This Weekend ~ Events in nearby Benezette!
4 hours ago
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Area Municipalities Get Grants, Loans For Sewers
Municipalities Receive Grants, Low Interest Loans to Make Major Upgrades to Water and Sewer Facilities
Four municipalities in the 25th district have been awarded more than $20 million in grants and low interest loans to complete major wastewater treatment improvement and sewer upgrade projects that will protect local water supplies, according to Senator Joe Scarnati.
Scarnati said the money was awarded through the state’s PENNVEST Program and the federal stimulus program. The following municipalities received funding:
Galeton Borough Authority – $2.862 million grant for a sewer separation and rehabilitation project. The project will include the elimination of two combined sewer overflows, the reconstruction of two pump stations and construction or reconstruction of sewer lines.
Brookville Municipal Authority – $10.855 million grant for the construction of a new 1.5 million gallon-per-day membrane microfiltration regional water treatment facility that will serve not only Brookville Borough but the surrounding counties in Jefferson County.
Norwich Township – $1.01 million grant and $2.03 million loan to build a 75,000 foot sanitary sewer collection system and a 60,000 gallon-per-day wastewater treatment plant.
Lawrence Township – $3.855 million loan to replace 25,740 feet of sanitary sewer collection lines and manholes.
Scarnati said the funding is vital to protecting the environment and aiding municipalities in completing projects that provide clean water and encourage local economic development.
“This funding is crucial to protecting our local water supplies and public health and ensuring that our streams are not polluted,” Scarnati said. “It will also help to promote growth in our area, create new jobs and encourage economic development.”
Police Chief Responds To Rape Article
Olean police chief says department did its job after rape complaint
Olean Police Chief Terry Schnell responded to comments in a Thursday article about Kali McDade being cleared of charges of first-degree rape, second-degree rape and promoting a sexual performance by a child.
The story, which appeared on page A-1, was offensive to his police department, the chief said.
Causer Says Dem's Budget Fiscally Irresponsible
Causer Issues Statement on Passage of Unbalanced, Irresponsible State Bud
get
Measure sent to Senate along near party-line vote
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) issued the following statement in response to Friday’s House passage of an unbalanced, fiscally irresponsible $29.1 billion budget proposal:
“The budget adopted by the state House today is bad for Cameron, McKean and Potter counties, and it’s bad for Pennsylvania.
“In the face of a $3.2 billion deficit, it hikes spending by more than $1.4 billion over last year – making it the most expensive budget proposal in the state’s history. And while Pennsylvanians everywhere are struggling to make ends meet, this bloated budget will require them to pay higher taxes.
“We are in the worst recession since the Great Depression, and this budget is disrespectful of the economic struggles our families are facing every day.
“It is absolutely the wrong way to go. We need a budget that cuts spending, funds vital government services and DOES NOT require a tax increase.”
House Bill 1416 now goes to the Senate where it will likely be amended.
Rep. Martin T. Causer
67th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
67th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
The Trials of Paul 
Though he often faced extremely difficult circumstances, God gave Paul the strength to overcome each one. Nearly 2000 years later, the apostle's words of hope and truth keep believers focused on the object of our faith - the Lord Jesus Christ. Click here to read Dr. Stanley's online teaching "The Trials of Paul" and learn how the church's greatest missionary was able to overcome his suffering through the grace of God.
Man Found In Posession Of Marijuana Pipe/Marijuana
Man Caught With Pot Pipe
A Sabinsville man was stopped troopers on Hoppe Hollow Road in Abbott Township, Potter County, Saturday about 12:30 pm.
State Police stopped Alexander Michael Bailey, 21, 510 Glover Road, Sabinsville, PA. and found him to be in possession of a marijuana pipe containing a small amount of marijuana.
One Vehicle Accident On West Mill Street in Port A.
Crash On West Mill Street
At 7:00 pm on Saturday evening, Port Allegany ambulance has been called to West Mill Street in the Boro to evaluate a person in a one vehicle crash in the area of Ronnie's Auto Service.
Two Car Crash Reported On Rt. 59 In Lafayette Twp.
Car Crash Near Airport
Early reports from the scene of a two car accident on Route 59, near the Roberts Road Saturday evening, indicate that there are no injuries.
