Roulette Yard Sales Successful

Despite several showers that were not predicted by the weatherman, the Roulette Chamber of Commerce annual yard sales drew a big crowd as usual. Shelly Morey is shown as she mans the Chamber of Commerce food stand on Second Street. The C of C had hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, and soda available, as well as bake sale items.

View on Main Street in Roulette showing some of the yard sale setups.

Jan Baxter talks with customers at her yard sale on Main Street Saturday.

Brian Drabert talks with Sherry Green while the youngsters look over the sale table at Roulette's annual Community Yard Sale Saturday. Shoppers found tons of bargains in the many sales throughout the township.

Click on any picture to enlarge.

Mike Manning Back On The Road

Mike Manning of Feel the Burn, riding his bike across the US for burn survivors is back on the road with a two day delay. Mike will now be coming into Coudersport on Tuesday, May 15. Click on his link on the lower right margin to get his new schedule and pictures from his current location.

Roulette Firemen Called To Close's Lumber

Roulette Firemen have just been dispatched to Close's Lumber Company in Roulette for a fire in mulch stored next to the building. Smoke from the mulch could be smelled 200 yards away on Main Street. 8:30 pm. The fire was reported under control about 10 minutes later and fire out at 8:55.

Police Remember Officers Killed On Duty In Bucks

Newtown, PA--The son of a Roulette couple killed in 2005 was among 10 fallen officers honored in Bucks County Thursday evening. Hundreds of police, former officers and the surviving family members of fallen officers gathered at St. Andrew.

The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drum led a procession into the church that included 10 officers carrying 10 caps representing the officers killed on duty in Bucks County

— Sheriff Abraham L. Kulp, 1927; Dublin police Chief Eli M. Myers, 1965; Stuckey; Armstrong; Yezzi; deputy sheriffs George M. Warta Jr. and Thomas A. Bateman, 1986; Ranger Stanley E. Flynn, 1993; Plumstead Officer Joseph E. Hanusey III, 2002, and Newtown Officer Brian S. Gregg, 2005.

Brian was the son of John and Nancy Gregg, of Roulette. He was murdered by a drunk driver who grabbed another officers weapon and shot Gregg at a Bucks County hospital emergency room.

Click the title of this article to see the memorial to Officer Gregg

Feel The Burn: Bike Broken, Leg Injured, Schedule Delayed

Friday, May 11

MIKE UPDATE: He is still in Hartford, CT with a broken bike and injured leg

We just talked to Mike. His bike has a broken derailleur (the part of the bike that switches the gears). Mike also told us that his leg got hurt from Branford to Hartford due to (in his words), "hitting the hills to hard".

He just picked up the part and expects to start toward Bloomingburg, NY as soon as he installs everything. His leg swelling is down - so he expects we will be ready to go in the morning. When we hear more - we will give you all an update.

THE SCHEDULE IS NOW 2 DAYS DELAYED. WE WILL UPDATE THE SCHEDULE ACCORDINGLY ONCE MIKE STARTS IN THE AM.

$2,000.00 Reward To Rat Out Burglars In Tioga County

From WFRM:

Pennsylvania Crimestoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $2000 for information leading to an arrest for a series of burglaries in Tioga County.The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F, Mansfield Station, are continuing their investigation into a series of burglaries that have occurred in the northeast portion of Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

Since October 2006 to the present, there have been approximately 20 home and camp burglaries in the areas of Rutland, Tioga and Jackson Township areas of Tioga County.

If you have information on these crimes or any serious crime or wanted person, call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. All callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.00

Roulette Community Yard Sales Saturday

The town wide community yard sale day is Saturday, May 12, 2007 in Roulette. Residents have been preparing for days for this event. From the looks of things, there will be a lot of stuff to buy. The weather is good. Food, drinks, and a bake sale will be available. The event is sponsored yearly by the Roulette Chamber of Commerce. Official starting time is 9:00 am.

In case you don't know, Roulette is located halfway between Port Allegany and Coudersport, just off Route 6.

If you're not into yard sales, nearly everyone fishing the Allegheny River in Roulette is going home with their limit of trout. Bring your fishing pole and let mamma check out the yard sales while you catch supper for the family.

While you are here, check out the 9 acre farmette with a horse barn and a large farmhouse, with frontage on the Allegheny, located right on Main Street here in Roulette. Dave Miller is the agent. The price is right. This won't last long.

Bobcats At ABC Motel

Check out WFRM's website for a great picture of bobcats in a field near the ABC Motel at Burtville, just posted today. Burtville is at the Potter-McKean County line on Route 6. Use the link at the lower right margin to go to WFRM's website. My wife and I saw one of these cats crossing the road near Gary Fessenden's home about two months ago.

