Wellsville Texas Hot--Steve Cretekos Dies

Farewell to "Uncle Steve" Cretekos

By Andrew Harris

Special to the Reporter

WELLSVILLE -A lot of you may find this a familiar face, from the Texas Hot, or the golf course, maybe even Better Days.

Steve Cretekos passed away (Saturday, April 4, 2009) and he will be missed for his kindness, quick wit, and a long list of other admirable qualities.More...

Stabbing In Andover, NY

Andover woman charged in Friday stabbing

By Brian Quinn

Daily Reporter

An Andover woman was charged Saturday with felony second-degree assault for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend the previous night, Andover police say. Charges are also pending against him, however. More...

Vehicle Crash Reported In Wharton Township

BREAKING NEWS:8:30pm-4-4-09
Austin Fire and ambulance has been dispatched to 45,504 Wharton Road where a one vehicle crash with ejection has been reported. A medical helicopter has been requested to the scene near Rt. 872 & East Fork Road in Wharton.

Austin VFD Photo ---See more photos & story

Austin Fire and ambulance has been dispatched to 45,504 Wharton Road where a one vehicle crash with ejection has been reported. A medical helicopter has been requested to the scene near Rt. 872 & East Fork Road in Wharton.

The single victim of this accident was transported by mercy flight to a trauma hospital.

35th Annual Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic

Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic
Website: http://www.eteamz.com/canoeclassic/index.cfm?
Pictures from today near the new bridge in Driftwood.

Photographer Leo Szczesny braved the elements today to
bring us photos of the Cameron County Canoe Race

Photos by Leo Szczesny (c) 2009
Click on photos to enlarge

Chimney Fire Reported On Sartwell Creek Road

BREAKING NEWS:3:20pm-4-4-09
Roulette firefighters are responding to a chimney fire at 147 Sartwell Creek Road at the Gehman residence.

Motorist, Area Police Valiantly Tried To Prevent Fatal Crash

Last Week's Double Fatal Crash
By James Jones
An unnamed motorist, watching in his rear view mirror, saw the silver Honda traveling behind him driving erratically. As reported earlier by Gerri Miller.com, the motorist was in the area of Close's Lumber in Roulette, headed west on Route 6.

Coudersport State Police, who received the cell phone call, immediately contacted McKean County 911 as there were no troopers in the area. 911 promptly contacted an officer from the Port Allegany police department who was in his patrol car. Coudersport State Police requested his assistance to stop this car.

The Port Allegany officer was responding East on Route 6, and asked for an update on the location of the vehicle coming toward him. His original dispatch had told him the car was passing the ABC Restaurant.

A few seconds went by as messages were relayed through the Coudersport State Police phone, back to the 911 dispatcher who told the officer "never mind, the car just hit another vehicle head-on ."

The rest of the story has been told. Leslie Badanes, of Olean, the driver of the silver Honda, was killed, as well as Ronald Gehman of Port Allegany, who had moved his pickup to the guard rails, in an attempt to avoid the Honda that was coming at him in his lane.

At this point in time, no one has been able to say why Dr. Badanes, a former instructor at St. Bonaventure University, was driving erratically.

But this much is known, the motorist who called police, the dispatchers involved, and police agencies came within a minute or two of preventing this terrible tragedy on Route 6.

I salute all these people for their heroic efforts.

BRADFORD BYPASS PROJECT UPDATE FOR WEEK OF APRIL 6

CLEARFIELD – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT/District 2) issues the following update for the Route 219, McKean County/Bradford Bypass project. Contractor on the $28.1 million project is Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. The project extends from just north of the city of Bradford in Pennsylvania to the New York State line.

All work is weather and schedule dependent and can be subject to change. The following work schedule is for the week of April 6:

• Route 219 northbound remains restricted to one lane from the Forman Street on-ramp to Hillside Drive in New York State.
• Contractor will perform shoulder widening on the northbound lanes.
• Contractor will be working on emergency pull-offs on the northbound lanes.
• Motorists are advised to watch for slow moving and stopped vehicles through the entire work zone.
• Motorists are reminded to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit, and always buckle up.
• All ramps remain open.

For more information on roadway construction and maintenance operations, visit PennDOT’s website at www.dot.state.pa.us.

3 Pittsburgh Officers Dead Answering Domestic Call

UPDATE on Police Shooting:
3 Pittsburgh Officers Dead

Three police officers were killed and two others were injured in a shooting in Pittsburgh's Stanton Heights neighborhood Saturday morning, where as many as 70 to 80 rounds may have been fired.

For continuing coverage, including live reports from the scene, go to WTAE-TV.

Posted by Anne at 1490 NewsBlog

The Power Of The Son

Area National Guard Soldiers See Action In Iraq

PA Soldiers First to Respond

Pennsylvania soldiers were first to respond to a coalition air strike that killed one alleged insurgent and injured two more Thursday night near Taji, Iraq.

Four armed Iraqi men were spotted placing an improvised explosive near an important intersection, according to the Multi-National Division in Iraq. The division called an air strike to the location.

Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade Combat team were first to respond after the strike. The soldiers administered first aid to the two wounded Iraqis and took them for medical treatment and interrogation.

The man killed in the strike was turned over to local authorities for identification.

Soldiers didn't find the fourth alleged insurgent in the area.

National Guard troops from the Bradford Armory are members of the team.

Posted by Anne at 1490 NewsBlog

Area Obituaries

EMPORIUM — Eugene D. Swank, 82, of 290 Swank Road, Austin, died Friday (April 3, 2009) at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, following a lengthy illness. Barnett Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Galeton High Steppers Cash Giveaway

Swain Ski Center To Sell Or Sell Off Equipment

End of the slope for Swain as ski center to close and sell all assets

By Justin Head

Daily Reporter

SWAIN - The only ski center in the region is going out of business.

“It’s like polishing the brass on the Titanic in some cases for the last few years,” said Eric Stearns, general manager of Swain Resort, in an emotional few moments after a meeting broke news the largest business in Allegany County is going to close. More...

Potter County Offices Continue To Relocate

Relocation of departments to the F. W. Gunzburger County Office Building on the corner of Main and Water streets continues, according to the Potter County Commissioners.

