The short and controversial reign of Howard Nelson, chief executive of the Pennsylvania SPCA, officially came to an end yesterday.
In a unanimous vote, the 14-person PSPCA board accepted Nelson's resignation, effective immediately. Nelson, 45, formerly head of the Washington Humane Society, joined PSPCA in March 2007.
His departure came exactly one week after he shocked the board with his sudden decision to resign, citing health reasons and "an environment no longer conducive to my success or the success of the organization."
Nelson had no formal contract. As a compromise with the board, he agreed to take an unspecified leave of absence. One-year board member Beth Ann White, 43, a former banker, was named interim chief executive.
She will continue in that role until a permanent replacement is named, said Kevin Feeley, a spokesman for the board. Nelson, who was paid $189,000 a year, will receive a severance package. The terms were not disclosed. More...
The board of directors of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has accepted the resignation of controversial chief executive Howard Nelson.
Nelson, a high-profile figure who came to the PSPCA in March 2007 from a similar job in Washington, D.C., submitted the resignation on Feb. 11, citing health reasons and "an environment no longer conducive to my success or the success of the organization." Nelson was treated for cancer of the abdomen in 2003.
When Nelson submitted his resignation, the board instead placed him on a leave of absence.
The board said in a statement yesterday that interim CEO and board member Beth Ann White will continue to head the animal-welfare agency until a permanent CEO is found. More...
The Hershey Co. closed its Reading plant yesterday, shutting down production lines that for 23 years have produced such storied sweets as York Peppermint Patties and 5th Avenue Bars.
The production lines at the plant are being moved to Monterrey, Mexico, and other facilities in the United States as part of a restructuring of Hershey's, the nation's largest candy manufacturer. More...
Prattsburgh residents get warning on wind turbines BY MARY PERHAM GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE Steuben Courier PRATTSBURGH — Wind turbines will disturb your peace and quiet, neighboring town residents warned the Prattsburgh town board last week.
"It's like a jet engine landing right behind you," Hal Graham, of Cohocton, said. "It's constant noise."
Graham leased land to First Wind for its 50-turbine wind farm in the town of Cohocton. Tuesday, he spoke during the Prattsburgh board's public hearing on a wind energy facilities permit there. The permit will stipulate certain terms and charge a building permit fee for any wind facilities in the town.
The only wind project currently being considered in Prattsburgh is EcoGen, an East Aurora-based developer. In December, First Wind announced a year's hiatus in its plan
to put up a 36-turbine wind farm in Prattsburgh and recently closed its office.
However,FirstWind did complete its larger project in Cohocton, beginning operations there earlier this year.
Graham said he was a strong supporter of wind energy and studied any potential noise problems extensively by observing other wind farms in the state and asking questions.
Both he and a neighbor each have a turbine on their properties, he said.
"When I signed the contract, I was assured there was no noise," he said. "Well, people can't sleep at night, in the winter, with the windows closed. As the wind speed increases, the noise level rises. It rattles our windows ... It's like a jet engine going full blast." More complaints...
Local attorney Dan Glassmire has announced his candidacy for Judge of Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
“Both my father’s family and my mother’s family go back several generations in Potter County. My family has been in Potter County since the early to middle 1800’s. My grandparents, Fay and Nettie Glassmire, had a farm in Homer Township. I remember my Uncles continuing the dairy farm business and I helped, on occasion, with haying and shoveling manure to help clean the barn. My grandparents, Marshall and Leola Lignian, raised their family in Potter County. Marshall Lignian’s sister, Ethel Lignian, was the Prothonotary of Potter County for many years,” said Mr. Glassmire.
“My wife, Joy, was raised on a potato farm owned by her parents, George and Elizabeth Hamilton, in the Bingham Center area. Her brother, Doug Hamilton, continues with farming.
Joy’s sister, Joan Hamilton Torrey, recently retired after many years of teaching elementary children at Northern Potter School. Joan’s husband, Craig Torrey, is a dairy farmer in Andrews Settlement. Joy’s family also goes back several generations in Potter County.”
“I have deep Potter County roots and that I have a real appreciation and complete dedication to Potter County. I understand and appreciate the hard working people of Potter County who have refused to give up in the face of adversity and who continue to work and sacrifice to improve our County and to make it a better place to live and raise our families.”
“After graduating from Coudersport Area High School in 1969, I received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973 with a double major in Chemistry and Mathematics.
In 1977 I graduated with distinction from the John Marshall School of Law in Chicago. I was given the honor of being inducted into the Order of John Marshall (an honorary scholarship society for those ranking in the top 15% of the class). While at law school, I was also honored to be selected for membership in Law Review and had the exceptional privilege of having an extensive article published nationwide in the Law Review.”
“In Chicago, I wrote Appellate Briefs for the Attorney General of Illinois which were filed with the Supreme Court of Illinois. I also worked for a prestigious law firm revising a major legal Treatise which was published nationwide.”
“I had an abundance of choices and opportunities in Chicago both in the public sector (Attorney General Office) and in the private sector (prestigious private law firms). Because of my love of Potter County and my desire to come home to use my legal education for the people of Potter County, I decided to leave Chicago and return home. Even though I had a great potential for financial success and big city fame in Chicago, I chose to practice here.”
“I truly loved Potter County and I wanted to help try to solve problems for people in Potter County. So I returned home, married the most wonderful girl I had ever met, Joy, and raised two wonderful children, Danny and Andrea, of whom I am quite proud.”
“I have practiced law here in Potter County for well over 30 years. I have had my office here, in Coudersport, for the entire time. While I respect the choices of others to practice in other counties and other locations, I wanted to provide quality legal services here in Potter County.
