Drug Task Force Arrests 4 In Bradford

WESB News: 01/12/08 - Drug Sweep Nets Four

Four people were arrested in the city of Bradford Thursday and Friday in a combined effort by the McKean County Drug Task Force, the Sheriff's Department, and Bradford City Police.

Rose Howard and Donald Bickford Jr, of Maplewood Avenue, and Natasha Skaggs, of Bradford, along with Harry Heinaman of Brocton, NY were arrested and charged with drug related offenses.

Arraignment was before District Judge Dominic Cercone. Their preliminary hearings are all scheduled for January 30th.

Political Activity Deadlines For Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s primary election is April 22.

Jan. 22 is the first day candidates can circualte nomination petitions.

Feb. 12 is the deadline for filing the petitions.

March 24 is the last day to register to vote before the primary.

Potter County Fire News Pictures Jay Twp. Blaze

Friday, 11 January 2008

The Jay Township Fire Co. (Elk Co #5) responded to a report of a working structure fire on Elm St between the hamlets of Scattertown and Hollywood just South of the Village of Force. They were assited by Elk Co #3 Fow Twp and Penfield Fire Co. Further details are not currently available but will be posted as soon as we find out anything further. More photos of this blaze can be found in our Photo Gallery area. Click this link to go to Potter County Fire News.

Troopers Say Man Admitted To Sex With Disabled

Ulysses suspect charged with rape says sex with two women was consensual.
January 12, 2008
By George Osgood
gosgood@stargazette.com
Star-Gazette Wellsboro Bureau

ULYSSES -- A Ulysses man who was supposed to be providing respite care for two Potter County women with mental disabilities has admitted having sex with them.

Kenneth R. Mack, 60, of South Main Street, gave police a written confession in which he admitted having sexual intercourse with the 58- and 22-year-old women last summer, according to an affidavit of probable cause attached to the criminal complaint.

State police contend that the mental condition of the women precluded them from consenting to sexual relations.

State Trooper Matthew Sweet charged Mack with six felony counts each of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and sexual assault and six misdemeanor counts of indecent assault.

Galeton Magisterial District Judge Delores G. Bristol arraigned Mack and sent him to the Potter County Jail when he failed to post $50,000 bail.

In the affidavit, Sweet wrote that he, Trooper Glenn Drake and an investigator from Potter County Mental Health/Mental Retardation went to a home along Empson Road in Ulysses Township where the two women now live.

Despite their disabilities, both women were able to convey to police and the investigator that Mack had sexual relations with them repeatedly, according to the affidavit.

The women lived at the Empson Road home under the care of a Ulysses woman.

When she needed to run errands or handle other chores, she would leave the women under the care of Mack in an arrangement called respite care.

Mack's wife works for Potter County Mental Health/Mental Retardation, police said.

The assaults occurred during those respite visits, according to the affidavit. The 22-year-old woman told police they took place in Mack's barn and in the bed she slept in when she stayed at Mack's home.

The Star-Gazette does not print the names of victims of sexual assault unless they specifically request it.

"He admitted to having sexual intercourse with (the 22-year-old) at least five times and sex with (the 58-year-old) on at least one occasion," according to the affidavit.

"He also alleged that this was consensual. A written confession was obtained from the defendant relative to these facts and placed into evidence."

A preliminary hearing has been set for Monday in Bristol's court.

Area Obituaries

SMETHPORT — William F. Aruffo, 90, of Smethport, died Friday (Jan. 11, 2008) in the Bradford Ecumenical Home, Bradford. Arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc.

LEIGHTON, Edward Sr. of Westfield, Pa, 71, formerly of Cape May Court House, NJ, died Friday, January 11, 2008. Born December 14, 1936, in Darby, PA, he was the son of Frank T. and Catherine Leighton McMahon. He was adopted and raised by his uncle, William J. Leighton. On November 25, 1961, in Havertown, PA, he married the former Carolyn M. Collett, who predeceased him in 1995. A US Marine Corps Veteran, he served honorably in the late 1950's. He was employed by the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local #5 in Philadelphia and he owned and operated the Cardinal Elevator Company in Cape May Court House, NJ. On July 25, 1998, in Westfield, he married the former Irmalee Jane Terwilliger Wheaton, who survives. Surviving besides his wife, Irmalee Jane, are three sons, Edward J. (Beverly) Leighton, Jr. of TX, Mark (Jennifer) Leighton of Williamstown, NJ, and Brian Leighton of Woodbine, NJ; five grandchildren, Michael, Breann, Brooke, Patrick, and Rileigh; a brother, William McMahon, Sr. of Sabinsville, PA; nieces and nephews, including Benjamin McMahon of Chula Vista, CA; a god-son, John McMahon of Philadelphia; two stepdaughters, Teresa (Jesse, Jr.) Mead of Knoxville, PA, and Peggy (Scot) Short of Westfield; and five step grandchildren. Friends may call Wednesday, January 16th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA, where Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Joseph Dougherty will officiate. Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to a charity for Heart, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's.

Rumors Of Berrettini's Death Confirmed

We've lowered our flag to half mast in honor of Mr. Berrettini's sacrifice for our country, and we suggest that area residents do the same.
Lt. Col. Richard Berrettini--PA National Guard
BREAKING NEWS:

Rumors widely circulated yesterday that Lt. Col. Richard Berrettini, the former Port Allegany School Nurse, severely injured while on active duty with the National Guard in Afghanistan, has died from his injuries.

In response to my inquiry last night, Martha Knight, reporter for the Port Allegany Argus, and the Bradford Era who has kept the area abreast of his condition wrote:"Yes, he died. So sad. Word came from Cory Angell of Ft. Indiantown Gap (base for his unit) today."

Anonymous said...

I was saddend deeply this morning to see that Mr. Berrettini has passed away from his injuries. Rich was a very kind,compassionate man. I worked with him for a very brief period, and he was just an awesome individual. A great role model for his fellow health care providers and for his students. I hope Rich recieved the kind of care that he gave to so many. Rest in peace my friend.

Saturday, January 12, 2008 5:18:00 AM EST

Anonymous said...

I found this morning that someone that was a big person at heart has died and because of that, he was defending his country.
I worked with Mr. Berrettini and he was also a very caring nurse of mine in high school. Mr. Berrettini and I would always have the greatest conversations and when I was moving to Florida he was sad to see me go but happy that I was moving on and wished me the best of luck. We will miss you! RIP

Saturday, January 12, 2008 2:46:00 PM EST

Stocks Just Can't Keep It Up

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Community Supper At Fishing Creek Church

January 12

There will be a community supper at the Fishing Creek United Methodist Church, north of Roulette beginning at 5:30 p.m. Take a dish to pass and your own table service.

Exarchos To Run For Seat In Congress

By Mike Joseph--Centre Daily Times.com

Former Centre County Commissioner Chris Exarchos said Friday he will run for the 5th congressional district seat after he got a “consensus” and “green light” to go for it from county Republican leaders Thursday night.

Exarchos, 63, a former restaurant owner, former two-term College Township councilman and county commissioner from 2004-07, said he plans to make a formal announcement next week.

