Solomon's words for the wise

Monday, April 19, 2021

Bradfoed City Police Allege Smthport Woman Stole Nearly $133,000. From Bissett Building Supply

The City of Bradford Police Department has been conducting an investigation at Bisett Building Center in Bradford since February 2021.

The nature of investigation was alleged embezzlement of a large amount of funds over a period of time. Officers worked with the Accounts Payable Department at Bisett's to determine a total amount of $132,913.34 had been stolen from the business.

Based on the business records and account transactions the City of Bradford Police did obtain an arrest warrant for Tina M. Elder of Smethport PA. Elder had been employed as the Finance Director for Bisett Building Center from 08/19/2019 to 10/07/2020.

Elder was charged with multiple counts of Felony 2 Theft by Deception and Felony 2 Forgery.

On 04/09/21 Smethport Borough Police Department assisted this department by taking Elder into custody in Smethport. Elder was arraigned by District Magistrate William Todd and $50,000 cash bail was placed on her. Bail was posted and court is pending.

Arrest Date: Friday, April 9, 2021 - 3:00pm Reference ID: 2021-02091019

Charges: CC 3921 B Theft by Unlawful Taking (Felony 2) CC 4101 A2 Forgery (Felony 2) CC 3922 A1 Theft by Deception (Felony 2) CC 3922 A3 Theft by Deception (Felony 2)

Joan M. SAMPSON, 78, of Ulysses, PA

Joan M. SAMPSON

Joan M. SAMPSON, 78, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, April 16, 2021 in her home.

A private funeral will be held at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses. Memorials may be made to Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com. A complete obituary will be announced.

Craig L. Hart, 67, of Bradford, PA.

Craig L. Hart

Craig L. Hart, 67, of Bradford passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family following a brave battle with brain cancer.

He was born on January 15, 1954 in Bradford; he was a son of the late Wildrick and Geraldine Hart.

Craig graduated from BAHS in 1972 and from Edinboro State College in 1977.

On July 6, 1978, he married Neidra Pfohl Hart, who survives.

Craig owned and operated the Headwall Ski Shop from 1978 to 1990, and from 1990 to 1995, he was a business counselor for the Allegheny Research and Development Center at Pitt Bradford. In 1995, Craig took a management position for PNC Bank. In 1999, he went to work for Adelphia Communications Corp. as the director of benefits and payroll until 2009. In 2010, he became a trust officer for Hamlin Bank and retired in 2016.

Craig held many roles in the community. Recently, he served on the board for Hamlin Bank and was the chairman of the board for the Bradford Ecumenical Home. He also helped with the Oakhill Cemetery Assoc.

In past years, he was well-known for his roles in the McKean County ACS Ski-for-Cancer, from cooking the pig to taking donations. He also served a term as president for ACS.

He was active in the Boy Scouts Troop 416 and served as a treasurer and a deacon for the First Presbyterian Church. Craig was also president for the Allegany Hardwoods Utilization Group (AHUG) for a term.

Craig was a man of many talents both practical and artistic. He lived life to the fullest and had many accomplishments. He made beautiful furniture and exquisite jigsaw puzzles, painted lovely pictures, taught himself book binding, and dabbled in pottery. He kept bees, cooked like a chef, and was a sports car enthusiast. No job was too messy or too complicated or too much work for Craig.

He loved the outdoors, particularly bird hunting with his bird dogs, and fishing for which he tied his own flies. Craig also enjoyed skiing both downhill and X-C.

He loved nothing more than gathering with friends and family to share good food, drink and laughter. His presence and energy will be missed by many.

Surviving are a son Lorne, Hart of Bradford; a daughter and son-in-law, Jovanna Hart and Danny Holland of Jackson, WY; a brother, Jay (Jackie) Hart of Yorktown, VA; a sister, Cynthia Hart of Bradford; two nephews, Justin Hart of Austin, TX and Chad Hart of Yorktown, VA.

There will be no services at the request of the deceased. Friends will be received at a later date to be announced.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the American Cancer Society, 108R North Second St., Suite 1B, Clearfield, PA 16830, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.

Coudersport Ambulance to Mountain Lane

At 2:10 PM on Monday, Coudersport ambulance has been dispatched to Mountain Lane for a man ill.

Free Announcement For Candidates Running In Primary Election

COMMENTS WILL BE DISABLED ON ALL POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Cameron County Project Releases Community Value Statements; Looks to Community for Help Prioritizing Ideas

Emporium, Pa (April 16, 2021): Over the last two years, you shared what you love, your thoughts, and ideas with us. Last year, you told us what we got right, very wrong and we made your corrections.

