined to a second floor bedroom.

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July  8, 2011

Thursday’s high, 79; Overnight low, 60; no precipitation

All week we’ve been reporting on expansion of services at the Bath NY VA Center. Brandon Gardner, Public Affairs officer was the guest at last week’s meeting of the Potter County Commissioners and announced that starting September 1, the Potter County VA clinic will be open two days a week from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. A second day will also be added for the Tioga county Clinic. The Center also has plans on the table for transitional housing to help homeless vets; an assisted living facility and has acquired  a van to take services to vets throughout it’s 5,000 square mile service area… Gardner told the commissioners that with so many WWII heroes dying each day, the focus is switching to today’s vets and with so many women now serving, a women’s clinic is being added to the Bath facility. In response to a visitor’s question, Gardner says the Bath Center partners with other VA facilities in the region to provide services which are not available in Bath.

State police in Emporium are investigating the theft of some gasoline from a parked vehicle. Troopers say thieves siphoned about $25 worth of gas from a 1990 Chevrolet Blazer owned by Aloma Rudolph while it was parked at her residence on Route 120 in Shippen Township between Tuesday and Thursday. Anyone with information is asked to call the Emporium barracks at 814-486-3321.

Both people involved in a fight late last night at a home on Route 949 in Portland Mills, Elk County are being charged with simple assault and harassment. State police say during an argument, a 60 year old man put a 44 year old woman in a headlock. The woman then bit the man’s arm and scratched him in several places on his face before being hit by a metal canister thrown by the man.

A former Bradford County attorney was arrested late last month following allegations that he mismanaged and stole $350,000 from an autistic man's trust fund, which he had been appointed to administer following the death of the man's father.

Attorney General Linda Kelly claim Jeffrey Osmond, 44, 172 Sharon Ave., Sayre, Bradford County. Osmond operated a law office in Towanda and was suspended by the state Supreme Court Disciplinary Board in June 2009.

According to the criminal complaint, in July 1998 Osmond prepared a will for Wendell Baker, which established a trust for his autistic son, who received limited state benefits from California.

Kelly said Osmond was appointed Executor of Baker's estate following his April 2000 death and was required to pay his son a monthly income from the estate to help support additional expenses not covered by state benefits.

The charges state that Baker transferred nearly $331,000 from the estate of Wendell Baker to the Charles C. Baker Trust, and only spent $38,763 of that money for the support of Baker's son.

According to the criminal complaint, Osmond used the remaining money for his own purposes and continued to charge the estate an executor fee of more than $15,000 and an attorney fee of more than $15,000.

Additionally, Kelly said that despite no provision in Baker's will, Osmond paid his mother $10,000 of the estate monies.

Osmond is charged with one count of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received, a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

He was preliminarily arraigned before Wellsboro Magisterial District Judge Phillip Sweet and released on $250,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing was held this week in Wellsboro. Osmond will be prosecuted in Tioga County by Senior Deputy Attorney General George Zaiser of the Attorney General's Tax Crimes Unit.

The Boys and Girls Club of Potter County announces that it has achieved 501 (c) 3 as a public charity status  Community Members have been meeting for almost 2 years to bring the dream of a community organization that will give the youth in the Potter County a great place.

The club has just closed taking applications for an executive director and are currently in the process of reviewing the applicants.  Potter County Human Services has applied for a grant for the Club.

Fully Tax Deductible Donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Potter County can be dropped off or mailed to Boys and Girls Club of Potter County C/O Northwest Savings Bank, 302 North East St, Coudersport, PA 16915.

The Northern Tier Cultural Alliance (NTCA) recently established an Agency Endowment Fund for itself with the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT). The purpose of the fund is to support the charitable, scientific or educational purposes of the Alliance.

Jennifer Swain, Executive Director stated, “The mission of the organization is to educate the public about cultural traditions, history and art of the Pennsylvania Northern Tier and to assist tradition bearers and traditional artists in the preservation of their work.”

The NTCA was formed in 1995 by volunteers who had been engaged in a cultural inventory of the area as part of a 1992 Pennsylvania Heritage Commission project. They were overwhelmed with the wonderful, largely unsung artistry and heritage of the region. NTCA now offers support to artists and community organizations from 10 northern Pennsylvania counties: Bradford, Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming.

The NTCA a 501(c)(3) organization, donations to the organization are tax-deductible. They are located at NTCA, One Washington Street, Suite A, Towanda, PA  18848. Phone: 570-265-7455 (office) or Email: info@ntculturalalliance.org .

The CFTT serves Bradford, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties in Pennsylvania and Tioga County in New York State. It is a purely public charity, incorporated as a non-profit, that has been granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. The mission of the CFTT is to continuously improve the present and future quality of life in the counties served by the Foundation.

The CFTT establishes endowment funds from contributions of many individual citizens, corporations, other foundations, other charitable organizations and government agencies for philanthropic purposes. As the endowment funds grow, it uses the earnings from these funds to make grants to organizations or projects that serve identified community needs or are designated by the donor.

Anyone interested in learning more about the 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 .

July 7, 2011

Wednesday’s high, 83; Overnight low, 56; no precipitation 

The state police fire marshal is seeking help from the public in solving the cause of a small fire at a Coudersport apartment building Tuesday.  Authorities say the blaze originated on the porch leading to apartment #1 at 109 Allegany Avenue and spread to an exterior wall between 2:30 and 9:00 pm. The fire extinguished itself and was discovered by renters Shamen Snyder and Kyla Duell. Damage is estimated to be $500. The three apartments in the building owned by Branch Property LLC were occupied at the time of the fire but there were no injuries. Anyone with information is asked to call Coudersport Borough Police at 814-274-8970 or Trooper David Surra at the Emporium State Police Barracks 814-486-3321.

A Roulette woman suffered a minor injury Tuesday morning when her car ran over her foot.  State police said 79 year old Ruth Roboski failed to put her Chrysler Sebring in park when she got out at a pull over spot on Reed Run Road a mile south of the Railroad Avenue. After knocking Roboski down, the car traveled a short distance and went down over a small embankment where it struck a tree.  Roboski was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by Roulette Volunteer Ambulance.

No one was hurt in a rear-end collision Tuesday morning on the Susquehanna Trail in Putnam Township, Tioga County. State police said the fender-bender occurred when Susan Richar of Wellsboro failed to stop her Subaru Forrester  for Garion Erway who had slowed his Dodge Neon to make a left turn into a driveway.

State police at Kane are looking for the driver of a Jeep Wrangler, possibly blue in color, which backed into a 2003 Dodge truck owned by Allegany Site Management Company of Bradford early Sunday morning at the Willow Bay Campground off of Route 346 in Corydon Township. Authorities say the unknown male driver left a camp site rented by Allison Black and rented by her brother Steven Moore and possibly headed toward Bradford. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kane barracks at 778-5555.

Harassment charges are being filed against 36 year old Shawn Rader of Roulette following an incident allegedly taking place at his home on Maple Street between 4:30 and 5:00 am Sunday. Police claim Rader subjected a 29 year old woman to unwanted physical contact during an argument. Rader is also listed as a victim in a criminal mischief occurring sometime Saturday. Vandals cut two holes in a window screen at Rader’s house .

Two Elk County women have been charged with retail theft. State police contend 20 year old Ariana Schloder of Ridgway  and 24 year old Krystal Stover of St. Marys tried to leave the Wal-Mart Store Tuesday afternoon with $83 worth of merchandise without paying for the items.

The Bath, NY  VA center has acquired a van which will provide mobile services for area veterans starting this fall. Brandon Gardner, Public Affairs officer for the center told the Potter County Commissioners last week that the van was obtained through a grant for the purpose of providing VA services in the event of a national or regional emergency such as Hurricane Katrina. But he said, in between it will be used to provide additional services within the Center’s 5,000 square mile service area which includes Potter and Tioga Counties.  He said the van has two exam rooms and one of the first services will likely be chiropractic as there is a lot of interest in that kind of care by veterans.

United States Attorney Peter J. Smith recently  announced the return of a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Harrisburg against Henry Virgil Benton charging him with damaging a Marcellus Shale natural gas pipeline in Cogan House Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in June 2011.

     The indictment alleges that after being fired from the company which constructed the pipeline, Benton, of Bradford, Arkansas, used a track hoe to excavate the pipeline and then damage, dent and open holes in it. According to the indictment the pipeline is owned by Chief Oil and Gas, LLC, a Dallas, Texas company. The construction contractor was Holloman Corporation, Houston, Texas.

     If convicted on all the charges against him, Benton, age 44, faces a maximum imprisonment term of 40 years, a five-year period of supervised release, a fine of up to $500,000, and a special assessment of $200.

     The US attorney stated that his office views allegations of intentional damage to gas pipelines as extremely serious and that in coordination with state and local law enforcement agencies, such incidents will be investigated and prosecuted as a high priority. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution of this matter has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney George J. Rocktashel.

July 6, 2011

Tuesday’s high, 80; Overnight low, 52; No precipitation 

Seven people were killed and 303 others were injured in crashes investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police during the four-day Fourth of July holiday travel period according to state police headquarters. Troopers  investigated a total of 723 crashes during the travel period that covered Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4.

Four of those killed were not wearing seat belts and 74 of the crashes were alcohol-related, including four of the fatal crashes.

State Police  arrested 358 motorists for driving under the influence; issued 7,007 speeding citations; cited 519 individuals for not wearing seat belts; and issued 103 citations to motorists for not securing children in child safety seats.

During last year’s four-day Fourth of July holiday driving period, 10 people died and 361 were injured in 712 crashes to which troopers responded.

The numbers cover only those crashes investigated by state police and do not include statistics on incidents to which other law-enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania responded.

For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556.

Meanwhile, as we reported yesterday, the region got through the long holiday weekend without any fatal accidents, unlike Memorial Day when at least three people died in crashes here. However, a passenger received minor injuries early July 4^th in a one-vehicle accident on Route 120 in Shippen Township, Cameron County. State police at Emporium said Dale Hammersley of Greensburg was going north when he accelerated at a speed too great for him to retail control of his Nissan 350Z which spun off the road and struck an embankment. Hammersley was unhurt by James Cooney of Austin was taken to Elk Regional Medical center for treatment of minor injuries.

A Lawrenceville woman escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident just before midnight on July 4^th when she swerved to miss a deer o Pony Hill Road in Jackson Township. Troopers said Lynette Route was going east at the time. The car went off the road, traveled about 300 feet in a ditch before striking a large tree with the front passenger side bumper.

Two McKean County residents were hurt Tuesday afternoon in a one-vehicle accident on Route 446 in Eldred Township.  State police said Chelsie Dahlke of Port Allegany  was going south when the passenger side tires on her Nissan Sentra went onto the gravel berm. When she tried to bring the car back onto the road, it spun across both lanes and struck a grass embankment. Dahlke and her passenger 78 year old Frank Albany of Eldred were flown by medical helicopter to Hamot Medical Center in Erie for treatment of moderate injuries.

No injuries were reported for a Canton driver whose Chevy Silverado wrecked Tuesday morning on Route 2017 in Union township, Tioga County. Troopers said Travis Pepper was going south through a slight left hand curve when he ran over some tree branches on the road. Pepper was unable to regain control of the pickup which went off the road, struck an embankment and then some stones stacked over a culvert and a speed limit sign before coming to rest against the embankment.

Troopers across the region have made several DUI arrests recently. State police at Ridgway are charging a 17 year old Kersey driver with DUI, fleeing or attempting to elude police and multiple summary traffic violations after he led them on a chase just before 3:00 am last Friday on various roads throughout Fox Township. Annette Peterson, 40, of James City was arrested for DUI after being stopped just after 2:00 am Saturday at the intersection of Route 66 and Highland Township Route 319 after she caught in a routine traffic stop. Theresa Wolff, 38 of Ridgway was pulled over just before 4:00 am Saturday on Route 120 in Ridgway Township for an alleged traffic violation and was reportedly found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.  Mansfield-based state police accused Gerard Doran, 58, of Wellsboro with DUI after allegedly observing him committing a traffic violation at about 2:30 am Sunday on Route 6 at Benson Road in Richmond Township.

A Blossburg man has been charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment following an incident last Friday afternoon in Hamilton Township, Cameron County. State police say while police were investigating  a mountain lion attack, 61 year old Robert Adams of Morris Run pointed a loaded 9 mm pistol at Thor Anthony’s head In the presence of several police officers including Blossburg Police Chief Joshua McCurdy; Blossburg police officer Robert Scott and Trooper Ronald Wolfe. Police said no mountain lions were discovered during the investigation.

State police at Emporium are charging 62 year old Jerry Reigle, no address provided, with theft for an incident allegedly taking place this past Saturday morning in a wooded area about 50 yards south of Route 120 across from A Frame Drive in Gibson Township.  Troopers claim Reigle took a key from a four wheeler belonging to Brian Sheppard.

Troopers at Mansfield are investigating some thefts occurring recently in Tioga County. Thieves entered the home of Michael Stinger and Korey Thall on Elkhorn Road between 10:00 pm July 4 and 3:00 am July 5 and stole several guns including a Remington bolt action 270 caliber rifle, painted camouflage; a Savage .243 cal. bold action rifle, also painted camouflage; a Ithaca single shot 12 gauge shotgun; bolt action tube fed .22 cal. rifle; along with two gun cases; a box of shotgun shells, Nikon camcorder, prescription medicine, Gerber folding knife, a tan leather briefcase and two 42” Visio TV sets. Value of the stolen items is said to be $2580.  Thieves smashed the rear window and a cabin located along Hickory Lane in Tioga Township sometime since Memorial Day and stole a sledge hammer, ,blue plastic “Sterilite” container and a padlock. The camp is owned by Farley Fry of Reinholds, PA. A criminal mischief on Button Hill Road last Friday or Saturday is also being investigated by troopers at Mansfield. Vandals damaged a dock, Porter Cable air compressor wheel and tube and sheep mineral belonging to Jon Cooper of Tioga, PA.

The Potter County VA clinic in Coudersport will offer expanded operating hours starting September 1.  According to Brandon Gardener, Public Affairs officer with the Bath, NY VA clinic, the Potter County facility will be  will be open on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Potter County Veterans’ Primary Care Office and Outreach Center opened last July at the county’s Maple View property (24 Buffalo Street), just off Rt. 872, south of the Rt. 6 intersection in east Coudersport.  The center is staffed by personnel trained to process new enrollments, update patient information, conduct screenings and deliver primary care and/or referrals, depending on each individual veteran’s needs. More information is available at (814) 260-9342. Appointments can also be scheduled by calling that number. Anyone with general inquiries about VA services can call 1-877-845-3247.Gardener said the VA was very pleased with the clinic’s first year of operation. More than 300 military veterans from Potter County have enrolled for care and more are being added to the rolls each week, he noted. The VA has launched a concerted effort to reach out to veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Potter County’s total veteran population is about 1,700, Gardner said, adding that approximately 800 of them are eligible for the most VA services based on income and other criteria

July 5, 2011

Monday’s high, 78; Overnight low, 47, No precipitation

The Bath, NY VA Center is planning to expand services and buildings according to Brandon Gardener, Public Affairs Officer.  Gardener was the guest speaker at last week’s meeting of the Potter County Commissioners and said the center plans on addressing the issue of homelessness among veterans. Gardener said there is a plan on the table right now which would build homeless transitional housing units on the Bath campus. He said the VA Secretary wants to see veteran homelessness end by 2015,  Gardener also reported that plans are underway to build an assisted living center there which would allow disabled vets to stay with their families rather than to be put into nursing homes. Black Forest Broadcasting plans on bringing more information on the Bath VA Center and its activities during our newscasts this week. 

Apparently the region got through the 4^th of July holiday weekend without a serious vehicle crash, according to our checks earlier with state police. However, troopers were kept busy investigating a number of accidents.  As we reported briefly over the weekend, no one was hurt in a collision Saturday morning on South Main Street in Coudersport. State police say the crash occurred when 18 year old Carter Nolan of Shinglehouse fell asleep at the wheel of his Ford F-350 while headed west at about 6:45 am. The truck crossed into the opposite lane where it collided with an eastbound Mack dump truck driven by 63 year old James McKinney of Smethport. Upon impact, the right front tire on the pick up, blew nd Nolan was unable to control the pick up which ran into Hair to Please and radio station WFRM, causing significant damage.  Both drivers and Michael Gustin, also of Shinglehouse, a passenger in the pickup were wearing seatbelts. Nolan is being charged with careless driving.  

There were no injuries in a fiery mishap occurring Saturday morning on Route 414 in Morris Township, Tioga County. State police said Forrest Wessner, III of Germansville, PA was hauling a trailer holding two propane tanks while headed west. The tanks fell off the front of the trailer and became pinned between the axle and the pavement. As the Dodge Ram 2500 pick up continued westbound, the tanks heated up and caught the trailer on fire. Wessner, his wife, Jessica and two children, ages 8 and 9 escaped injury. The truck was not damaged but the trailer sustained major fire damage and was disabled. Wessner is being charged with failing to properly secure a load.   