Often, I have provided services Pro Bono (free of charge) to those which did not have the financial resources to afford them. I have made a decent living but I am not a rich man. I do, however, have the satisfaction of knowing that I have really helped many Potter County people, that I have stood up and been counted when necessary to improve justice and fairness in Potter County and that I have had a major role in stopping injustice when to do so was not a small thing.”
“In 1995, I, with the help of others, created “Potter County Habitat for Humanity, Inc.” and obtained recognition from the State and National Parent Organizations. Since then, I have donated my legal services to this fine organization. I have had a major legal role in acquisition of properties and the real estate transactions whereby these homes have been transferred to deserving participating families.” “I practiced law in Coudersport for approximately 10 years with Mr. John B. Leete until he became Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Potter County. After Mr. Leete was sworn in as Judge, my friend and colleague, Mr. Thomas R. Shaffer, returned to Coudersport from Pittsburgh and we have practiced law together since 1988.”
“I have had the opportunity to have an extraordinarily wide and varied practice of law. I have extensive legal experience in virtually every area of law which takes place in the Potter County Courthouse including trial work involving: title and boundary line issues; trial work involving land development and zoning issues; serious misdemeanor and felony criminal trials; personal injury cases; estate disputes; contract disputes; divorce cases, custody cases; partnership and corporate disputes; disputes involving injunctions and accountings; will contest disputes; real estate sale disputes; trials involving fraud and misrepresentation; adoption matters; municipal law issues; and numerous other legal issues.”
“I have had extensive experience in the area of criminal law and juvenile delinquency cases. I have several years of experience protecting children from sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. For many years, I have had the responsibility of being the Mental Health Review Officer for Potter County.
Judge John B. Leete entrusted me to hold this office which requires me to preside over hearings and make determinations regarding whether a person should be involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility such as Warren State Hospital.” “This is a judicial role in which I must consider and evaluate the testimony from a variety of witnesses including the hospital’s psychiatrist, the witnesses that observed the acts in question, the patient and his witnesses. The patient is always represented by an attorney to protect the many rights which a patient has. From this evidence, I make detailed determinations as to creditability and whether involuntary commitment is required.”
“Many cases involve people who are truly suicidal while others involve people who have or are likely to inflict serious bodily injury upon or kill others. In this judicial role, I must remain vigilant to guard against a person being involuntarily committed due to false or misleading testimony from people who may wish to strip a person of their normal legal rights due to improper motives. Each decision can have serious and lifelong consequences.”
“I have served in a wide variety of positions including: being the President of the Potter County Bar Association (1986 to present); being delegate for many years to the PA House of Delegates (i.e. the governing body) of the statewide Pennsylvania Bar Association; and, many other positions both public and private.”
Mr. Glassmire has, at various times, been: the Public Defender; the Solicitor for Potter County; appointed, by Judge Leete, as Guardian Ad Litem for the elderly, young children and incapacitated individuals; been Solicitor for numerous local governments such as the Coudersport Borough Council, Galeton Borough Council and many local Boards of Supervisors; and numerous other legal roles.
During his career, Mr. Glassmire has been a member of or donated legal services to the following organizations: Park United Methodist Church, several years as Chairman of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, the past few years as Chairman of the Administrative Council, and a member of the church for over 40 years; Coudersport Chamber of Commerce; Member of Potter County Visitors Association; Potter County Habitat for Humanity;
Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department, Solicitor and social member; Coudersport Ambulance Association, Solicitor and subscriber; Roulette Fire Company; Kettle Creek Fire Department; Kettle Creek Sportsman Association; Eulalia Lodge No. 342 F. & A. M.; Potter County Bar Association; Pennsylvania Bar Association; American Bar Association; Pennsylvania Association for Justice; American Association for Justice; Pennsylvania Bar Foundation;
Odin Grange; Potter County Fine Arts Council, Solicitor and member; General James Potter Chapter of the SAR, past President; Pennsylvania Sons of the American Revolution; National Sons of the American Revolution; Austin Dam Association; Potter County Human Services Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board; Delegate to the Pennsylvania Bar Association House of Delegates; Northwestern Legal Services, board member and past officer; Alumni Association of the University of Pittsburgh; and, John Marshall Law School Alumni Association.
“I intend to go door to door throughout Potter County. I may not see everyone but I am going to try. I hope to meet the voters and earn their support in the May 19, 2009 Primary Election.
BRADFORD, Pa. – University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg has selected James L. Baldwin of Bradford as a recipient of the 2009 Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University.
Baldwin is the assistant dean of academic affairs, director of enrollment services and registrar and director of Science in Motion at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
He is one of three staff members university-wide to receive the award, which was created to recognize staff members who make a significant impact on the university through their commitment and performance.
The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence is the highest honor a staff member can receive. Baldwin and the other recipients will be honored at Pitt’s honors convocation Feb. 27, 2009.
Austin United Methodist Church presents their 3rd Annual Fat Tuesday Feast on February 24th, 4 to 7 PM in the Church Social Hall, Turner St., Austin.
A smorgasbord of mouth watering dishes will be served: Beef, turkey, meatloaf, hot dogs, sauerkraut, Scalloped and mashed potatoes, baked beans, mac & cheese, salads, hot vegetable along with many casserole dishes plus many desserts including a Traditional King Cake.
Come see if you get the prize from the King Cake and discover the tradition of this cake. Also, Mardi-Gras beads will be given away with each dinner and learn the Christian roots to Fat Tuesday.
Cost of dinner is Adults: $7. and Children (5-11): $3.50 and under 5: free. Buy your ticket at the door or in advance by calling Gloria 647-8947 and take-outs are available.