We are excited to share the fully-resident-vetted, Cameron County Community Value Statements:

Nature

“Cameron County values the nature that abounds within our borders, from the abiding beauty of our mountains, streams, and forests to our diverse wildlife. We appreciate the variety of recreational activities and scenic views it provides us.”

Sense of Community

“Cameron County values the Sense of Community created by our people and fostered by our scenic communities and the slower pace of life that make us so unique.

 We value the people we call neighbors, finding them kind, friendly, hardworking individuals who make our communities feel secure and welcoming.

 We revere the community spirit felt between residents -where we know one another and come together with a willingness to help in times of need.

 We treasure the slow pace, quiet nature of neighborhoods and boroughs-where our tree lined streets and valley-nestled communities inspire a familiar feeling a home.”

Local Economy

“Cameron County values our local businesses, industries, and entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our local economy and the heartbeat of our communities, while acknowledging the potential our county offers for expanded amenities and industry.”

Safety

“Cameron County believes in sustaining a safe, secure, and close-knit community to live, work and play.”

Accessibility

“Cameron County values walkable communities, the safe travel between each of our municipalities and the ability to easily navigate our vast dirt road and trail system.”

Arts & Heritage

“Cameron County cherishes sharing our rich history and coming together to celebrate our community and artisans through year round community events, throughout county.”

Youth Wellbeing

“Cameron County values the well-being of our young, adolescent, and teenage residents. We believe in supporting their educational and athletic pursuits and are committed to offering them a variety of opportunities to participate and recreate within our county.”

These values are our shared, non-negotiables as we look toward a vibrant future, creating the common ground of our shared Cam Co Identity as residents and neighbors, who view Cameron County through 4600 different lenses.

Over the next 6 weeks, we need your help to rank ideas for their place in the Cam Co Proud Call to Action Plan. This study and plan can be used to bring resident supported ideas to the table, aid in planning, and assist in securing funding to help bring them to life. We’ll be sharing your hopes, concerns, and ideas via print, in person, and on our website and social media while providing digital and in person opportunities for comment.

You can follow this Project and participate online at www.thecameroncountyproject.com or by emailing: camcoproud@gmail.com. We’ll be announcing in person opportunities week to week

PA House Action for the Week of April 19, 2021

The Weekly Schedule

Bill numbers will be used to identify the legislation being considered either in committee or on the House floor. The bills, sponsors and summaries are posted HERE.

Lane Closures on Interstate 180 and Route 220 in Lycoming County

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised of lane closures this week and next week on Interstate 180 (both directions) and Route 220 (both directions) between the Northumberland County line and the Clinton County line for bridge maintenance.

On Monday, April 19 through Friday, April 30, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crews will be performing bridge maintenance on bridges between the Northumberland County line and Clinton County line. Motorists can expect alternating lane closures where work is being performed.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, expect travel delays, and drive with caution through the work zone.

Work on this project will be in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health guidance as well as a project-specific COVID-19 safety plan, which will include protocols for social distancing, use of face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning protocols, management of entries to the jobsite, and relevant training.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

Owlett Bill to Match Students, Job Opportunities Earns Committee Approval

HARRISBURG – A bill to boost the Commonwealth’s workforce development efforts was approved by the House Education Committee today, said Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter), prime sponsor of the measure.

“Pre-pandemic, there were an estimated 200,000 unfilled skilled jobs here in the Commonwealth – good-paying, family-sustaining jobs that sat open simply because there was no one available with the skills to do the work,” Owlett said. “We have the jobs and we have some very talented and hard-working students. We simply need to bring the two together, and that’s what this bill is designed to do.”

View Rep. Owlett’s comments during the committee meeting here:

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pagopvideo/819992817.mp4

House Bill 602 would establish the Career and Technical Education Investment Incentive Program. It would encourage a strong working relationship between employers and educators by providing tax credits to job creators that invest in career and technical education (CTE) programs. The funding could be used for career and technical education scholarships or the purchase of industry standard equipment at Career and Technical Centers or CTE programming offered by individual school districts.

“So many of our young people end up leaving the state because they can’t find jobs, but at the same time, I have employers telling me that if they just had the workforce, they could grow,” Owlett said. “We need to match our students with the jobs of today and tomorrow so they can stay in Pennsylvania if they choose. But no matter where they end up, this initiative would help set them up for success.”

The proposal is modeled after the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.