Medic units were responding at a reduced rate expecting a written refusal at the scene of the 6:00 pm accident in Lafayette Township, McKean County.
Fish and Boat Board, Executive Director Agree to Leadership Transition Plan
Philosophical Differences
Fish & Boat Director Stepping Down
Harrisburg, PA - The Board of Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and Executive Director Douglas Austen announced today that they have mutually agreed to a transition in leadership of the organization.
“Both the board of commissioners and Dr. Austen intend to make this transition happen in a seamless manner such that the activities of the agency will not suffer nor will our efforts to protect, conserve, and enhance the resources be in any way reduced,” said immediate past-president Len Lichvar. “Philosophical differences between a board and its chief executive officer frequently happen and this in no way reflects any performance issues on the part of Dr. Austen, as some newspapers have reported.”
Austen agreed that such a transition can happen in an orderly manner.
“I respect the board’s authority to find a new executive director when there are differences in philosophy and will assist in any way possible to ensure that the work of the commission proceeds without delay,” he stated.
Over the next several months the commission will initiate the process of hiring a new executive director.
“The Fish and Boat Commission has made great progress on many fronts under Dr. Austen’s leadership,” said Commission Vice President Bill Worobec. “The focus on habitat restoration, hiring new biologists to work on our great rivers, rebuilding our hatcheries, establishing an exceptional access program, and wonderful partnerships with other agencies and conservation organizations, all have been beneficial.”
Over approximately the next six months, Austen will continue to fulfill the role of executive director but will primarily focus his efforts of three key federal initiatives - the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act; reauthorization of the Sportfish and Boating Restoration Act (also known as the Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux Act) which provides about 20-25% of the agency’s funding; and climate change legislation that will provide the states with funds to implement on-the-ground conservation actions to enable aquatic resources to be more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Deputy Director Brian Barner will continue to assist the executive director in day-to-day operations.
Dr. Austen joined the PFBC in January 2004 and came from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. During his tenure with the PFBC he has served as President of the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, as leader of the workgroup that wrote the National Fish Habitat Action Plan and now as vice-chair of the National Fish Habitat Board. He co-chaired the Governor’s Task Force on Outdoor Connections.
Dr. Austen has been a frequent speaker at events by conservation organizations throughout Pennsylvania, has published numerous articles in scientific journals, co-authored two book chapters on fisheries management, and co-authored a National Research Council report on management of riparian lands.
Earlier this year, he hosted eight open house events and conservation leadership breakfasts throughout the Commonwealth to inform and engage the public in commission activities.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
PRESIDENT ALEXANDER AND WIFE ESTABLISH FUND FOR LABOR SCHOLARSHP WITH GIFT
Dr. Livingston Alexander and wife EvelynTo Help Working Students
By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
BRADFORD, Pa. – Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and his wife, Evelyn, have established a fund to provide scholarships for students who need to work their way through college.
The Alexanders’ $5,000 gift was matched by the Agnes and Lyle Lewis Thomas Scholarship Challenge to endow the Livingston and Evelyn Alexander Presidential Labor Scholarship Fund.
The fund is part of a larger university program to make funds available for students who perform labor on the campus. During the past year, Pitt-Bradford allocated $60,000 to provide scholarships for student work on campus.
The university is also exploring partnerships with area businesses in which students can gain work experience and earn money to cover college costs.
One such partnership will allow students majoring in hospitality management to work at Glendorn with the salary shared between Pitt-Bradford and the luxury resort.
“When students contribute personally to the cost of their college education, they tend to take their studies more seriously and more often persist to graduation,” said Dr. Alexander. “I learned this from personal experience and feel that an appreciation for the value of work and personal responsibility are important attributes to develop in our students. Labor scholarships can not only provide funds for students, but also develop these important attributes.”
The Labor Scholarship Fund will complement the university’s federal work-study program by adding additional student work positions both at the university and in the community.
Recipients of the Labor Scholarship will work between 8 and 10 hours per week during the academic year and up to 20 hours per week during the summer. At the university, they will perform work that benefits Pitt-Bradford and provides students with both income and experience.
“At its most basic definition, work is an exchange of effort for compensation,” Alexander said. “However, through the Labor Scholarship, we intend experiences that are more than transactions but rather interactions leading to growth.”