Moderate injuries were reported for a couple of motorcyclists and a passenger following separate accidents over the weekend.  Troopers at Emporium say 52 year old Stephen Brunner of St. Marys was going west on Route 120 in Gibson Township when he was unable to avoid hitting a deer which came onto the road and into his path. The Harley-Davidson Soft Tail Deuce fell onto its left side before coming to rest. Brunner and his wife, Deborah, were taken to Elk Regional Medical Center by Emporium and Sinnemahoning Ambulance.  Shawn Miller, 29, of Kersey was hurt Saturday night when his Honda XL wrecked on Coal Hollow Road in Fox Township, Elk County. Troopers said the bike’s engine seized up causing th rear tire to stop. Miller was unable to control the machine which came to a stop and fell onto his right leg. He was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment. Police have determined the crash was due to mechanical failure, but are charging Miller with various vehicle code violations including failing to have the bike inspected. 

A Pittsburgh driver also suffered moderate injuries in a weekend crash. Robert Michalek, 74, was going east on Route 120 Friday night when his eastbound Toyota Corolla crossed the highway, struck an embankment and rolled over three times before coming to rest on its wheels about 10 feet off the road. Michalek was also taken to Elk Regional Medical Center by Emporium ambulance. 

No one was hurt in a three-vehicle rear-end collision Friday evening on Route 120 in Emporium. State police said the collision occurred when Don Kudrick of Coudersport stopped his GMC Sierra  in the Westbound lane of Allegheny Avenue, waiting to pull into a business.  Amanda Craft of Emporium, stopped her Kia Sportage behind Kudrick, but was struck from behind by a Chevrolet Express driven by Robert Hauber of Austin.  Police said all three drivers were wearing seatbelts.  Hauber is being cited for speeding. 

Coudersport-based state police over the weekend, released details about a one-vehicle crash taking place on Sunday, June 26 on Route 449 in Genesee Township. Troopers said Jason Becker, Sr. of Ulysses was going north about a half mile south of the Rag Hill intersection when his Toyota 4-Runner went off the road, struck a culvert, became airborne and rolled over coming to rest over a small embankment on the eastern side of the road. Becker and his passenger, Jillian Sawyer were taken by Genesee ambulance to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. 

Allen Preston, 25, of Ulysses is being charged with simple assault and harassment for an incident allegedly taking place at his home on Pleasant Street just before midnight Sunday.  State police contend Preston subjected a 43 year old Ulysses woman to unwanted physical contact during an argument.

A Denver, PA couple is being charged with harassment, criminal trespass and simple trespass for an incident allegedly taking place early Sunday morning at a camp off of Tyoga Road in West Branch Township, Potter County.  Authorities claim 37 year old Hope Rottmund and her husband, 41 year old Brandon Rottmund went to a camp occupied by a 25 year old woman from Northumberland, PA and pounded on the door at an unreasonable hour, intending to harass, alarm and annoy.  Police claim the couple then walked around the victim’s property after being told to leave.

An  apparent identity theft most likely was due to a clerical error according to Coudersport-based state police. Nancy Stoudt, 44 of Ulysses told troopers late last week that someone had used her social security number to obtain unemployment benefits this past winter, but it turns out the incident was likely the result of a mistake in the Department of Labor and Industry records.

Troopers in two counties are probing thefts for motor vehicles.  Sometime between 11:00 June 25 and 2:15 am June 26, thieves reached into a vehicle owned by Stacy Carr and Angela Neal, of Mansfield and stole an I-phone, two wallets containing various credit cards and $470 while it was parked at Elm’s Tavern on Route 287. Thieves smashed out the back window on a 2010 Ford F-350 owned by Alfred Moen of Gibsonia Sunday afternoon while it was parked at the Arroyo Bridge Canoe Launch and removed $100 in cash from Moen’s wallet.  Damage to the truck totals about $600.  Township. And, unknown culprits discharged a fire extinguisher into a mailbox owned by Kimberly Dupras of Mann Hill Road in Tioga, PA causing minor damage.

A couple of criminal mischief incidents remain under investigation. Vandals smashed a window in a camper owned by David Smith of Alburtis, PA sometime since mid-June while it was parked on Whitney Creek Road in Hebron. 

Roxie G. Meyers, 78, of Bolivar, NY, died in his home after a lengthy illness on Thursday, June 30, 2011, with his loving wife by his side.

     Born January 17, 1933 in York, PA, he was a son of Edward and Marie Meyers.  On August 8, 1953 in Washington, D.C., he married Elaine R. Visseau, who survives.

     Mr. Meyers graduated from high school in Buffalo, NY.  After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy having served during the Korean War attaining the rank of Leading Seaman for the Ceremonial Guard, a duty of which he was extremely proud.  Following his time in the Navy, Mr. Meyers joined the New York State Police, where he was served in several stations throughout the state.  He retired on January 17, 1982 with his last duty station being in Wellsville.

     He was a member of Macedonia Lodge #258 F. & A.M. in Bolivar; a member of the Coudersport Consistory; a member of the Association of Former New York State Troopers, Allegheny Mountains Chapter; a member of the American Association of State Troopers; and a member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post #530.

     Surviving besides his wife of 57 years are a son, Robert E. (Dawn) Meyers of Attica, NY; and two grandsons.

     Mr. Meyers was predeceased by his daughter, Lynn M. Roshia, who died on July 5, 2004.

     In keeping with Roxie’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral services. 

     Flowers are gratefully declined.  Memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Western New York, 112 Park Ave, Wellsville, NY 14895.

     Arrangements are under the direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

July 1, 2011

Thursday’s high, 73; Overnight low, 42: no precipitation

Whether you like the state budget or not, it is the first time in eight years that Pennsylvania has had a spending plan signed by the Governor before the June 30 deadline. In his eight years as governor, Democrat Ed Rendell never had an on-time budget.  During the course of budget negotiations, lawmakers took a the proposed Marcellus Shale Impact fee off the table. Rep. Martin Causer, who represents Potter, Cameron and Eastern McKean Counties in the General Assembly told Black Forest Broadcasting recently that he is glad the proposal was separated from the budget.  Metropolitan counties want a portion of the revenues even though there is no drilling going on in their area. Rural county officials say any revenue derived from the drilling should go back to the areas impacted by it. Meanwhile, Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel reported at yesterday’s meeting,  that drilling has slowed down in the county. Heimel referred to the “Natural Gas Marcellus Shale” newsletter found on the county’s website www.PotterCountyPA.net which reports there were 46 wells permitted during the first three months this year. Since then, only four wells have been permitted—none in April, one in May, and three during June. According to DEP, operators have begun drilling on nine Marcellus Wells in Potter County so far this year. Eight of those wells were new, and one was to extend an existing well deeper. Heimel says it’s too earlier to tell, just what the potential is here in Potter County. The next meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force will be September 13 in the Gunzburger building at 7:00 pm.

An Austin man received minor injuries Thursday evening when his farm tractor collided with a passenger car on Route 155 in Portage Township. State police said the collision occurred when James Williamson III of Coudersport who was traveling behind a slow moving John Deere tractor operated by Ralph Young, tried to pass just as Young started to turn left to pull off the road.  Williamson escaped injury. Both the tractor and Williamson’s PT Cruiser became disabled as a result of the collision.

Coudersport-based state police have charged Michael Coleman, 44, 0f Renovo with DUI after stopping him for alleged traffic violations last Saturday night near Cross Fork.

A Duke Center man has been sentenced in Potter County for sexually assaulting a young child. John Mix, 21, was  ordered to serve 10 to 20 years in prison for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; 11-60 months concurrently for indecent assault and 18-60 months concurrently for corruption of minors. According to otter County DA Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, State  Police were advised by the victim’s mother that Mix  had touched her daughter inappropriately. When  State Police interviewed Mix,  he admitted to having sexual contact with the victim on four occasions. Mix must be registered for his lifetime as a sexual predator under Megan's law.

In Tioga County Court action, Matthew S. Roupp, 19, of Wellsboro,  has been sentenced to 24 months for simple assault, with the first 30 days on electronic monitoring and the remainder on probation, plus a $150 fine. Roupp was charged by Wellsboro police for possession of a weapon at the Wellsboro High School on Jan. 10.

Fireworks are a traditional part of many Fourth of July celebrations, but the safest way to enjoy them is by seeing a professional display, according to  State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. “Fireworks displays should be left to the professionals,” Mann said. “Anyone who wants to use legal, small novelty fireworks to celebrate with family and friends should do so only after taking appropriate safety steps to ensure that no one gets hurt.”

Pennsylvania law allows consumers to use small “novelty” fireworks, which are ground-based and include sparklers and trick noise-makers. These fireworks can be sold by retail establishments with valid permits.

Larger fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and mortars, are prohibited by state law. All display fireworks that are shot into the air and burst into a large, colorful display—such as those seen at municipal celebrations and sporting events—are prohibited for use by consumers.

Mann shared the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.

• Always have water handy.

• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter or combine them.

• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water prior to disposal.

• Use common sense. Spectators should stay a safe distance from the igniter and the igniter should wear safety glasses.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

• Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – illegal fireworks should be reported to local law enforcement.

• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.

• Always remain standing and at least six feet away from others while using sparklers.

• Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. 

• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time. 

• Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out.  Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly into a bucket of water.

For more information on Pennsylvania laws regarding fireworks, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police web site at www.psp.state.pa.us, and click on “Frequently Asked Questions about Fireworks.”

July 1, 2011

Thursday’s high, 73; Overnight low, 42: no precipitation

Whether you like the state budget or not, it is the first time in eight years that Pennsylvania has had a spending plan signed by the Governor before the June 30 deadline. In his eight years as governor, Democrat Ed Rendell never had an on-time budget.  During the course of budget negotiations, lawmakers took a the proposed Marcellus Shale Impact fee off the table. Rep. Martin Causer, who represents Potter, Cameron and Eastern McKean Counties in the General Assembly told Black Forest Broadcasting recently that he is glad the proposal was separated from the budget.  Metropolitan counties want a portion of the revenues even though there is no drilling going on in their area. Rural county officials say any revenue derived from the drilling should go back to the areas impacted by it. Meanwhile, Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel reported at yesterday’s meeting,  that drilling has slowed down in the county. Heimel referred to the “Natural Gas Marcellus Shale” newsletter found on the county’s website www.PotterCountyPA.net which reports there were 46 wells permitted during the first three months this year. Since then, only four wells have been permitted—none in April, one in May, and three during June. According to DEP, operators have begun drilling on nine Marcellus Wells in Potter County so far this year. Eight of those wells were new, and one was to extend an existing well deeper. Heimel says it’s too earlier to tell, just what the potential is here in Potter County. The next meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force will be September 13 in the Gunzburger building at 7:00 pm.

An Austin man received minor injuries Thursday evening when his farm tractor collided with a passenger car on Route 155 in Portage Township. State police said the collision occurred when James Williamson III of Coudersport who was traveling behind a slow moving John Deere tractor operated by Ralph Young, tried to pass just as Young started to turn left to pull off the road.  Williamson escaped injury. Both the tractor and Williamson’s PT Cruiser became disabled as a result of the collision.

Coudersport-based state police have charged Michael Coleman, 44, 0f Renovo with DUI after stopping him for alleged traffic violations last Saturday night near Cross Fork.

A Duke Center man has been sentenced in Potter County for sexually assaulting a young child. John Mix, 21, was  ordered to serve 10 to 20 years in prison for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse; 11-60 months concurrently for indecent assault and 18-60 months concurrently for corruption of minors. According to otter County DA Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, State  Police were advised by the victim’s mother that Mix  had touched her daughter inappropriately. When  State Police interviewed Mix,  he admitted to having sexual contact with the victim on four occasions. Mix must be registered for his lifetime as a sexual predator under Megan's law.

In Tioga County Court action, Matthew S. Roupp, 19, of Wellsboro,  has been sentenced to 24 months for simple assault, with the first 30 days on electronic monitoring and the remainder on probation, plus a $150 fine. Roupp was charged by Wellsboro police for possession of a weapon at the Wellsboro High School on Jan. 10.

Fireworks are a traditional part of many Fourth of July celebrations, but the safest way to enjoy them is by seeing a professional display, according to  State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. “Fireworks displays should be left to the professionals,” Mann said. “Anyone who wants to use legal, small novelty fireworks to celebrate with family and friends should do so only after taking appropriate safety steps to ensure that no one gets hurt.”

Pennsylvania law allows consumers to use small “novelty” fireworks, which are ground-based and include sparklers and trick noise-makers. These fireworks can be sold by retail establishments with valid permits.

Larger fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and mortars, are prohibited by state law. All display fireworks that are shot into the air and burst into a large, colorful display—such as those seen at municipal celebrations and sporting events—are prohibited for use by consumers.

Mann shared the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.

• Always have water handy.

• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter or combine them.

• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water prior to disposal.

• Use common sense. Spectators should stay a safe distance from the igniter and the igniter should wear safety glasses.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

• Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – illegal fireworks should be reported to local law enforcement.

• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.

• Always remain standing and at least six feet away from others while using sparklers.

• Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. 

• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time. 

• Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out.  Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly into a bucket of water.

For more information on Pennsylvania laws regarding fireworks, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police web site at www.psp.state.pa.us, and click on “Frequently Asked Questions about Fireworks.”

June 30, 2011

Wednesday’s high, 65; Overnight low, 47; No precipitation

An Osceola, PA man has been jailed after allegedly threatening to kill a state police corporal during an altercation Wednesday afternoon at the Mansfield Wal-Mart. State police were called to the store at about 5:30 pm on a report of a customer being loud and disorderly.  When Cpl. Douglas Smith tried to speak to 41 year old Garon Russell in the parking lot, he continued yelling and screaming. When  Officer Jamie Jones of the Mansfield Borough Police Department arrived to help Russell allegedly threatened to kill Cpl. Smith and said the officers were “Mafia Trash.” When Cpl. Smith advised Russell he was under arrest, Smith allegedly threatened again to kill him. Russell reportedly resisted both officers’ attempts to take him into custody and pulled away, then swung at Cpl. Smith who then used a taser, striking Russell in the chest.  Russell then bent over and was able to pull one of the probes out and started to run from the parking lot, chased by both officers. Cpl. Smith fired another taser shot, which brought Russell to the ground. Russell reportedly continued to resist but was finally handcuffed by the officers. Trp. Thomas Wool from the Criminal Investigation Unit arrived and completed the arrest, charging Russell with two counts each of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and one of criminal trespass and resisting arrest. Police said Russell was determined to be “unfit for arraignment” by District Judge Philip Sweet and was committed to the Tioga County Prison.

A vendor at the Cross Fork Snake hunt last weekend has been charged with possession, dealing and selling prohibited offensive weapons.  Joseph Gallagher, 68 of Altoona was arraigned before on-call District Judge Barbara Easton and released on $10,000 bail. State police contend Gallagher was in possession and was selling switchblade knives, stun guns and brass knuckles.

Coudersport-based state police have charged 35 year old Jesse Hooftallen of Austin with possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia. Troopers say the charges came after they interviewed Hooftallen on the morning of June 13. They also claim he was found to have sold or furnished alcohol, liquor or malt or brewed beverages to a known juvenile.

A burglary at a Sweden Township home and criminal mischief at three Keating Township camps are being investigated by state police at the Coudersport barracks. Some one forced entry into  the home of Cynthia Zurawa on Sweden Hill Road between 5:00 pm last Friday and 3:10 pm Tuesday. An aluminum frame of a screen window was cut and the window was pried open. Sometime over the past month, unknown persons removed copper tubing from the oil/gas supply tanks at three camps on Smith Hollow Road and removed several pieces of electric wire and drained about 200 gallons of heating oil from a storage tank at one of the camps. Owners are listed as Donald Scholly of Johnstown, George Huber of Valencia and Thomas Nissley of Landisvlle.

Rebecca Dibble, 29 of Sabinsville is being charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. State police claim Dibble went for a ride on an ATV belonging to Bruce Mainus Jr. of the same address, Monday night without the owner’s permission and when she returned, the machine had been damaged.

Willa May Parsons CARY, 85, formerly of Harrison Valley, PA, died November 21, 2010 in Virginia Beach, VA.  Born May 15, 1925, in Clarksburg, WV, she was the daughter of Leo and Claudia Cox Parsons.  She was raised in Westfield, PA by her mother and step-father, Archer McIntyre.  On October 30, 1945, in Whitesville, NY, she married Leland “Pete” Cary, who survives.  She attended the Harrison Valley Federated Church and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #95 in Ulysses, the Harrison Township Ladies Auxiliary, and served as a 4-H leader.  Surviving besides her husband, Pete, are:  a son, David (Peg) Cary;  four daughters, Willa Jean (Ken) Lambert, Judy Metcalf and companion Ron Loeser, Carol (Frank) Brezowski, and Debra Jo (Clyde Sr.) Seeley;  11 grandchildren;  18 great-grandchildren;  one great-great-grandchild;  step-sister, Gayle McIntyre White;  and step-brother, Clair McIntyre.  She was predeceased by a son, Merle Eugene Cary.  A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.  The Rev. David Brelo will officiate.  Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.