Hebron Twp. Search--Possible Downed Aircraft

Coudersport Firemen have set up a command post on Clark Hill Road, between Dingman Run and Fishing Creek Roads in Hebron Township. A medical helicopter is on scene in a search for a possible downed aircraft. They were dispatched about an hour and a half ago. Stat 6 reported no sighting and left the scene to go to the Bradford Airport to refuel at about 10:05 pm. Civil Air Patrol and firemen searched the area until 2:00 am and determined no plane had crashed. The report was triggered by the activation of an automatic device in an aircraft which apparently malfunctioned.

Commissioners:Screw Jobs, Screw Landlords, We're Taking Time Warner Building

Potter County Commissioners, in a move timed a week before the primary elections, announced the dedication of the Ferdy Gunsberger Building. The building is a 56,000 square foot former Coudersport School Building, acquired by Adelphia, and soon to be given to Potter County by Time Warner Cable, purchasers of Adelphia as a result of bankruptcy. Obviously the incumbent commissioners want to take credit for this before the election as the deal hasn't gone through yet.

The Commissioners had stated their intentions early on when Time Warner pulled the plug on 500 jobs in Coudersport. After asking for help from the Governor, the Senate, and the House of Representatives and their various agencies in finding jobs to fill these buildings, the commissioners were chastised by those agencies for trying to take the building for themselves.

The Commissioners appeared to back off in favor of letting the building be offered for potential employers. Nothing more said in the papers or other news sites, all of a sudden this is going to be a done deal. The committee selected to investigate a courthouse annex never met, but supposedly the Commissioners and their employees met and made the decision.

Potter County employs 178 people according to newspaper reports. It is their intention to move all but about 30 into the new building. There are around 17,000 residents in Potter County. That is one county employee for every 100 residents. The population has dwindled from around 25,000 some years ago.

Losses of potential jobs, jobholders who pay taxes, losses for the landlords who rent property to the county, and losses of the tax money received for this building are all considerations that should have been discussed with the public. Reminds me of the midnight raises the PA legislature enacted for themselves and the Commonwealth's judges.

The embarrassment of the people attempting to market this building in having to tell potential employers that the County Commissioners took this building off the market, would be good enough reason to say "screw Potter County."

Potter County residents had hoped the building would yield jobs, or perhaps a small Community College, so our residents would not have to go so far to get an education. The Potter County Human Services Building in Roulette would be abandoned with employees moved to the new annex. Commissioners spent around a million dollars to rehabilitate that building a few years ago and still owe a mortgage on it. On top of that, they bought a $186,000.00 parking lot across from the present courthouse.

Sure you saved some money on the cost of a building that was determined to be needed back in the 1950's, but maybe you should be thinking about how you could eliminate about half of these county employees. Or get more jobs in the county, so more people could afford to live here.

For my money, I would leave things as they are until it is determined that there is no potential employer interested in using the building for non-government employment and on election day, I would vote for a new group of County Commissioners, who let the public know what they are doing.

Feel the Burn--Mike Manning in Hartford

Cross Country firefighter-bicyclist Mike Manning was in Hartford Connecticut today. Thursday he travels to Bloomingsburg, NY. He's staying at Fire Halls across the US while taking donations for burn victim survivors. Click on the link on the lower right margin to follow his progress. Mike will be in Coudersport on May 13. He has raised over $10,000.00 already. Mike invites the public to ride with him for any part of the ride.

New Lyman Run Dam--Its Only A Small Crack

According to a story in this week's Potter Leader Enterprise, the new Lyman Run Dam in Potter County has cracks in it. Officials don't think it will be a problem but have had people from Lehigh University up there checking it out. According to the official report, they put dye in the water, and didn't spot any leaks, so they are looking forward to getting approval to fill it.

In January 1910, when this dam on Freeman's Run in Austin, Pennsylvania, cracked and slipped 4 feet on its foundation, the Bayless Pulp & Paper Mill spent $1,000,000 to repair the cracks and reinforce the foundation.

On September 30, 1911, heavy rains filled the Bayless reservoir and broke the concrete dam. An estimated 400 million gallons of water rushed over Austin and continued through the valley, destroying nearly everything in its path, as far as eight miles downstream.

In Austin, 50 people were killed, and 38 more were reported missing or presumed dead.
'Nuff said."

Mike Manning Leaves Boston on Bike

Mike Manning, a fireman who is riding his bike cross country for burn survivors, left Boston yesterday. His route will take him across Route 6 through Potter County. Click on the title of this article to go to Boston TV coverage of his send off there at Shriner's hospital.

To follow Mike Manning's progress, use the link at the lower right margin.