Students working on campus may work as tutors in the Academic Success Center, as assistants for the Crime Scene Investigation House or the Energy Institute, assistants for the petroleum technology or chemistry programs, staff in the Sport and Fitness Center, Seneca Building or The Book Center or as assistants in other offices.
“At a time when students are finding it difficult to secure loans at reasonable rates, the Labor Scholarship Program becomes an important alternative to cover college expenses,” Alexander said.
To contribute to the Presidential Labor Scholarship Fund, contact Karen Niemic Buchheit, executive director of institutional advancement, at (814)362-5091 or kpb@pitt.edu.
Potter County’s 4th Annual Family Fun Fair
PC Family Fun Fair
The fourth annual Family Fun Fair will be held at the Potter County Fairgrounds in Millport from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 22nd .
Admission and refreshments are Free.
Exhibitors will provide information for healthy family living with an emphasis on services for children. Books, handouts, and other child development items will be available, all for free. Children and adults can play any of the free games set up that day, which include:
Bounce House
Duck Pond
Dunking Booth
Face Painting
And much more!!
A drawing will be held for a family to win a free overnight stay at Splash Lagoon, with accompanying gas card to help defray transportation costs. Several other drawings will take place (Darien Lake tickets, gift cards, child booster seats, bicycles and more.), including prizes from WFRM. You must be present to receive your prize if your name is drawn.
Dr. Brown will be on the Mobile Family Center from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM to perform free dental screenings. This will serve as the kick-off event for this year’s dental initiative that will provide for needed dental services. Child photo and finger-printing ID’s will be performed. Smokey The Bear and Poco will assist children.
This event is sponsored by the Potter County Integrated Children’s Services Planning Committee. This event will highlight services for families amidst a family fun environment. It gives participants an opportunity to receive services on site as well as enroll in programs. Call 544-7315 and ask Sharon or Sally for more information about the ICSP Committee or Family Fun Fair.
WORKSHOP TO HELP ARTIST AND CRAFTERS INCREASE SALES
Deadline to register is September 4
Calling all artists who want spend more time creating while also increasing sales – it’s time to think about entering the wholesale market and sprucing up your marketing material. The PA Route 6 Heritage Corporation is here to help with an Artisan Marketing workshop being held across the northern tier in September.
The Artisan Marketing Workshop will be held at Pennsylvania College of Technology, North Campus in Wellsboro on September 14, and will be teleconferenced to two other sites – The 911 Center in Smethport and the Clinton County Extension Office in Mill Hall. The workshop will be presented on the eastern half of Route 6 in Hawley on September 15.
During the morning session, Nadia Korths, Consulting Crafts Coordinator for the Adirondack North Country Association, returns to present “How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts”. Korths is a gift trade show coordinator and advisor to craftspeople transitioning to wholesale since 1996. Participants will receive two “How to Wholesale” packets; a 45-pager for those who wish to review all the options and a 20-pager for those who want the simplest, most inexpensive way to start. Topics to be covered in the morning session include: How to Price Your Work, Jury Process, Booth Design, Preparations for and Procedure at Wholesale Show, Payment Arrangements between Craftsperson and Shopowner, Review of Sample Order Forms, Price Lists, Product Sheets and more. The first two hours consists of a question and answer format combined with review of today’s market practices.
According to Korths, many experienced show exhibitors attend because they are interested in learning how to reach wholesale markets in order to eliminate the time and travel costs associated with craft fairs.
In 2007, Korth presented “Marketing Toolkit for Retail and Gift Shops” across Route 6.
The afternoon session will give artists an opportunity to work one-on-one with a professional writer and photographer to develop marketing materials suitable for a portfolio. Space for the afternoon session is limited.
Artists can sign up for either the morning session or the full day session (morning and afternoon session). The cost of the morning session in Wellsboro and Hawley is $20 and includes lunch. The cost of the teleconferenced morning session in Smethport and Mill Hall is $20 and doe not include lunch. The full day sessions in Wellsboro and Hawley are $30 including lunch and a CD of digital images taken by a photographer. Artists wishing to participate in the full day session should register soon as space is limited and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Deadline to register is September 6.