Next to make the move will be the office of District Attorney Dawn Fink and Victim/Witness Coordinator Christy Steiner from a rental unit on North Main Street to a renovated, secure wing at the Gunzburger Building.

Also scheduled to relocate is the Assessment Office and Tax Claim Bureau. An empty office located just inside the building’s Main Street entrance has been renovated to accommodate the commissioners’ administrative and fiscal offices.

A new office area has also been established on the first floor for the Director of Veterans Affairs.

The new conference center established in the former school auditorium has now been equipped with portable tables and chairs. It’s capable of accommodating groups of more than 100.

Meanwhile, Register and Recorder Gary Kelsey reports that a recent upsurge in interest by title searchers connected with natural gas exploration could lead to a request for additional rental office space in the Gunzburger Building.

Work cubicles established near the Recorder of Deeds office have been leased by energy companies, providing a revenue source that helps the county to offset utility and maintenance expenses at the building.

Pitt Professor Publishes Paper On Motivations To Dance

Article on Why People Dance

Dr. Helene Lawson, professor of sociology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford who has taken tap dance lessons for five years, wrote a paper about her experience and those of other dancers, which has been published in an arts journal from England.

Lawson’s paper, “Why Dance? The Motivations of an Unlikely Group of Dancers,” was published in the Winter 2008/2009 edition of Music and Arts in Action, which is published by the University of Exeter.

In her paper, Lawson explains that she undertook the study because she wanted to know why amateur dancers dance. She interviewed 75 adult dance students, including the dancers in her tap dance group in Bradford, and also visited private dance studios across the country, including studios in Redondo Beach, Calif., Nashville, Tenn., and Chicago, Ill. More from 1490 NewsBlog

Art Auction To Benefit Alzheimers Association At Consistory Saturday Night

An art auction will be held on Saturday night (April 4) at the Coudersport Consistory to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of Pennsylvania.

Sponsored by the Potter County Area Agency on Aging, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and Sweden Valley Manor, the event will feature an art preview at 6 pm with the auction starting at 7.

Tickets are $10 which includes admission and hors d’oeuvres. The auction will feature a variety of art in many media and broad price ranges including contemporary, African American, sports, Americana, Southwestern, seascapes, impressionism, Judaic, wildlife, primitive, and children.

For more information on the art pieces, visit marlinart.com. For tickets or more information on the auction, call Barb Kiel at 554-7315, Phyllis Glinkowski at 274-9301, ext. 1395; or Midge Ingalls, 274-7610.

Ronald J. White, 57, Ulysses, PA

Ronald J. White, 57, of Ulysses, PA, formerly of Harrison Valley, died Thursday, April 2, 2009 in the Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA.

Born February 12, 1952, in Coudersport, PA, he was the son of Grant and Grace Robbins White.

Services will be private.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.

14 Reported Dead Including Shooter In Binghamton

News reports indicate 14 people have died including the shooter in a hostage situation in Binghamton this morning.

Recalls

Setton International Foods, Inc. Issues Precautionary Nationwide Voluntary Recall on Several Lots of Pistachio Kernel Products Because of Possible Health Risk (April 3)

Snackerz Inc. Recalls Snackerz Roasted and Salted Peanuts Because of Possible Health Risk (March 26)

Nature Kist Snacks Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of In-Shell Pistachio Nuts Due to Possible Health Risk (April 1)

John B. Sanfilippo and Son, Inc. Expands Voluntary Recall of Four Varieties of Archer Farms Roasted Salted Inshell Pistachios Due to Possible Health Risk (April 2)

New York Firm Recalls Chicken Base Products Imported From an Unapproved Source

Lawrence's Delights Issues Allergy Alert for Walnut Baklava Containing Undeclared Allergen (April 3)

Stonyfield Farm Announces Nationwide Recall of Specific Fat Free Plain Quarts Code Date May 6 and 7, 2009 (April 3)

Anton-Argires, Inc. Recalls Salted Pistachio Kernels and Its Deluxe Mixed Nuts (Roasted And/Or Salted) Because of Possible Health Risk (April 3)

Sconza Candy Company Voluntarily Initiates Nationwide Recall of Trail Mix, Organic Chocolate Peanuts and Organic Toffee Cashews and Peanuts Because of Possible Heath Risk (March 28)

California Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Products for Possible Salmonella Contamination

Revised Update: Union International Food Co. is Recalling Lian How Brand Spices and Uncle Chen's Brand White Pepper and Black pepper in 5oz. Retail Containers Because of a Possible Health Risk (April 3)

SWAT Team On Scene At Binghamton Shooting

Shooting at American Civic Association

Mayor: May be a hostage situation

Live Audio Live Blog
Star Gazette
At least four people are shot at the American Civic Association in Binghamton and about 20 people have been taken hostage. Local apartments are being evacuated.

Four people have been removed from the building on stretchers and taken to hospitals. The Binghamton SWAT team is on the scene. There are reportedly 41 hostages in the building -- 15 in a closet and 26 in the boiler room. More...

Road Work Underway On I-80 WNEP-Video

IUP Student Shot Early This Morning

Nate Burgett from Austin sends this along this morning from Indiana, PA where a 21 year old college student from Springfield, VA was shot this morning at an off campus bar. Nate is a student at IUP More...
Dear Students:
I wish to inform you of an off-campus crime that occurred in downtown
Indiana shortly after 2 a.m. resulting in the injury of an IUP student. The
student is in stable condition and being treated for injuries related to a gunshot wound.
Indiana Borough Police is investigating the incident. As of this writing, a
suspect has not been identified.

I will provide additional information relating to new developments of the
Borough's ongoing investigation as this information becomes available.

Thank You.
Bill Montgomery
Director of Public Safety/Police
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Bomb Squad Removes Possible Bomb In Wellsville

Web update: Alleged bomb removed in Wellsville

By John Anderson

Daily Reporter

WELLSVILLE -Employees at the Allegany Arc’s Farnum Street building were kept away when a suspcious bottle was spotted in the parking lot this morning.

Wellsville Village Police called it a “suspcious incident” and a bomb squad came in and used a robotic device on wheels to remove the bottle, which appeared to by covered with duct tape. Police closed off Farnum Street and O’Connor Street around 7:30 a.m.

Everyone was released at 10:53 a.m. from the scene. More...