House Bill 602 is part of a package of bills known as the Commonwealth’s COVID Comeback, a pro-jobs, pro-families and pro-growth initiative aimed at not only restoring but improving the statewide economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eldred Dispatched To Brush Fire on Main Street

At 1:18 PM on Monday, Eldred Borough Fire Dept. dispatched to 300 Main Street for a brush fire.

Blood drive slated for April 29th at Bradford Regional Medical Center

ConnectLife will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., April 29 at Bradford Regional Medical Center on the ConnectLife bus.

The need for donors remains high because of the pandemic but it is safe to donate and there is no wait time to donate blood after receiving the COVID vaccine.

All donations stay in the community to help local patients.

ConnectLife is the sole supplier of blood products to BRMC. All donors will receive a t-shirt and lunch voucher.

For an appointment, call 814/362-8298 or visit ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org.

Walk ins are welcome.

Benninghoff, Causer to Discuss Small Business Economic Recovery

Will be joined by industries affected by economic shutdowns

WHO: PA House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), PA House Majority Policy Chairman Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), and representatives from the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

WHAT: Press conference releasing a report compiling the responses from a survey sent to businesses asking what they believe will be helpful in building an economic recovery.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 20, at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Rotunda of the Ryan Office Building, Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.

NOTE: Media coverage is invited and encouraged. Media planning to attend should RSVP and direct questions to Jason Gottesman at jgottesman@pahousegop.com.

LIVE WEBSTREAMING: Will be available, barring technical difficulties, at www.PAHouseGOP.com.

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BACKGROUND: In February, the House Majority Policy Committee invited businesses to complete a survey asking what would be helpful from the Legislature to jumpstart Pennsylvania’s economic recovery. You can read more about that at http://www.pahousegop.com/News/19184/Latest-News/House-GOP-to-PA-Employers-How-Can-We-Help?-

Registration Opens Soon for NPRC’s Summer A and Summer B Semesters

Northern PA Regional College (NPRC) is announcing its Summer A 2021 semester course schedule which runs June 7th to August 5th. Registration opens soon! Six courses are being offered: Environmental Biology, Writing II, Industrial Safety, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Math and College Reasoning, and Foundations of Math. For Summer B 2021 semester, which runs June 7th to July 1st, four courses are being offered: Instructional and Classroom Design for Early Childhood Curricula, History Without Borders, Introduction to Philosophy, and Introduction to Psychology.

These courses are part of six associate degrees – Applied Technology, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Liberal Studies, and Social Sciences. However, if someone is not interested in pursuing an associate degree at this time, they can choose the course or courses they need for personal or professional development or take courses to transfer towards a degree program at another regional college or university.

These courses are ideal for recent high school graduates, mid-career adults seeking to advance in their career or begin a new one, and current high school juniors and seniors who meet eligibility requirements and want to earn college credits while still in high school. This program is designed to be affordable, with state funding helping to keep tuition costs low. Students with a high school diploma or GED pay just $185 per credit. Current high school students pay just $60 per credit. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available.

These courses are typically offered at the Coudersport and Port Allegany offices of the Education Council, as well as more than 20 additional locations throughout northwest and north central Pennsylvania. Instructors teach classes live (real-time), and interactive television (ITV) allows all students to simultaneously view and interact with each other. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, summer 2021 semester courses will be offered virtually. Instructors will teach classes remotely, and students will attend from their computers. They will still all be able to view and interact with each other from their computers.

Registration opens April 26th and classes begin June 7th.

For more information about courses being offered or the registration process, visit https://regionalcollegepa.org/class-schedule-years/2021/ or contact Cory Newcombe, Student Success Specialist, at (814) 603-1229 or cnewcombe@rrcnpa.org.

Flexible disaster emergency declarations are a crucial part of response and recovery process | Opinion

By Guest Editorial

By PEMA Director D. Randy Padfield

Disaster emergency declarations are necessary to protect public safety. They save lives in the middle of a disaster and help Pennsylvanians rebuild their homes, lives and communities after the disaster ends.

Disaster emergencies are frightening and, in most cases, unpredictable. With little or no notice, localized flooding can destroy homes and businesses after a short rainfall. Heavy snows can cause widespread power outages, lead to major roadway accidents and endanger vulnerable Pennsylvanians who don’t have access to warm shelter or emergency health care. Major chemical spills, industrial accidents and nuclear incidents can force entire communities to evacuate while polluting water and food sources for years or decades to come. Pandemics can overwhelm health care systems, endanger entire communities, and kill thousands. Even short-lived disasters can result in extensive damages that take months or years to repair

Read more.......