The workshops will be held at Pennsylvania College of Technology, North Campus on Monday, September 14 and at Settler’s Inn in Hawley on Tuesday, September 15. The teleconferenced morning sessions take place on Monday, September 14 at the 911 Center in Smethport and the Clinton County Extension Office in Mill Hall. For more information call the PA Route 6 Heritage Corporation at 814-435-7706 or look up information on the Artisan Trail section of the PA Route 6 website (www.paroute6.com).
The PA Route 6 Artisan Trail is a year-round trail designed to establish Route 6 as a driving destination for exploring the heritage and folk-life of northern Pennsylvania through products produced in that area, specifically the arts and crafts. The Trail covers the 400-plus miles from the New York border to the Ohio border.
Artists who attend these workshops do not need to be active participants on the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail.
These workshops are supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency, through its regional arts funding partnership, Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA). State government funding for the arts depends upon an annual appropriation by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. PPA is administered in this region by the Bradford County Regional Arts Council and the Pocono Arts Council. The workshops are also supported by a Heritage Area grant through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Michele Mather Sends This Photo.....
I found this little guy watching the sunrise after a rainy night.HISTORY OF THE BRADFORD OIL FIELDS TO BE PRESENTED JULY 29
BRADFORD, Pa. – A history of the Bradford oil fields and how they have affected the wealth, attitudes and livelihood of the region will be presented at 7 p.m. July 29 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
The presentation, which will take place in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons, is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Hanley Library, the McKean County Historical Society and the Old Jail Museum.
A team of researchers and storytellers from the Historical Society will provide an overview of the Bradford area oil fields and share stories and information about the industry’s past and present, booms and busts.
The presentation is free and open to the public.
For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or arj4@pitt.edu.
PCEC Class Schedules
ICP Care Pharmacy to Offer Classes for RN’s
The Potter County Education Council will hold a “Plant Nurture Grow” class for Registered Nurses at the Coudersport Office. This class will be held on Monday, July 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no cost and lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required. To register visit our website at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call 814-274-4788. Once contact hour will be awarded to RN’s.
Attention LPNs – Interested in Becoming an RN?
The Potter County Education Council and the Community Education Council of Elk and
2009 LPN Cohort Forming in Coudersport
The Potter County Education Council will once again partner with Pennsylvania College of Technology to bring an LPN course to the PCEC’s Coudersport office. Hurry don’t miss this opportunity. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2009. For more information, call Carol Spaulding at 814-274-4877.
Becoming a Master Student Course
The Potter County Education Council will hold a Master Student Course at the Coudersport office. Becoming a Master Student will teach you strategies and tactics that successful students use. Topics such as time management, note taking, test taking, and writing are covered and will help to smooth the transition from high school to college. For more information call 814-274-4877.
PCEC Coudersport Computer Schedule
Potter County Education Council’s Coudersport Office will be offering the following computer classes:
July 27 Word 2 6 – 9 p.m.
August 3 Excel 1 6 – 9 p.m.
August 4 Word 3 9 a.m. – Noon
August 4 Word 4 1 – 4 p.m.
To register visit our website at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call 814-274-4877
PCEC Galeton Computer Schedule
Potter County Education Council’s Galeton Office will be offering the following computer classes:
July 27 Outlook 2 9 a.m. – Noon
July 27 Word 2 1 – 4 p.m.
July 28 Windows XP1 6 – 9 p.m.
August 3 Internet 1 9 a.m. – Noon
August 3 PowerPoint 1 1 – 4 p.m.
August 4 Windows XP2 6 – 9 p.m.
To register visit our website at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call 814-435-9490, 814-274-4877 or 814-642-2295.
BRADFORD BYPASS PROJECT UPDATE, WEEK OF JULY 20
CLEARFIELD – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT/District 2) issues the following update for the Route 219, McKean County/Bradford Bypass project. This update is for the week of July 20. 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/schedule dependent and can be subject to change. The following work schedule is for the week of July 20:
• Kendall Avenue southbound remains closed for reconstruction. Kendall Avenue is restricted to one lane for northbound traffic only. Southbound traffic is to follow the posted detour. Kendall Avenue work includes saw cutting and removal and drainage updates.
• Kendall Avenue traffic switch will take place the week of July 22. A new detour will be in effect. Kendall Avenue northbound will be closed and southbound will be opened. Traffic will flow opposite of what is currently in place.
• A traffic signal switch at the Kendall Avenue and East Main Street intersection is scheduled for mid-week.