Daphne Simpson , 91, formerly of Clarion, PA passed away Wednesday(June 22) at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. She was born November 24, 1919 in Berwick, PA to the late Harry and Lulua (Belles) Silver. She worked at the Berwick Unemployment Office where she later met Edwin R. “Jack” Simpson. They married and moved to Des Moines, Iowa. There she worked as a typist for Better Homes and Gardens magazine and raised her family. 

She was active in the church, as a member of the Berwick Christian Church, the Highland Park Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Des Moines, IA, and the Women’s Circle of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarion, PA. Daphne enjoyed working as a volunteer at Clarion Hospital for many years. 

Daphne had the second Total Hip Replacement (Charnley Low Friction Arthroplasty) performed in the USA. An experimental procedure at the time, the procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation therapies totaled more than a year. 

Known for her “Chalk Talks,” Daphne also enjoyed painting, crafts, refinishing and reupholstering furniture. She was an accomplished seamstress and tailor. Daphne loved playing all kinds of games and cards and she baked a great pie. 

She raised two children and a grandchild who are able to think and to enjoy life. Daphne is survived by a son and daughter in law Blake and Marci Simpson, a daughter Jennifer Wolbert, grand-daughter Kelly Wolbert, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A memorial service for Daphne will be held at the Berwick Christian Church, Berwick, PA on Saturday July 2, 2011, at 1:00pm. Burial will be at the Martzville Cemetery, Martzville, PA. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

June 29, 2011

Tuesday’s high, 78; Overnight low, 56; .13” rain (.05” on Fishing Creek)

A $27.15 billion Republican budget bill has approval from the state Senate after a sharp partisan debate over a plan to lower business taxes, put money in reserve and make deep cuts in education aid. State Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati who represents the Black Forest Service area says the plan he’s pleased the bill is on time and does not call for tax increases, in fact, contains substantial tax decreases for job creators. It’s the first time in eight years the state will have an on-time spending plan. When Democrat Ed Rendell was governor, there were no budgets completed by the June 30 deadline. The Senate approved it along party lines Tuesday and sent it to the House. Republicans there and Gov. Tom Corbett are expected to approve it before Pennsylvania's new fiscal year begins Friday .

A Driftwood man suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle accident early yesterday on Route 555 in Gibson township, Cameron County. State police at Emporium said William Tompkins was going east, rounding a right hand curve  just before 6:00 am when he fell

asleep at the wheel of his Chevrolet Silverado. The truck went off the road and came to rest against a dirt embankment. Tompkins was able to drive the pick up to his home and contacted EMS to report his injuries and was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment. Troopers are charging Tomkins with careless driving.

A Weedville woman and her passenger escaped injury late last night when her compact car hit an elk on the Bennetts Valley Highway in Jay Township, Elk County. State police said Linda Kronenwetter was going north when the elk came onto the highway and into her path. Kronenwetter was unable to avoid the collision but was able to steer her Kia Sorento to the side of the road before it became disabled. The elk fled the scene and was not located.

State police at Coudersport have charged 44 year old Russell Falk of Maple Street Roulette with DUI. Troopers pulled Falk over at about 10:30 pm May 30 on Roulette Township Route 308 for traffic violations, and subsequently determined he was driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Justin Barentine, 18, of Dividing Ridge Road Coudersport has been arrested for underage drinking.  State police say they were called to Barentine’s home early Tuesday when he was reported to have consumed alcohol while being under the age of 21. Troopers found Barentine at the bottom of his driveway, along Route 872 and placed him under arrest.

Ridgway-based state police have accused 44 year old Michael Reed of Brockport with theft. Authorities claim Reed went into the home of Sean Tucker on Peters Road in Elbon around noontime Tuesday and stole a six pack of Natural Ice beer from the refrigerator before fleeing the scene on foot.

A criminal mischief at the home of Ken and Laura Schafer on Squab Hollow Road in Kersey is being probed by state police at Ridgway.  Sometime between 10:00 pm Monday and 1:30 pm Tuesday, someone kicked in a rear basement door, causing it to bend and the lock to break. But apparently nothing was taken. 

The state Department of Bank is advising consumers of an online financial scam which uses a similar name and the former address of a legitimate, licensed Pennsylvania company to solicit money from consumers under the guise of advance fees, the Department of Banking warned today.

The department has received complaints regarding the so-called Central Lending Group, which claims to offer low-interest, unsecured loans and solicits advance fees from consumers.  However, there is no company by this name licensed by the Department of Banking. Additionally, a company of this name is not located at the Yardley mailing address provided on their website. The department does license a company called Central Lending Services, which was formerly located in Yardley and is now located in Fairless Hills. Central Lending Services is not accused of any wrong doing.In all reported cases, consumers were asked to send money otherwise known as advance fees to the illegitimate lender prior to receiving a loan. Advance fee loan scams typically target individuals with poor credit histories using promises of guaranteed approvals and no credit checks. After being “approved,” the victim is asked to pay a fee in order to receive their loans. Ultimately, the scammer pockets the fee and the victim receives nothing.  The scammer’s website, which is hosted in Canada, contains an electronic loan application that requires payment of an application fee and requests personal information, including bank account numbers, which can potentially be used to withdraw additional funds from a victim’s accounts.  Victims of these or any other advance fee loan scams are urged to notify the Pennsylvania Department of Banking at 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657).The Department of Banking urges consumers to “do their homework” before entering into business with any financial company. Consumers can learn about companies licensed or chartered by the Department of Banking at www.banking.state.pa.us and 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657).

June 28, 2011

Monday’s high, 74; Overnight low, 63; no precipitation 

The unemployment picture in the region deteriorated somewhat between April and May according to figures just released by the state department of labor and Industry.  Tioga County which has consistently had the best rate in the region, saw an increase from 6.2% to 6.6%.  Potter County realized a slight increase from 8.7 to 8.9% for the period. McKean’s rate also went up from 8.2 to 8.4% and Elk County also saw an increase in unemployment from 6.2% to 6.6%. However, Cameron County, which still has the worst rate in Pennsylvania saw a decrease from 11.2% to 10.4%. Bradford County where the Marcellus Shale drilling activity is in full swing also so a sight increase from 5.1 to 5.2% but has the best rate in the state. Pennsylvania’s unemployment figure was 7.4% in May while the national rate was 9.1%.  

Three Austin residents have been arraigned on charges of theft and receiving stolen property in connection to an incident at the Hemlock Campground in Wharton Township during the early morning hours of May 28.  Troopers claim Michael Diefenderfer and Timothy Cheplic both 20 and Robert Dynda stole two coolers belonging to Beth Sheredy of Cherry Tree, PA and Robert Gradizzi of Kersey from their campsites and knocked over a port-a-john belonging to the campground. The trio was arraigned before District Judge Annette Easton on June 16 and are awaiting preliminary hearings.  Cheplic is facing an additional DUI charge. State police claim that he drove to the barracks on the afternoon of June 11, under the influence of alcohol. 

State police at Emporium have investigated several recent burglaries and thefts in Cameron County. Thieves pried off two lock hasps on a door to gain entry to Camp Shamrock on Mason Hill road in Lumber Township sometime since Memorial Day weekend but apparently left empty-handed. Thirsty burglars forced open a rear door at a camp on Waldy Run Road in Shippen township sometime last week and stole two cases of “Miller Lite” beer from the refrigerator. The camp is owned by Fred Manginell of Emporium.  Robbers pried open an entrance door at the home of Clifford Singer on Shippen Township Route 316 between 8:00 pm last Thursday and 1:00 am Friday and stole a pair of jeans containing his wallet. The crooks also pried open the rear window on his vehicle parked in his driveway and stole two packs of cigarettes before leaving.  Value of the stolen items amounts to $450 and damage totals about $125.  And criminals broke into a travel trailer owned by James Fragale of Emporium late last week while it was parked along Route 46 at the south entrance of Old North Creek Road. Troopers say they are continuing their investigation into a theft by deception. A known suspect is accused of failing to turn over money and/or unsold fundraising items at the required time. 

 Details have just been released by state police at Emporium regarding a motorcycle accident during the mid-morning June 18 on Route 872 in Grove Township. According to authorities, John Scwab of Forestville, NY suffered minor injuries when his Honda VTX1800F hit a deer which came onto the road and into his path. Schwab was wearing a helmet and other protective gear.

The Potter County Relay for Life held Friday and Saturday at Coudersport Area Recreation Park, though falling short of it’s goal has been deemed a success by the organizers.  Five teams with a minimum of 15 members, weathered soaking rain showers and  raised more than $32,000. The goal was $37,000. There will be a wrap up picnic July 20 at Mitchell Park, beginning at 6:00 pm. Everyone is welcome. Take a dish to pass.  Rachel Forsythe who chaired the event told BFB that this year’s event will be critiqued and suggestions will be entertained for the 2012 relay.

 Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^TM for accreditation for its critical access hospital, Medicare/Medicaid certification-based long term care, and home care programs.

 CCMH achieved its most recent accreditation following rigorous on site surveys for each of the programs in March in which the hospital again demonstrated compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for quality and safety. CCMH has sought Joint Commission accreditation for more than 20 years. Accreditation is earned following an unannounced, on site survey in which a team of expert surveyors evaluate the hospital, long term care unit and home care to determine standards of care for patients including safety, infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve healthcare for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating healthcare organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 healthcare organizations and programs in the U.S. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards setting and accrediting body in healthcare. Learn more at www.jointcommission.org

June 27, 2011

Sunday’s high, 64; Overnight low, 54; Trace of Rain

– Governor Tom Corbett late last week signed into law Senate Bill 1006, legislation

that bans the possession, use and sale of synthetic designer drugs including the dangerous substance known as “bath salts.’’

The General Assembly last week unanimously approved the measure to expand the state’s list of controlled substances. The new law prohibits all chemical substances contained in bath salts, as well as synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs, including 2C-E, which is similar to LSD or Ecstasy, and salvia, which causes hallucinations.

Bath salts, which have nothing to do with baths or spas, are designer drugs with an effect on users comparable to cocaine or methamphetamine. The substance had been legally sold in some tobacco shops and other specialty stores. Users sometimes experience agitation, paranoia, hallucinations and often commit violent acts.

In signing the legislation, Gov. Corbett said. “In Blair County, two friends stabbed each other in a dispute over a bath salt container. In Carbon County, a man held police at bay with an assault rifle for hours. In Lackawanna County, a man broke into a monastery and stabbed a priest. Police said all of them had been using bath salts.’’

Since the law does not take effect for 60 days, Corbett asked merchants who sell these chemicals to voluntarily stop before more people are hurt. Potter County DA Andy Watson is among law enforcement officials asking that stores voluntarily removed the products before the required deadline.

Under the new law, conviction for a first offense for delivery or possession with the intent to deliver carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Conviction of simple possession of the substance carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Bath salts are already banned in more than 20 states, as well as in Israel, Canada, Australia and several countries in Europe. In Pennsylvania, several communities established local bans on the sale of synthetic drugs.

To read the text of the bill, visit the General Assembly’s website at www.legis.state.pa.us. 

An Eldred truck driver escaped injury last Thursday morning when his rig wrecked on Route 449 just north of Route 6 in Ulysses Township, Potter County. Steven James was making a right hand curve when he noticed a vehicle stopped in his lane. State police said James couldn’t stop in time, swerved to the right and caused the semi to go through the guard rail and over an embankment where it became disabled.

DUI and other charges are pending against 19 year old Dustin Lockwood of Brockport following a one-vehicle crash late last night on Lovers Lane in Fox Township, Elk County. Troopers said Lockwood was going south when he swerved to the right causing his Honda Accord to go off the road, strike a tree head-on.  Lockwood and his passenger, Rhett Eisman,19, also of Brockport, received minor injuries. Eisman is being charged with purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages while being under the age of 21.

No one was hurt in a one-vehicle crash late Friday night on Toby Road in Fox Township, Elk County. Troopers said Logan Krise of St. Marys was headed south when his Pontiac Bonneville went off the west side of the road, while going south. The car came back onto the road, spun clockwise and went off the road a second time, struck an embankment and rolled over onto its roof, coming to rest upside down in the southbound lane. Krise and his passenger, Joelle Wolfel of Emporium were not wearing seatbelts. He’s being charged with speeding.

Coudersport-based state police have charged 21 year old Jessie Pekarski of Park Avenue with disorderly conduct for an incident taking place between 3:30 and 4:14 am May 9 at a coma located just 300 feet south of the Austin-Costello Sportsman Club. Authorities say their investigation has determined that Pekarski was the person who fired a shot at a camp owned by Gerald Bush of Marietta, PA.  The bullet went through a window and lodge in a window sill on the other side of the camp.

Eric McFall, 25 of Knoxville is being charged with harassment for an incident allegedly taking place during the early morning hours Sunday in Harrison Township. State police claim McFall made phone calls and sent text messages at extremely inconvenient hours to 25 year old Zachary Lawson and a 38 year old Knoxville woman. Troopers claim McFall was asked to stop contacting the victims and when he refused, they intervened.  McFall allegedly also threatened the victims.

State police at Coudersport are also charging 31 year old Richard Earle of Edinboro, formerly of Austin, with harassment for an incident occurring at around midnight May 26 on Cowley Hill Road in Portage Township. Troopers say while his car was stopped, Earle struck a 25 year old Edinboro woman with his fist. The victim got out of the car and went to a nearby residence.  The incident was just investigated early Sunday morning in Austin.

Troopers at Ridgway have not released the names of a couple of suspects but say a 45 year old woman from Kane used an ATM Card belonging to Leonard Coker of Kane to withdraw funds from his bank account last week. A 21 year old man from Kersey is suspected of going to the  Irishtown Road home of 92 year old Harry Himes last Tuesday and stealing two checks from the victim’s checkbook, and endorsing them before cashing them at two different locations.

Thefts of road signs are being investigated by troopers at Coudersport and Ridgway earlier this year. Thieves took an “ATV, Snowmobile, and a 10 ton Weight Limit” sign from alongside Rooks Road in Allegany Township. It will cost taxpayers $175.00 to replace the signs.  And, thieves took three stop signs from a Fox Township intersection in Elk County recently. Value is estimated to be $150 total.

Thieves stole a variety of items from the Railroad Museum on Route 6 in Ulysses Township, Potter County overnight last Tuesday. The museum is owned by Jerry Wright of Coudersport.

Troopers at Emporium and Ridgway are investigating a number thefts from vehicles.  Sometime over the past couple of weeks, thieves forced their way into a 1975 Dodge motor home owned by Jeffrey Smeal while it was parked at his home in Driftwood. Vandals caused $75 in damage while stealing $115 worth of items.  Criminals took cigarettes, money and a flash drive from a car owned by Teresa Archer June 8 or 9 while it was parked at her home on Scotland Street in Dagus Mines.  Thieves recently entered cars in St.Marys owned by Ruth Cooney, Michael Wildnauer, Richard Feldbauer and Eric Wildnauer and  took several items including  an XM radio, Garman GPS unit, Ace lock blade knife and about $19.00 in change. The stolen items are valued at $729.00.

Earl Tubbs, 43 of Ulysses is being charged with criminal mischief for vandalism to a vehicle early last Tuesday morning. State police claim Tubbs broke an AM/FM radio antenna and the passenger side mirror off of a car owned by Colleen Smith while it was parked at her home on White Knoll Road.

Two Elk County residents are accused of writing worthless checks for gasoline to the Keystone Gas Station in Jay Township this past spring. Authorities claim Joseph Pittman of Weedville wrote a bad check on March 8 totaling $56.50 while Ashley Lipsey of Brynedale bounced a check for $40.00 on April 11. Apparently neither suspect made their checks good.

David Brooks, Executive Director of the Potter County Visitors Association reported at last Tuesday’s meeting of the Coudersport Area  Chamber of Commerce that there were 166 runners registered for the God’s County Marathon June 4; 133 finished the race. and there were three relay teams, a first for the event.  Brooks said the organization expects to double participation next year by adding a “Half Marathon.”

Helen V. “Jinny” Wondrack, 88, of Shinglehouse, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 23, 2011at her home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving family.

     Born May 6, 1923 in Newark, NJ, she was a daughter of Charles and Merle Mitchell Watts.  On June 2, 1951 in Denville, NJ, she married Edward R. Wondrack, who survives.

     She was a graduate of Dover High School in Dover, NJ and a graduate of the University of Iowa nursing program.  Mrs. Wondrack was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served as a registered nurse, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant.