Minor Flooding Expected In Susquehanna

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a flood warning for the Waverly and Sayre areas.

Minor flooding is forecast as the Susquehanna River is expected to rise slightly above flood level -- 11 feet -- after midnight today.

The river was at 8 feet at 7 a.m.

Matt Shaner: You Can Run But You Can't Hide!

By James Jones--"Solomon's Words"

Matt Shaner, 28 year old President of Shaner Investments of State College, threw his hat in the ring yesterday to run for US Congressman John Peterson's seat as a Republican after Peterson announced that he would not run again.

Shaner's announcement in the Centre Daily Times immediately brought a raft of negative comments, denouncing him as a spoiled rich kid, rehashing of an auto accident last year when he reportedly left the scene and wouldn't answer the door at his home when police arrived there, and a general bashing of his character.

When interviewed by a Centre Daily Times staffer, he admitted that he had been drinking and should not have been driving, saying that that was the worst mistake of his life. That interview was circulated throughout the state today by the Associated Press.

Matt's accomplishments received only a casual mention in the articles, which read more like a criminal indictment than an interview with a political candidate.

It is no wonder that it's difficult to find a good man or woman to run for public office. Perfect candidates are hard to find. If you find someone who has made no mistakes in life that runs for public office, someone else will probably fabricate accusations against them.

By the time most presidential elections take place, I get the feeling that the candidates should be sent to death row, rather than the Whitehouse.

Now that Matt's mistakes are all out in the open, here's hoping maybe the press will look at this candidate and find something good to write about him.

Matt, I congratulate you for having the guts to run for this office. Maybe your family's success in the oil and gas , hotel, and investment business could rub off on you, and you could help run our country with the same good business sense.

Matt, you bring truth to the phrase "You can run, but you surely can't hide."

Lessons In Sobriety/The Naked Truth

Home » blogs » Pete Bosak's blog

Unexpected naked house guest

Submitted by Pete Bosak on Fri, 2007-11-16 18:35.

I'd bet a lot of guys dream about this kind of thing, but it just never happens.

You come home to find a buck naked woman eating pizza in your kitchen.

According to State College police, it happened a couple weeks ago.

A 20-year-old Penn State student was charged with criminal trespass and underage drinking when she was found stark naked in the apartment of three gentlemen in the 200 block of East Nittany Avenue, State College police said in a complaint they filed against her.

The guys came home at about 3:30 in the morning Oct. 21 "to find an unknown, naked female eating pizza in their kitchen," police said.

Ironically, her last name is Munch.

Anyway, the guys who are probably the envy of a lot of other guys in this town, gave the drunken girl a pair of boxers and a shirt to wear, according to court documents.

Then they called police, based on the fact she wasn't supposed to be there, had gotten in through an unlocked door, was very drunk and stark naked, according to court documents.

A PBT administered by police turned up a .24 blood alcohol content, which, to the layperson out there, is blotto, the kind of drunkenness that could land you naked in some stranger's kitchen eating their pizza.

The young lady, according to the Penn State Web site is an aspiring kindergarten teacher, had no idea where her clothes or shoes were, police said.

Due to how drunk she was, police called her an ambulance.

PA Eliminates Lifeguards On State Park Lakes

From the DuBois Courier Express

HARRISBURG - All swimming beaches at lakes in state parks, with the exception of Presque Isle State Park in Erie, will implement an open swim policy this year, according to Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.

"The open swim program provides increased opportunities for swimmers beyond the hours and seasons during which lifeguards are available," DiBerardinis said. "Over the last few years, we have successfully implemented open swim policies at 23 of our state parks. We will add the remainder of the state parks with lakes this year."

Lifeguards are not provided at open swim beaches. Swimmers swim at their own risk. Visitors are encouraged to be vigilant when their children are swimming.

Beaches will continue to be patrolled and monitored by state park staff. Instructions and regulations on swimming are posted at all beaches.

The use of lifeguards will continue at swimming pools at state parks, as well as at Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie, where currents on the lake make water hazards much different than other smaller lakes in the state park system.

The state parks that will implement the open swim policy in 2008 are Bald Eagle, Beltzville, Black Moshannon, Canoe Creek, Chapman, Cowans Gap, Gifford Pinchot, Laurel Hill, Moraine, Parker Dam, Pine Grove Furnace, Raccoon Creek, Shawnee, Tuscarora and Yellow Creek.

The implementation of open swim beaches is a national trend, according to the DCNR; it allows state parks to operate more efficiently, and provides greater public access to beaches.
Beaches (except Presque Isle) are generally open to swimming from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day. The exact opening and closing dates vary at each park.

"We encourage visitors to call ahead if they have concerns about swimming at a state park they plan to visit," DiBerardinis said.

Penn Dot Installing More Traffic Cams

PennDOT will be closing lanes of Interstate 76 and Route 1 during off-peak hours during the next week while contractors continue to install technology equipment in parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County.

The near $24 million plan calls for 43 closed-circuit TV cameras, seven message signs, 25 vehicle detectors and 18 time-travel readers

.Construction began in April and will finish in late 2008. Carr and Duff, Inc. of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., is the general contractor.

Click on the PA travel link on the right hand side of this page and you will be taken to PennDot's website where you can see traffic cameras from all over the state

Windmill Noise/You Can't Get Away From It!!

PORTAGE, Pa. -- The Alleghenies have been a hotbed for wind energy, but not without a lot of controversy over the turbines residents see and potential turbines they could see soon.

Now neighbors of one local wind farm that's been up and running said they've heard enough.

With 40 turbines spanning ridgetops and crossing counties, the Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm is the largest in Pennsylvania.

Neighbors said the noise is just as big."On a calm day, you come outside and try to enjoy a nice peaceful day, and all you hear is the noise all the time and you can't get away from it," said Bob Castel.

Read this story from WJAC-TV.

Backup For Emergency Radio Approved

January 10, 2008--From Williamsport Sun Gazette By CHERYL R. CLARKE cclarke@sungazette.com

MANSFIELD —After a public hearing on the matter Wednesday, the fire department got permission to erect a communications tower behind the fire hall on South Main Street, in Mansfield.

Fire Chief Jim Welch said the 60-foot tower also will be emergency backup for the Tioga County communications system if for some reason the Wellsboro communications center is unable to function.

‘‘We were approached by the county department of emergency services to provide a backup for the eastern part of the county,’’ Welch said.

Council voted unanimously to grant the conditional use request following a brief executive session.

Man Charged In Limestone Twp. Home Invasion

By PHILIP A. HOLMES - pholmes@sungazette.com

A 28-year-old Williamsport man was in custody late Thursday night awaiting arraignment on charges in connection with last month’s rural home invasion and robbery of a jewelry store owner.

State police allege the suspect, who was arrested earlier in the day in Philadelphia, was one of two masked gunmen who entered the Limestone Township (Williamsport area) home of Mr. and Mrs. John Waldman during the early morning hours on Dec. 10.

The charges were filed after investigators gathered details from confidential informants and others who implicated the suspect in the crime, police said.

Eight days after the invasion, one informant told police that the suspect admitted he had been “watching (following and surveilling)” the Waldman family before committing the crime with an accomplice, according to investigators.