Man Gets 5-15 Years For Stealing Copper Wire From House

WESB NEWS--Custer City Man Sentenced to Prison

A Custer City man was sentenced in McKean County Court to five to 15 years in state prison Thursday.

23 year-old Michael Butters was also ordered to re-pay victims $42,000 dollars restitution for the damage he and a co-defendant caused when they ripped copper wire from homes in the Smethport area in 2007 and 2008.

McKean County District Attorney John Pavlock told the court that people had actually paid other individuals to stay in their house while they were gone during the crime spree to protect their homes.

Coudersport Easter Festival Moved From Courthouse Square To County Office Building

Easter Festival Moved
By Jane Metzger
The Merchants Committee of the Coudersport Area Chamber of
Commerce invites you to participate in the Easter Festival from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 in the F.W. Gunzburger
County Office Building (the former Coudersport Elementary School).

(Original plans
called for the event to be held on the courthouse square but the
decision was made to change locations due to the weather forecast.)

The craft show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children's activities
include a coloring contest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., photos with Easter
Bunny from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. and the Easter Egg Hunt at 3 p.m.
(registration begins at 2 p.m.)

Music will be provided all day by DJ Smitty. Register to win an
Easter Ham with the drawing at 4 p.m.

Festival For Teenagers Saturday At Northern Potter

“Celebration of Life” observes its fifth anniversary on Saturday at the Northern Potter High School auditorium.

The event, also known as “Teen Tinnitus,” is a music festival for teenagers across the region, sponsored by Project Yellow Ribbon of Potter County and the Suicide Prevention Task Force.

A celebrated alternative rock/crossover band with Potter County roots, “The Slant,” will be among this year’s performers. Other bands include Fool Hardy, Apple Tree Experience, Burden My Surrender and Painsville Hill.

Celebration of Life will run from 2-8 pm. There will be adult supervision during a program that includes music, messages of hope, prize drawings, vendors and refreshments. Potter County Today

Leo's News For Those Who Think Outside The Box

Attached is an exclusive email (attached), just came out today. I've seen many films of this nature and this one is definitely hard hitting and will amaze folks who have not seen this footage. This is very important for Americans to watch.

A new documentary series called the Core of Corruption. This is part 1.

The movie is nearly 2 1/2 hours long and features well documented mainstream media and analysis of events regarding terrorism prevention and 9/11.

The website is selling DVD's but this lower resolution link allows people to sneak preview the movie.

Please share. The Truth Shall Prevail!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4874421830690006054

- leo

Miniature Schnauzer Reunited With Owner

I've Been Found!!!

Anne Quizzes State Police On Police Presence In Wilcox Area

Police Investigation Near Wilcox

Police have been investigating the Lockes Hill area of Wilcox for a week, but haven't said yet exactly what they're looking into.

State Police Information Officer Bruce Morris says there is nothing to report while they are still in the investigation stage, but they will release some information soon because of the "buzz" and rumors caused by the police presence.

Local, state and federal officials, including a state police forensics van, have been spotted in the area.

Along with marked state police cruisers, a truck with government plates and US Forest Service Department of Agriculture vehicles have been parked along Lockes Hill.

Posted by Anne at 1490 NewsBlog

Van Horn's write from Bellefonte...

Jim

here is a link to a neat site for people wanting to see how close the
hummingbirds are
http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html
looks like they will be here soon, all is well here in Bellefonte
keep up the good work we check your site all the time for news from home.

Alvin & Kim Van Horn

PITT-BRADFORD GEMS SQUAD WORKSHOP TO ENCOURAGE GIRLS IN ENGINEERING, MATH AND SCIENCE

Girls in Engineering, Math and Science
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold a workshop to encourage Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) on Saturday, April 4, by giving them a chance to see microbes up close, treat athletic injuries and take part in other hands-on activities.

The full-day workshop will feature Pitt-Bradford faculty members presenting a variety of hands-on science and math activities and giving middle school girls a chance to explore the sciences both as areas of study and potential careers.

More than three dozen students from Floyd C. Fretz, St. Bernard, Ridgway, Smethport, St. Marys and Cameron County middle schools will take part.

The students will be able to choose from 12 workshops involving hands-on learning about physics, sport and exercise science, nursing and other health careers, math, crime scene investigation, chemistry, biology and athletic training.

Sessions include classes on perception and the senses, mutants, spectrophotometry and a chance to perform skills practiced by registered nurses.

Dr. Lauren Yaich, associate professor of biology and chairwoman of the division of biological and health sciences, is on-campus coordinator of the GEMS Squad workshop, which was suggested to her by two teachers at Floyd C. Fretz Middle School.

Science teacher Lisa Neely said that three years ago, she and a math teacher at Fretz took a group of 35 girls to the one-day Sally Ride Science and Math Festival in Virginia. While she was thrilled with the turnout, the trip itself was “horrific,” she said.

Neely and eighth-grade science teacher Cindy Murphy then found a closer program in Williamsport, and were soon filling half of the 50 spaces at the bi-annual SMARTGirls workshops.

“After our third trip, Cindy Murphy and I talked about trying to start something similar with Pitt-Bradford,” she said.

Murphy, who is now curriculum specialist for the Intermediate Unit 9, working with school districts in McKean, Elk, Potter and Cameron counties, said that the teachers considered trying to do something themselves at Fretz, but that “really, the goal is to show girls that more is available.”

When the teachers approached Yaich, “she was right on board with it,” Murphy said. “The professors at Pitt-Bradford were great.”

While girls have made strides in math and science in recent years, Murphy cited figures from the Congressional Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering and Technology Development that said by eighth grade, twice as many boys as girls show an interest in science, engineering and technology careers.

And college engineering, physics and computer science programs, remain predominantly male, according to The Washington Times.

Yaich hopes to influence girls while they’re still excited about science by showing them the academic and career possibilities that exist in the sciences.

“Middle school is the age where you either engage them or lose them,” she said. “I think women have a lot to add to science.”

For more information on GEMS, contact Yaich at (814)362-0260 or yaich@pitt.edu.

For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or arj4@pitt.edu.

Energy Efficiency Grants For Local Governments

Governor Ed Rendell has encouraged local and county governments to take advantage of $102 million in energy efficiency block grants and other funding opportunities in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The state government will host internet-based sessions on April 8 and April 28 to guide local governments. Energy grant programs are available for residential and commercial building energy audits; energy efficiency retrofits and conservation measures; transportation changes; energy distribution efficiency measures; material conservation; alternative traffic signals and street lighting, among others.