     She worked as a Registered Nurse in the Dover Christian Nursing Home in Dover.  After moving to Shinglehouse, Mrs. Wondrack and her family purchased the Shagbark Campground which they operated for several years.  She was also the school nurse for the Oswayo Valley School District in Shinglehouse and later was employed by the former Hewitt Manor Nursing Home in Shinglehouse. 

     Mrs. Wondrack was a longtime member of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church where she served her church in several capacities and was a member of the Mary Martha Group of the church.

     Surviving besides her husband are two daughters, Lillian M. Wondrack and Jan A. Healy, both of Shinglehouse; three grandchildren, Leo E. Carpenter of Bradford, Connie J. (Kayle) Perkins and Aiden K. Healy, both of Shinglehouse; and a brother, Charles “Chad” Watts of Tom’s River, NJ.

     In keeping with Jinny’s wishes services will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Potter County Hospice, 1001 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915; the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748; or to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

     Arrangements are under the direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

June 24, 2011

Thursday’s high, 76: Overnight low, 60; .11” rain (.24” on Fishing Creek)

Marcellus Shale drilling activity may only be around for 25-30 more years but today it is a hot topic across Pennsylvania. Potter County Commissioner Susan Kefover reported at the June 16 commissioners’ meeting that she had recently read a report that 78,000 jobs have been created in Pennsylvania due to the drilling, 71% of those have gone to Pennsylvania residents; 9,000 industry-related jobs  have been created in the first few months of this year and there has been a 1300% increase in employment in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties since 2008. The 2011 Northern Tier Marcellus Shale Business to Business Expo will be  held at Alparon Park in Troy, PA Check the site at www.ntmarcellusexpo.com for more information.  The Expo will be hosting key industry speakers at the Troy High School 7:00 pm.  Dan Stoner of Center Rock Inc. will be speaking on the Chilean Mine Rescue and the Future of Drilling.  John Felmy of American Petroleum Institute (API) will immediately follow with the seminar “The Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Resource – A Real Game Changer for Pennsylvania”.  Some of the topics will include

·         What is Marcellus Shale?

·         How much is there and what does it mean to Pennsylvania and the nation.?

·         Why do we need it?

·         What are the economic Impacts?

·         What are the impacts of the development?

A Coudersport man received minor injuries in a collision Thursday morning at the intersection of Main and East Second Street in Coudersport. Borough Police Chief Lee Gross told Black Forest Broadcasting that the collision occurred when a pick up driven by Nolan Johnson of Pioche, NV which was headed west and while making a left turn, struck the drivers side door of a pick up driven by Robert Smith, of Route 6 West. Smith was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by Coudersport volunteer ambulance and was released after being treated for neck and back pain.  Johnson and his five passengers escaped injury.

No injuries were reported for an Olean, NY man following a one-vehicle crash Tuesday evening on Stony Fork Road in Delmar Township, Tioga County. State police said 19 year old Darren Gloss was going north when his Mitsubishi Eclipse went off the road along the east side and traveled some 36 feet along the grass before hitting a ditch. The car traveled 64 more feet before coming to rest in the ditch. Gloss is being cited for speeding.

Ridgway-based state police are charging 34 year old Renee Streich of St. Marys with retail theft after she allegedly walked out of the Family Dollar Store in Johnsonburg last night with two items without paying for them.

The theft of a cell phone from a car parked at the Dandy Minit parking lot on Main Street in Lawrenceville Wednesday afternoon is under investigation by Mansfield-based state police. Someone took the phone from a car belonging to Julie Ann Springstead of Bath,  NY and threw it under another car at around 5:45 pm.

Robert Bernstein, 46, of Williston, Fla., was apprehended  just before 10 p.m. Tuesday at Lakeview Lodge on Rolling Acres Lane in Lawrenceville on a warrant from Florida.Marshals sought Bernstein after he failed to appear in court June 8 in Levy County, Fla. on a charge of sexual molestation of a victim less than 12 years old. Starting Monday, Marshals and members of the Middle District of Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force began working leads on Bernstein's whereabouts in Tioga County, investigating places in Knoxville and Middlebury Center.

Bernstein is being charged as a fugitive and  was taken to Tioga County Prison where he awaits extradition proceedings.

 Charles Cole Memorial Hospital  announces it has joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Partnership for Patients initiative to improve the quality, safety and affordability of healthcare for its patients and community members.

The patient safety partnership is a new national initiative expected to help hospitals, employers, health plans, medical providers and patient advocates save lives and healthcare costs associated with preventable injuries and complications.

The partnership strives to decrease preventable hospital-acquired conditions by 40 percent and decrease preventable complications during care transitions from one setting to another, thereby reducing readmissions by 20 percent by the end of 2013. Over the next three years, these achievements are expected to impact millions of Americans by saving lives and preventing injuries while saving the healthcare system some $35 billion, including $10 billion in Medicare savings.

Ten areas of focus have been identified although reducing all forms of harm will be addressed. They are: adverse drug events, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated blood stream infections, injuries from falls and immobility, obstetrical adverse events, pressure ulcers, surgical site infections, venous thromboembolism, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and other hospital-acquired conditions.

CCMH has started participating in a series of educational webinars and plans to educate staff, board members, corporate advisors, wellness committee and the public about the partnership. In addition, the hospital has started to reach out to partner agencies to discuss how they can improve care together.

Potter County Habitat for Humanity has released an update on the Galeton property at 12 Poplar Avenue.The footers have been poured and the area has been stoned and leveled off.  A big thank you goes to Dante Cimorelli and his crew for completing this part of the job last week.On Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 8:00 a.m volunteers  will be installing the drainage pipe around the foundation and laying the block for the basement.  Once they  have 6 courses of block laid they  will pour the basement floor and backfill around the house.  After that they will finish laying the rest of the block. The project will probably take approximately two or three days to compete Persons wishing to help should email  Jim and Charlotte Blain jrcmblain@aol.com.

     The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Williamsport area hospital has agreed to pay the United States $598,965 to resolve allegations that it erroneously submitted improper claims to the Medicare program.

     According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Divine Providence Hospital has agreed to pay $598,965 to resolve allegations that from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2007, the hospital erroneously submitted claims to the Medicare program for payment that contained evaluation and management services that were not allowable under Medicare.

     U.S. Attorney Smith noted that Medicare does not normally allow additional payments for evaluation and management services performed by a provider on the same day as a procedure.

     If a provider performs an evaluation and management service on the same day as a procedure and the service is significant, separately identifiable, and above and beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure, an attachment to the claim, known as "Modifier 25," may be submitted to allow additional payment for the separate evaluation and management service.

     In this matter, the government determined that Divine Providence Hospital incorrectly attached Modifier 25 to Medicare claims that led Medicare to pay the hospital for evaluation and management services that were not significant and separately identifiable from the underlying procedure for which Medicare also paid the hospital.

     U.S. Attorney Smith credited the hospital for its cooperation and corrective action which helped to resolve the matter fairly and efficiently.

     The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General in Harrisburg and handled by D. Brian Simpson, of the United States Attorney's Office, Civil Division.

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital  announces it has joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Partnership for Patients initiative to improve the quality, safety and affordability of healthcare for its patients and community members.

The patient safety partnership is a new national initiative expected to help hospitals, employers, health plans, medical providers and patient advocates save lives and healthcare costs associated with preventable injuries and complications.

The partnership strives to decrease preventable hospital-acquired conditions by 40 percent and decrease preventable complications during care transitions from one setting to another, thereby reducing readmissions by 20 percent by the end of 2013. Over the next three years, these achievements are expected to impact millions of Americans by saving lives and preventing injuries while saving the healthcare system some $35 billion, including $10 billion in Medicare savings.

Ten areas of focus have been identified although reducing all forms of harm will be addressed. They are: adverse drug events, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated blood stream infections, injuries from falls and immobility, obstetrical adverse events, pressure ulcers, surgical site infections, venous thromboembolism, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and other hospital-acquired conditions.

CCMH has started participating in a series of educational webinars and plans to educate staff, board members, corporate advisors, wellness committee and the public about the partnership. In addition, the hospital has started to reach out to partner agencies to discuss how they can improve care together.

Potter County Habitat for Humanity has released an update on the Galeton property at 12 Poplar Avenue.The footers have been poured and the area has been stoned and leveled off.  A big thank you goes to Dante Cimorelli and his crew for completing this part of the job last week.On Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 8:00 a.m volunteers  will be installing the drainage pipe around the foundation and laying the block for the basement.  Once they  have 6 courses of block laid they  will pour the basement floor and backfill around the house.  After that they will finish laying the rest of the block. The project will probably take approximately two or three days to compete Persons wishing to help should email  Jim and Charlotte Blain jrcmblain@aol.com.

   The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that a Williamsport area hospital has agreed to pay the United States $598,965 to resolve allegations that it erroneously submitted improper claims to the Medicare program.

     According to United States Attorney Peter J. Smith, Divine Providence Hospital has agreed to pay $598,965 to resolve allegations that from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2007, the hospital erroneously submitted claims to the Medicare program for payment that contained evaluation and management services that were not allowable under Medicare.

     U.S. Attorney Smith noted that Medicare does not normally allow additional payments for evaluation and management services performed by a provider on the same day as a procedure.

     If a provider performs an evaluation and management service on the same day as a procedure and the service is significant, separately identifiable, and above and beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure, an attachment to the claim, known as "Modifier 25," may be submitted to allow additional payment for the separate evaluation and management service.

     In this matter, the government determined that Divine Providence Hospital incorrectly attached Modifier 25 to Medicare claims that led Medicare to pay the hospital for evaluation and management services that were not significant and separately identifiable from the underlying procedure for which Medicare also paid the hospital.

     U.S. Attorney Smith credited the hospital for its cooperation and corrective action which helped to resolve the matter fairly and efficiently.

     The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General in Harrisburg and handled by D. Brian Simpson, of the United States Attorney's Office, Civil Division.

June 23, 2011

Wednesday’s high, 78; Overnight low, 62; .07” rain (.12” on Fishing Creek) 

Members of the Pennsylvania Senate say there is now growing bi-partisan support to draft and pass legislation creating an extraction fee for Marcellus Shale drilling in Pennsylvania.  Senate Democrats have announced a plan to amend Senate-Bill 1100, sponsored by Sen. Joe Scarnati, that is expected to gain support from Democrats and Republicans.  The amendment would, among other things:

*           Increase the base impact fee to $17-thousand from the current proposal of $10-thousand.
*           Restore the price adjustment factor for natural gas.
*           Restore the requirement for criminal penalties.
On the distribution side:
*           Reduce the local share to 55-percent from 60-percent and increase statewide distribution to 45-percent from 40-percent.
*           Conservation Districts would receive $5-million.
*           Office of the State Fire Commissioner would receive $2-milion for training and equipment purchases for areas where the shale drilling is underway.
Pennsylvania remains the only energy producing state that does not impose an extraction fee on natural gas drilling.

In Potter County Court news, 21 year old Andrew Welk of Belfast, NY has been sentenced to 12 months on probation for stealing two antique bicycles; ordered to pay a $250 fine; perform 20 hours of community service and make restitution of $225.  According to Potter County District Attorney Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, while being interviewed by state police, Welk’s accomplice Heather Wolfanger admitted she and Welk were at the Nine Mile Motel on Route 6 when they decided to use the bikes to travel back to New York State last July 17^th.

A Galeton driver escaped injury in a minor one-vehicle accident Monday morning on the Charleston Road in Tioga County. State police said William Greenwood was headed east when his Chevrolet Cobalt went off the road and struck a culvert with the undercarriage where it came to rest. Greenwood was wearing a seatbelt at the time. The car was towed from the scene by a private citizen with a tractor.  The 20 year old driver is being cited for careless driving. 

A Lawrenceville man is being charged with providing false identification to authorities. State police at Mansfield claim 33 year old Orlando Frazier lied about his identity when being advised on June 9 that he was the subject of an official investigation for violating a law.

A couple of thefts are being investigated by state police at Mansfield. Sometime between June 3 and 10, thieves entered a unlocked shop owned by Brian Allen  on Sweet Briar Road in Delmar Township and stole a Honda generator and drill bit sharpener. The equipment is valued at $1250.

Thieves took a Moutrie Gamespy Digital Camera from a field about 200 yards north of Route 49 in Westfield Township between June 9 and 21. The camera belonged to Arnold Cary. No value was given.

Troopers at Mansfield are also probing a criminal mischief occurring between noon this past Saturday and 6:30 pm Monday at Circle K Auto Sales on Route 6 in Delmar Township. Vandals broke the rear passenger window and dented the rear passenger door on a 2000 Lincoln Continental sedan parked in the sales lot. Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call state police at 570-662-2151.

Two New York State women are being charged in Tioga County for scattering rubbish. Authorities say 44 year old Lisa Jayne and 23 year old Mandy Clark, both of Lindlay, were observed dumping garbage in a wooded area  on private property on  the East Side of Johnson Road in Farmington Township Sunday evening. The land is owned by Mary Ross of Newton, NJ.

 The Potter County Cancer Society Relay For Life being held from noon  Friday to noon  Saturday at Coudersport Area  Recreation Park  is short-handed this year and DJ Coyote Nights who will be providing music for the 24 hour event is trying to organize a “fill in volunteer” base for those who would like to be involved but have only limited time.  Anyone who would like to fill in on a team is invited to stop by the big white tent located  on the track any time during the event.

Nancy L. Wiseman Landries, 76, of Jacksonville,FL formerly of Shinglehouse, PA and Brockport, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 13, 2011 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

     Born March 28, 1935 in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of Clyde and Virginia Rosenswie Wiseman.  On July 11, 1953 in Shinglehouse, she married Wayne L. Landries, who died on March 11, 2007.

     She was a graduate of Shinglehouse High School.

      Mrs. Landries was a resident of Brockport for most of her life.  She served on the Board of Lifetime Assistance, Inc. and was a passionate advocate for disabled children.  Her greatest love was her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

      Surviving are five children: Deborah L. (James) Siegfried of Jacksonville, FL, Richard V. (Mary) Landries of Cortland, OH, Daniel W. (Cecilia) Landries of Warrenton, VA, Ronald E. Landries of Brockport, NY, and Theresa E. (William) Gavitt of Clearwater, FL; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

     In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Landries was predeceased by a brother, Jerry Wiseman.

      Friends are invited to attend a graveside memorial service on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.  The Rev. Russell J. Horning, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, will officiate.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org) or to Lifetime Assistance, Inc., 425 Paul Road, Rochester, NY 14624.

     Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

June 22, 2011

Tuesday’s high, 79; Overnight low, 66; .17”rain  (.35” on Fishing Creek)

A Preliminary hearing for accused killers Jonothan Prather, 19, of Coudersport and Avery Buckingham, 25, of Austin scheduled for this morning before District Justice Annette Easton has been continued indefinitely while defense counsel is obtained.  Observers speculate it could be several weeks before the hearing is re-scheduled. The suspects remain lodged in the Potter County Jail without bail They are accused of killing 18 year old Samuel Miller on the weekend of June 4^th in Summit Township, Potter County. A 15 year old Coudersport girl, Kaylynn Benson is also charged with murder and is being kept in a juvenile facility. Each is charged with first and third degree murder and related crimes.  According to the affidavit of probable cause, Prather had been planning the murder for about three weeks claiming Miller deserved to die because he was “a snitch and was arrogant.” Authorities claim Buckingham and Benson were aware of the plans and accompanied Prather and Miller to a remote area of Potter County where Prather shot Miller in the back of the head with a .22 cal. rifle, then pumped 7 more bullets into the victim’s body to make sure he was dead and didn’t suffer. As Benson allegedly held a spotlight,  Buckingham reportedly  helped Prather drag Miller’s bullet riddled body into Prouty Run Creek where it was discovered a week later by a fisherman.

Ridgway based state police report investigating a number of incidents in their area including the theft of cast iron integral working scale parts from a 100,000 truck scale located in a scrap yard along Route 255 in Scattertown. The parts belonged to Murray Lilley of Weedville and were taken last Thursday, June 16. Suspects were seen leaving the salvage yard at about 6:00 am in a silver or gray Chevrolet single cab pick up. Troopers say they have a known female suspect in a hit and run collision. Authorities say the woman drove into the yard at the Rudy Verbka residence on Coal Hollow Road in Fox Township at around 4:00 am Saturday and caused a large amount of damage.  A Kersey teenager is being charged with harassment for two separate incidents taking place early Tuesday morning. Troopers say 18 year Breanna Uhl struck a 45 year old man several times during an argument on Irishtown Road and police claim she had consumed alcoholic beverages. A couple of hours later police say Uhl struck a 70 year old woman in the head several times at a residence on Uhl Road. In addition to two counts of harassment, Uhl is charged with underage consumption of alcoholic beverages.    

Coudersport Rotary is currently seeking host families for the next exchange student, Felipe Herrera from Chile.  He is due to arrive in the Coudersport area in August.  Host families may serve for a portion or all of the school year.  Felipe is an active 16 year old boy who enjoys sports, especially soccer, and music.  Families and single parents from the Coudersport, Ulysses, Shinglehouse and Austin areas are invited to apply as host parents.  Felipe would be enrolled as a student in the school district served by the host families. 