The suspect, whose name was being withheld until his arraignment, faces more than 50 charges, including multiple counts of robbery, terroristic threats, false imprisonment and related offenses.

Read the rest of this story in the Williamsport Sun Gazette

Shootings Will Be Solved

Crime wave fallout

By R.A. WALKER - rwalker@sungazette.com

Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana promised the city that last Friday’s shootings and homicide will be solved.

“We’re not going to play around,” he said during Thursday night’s City Council meeting before asking Police Chief Gregory Foresman to elaborate on changes planned within the Bureau of Police this coming week.

Foresman said discussions have taken place this week with a number of law enforcement allies from the county to federal level about how to confront the latest round of violence.

Of more immediate impact, however, was his announcement that community policing will be back as of Monday.

Foresman did not provide full details, but he said a special group of about seven officers is being taken off their current duties and assigned to either community policing or the county drug task force.

He said drugs are creating most of the city’s problems and “there seems to be a rise in ... individuals coming from the bigger cities.”

“I want to stop the mentality that (makes them think) they are welcome here,” he said.

Read the rest of this story in the Williamsport Sun Gazette.

BUCKLEY,Myra Whitney White
On Monday, December 31, 2007, in Burke, VA, Beloved wife of Raymond J. Buckley, Jr. She is survived by four children, David White, Stephanie Schoen, Jonathan White, and Sydney Mills from her marriage to Wilson E. White, who predeceased her in 1975. She is also survived by seven grandchildren. Born January 28, 1920, she attended Bradford High School in Bradford, PA, where she achieved the Girl Scout rank of Golden Eaglet, and received the DAR Citizenship Award. Mrs. Buckley was a 1942 graduate of Alfred University, Alfred, NY, and was a member of Theta Theta Chi sorority. Upon graduation she worked for an affiliate of the National Broadcasting Corporation at Rockefeller Center in New York City. After raising four children, she began her teaching career at West Springfield High School in Springfield, VA. She served as the Business Department Chair and retired from Fairfax County Public Schools in 1984. Her service organizations included Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Alfred Alumni Association. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, January 12th, in the All Saints Episcopal Church, Brookland, PA. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, c/o Joan Sampson, Treasurer, Ulysses, PA 16948. Arrangements with Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.

4 Juveniles Charged After Shinglehouse Shooting

WESB News: 01/11/08 - Four Juveniles Charged in BB Gun Incident

Four juveniles have been charged after a BB gun incident January 4 outside Oswayo Valley schools.

Shinglehouse Borough Police say a 16 year-old boy fired a BB gun towards a school baseball field while riding in a vehicle last Friday afternoon around 3:10pm.

Police say a second 16-year-old male in the vehicle also fired the BB gun on the Oswayo Valley Elementary School campus and struck a young student, causing a minor injury.

A .22-caliber rifle was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident too. Four juveniles, including the 17 year-old driver of the vehicle, were all charged with possession of a weapon on school property. The two shooters were also charged with disorderly conduct.

Underage Drinking Checked At Bradford Bars

WESB News: 01/11/08 - Police Target Bars and Underage Drinking

The State Police BLCE spent the past two nights in Bradford doing age compliance checks at various bars and restaurants.

The state police unit targeted six establishments and found three in non compliance with state liquor laws.

The names of the three businesses which served underage buyers liquor hasn’t been released yet.

Police Reports From WFRM News

Coudersport-based state police were kept busy Wednesday afternoon investigating three separate incidents occurring at different locations around the county within minutes of each other.

Jody Nudd, 36 of Galeton has been charged with disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place at about 5:00 p.m. Authorities claim, Nudd while intoxicated, argued with 67 year old Martha Taylor in their home on the West Branch Road over cat food.

A few minutes later, troopers were summoned to the village of Roulette when 62 year old Cheryl Card allegedly threatened 58 year old Carol Rees as they argued from their front porches in the trailer court on Railroad Avenue.

And, a few minutes after that, state police responded to a fight at Adelphoi Village in Harrison Township. A 17 year old boy is accused of punching a 15 year old boy in the eye with a closed fist causing injury during an altercation.

Rep. Causer Will Seek 4th Term In State House

WESB News: 01/10/08 - Causer Not Running for Peterson's Seat

State Representative Marty Causer has decided that he will not run for the 5th Congressional District seat being vacated by John Peterson, who is retiring.

Causer will seek re-election to a fourth term in the state House of Representatives.

Causer says he believes he can best serve our region by remaining in the state House and working on issues such as improving the local job climate and controlling state spending.

He says he thanks all the people who have urged him to run for Congress, but he says with three young children at home, he decided this is not the right time to run.

Coudersport Man Owns Limo Business

WESB News: 01/10/08 - Mayor Carucci Sells Premo Limousine

Olean Mayor David Carucci has sold his business to his business partner.

Brian Wilson of Coudersport bought a stake in Premo Limousine in June of 2005 while Carucci was running for office. Carucci retained a controlling interest in the business and remained president of the company after he took office in January of 2006.

Wilson is now the sole owner of Premo Limousine. Carucci says he plans to retire when he leaves office, but won't say whether he plans to run for a second term as mayor. His current term ends next year.

Stocks Close On The Up Side Today

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Stocks Up Slightly As Feds Pledge Cuts

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Potter County Men Win At Farm Show

WESB News: 01/10/08 - Ulysses Man Wins Big at Farm Show

Larry Hamilton of Ulysses overcame some sticky competition to capture the prestigious Premier Exhibitor award in the maple syrup contest at the 2008 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Hamilton has been competing at the Farm Show for 20 years. He's says winning the Premier Exhibitor title is even better than money. Contestants must enter a minimum of six classes in 14 categories to contend for Premier Exhibitor honors. Points are given for each placing, then weighed out at the conclusion of the show. People with the most points can win cash prizes from $8 to $212.

Charles Nelson of Genesee also picked up a couple of awards.

New Link Added To Solomon's Words

Welcome to Potter County Fire News! This is the home for stories and photos of emergency services incidents that happen in Potter County and the surrounding areas. Inside you will find information and photos on incidents that have occurred in Potter, Tioga, Cameron, McKean and Elk Counties as well as Allegany County New York. Registered users will also have access to our forums area as well as they will receive (as much as is possible) fire flash e-mails with information on breaking incidents. As things move forward we hope to have submissions from area departments to be able to provide the most up to date information and photos possible. So get in on the action and register today!

Solomon's Words has added a link to this great site produced by Mike Healy of Ulysses. We invite you to click on it and check it out. He's done a great job with it and shares action pictures from area fires and emergencies. Thanks Mike for sharing with us.

Ulysses Man Jailed For Raping Women

BREAKING NEWS From Elmira Star Gazette
A Ulysses man faces multiple charges after Pennsylvania State Police say he raped two mentally disabled women multiple times last summer.

Police say Kenneth Robert Mack, 60, raped the two victims, who were undergoing respite care at Mack's house because of their mental disabilities. Police say that because of their mental disabilities, the victims -- a 22-year-old Ulysses woman and a 58-year-old Ulysses woman -- were unable to give consent to the sexual encounters.