A live, internet-based information session will be held from 6:30-7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 8. Local government officials can register online at recovery.pa.gov. On Tuesday, April 28, another internet-based information session will be held.

Those interested in participating should visit palocalgovtraining.org and review the course calendar. Additional information is also available at 717-783-1566.

Potter County Today

Emporium Posts Photos Of Wild Fire On Route 120

Wild Fire
Emporium Fire Department has posted photos, a map and a complete story on the Tunnel Hill Forest Fire that required over 135 firefighters two days to put out last week. Click here to go to the Emporium website.

Be careful. Wild fires kill and destroy property.

Leon W. Fuller, 89, Bath, NY, Formerly Shinglehouse, PA

Bath, NY---Leon W. Fuller, 89, of Bath, NY, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville, NY after a long illness.

Born September 15, 1919 in Chrystal, PA, he was a son of Fred E. and Alta G. (Healy) Fuller.

Mr. Fuller attended the Chrystal Country School. He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran having served in World War II from November 4, 1941 to December 1945. After the war, he worked for the former Clark Brothers in Olean, NY for many years. He was also employed for 20 years at the Farrell Corporation in Rochester, NY, retiring in 1983.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved to travel and spend time with his family.

Surviving are one son, David L. (Eleanor) Fuller of Marion, NY; three daughters: Cindy Kay (Curtis) Rollin of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Paula D. Fuller and Patricia M. Fuller of both of Pearl River, Louisiana; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one sister, Juanita P. Bump of Shinglehouse, PA; and two brothers, Dean E. (Beverly) Fuller of Olean, NY and Kenneth E. (Carol) Fuller of Kingman, Arizona; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Fuller was predeceased by two sons, Thomas M. Fuller and Fred L. Fuller; and one brother, Victor Fuller.

At Mr. Fuller’s request, there will be no public visitation. A private memorial service will be held in the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA, at the convenience of the family. The Rev. Fred Kemp, pastor of the Portville Baptist Church, Portville, NY, will officiate. Burial will be in the Bath National Cemetery, Bath, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Wild Fire Reported On Gardeau Road In Norwich Township

BREAKING NEWS:5:45pm-4-2-09
Port Allegany, Crosby and Austin firefighters are responding to a wildfire near 3936 Gardeau Road in Norwich Township. Reports are that it was started by a train and is going up the side of the mountain. Photos & Complete story.

J & J Computers Writes....

Dear Mr Jones

I wanted to update you on J & J Computers. I am now open Monday - Saturday 8am to 6pm Sunday 10am to 7pm. I have received a lot more inventory Plus I am receiving more just about every week. You can check out a lot of my inventory at www.myspace.com/jnjcomputers in my pictures my inventory folder. Or you can stop in to the shop during business hours. The physical address is 305 east Academy st shinglehouse pa 16748. My Phone number is (814) 697-7111. I would also like to Thank everyone that has stopped for all the support. I look forward to Helping everyone that will be stopping by THANK YOU AGAIN.

Sincerely

James R Quinn

J & J Computers

(814) 697-7111

Recap Of Today's News From Gerri Miller.com

Hear the local news first on Black Forest Broadcasting starting at 7:00am
Contact: gerrimiller@pennswoods.net

Copyright: 2008 G.R. Miller. All Rights Reserved.


Driver Cited for Speeding Following Crash
Coudersport-based state police have charged 19 year old Amanda Stevens of Galeton with speeding after her Ford Focus wrecked Monday night on the Loucks Mills Road in Hector Township. Troopers say Stevens was headed north when her car went off the road, struck a culvert and an embankment coming to rest on its roof in the road. She was wearing a seatbelt and escaped injury.

Local Departments Respond to Mutual Aid Call
Galeton Volunteer Firefighters were summoned to assist Clymer Township Fire Department Tuesday afternoon for a working structure fire in Tioga County. Coudersport volunteers transferred an engine and some personnel to stand by in Galeton.

Shinglehouse Man to Be Sentenced for Two DUI’s
Jeffrey Goodliff, 43 will be sentenced May 6 in Potter County Court after pleading guilty this week to DUI for two separate cases. According to Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink, Goodliff was arrested last June 14 by Shinglehouse Borough Police who pulled him over when the taillights on his vehicle were out. Upon questioning him, officers determined he was driving under the influence of alcohol. Goodliff was stopped again on September 14 in Shinglehouse, this time by State Police when he was observed driving erratically and failing to stop at a stop sign. He again exhibited signs of intoxication. Goodliff refused to do a field sobriety test and to have blood drawn in both instances. He is being represented by Attorney Brian Manchester.

Rose Marie Elderkin Hubbard, 63, Eldred, PA

ELDRED, PA - Rose Marie Elderkin Hubbard, 63, passed away Friday (March 27, 2009) at her home in Eldred after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Aug. 31, 1945, in Salamanca, NY, she was a daughter of Rexford A. and Marie C. Ames Elderkin. On May 31, 1986, in Allegany, NY, she married Dennis Hubbard, who survives.

Rose was a 1963 graduate of Hinsdale (NY) Central School. She worked at CIT Financial, AVX and Conap, all in Olean, NY. Most recently, she worked at Costa's Supermarket in Eldred.

She loved her two pets, Bandit and Buddy, and missed her special dog, Holly.

Surviving besides her husband are her son, Christopher Sprague of Jamestown, NY.; her former husband, William Sprague of Hinsdale; her mother, Marie C. Loftus of Olean; a brother, Bobbie Howard (Carolyn) Elderkin of Hinsdale; two sisters, Cora M. (Norman) Emerson of Cuba, NY, and Elizabeth A. (Dana Leet) Kent of Turtlepoint; stepchildren, Aimee (Wade) Coder of Ridgway, Dennis (Brandi) Hubbard of Falls Creek, Cynthia Lynn of Glennville, GA, Lisa Gilpatrick of Arcade, NY., and Patrick (Patty) Hubbard of Gifford; many step grand-children, step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her father, Rexford A. Elderkin; and a sister, Charlotte M. Elderkin.