Host families furnish room and board, and are encouraged to treat the exchange student as a member of the family.  Rotary furnishes spending money, counseling as needed, and guidance. This is a unique chance for Potter County families to share our rural lifestyle and hospitality with a foreign student, and also to learn about the culture and customs of another country.  Felipe speaks good English and is anxious to meet new people and make new friendships in our country.

 Coudersport Rotary has sent many local students overseas, and hosted children from around the world with excellent results.   Contact John Leete at 274-7878 or Nancy Grupp at 274-8565 soon to learn more about being a host parent or family.

Sweden Valley Manor hosted the 2011 graduating class of Potter County’s P.E.E.R. Program on June 9th. The Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (P.E.E.R.) Program began in Potter County in 2008. Since then, 25 seniors between Sweden Valley Manor, CCMH Skilled Nursing & Rehab and Cole Manor have completed the 10 hour course to become voluntary ombudsmen to fellow residents at their respective care communities. Marion VanOrden (Sweden Valley Manor), Dorothy Galayda (Sweden Valley Manor), Josephine Kleinhans (Sweden Valley Manor), Joyce Cox (CCMH Skilled Nursing & Rehab), and George Sterner of Sweden Valley Manor all completed the course. 

More than three-quarters of the 319 child passenger safety seats inspected by state troopers during a two-week enforcement effort were found to be improperly installed according to state police headquarters.State police inspected 319 safety seats at 45 locations statewide during a Click It or Ticket campaign that ran from May 23 to June 5. Noonan said troopers found that 246, or about 77 percent, of those seats were improperly installed.

Common problems included failing to securely anchor the child seat to the vehicle’s seat; failing to use the child’s seat harness to hold the child in the seat; and facing the car seat in the wrong direction.Parents can schedule an appointment for an inspection of a child safety seat by calling any state police station. Station inspection dates can be found by going to the Safety Education link at the state police website.

During the two-week Click It or Ticket enforcement effort, troopers issued 902 seat belt citations and 3,874 seat belt warnings; cited 63 persons for failing to properly restrain a child in a safety seat; and arrested 32 persons for driving under the influence. Citations and warnings were not issued to people who brought their seats to the voluntary inspections.

To learn more about Pennsylvania’s seat belt and child safety seat laws, visit www.drivesafepa.org.

For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556.

Troops in the Black Forest Service area had a poor rating.

• Troop C  Clarion, Clearfield, Forest, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties), 60 safety seat inspections; 46 safety seats found to be improperly installed (77%) ; 82 seat belt citations issued;

• Troop F (Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Union and Tioga counties), 11 safety seat inspections; 10 safety seats found to be improperly installed (91%); 87 seat belt citations issued; this in spite of the frequent safety seat check points conducted by troopers in Coudersport, Emporium and Mansfield.

June 21, 2011

Monday’s high, 76;  low, 63; .07”;(.39” Fishing Creek)

Today is the first day of Summer, arriving on the east coast at 1:16 pm. The Potter County Department of Emergency Services is advising residents to prepare for summer storms. With tornadoes in Massachusetts and massive flooding nationwide, it's been a spring full of unusual disasters. We have already experienced extreme weather this spring in the Black Forest Service area.  Severe thunderstorms on the night of May 26 knocked out electricity for some 5,000 Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative members, primarily in Potter, Tioga and Lycoming Counties. Some members were still in the dark almost a week later.  An F1 tornado touched down in the Tioga County town of Knoxville during the early morning Memorial day. Several stately trees were uprooted and a number of homes were damaged by the twister. Emergency experts say you should get ready for the unexpected this summer. Officials say the three essentials of emergency preparation are assembling a "go" bag, communicating a family disaster plan, and staying informed on approaching threats. The bag should have a flashlight for every family member; portable radio and a supply of fresh batteries.   More disaster tips are available online at ready-dot-gov, and from your local emergency management office.

A 22 year old Bradford driver is facing DUI charges for a collision Saturday night in which three people in the other car were hurt. STATE POLICE at Kane said Derek Ford was going north on Route 321 in Hamilton Township when his Jeep Wrangler veered off the road, re-entered the highway, crossed over the center line and rolled onto its passenger side , slid into some guardrails on the west side before coming to rest in the center of the highway.  George Devlin, 75 of Beaver Falls was traveling south and due to darkness did not see the wrecked jeep in time  and his Nissan Sentra struck it and pushed it against the guard rail where both units came to rest.  Devlin, his wife Margaret and Nancy Stavish of North Cambria PA were all taken to Kane Community hospital for treatment of major injuries while Ford was unhurt. 

Coudersport based state police are continuing their investigation into a simple assault occurring Saturday afternoon in Academy Park, Shinglehouse. A known suspect is accused of pushing 43 year old William Carpenter of Olean to the ground and punching him several times causing injuries.  Charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment will be filed before District Judge Barbara Easton. Police did not release the suspect’s name. 

Kane-based state police are investigating the theft of a four-wheeler from a residence on Flickerwood Road in Wetmore Township Sunday or Monday.  Thieves removed a  purple 1995 Yamaha Timberwolf 4 x 4 from an unlocked garaged owned by Robert Gullifer of Kane.  The machine’s VIN is JY4YKDA01SA036356. Anyone with information is asked to call the barracks at 814-778-5555.

The theft of some items from a vehicle parked at a residence on Old West Creek Road in Shippen Township Cameron County June 12 or 13 is being investigated by state policed at Emporium. The items belonged to Amanda Harris and Cole LaBrozzi.

Troopers at Coudersport are probing the theft of a mountain bike in Ulysses during the early morning hours Sunday. The bike belonged to Terri Thompson and was parked outside the Baptist Church when it was stolen.

It’s a texting battle going on in Wellsboro. Thomas Gaulien, 62, of Wellsboro tells police he received 74 unwanted text messages on his cell phone in 24 hours during Mid-May. Gaulien has been cited three times for sending unwanted text and Facebook messages to 33 year old Amber McCauley of Wellsboro this spring.

June 20, 2011

Sunday’s high, 78; Overnight low, 55; no rain

A 15 year old Coudersport girl is being charged with first and third degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first degree murder. for her part in the shooting death of 18 year old Samuel Miller of Eldred on the weekend of June 4^th in Summit Township, Potter County. Kaylynn Benson remains lodged in a juvenile facility after being charged late last week. Under Pennsylvania law, the names of minors charged as adults can be released to the public.  Authorities claim Benson was aware of the plans made by Jonothan “Jeep” Prather, 19 of Coudersport and 25 year old Avery “Bud” Buckingham of Austin to kill Miller and held a spotlight while the shooting took place.  According to the affidavit of probable cause Benson did not tell anyone about the murder because Prather told her “snitches get stitches.

Miller’s bullet riddled body was found in Prouty Run Creek Saturday afternoon by a  Prather reportedly had been saying for three weeks that Miller had to be killed because he was a snitch and was  arrogant. Police claim The suspects and Benson’s younger sister stopped in Port Allegany on the night of June 4  where they picked up the victim, drove to the Bradford Wal-Mart and purchased the spot light.  The sister, identified in documents as “AB” was dropped off at her Coudersport home and the quartet continued into Summit Township where Prather said he shot Miller in the back of the head and then shot him 7 more times to make sure he was dead. A shot in the temple was to prevent him from suffering according to the court documents.  Then, according to the statements, Buckingham helped Prather drag Miller’s body into the creek as Benson  held the spotlight. The case is being investigated by state police and Potter County DA Andy Watson. Preliminary hearings are tentatively scheduled for Prather and Buckingham before Judge Easton at 10:30 am this Wednesday.  

Coudersport-based state police believe they have solved an arson and burglary taking place May 30 at the Southern Baptist Church on Phoenix Run Road in Hector Township, Potter County. Late last week, troopers arrested 23 year old Seth Greenwalt of Millerton and three teenage girls, two 17 year olds from Sabinsville and Ulysses and a 16 year old from Sunderlinville.  Greenwalt is charged with institutional vandalism, criminal trespass, corruption of minors, desecration/theft or sale of venerated objects and criminal conspiracy.  The 17 year old girls are charged with those crimes plus burglary, arson and related offenses; the 16 year old faces the same charges except burglary and arson. Greenwalt is also charged with corruption of minors.  Police claim the suspects started two fires at opposite ends of the church but the fires extinguished themselves before causing any significant damage.

A couple of  camp burglaries are being probed by Coudersport-based state police. Sometime since Mid-March, thieves took a pair of steel wagon wheels from the front of a camp on the Loucks Mills Road in Pike Township owned by Russ Knaub of California, MD. The wheels are about 4 feet in diameter and one had a wooden spoke attached. They are valued at about $300. Thieves forced their way into a camp on the First Fork Road in Sylvania Township sometime after Memorial Day and removed a number of items. The camp is owned by Terry Herman of Selinsgrove.

Troopers are also continuing to investigate a trespass by motor vehicle and disorderly conduct taking place back on May 22 along the Bowers Road in Allegany Township. Gary Morgan of Eastford,  CT told police some drove an ATV onto his posted private property and when confronted, tried to engage in fighting behavior. Anyone with information about the camp burglaries or the trespassing incident is asked to call the Coudersport barracks at 814-274-8690. 

Ridgway based state police are investigating  a burglary occurring between 7:30 pm last Wednesday and 6:00 am Thursday on the East side of Scotland Street in Dagus Mines. Thieve forced the door open on a locked garage owned by Mark Wittman and stole a red plastic gas can. 

Another vending machine theft is also under investigation by state police at Ridgway. Thieves broke open a Coca Cola machine at the Royal Drive-Inn located in Ridgway Township last Wednesday or Thursday and stole an undetermined amount of change. This is the latest of such thefts occurring in Elk and Cameron Counties over the past few weeks.

 Nancy B. ERWAY, 68, of Genesee, PA, died unexpectedly on Friday, June 17, 2011 in her home.  Born September 18, 1942, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Robert R. and Lucille Scott Barnett.  On February 2, 1963, in Gold, PA, she married Dale E. Erway, who survives.  She was a 1960 graduate of Northern Potter High School and a graduate of Bloomsburg State Teachers College.  She and her husband owned and operated a potato farm and the Gol-DEN-Ray potato processing plant for many years.  She was a member of the Gold Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, and musician.  She was a director of the Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative from 1979 – 1992, serving as chairman for four years and the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association from 1988 – 1992, serving as chairman for three years.  She served as Allegany Township Judge of Election, as a local board member for the Selective Service System, as a member of the Potter County Human Services Advisory Board, and volunteered with the local mentoring program.  Surviving besides her husband, Dale, are:  a son, Timothy A. (Heather) Erway of East Windsor, NJ;  three daughters, Debra C. (Michael) Morgan and Sheila D. (Benjamin R.) Olney, both of Ulysses, and Jennifer J. (Glenn) Bergin of Churchville, PA;  eleven grandchildren, Andrew Morgan, Alexandria Morgan, Matthew Morgan, Sarah Morgan, Rebecca Morgan, Aaron Olney, Joy Olney, Kent Bergin, Kevin Bergin, Brandon Bergin, and Derek Bergin;  a brother, Jerry (Marcella) Barnett of Ulysses, PA;  two sisters, Sally (Charles) Helderman of Lemont, IL and Judith (Kevin) Haroldson of Park Rapids, MN;  and nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, James Barnett.  Friends may call Tuesday, June 21, 2011 from 1:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.  Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday in the Gold Church, with the Rev. Frank Mickle, Pastor, officiating.  Burial will be in Raymond Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse (for US disaster relief), c/o Gold Church, 35 SR 449 North, Genesee, PA 16923 or the Gold Church Development Fund.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.

Grace Shiles, 92, formerly of Shinglehouse, died Thursday, June 16, 2011 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.

  Born July 23, 1918 in Bridgeton, NJ, she was a daughter of Frank and Metta Nixon Hetzell.  On May 1, 1944 in Deerfield, NY she married Millard Shiles, who died on April 14, 1964.

     Mrs. Shiles was a graduate of Bridgeton High School and also graduated from beautician school in Philadelphia, PA.  Along with her husband, Mrs. Shiles moved to Shinglehouse in 1963.  For many years she was a farmer.

     She had formerly attended the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Wellsville.  She enjoyed gardening and crafts.

     Surviving are two sons, Millard (Donna Mae) Shiles of Maryland and Dale (Barbara) Shiles of Delaware; three daughters, Kathy (Gordon) Derrick of Shinglehouse, Nancy (Michael) Brylinski of Tonawanda, NY, and Judy Taylor of Jamestown, NY; seventeen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; her life partner of 41 years, George Burlew of Coudersport; and several nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Shiles was predeceased by three brothers, Clifford Hetzell, Francis Hetzell and Milford Hetzell; and five sisters, Elizabeth Hetzell, Sarah Hetzell, Dorothy Rogers, Ruth Hetzell, and Lida Harris.

     Friends may call on Sunday 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 Monday, June 20, 2011 at 3:30 p.m.  The Rev. Robert N. Hubbard, pastor of Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, will officiate.  Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

June 17, 2011

Thursday’s high, 63; Overnight low, 56; .20” rain (.26” on Fishing Creek)

Potter County has received two grants totaling slightly more than $56,000 to protect its water resources, in partnership with several stakeholder groups. The announcement was made during yesterday’s meeting of the Potter County Commissioners. In an effort to most effectively monitor and protect these resources, the Potter County Board of Commissioners has pulled together watershed associations, conservation organizations, county agencies, Penn State Extension, school districts and others to form a Water Quality Workgroup.

A separate and affiliated group, the Triple Divide Watershed Coalition, addresses similar issues from the perspective of public water suppliers

One of the grants  is from the Water Resources Education Network ($8,000) and the other the Colcom Foundation ($56,000 plus). Funds will primarily be used to purchase water monitoring equipment for volunteers, acquire and install 12 in-stream monitoring systems, pay for chain-of-custody testing for public water supplies, and develop educational materials.

Key elements of the workgroup’s plan include: collecting baseline data and monitoring water quality; creating a database that can be shared; and educating students, the public, and professionals from various industries, including natural gas, on local water issues. Water quality data and irregularities will be shared with state agencies and industry, with a goal of early detection and corrective action if needed.

As the site of the only “triple divide” watershed in the eastern United States, Potter County has strategic significance to a broad variety of agencies and organizations with an interest in water quality.

Headwaters of the Allegheny, Genesee and Susquehanna rivers can all be traced to the same plateau in northern Potter County. Nearly 70 percent of the county’s streams are classified as “high value” or “exceptional value” by the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection. Many communities in Pennsylvania and New York rely on these watersheds for clean drinking water.

During yesterday’s meeting, Commissioner Paul Heimel credited chairman Doug Morley for coming up with the idea pulling groups together to obtain the grants saying it’s “a good thing.” Morley said he was pleased with the response and cooperation among the groups.

Emporium-based state police say charges are pending following a rear-end collision Monday afternoon at the intersection of Fourth and Cherry Street.  Troopers accused Clifford Akins of failing to stop and allowing  his Dodge truck to run into the back of a Suzuki Sidekick driven by Timothy Reynolds. Both Emporium drivers escaped injury.

Both Roulette women involved in a brawl Wednesday evening are being cited for disorderly conduct and harassment. Coudersport-based state police claim 36 year old Cynthia Fernstrom and 22 year old Nicole Lamont engaged in hand to hand combat while yelling and screaming loudly at Lamont’s Fourth Street residence causing a disturbance in the neighborhood.

Larry Etzel, 63, Wellsboro has been arrested for harassment for a domestic violence incident taking place Memorial Day afternoon on Stony Fork Road in Delmar Township. Troopers say Etzel pushed a 71 year old woman during an argument.

Troopers at Mansfield are also pursuing harassment by texting cases.  Authorities claim 62 year old Thomas Gaulien of Wellsboro continued to send text messages to 33 year old Amber McCauley, also of Wellsboro May 11-13 even though he was told not to do so.  He also allegedly sent text messages and Facebook messages to the victim a week later.  And, troopers say 38 year old Chad Orvek of Tioga  sent a threatening text message to a 32 year old Tioga  woman during the evening of May 28.

The theft of a motorcycle from a  Clymer Township residence June 9 0r 10 remains under investigation by Mansfield-based state police. The 2009 Suzuki RMZ-250 was taken from an unlocked breezeway at the Stiles Road home of Cecelia Pierce. The bike is valued at more than $4,000. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mansfield barracks at 570-662-2151.

Juston Tubbs, 27 of Harrison Valley has been cited for violating state drug laws. Coudersport-based state police claim they found Tubbs in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance a quarter mile east of the Tioga County lane Wednesday afternoon.