Mack has been charged with numerous counts of rape, aggravated indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault and indecent assault.

Mack was arraigned before Magisterial District Court Justice Delores Bristol and remanded to the Potter County Jail on $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Monday.

Call Center To Bring 400 Jobs

New employer plans move into former Corning facility in Erwin.
January 10, 2008

By G. Jeffrey Aaron
jaaron@stargazette.com

Star-Gazette

The SITEL Corp., based in Omaha, Neb., is expected to announce next week it will establish a call center at the Corning Inc.-owned former photonics testing facility in Erwin.

The project was mentioned Wednesday by Gov. Eliot Spitzer during his annual State of the State address to the Legislature in Albany as he recited key economic development projects around the state. In his speech, Spitzer only mentioned that SITEL would locate a major call center in the Southern Tier with 600 jobs. Further checking confirmed that the center would be in Erwin and might actually employ closer to 400 people.

Corning Inc. spokesman Dan Collins confirmed that Corning and SITEL have reached an agreement to establish the call center at 103 Canada Road. Corning had been working with the Empire State Development Corp. and Three Rivers Development Foundation Inc. to locate a tenant for the unused building, he said.

"We will be the landlord and not involved with it," Collins said. "We're working out the lease details and (SITEL) will establish the center."

SITEL offers inbound call handling for customer service requests, technical support and order taking. The company also provides outbound telemarketing, database and list-building services, and direct-response marketing.

Area Obituaries

ULYSSES — Myra Whitney White Buckley, 87, of Springfield, Va., formerly of Bradford, died Monday (Dec. 31, 2007) in Burke, Va. Arrangements are under the direction of the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

ELDRED — Gordon R. Wade, 88, died Saturday (Jan. 5, 2008) at the residence of his son in Dorchester, Mass., where he had resided for the past two years. The Frame Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard A. “Dick” Kille, 63, of 72 Whitetail Road, Eldred, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 9, 2008) in the Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital. Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Lawrence W. Miller, 54, of Wellsboro, died Wednesday (Jan. 9, 2008) at Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro. Arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

COUDERSPORT — Richard W. Blandford, 55, formerly of Coudersport, died Wednesday (Jan. 9, 2008) at Kutztown Manor, Kutztown. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Fickinger Funeral Home.

PORT ALLEGANY — Clifford L. Dawley, 95, of Two Mile Road died Tuesday (Jan. 8, 2008) in the Lakeview Senior Care and Living Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Switzer Funeral Home.

ELDRED — Norma V. Hess Lampert, 84, died Tuesday (Jan. 8, 2008) in Sena Kean Manor following a long illness. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Frame Funeral Home.

Several Arrested In Drug Sweep

WESB News: 01/09/08 - Drug Arrests in Warren County

Several Warren County residents have been arrested after a drug sweep Wednesday.

Police arrested Carrie Michelle Zeigler of Warren for delivering methadone and Sara Jean Jordan of Russell and Kileigh Bees for delivering cocaine. They are in Warren County Jail on 5 thousand dollars bail each.

Ronald Cressley of Warren is charged with delivering oxycontin. Michael Brant of Warren is charged with delivering cocaine. They are free are 5 thousand dollars bail.

Police say additional arrests are pending.

Causer Announces Grants for Local Fire, Ambulance Companies

Volunteer emergency response organizations in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties have been awarded more than $640,000 in grants from the state, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced today.

“This is great news for our dedicated fire and emergency service volunteers, as well as for all of us who rely on these great organizations to help keep us safe,” Causer said. “These grants will go a long way toward meeting growing equipment, training and other needs of our fire and ambulance companies.”

The grants were awarded to 34 fire and ambulance companies in the 67th Legislative District that Causer represents. The funding comes from an ongoing grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

This year’s program doubled in size to $50 million to make up for funding that was not made available last year. Next year, fire and ambulance companies will be able to apply for a share of $25 million for projects such as construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, to purchase or repair equipment, to provide training, or to reduce existing debt.

Following is a list of local fire and ambulance companies and the amount of their grant awards:

Cameron County

• Cameron County Ambulance Service Inc., Emporium – $9,969.29.
• Emporium Fire Department Inc., Emporium – $19,000.
• Sinnamahoning Volunteer Fire Department – $9,969.29 for EMS operations; $38,000 for fire company operations.

McKean County

• Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $22,100.77.
• Clermont Volunteer Fire Department, Mt. Jewett – $19,000.
• Corydon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bradford – $19,309.95.
• Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, Derrick City – $19,000.
• Eldred Borough Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Eldred – $9,969.29 for EMS operations; $19,000 for fire company operations.
• Eldred Township Volunteer Fire Department, Eldred – $19,309.95.
• Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Cyclone – $19,000.
• Lewis Run Volunteer Fire Department, Lewis Run – $19,619.90.
• Mt. Jewett Area Ambulance Association – $8,377.19.
• Mt. Jewett Fire Department, Mt. Jewett – $19,309.95.
• Norwich Township Volunteer Fire Department Inc., Crosby – $19,000.
• Otto Township Volunteer Fire Company, Duke Center – $19,000.
• Port Allegany Fire Department-Star Hose Company No. 1, Port Allegany – $22,100.77.
• Port Area Ambulance Service Inc., Port Allegany – $9,969.29.
• Rew Volunteer Fire Department, Rew – $19,000.
• Smethport Fire Department Inc. – $19,606.79.

Potter County

• Austin Volunteer Fire Department, Austin – $9,969.29 for EMS operations; $19,000 for fire company operations.
• Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, Coudersport – $9,969.29.
• Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Coudersport – $19,309.95.
• Gale Hose Company No. 1 Inc., Galeton – $9,969.29.
• Genesee Volunteer Fire Department, Genesee – $9,969.29 for EMS operations; $19,000 for fire company operations.
• Germania Fire Company, Galeton – $19,000.
• Goodyear Hose Company No. Inc., Galeton -- $19,000.
• Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Company, Harrison Valley, $19,000.
• Kettle Creek Ambulance Association, Cross Fork – $8,347.29.
• Kettle Creek Hose Company No. 1, Cross Fork – $19,000.
• Roulette Chemical Engine Company No. 1, Roulette – $9,969.29 for EMS operations; $19,000 for fire company operations.
• Shinglehouse Ambulance Association, Shinglehouse – $9,375.62.
• Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Department, Shinglehouse – $19,309.95.
• Tri-Town Fire Company, Ulysses – $19,000.
• Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance Association, Ulysses – $9,969.29.

Market Rebounds A little Today

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Shaner To Run For Peterson's Post

WESB News: 01/09/08 - Shaner to Run for Congressional Seat

Centre County businessman Matt Shaner has announced that he will seek the Republican nomination in the 5th congressional district.

Shaner is the first major-party candidate to commit to a candidacy for the seat that will be vacated at the end of the year by the retirement of the six-term incumbent, U.S. Rep. John Peterson.

Shaner’s announcement came a few hours after state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, said he will not run for the congressional seat. Benninghoff’s announcement came one day after state Sen. Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, took himself out of consideration.

Peterson announced last Thursday he would not seek re-election.