A memorial service will be held Monday (April 6, 2009) at 11:30 a.m. in the Hinsdale United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Carl Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olean, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Potter County Hospice Foundation, 1001 E. Second St., Coudersport, PA 16915; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Hamot Medical Center named to 100 Top Hospitals by Thomson Reuters –

Evolving Relationship with Charles Cole Memorial Hospital to Benefit Area Patients

Erie, PA – For the third time, Hamot Medical Center has been recognized as one of the 100 Top Hospitals in the U.S. by Thomson Reuters. The award is based on the overall organizational performance. Hamot is the only hospital in the area to ever receive this recognition.

“Receiving this achievement multiple years validates Hamot’s constant commitment to our high patient safety and quality standards,” Hamot President and CEO John Malone said. “What an incredible recognition for all of our employees, who work hard every day to ensure that Hamot remains among the nation’s best. I’m proud to work with such dedicated people.”

The Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals®: National Benchmarks study is based on the 100 Top Hospitals National Balanced Scorecard that evaluates performance in nine areas: mortality, medical complications, patient safety, average length of stay, expenses, profitability, cash-to-debt ratio, patient satisfaction, and adherence to clinical standards of care. The study has been conducted annually since 1993.

"The 100 Top Hospitals winners raised the bar again this year, delivering a higher level of reliable care and greater value for their communities and payers," said Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president for performance improvement and 100 Top Hospitals programs at Thomson Reuters.

Earlier this year, the board of directors at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital approved a collaboration plan with Hamot involving several clinical programs. Recent additions to the Charles Cole medical staff through this collaborative effort include prominent specialist physicians Steven Herrmann and James DeMatteis.

The work plan also includes the deployment of telemedicine technology which allows patients to access their Hamot specialist physician in Coudersport, improvements to the regional advanced life support transportation system and various local education programs.

“We are pleased to be affiliated with a world class hospital such as Hamot,” said Ed Pitchford, president and chief executive officer, Charles Cole. “By working together, we believe we will improve patient care in the region and keep as much care local as possible.”

To conduct the 100 Top Hospitals study, Thomson Reuters researchers evaluated 3,000 short-term, acute care, non-federal hospitals. They used public information - Medicare cost reports, Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, and core measures and patient satisfaction data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare data set.

What does this recognition mean?

If all Medicare inpatients received the same level of care as patients treated in the winning hospitals:
• More than 107,500 additional patients would survive each year.
• Nearly 132,000 patient complications would be avoided annually.
• Expenses would decline by $5.9 billion a year.
• The average patient stay would decrease by nearly half a day.

Recalls

Kroger Recalls Lite Mayo Due to Possible Health Risk (April 2)

FDA Alerts the Public to Uncle Chen and Lian How Brand Dry Spice Product Recall

Fritz Company Inc. Announces a Nationwide Voluntary Recall Because of Possible Health Risk

Publix Issues Voluntary Recall on Pistachios

VOLUNTARY PRODUCT RECALL - Ciao Bella Gelato Pistachio Single Serve Cups

Country Aire Inc Recalls Raw Redskin Peanuts Because Of Possible Health Risk

Pine River Pre-Pack, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Deluxe Mixed Nuts with Peanuts Due to Possible Health Risk

Candies Tolteca Recalls Two flavors of Peanut Snacks Because of Possible Health Risk (March 25)

Eillien’s Candies, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Dry Roasted Pistachio Kernels (Not in Shell) Due to Possible Health Risk (March 31)

Harry and David Recalls a Pistachio Nut Candy, Mendiants, Due to the Pistachio Nut Recall by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. (April 2)

Chukar Cherry Company Announces Nationwide Recall of Products Containing Pistachios Because of Possible Health Risks (April 2)

Scarnati's Bill To Cut Aid To Illegals Passes Senate

Illegal Alien Bill Passes Senate

Illegal aliens who live in Pennsylvania would be unable to obtain public benefits, including Medicaid, welfare and in-state college tuition, under legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati that was approved today by the Senate with a bi-partisan vote of 41 to 9. More from 1490 NewsBlog

FINAL WORK STARTS NEXT WEEK ON DRIFTWOOD BRIDGE

Work will finish by mid-May

CLEARFIELD– Final work will begin Monday, April 6 on the Route 555 Driftwood Bridge in Cameron County. Crews will be working to complete remaining roadway construction associated with the bridge replacement project.

Final work includes reconstruction of Driftwood Avenue, new storm sewers, curbing, sidewalks and paving. During the work, Driftwood Avenue will be closed to through traffic near the intersection with Route 555. Traffic on Route 555 will not be affected by the closure on Driftwood Avenue. Motorists on Route 555 may experience slight delays associated with roadwork activities.

The bridge replacement project began in February 2008, with the new bridge open this past January. All work on the project is expected to be complete by mid-May but all work is weather dependent. Contractor on this $3.5 million project is Clearwater Construction. of Mercer.

For more information on roadway construction and maintenance operations, visit PennDOT’s website at www.dot.state.pa.us.

GT Honors Mike DeBernardinis In Washington

Bible Club Meeting Draws Half Of Student Body

Students take Bible Club to higher ground
Courier Express
A new record was set at Redbank Valley High School Monday. It wasn't in the gym or on the athletic field.

The record was set in the auditorium as 276 students - nearly half the student body - voluntarily attended a Bible Club meeting.

Bible Club advisor and high school history teacher Joe Harmon believes that is a school record for attendance to a regular club meeting of any kind.

High school Principal Steve Dobransky noted that just a few years ago, Bible Club membership was less than a couple dozen students. More...

Social Security, SSI Recipients To Get $250

Potter County Area Agency on Aging advises that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive one-time $250 economic stimulus check starting in early May. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides for the payments to those who were eligible for Social Security or SSI from November 2008 through January 2009.

The legislation also provides for a one-time payment to Veterans Affairs and Railroad Retirement Board beneficiaries. However, no individual will receive more than one $250 payment. Social Security or SSI recipients who do not receive their payments by June 4 should contact the Social Security Administration. Potter County Today

PENNDOT LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN FOR WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK

Motorists Encouraged to
‘Cone-Trol’ Their Driving in Work Zones

HARRISBURG – The nearly $3 billion worth of highway and bridge projects coming to Pennsylvania this year will result in a greater number of work zones than ever before, according to PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. To help increase safety in work zones, PennDOT is launching a new work zone awareness campaign.