State police at Ridgway are probing the theft of two “Fresh Oil” signs and a stop sign from the Sawmill Run Road near the intersection of Boone Mountain in Fox Township Wednesday or Thursday. The signs were discarded in the wood line close by, undamaged.  

In recent Potter County Court action, 48 year old James Pickering of Harrison Valley was ordered to spend three to 30 months in jail for DUI, pay $1500 in fines and perform 30 hours of community service for DUI.  According to Potter County DA Andy Watson who prosecuted the case, Pickering was arrested by state police on January 14, 2101 when they investigated a one-vehicle crash on the North Fork Road in Harrison Township. When police arrived at the scene, they found no one there but discovered  a Budweiser beer on the driver’s side floor of the crashed vehicle.  After checking the vehicles registration officers found that Pickering was the owner and went to his residence.  Pickering admitted to police  that he was driving his vehicle, lost control and ended up in the ditch.  Police observed bloodshot/glassy eyes, slightly slurred speech and the defendant was confused.  Pickering  admitted to drinking a couple beers at a friend’s house.  He  refused to submit to Field Sobriety Testing but   blood tests indicated his BAC to be .17%, slightly more than twice the legal limit in Pennsylvania.

A radar-controlled speed display sign is now  in operation along Route 6 (Main Street) in Mount Jewett Borough, McKean County.  

The sign faces westbound traffic along Route 6 in the town of Mount Jewett, just east of the intersection with Route 3011 (Bridge Street). This area is posted with a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. The speed display signs will remain on location for approximately four weeks, according to PennDot,  and will register the speeds of vehicles traveling along that section of roadway.  The speed display sign uses radar to determine the speeds of oncoming traffic.  Those vehicle speeds are then posted on the lighted section of the sign. Above the speed display is a speed limit sign showing the 25-mile-per-hour posted speed limit for that section of Route 6.

June 16, 2011

Wednesday's high, 77; Overnight low, 51; no precipitation

Rep. Martin Causer has some potential good news for area residents who are unemployed. The lawmaker recently told Black Forest Broadcasting that the legislature is working on extending federal UC Benefits for Pennsylvania residents for the 13 weeks. A bill was approved in the state Senate last week which is being considered in the House. Causer says there has been some disagreement about changing the system and how to calculate benefits but he’s confident an agreement will be reached.

A Brockway driver escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident Wednesday morning on Route 219 in Jones Township, Elk County. State police said 69 year old Antonia Iddings was going north when for unknown reasons her Pontiac Bonneville crossed to the other side, hit a guardrail and bounced back across the road coming to rest along the berm. Iddings has been cited for careless driving and failing to drive on roadways laned for traffic.

Troopers at Mansfield overnight released details about a rear-end collision occurring Sunday afternoon on South Elk Run Road in Charleston Township.  According to police, the fender bender occurred when both Wellsboro drivers  David Wolz and Joshua Simmons were traveling south when Wolz failed to notice Simmons  had stopped and allowed his Chevrolet trailblazer to run into the back of the Simmons Ford F-350. Wolz was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  Simmons and his passengers Sean Rice and Brad Boyce, both of Wellsboro  escaped injury.  Police said everyone was wearing a seatbelt.

Mansfield based state police say they have made a couple of DUI arrests recently. 72 year old Andrew Bogaczyk of Blossburg was arrested following a one-vehicle crash just before 11:00 pm Sunday June 5 on the North Williamson road in Blossburg Township. Troopers say his west bound vehicle went through a stop sign, traveled into a yard at a residence at 323 North Williamson  road and struck a fire hydrant. Upon interviewing the driver, police determined he  was under the influence of alcohol and subsequently placed him under arrest. Cheri Ann Fischer of Trout Run was arrested just after she was allegedly observed driving north in the southbound lane of Route 15 at the Canoe Camp Creek Exit after 2:00 am on Friday June 3.  Mansfield University Police intercepted Fischer and held her until state police arrived. Authorities say she failed a battery of field sobriety tests and was subsequently charged with DUI.  Wesley Broumley, 22 of Rio Vista, TX has been charged with DUI and violating drug laws. Troopers say he was arrested after he parked his vehicle on Route 6 a mile west of Wellsboro early Sunday morning. When police questioned Broumley they determined he was intoxicated and in possession of some drug paraphernalia. 

Coudersport-based state police have arrested 18 year old Justin Barentine of Dividing Ridge Road, Coudersport and 19 year old Kourtnie  Burgess of Troop Road, Coudersport for underage drinking. Authorities claim  they found both consumed alcohol at a private residence on Dividing Ridge Road during the  early morning  hours yesterday.

Andrea Lampman, 38 of Westfield has been charged with harassment for an incident allegedly taking place Sunday night on California Road in Westfield Township.  Police claim Lampman shoved 65 year old Twila Wood of Westfield knocking her over during an argument.

A burglary at a vacant  house on Kim Hill Road in Roulette Township is being investigated by Coudersport-based state police. Thieves entered the house through an unlocked door and took a CD/DVD player and several CDs valued at a total of $1,100. The victims were identified as Vicky Carr, 36 and Tracey Crosby, 40, of Roulette.

Troopers at Mansfield are probing the theft of a Liberty Mig Welder from a location along Scouten Hill Road in Charleston Township late last week. No value of the equipment was given nor was ownership information provided by police.

State police in Cameron and Elk Counties report more vending machine thefts. Sometime between 7:00 pm Sunday and 10:00 am Monday, vandals tried to break open Pepsi  machines at the Cameron County Little  League Complex  but were only able to gain access to one. However, they made off with approximately $300 in change belonging to Cameron County Little League. Authorities believe the same persons tried unsuccessfully to break into a Pepsi machine at Grom’s Car Wash that night. Both the Little League Complex and the car wash are located along Route 155 in Shippen Township.  Unknown  criminals broke a lock on a Coca Cola machine at the Tannery Bar in Jones Township, Elk County during the early morning hours yesterday. An undetermined amount of change was stolen.  We reported Wednesday that a Pepsi machine on Main Street  in Fox Township Elk County was entered Sunday night or Monday and an unknown amount of change was stolen.

Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging is in need of a volunteer to deliver frozen Home Delivered Meals to eligible older adults in the Roulette area. The Home Delivered Meals are picked up at Potter County Human Services one day per week. The current Roulette delivery route takes approximately one hour. Persons interested in volunteering is asked to call Barb Kiel or Sherry Hoffman at 814-544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.

June 15, 2011

Tuesday’s high, 68; Overnight low, 38; .02” rain

A Bradford man was killed in a motorcycle accident Tuesday night on Route 346 in Corydon Township, McKean County. State police said 41 year old Robert Cox was traveling east at about 8:30 pm when his Harley Davidson Roadster 1200 when off the right side of the road for unknown reasons, struck an embankment and became airborne before coming to rest between two vehicles parked at a residence on West Washington Street.  Cox was thrown off the bike when it became airborne. He was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene by McKean County Coroner Michael Cahill.

Mechanical failure is blamed for a collision Sunday afternoon on Route 287 in Delmar Township, Tioga County. State police said Cassandra McIlwain  of Wellsboro was traveling south about a mile south of Wellsboro when for unknown reasons  her 1999  Mercury Sable lost power. McIlwain tried to steer the car into the Acorn Parking lot just as James Gleason of Millerton tried to pass and the McIlwain car hit the back passenger door of Gleason’s Chevrolet Tahoe.  Three passengers from  the Mercury were released from  Soldiers and Sailors Hospital after being taken there  for evaluation. 

Both people involved in a domestic violence incident in Kersey late Monday night  are facing charges in district court. State police at Ridgway say 40 year old Christopher Schatz and 48 year old Janice Pandullo became involved in an argument which escalated to the point of each hitting the other, causing body injuries. Charges of simple assault and harassment will be filed in district court.

State police at Mansfield are investigating a theft occurring between 4:30 and 5:00 pm Monday at the Route 15 Welcome Center in Tioga Township, Tioga County. Thieves reached into a car owned by Margaret Groff, 76, Morris, PA and stole a purple handbag containing $150.00 in cash.  Unknown thieves took a log splitter and a Mitre saw from property on Linck Lane in Farmington Township, Tioga County sometime since Memorial Day weekend. The equipment belonged to  Patrick Meyers of Mariton, NJ and William Kwiatkowski of Newark, DE. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Mansfield Barracks at 570-662-2151.

A couple of criminal mischief incidents are being probed by Ridgway-based state police. Someone broke the lock on a Pepsi machine located on Main St. in Fox Township, Elk County Sunday night or Monday morning and made off with an undetermined amount of change.  The  machine, which belongs to Pepsi Co., Inc. of Pittsburg  is located on property belonging to George Heigel. Vandals threw a brick threw the passenger side window on a 1996 Nissan Sentra GXE owned by Anthony Ackley of Kersey Monday afternoon while it was parked on Skyline Drive in Fox Township.

During the June 2, 2011 meeting, the Potter County Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Potter County Ed Council for design and maintenance of the development of the Natural Gas Resources Website for Potter, McKean and Cameron Counties. Potter and McKean Counties will contribute $3500 each while Cameron County will kick in $1,000. The website will be developed by Protocol80 of Bradford. The commissioners said the website will act as a much requested clearinghouse for services and sources related to the natural gas industry.  In other business, the commissioners, as recommended by Don Tanner Cooperative Extension Director, voted to  hire Amanda Hershey as a full-time temporary secretary beginning immediately at a salary set forth by the union contract. The position is a 30-day temporary position based on the medical leave of the main secretary Judy Eckert.  The board also approved Sheriff Ken Sauley’s recommendation to hire Roy Weidler as part-time Corrections Officer at the Potter county jail beginning June 6, 2011 at the rate of pay set forth by the union contract.

14, 2011y’shigh, 69; Overnight low, 51; .04” rain

Two Potter County residents were remanded  to the Potter County jail yesterday without bail after being arraigned before District Judge Annette Easton on charges relating to the murder of 18 year old Samuel Miller of April  the weekend of June 4 and 5 in Summit Township. Jonothan “Jeep” Prather, 19 of Coudersport and 25 year old Avery “Bud” Buckingham of Austin are accused of first degree murder, third degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and corruption  of minors. Prather is additionally charged with possession of an instrument of crime and tampering with evidence.  A 15 year old Coudersport girl, identified only by the initials of KMB in court documents, is being held in a juvenile facility on murder charges. Miller’s bullet riddled body was found in Prouty Run Creek Saturday afternoon by a fisherman  According to the probable cause filed by state police, both Prather and Buckingham have confessed to their part in the murder. While being interviewed on Sunday, Buckingham told police he was picked up by Prather on the night of Saturday June 4.  They also picked up the 15 year old girl and her sister, identified in court documents as AB.  Prather reportedly had been saying for the past three weeks that Miller had to be killed because he was a snitch and arrogant. The four stopped in Port Allegany where they picked up the victim, drove to the Bradford Wal-Mart and purchased a spot light.  “AB” was dropped off at her Coudersport home and the quartet continued into Summit Township where Prather said he shot Miller in the back of the head and then shot him 7 more times to make sure he was dead. A shot in the temple was to prevent him from suffering according to the court documents.  Then, according to the statements, Buckingham helped Prather drag Miller’s body into the creek as the girl held the spotlight. The case is being investigated by state police and Potter County DA Andy Watson. Authorities did not indicate what lead them to the suspects just a few hours after Miller’s body was found. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for both suspects before Judge Easton next Wednesday June 22. 

 A Texas man was sentenced yesterday in Tioga County court for the stabbing death of Wellsboro landlord last fall. Billy Landry received a total of seven-and-a half to 15 years in prison for the death of Sean Miller last November, was ordered to get  treatment for alcohol and anger management and pay more than $16,000 in fines. Miller had rented an upstairs bedroom to Landry, a gas well worker.  He was stabbed during a fight which began when he confronted Landry about noise coming from the room.

Landry had claimed the stabbing was in self-defense during an argument, but last month, a jury found him guilty of involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.

Emporium-based state police say charges are pending following as one-vehicle crash Sunday morning on the May Hollow Road in Shippen Township. Timothy Cowell, 23, of Emporium lost control of his Subaru Legacy on a soft shoulder after rounding a left curve while speeding down a hill. The car went off the road and rolled over four times before coming to rest.  Cowell and his two passengers, Ryan Bainey of Emporium and Hanna Johnson of Driftwood were all wearing seatbelts and suffered only minor injuries. 

Troopers at Emporium are also investigating a hit and run taking place at about 4:15 pm Monday on Route 120 near Pine Street in that town. An unknown light brown or gold colored extended cab pick up while traveling west crossed the center line and struck a 1995 Chevrolet pick-up driven by Loren Foltz of Emporium.  The unknown white male driver continued heading west on Route 120 without stopping. Police say the truck might have damage on the driver’s side door area. Foltz was  wearing a seatbelt and was not hurt.  Anyone with information about the truck is asked to call state police at 814-486-3321.

An Emporium woman is facing charges in district court of harassment, burglary, aggravated assault, criminal trespass and simple assault for a “domestic violence” incident allegedly occurring this past Sunday. State police claim Patricia Brown, 50, of East Second Street committed the crimes at the home of Philip Brown, 49, on Hillcrest Drive.

Coudersport-based state police are probing two recent thefts. Sometime between May 30 and June 11, thieves broke off a hasp on a lock to gain entry to a detached storage shed at Camp Run on the East Fork Road in Wharton Township, Potter County.  Windows on two doors at the camp owned  by Jeffrey Krone of Dover, PA were also broken.

Thieves made off with a homemade pig cooker from Camp Buck N Nuts on Bailey Hill Road in Hector Township sometime last week.  The cooker is owned by George Robinson of Ulysses and was made from a 150 gallon fuel tank. It’s rust colored and about five feet long. Police say it is likely the cooker was towed from the property.  

Work to replace a Potter County bridge with a box culvert has been postponed until later this summer. The work to install a new box culvert along Collins Hill Road) will begin in mid to late August. It had been scheduled to begin next Thursday June 23. Crews from PennDOT Potter County Maintenance will perform that work.  

The box culvert will replace the existing Bingham Center Bridge. The current eight-ton posting on the bridge remains in place at this time.  

Galeton Senior, Sherry Pierce was awarded a one thousand dollar scholarship from the Business and Professional Women – Galeton Chapter.  Sherry will be going to college at Lockhaven University.  Scholarship funds are raised several times a year and on July 10, the annual Garden Tour and Plant Sale will be held in the Galeton area.  Tickets will be going on sale June 20^th and will be available at Galeton Drug, Hearts Desire, Delores Potter Beauty Salon, from any BPW member or by calling Barbara Welfling at (814) 435-6616.  Advance tickets are $5.00 and $8.00 on event day.  This year the tour will visit 5 area gardens and the group will also be holding a plant sale on Main Street in Galeton.  The event will be held rain or shine.  Refreshments will be available and BPW members are also selling raffle tickets for summer and garden inspired prizes.  Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.  Raffle tickets are available from Nancy Bradley at (814) 435-2983.

June 13, 2011

Sunday’s high, 74; Overnight low, 47; no precipitation
 

 Three people, including a 15 year old girl are being charged with criminal homicide for the death of 18 year old Samuel Miller of Eldred whose body was found Saturday afternoon in the Prouty run creek in Summit Township, Potter County. Jonothan Prather, 19,  of 1 Niles Hill Road, Coudersport and 25 year old Avery Buckingham of Stiner Street Austin were  arraigned before District Judge Annette Easton and were committed to the Potter County Jail in lieu of bail. The girl  has been committed to a juvenile facility pending further court action. During today’s arraignment, state police claimed Prather admitted killing Miller “because he was a snitch and was arrogant.”  While being interviewed by troopers, Buckingham reportedly admitted helping Prather commit the murder. We will have more details on Tuesday’s newscasts.

A Tioga  County man died in a drowning accident early Thursday evening.  According to police, 57-year-old Gregory Bliss, no address provided was swimming with friends in an area below Nelson falls in Nelson Township when he was pulled under the falls around 5:00 pm.  Officials estimate that Bliss was under the water for about five minutes or so before one of his friends was able to pull him out.  He was pronounced dead at the scene around 6:30 pm.  The group was swimming in a non-designated swimming area about three miles from Elkland off of Route 49. 

A Brockport man died in a one-vehicle crash Saturday night on Route 219 in Horton Township, Elk County. State police said 57 year old Clarence Russell was speeding when his Ford Ranger went off the road, struck a guardrail, then returned to the highway, crossed to the other side, and struck some guardrails there, rolled over and came to rest on its wheels against a section of guardrails. Russell was not wearing a seatbelt. He was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead about an hour after the 10:00 pm crash.

No one as hurt in a collision Friday just before noon on Route 328 in Jackson Township, Tioga County. State police said Lawrence Burgess of Millerton  was backing from a private drive onto the highway and his Chevrolet Silverado hit the right side of a Subaru Outback driven  by 77 year old Josephine Breese of Lawrenceville.