Fire, Ambulance Grants Pass House

Working to improve public safety across the Commonwealth, the state House has again approved legislation creating a grant program for volunteer fire and ambulance companies, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) said today.

Lawmakers have offered the grant program in five of the last six years.

“This program has been vitally important to our emergency responders in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties,” Causer said. “Equipment costs are going up and, in many cases, volunteer ranks are going down. These grants help keep our volunteer companies running and enable dedicated volunteers to have access to training and equipment they might not otherwise be able to afford.”

Historically, the grant program has provided $25 million in funding, $22 million of which goes to fire companies and $3 million to ambulance companies.

Under House Bill 906, which passed the House unanimously on Tuesday, funding for the program would be doubled to $50 million for this year only. In subsequent years, funding would return to the $25 million level.

Causer said this year’s legislation authorizing the program is also different than years past because it makes the program an annual part of the state budget, to be funded from gaming revenue. Previously, the General Assembly had to approve legislation and funding for the program each year.

“Establishing the program as an annual feature of our state budget gives our volunteer companies added peace of mind that financial support will be available to them,” Causer said. “It also gives additional peace of mind to the general public that their emergency responders will be ready, willing and able to help if and when they need it.”

Under the grant program, money may be used for construction or renovation of the fire or ambulance company’s primary structure; purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; training; or debt reduction.

Potter County Voters To Choose Commissioners

by James Jones


Potter County voters have a choice of a blue ribbon slate of candidates for Potter County Commissioner in this year's primary election on Tuesday, May 15, 2007. Along with incumbents John Torok (R), Kenneth Wingo (D), and Cathy Bowers (D); Doug Morley (R), Paul Heimel (R) and Susan Kefover (D) have entered the race.

While every one of these candidates has a long list of credentials qualifying them for the job of running the county and plotting our future, one candidate stands out in my mind as a must elect. This slender, unassuming woman does not particularly stand out in a crowd, until she opens her mouth and speaks.

She is a soft spoken person who exudes a positive, can do attitude. She acts as a catalyst to bring people together and inspires them to make things happen. She has an impressive list of qualifications, eminently qualifying her for the Potter County Commissioner job and probably for President of the United States. Her neighbors love her, and I have never heard anyone say a bad word about her. Making her your commissioner can be nothing but a win-win proposition for Potter County voters.

That candidate is Susan Sullivan Kefover, running as a Democrat in the primary election on May 15 th. Here is her background.

Susan graduated from Galeton High School in 1966. She is a 1970 graduate of the Lock Haven University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She has attended classes at Penn State University, including the EAC/JS Managers Conference, a Basic Economic Development Course and a Computer Anxiety Course. Susan has also participated in the Department of Community Affairs Municipal Finance for Elected Officials program.

In 1988 Susan ran for the United States Senate, has served as a Potter County Commissioner for two terms, the President of the Galeton Borough Council, President of the Pennsylvania Appalachian Capital Alliance lending organization, Chairman of the Potter County Employer Advisory Council, judge for Central Penn Business Journal and Department of Community and Economic Development of Pennsylvania's Best 50 Women in Business.

She has also held memberships on various boards, including the Tioga County Partnership for Community Health, The Potter County Hospital Authority and the North Penn Health Services Advisory Board.

Susan continues to be an active member of her community, working with the Potter County Redevelopment Authority, working to retain, develop, and advance business in Potter County, and participating in the Potter County Educational Council, Galeton Water and Sewer Authority, and the Galeton Borough Planning Commission.

Susan also produces and hosts a television talk show called "Issues and Answers" on WGCB-TV in the Harrisburg area.

Susan and Jay Kefover have been married for 33 years. They live in Galeton and appreciate the quality of life and closeness of knowing the community. They have no children of their own, but enjoy countless children in their lives. They are 30-year members of the Coudersport Gospel Tabernacle Church. They are active in ministry in their church and in ministry outreach in the United States and Romania.

Susan is daughter of Lois Sullivan Furcron and the late John P. Sullivan. Her sisters are Terry Cole and Gail Howey; her brothers are Frank Sullivan and John Sullivan.Susan enjoys keeping fit, jogging, studying the Bible, reading a broad range of topics, meeting and talking to people, learning of different cultures, traveling, and watching HGTV, enjoying the flowers, wildlife, scenic views and tranquility of Potter County at its best.

Click to go to http://www.kefoverforcommissioner.wcbt.net/ for more information on Susan Sullivan Kefover.