UPMC Children’s Boosts Pediatric Emergency Care in North Central PA

WILLIAMSPORT, April 19, 2021 – UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh announced the expansion of pediatric emergency care services in north central Pennsylvania, ensuring children in the region have access to specialty care if needed when in the emergency department.

This is the first UPMC Children’s specialty service offered in this region.

Starting today, providers caring for pediatric patients in the emergency departments at UPMC Cole, UPMC Lock Haven, UPMC Muncy, UPMC Wellsboro, and UPMC Williamsport can consult with a board-certified UPMC Children’s pediatric emergency medicine physician via telemedicine. The specialized Emergency Department-to-Emergency Department consultations are available around-the-clock.

“This collaborative approach with our colleagues at UPMC Children’s allows our regional experts in emergency services to provide a higher level of care right here in our communities,” said Wendy Batschelet, RN, MSN, clinical director, Emergency Services, UPMC Williamsport. “It helps us address the specialty care needs of the rural communities we serve by tapping into resources already available to us as members of the UPMC family.

Local staff in each emergency department are also working closely with UPMC Children’s on their policies and practices to ensure each child and family receives top-quality care and an excellent patient experience.

“This innovative collaboration highlights how we can effectively and efficiently use technology and the resources we already have to improve the patient experience, reduce the burden of travel, keep families connected, and provide the emergency care patients need close to home,” said Michael Gerst, DO, chief medical officer, Emergency Services, UPMC in north central Pennsylvania.

“UPMC Children’s is proud to provide specialized emergency care to children, teens and young adults close to their homes in north central Pennsylvania,” said Mark Sevco, president, UPMC Children’s. “Whether it be visiting the emergency department for a broken bone, or an allergic reaction, we have the ability to provide patients at these locations with specialized care, by the right provider, in the right place, at the right time.”

Families can now also access UPMC Children’s AnywhereCare which provides 24/7 urgent care for newborns up to 17 years old by pediatric advanced practice providers and can be found on the ChildrensPgh app or by searching “UPMC AnywhereCare” in the app store.

To learn more about UPMC’s services in north central Pennsylvania, visit UPMCSusquehanna.org.

Bradford City Dispatched To House Fire on Prendergast Avenue

At 10:25 AM on Monday, Bradford firefighters have been dispatched to 8 Prendergast Avenue for a structure fire. Started as an outside fire, pool deck is on fire, house is threatened.

George S. Labant, Jr., 83, 221 Chestnut St., Cross Fork, Pa.

George S. Labant, Jr.

US Army Veteran

George S. Labant, Jr., 83, 221 Chestnut St., Cross Fork, Pa., died April 16, 2021 at UPMC, Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, Pa., with his family at his side.

Born July 30, 1937 in Renovo, he was the son of the late George S. and Isola Dillion Labant.

George was a lifetime resident of Cross Fork and received the Remembrance of the First Holy Communion on May 26, 1946 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Renovo. He attended both St. Joseph Catholic School and the Cross Fork School. On Jan. 16, 1960 at the Assembly of God Church he married Helen Probst, who survives at home.

George served in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962 and received many awards for his service and was discharged outstanding recommendations to enter the workforce. George was a heavy equipment operator for various construction companies and traveled throughout the United
States. In 1975, he started his own business “Let George Do It” an excavating and septic pumping business.

An avid outdoorsman George enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing. He made several adventurous trips to Wyoming for big game hunting and fishing. Working was a big part of his life which he enjoyed into his later years working on many interesting projects throughout the state. His most recent adventure was a cross country trip to their cabin in Alaska. George was a member of the Galeton Masonic Lodge 602, Galeton, Pa., American Legion of Renovo, Pa., Kettle Creek Hose Company and Ambulance Association, the American Trappers Association, Cross Fork Sportsman’s Association and IUOE Local66.

In his retirement, he enjoyed watching western movies, feeding and watching the birds and visiting with friends.

Helen and George are richly blessed with one daughter, Diane (Bruce) Montgomery of Oregon; one son, Danny (Julie) Labant of Galeton and Alaska; one granddaughter: Rachel Labant; one step-granddaughter, Macy Montgomery; one brother, Thomas (Mary Jane) Labant, Clasbash, N.C.

He was preceded in death by one brother, C. Joseph Labant.