Child Molester Gets 8 to 16 Years In State Prison

Sean Scharlau, 23, formerly of Coudersport and Roulette, who entered a guilty plea last April to sexual assault charges against two children, ages 5 and 8, was sentenced Monday to 8 to 16 years in state prison, by Potter County Judge John Leete.

Scharlau was determined to be a sexually violent predator and a pedophile. He was arrested and charged by Sweden Township Police Chief Bryan D. Phelps, in August of 2006, for molesting the two children while they were in his residence located on North Hollow Road in Sweden Township.

Judge John Leete has consistently taken a tough stand on sex crimes against children in Potter County.

Michael Joseph Lisek, 33, of Coudersport was taken to state prison in December to serve 6 years and 9 months to 16 and 1/2 years after being convicted in May of four counts of sexual assault against a 14 year old girl who resided in his home.

His co-workers at the Adelphia Call Center, where he was a respected and well liked supervisor, were surprised at the charges and his designation as a sexually violent predator.

Lisek, who disputed the sexually violent predator designation, has filed an appeal with the Superior Court, through his public defender, Brent Petrosy, and was scheduled for a hearing today on a request for bail while the appeal is decided.

District Attorney Dawn Fink stated she will oppose his release on bail as she doesn't want a sexually violent predator on our streets.

Information for this article was taken from articles in the Potter Leader Enterprise written by Staff Reporter Kimberly Hoak. The complete stories can be found in the Potter Leader Enterprise on December 26, 2007 and January 9, 2008.

Botulism Victim Identified

The Potter Leader Enterprise in a front page story today has identified the 43 year old victim of botulism poisoning as Vera Valenti of Austin, PA.

The PA Department of Health issued an emergency notice to consumers who may have or have purchased canned soup from Schumacher's Inn in Costello not to open the cans but to contact the Health Department immediately.

Click this link to see the previous complete article in" Solomon's Words" as this story broke statewide earlier this week.

Thieves Damage Camp On Ole Bull Road

Coudersport State Police reported sometime since late November, thieves broke a window and forced open the front door at a camp on the Ole Bull Road in Stewardson Township.

Damage to the camp owned by Marjorie Matthews of West Mifflin, PA has been estimated to be about $150.00. From WFRM News

Coudy Chamber Chooses Officers

Coudersport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors held their annual election of officers on Monday.

Chosen were Stan Swank, president; Alanna Huck, first vice president; Mark Moore, second vice president; Doug Morley, treasurer; and Paul Heimel, secretary. Other board members are Pam Karhan, Carol Jackson, Jane Metzger and Walter Baker.

The regular membership meeting will be held Tuesday January 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hotel Crittenden.

Jamie Evens, General Manager of Empereon Marketing will be the guest speaker.

Breakfast will be available for a suggested donation of $3.00. From WFRM News

Strong Winds Bring Down Trees And Wires

A cold front moved into the region this morning bringing cooler temperatures and winds in the 50 mph range.

Reports of downed trees and power lines were numerous this morning.

Thousands were reported without electricity in western New York and western Pennsylvania.

Wegman's Turned Down For Liquor License

The Warrington Township Supervisors in Bucks County have rejected the bid of Wegman's Supermarket there to get a liquor license to sell alcoholic beverages in the delicatessin area of their store.

A petition of over 300 signatures was presented by a local beverage distributor opposing the transfer.

The Malt Beverage Distribution Association of Pennsylvania has challenged each of Wegmans other Pennsylvania liquor license applications, as well as beer sales at a Sheetz convenience store in Altoona.

The Sheetz case is now before the state Supreme Court.

3 Dead In Interstate Crash

The Associated Press is reporting at least three persons have died and countless injured in a 50 vehicle pileup on Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa.

Fog and smoke from brush fires has made visibility on a 15 mile stretch of the interstate practically zero.

Williamsport Police Mum On Investigation

Williamsport area police agencies are releasing very little information on their investigation of the recent shootings that killed one man and injured 6 others including a 14 year old boy.

Police agents have gone to Philadelphia to do forensics on the bullets involved in an effort to determine if there was one or more guns involved in the shootings. That information may not be released to the public as police are being very careful not to compromise their investigation.

They don't want to do anything to jeopardize their prosecution when the perpetrators are caught.

New Lycoming County DA Promises Action

The new Lycoming County District Attorney, Eric Lindhardt, pledged vigorous prosecution for gun crimes in the county, which may include prosecution under federal laws that carry much stiffer penalties.

As for the general condition of the Williamsport city streets, Linhardt urged residents and visitors alike to the city to be at ease but to remain vigilant.

“People should not be afraid, but they should take reasonable and appropriate care when conducting business in the city,” he said. “People need to go about their lives but they need to be careful, cautious and prudent.”

That means don’t take unnecessary risks by walking around late at night without accompaniment or in areas where one is unfamiliar of his or her surroundings, he explained.

Linhardt said as the top law enforcer in the county his priority will remain keeping the county safe and prosecuting criminals who prey on innocent law-abiding people. Information from the Sun Gazette was used in this article.

Tractor Fire At Seven Bridges

BREAKING NEWS:

Coudersport Firemen are being dispatched at 8:40 am to a tractor fire on Route 49, 11 miles East of Coudersport, in the Seven Bridges Area.
UPDATE:
Coudersport volunteer firemen were called at about 8:42 this morning to the Kevin Risser farm on Seven Bridges Hill for a tractor fire. According to Chief Andy Dubots the machine was completely destroyed. There were no injuries and all units were back in service about 45 minutes later.

Roof Pro Owner Jailed

WESB News: 01/09/08 - Man Facing Theft by Business Deception

The owner of Roof Pro and Home Improvements of McKean County has been jailed for failing to provide services that people paid for.

33 year-old Christopher Stratton was charged Tuesday with deceptive business practices. Court records show that Stratton failed to begin roofing projects for Maria and Leon Synder and Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church after receiving down payments for the jobs.

He was sent to McKean County Jail on $45,000 bail.

Wind Advisory As Cold Front Moves In

Statement as of 3:19 PM EST on January 08, 2008

... Windy conditions will precede and follow the passage of a cold
front late tonight and Wednesday morning...

... Wind Advisory in effect from 1 am to 12 PM EST Wednesday...

The National Weather Service in State College has issued a Wind
Advisory... which is in effect from 1 am to 12 PM EST Wednesday.

A belt of strong southerly winds will move northeast across the
region during a several hour period shortly after midnight
tonight. Southerly wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible... mainly
across the higher elevations and throughout more narrow... north to
south oriented valleys.

A cold front will push across the Allegheny plateau region well
after midnight... possibly accompanied by a gusty thunderstorm.
Winds will shift to the west following the front... and could gust
around 45 mph Wednesday morning... before gradually diminishing
Wednesday afternoon.

A Wind Advisory means that strong... gusty winds will make driving
difficult... especially for high profile vehicles in exposed
locations. Gusty winds could also cause some minor property
damage.

Pair Charged With Harassment After Domestic

Both people involved in a domestic violence incident last Wednesday night have been charged with harassment.