• Contractor continues to work on southbound reconstruction by performing sub-grade repairs, sub-base placement and drainage work.
• Northbound and southbound traffic are traveling in the northbound lanes, separated by concrete barrier from Forman Street to north of Hillside Drive.
• Southbound ramps at the Foster Brook interchange remain closed. Traffic is to follow the posted detour.
• Contractor continues to work on southbound bridges. Work includes expansion dam replacements, steel retrofits, deck repairs and painting.
• Tuna Crossroads (Township Route 369) will be closed starting July 28 for beam placement. Please follow posted detour.
• Tuna Valley Trail access at Bolivar Drive is closed due to bridgework. Trail access is still available at Crook Farms and the Seaward Avenue side of Tuna Crossroads (Township Route 369).
• Access at Hillside Drive is restricted from Route 219 north to Hillside Drive and from Hillside Drive to Route 219 south. Traffic is to follow the posted detour.
• Drivers should use extra caution while entering the construction area from the on-ramp areas. Be aware of approaching traffic speeds and restricted lanes at ramps.
• Motorists need to watch for slow moving and stopped vehicles through the entire work zone.
• Lane width in the construction zone is 10 feet.
• Please obey posted speed limits and remember to always buckle up.
For more information on roadway construction and maintenance operations, visit PennDOT’s website at www.dot.state.pa.us.
BRIDGE REPAIR WORK NEAR RIDGWAY STARTS MONDAY
Bridge Work On Rt. 120
CLEARFIELD – Work will get underway Monday, July 20 to repair a bridge on Route 120, near Ridgway. Repair work will include painting, joint replacement, structural steel repair, and latex deck installation. The bridge is located in Ridgway Township on State Route 120, about two miles east of Ridgway Borough. Work on Monday will begin with painting underneath the bridge. The painting work will have little impact on traffic.
A full detour on this project will be in effect later in September, as work moves into new phases.
The L.C. Whitford Company, Inc. of Wellsville, New York is the contractor on this
$1 million project.
All work is weather dependent. The project will be finished this fall.
PennDOT reminds drivers to move through all work zones with caution, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up. For more information on roadway construction and maintenance operations, visit PennDOT’s website at www.dot.state.pa.us.
ATV Crash Reported On Loucks Mills Road
ATV Crash
At 1:53 pm on Saturday, Ulysses & Harrison Valley Emergency Services responded to an ATV accident on the Loucks Mills Road. One person is reported injured. The fire departments were dispatched for a land rescue.
Habitat For Humanity Needs Loader & Dumptruck
Volunteers sign up last Saturday at Habitat GroundbreakingVOLUNTEER UPDATE #2 for JULY 18, 2009
We received a telephone call this morning (Saturday) from the Morey’s on Card Creek Road in Roulette. They have all the clean fill dirt we will need – Thank you very much!
However, now we need a dump t
ruck and a larger backhoe to pick it up and deliver it to the Habitat House on Main Street. We will then need the backhoe to spread it around. If you have or know of someone who has a dump truck and/or backhoe who would be willing to donate their time and equipment, we would appreciate it so much. Please get in touch with me at jrcmblain@aol.com or (814) 558-3282.The clean fill dirt will be needed at the job site on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009. By then we should have the piers in place and ready to backfill.
We do appreciate Jim Jones and his website - Solomon’s words (www.solomonswords.blogspot.
Pauline P. Potter, Age 89, of Westfield, PA
Pauline P. Potter, Age 89, of Westfield, PA, passed away July 17, 2009.
Friends are invited to call at the Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield, PA, Sunday 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., where funeral services will be held following calling hours at 3:00 p.m.
Burial will be in Brookfield Cemetery, RD., Westfield, PA. Memorial donations may be made to the Sabinsville Vol. Ambulance Assn. or a charity of the donor's choice.
Jobs Opening In Gas Industry, But Training Needed
Jobs Available For Skilled
Hundreds of jobs will be opening in Potter County as natural gas producers deepen their presence. How many of those will be filled by local residents is less clear. Employment issues were among topics discussed during this week’s meeting of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force.