“With a record of nearly $3 billion being invested in roads and bridges this year, it’s going to be a busy construction season with many work zones,” Biehler said. “We’re asking every motorist to help keep our workers – and themselves – safe from harm by obeying speed limits and paying attention.”

Although work zone crashes are on the decline in Pennsylvania, any crash holds the potential for tragedy. Last year, in more than 1,400 work zone crashes, nearly 1,000 people were injured and 23 died, including two highway workers.
To highlight work zone safety, PennDOT is introducing a new campaign which asks drivers to “cone-trol” their driving in work zones. The campaign coincides with National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs from April 6-10.

As part of the campaign, Pennsylvanians are invited to follow the story of one particular traffic cone as it tours various construction and maintenance projects around the state. By visiting www.dot.state.pa.us/followthecone, citizens can learn more about work zone safety, as well as why these projects are critical to improving and maintaining roads and bridges.

Visitors to the Follow the Cone page can also download a 30-second radio public service announcement related to work zone safety.

“Often in work zones, there is only a cone or barrel separating workers from traffic, while flaggers with our maintenance crews may not even have that visual barrier,” Biehler said. “That’s why we ask motorists to obey posted speed limits and avoid all distractions.”

Drivers should pay close attention to flaggers and signs. Motorists should maintain a safe distance around vehicles, and use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly. Finally, PennDOT reminds drivers to turn on their headlights if signs instruct them to do so. Driving without headlights can result in a $25 fine if a motorist is stopped and cited for another violation.

Pennsylvania law states that motorists caught driving 11 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit in work zones and are involved in a crash will automatically lose their license for 15 days. The law also doubles the fines for certain traffic violations, such as speeding and driving under the influence, if they occur in an active work zone.

PennDOT-CONEtrol_Radio_PSA.MP3 944K Play Download

Potter County Department of Emergency Services Recognizes April as National 9-1-1 Education Month

9-1-1 awareness and proper usage

Coudersport, PA – Today, the Potter County DES Office began a month-long campaign to help Americans of all ages recognize the importance of 9-1-1 and the role they play in ensuring effective and efficient emergency response in times of crisis.

Groups including the United States Congress and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), a leading public safety association, have also recognized April as National 9-1-1 Education Month, and are encouraging the media, the 9-1-1 community, the wireless industry, and public information providers to engage in 9-1-1 awareness and education activities this month.

“For forty years, 9-1-1 has served as the vital link between the American public and emergency services,” said NENA CEO, Brian Fontes. “Public education and awareness initiatives throughout the years have contributed in large measure to the incredible and ongoing success of the emergency communications system as a whole.

It is our hope that all groups interested in promoting and enhancing the safety and welfare of the public will help deliver critical 9-1-1messages this month.”

As consumers utilize new communications technologies and devices, 9-1-1 education takes on an increased importance for everyone, but especially for children, teens, and parents. According to Director John Hetrick, “an informed caller is 9-1-1’s best caller.

It is important that everyone knows how to help 9-1-1 help you. In an emergency, seconds matter, so being knowledgeable and prepared can make all the difference especially with the ever-changing world of various devices and technologies.


We all need to engage in 9-1-1 educational efforts.” NENA has also made a number of public safety educational resources for the media, 9-1-1 professionals, public educators, and citizens available via its National 9-1-1 Education Month webpage, www.nena.org/education/911-education-month, including an E-Brochure entitled Making 9-1-1 Work for YOU!.

The brochure is designed to provide essential information to the general public, children, teens, and parents about the 9-1-1 system and emergency response. Potter County DES has passed this flyer along to the local schools to distribute to their students.

Director "We Have Everything To Lose"

A sobering look at gas drilling

By: AMANDA CREGAN

Bucks County Courier Times

With natural gas drilling knocking on Nockamixon's door, an environmental group spoke about its consequences.

We have everything to lose, said Tracy Carluccio, deputy director of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

As gas drilling looms in Nockamixon's future, Carluccio laid out sobering reports of how natural gas drilling companies continue to ravage natural resources and wreak havoc in communities across the country at a presentation Wednesday night at the Lower Delaware River Wild and Scenic Management Committee's quarterly meeting.

Poisoned water wells, crumbling roads, toxic streams and rivers, 24 hour construction, miles of gas pipelines, polluted air and higher cancer rates are just some of what residents might expect if drillers take over in Upper Bucks, said Carluccio.

Carluccio and wild and scenic members are pushing legislators to buckle down on regulation in a time when most federal and state lawmakers are easing restrictions and hailing the natural gas boom as a ticket out of recession and foreign oil dependence.

More...

Pistachio Recall--WNEP TV Video

Man Shot Dead After Police Chase In Warren

WESB NEWS--Warren Man Dies After Being Shot by Police

A 36-year-old Warren man died after being shot by a Warren Police officer during a chase Wednesday night.

Warren Police say that one of their officers began a chase with Charles Tubbs at around 10:45 last night on West 5th Avenue in Warren. The chase continued into Conewango Township, where Tubb’s car became disabled. Tubb’s jumped out of his vehicle and fired a rifle at the officer, who shot back.

Tubbs was hit by one round and taken to Warren General Hospital where he later died.

Grassoots PA Links To 2 Area Websites

Chris Lilik's "Grassroots PA," a highly recognized and respected statewide political website has recently added links to two news websites in the Northern Tier of PA.

Anne Holliday's "1490 NewsBlog" for WESB in Bradford was linked as well as "Solomon's words," a web based news site located in Roulette, PA, published by James Jones.

"Solomon's words" has listed "Grassroots PA" as a link for over as year now and the site has guided us and our readers to many stories of political corruption and state news we would otherwise have never been aware of.

The 1490 NewsBlog is one of the best news sites in northwest PA and is well known for it's astute political coverage, and has had a link to Grassroots PA for quite some time.

The linking on the respected statewide website promises to bring additional readers to these two very popular area news sites.

Shriners May Have To Close 6 Hospitals

Erie Shriners Hospital May Close

The national Shriners board of trustees has proposed closing the Erie Shriners Hospital for Children.

The Erie hospital is one of six Shriners facilities nationwide that might close because the Tampa, Fla.-based organization's endowment has nose-dived.