Sweden Township Police Chief Bryan Phelps says 31 year old Scott Bundy and 33 year old Sarah Gibson slapped each other and pulled hair during an argument in their home on Robin Lane. From WFRM News

Warrant Issued For Violation Of PFA Order

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 40 year old Wade Wilkinson of Boyertown for indirect criminal contempt.

State police here claim Wilkinson made numerous telephone calls to Dana Reid, a resident of the Ulysses Family Townhouses, between New Year’s Eve and January 2, in violation of a protection from abuse order which prohibits him from having director or indirect contact with her or any other person protected under the order. From WFRM News

Calendar of Events From WFRM

January 9

A Veterans Outreach specialist will be on duty at the Emporium Borough Office from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 A.m. for the convenience of area veterans and their families. Vets are asked to take their DD 214 form with them. Call toll free 1-800-352-0915 for more information.

January 9

The Coudersport Music Boosters will be serving a soup and bread dinner in the high school cafeteria beginning at 5:30 p.m. cost is $3.00 and the meal includes soup, bread, and beverage.

January 10

The Bath VA Medical Center will hold a veterans benefits open house and flu shot clinic at the Coudersport American Legion Post from 3 PM to 7 PM and light refreshments will be provided. VA and Potter County Veterans Benefits Counselors will answer questions about medical care, education, disability, veterans’ tax exemption eligibility and pension and burial benefits. Career Link and other agency counselors will be available to discuss their programs. In addition, flu vaccinations for eligible veterans who are currently enrolled for care at the VA will be administered and new identification card pictures taken. Veterans not currently enrolled should bring their DD214 and 2007 income information to the events in order to determine eligibility for care. For more information, please contact the Bath VA Outreach Office at 607-664-4869.

January 10

Therapeutic Touch will be provided free of charge at 7:00 p.m. in the Women and Family Center at Charles Cole Hospital.

January 11

The Potter County Regional Action Team will hold its regular monthly meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Erway’s Restaurant, Route 6 West, Coudersport. For more information, call 781-3050 or 1-800-341-5438 ext. 118.

January 12

There will be a community supper at the Fishing Creek United Methodist Church, north of Roulette beginning at 5:30 p.m. Take a dish to pass and your own table service.

Vandals Attempt To Rob Soda Machines In Genesee

A criminal mischief taking place last Friday night or Saturday morning at Reed’s Market on Main Street, Genesee is being probed by state police here.

Vandals broke the locks on a Pepsi machine and a Coke machine and tried unsuccessfully to drill through the front of each. From WFRM

New Potter Commissioners Meet

The new board of Potter County Commissioners held a brief meeting Monday afternoon a few hours after taking the oath of office.

Doug Morley was elected chairman, Paul Heimel, Vice chairman and Susan Kefover, Secretary.

Morley was also selected as the commissioner representative to the Potter County Conservation District which will hold an organizational meeting tonight.

Morley and Kefover agreed with Heimel that the board would hold “town meetings” at various locations around the county to receive public input and to provide information.

Heimel said the meetings will be an effort to keep a campaign pledge but acknowledged that after learning more about county business since winning election, the commissioners believe actual business should be conducted in the court house (or annex) for a variety of reasons. From WFRM News.

Coudy Chamber Explores Health Insurance

Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has been investigating the possibility of offering Chamber members a new benefit: access to a group health insurance plan arranged through a third-party carrier. Members who currently offer their employee health insurance may be able to save money on their premiums, while those that don’t now provide insurance may be able to do so through the group plan.

Several options have been presented to the board. Board members agreed on Monday to ask all 125-plus Chamber members to fill out a questionnaire that will help them assess the demand for health insurance. A questionnaire is being sent to each member and should be returned to the Chamber office by Friday, Jan. 18. From WFRM News

Bradford Police Phones Out

WESB News: 01/08/08 - City Police Phones Not in Service

Because of a downed power line, phones in some parts of the city are not in service – including at the Bradford City Police Station.

Police are asking that, if you need their help, you call 9-1-1.

The downed line is on East Washington Street, where 22-24 East Washington is being demolished.

Market Takes Another Hit

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Funeral Saturday For Man Gunned Down In Williamsport

Randy D. Speck

POSTED: January 8, 2008

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Randy D. Speck, 49, of 2004 Park Drive, Williamsport, died Friday, January 4, 2008 as a result of a senseless act of random violence.

Born July 10, 1958 in Williamsport, he was a son of Larus “Larry” J. and Jane DeHaas Speck, Jr.

Randy was employed at Alcan Cable for 25 years and was a 5-S project leader at Alcan. He loved to hunt, fish and most recently started playing golf. He was an avid gardener and loved growing tomatoes. He was a family man who had a great sense of humor, and was very generous to others.

Surviving in addition to his mother Jane Speck, are his daughter, Brittni Ann Speck; two brothers, Ronald C. Speck and Donald L. Speck; a sister, Karen E. Speck-Berger and many nieces and nephews, all of Williamsport.

Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday, January 12, 2008 at The Door Fellowship, 470 Pine St., Williamsport, with the Rev. Wayne A. Holcomb officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. — 12 p.m. Saturday at The Door Fellowship.

Memorial contributions in Randy’s name may be made to Jane Speck for the “Brittni A. Speck College Fund”, c/o of Susquehanna Bank, 1901 Lycoming Creek Road, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary

Williamsport Mayor Sworn In Wearing Bullet Proof Vest After Threats

New Williamsport Mayor Gabriel J. Campana, was sworn in Monday wearing a protective bullet proof vest. The new mayor, who campaigned on a get tough on crime platform, had received threats on his life.

The 44-year-old former school teacher and councilman made the most of his first day in the mayor’s office on Monday, holding an inauguration ceremony outside City Hall and inviting several hundred well wishers inside to meet “their” new administration.

Williamsport police have not released any new information on the investigation of the recent shootings that left one man dead and 6 others wounded, as police rushed to the scene of new gunfire in the city Monday.

Williamsport Responds To More Gunfire

Shots fired, one suspect arrested

By PATRICK DONLIN pdonlin@sungazette.com

The city’s streets may be safe, according to police, but they definitely are not free of gunfire.

That was much in evidence Monday afternoon as police raced to the scene of another reported shooting.

Officers responded to the rear of 607 Walnut St. after it was reported that two shots had been fired there just before 2 p.m.

Unlike last Friday night’s shootings, no injuries were reported on Monday. And in this case, at least, city police Capt. Raymond Kontz said those allegedly involved know each other.

The gunfire erupted near Memorial Avenue and the Roundhouse Field on Walnut Street just north of Little League Boulevard.

One man, identified by police as Walt Reno Martin, 20, a Philadelphia man with a local address of 511 Louisa St., was apprehended by police in the 600 block of Walnut Street. He was charged with prohibited offensive weapons, receiving stolen property and persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms.

Martin has a prior conviction on a felony drug delivery charge in Philadelphia, according to Kontz.

The loaded Glock 9 mm handgun he allegedly carried had been reported stolen from the local area during July 2005.

The gun was found by police near the shooting scene, city police Agent William Weber said in an affidavit. A witness reportedly showed police where the gun was hidden among weeds and briars after it was used during the shooting.