Jim, Hi. Dorothy is progressing well but it will be a very long road ahead of her to get her back to health.
She is still in Presby Hosp in Pittsburgh but will be transferred to UPMC South Side Rehab in the next few days. She will be in the rehab center for 4-6 weeks. The doctors are hoping that she will be ready to come home after that.
She still needs many prayers as well as the family.
Dorothy's husband Fred is staying here at our home (just south of Pittsburgh) and will continue to stay here until she can go home. That was so we can take him back and forth for visits. But we have had a rotating schedule of house guests over the past three weeks, this is a family of 9 kids don't forget. Marsha Hammond (wife of Rich- the middle child)
Dorothy Hammond, 74, of Port Allegany was seriously injured in an accident on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 near the Burtville cut, when she lost control of her car and was hit by another vehicle broadside.
HARRISBURG — When the next criminal charges come in a public corruption investigation of the Legislature, they will "shock the conscience of people" because of the staggering amount of tax money involved, Attorney General Tom Corbett said Thursday.
"You will be stunned," he told the Tribune-Review. "It's the amount of money involved." More...
Falls Creek man to stand trial for rape Progress News By Liza Matia Staff Writer DUBOIS - Justin Salada of Falls Creek will head to trial on rape charges following a preliminary hearing held yesterday, in which Magisterial District Justice Patrick Ford bound over charges of rape, more...
The 8th annual Kinzua Outdoor and Travel Show will be held at the Bradford Mall from 4:00 to 9:00 pm Friday and from 10:00 am to 6 pm Saturday.
February 21
Central Grange in Sweden Valley will have a Soup and Sandwich Supper from 4:00 TO 6:00 pm in the Sweden Valley Grange Hall. Cost is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 7 to 14, under 7, free. Proceeds will benefit community service projects.
February 21
Ceres/Shinglehouse United Methodist Charge will have a Spaghetti Dinner, Bake Sale, and Chinese Auction at the Shinglehouse Fire hall, Shinglehouse, PA Time: Dinner - 4:00pm-6:00pm, Drawing for Chinese Auction - 6:30pm - need not be present to win.Donation: $5.00/adult and $3.00/child 12 and under. Proceeds will go toward a mission trip to New Orleans, LA for hurricane recovery work.
February 21
A 3 on 3 basketball tournament will be held March 7 at Oswayo Valley High School, Shinglehouse to benefit Autism Awareness. Girls and boys ages 12-20 are invited to participate.. Cost of the team fee is $ 20.00. Give aways, breakfast and lunch items for sale, Chinese auction and a 50-50 raffle will be held. Monies raised will go to purchasing educational materials and books for local pre-k classes and libraries. Anyone interested can contact Elizabeth Jones at 698-2471. The registration deadline is today.
February 21
The Potter County Education Council will hold a Beginner Beading Class at the Port Allegany Office. Participants will learn proper techniques for stringing, crimping, and attaching clasps. Take tools if you have them: crimpers, rosary or needle nose pliers, and nippers. NO KITS: select beads reflecting your personal style. This class will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. The cost for the class is $25 per person.
A chicken and biscuit dinner will be held on from 11:30 am – 2:00 p.m. at the Hotel Crittenden in Coudersport with proceeds benefiting the Potter County Area Agency on Aging Home Delivered Meals Program. The dinner will include a choice of either chicken n’ biscuits or ham with scalloped potatoes served with coleslaw, a vegetable, dessert, and coffee or tea for a donation of $8.00. Take-outs will be available. The staff of the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging will be preparing homemade desserts and volunteering to serve as waitresses for the event
February 23
There will be an informational meeting about rebuilding the Oswayo Valley High School Track at 7:00 p.m. in the Oswayo Valley Middle School cafeteria. Several speakers will discuss the importance of re-building the track.
Hear the local news first on Black Forest Broadcasting starting at 7:00am Copyright: 2008 G.R. Miller. All Rights Reserved.
North Carolina Driver Hurt in Cameron County Crash Emporium-based state police say Jan Birchall of Indian Trail, NC was hurt Wednesday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash on Route 120 in Shippen Township, Cameron County. Troopers said Birchall was headed east when her Suzuki Forenza went off the road and rolled down an embankment before coming to rest on its roof. Birchall had to be extricated from the wreckage. She was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center by Emporium ambulance.
Tioga County Couple Hurt in Weather-Related Crash Major injuries were reported for 22 year old Tara Gray of Nelson following a one-vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon on Route 287 in Middlebury Township, Tioga County. Her husband, Eric Gray, 28, received minor injuries when the Ford Taurus he was driving slid off of Route 287, traveled down a five foot embankment and struck a tree.
Apparent Theft of Money Investigated The alleged theft of some $6100 in cash from a Farmington Township home is being probed by Mansfield-based state police. Robert Walls, 75, told authorities thieves took the money sometime between Sunday afternoon and Tuesday morning.
Austin Resident Arrested for Criminal Mischief Gregory Barger, 22, of Austin has been charged with criminal mischief by Emporium-based state police. Troopers claim Barger jumped onto the hood of a parked car owned by James Tressler of Emporium early Thursday morning while it was parked at Tressler’s residence and smashed the windshield. Several Residents Sentenced in Potter County Court In recent Potter County Court action,
26 year old Levi Hunt was ordered to spend one to 23-1/2 months in jail for forgery and receiving stolen property. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, last spring, Hunt stole a checkbook from a vehicle in New York State, then wrote out four checks to himself, totaling $300, forging the name of the victim “Joe Kemp.” Hunt then cashed the checks at Reeds Market in Genesee. Authorities day the crimes were committed with the help of a female co-conspirator who has not yet been located.