A 27 year old Blossburg man escaped injury Sunday morning when he fell asleep at the wheel of his Ford Taurus. State police said Stephen Ildefonso Mack Road when he nodded off while headed east on the Mack Road at 8:15 am. He was wearing a seatbelt.

Mansfield-based state police are continuing their investigation into a domestic violence incident which may result in attempted homicide charges being filed. Troopers say 27 year old Octavio Diaz of Blossburg was intentionally struck by a vehicle at around 2:30 am Sunday, June 5 on Gulick Street in that town.. The suspect’s name was not released by authorities.

Several area residents have been charged with harassment for recent incidents. Troopers at Kane arrested 54 year old Esther Bettum of Lewis Run after she allegedly hit 53 year old Steven Bettum during an argument occurring about 3:00 am at their home on the Big Shanty Road. Shaun Bock, 33, of Nelson, PA has been cited after allegedly punch a 22 year old Elkland woman in the face during an argument early this morning at a Route 49 residence. Michelle Palton, 34 of Lawrenceville was charged with both harassment and simple assault for a fight allegedly taking place last Friday morning at home home. State police claim she scratched a 36 year old man and punched him in the face, causing a laceration.

Troopers at Mansfield have charged 25 year old Justin Wilcox of Troy, PA with violating state drug laws.  Authorities claim Wilcox tried to have a fraudulent prescription for Percocet filed at the Mansfield Wal-Mart back on May 22.

The theft of a road sign is being investigated by Coudersport-based state police. Thieves took a “Bridge Closed” sign and an orange traffic barrel from a location ner  the intersection of the Whitney Hill Road and Route 449 in Genesee Township between May 23 and 30.

Emporium-based state police are investigating the theft of a bronze grave marker taken between May 25-30 from the Portage Township Cemetery located along the Gardeau Road. The marker is valued at $500.

Incidents of Agricultural Vandalism are being probed by Mansfield-based state police. Authorities say three fields located along Warner, Lake and Hill Roads in Jackson Townsihp were damaged on the night of May 15. The land is owned by Craig Button and Bruce Hotten both of Millerton and an  unknown person.  A similar vandalism occurring overnight June 8 at a gas well site on Sugar Run Road in Union township is also being investigated. Vandals made three large ruts in the right of way owned by Wyatt Construction of Mansfield.

Gary L. YOUNG, Sr., 68, of Harrison Valley, PA, died Saturday, June 11, 2011 in his home.  Born August 18, 1942, in Blossburg, PA, he was the son of Frank A. and Alberta Ransom Young.  On July 14, 1962, in Harrison Valley, he married the former Deanna Button, who survives.  He was employed by the Eberle Tannery in Westfield, PA, Ingersoll-Rand in Painted Post, NY, the Northern Tier Children’s Home in Harrison Valley, and as a bus driver for Ulysses Motors for 17 years.  Gary was a life member of the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company.  Surviving besides his wife, Deanna, are:  two sons, Gary (Suzanne) Young, Jr. of Portville, NY and David (Lisa) Young of Sabinsville, PA;  three daughters, Nanette (Tony) Southerland of Ohio, Jenny (Andrew) Reisinger of Harrison Valley and Beth (Mark Dougherty) Young of Wellsville, NY;  11 grandchildren;  eight great-grandchildren;  and nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Agnes Ella Parker and Patricia Ferguson;  and two brothers, Gene R. Young and Donald William Young.  Friends may call Tuesday, June 14, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA, where Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM.  The Rev. Duane Burdick will officiate.  Burial will be in Mills Cemetery.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.

June 10, 2011

Thursday’s high, 85; Overnight low, 58; trace of rain

Two St. Marys High School students were killed Wednesday night in an ATV accident on Mt. Zion Road in Jay Township, Elk County. State police said the 16 year old operator was traveling east on the gravel improved dirt roadway when the four wheeler went out of control on a right hand curve going down a hill. The machine went off the road and struck several nearby trees. Both the operator and his 16 year old male passenger impacted the trees. Neither was wearing any type of safety equipment and speed is said to be the cause.  State police do not release the names of anyone under the age of 18 for any reason at all, but the St.Marys High School website lists the victims as Allen Gursky and Steven Glatt. The school district is providing grief counseling today and Monday at the high school for students who wish to attend.

A couple of recent burglaries are being investigated by state police at the Coudersport barracks.  An unknown woman entered an unoccupied building on Route 44 South in Sharon Township owned by D Ebeling Bus Services between 1:00 pm Wednesday and 1:00 pm Thursday and removed various automotive parts.  And thieves stole a Stihl weed eater and a one gallon red gas can from a garage on Pleasant Street in Ulysses belonging to Melissa Lewis between 10:30 am Monday and 11:00 Thursday.  Anyone with information about either crime is asked to call State Police at 814-274-8690.

Troopers in Kane are probing several thefts from vehicles parked along the Oil Valley Road in Otto Township Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Among the items taken were a Beretta 9mm handgun, Model 92A1, Serial #J880692 and about $15 in change from vehicles owned by Duke Center residents Justin McDivitt and John Farrell. Anyone who has information about those thefts is asked to call the Kane barracks at 814-778-5555.

A theft from a vehicle parked on Main Street in Kersey between 12:15 and 7:30 am Thursday is under investigation by state police at Ridgway. Troopers say someone took several items from a vehicle owned by Matthew Beers while it was parked at his residence.

State police at Coudersport have charged 57 year old Philip Short of Troy, PA with DUI after responding to a call about a motorist being broken down on route 6 about a mile and half west of Route 559 in Ulysses Township last Saturday night. While interviewing, short, police determined he had b been driving under the influence of alcohol and subsequently placed him under arrest…

Troopers at Kane have charged 31 year old Justin Flemingloss of Bradford with DUI after pulling him over Thursday afternoon on Fraley  Street in Kane after he was allegedly observed committing traffic violations. He also was determined to be DUI and charges are being filed in district court. 

A representative from the Pennsylvania State Archives program was in Coudersport Thursday to begin the preliminary work to assist Potter County in archiving records and historical documents. The county has qualified for a joint federal/state program designed to help local governments organize and protect important records. The project, which will involve many county departments will begin on June 26.. Commissioner Susan Kefover has agreed to serve as the point person. It’s part of a project being spearheaded by the Pennsylvania State grant covers the costs for a professional archivist/records manager to work with elected officials, department heads and administrative personnel over an eight-week period on archiving, backing up and purging county records. A separate component of the project will be a workshop during which borough and township officials will be educated on record preservation.

Potter County PennDot Crews will begin work later this month to install a new box culvert along Route 1015 (Collins Hill Road) replacing  the existing Bingham Center Bridge.  

Work is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. June 23 on the bridge in Bingham Township, and last through July 1. 

A detour will be in place for the length of the project. The detour will make use of Route 1013 (Bingham Center Road) and Route 1011(Hickox Ulysses Road)  and detour will be in effect for the entire two-week project.  

The Bingham Center Bridge carries an average of 94 vehicles per day. The bridge was built in 1937. The installation of the box culvert will eliminate the current eight-ton posting on the bridge. 

Kightlinger Motors, Inc. of Coudersport recently  presented Near 2 Thee Ministries, Inc. a check to benefit their Kids 2 Camp program. The dealership  donated $20 per test drive for vehicles driven during the month of May to the local non-profit organization. The funds go toward paying the tuition fees to send children to Christian summer camp.

Ten area children will be attending the camp this year, including children from Coudersport, Austin and Roulette. During their week at Laurel Lake summer camp the children will be able to learn Christian values, enjoy nature, build relationships and participate in a wide variety of camp activities. There are still five openings for children available, if you are interested in sending a child contact Near 2 Thee Ministries.

Near 2 Thee Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. If you would like to donate or have a child that you are interested in sending to camp for the summer 2011 session contact Near 2 Thee Ministries at 814-647-8821 or email info@near2thee.org spaces are limited.

Four Pennsylvania state parks will host a series of special, day-long events Saturday, June 11, as part of a nationwide “Get Outdoors Day” celebration. 

The June 11 events are especially geared toward first-time visitors to state parks. Events will take place at the following state parks: Bald Eagle, Centre County; Moraine, Butler County; Parker Dam, Clearfield County; and Pine Grove Furnace, Cumberland County. 

This effort also promotes the philosophy of the American Recreation Coalition, an extensive network of outdoors-oriented governmental agencies, conservation groups, and related businesses that is working to help reconnect people with the outdoors. 

In support of that goal, Governor Tom Corbett has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month in Pennsylvania. 

Kayaking, birds-of-prey exhibits, hiking and biking, special tips for first-time campers are a few of the “Get Outdoors Day” activities planned at the four state parks. Specific details -- including key contacts and registration information -- can be found at http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar (Select Get Outdoors PA), or www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/locations/.

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June 9, 2011

Wednesday’s high, 87; Overnight low, 65; no rain

The Pennsylvania State Police placed 107 trucks and 72 commercial drivers out of service during a recent  one-day enforcement effort that focused on seat belt use and driver fatigue. Operation SAFE, which stands for Seat Belt and Fatigue Enforcement, was conducted across the state on June 1 by motor carrier enforcement teams.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 750 people die and 20,000 others are injured each year in crashes in the United States involving fatigued commercial vehicle drivers. Federal statistics show that almost half of all commercial vehicle drivers killed in crashes are not wearing a seat belt.

During the enforcement effort, state police teams inspected 1,588 commercial vehicles, resulting in 776 traffic citations and 1,078 written warnings.  He said 51 percent of the truck inspections found of at least one violation of federal motor carrier safety regulations.

For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556. 

Editor’s Note: The following is a breakdown, by state police troop area, of the number of inspections conducted; number of vehicles placed out of service; and numbers of citations and warnings issued by state police during the one-day program:(Counties in the Black Forest Broadcasting Service area are in bold italics.)

• Troop A (Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland counties), 161 inspections; 11 vehicles placed out of service; two drivers placed out of service; 34 citations; 95 warnings.

• Troop B (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties), 140 inspections; 11 vehicles placed out of service; four drivers placed out of service; 84 citations; 78 warnings.

• Troop C (Clarion, Clearfield, Forest, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties), 136 inspections; nine vehicles placed out of service; nine drivers placed out of service; 48 citations; 167 warnings.

• Troop D (Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties), 132 inspections; six vehicles placed out of service; three drivers placed out of service; 32 citations; 44 warnings.

• Troop E (Crawford, Erie, Venango and Warren counties), 117 inspections; five vehicles placed out of service; seven drivers placed out of service; 45 citations; 56 warnings.

• Troop F (Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Union and Tioga counties), 103 vehicles inspected; two vehicles placed out of service; seven drivers placed out of service; 56 citations; 65 warnings.

• Troop G (Bedford, Blair, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin counties), 130 inspections; three vehicles placed out of service; three drivers placed out of service; 31 citations; 75 warnings.

• Troop H (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York counties), 93 inspections; nine vehicles placed out of service; two drivers placed out of service; 44 citations; 70 warnings.

• Troop J (Chester and Lancaster counties), 49 inspections; 10 vehicles placed out of service; four drivers placed out of service; 19 citations; 45 warnings.

• Troop K (Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties), 96 inspections; five vehicles placed out of service; no drivers placed out of service; 87 citations; 54 warnings.

• Troop L (Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties), 28 inspections; two vehicles placed out of service; three drivers placed out of service; 11 citations; 31 warnings.

• Troop M (Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties), 94 inspections; seven vehicles placed out of service; four drivers placed out of service; 50 citations; 70 warnings.

• Troop N (Carbon, Columbia, Monroe and part of Luzerne counties), 47 inspections; four vehicles placed out of service; eight drivers placed out of service; 58 citations; 18 warnings.

• Troop P (Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and part of Luzerne counties), 39 inspections; eight vehicles placed out of service; one driver placed out of service; 31 citations; 16 warnings.

• Troop R (Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties), 111 inspections; 10 vehicles placed out of service; five drivers placed out of service; 43 citations; 94 warnings.

• Troop T (Pennsylvania Turnpike), 112 inspections; five vehicles placed out of service; 10 drivers placed out of service; 103 citations; 100 warnings.

Three people were hurt in two separate crashes Tuesday afternoon in Sharon Township, Potter County. William Sheffer, 20, of Portville, NY was going south on the Herrington Road just before 4:00 pm when his Mazda Protégé went off the road and struck two trees. Sheffer suffered moderate injuries and the investigation is continuing. About an  hour later both drives were hurt in a collision on the Honeoye Road just a short distance from the Scott Hollow Intersection. State police said the collision occurred when Stephanie Dunn of Bolivar was going east and Christine Morabito of Wellsville was traveling west and the left front of Dunn’s Chrysler Sebring struck the left front of Morabito’s Chevrolet Lumina. The investigation into the collision is also continuing.

State police at Mansfield have just released details about three crashes occurring Sunday in Tioga County. Troopers say 20 year old Allen O’Hara of Perkasie, PA escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident on Route 15 in Covington Township at about 1:30 pm. O’Hara was traveling north when the left front tire of his 2008 Ford F-350 blew causing the truck to swerve off the road, hit a guardrail, come back onto the road, veer onto the left berm, hit the guardrail again before coming to rest.

Later that night , a 17 year old Mansfield Driver and her 16 year old male passenger, also of Mansfield, escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash on East Mulberry Hill Road in Richmond Township. State police said the teen driver was not paying attention while talking to her passenger and allowed her Chevrolet Blazer to travel off the west berm and strike a section of guard rails. Both the driver and passenger were wearing seatbelts.

And, state police are looking for a hit and run driver following a fender bender at about 10:30 pm Sunday in Lawrenceville. The unknown male driver did not stop after backing a Dodge Dakota into the rear end of a Ford F-150 while leaving a parking lot off of State Street in that town.

The theft of a bicycle is under investigation by Coudersport-based state police. Thieves made off with a bike owned by Nathan McMurray of Wellsvile Tuesday between 4:00 and 6:30 pm while it was at residence on Main Street in Genesee.

Troopers in Mansfield  are probing the recent  theft of some equipment from three vehicles owned by Cudd Pressure Control. Three Cobra CB radios, a Western Star truck AM/FM radio, miscellaneous truck lights and a Hitachi Combo kit which included a drill, circular saw and light were taken while the trucks were parked on River Road in Ward Township between June 3 and 6.

State police in three counties are looking into recent criminal mischief incidents. Vandals damaged a fuel tank owned by Gas Field Specialists of Shinglehouse, PA between 6:30 pm June 3 and 7:00 am June 4 at a location on Hills Creek Road in Charleston Township. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mansfield barracks at 570-662-2151. Someone took some pieces from a split rail fence owned by Ted Cavilline of Kersey overnight last Saturday. And culprits cut a tire on a truck owned by Jennifer Talmadge of Emporium while it was parked on Wood Street in that town between 3:30 and 4:30 pm Tuesday.  Anyone with information about that incident is asked to call the Emporium barracks at 814-486-3321.

The annual meeting of the Potter County Visitors Association (PCVA) will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Cock-Eyed Cricket in Austin.  The doors open at 6:30 pm with dinner starting at 7:00 pm.  The business meeting and board member elections will begin after dinner.    RSVP is requested by Monday, June 13, 2010.  Members are encouraged to bring brochures and business cards to swap.

Dinner Choices:

Country Ham with baked sweet potato and salad + rolls for $14.95
Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast over linguine, salad and garlic bread for $12.95
Also available is the regular Wednesday night Taco Bar with soup and salad for $7.95

PCVA currently has vacant positions on the Board of Directors.  To be eligible for the board, members must have been a member in good standing for the previous membership year.  A nomination form is available in the “Membership” section of the PCVA website – www.visitpottercounty.com.  The board consists of 11 members, representing various tourism related businesses and organizations across Potter County.

In addition to the election of board members, officials from the PA State Tourism Office will be on hand to present a brief discussion on the many marketing opportunities available to businesses through the state funded promotions and website www.VisitPA.com.

After the meeting concludes, members will have the ability to tour the E. O. Austin Home/Historical Society.   The exterior of the museum is a replica of the home of E.O. Austin, the town founder.  The interior is comprised of a series of rooms that feature the unique history of the Austin Area.  There is no charge for the tour.

The Potter County Visitors Association is the official tourist promotion agency of Potter County, PA.  A membership-based, 501(c)6 non-profit organization, currently with 176 members.  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.   

 

June 9, 2011

Wednesday’s high, 87; Overnight low, 65; no rain

The Pennsylvania State Police placed 107 trucks and 72 commercial drivers out of service during a recent  one-day enforcement effort that focused on seat belt use and driver fatigue. Operation SAFE, which stands for Seat Belt and Fatigue Enforcement, was conducted across the state on June 1 by motor carrier enforcement teams.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 750 people die and 20,000 others are injured each year in crashes in the United States involving fatigued commercial vehicle drivers. Federal statistics show that almost half of all commercial vehicle drivers killed in crashes are not wearing a seat belt.