Greg West of Gas Field Specialists Inc., a Potter County company that is poised to service energy companies arriving to tap into deep gas deposits from Marcellus shale formations, said his firm has been hiring, but having a difficult time finding local residents who have the necessary skills and training. Another Task Force member, Bruce Sampson of Pennsylvania General Energy Company, confirmed that PGE will continue to move forward with its plans for gas production in Potter County, resulting in employment opportunities.
An Employment Training/Economic Development Committee will soon be appointed from among Task Force members to work on strategies to connect local residents with training and employment opportunities. Government-supported employment services and the Potter County Education Council are also investigating options.
Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport recently opened a Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center. Closer to home, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has reopened its two-year petroleum technology program and discussions are underway among public and private organizations over training opportunities for welding and other skills related to the natural gas industry.
Anyone interested in joining the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force should contact Commissioner Paul Heimel at 814-274-8290, extension 203, or pheimel@pottercountypa.net. Seats are available on committees focusing on the following eight areas:
- Water Quality/Supply/Treatment
- Employment Training/Economic Development
- Public Education/Information;
- Taxation
- Public Safety/Emergency Management/Law Enforcement
- Township/Borough and Infrastructure Issues
- Planning/Zoning
- Industry Technical Issues
Austin Senior Luncheon Monday, July 20
Austin Sr. Luncheon - 7/20 (Monday)
The Austin monthly senior luncheon will be held on
Monday, 7/20 in the Social Room of the Austin United
Methodist Church.
Lunch will consist of BBQ chicken, potato salad, broccoli
salad, dessert and beverage.
A program will follow lunch and it will be presented by
Jennifer Rossman, Community Outreach & Volunteer
Services Coordinator for Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.
Anyone needing a ride should call Peg at 647-8441.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Shinglehouse Man Missing His Beer
Beer Ripped Off
Frank Carr, 1682 Honeyoye Road, Shinglehouse reported to troopers that unknown persons took his Coors Light Beer Cooler, 8 cans of Coors Light beer, four bottles of Labatt Beer, one can of Budweiser Beer, and 1 can of Yuengling Beer from his back porch.
The items disappeared between July 14 at 9:00pm and July 15 at 4:00pm. Anyone with information is asked to contact Couderesport PSP at 814-274-8690.
Recap Of Today's News From Gerri Miller.com
Now Available On Zito Media Cable Channel 450
Hear the local news first on Black Forest Broadcasting starting at 7:00amContact: gerrimiller@pennswoods.net
Copyright: 2008 G.R. Miller. All Rights Reserved.
SINNEMAHONING RESIDENT CHARGED WITH BURGLARY
Emporium-based state police are charging 19 year old David Bushor with one count each of burglary and theft and two counts of criminal mischief after he allegedly broke into a home in Sinnemahoning Thursday afternoon.
Troopers say Bushor forced his way into the apartment occupied by Mary Gibson through a bedroom screen and once inside, took a known amount of US currency.
He was committed to the Potter County Jail for violating Cameron County probation. More news....
PENELEC STRIKE OVER
Penelec and IBEW Local 459 reach agreement
A contract agreement has been reached between Penelec, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 459, the company announced Friday.
“We have a contract. The majority accepted it and we will go back to work Monday morning,” said Greg Wolfe, assistant business manager for IBEW Local 459.
This means the Bradford shop will be open Monday for the first time since May 21, as union workers went on strike at 11 p.m. that day and the shop was closed accordingly.
“It is good the guys are getting back to work. We’ve come a long way,” said Paul Kemery, Bradford union steward. More...
Potter McKean 10-11 Yr. Old All Stars Are Champs
Potter McKean District 15 Champs
Team members include Bradley Green, Brandon Ehrensberger, AJ Simms, Mac Tanner, Casey Vollmer, Darren Keglovits, Jesse Rush, Patrick Donnelly, Sheldon VanPelt, Hunter Blumer, Conner Calaman, Nevada Waterman, Devon Boling, Bryce Butler. Coached by Aaron Vollmer, Erik Keglovits and Darcy Knapp.
Photos By Mrs. Keglovits
Potter McKean moves on to Sectionals with their next game will be Thursday, July 23 - location to be announced
Car Crash Reported In Port Allegany Boro
On Barrett Avenue
At 9:43 PM on Friday, Port Allegany Ambulance & Fire Department is responding to a car crash on Barrett Avenue in Port Allegany Boro. Medic 6 and a medical helicopter were recalled. Port Allegany ambulance is reported transporting to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.