Jed Appleton, 21 of Coudersport was ordered to spend 18-60 months in state prison for escape. Appleton, while an inmate at the Potter County Jail last May 2, failed to return from a work detail at Potter County Human Services in Roulette. He was later found in the Roulette area and returned to the lock up.
Michael Gallina, 31, of Roulette was ordered to spend 12 months on probation and to pay a $100 fine for theft. He was arrested after taking a portable DVD player belonging to Carmen Lampman from Lampman’s home on Ross Street in Coudersport in late September 2007 and giving it to a neighbor. More News...
--Some of the nation's most respected scientists will be converging on Potter County in May for "BioBlitz," a major event that's sure to spark an interest in the wonders of science for dozens of area school students.
--A massive animal shelter and rescue/rehabilitation center is coming to the Coudersport area later this year, as the Pennsylvania SPCA moves forward with its plans.
--There are seats open on schools boards, borough councils, boards of township supervisors and many other positions in the upcoming Primary Election. This week's Endeavor News carries a complete listing of offices up for election in Potter County, as well as reports on some of the candidates who have emerged for countywide positions.
--Nearly seven years have passed since accounting irregularities brought down cable television giant Adelphia Communications Corp. and rocked the Coudersport area. This week's Endeavor News examines what remains of Adelphia as a small group of employees cling to their jobs from nondescript trailers on Water Street.
--Time is running out for homeowners who want to qualify for a major reduction in their school taxes. See Endeavor News for information on steps you can take to qualify before the March 1 deadline.
Also in this week's Endeavor News: local sports, community news, outstanding photography, coverage of the great outdoors, and timely offerings from local advertisers.
Endeavor News is available at retailers all around the Coudersport and Austin communities.
This space has been offered to the Potter Leader Enterprise and the Endeavor news to highlight the week's stories each week. Please keep in mind that because one paper has taken advantage of that offer more times than the other, that Solomon's words does not endorse one paper over the other. We consider both publications excellent local newspapers.
BREAKING NEWS:12:48pm-2-21-09 Shinglehouse Fire Department has been dispatched to a two vehicle accident on Route 44 at Sharon Center where one injury has been reported.
WELLSVILLE — A Wellsville woman who jumped into the Genesee River off the Bolivar Road bridge Thursday was not charged, village police said this morning. More...
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) is asking Governor Ed Rendell to support his legislation (Senate Bill 9) that requires anyone applying for public benefits, such as Medicaid, to provide identification and a sworn affidavit stating that they are legally present in the United States. The legislation passed the Senate overwhelmingly last session.
In a letter to the governor, Scarnati points out that a recent state audit found that the department of public welfare failed to make proper Medicaid eligibility determinations on more than 1,600 Medicaid recipients over a three-year period, resulting in $3.3 million in improper payments.
RIXFORD, Pa. -Charles R. Brewer, 62, of Looker Mountain Trail, died Monday (Feb.16, 2009) at his residence following a lengthy illness.
Born July 5, 1946, in Indiana, Pa., he was the son of Jesse J. and Ada Stuck Brewer Sr. on March 26, 1967, in the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Farmers Valley, he married Donna Parris, who survives.
Mr. Brewer attended junior and senior high school in Smethport and had resided in Rixford for the past seven years.
He was owner and operator of Brewer's Salvage Yard in Larabee, located in the Eldred area, for 12 years. For 10 years, before his retirement due to poor health, he had been employed by the Olean (N.Y.) Times Herald as a driver.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two brothers, Harold (Barbara) Brewer of Duke Center and Jess J. (Robin) Brewer of Farmers Valley; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews. Mr. Brewer was preceded in death by a sister, Merrie M. Parris.
There will be no visitation.
Friends were invited to a memorial service that was held at 1 p.m. Friday (Feb. 20, 2009) at Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport, with the Rev. Frank Hill, pastor of Overcomers Church of Faith, Aiken, officiating.
Funeral arrangements were under direction of Frame Funeral Home, Eldred.
ELDRED — Patrick M. Aaron, 45, of Annin Creek Road, died Friday (Feb. 20, 2009) at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie following a brief illness. Arrangements are under the direction of the Frame Funeral Home.
Ten years ago, Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman was shot in the line of duty.
On Friday, the 10th anniversary of his murder, members of the law enforcement community gathered with Jerman’s family and community members at the Kane Elks Club to remember the man himself instead of just the tragedy that took him away. More...
Alice N. Douglas, 92, of Galeton, PA, died Friday, February 20, 2009, at the Green Home, Wellsboro.
Born April 18, 1916, in Galeton, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Vandalin (Ellis) Osborne.
Alice had two sisters, Bernice and Nellie. The girls were raised in West Branch Township by their grandparents, Lewis and Nellie Ellis, after their father passed away.
On December 23, 1936, she married Victor W. Douglas, who predeceased her on January 4, 1966. Alice and Victor lived and worked on a dairy farm in West Branch Township. After Victor passed away, Alice remained at the farm until 1994 until she sold it and moved into Galeton.
In addition to working on the farm and being a homemaker, Alice worked at Galeton Production for over 33 years.
She was a member of the Pine Creek Valley United Methodist Church in Gaines, VFW Auxiliary #6611 in Galeton, and the Women of the Moose in Galeton. Her greatest joys in life were cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Surviving are a son, Carlisle V. (Kathryn) Douglas, Olean, NY; three grandchildren, Gregory (Darlene) Douglas, Lancaster, NY, Jeannine Douglas, Bradford, PA, Kevin Douglas, Anchorage, AK; four great-grandchildren, Nathan Douglas, Olean, Ryan Douglas, Bradford, Joshua and Rachel Douglas, Lancaster, NY; a sister, Bernice Snyder, Galeton; a half-brother, Allen Benjamin, Seal, AL; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents and husband; Alice was predeceased by her stepfather, Howard Benjamin; her sister, Nellie Allen; and half-sister, Cora Smith.