Martin was arraigned Monday night before District Judge Kenneth T. Schriner Jr. and committed to the County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Coming Events From WFRM Calendar

January 8

The Potter County Conservation District Board of Directors will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the conference room of the District Office on Market Street in Coudersport. The public is invited to attend.

January 8

The Rural Transportation Planning Committee meeting scheduled for today at 10:30 a.m. at the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission office on in Ridgway has been cancelled.

January 9

A Veterans Outreach specialist will be on duty at the Emporium Borough Office from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 A.m. for the convenience of area veterans and their families. Vets are asked to take their DD 214 form with them. Call toll free 1-800-352-0915 for more information.

January 10

The Bath VA Medical Center will hold a veterans benefits open house and flu shot clinic at the Coudersport American Legion Post from 3 PM to 7 PM and light refreshments will be provided. VA and Potter County Veterans Benefits Counselors will answer questions about medical care, education, disability, veterans’ tax exemption eligibility and pension and burial benefits. Career Link and other agency counselors will be available to discuss their programs. In addition, flu vaccinations for eligible veterans who are currently enrolled for care at the VA will be administered and new identification card pictures taken. Veterans not currently enrolled should bring their DD214 and 2007 income information to the events in order to determine eligibility for care. For more information, please contact the Bath VA Outreach Office at 607-664-4869.

January 11

The Potter County Regional Action Team will hold its regular monthly meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Erway’s Restaurant, Route 6 West, Coudersport. For more information, call 781-3050 or 1-800-341-5438 ext. 118.

January 12

There will be a community supper at the Fishing Creek United Methodist Church, north of Roulette beginning at 5:30 p.m. Take a dish to pass and your own table service.

January 13

The Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will have a pancake breakfast at the fire hall on Route 6 west from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Dine in or take out. 274-7012.

Thieves Busy In Potter County

Coudersport-based state police are probing a number of recent thefts and burglaries.

Sometime since mid-November, thieves made off with a 7500 watt red and black generator; a 200 amp black battery charger, two drum assemblies and a brake assembly from a 1977 GMC Astro Cab over truck belonging to Richard Nelson of Rose Lake Road Allegany Township. No value of the stolen items was given.

Thieves entered the home of Wanda Wight on the Ellisburg Road between 12:45 and 3:15 p.m. last Friday and took three signed SSI checks amounting to more than $1,000; about $478 in currency and $2.00 in coins along with an unknown amount of blank checks in Wight’s name issued by Stueben Trust Company. The items had been kept in Wight’s purse.

And sometime last week, thieves took a license plate off a pick up truck owned by John Cook while it was parked at his home on the Peet Brook Road in Allegany Township. The plate had a “disabled” designation and Pennsylvania registration number YSF2170.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690.
From wfrm News.

Kane Man DUI/Hits Stopped Truck

DUI charges are pending against an elderly Kane man following a rear-end collision Saturday evening on Route 66 in Wetmore Township, McKean County.

State police say 76 year old Walter Perry, Jr. failed to notice that David Haight, also of Kane, had stopped his truck to make a left turn and ran into the back to Haight’s truck.

Perry who was not wearing a seatbelt was hurt and was taken to Kane Community Hospital. Haight and passengers in each truck escaped injury. From WFRM

Scarnati Says Cut Taxes With Surplus

WESB News: 01/07/08 - Scarnati Advocates Tax Cut

State Senator Joe Scarnati says projections are indicating that the state will have a budget surplus this year, and he's advocating the use of that surplus for a tax cut.

He says the personal income tax was raised from 2.8 percent to 3.07 percent, and he says that rate should be rolled back.

Jilted Boyfriend Pleads Guilty To Murder

WESB News: 01/07/08 - Guilty Plea in Killing of Salamanca Man

A Rushford man charged with killing a Salamanca man last July has pleaded guilty to murder and burglary in Cattaraugus County Court.

26-year-old Robert D. Secrist was indicted on 11 charges following the July 3 shooting death of 33-year-old Tharin Jimerson.

The incident happened in the Town of Freedom at the home of Secrist's ex-girlfriend, Krista Brown. Police say Secrist shot Jimerson in the chest after firing through a bedroom window of Brown’s home. Secrist also assaulted Brown.

Secrist is Brown’s former boyfriend and the two have children together. Jimerson had been Brown’s boyfriend at the time of the shooting.

Secrist faces 25 years to life in prison when he's sentenced on March 3.

Former Wellsville Attorney Dies At 97

CAPE COD, Mass. -

Robert L. Fleischer, 97, a longtime Wellsville attorney, Democratic Party activist and resident of Cape Cod, died Saturday (Jan. 5, 2008) following a short illness.

Born in Bronx, N.Y., and educated at Alfred University, Alfred, N.Y., and Fordham Law School, in New York City, Mr. Fleischer spent most of his life as a trial attorney in Wellsville, N.Y.

During his distinguished career, he also served as district attorney and chairman of the Allegany County Democratic Party. In that capacity, he attended multiple Democratic National Conventions and hosted numerous political figures on tours of Western New York, including U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, Gov. Averill Harriman and U.S Postmaster General and advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, James Farley.

After his long legal career, Mr. Fleischer semi-retired to Cape Cod, living in West Yarmouth, where he and his family had summered for many years. For several years, he served “Of Counsel” at the law offices of Harold L. Hayes, Jr., in West Yarmouth.

Following the death of his wife of 27 years, Claire Kuhn Fleischer, he was remarried to Betty Lee Larson of Eastham, Mass., where they resided at the time of his death.

Preceded in death by a son, Don, of North Hatley, Quebec, Canada, he is survived by two children who reside in Florida, Will and Nancy Lippman; by a son, Peter (Renee Picard) Fleischer, of Oak Park, Ill. and New Orleans, La.; and by a daughter, Dr. Cathy (Andy Buchsbaum) Fleischer of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at the request of the family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Broad Reach Hospice, 390 Orleans Road North Chatham MA 02650 or Eastham Fire and Rescue C/O Fire Dept. Assoc. Route 6 Eastham MA 02642.

New Philadelphia Mayor Taking City Back

PHILADELPHIA -- Michael Nutter was sworn in as mayor on Monday and pledged to put more police officers on the beat and bicycle patrols, with the goals of reducing crime and improving quality of life.

"To the law abiding citizens of Philadelphia, I say that we are the great majority. To the law breakers, you are in the small minority," he said, bringing the crowd at the historic Academy of Music to its feet

"This is our city and we are taking it back: every day, every block, every neighborhood, everywhere in Philadelphia. I've had enough and I'm not playing around about it."

EMS Tax Now Local Services Tax--$1.00 Per Week

Local Services Tax--Coudersport Boro tax rate $52.00 per year

Please be advised that due to legislation recently enacted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Rendell, the payroll tax known as the "Emergency & Municipal Services Tax (EMST)" will be undergoing some changes in 2008 that will affect all businesses and payroll companies that are subject to this tax.

Beginning in 2008, the EMST will be known as the "Local Services Tax (LST)." Some other important changes are as follows:

• Collection Methods: The mandated collection method will be the total LST tax rate divided by the number of pay periods of a given employer. For example, Coudersport Borough's LST tax rate is $52.00 per year; thus, an employee's 2008 deductions should be $1.00 per weekly pay, $2.00 per bi-weekly pay, $4.33 per monthly pay, etc and should be remitted quarterly.