The Shriners use the endowment to fund its 22 hospitals. Its trustees will vote on the proposal at their annual meeting in July

Posted by Anne At 1490 NewsBlog

Rep. Rapp Questions Cut Off Of Education Council Funds

Rapp Questions Funding Priorities

By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director

Governor Ed Rendell's budget includes a proposal to eliminate community education councils, which offer post-secondary education including, undergraduate and graduate degrees; business and industry training; and noncredit courses for personal growth.

The amount that was cut for the programs was $2 million, while the governor wants to add $5 million to the budget for community colleges.

During a House hearing Wednesday, Representative Kathy Rapp asked Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak about community colleges in this area.

"I'm sure you're aware of how many community colleges are north of (Interstate) 80?" Rapp asked Zahorchak.

"Mm. Hm," he said.

"And there are …?" she asked.

"Well, there are, um, community college extensions," he said, "but north of 80 I don't think there's a community college present."

"Correct," Rapp said. "But we do have the higher education councils" and the community education councils.

Rapp said she thinks this part of the education budget is unfair to rural Pennsylvania. She also debunked the notion that expanding broadband access to rural Pennsylvania will solve the problem, noting "we've been hearing that for years."

"That's fine if people in rural Pennsylvania even have a computer," Rapp said. "We have many people living Warren, Forest Elk, Potter (counties) who do not have a computer in their home, let alone broadband in their home to be even able to take a course online," she said.

Rapp also talked about the proposed graduation competency testing program that would cost $171 million. She said, among other problems with the proposal, she doesn't know one member of the General Assembly who's in favor of the testing.

"Please tell me that out of all that money for graduation competency testing ... that we couldn't find $2 million somewhere in the Department of Ed. budget to continue these programs in rural Pennsylvania that helps rural P-A," she said.

Zahorchak agreed that bringing more educational opportunities to rural Pennsylvania should be one of the state's highest priorities.

But he used the Austin School District in Potter County as an example of even the smallest of districts being able to take advantage of the latest technology.

"It's illustrative of what every county has going into their schools," Zahorchak said.

Rapp did agree that the state should be moving to other options, but there needs to be a transitional plan.

She said they have to make sure "that we don't just cut off something today and expect something else to start tomorrow."

Kris Kronenwetter, Executive Director of the Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron counties, Helene Nawrocki,of the Potter County Education Council and Joan C. Stitzinger, Executive Director Warren/Forest Higher Education Council testified in front of the House Education Committee.

Posted by Anne at 1490 NewsBlog

Sheffield Scammer Gets $115,000. Online

WESB NEWS--Woman Allegedly Stole from Bank Customers

A Sheffield woman is accused of stealing $115,000 from five area customers of Northwest Savings Bank.

36-year-old Beth Colvin allegedly sent e-mails to the victims asking them to click on a link that electronically compromised their bank accounts. She then withdrew the money and wired it to Nigeria. She was charged with one count of theft. The money was taken March 23 and 24, and $1,250 has been recovered so far.

The victims are from Rew, Ridgway, Mayville, New York, Curwensville and Girard.

Shinglehouse, Bradford Students Get Awards

WESB News--Laing Award Recipients Announced

Three students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will receive the Robert C. Laing Creative Arts Award for their work in the creative and performing arts.

This year’s recipients are Andrew J. Laganosky, a December graduate in interdisciplinary arts from Carlisle, who will receive the award in art; Ryan Milliken, a senior pre-pharmacy major from Shinglehouse, who will be honored in music; and Theresa Pompa, a senior English education major from Bradford, who will be honored for writing.

For more on this story, visit the 1490 NewsBlog.

Milliken was nominated for the music award by Dr. Lee Spear, associate professor of music, for his work with the College-Community Choir as rehearsal accompanist as well as singing in the ensemble. “I think that Ryan is by far the most outstanding creative student musician we have had at Pitt-Bradford,” Spear noted.

Fortuna Energy Not Renewing NY Drilling Lease Contracts

Gas company cools to Marcellus drilling

By Tom Wilber • twilber@gannett.com
Star Gazette

Fortuna Energy is letting go of contracts to the Marcellus Shale in Tioga County(NY), raising a new twist to the natural gas prospecting that reached fever pitch last spring.

Officials at Fortuna cited a poor economy, depressed natural gas prices and unresolved regulations in New York State as reasons for opting out of contract extensions for rights to the Marcellus Shale, a rich gas reserve running under the Southern Tier and throughout Pennsylvania.

"We can't go forward with this because of factors outside of our control," said Mark Scheuerman, a manager of legal affairs for Fortuna, based in Elmira.

Terms of the contracts differ, depending on negotiations between individual landowners and Fortuna.

What they have in common: They are intended for Marcellus development; they are set to expire this year. More...

Potter County Financial Study To Be Released Next Week

Results of a comprehensive analysis of Potter County’s finances and governmental operations will be released during a public meeting to be held on Thursday, April 9, at the F. W. Gunzburger County Office Building, immediately following the county commissioners’ business meeting, which starts at 11 am.

Potter County received a grant from the Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development that covered the majority of the cost for the study by Susquehanna Group Advisors.

Representatives Kim Wheeler from DCED and Jeff Weiss from SGA will be among the presenters at the April 9 meeting, which will be held in the conference room located just inside the Main Street entrance.

SGA will present the commissioners with a financial planning document that covers short- and long-term goals. The report also includes an analysis of current operations, from staffing and accounting practices to revenue projections and recommendations on real estate tax assessments.

Copies of the SGA report will be available to the public following the April 9 presentation. Potter County Today

Change You Can Believe In.....Yes We Can....

"We the People" to "King of the World": "YOU'RE FIRED!"

by Michael Moore Page

www.opednews.com
Nothing like it has ever happened. The President of the United States, the elected representative of the people, has just told the head of General Motors -- a company that's spent more years at #1 on the Fortune 500 list than anyone else -- "You're fired!" More...