Friends may call at the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton, on Monday, February 23, 2009, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with Funeral Services following at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. David K. Shultz will officiate. Interment will be in West Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Creek Valley United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 83, Gaines, PA 16921; or to the Goodyear Hose Company, Galeton.
A small crowd gathered at the Coudersport Depot to celebrate Hooty Hoo Day and try to chase old man winter away.
At exactly 12:00 noon on Feb 20 th the group stepped outside and yelled "hooty hoo" while wearing festive hats. The practice was started in Gold, and Coudersport has participated for several years .
A picnic lunch was enjoyed afterward. It was reported that the temperature began to rise shortly after the ceremony, it was also reported that the hooty hoo chant could be heard in Roulette and Sweden Valley just as the temperature began to rise.
3 On 3 Basketball Tournament Elizabeth Jones, a senior at Oswayo Valley Middle/High School in Shinglehouse, PA is hosting a 3 on 3 basketball tournament on Saturday, March 7th to benefit Autism Awareness as a part of her senior project.
The event will take place at the high school in Shinglehouse.
Teams can consist of boys or girls ages 12-20. The entry fee is $20 per team.
Teams must be registered prior to the 7th by calling 814-698-2471.
The community is invited to participate in this event by joining all of us for lunch, Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle and more!
Two passes to Darien Lake will be part of the Chinese auction table.....don't miss this fun event!
LOCK HAVEN -Frankly, I dont know if wed ever be looking at this defendant without this program, Clinton County District Attorney Michael Salisbury said Thursday, one day after a rape suspect was jailed.
High praise indeed, for a crime-fighting initiative called CrimeStoppers, which allows people to anonymously pass on tips and information about crimes to police.
Salisbury said it was one of those tips that broke wide open the investigation into the Super Bowl Sunday assault of three Lock Haven University students in their West Main Street apartment. More...
DUNNSTOWN A repair garage and two truck tractors inside were destroyed by fire early this morning at Powers Trucking Co. just off Coudersport Pike.
Some 60 volunteer firefighters from Dunnstown, Woolrich, Lock Haven, Mill Hall and Castanea worked for an hour and a half before bringing huge flames under control at the garage, located at 27 Power Drive near the Webbwood development. More...
Jobs For Local People BRADFORD, Pa. – Community members who would like to apply for a temporary job as a census taker in 2010 can take the employment test on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
The test will be given at 4 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. There is no charge to take the test, which will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Those wishing to take the test need to bring with them approved forms of identification, which can be viewed at: http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/identificationdocuments.php. Also available at that site are an employment application and a census practice test.
The U.S. Census Bureau is currently recruiting part-time census takers, who will update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Most positions require a valid driver’s license and the use of a vehicle.
Census takers will work up to 40 hours per week, will receive competitive pay on a weekly basis, flexible hours and reimbursement for authorized mileage and related expenses. Most hiring will take place now through May.
For more information, contact Dr. Holly Spittler in Pitt-Bradford’s Office of Career Services at 362-7567.
Uniform Sale Cancelled Due to scheduling conflicts, the uniform sale, which was scheduled for March 11 at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, has been cancelled.
Small business owners, outdoor groups, and others interested in learning more about the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative or tourism development in the region now have a new resource on the internet at www.pawildsresources.org.
According to Ta Brant, small business ombudsman for the Pennsylvania Wilds, the site includes: free online classifieds for tourism-related businesses and groups; a database of available loans, grants and technical assistance programs for tourism businesses; information on the Wilds design guide, Artisan Trail, logo use and more; maps; examples of ads that have run to promote the PA Wilds; success stories; frequently asked questions and other contributions from around the region.
Pennsylvania Wilds is a state-supported tourist marketing campaign serving Potter, Cameron, McKean, Tioga, Elk, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming and Warren counties.
Brant is available at 814-757-9190 or tbrant@pawilds.com
The American Cancer Society and Patterson Cancer Care Center are offering a program for people with cancer, their family and friends.
The program Keeping Well in Mind and Body will be offered on February 24, 2009 at 6 PM at the Patterson Cancer Care Center located on the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital campus. Program Facilitator will be Tammy Huey, CRNP, Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Patterson Cancer Care Center.
This program offers people who are facing cancer, including patients, families and friends, an opportunity to interact with others having similar experiences and learn ways to cope with the challenges that arise from a cancer diagnosis in a supportive and caring environment.
The American Cancer Society I Can Cope program is a component of the American Cancer Society Cancer Resource Network - a free, comprehensive resource to help patients and their caregivers manage the impact of cancer on their lives through up-to-date cancer information.
For more information contact Patterson Cancer Care Center at 814.260.5555 or your local American Cancer Society at 1-888-227-5445 option 3. Registration is requested to ensure adequate class materials. This program is provided free of charge.
For up-to-date cancer information twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
WESB News: 02/20/09 - Two Men Charged with Salamanca Rape
Two Cattaraugus County men have been indicted on rape charges.
Shane Gogel of Salamanca and Joshua Kinder of Otto are accused of having sex with a person younger than 17, who was unable to consent by reason of being physically helpless, according to court records.
Gogel and Kinder are also accused of causing physical injury to the person. The alleged incident happened December 9 in Salamanca.