• Exemption Threshold: There is a new low-income exemption such that any individual who earns less than $12,000 in a calendar year will not be subject to the LST. Employees can notify their employer if they know they will not make more than $12,000 per year by completing a Withholding Exemption Form. If the employee does go over $12,000 the employer is required to take out in lump sum the amount that would have been deducted to that point and then begin regular deductions going forward for the remainder of the year.

• Income Clarification: The definition of "income from all sources" has been clarified to include all earned income and net profits from sources located within the political subdivision.

• Those who were filing EMST3 - Sole proprietors, 1099, self-employed, will now file a quarterly return which will match the $1 a week or $13 per quarter in order to remit the $52 tax per year.

The amended law still requires employers to file their LST collections and returns with the Township on a quarterly basis. We encourage you to discuss these changes with your tax practitioner and/or your payroll service provider.

Additional information can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development's website: http://www.newpa.com/default.aspx?id=257.

If there are any questions, please call William Martin, Assistant Director of Finance at 610-688-5600 (ext. 152), Lesley Wilson, Financial Accountant extension 179, or Amy Lacey, Senior Revenue Coordinator at extension 143. Thank you for your time and attention to these changes.

Quarterly returns are be mailed in late December.

Local Services Tax Due Dates

Employers must file a Local Services Tax return for each calendar quarter. Payment of the LST must be remitted with the quarterly returns. The quarterly returns are due on or before the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter: April 30, July 31, October 31, January 31 If any due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, returns filed on the next business day will be accepted as timely. Returns submitted by mail or are deemed to be filed on the date of the U.S. postmark. Returns submitted by other means are considered filed on the date the returns are received by the Township.

Applications and Regulations

• Local Services Tax (LST) Regulations - Effective January 1, 2008
  
• 2008 Local Services Tax (LST) Application - Effective January 1, 2008
  
• Local Services Tax (LST) Refund Application - Effective January 1, 2008
  
• Local Services Tax (LST) Exemption Application - Effective January 1, 2008

Bradford Has New Mayor/Police Chief

WESB News: 01/07/08 - Riel Sworn In; Names Close Police Chief

Bradford has a new mayor, two new city councilmen and a new police chief.

Tom Riel and Bob Tingley were sworn in this morning, after being elected in the November election. Council also appointed Rick Benton to fill Riel's unexpired term as councilman.

After being sworn in, Riel announced that he was relieving Roger Sager as Bradford City Police Chief and naming Mike Close as the new chief. Sager will return to the rank he held previously.

Williamsport Residents Demand Action/New Mayor Pledges Zero Tolerance For Crime

By HEATHER GACH hgach@sungazette.com

The Williamsport community and residents from surrounding areas will not tolerate the violence that swept through the city Friday night.

Though opinions on how to put a stop to violent crime in the area varied, the above statement was the one universal sentiment Sunday at mayor-elect Gabriel J. Campana’s special “news press conference” where guests, many times very heated and emotional, expressed their fears and concerns stemming from the four shootings that left one dead and six injured.

A standing-room-only crowd filled Council Chambers, and even after Campana also opened the William L. Sechler Community Room, guests still filed into the hallways near both rooms, trying to hear Campana’s plans to crack down on crime when he becomes mayor today.

Family members of Randy Speck, who died in one of Friday’s shootings, also attended.

Campana said that once he takes office, he will initiate his “Zero Tolerance Plan” to be carried out by his “A Team” of administrators and department heads, including incoming police chief Gregory Foresman and incoming community relations and crime watch coordinator, former police chief Curley Jett, who is serving in a voluntary capacity.

“Zero tolerance for any type of crime whatsoever, regardless of where you live, who you are, how much money you make,” Campana said.

Continue to read this story in the Williamsport Sun Gazette.

Family Of Williamsport Shooting Victim Speaks Out

Family of shooting victim remembers a lost loved one

By ANNA TELATOVICH atelatovich@sungazette.com

POSTED: January 7, 2008

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAMILY
Randy Speck, left, with his daughter, Brittni, on a cruise they took to the Caribbean.

“He was a really good, loving father. He treated me so well, I couldn’t ask for a better dad,” Brittni Speck said Sunday of her dad, Randy Speck.

Speck, 49, was killed Friday night in what police are calling a random act of violence.

“My dad loved to travel and he loved the beach,” the 18-year-old said. Brittni and her father spent many summers together, soaking up the sun in Ocean City, Md., or Myrtle Beach, S.C. “It was awesome, it was the best,” Brittni said of a cruise she took with her father to the Caribbean. “We were really close.”

Brittni, Randy’s only child, will turn 19 on Thursday.

“She was the world to him,” Randy’s mother, Jane Speck, said of her granddaughter.

Jane remembers her son as a “mischievous” young boy, who “never gave me any trouble” and grew into a fun-loving, hard-working man.

Randy devoted time to his garden, growing “lots of tomatoes, peppers, snap peas, asparagus, onions. He planted oodles of garlic,” she said.

“He grew 10 times more vegetables than he knew he could possibly eat, just so he could go around and give them to people,” Randy’s brother, Donald Speck, said.

Generosity and humor were attributes every member of the Speck family will remember about Randy.

“He was just constantly giving and making everybody laugh,” his mother said. At the time of his death, he lived with his mother in Loyalsock Township.

Randy’s younger sister, Karen Speck-Berger, remembers her brother as “always the clown ... very kind hearted and giving, always giving to people.”

Karen said her brother gave her children a “second Christmas this year.” Six nephews and nieces will grow up hearing stories about Uncle Randy’s love and giving spirit.

“Every time I see anything of his ... I don’t know why somebody would take him when he was always giving to people,” his sister said between sobs.

Randy’s other brother, Ronald, joked about a hobby they shared. “Both of us loved to eat. We use to laugh about all the stuff he would eat,” he said, chuckling. When Randy cooked, “he would kick it up several notches.”

Ronald is six years older than Randy. “If he was in trouble, he knew he could call me or his brother, Don. You know brothers, they love each other.”

Donald Speck had trouble putting into words what it is he will tell people about his brother. “He was just a good-hearted person. His stuff didn’t mean much to him ... I know he’d give you the shirt off his back.”

When he wasn’t gardening or spending time his family, Randy was a hunter, a fisher, a golfer and an avid football fan. “He’s got some really beautiful trophy mounts,” Donald said of his brother’s collection of wildlife.

“If he were alive right now to tell me what to say, he’d tell me to tell you ‘I hunt, I fish and there’s no football team on the planet earth better than the Steelers,’ ” Donald said.

Brittni said that her father’s love of football has been passed onto her “a little bit”

Donald called Brittni the light of his brother’s life.

For 25 years, Randy worked at Alcan Cable, where he met and became friends with Dale Miller. “He was definitely a very kind person. He loved to work, he loved to play as well, but must of all he loved his family and his friends,” Miller said.

Returning to work without Randy is going to difficult for Miller, he said. “Randy was very well recognized. He was the best guy in the world. He was my best friend.”