DuBois Surgeon Building Clinic in Honduras

05/05/2007-- Editor's note: This copyrighted article from the DuBois Courier Express is republished here with permission. Dr. Rice practices in DuBois and Bradford. "As a former patient, I am awed at the benevolence of this gifted surgeon for the less fortunate people of this world we live in".... James Jones

UNDER CONSTRUCTION — Dr. Jeffrey Rice of DuBois and the Global Health Outreach plan to donate this clinic, shown under construction in March in Copan, Honduras, to the Honduran-based Pastors & Clinic Association and the international Rotary Club. It will be used by GHO and other similar groups to treat patients. Rice said he’s working in DuBois to help pay for medical equipment needed for the new clinic, expected to open for surgery in December. (Photos submitted)

DuBOIS - Practicing what he preaches, a local physician is building a third-world medical clinic as part of his involvement in the Global Health Outreach. While this is being done, DuBois-based surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Rice is planning for his next trip to provide medical service abroad.

He hopes others are willing to join the program, and help any way they can.The Global Health Outreach, or GHO, is a branch of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations. Goals of the GHO include treating patients, teaching physicians and encouraging Christianity on a volunteer basis.

"The philosophy is that most of these people will be impoverished their whole life and they live with very little hope," Rice said. The physicians involved with GHO do their best to medically treat the patients. But, as Rice said, "The long-term goal is being in a Christian community, with hope of an afterlife and less suffering.

"Many different kinds of people can help others through GHO. Physicians and nurses and needed, but Rice said, "You don't need a medical background to go." People are also needed to fulfill tasks such as fitting glasses, passing out medication and evangelization.Those that don't know much about medicine return from their trip somewhat knowledgeable. No one returns the same, as volunteers see first-hand what's important in life and what's not.

According to Rice, the average group that makes a trip includes 40 volunteers. About half of this count do not have a medical background.The volunteers are based at clinics, which can vary in construction. Rice said there are clinics built within RVs, which are equipped to serve patients and can travel around. But, often, villagers travel to a stationary clinic set-up within various buildings. Equipment is often temporarily stationed in schools and churches to do this.

When the volunteers establish a clinic location, visitors requesting medical treatment come from miles away, often on foot. "The line goes longer than one can imagine," Rice said. "They stand in 90-degree heat and don't even complain."On average, anywhere from 1,500-3,000 people visit a clinic per trip. Rice said about 200-500 of these people end up committing themselves to a Christian church after the clinic visit. Some of those treated obtain services for conditions ranging from facial deformities, broken bones, cancer and diabetes.

Rice's GHO specialty is general, minor plastic surgery.Rice said clinic doctors treat a lot of machete injuries in Central and South America. "Unfortunately, alcohol is involved in this quite a bit," he said. Rice added that machete injuries are often derived from robberies, fights and even children playing with them.

Rice said his motive for participating in GHO is simple. "It's a good opportunity for someone to actually contribute, instead of thinking or talking about it," he said. "It's a chance to do something that makes a difference.

"Volunteers never know whose life they may change. Rice was told a story about a "street kid" wrapped within an environment of drugs and prostitution. His mother had an encounter with a GHO volunteer, and she became involved in Christianity. This rubbed off on her "street kid" son, who went to school, became an investment banker, a missionary and head of GHO in Central America.

Rice has been going on three to four trips per year, for a "number of years." He has treated patients in Vietnam, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Ecuador and Belize, but said GHO goes to even more countries around the world.Rice's next trip is scheduled for southern Mexico in November, strictly to treat cleft palates. This summer, he plans to travel to Copan, Honduras, to see how well a clinic he's helping build is coming along

But, besides these trips, Rice is certain he'll be called upon to travel with GHO before the fall, and he'll be willing to answer the call.Rice even said he's working in DuBois to help pay for medical equipment needed for the new Honduran clinic, expected to open for surgery in December.

It will be used for the general needs of GHO and similar organizations. Capabilities will involve simple to moderate surgery, with general anesthetic available.This clinic will be donated by Rice and GHO to the Honduran-based Pastors & Clinic Association and the international Rotary Club.

It will be used by GHO and other similar groups to treat patients. It is connected to a birthing clinic, similar to a maternity ward. This birthing clinic is owned by the Pastors & Clinic Association and the Rotary Club. In the absence of GHO-type groups, the birthing clinic will be able to use the space and equipment in the connected clinic that is being built.

The Honduran government may even send a surgeon to the new clinic on a regular basis to use it as a model for rural healthcare. Rice said 60 percent of the people in the Copan area have no access to healthcare and the infant mortality rate is "tremendous."The birthing clinic is outpatient-service only, and is closed overnight. This means that Rice's connecting clinic would also have to operate under outpatient hours, but he and others are working to change this. Hopefully, patients in both sections can eventually be treated and stay around-the-clock.

Anyone wanting to become involved in the GHO can do online research at cmdahome.org. Rice said he'd like to get church groups or independent people involved, and would be glad to provide information. Rice can be reached by phone at 375-0500.