WESB News: 02/19/09 - Olean Man Facing Rape, Other Charges
An Olean man faces rape and other charges for allegedly having sex with a child younger than 13.
52-year-old Rick Miller is charged with first-degree rape, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child following an incident in late January, according to state police.
Charles Cole Memorial Hospital will host an Ostomy Club meeting from 10 to 11 a.m. February 24 in the hospital conference room. Pat Northeimer, RN will lead the meeting, providing general information and a discussion.
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Panther Athletic Club will hold an auction from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Bradford Club on Boylston Street in Bradford to benefit the university’s athletic programs.
Cost for admission is $10, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres. There will also be a cash bar. The event is open to the public. Reservations are appreciated. They can be made with Suzanne Dittman at Pitt-Bradford by calling 814-362-7520 or sending an e-mail to dittman@pitt.edu.
Packages that will be available at the auction include four tickets to the Watkins Glen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, donated by Zippo Manufacturing; a Poconos family vacation donated by Karen and Ray Mazza; and a one-night at Glendorn donated by the luxury resort. Other recreation and entertainment packages will be available.
Interested bidders can view or bid on the items online at www.upb.pitt.edu.
“It is a challenge for athletic teams to compete at this level without support and donations from our constituents,” said Lori Mazza, director of athletics and recreational sports. “While the students raise money throughout the year, the Panther Athletic Club supports our teams with various types of fundraisers, including the auction.
“The money raised will be used for the sole purpose of supporting our athletic teams and those students who participate in intercollegiate athletics.”
Pitt-Bradford is a Division III university and founding member of the Allegany Mountain Collegiate Conference.
With 15 intercollegiate sports for both men and women, Pitt-Bradford has earned 13 AMCC championships, seven NCAA bids and two AMCC student athlete of the year awards, two All-American Awards and one Academic All-American Award.
BRADFORD, Pa. – Ewabo, a Caribbean-style steel drum band, will headline the annual “One World” Cultural Festival on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Different cultures and traditions will be showcased beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Students, faculty and staff will share food and present entertainment at the event, which is open to the public.
Although there is no formal admission, those attending are asked to bring a dish to share or a $5 donation. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
“The popularity of the Cultural Festival is seen in how broad the participation is –students, staff, alumni, faculty and all their families and a lot of their friends in the community all take part,” said Isabelle Champlin, co-chairwoman of the Cultural Festival and director of the international studies program.
Ewabo will perform on the steel drum, also called the pan, at 8 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room. The band derives its music from the traditions of Trinidad, Tobago, Virgin Islands and St. Martin.
Billed as one of the preeminent steel bands in the United States, the trio has played at an inaugural ball for former President Bill Clinton and has been featured at human rights day events, including Potomac Riverfest and the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Parade. The band has also won two consecutive national steel band music festival championships.
During the entire evening, displays will include information and activities about India, Russia, Japan, Germany, Italy, Cuba, Mexico, the Peace Corps, Jewish culture, Native American drumming and face painting. Also featured will be a basket-making demonstration, the Enchanted Mountain Weavers Guild, an international studies booth and a Fair Trade Products group. The international buffet will feature such samplings as Japanese cuisine and sushi and French, Italian, Polish, Russian and Greek dishes as well as fare from the Caribbean. Dishes will be prepared by Pitt-Bradford faculty and staff, guests, Metz and Associates and local restaurants. Scottish kilts, Indian Saris, a traditional Swedish dress and outfits from other cultures will be showcased by students during the international fashion show at 7:30 p.m. in the University Room.
“The Cultural Festival is not an event that you view— it must be experienced by all your senses, from the sounds of the drums, to the wonderful aromas wafting from the buffet table, to the rich colors and textures of the traditional garments,” said Holly J. Spittler, co-chair of the event and associate dean of student affairs. “The energy and exhilaration of the evening is contagious and demonstrates what is possible when folks come together in the spirit of unity and good will.” Contributors to this year’s event include the Cultural Festival Steering Committee, Alpha Phi Omega, the Anthropology Club, the Nontraditional Student Association (NTSA), Metz & Associates, History-Political Science Club, African American Student Union, Hospitality Management Club, the Student Activities Council, the Office of the President, Student Government Association, International Studies Office, Togi's Family Restaurant, and the divisions of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Communication and the Arts, and the Social and Behavioral Sciences.
For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or arj4@pitt.edu.
Lent is near, and it's time to plan for the original famous Friday fish fry at St. Bibiana's Church in Galeton.
This year, the fish fry starts on Friday, February 27 and will be served every Friday during Lent.
The menu consists of breaded haddock, french fries, homemade coleslaw, rolls and drink.
Serving time is 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and take-outs are available. Price is $8.50 for adults, and $6 for children under 12. The sundae bar will be available for dessert for only $1. 50-50 raffle tickets will also be sold.
Austin Panthers worked the ball to a 53-51 win over Johnsonburg Ramettes after going in to over time with a 47-47 tie game at the end of the fourth quarter.
Coach Logue noted “there was no more than a 4 point deficit during the whole game—from start to finish.” Logue said “Tuesday nights game was a good game between two evenly matched teams.”
After the Ramettes scored a 2 point basket taking them to 49, Whitney Crosby tied the game back up with 2 successful foul shots. The Ramettes hit another basket to take a 51-49 lead.
Austin’s Cassey Stuckey was fouled. Stuckey successfully shot two foul shots and tied the game back up to 51-51 with 1 minute 10 seconds left in the game.
At the end of the game Austin had control of the ball; Crosby drove towards the hoop passing the ball to Stuckey who made the successful lay-up to take Austin to a 53-51 lead with 9.2 seconds left.