Recalls

Union International Food Co. is Recalling Lian How Brand Spices and Uncle Chen's Brand White Pepper and Black Pepper in 5oz. Retail Containers Because of a Possible Health Risk (March 30)

Kar Nut Products Conducts Nationwide Recall of Pistachio Products Because of Possible Risk to Health (April 1)

Whole Foods Market Issues Nationwide Voluntary Recall of In-Shell Pistachio Nuts Due to Possible Health Risk (April 1)

Kroger Expands Recall of Shelled Pistachios Due to Possible Health Risk (March 31)

Unified Grocers Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Soy in Mariegold Baking Bread Products (April 1)

Are Your Kids Using/Abusing Drugs & Alcohol? Free Workshop Shows You What To Look For

Staff from Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services will be presenting a workshop entitled Our Youth Using Drugs, Tobacco, and Alcohol at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2009 at the Coudersport Elementary School LGI Room.

Come and learn about the Risks, Signs and Symptoms, What to Watch For, What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet, and the Ever Changing Drug Trends in Today’s Society.

Free Child Care during the event is available by pre registering with Mary Freeman @ 800-800-2560.

Potter County Human Service’s Parent Education Program, Children and Youth Services Department, and Drug and Alcohol Department along with Parents Helping Parents Support Groups are the sponsors.

Rep. Scott Conklin To Speak At Elk County Dinner

REP. CONKLIN TO SPEAK AT ELK COUNTY DEMOCRATS SPRING DINNER

RIDGWAY, Pa. – State Rep. H. Scott Conklin, D-Centre County, will be the guest speaker of the Elk County Democrats annual spring dinner on April 17 in Ridgway.

Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner will follow at 7 p.m. at the Ridgway Fire Hall on West Main Street.

Before being elected to the state House in 2006, Conklin, who presides over Centre County (77th District), served as Centre County Commissioner, as well as chairman of the local emergency planning and finance committees.

Currently, he serves as secretary on the environmental resources and energy committee, as well as a member of the agriculture and rural affairs, appropriations and education committees, vice chairman of the house majority policy committee and member of the lupus and Alzheimer awareness caucuses.

Conklin’s community involvement includes the Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, Centre Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, C-Net and the United Way. He is a member of the Elks, the Pomona Grange and the Mosquito Creek and Three Points sportsmen clubs.

He lives with his wife, Terri, and son, Spencer, and they own Conklin’s Corner Antique Mall in Phillipsburg.

Reservations are available by calling Tina Allen at (814) 834-4023 or Darla Bundy at (814) 772-0239 or visiting www.elkcountydemocrats.com.

Submitted by Alex Davis Media- 814-335-4682

PENNDOT: FAST, EASY ONLINE ORGAN DONOR REGISTRATION COULD HELP SAVE A LIFE

ONLINE ORGAN DONOR REGISTRATION

HARRISBURG – With April marking National Donate Life Month, PennDOT reminds driver’s license and identification card holders of the opportunity to help another person live a fuller and longer life by registering online to become an organ donor.

“In the past, most citizens waited until their driver’s licenses or identification cards were up for renewal every four years before thinking about adding the organ donor designation,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “With the online service, in a mere 90 seconds, individuals can say ‘yes’ to organ donation and have the potential to save and enhance the lives of up to 50 people.”

For more than 7,100 Pennsylvanians awaiting transplants, the life-saving search for organ and tissue donations begins with the generosity and care of fellow Pennsylvanians who are registered organ donors. Currently, more than 44 percent of driver’s license and identification card holders are registered organ donors – that’s more than 4 million Pennsylvanians. More than 2,400 Pennsylvanians have used the online registration service since it began in 2006.

To register online, visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services Web site, www.dmv.state.pa.us, and select “Add Organ Donor Designation to your DL/Photo ID” link under Online Driver and Vehicle Services, and enter the requested information. After the organ donor designation is added, individuals will receive a confirmation card to carry with them until the time of their driver’s license or identification card renewal.

Driver’s license and identification card holders, as well as registered vehicle owners, can also support organ donation programs by donating $1 to the Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund at the time of application and/or renewal. Since 1995, Pennsylvanians have generously donated more than $7 million to the fund named in honor of the late Pennsylvania governor who underwent a double organ transplant in 1993.

Proceeds from the fund are used to educate and promote awareness of the organ donor program through non-profit organizations like the Center for Organ Recovery and Education (CORE) and the Gift of Life (GOL) Donor Program.

For more information about organ and tissue donation in Pennsylvania, visit www.donatelife-pa.org.

DEP Fines Veolia For Dumping Solutions Into Emporium Creek

DEP FINES VEOLIA FOR RESIDENTIAL, MUNICIPAL WASTE VIOLATIONS IN CAMERON, CENTRE COUNTIES

WILLIAMSPORT – The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Veolia ES Solid Waste of PA Inc. of Brockway, Jefferson County, more than $11,200 for residual and municipal waste violations last fall in Cameron and Centre counties.

“These violations should not have occurred and reflect poorly on Veolia’s environmental compliance record,” said DEP Northcentral Regional Director Robert Yowell. “We expect Veolia to take all necessary steps to ensure they don’t recur.”

DEP inspectors responded to a complaint at GKN Sinter Metals in Emporium, Cameron County, in November 2008. They learned that a few days earlier, the driver of a Veolia truck with a roll-off dumpster was observed draining an estimated 100 gallons of dilute coolant and rust preventative into a storm drain at the garbage dock.

The drain led directly to a DEP-permitted outfall that empties into the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek.

GKN employees had placed absorbent pads and booms in the creek to contain the contamination, but DEP inspectors were still able to see a slight sheen on the creek’s surface.

The discharge violated the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law and DEP’s residual waste regulations.

In December 2008, DEP staff inspected a Veolia truck with a roll-off dumpster at the Dale Summit Transfer Station in College Township, Centre County, and observed that the load was leaking, which violated DEP’s municipal waste regulations.

The $11,247 fine was paid to the Solid Waste Abatement Fund, which is used to help pay for cleanups across the state.

For more information, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Waste management.

Coaches Needed For Shinglehouse Jr. Little League

Attention

The Shinglehouse Jr. Little League is in need of head coaches for the 2009 season. Applicants must be able to pass a background check and like working with children.

If interested, please contact Aric Rees @ 697-7078, or Mandy Smith @ 260-4992. These are volunteer positions and need to be filled in order to continue the Jr. Little League season.

Participant sign ups haven't occured yet, but they will be happening within the next two weeks. Keep an eye out for sign up sheets!

Thanks,
Shinglehouse Jr. Little League