Keeping with George’s wish there will be no services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cross Fork Sportsmen’s Club c/o Chuck Cross, 12 Summerson Lane, Renovo, PA 17764 or the charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Dean K. Wetzler, Jr. Funeral Home, 320 Main St., Mill Hall, PA 17751

Online condolences @ www.wetzlerfuneralhome.org

Coudersport Responds To Early Morning Dumpster Fire near Shop n' Save

Coudersport Vol FireDept

4/19/21 04:02:55 2021-00011315 DUMPSTER FIRE, 9 W. SECOND ST, COUDERSPORT BORO.

Engine 48, Crew and AC Dunn, Dunn II, Haskins and Chief Phelps responded to Box 48-76 .

Upon Chief Phelps arrival, found two Dumpsters fully involved with fire. The fire had spread to a nearby fence. Crews worked for approx. 1/2 hour .

Damage was contained to the Dumpsters and the fence - No cost of the loss at this time.

This incident is being investigated by Boro Police. Anyone with information is asked to contact them @ 814-274-8970 or 911.

Janice Kuppertz, 74, of Clarendon, PA.

Janice Kuppertz

Janice Kuppertz, 74, of Clarendon, PA, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, April 15, 2021, after an extended illness at the John & Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren.

Janice was born on October 26, 1946 in Warren, PA, daughter of the late Charles and Doris (Widdifield) Riggle. She was a lifelong area resident and a 1964 graduate of Eisenhower High School. Janice was employed at Warren General Hospital for 32 years, where she worked as a switchboard operator and front desk manager. She also did book and clerical work for K & M Excavating and along with her husband owned and operated Chris – Andy Mobile Home Park. Janice enjoyed doing yard work, taking care of her home, and reading romance novels. She liked to cook and was known for her cottage potatoes that she would bring to family gatherings. Janice had a great sense of humor and style.

Janice is survived by Albert “Butch” Kuppertz, Jr., her loving husband of 57 years. They were married on November 30, 1963 at St. Clara’s Church in Clarendon, Pa. Together they enjoyed family gatherings, Sunday brunches at local restaurants, and going to garage sales and local auctions. She enjoyed Music in the Park, the July 4th Parade, and spending evenings by the fire with her loving husband Al. She was a caregiver to her mother and father-in-law in their later stages of life. Later in life, she loved being a doting grandmother to her granddaughter Kayla.

Janice is also survived by her son – Albert “Andy” Kuppertz, and his wife, Amy, of Russell, PA; her daughter – Crystal Oviatt of Selinsgrove, PA; one granddaughter – Kayla Kuppertz of Russell, PA; 5 siblings – Donald Riggle and his wife, Jill, of Carpentersville, IL, John Riggle of Warren, PA, James Riggle and his wife, Mary Beth, of Youngsville, PA, Deborah Jenkins and her husband, Irvin, of Tionesta, PA, Jeffrey Riggle and his wife, Jeannie, of Scandia, PA; one sister-in-law – Diane Rogers of Marlton, NJ; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Sandra Walters.

Due to Covid-19, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and time that will be announced. The family is grateful for the support and assistance provided by Janice’s caregivers and Hospice. Those wishing to place a memorial may do so to Hospice of Warren County at www.hospiceofwarrencounty.org, 1 Main Ave., Warren, PA, 16365.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com

Black Forest Conservation Assoc – Open Trap Shooting Results from 18th April:

Round 1 – Otto Deutschlander – 23

Round 2 – Sophia Snowman – 19

Round 3 – Drew Page – 22

Round 4 – Gil Contant – 22

Round 5 – Otto Deutschlander – 24

Round 6 – Patrick Lehman - 22

Round 7 – Terry Gerner – 23

Round 8 – Terry Gerner – 23

Round 9 – Aaron Cusatis - 20

Spring has arrived in Potter Co and trap shooters are “springing up” at Black Forest with great scores! Come join the fun and become a part of clay target shooting.

We invite one and all to participate. Our location is on Back Rd in Coudersport and we shoot every Sunday at noon. Here, new shooters gain an understanding and command of the game of the trap. Good shooters become great shooters and great shooters become state & national champions! Youth and adults, male and female are encouraged to step up to the trap line and become part of the northern tier shooting phenomenon.

We observe ATA rules, shooters must supply their own guns and ammunition (shot size no larger than No. 7 ½ ). Eye and ear protection required. 12 gauge recommended. Instruction available at no charge. $4/round for adults, $2/round 16 and younger.

Our summer league will begin at the end of June. We’re accepting registration sign-ups now. See Tom McDonald at the range for details.