Whitney Crosby hit double double with 20 points and 10 rebounds
Cassey Stuckey had 18 points and 4 steels
Hilary Gordnier hit 6 points and 5 rebounds
Emily Wambaugh had 7 rebounds and 2 blocked shots
Katelyn Valenti had 4 assists
Dallas Niles had 5 assists
Austin will play Elk County Catholic in the Semifinals on Tuesday, February 24th
AHS Fan Bus Headed To Playoff Game. A Community Fan Bus will be available for the Girls District 9 Playoff Game at the Cameron County High School on Tuesday, February 24th.
Austin's Lady Panthers will take on Elk County Catholic at 7:00 pm. Bus will leave the Austin Area School at 5:30 pm. Cost is $2.00 per person.
Students in Grades 6 & under must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Student permission slips and money are due in the office on Monday, February 23rd.
Community members wishing to ride the bus should submit their payment to the school office. Game tickets are $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students and can be purchased at the door.
Two representatives from Rettew Associates of Lancaster County presented an update on the Potter County Political Boundaries Project to county officials on Thursday. Rettew was contracted in December 2007 to conduct the countywide survey to verify and adjust municipal boundaries on official maps. The consultants emphasized that the adjustments and verifications do not represent legal changes to township and borough lines.
A state Act 56 grant for wireless 9-1-1 service is covering the project’s expenses, which have reached $200,000. The work will have many applications beyond the establishment of accurate boundary lines for emergency services. It will be of use to the Asssessment Office, Register and Recorder, Planning and other county departments, as well as PennDOT.
Rettew has been also been able to add to the county’s storehouse of valuable documents and has been able to preserve copies of certain single-copy historic records through digital technology.
“These high-quality scans can now become part of the public record for many decades to come,” said Rettew’s Eric Jesperson. “Potter County will end up with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) representation with known accuracy, which will assist with parcel mapping that is taking place for 9-1-1 addressing and have many other uses.”
Jesperson explained how his team rebuilt the county’s maps from scratch through laborious research and visits to properties on township and borough borders, where field workers located those markers and milestones that still exist, everything from cornerstones and trees to posts.
“We were charged with re-establishing corners based on evidence in legal documents and many other sources, all geared toward creating a GIS boundary layer with accuracy at each corner, much like a jigsaw puzzle,” Jesperson noted.
Information sources included aerial photos, location of roads and streams, state records, local knowledge and comprehensive data collected in the field.
Jesperson expressed appreciation to Mike Menard Surveying, Northern Tier Abstract and Penn-York Surveying for their assistance. He said property owners and municipal officials have also been supportive.
“We were fortunate, in that the basic quality of mapping and conditions or records in Potter County are quite good,” he added.
Among changes residents can expect to see, he mentioned, is the relocation of roadside signs and the addition of dozens of new markers at municipal borders. Potter County Today
Charles Cole Memorial Hospital will offer heel screenings from 1 to 3 p.m. on February 20 at the hospital’s Women’s Health Center. The cost is $10. Call 274-8200 for an appointment. Heel screenings give patients a preliminary bone density score (T score) in a matter of minutes. Low scores typically call for a more thorough exam. Those who should receive a heel screening include women over 65 or who have had an early menopause or hysterectomy or other hormonal depletion, men over 70, men and women taking certain medications or certain cancer treatments, those with risk factors or a disease or condition that can cause bone loss, and men and women who eat a low calcium diet or have had significant height loss.
February 20
There will be a Fish Fry at the Roulette Firehall from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Baked/battered fish, baked potato/French fries, coleslaw/applesauce and roll. Cost is $8.00. Take-outs available by calling 544-7762.
February 20-21
The 8th annual Kinzua Outdoor and Travel Show will be held at the Bradford Mall from 4:00 to 9:00 pm Friday and from 10:00 am to 6 pm Saturday.
LOCK HAVEN - A defendant in a high-profile rape prosecution - Domenique Thomas Wilson, 23, of Philadelphia - went from sleepy and reluctant to talkative and combative during court proceedings Wednesday.
The former Lock Haven University basketball player did so after finding his court appearance on a relatively minor charge was a mere prelude to his arraignment on serious charges of holding three young women captive and raping two of them on Super Bowl Sunday. More...
Affidavit: Suspect admits being in the apartment--More...
1490 NewsBlog U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Pa., announced today that he has introduced legislation that would prohibit the tolling of federal highways, including Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania. Thompson issued the following statement on the introduction of the Keeping America’s Freeway’s Free Act (KAFFA):
“The American people currently pay for our Interstates through gas taxes, the Highway Trust Fund, and apportionment taxes on trucks hauling goods. Tolling the Interstate Highway System would not only be a double tax on the American people, but a dangerous step toward slowing the economic growth of Pennsylvania and the entire country during these trying times.
“Tolls are taxes, plain and simple. As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, the last thing small business owners and hard working families along the I-80 corridor need is another tax when some are struggling to heat their homes and put gasoline in their tanks. More...
A 15-year-old Clearfield County girl has been charged with possession, distribution of and creating child pornography for allegedly sending nude pictures of herself to a 27-year-old man over the Internet.
Police found the pictures on the man's computer. They say the girl and the man engaged in unlawful sexual activity as well.
The man has been charged, but his name hasn't been released.
WESB News: 02/19/09 - Site Change for Jerman Ceremony
Due to weather conditions, the ceremony to mark the 10-year anniversary of the death of Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman will be held at the Elk Club at 210 Chestnut Street in Kane starting at 10 a.m. tomorrow.
Jerman was shot during a traffic stop just outside the borough in the early morning hours of February 20, 1999.