During the enforcement effort, state police teams inspected 1,588 commercial vehicles, resulting in 776 traffic citations and 1,078 written warnings.  He said 51 percent of the truck inspections found of at least one violation of federal motor carrier safety regulations.

For more information, visit www.psp.state.pa.us or call 717-783-5556. 

Editor’s Note: The following is a breakdown, by state police troop area, of the number of inspections conducted; number of vehicles placed out of service; and numbers of citations and warnings issued by state police during the one-day program:(Counties in the Black Forest Broadcasting Service area are in bold italics.)

• Troop A (Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland counties), 161 inspections; 11 vehicles placed out of service; two drivers placed out of service; 34 citations; 95 warnings.

• Troop B (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties), 140 inspections; 11 vehicles placed out of service; four drivers placed out of service; 84 citations; 78 warnings.

• Troop C (Clarion, Clearfield, Forest, Elk, Jefferson and McKean counties), 136 inspections; nine vehicles placed out of service; nine drivers placed out of service; 48 citations; 167 warnings.

• Troop D (Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties), 132 inspections; six vehicles placed out of service; three drivers placed out of service; 32 citations; 44 warnings.

• Troop E (Crawford, Erie, Venango and Warren counties), 117 inspections; five vehicles placed out of service; seven drivers placed out of service; 45 citations; 56 warnings.

• Troop F (Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Union and Tioga counties), 103 vehicles inspected; two vehicles placed out of service; seven drivers placed out of service; 56 citations; 65 warnings.

• Troop G (Bedford, Blair, Centre, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin counties), 130 inspections; three vehicles placed out of service; three drivers placed out of service; 31 citations; 75 warnings.

• Troop H (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York counties), 93 inspections; nine vehicles placed out of service; two drivers placed out of service; 44 citations; 70 warnings.

• Troop J (Chester and Lancaster counties), 49 inspections; 10 vehicles placed out of service; four drivers placed out of service; 19 citations; 45 warnings.

• Troop K (Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties), 96 inspections; five vehicles placed out of service; no drivers placed out of service; 87 citations; 54 warnings.

• Troop L (Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties), 28 inspections; two vehicles placed out of service; three drivers placed out of service; 11 citations; 31 warnings.

• Troop M (Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties), 94 inspections; seven vehicles placed out of service; four drivers placed out of service; 50 citations; 70 warnings.

• Troop N (Carbon, Columbia, Monroe and part of Luzerne counties), 47 inspections; four vehicles placed out of service; eight drivers placed out of service; 58 citations; 18 warnings.

• Troop P (Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and part of Luzerne counties), 39 inspections; eight vehicles placed out of service; one driver placed out of service; 31 citations; 16 warnings.

• Troop R (Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties), 111 inspections; 10 vehicles placed out of service; five drivers placed out of service; 43 citations; 94 warnings.

• Troop T (Pennsylvania Turnpike), 112 inspections; five vehicles placed out of service; 10 drivers placed out of service; 103 citations; 100 warnings.

Three people were hurt in two separate crashes Tuesday afternoon in Sharon Township, Potter County. William Sheffer, 20, of Portville, NY was going south on the Herrington Road just before 4:00 pm when his Mazda Protégé went off the road and struck two trees. Sheffer suffered moderate injuries and the investigation is continuing. About an  hour later both drives were hurt in a collision on the Honeoye Road just a short distance from the Scott Hollow Intersection. State police said the collision occurred when Stephanie Dunn of Bolivar was going east and Christine Morabito of Wellsville was traveling west and the left front of Dunn’s Chrysler Sebring struck the left front of Morabito’s Chevrolet Lumina. The investigation into the collision is also continuing.

State police at Mansfield have just released details about three crashes occurring Sunday in Tioga County. Troopers say 20 year old Allen O’Hara of Perkasie, PA escaped injury in a one-vehicle accident on Route 15 in Covington Township at about 1:30 pm. O’Hara was traveling north when the left front tire of his 2008 Ford F-350 blew causing the truck to swerve off the road, hit a guardrail, come back onto the road, veer onto the left berm, hit the guardrail again before coming to rest.

Later that night , a 17 year old Mansfield Driver and her 16 year old male passenger, also of Mansfield, escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash on East Mulberry Hill Road in Richmond Township. State police said the teen driver was not paying attention while talking to her passenger and allowed her Chevrolet Blazer to travel off the west berm and strike a section of guard rails. Both the driver and passenger were wearing seatbelts.

And, state police are looking for a hit and run driver following a fender bender at about 10:30 pm Sunday in Lawrenceville. The unknown male driver did not stop after backing a Dodge Dakota into the rear end of a Ford F-150 while leaving a parking lot off of State Street in that town.

The theft of a bicycle is under investigation by Coudersport-based state police. Thieves made off with a bike owned by Nathan McMurray of Wellsvile Tuesday between 4:00 and 6:30 pm while it was at residence on Main Street in Genesee.

Troopers in Mansfield  are probing the recent  theft of some equipment from three vehicles owned by Cudd Pressure Control. Three Cobra CB radios, a Western Star truck AM/FM radio, miscellaneous truck lights and a Hitachi Combo kit which included a drill, circular saw and light were taken while the trucks were parked on River Road in Ward Township between June 3 and 6.

State police in three counties are looking into recent criminal mischief incidents. Vandals damaged a fuel tank owned by Gas Field Specialists of Shinglehouse, PA between 6:30 pm June 3 and 7:00 am June 4 at a location on Hills Creek Road in Charleston Township. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mansfield barracks at 570-662-2151. Someone took some pieces from a split rail fence owned by Ted Cavilline of Kersey overnight last Saturday. And culprits cut a tire on a truck owned by Jennifer Talmadge of Emporium while it was parked on Wood Street in that town between 3:30 and 4:30 pm Tuesday.  Anyone with information about that incident is asked to call the Emporium barracks at 814-486-3321.

The annual meeting of the Potter County Visitors Association (PCVA) will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Cock-Eyed Cricket in Austin.  The doors open at 6:30 pm with dinner starting at 7:00 pm.  The business meeting and board member elections will begin after dinner.    RSVP is requested by Monday, June 13, 2010.  Members are encouraged to bring brochures and business cards to swap.

Dinner Choices:

Country Ham with baked sweet potato and salad + rolls for $14.95
Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast over linguine, salad and garlic bread for $12.95
Also available is the regular Wednesday night Taco Bar with soup and salad for $7.95

PCVA currently has vacant positions on the Board of Directors.  To be eligible for the board, members must have been a member in good standing for the previous membership year.  A nomination form is available in the “Membership” section of the PCVA website – www.visitpottercounty.com.  The board consists of 11 members, representing various tourism related businesses and organizations across Potter County.

In addition to the election of board members, officials from the PA State Tourism Office will be on hand to present a brief discussion on the many marketing opportunities available to businesses through the state funded promotions and website www.VisitPA.com.

After the meeting concludes, members will have the ability to tour the E. O. Austin Home/Historical Society.   The exterior of the museum is a replica of the home of E.O. Austin, the town founder.  The interior is comprised of a series of rooms that feature the unique history of the Austin Area.  There is no charge for the tour.

The Potter County Visitors Association is the official tourist promotion agency of Potter County, PA.  A membership-based, 501(c)6 non-profit organization, currently with 176 members.  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.   

June 7, 2011

Monday’s high, 78; Overnight low 50; No precipitation

PennDOT is reminding motorists that the “Click it or Ticket” seat-belt enforcement campaign and  runs through June 12 and features the creation of Traffic Enforcement Zones, which target highways with high numbers of unbuckled crashes and fatalities.

PennDOT’s statewide investment of federal funds – $91,000 for Pennsylvania State Police and $775,000 for municipal police – will cover overtime and equipment costs for law enforcement to conduct seat-belt enforcement in two waves this year. At least half of all enforcement will take place during nighttime hours, when seat-belt use is typically lower.

Twenty police departments in PennDOT’s District 2 will participate. Departments in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, McKean and Mifflin counties are among more than 600 law enforcement agencies statewide participating in the “Click it or Ticket” campaign.

According to PennDOT statistics, there were 524 unbelted highway fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2010, a 16.2 percent increase compared to 2009. Of this number, there was one in Cameron County; four in Centre County; 11 in Clearfield County; four in Clinton County; two in Elk County; two in McKean County; and five in Mifflin County.   

Visit PennDOT's Drive Safe PA website at www.DriveSafePA.org for more information on seat-belt safety. Follow local PennDOT information at www.twitter.com/511PAStateColl. 

Area residents eligible for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program now have until Dec. 31 to apply for the 2010 program according to Rep. Martin Causer

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2010. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities. 

Eligibility income limits for homeowners 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)

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of many initiatives supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery, which dedicates its proceeds to support programs for older Pennsylvanians. Since the program began in 1971, more than $4 billion has been paid to qualified applicants.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available at Causer’s local offices: 78 Main St., First Floor, in Bradford (814-362-4400) and 107 S. Main St. in Coudersport (814-274-9769). Forms are also available online at RepCauser.com.

Coudersport-based state police are continuing their investigation into a burglary taking place between 9:30 am Saturday and 12:30 pm Sunday at a residence on Academy Street, Ulysses. Thieves removed a small tan purse containing about $300 in US Currency and several personal items from the home of Jennie Doud. Anyone with information is asked to call the barracks at 814-274-8690.

Troopers at Ridgway are probing the theft of a handgun from a vehicle parked on Fern Lane in Fox Township between May 28 and June 5. The Ruger Mark II semi-automatic .22 cal. pistol belonged to Richard Mancuso of Kersey. It was in a nylon Ruger holster and is valued at $250.

Thieves took a privately owned Alexa Road sign from the intersection of Route 948 and Alexa Road in Fox Township sometime last Thursday or Friday. The sign is valued at $100 and anyone with information about either theft is asked to call state police in Ridgway at 814-776-6136.

A criminal mischief to a vehicle is being investigated by state police at Coudersport. Sometime between April 22 and May 22, vandals used a blunt object to hit the windshield on a vehicle owned by Donald Hinman of Galeton. The back bumper was also scratched.

An Ohio man is being charged in Cameron County with harassment for a domestic violence incident allegedly taking place last Thursday afternoon on the Pioneer Road in Shippen Township. State police claim 21 yer old Brad Mifsud, Jr. of Hubbard, Ohio pushed his wife Ashley, during an argument.

PennDot says work is expected to begin next week on a bridge spanning Taylor Brook in Ceres Township, McKean County.

PennDOT McKean County maintenance crews will work to replace the bridge decking for the structure, located on Route 1009 (Bell Run Road). Work is set to start at 7 a.m. Monday, June 13.

A detour will be in place for the length of the project. Southbound drivers on Route 1009 will be detoured south on Route 44, east on Route 4010, south on Route 4017 and back to Route 1009. Northbound motorists on Route 1009 will travel north on Route 4017, west on Route 4010, north on Route 44 and back to Route 1009. The detour will be in effect for the entire project. PennDOT expects traffic to be on the bridge by the end of July.

The 19-foot bridge was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1951. It carries an average of 385 vehicles per day.

June 6, 2011

Sunday’s high, 79: Overnight low, 45; No precipitation

A world record was broken during the God’s Country Marathon held in Potter County Saturday. A linked team comprised Chris Solarz (32), Terence Gerchberg (39), Brad Weiss (36), Stephen England (31), and Francis Laros (47) broke  the Guinness World Record for the "Fastest Marathon by a Linked Team" with a time of 3:2615  The previous  record was 3 hr 38 min 24 seconds, achieved by Oliver Holland, James Kennedy, James Wrighton,  Eoghan Murray and Nathan Jones (all UK) at the Flora London Marathon in London, England on April 13, 2008. The NYC-based marathon runners, who hail from 3 continents, have each run sub-3 hour marathons and have collectively run almost 250 marathons.  The official rules require them to be tethered together by a rope for the duration of the marathon.  Christian Byler of Rochester, NY came in first overall with a time of 2:50:19. Coudersport native and local pharmacist Kristie Buchanan Keglovitz won the women’s division with a time of 3:20:34.  Organizers added relay teams this year and there were three, made up of local residents.  The NoPo 5  team finished first with leader Timothy Abbey crossing the finish line at 3:05:34.  One-hundred sixty-six runners stepped off in Galeton at 7:00 am and 136 crossed the finish line in Coudersport.  The awards ceremony, held in the court house square had some “fireworks” when lightning hit a telephone pole half a block away at the Post Office. David Brooks, executive director of the Potter County Visitors Association told Black Forest Broadcasting it was the loudest crack of lightning he had ever heard.  The God’s Country Marathon is an official event the Potter County Visitors Association the county’s tourist promotion agency. 

Coudersport based state police are continuing  their investigation into a one vehicle crash occurring at about 2:30 am Saturday on the West Branch of Dingman Run Road. Troopers say a 17 year old boy from 152 Angel Lane Road was speeding while headed east .His car began to slide on a left curve, went off the road, hit an embankment and rolled over onto its right side. The The unit then slide into a ditch and rolled over onto its  roof, sliding for about 50 more feet before stopping. The driver and his passengers, 20 year old Zachary Buchholz, 19 year old Kip Dorney and 18 year old Daniel Moore, all of Coudersport, rolled the vehicle back onto its wheels and pushed it to a nearby pull off on Dingman Run Road. The teen driver and his passengers then reportedly left the scene without notifying  police and were later taken to Charles Cole Hospital by a friend, where they were treated for various injuries.

Ridgway based State police are road rage incident taking place just before 4:00 pm Friday on The Shawmut Road in Horton Township.  Troopers say an unknown driver and 39 year old Jeffrey Rhed of Brockport argued when Rhed confronted the driver about speeding. The unknown driver allegedly pulled a pistol from inside his red pick up truck and pointed it toward Red, threatening to shoot him if it happened again.  Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 814-776-6136.

A 40 year old Weedville man has been jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail following a fight with his father Saturday night at a residence on Apple Street in that village.  Troopers say David Kunes Jr. tried to hit his father, David Kunes Sr. in the face with his fist several  times at which point the victim wrestled his son to the ground. The senior Kunes was able to standup and remove himself from the fisticuff but the younger man went inside the house and retrieved a Springfield Armory M1 Garrand rifle, and pointed it at his father who was standing I front of his own house.  The younger man then fired one round at his father and missed. The bullet landed about 11 feet behind the victim.  The younger man’s 16 year old nephew then tackled him to the ground and while attempting to disarm him, the gun discharged again with the bullet impacting the road about 10 feet away.  The suspect was arraigned before a district judge on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats and reckless endangerment.

A theft at the Hemlock Campground in Wharton Township, Potter County early May 28 remains under investigation by Coudersport-based state police. Thieves took an extra large white cooler and a smaller blue and white cooler from private campsites and knocked over a port-a-john located at the campground. The coolers belonged to Beth Sheredy of Cherry Tree, PA and Robert Gradizzi of Kersey.

Troopers at Wellsboro are probing the theft of a cell phone.  Kyle Nobles told police he had been taking pictures of the tornado damage in Knoxville on Memorial Day and put his iPhone down. When he returned it was gone, but he thought he had simply misplaced it until he received an email from Facebook stating the phone had been accessed from Clarks Summit on June 1.

Burglaries occurring between 11:00 pm Friday and 7:40 am Saturday on Dagus Mines Road in Fox Township, Elk County are under investigation by state police at Ridgway. Thieves broke locks on storage sheds  owned by Christina Ruberto, Ted Cavalline and Rick Swanson and removed various items.

Several recent criminal mischief incidents in Potter County are being probed by state police at Coudersport. Vandals spray painted a vehicle owned by Eugene Lampman of Westfield between May 23 and June 1 while it was parked at his residence. The criminals also slashed the tires and broke mirrors and windows on the vehicle. Vandals driving a passenger vehicle damaged numerous planted fields next to the Cowburn Road in Ulysses Township  by making several “donuts” on the land  Thursday night or Friday morning. The property is owned by Christopher Robbins of Coudersport. And mischief makers removed the letters and knocked down a large advertising sign at the Genesee Hometown Restaurant during the early morning hours this past Sunday.

State police at Emporium are advising residents to lock their homes and vehicles after an unknown man abandoned a stolen vehicle Saturday morning on Route 120 at the rest area, about 8 miles west of that town. The suspect is described as being white, 5’10” tall  with short brown hair. He was wearing jeans and a gray short sleeve or sleeveless shirt.

Troopers there are also investigating a case of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Unknown persons took a  Caterpillar D9 bulldozer owned by Allegheny Enterprises of Corsica, PA from a private road about three miles west of Sterling Run over Memorial Day weekend and ran over two security gates located on property owned by Hancock Forest Management of Smethport. The dozer was abandoned after it became stuck in a small stream.

A Scio, NY resident has been charged by Coudersport-based state police for underage drinking. Troopers say Timothy Grover,18, was found to have consumed alcohol while being under the age of 21 after he wandered onto property along the Gold Road just before 5:00 am Saturday and alarmed residents.