If you have any questions about the event, you can call the Kane Police Department or the McKean County District Attorney's Office.
WESB News: 02/19/09 - Man Hurt After Truck Strikes Home
A truck struck a house Wednesday afternoon at around 4 o’clock at 375 East main Street in Bradford.
Bradford City Police say that 51 year-old Bruce Haight of Smethport lost control of his truck after a coughing spell and went across a couple of lawns before striking the house.
Haight was taken to BRMC with moderate injuries. No other injuries were reported. The house received severe damage to it’s foundation.
ESU ~ Discipline in the Classroom – Act 48 Approved
East Stroudsburg University Continuing Professional Education will sponsor the Act 48
approved course Discipline in the Classroom with instructor Joe Martin at the PotterCounty
Education Council in Coudersport This program is designed for participants to take part in
learning activities that will enable them to develop positive techniques for handling student
behavior problems. This course is aimed at training teachers to use Reality Therapy as a tool in the classroom. It addresses one of the major concerns of the public school’s classroom control and behavior change.This course is approved for 3 graduate credits.Classes will be held on Friday evenings and all day Saturday beginning February 27 with subsequent classes February 28, March 27 & 28 and May 1 & 2.For more information or to register contact 274-4877.
Medical Assistant for Office Employees ~ Starting April 7th!!!
This part-time program will consist of 500 hours of classroom instruction and laboratory experience, plus a 220 hour clinical internship. This program will prepare participants to perform administrative functions and basic clinical procedures in doctor, dental and chiropractic offices, clinics and medical facilities. The course will be offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings and every other Saturday for a full year. Participants must be employed in a medical office or have similar office experience to be considered for the program. Basic computer skills are a prerequisite. Also, a commitment to attend all classes must be made.
The 720 hours of this course meets the minimum requirements for participants to sit for a certification exam by the American Association of Medical Technologists. Those passing the exam will become Registered Medical Assistants by the AAMT. This course will also prepare participants to become certified in Medical Coding and Billing and certified in phlebotomy if desired.
The program will be held at the Potter County Education Council’s Coudersport office and begin April 7.Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday for the upcoming year.If you would like to register or need more information, call 274-4877, 435-9490, or 642-2295.
This program is through a partnership of Penn College of Technology, North Campus, CharlesColeMedicalCenter and the Potter County Education Council and funded by the Health Care Industry Partnership of North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission.
"Writing A Professional Press Release"
The Potter County Education Council will hold a Professional Press Release class at the Coudersport Office. Veteran journalists Gerri Miller of www.gerrimiller.com and Teri McDowell, news editor for the Potter Leader-Enterprise, will instruct the class on preparation of press releases which cover the "who, what, when, where and why" of events in a thorough and professional manner. What information to include in a press release, how to prioritize facts and strategies for getting the attention of editors, reporters and the public – as well as what not to include – will be among the topics discussed in the two-hour session. The class will also include a hands-on segment, where students can write a press release and have it critiqued by the instructors.This class will be held on Thursday, March 19 from 1 – 3 p.m.This class is free to the public.To register, call 274-4877, 435-9490 or 642-2295.
“Energy Efficiency for the Home and Farm”
The Potter County Education Council will hold a “Energy Efficiency for the Home and Farm”
Course at the Coudersport office. This presentation offers information on cutting energy costs
to farmers, homesteaders, and anyone with acountrylifestyle. Saving energy and working
towards energy efficiency doesn’t alwaysentail spending a lot to save over the long term. It can
be small investments or just changing energy-wasting habits that give quickresults. Participants
will see how to save money in machinery operations, heating and cooling buildings andsaving
energy in the country or farm home.The date for the course will be Thursday, March 5from
1 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. and there is no cost.To register or for more information, call
274-4877, 435-9490 or 642-2295.
PCEC Coudersport Computer Schedule
Potter County Education Council’s Coudersport Office will be offering the following computer classes:
February 26Internet 26 – 9 p.m.
March 3FrontPage 29 a.m. – Noon
March 3PowerPoint 16 – 9 p.m.
March 5Access 19 a.m. – Noon
March 5 Publisher6 – 9 p.m.
March 10PowerPoint 19 a.m. – Noon
March 10PowerPoint 26 – 9 p.m.
March 12Access 29 a.m. – Noon
March 12Publisher 26 – 9 p.m.
Call 274-4877, 435-9490 or 642-2295 to register for classes.
PCEC Galeton Computer Schedule
Potter County Education Council’s Galeton Office will be offering the following computer classes:
March 2Access 19 a.m.– Noon
March 2Internet 11 – 4 p.m.
March 3Outlook 26 – 9 p.m.
March 9Access 29 a.m. – Noon
March 9Internet 21 – 4 p.m.
March 10PowerPoint 16 – 9 p.m.
Call 435-9490, 274-4877 or 642-2295 to register for classes.
PCECPort Allegany Computer Schedule
Potter County Education Council’s PortAlleganyEducationCenter will be offering the following computer:
February 25FrontPage 19 a.m. – Noon
February 25FrontPage 21 – 4 p.m.
February 25Word 26-9 p.m.
March 3PowerPoint 16 – 9 p.m.
March 4Excel 39 a.m. – Noon
March 4Excel 41 -4p.m.
March 9Publisher 19 a.m. – Noon
March 9Publisher 21 – 4 p.m.
March 9Windows XP6 – 9 p.m.
March 10Access 16 – 9 p.m.
March 11Word 19 a.m. – Noon
March 11Word 21 – 4 p.m.
March 11Windows XP 26 – 9 p.m.
March 12Access 26 – 9 p.m.
Call 642-2295, 274-4877 or 435-9490 to register for classes.