Head-On Crash Reported Barnum Road Near State Line
2 Car Head-On Crash
At 9:40 pm on Friday night, emergency personnel responded to a two car head-on crash on the Barnum Road near the NY/PA line. Units on scene reported the crash is just across the line in NY state.
Galeton Man Charged With DUI After Traffic Stop
Galeton Man Jailed
A Galeton man was stopped in West Branch Township on July 5th at 11:34pm and charged with DUI.
Coudersport State Police stopped Coltin Jay Main, 23, of 29 Second Street, Galeton, PA, on State Route 2002 for traffic violations. Main was found to be impaired by alcoholic beverages.
He was subsequently violated by Potter County Probation and committed to the Potter County Jail. Charges are filed with District Court 55-4-03
Portville Neighbors Fix Man's Barn
Neighbors help man in need
PORTVILLE - Several local residents recently proved that they’ve got what it takes to rally behind a neighbor in need, and to bring a sense of community back to the area in the process.
After facing complications with a surgery in 2003, Prosser Road resident Steve Ensell was left with limited mobility and now walks with a cane.
The facility, once part of a working farm, had been used for storage in recent years and the exterior was in need of serious repair.
Barbara Day-Straight, also of Portville, noticed this and decided to do something about it. More....
Pulling Together Townships, Boroughs, School Districts
All township and borough officials are encouraged to join school district leaders and the Potter County Commissioners on Thursday, July 23, starting at 6:30 pm. One topic of interest will be the restructuring of Earned Income Tax (EIT) collection procedures for municipalities and school districts, as required by state law. The meeting will be held on the convention room at the F. W. Gunzburger County Office Building.
Commissioners Doug Morley, Paul Heimel and Susan Kefover are also interested in drawing together township supervisors, borough council members, school administrators and other local officials on a regular basis to gather input on timely topics of mutual interest. These meetings will also facilitate better communication from the municipal/school district level to the regional, state and federal government organizations that affect the citizens of Potter County.
Officials who plan to attend the July 23 session are asked to contact Chief Clerk Todd Brown at tbrown@pottercountypa.net no later than Tuesday. Potter County Today
Dems Pass Budget Bill Requiring Tax Increases
House Passes Budget Bill
The Pennsylvania State House of Representatives has passed HB 1416 -- the Democratic budget bill -- that is more than $1 billion out of balance, and would require a personal income tax increase -- and/or other taxes -- to bring it into balance.The bill now moves on to the State Senate.
The Senate is scheduled to convene at 9 a.m. Saturday.
1490 NewsBlog
Fill Dirt Needed For Habitat House Start In Roulette
Backhoe & operator donated by Tennesee Gas Pipeline Co.
digs holes for footers for Roulette Habitat for Humanity house.
digs holes for footers for Roulette Habitat for Humanity house.
VOLUNTEER UPDATE – JULY 18, 2009
WE NEED THE FOLLOWING FOR THE ROULETTE HOUSE:
We
are in need of approx. 70 to 80 cubic yards of clean fill dirt (Approx. 8 large dump truck loads). This will be needed as fill before we can put the deck sub-floor on the piers. This is scheduled for Saturday, August 1st, 2009. Please, if you know of someone who would donate some clean fill dirt, please send me an e-mail or call me at (814) 558-3282, ASAP. Thank you!WORK SCHEDULE: Our next work days are planned for Monday, July 27th through Friday, July 30th, 2009, starting at 8:00 a.m. each day. We will be setting the piers and forms – making sure everything is plumb, square, and braced. Then we will pour the concrete. After the concrete is set, the forms will have to be removed, cleaned, and sent back. We will then have to backfill around the piers and under the house. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. is providing the forms.
We will need at least eight to twelve people each day. If this is something you can help with, please bring your tools – hammers, circular saw, 4’ or 6’ levels, extension cords, 4’ and 6’ step ladders, dirt shovels, adjustable wrenches, and a transit if we can get one.
On Saturday, August 1st, we will put the floor joists and sub-flooring in and build the front steps. An organization has already volunteered to head this up as a special project with approx. 15 to 20 people on site.
On Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th, Captain Eric Bowser of the National Guard and his soldiers from the 665th Engineer Company will build the exterior walls and set the trusses and roofing. They will be staying at the Roulette Fire Hall on Friday evening – Thank you everyone at the Fire Co. for taking care of this.
If you would like to join our volunteer groups for these two weekends, please feel free to do so. After these dates, future workdays will be scheduled to finish up the odds and ends of the framing and prepare for the rough plumbing and electric, installing the siding and windows, etc. We are pleased with the volunteers and work that has been accomplished. Let’s keep it up!
Another need will be lunches and beverages for the Volunteers. Please let me know if you would help in this area. Thank you!
Sincerely – Jim and Charlotte Blain
jrcmblain@aol.com
MOUNTAIN THYME HERBAL FAIR THIS WEEKEND
At Cherry Springs State Park
By Maxine Harrison
Over 20 vendors will be selling herbal, gardening and nature art items at Cherry Springs State Park this weekend.
The 4th Annual Mountain Thyme Herbal Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4 with extended hours on Saturday (7 pm) if the weather is clear - allowing visitors to stay for some Solar Viewing at 7 pm followed by Stars-n-Parks at 9:30 pm.
Sappy's Sugar Shack will be selling their home grown maple products including some syrup in decorative gift bottles and will have a variety of sizes available for sale.
Other vendors include: Outdoor Woman Herbal, Bear Mountain Herbs, Ark Iron, Elly's, First Fitness/Zavita, Frosty Hollow Herb Guild, Annadele Sundries, Firestone Forge, Hands in Harmony Chair Massage, Heal My Sole, Like Sisters, Miller's Homemade Soaps, Moose's Seasonings, Over the Hill Hippy Chick, Peggy McClane, Scents by Marie and Splat Cat Crafts.
During both days a variety of education programs will be presented as well as plant identification walks and educational fun programs for kids. Food service will be provided by the Ed-u-caters of Galeton.
Admission to the fair and the Saturday evening stargazing programs is free. For further information please call the Lyman Run State Park office at (814) 435-5010.
1-1/2 Miles Of Copper Wire Stolen From Railroad
Thieves Steal Copper Wire
Between July 1st. and Friday at 9:45, someone stole over a mile and a half of Number 6 copper wire, worth nearly $10,000.00 to replace, from the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad.
The wire was taken from an area 300 feet south of the Campbelltown Road Crossing in Sergeant Township, McKean County. That is south of Mt. Jewett. Kane State Police are asking anyone with iny information on this theft contact them at 814-778-5555.
Radioactivity From Gas Well Hydrofracturing Raises Concerns
Landfill Refuses Radioactive Waste
The troubling issue of radioactivity in waste products from natural gas production in Marcellus shale formations was the topic of a meeting of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Natural Gas Task Force on Friday. State environmental officials and engineers discussed the complexities of disposal options, pointing out that laws require waste products meeting or exceeding a threshhold for radioactive materials to be disposed of at federally permitted facilities.
Jim Miller, environmental protection program manager for the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP), said DEP has been monitoring the waste materials from hydrofracturing operations. He said that, although the cuttings and brine from Marcellus shale gas wells have shown elevated levels of naturally occuring radioactive materials, for the most part these levels do not exceed government safety standards.
One landfill engineer, Mike Hnatin of Lycoming County, told the group that he has opted not to accept brine and sludge from gas well hydrofracturing operations, even if it falls within the legal limits for radioactivity. “We don’t want to expose our employees to it,” Hnatin said. “We will not accept it.”
Two representatives of the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service informed Task Force members that a Canadian firm, CCS Midstream Services, is investigating the possibility of establishing a presence in Pennsylvania. The company specializes in treatment, recovery and disposal of petroleum by-prodcucts.
The Natural Gas Task Force is made up of 22 county commissioners from across Pennsylvania, including Erick Coolidge (co-chair) of Tioga County and Paul Heimel of Potter County. Potter County Today
Thank you to St. Eulalia and St. Paul's VBS
Teacher's Pet Rescue would like to thank the students in this week's Vacation Bible School from St. Eulalia and St. Paul's Churches for the very generous donation. The group contributed $280.26 to help our rescued dogs.
Rollover Accident On June Hollow Reported
Rollover Crash
At 2:00 pm on Friday, Port Allegany ambulance is on scene at June Hollow for a rollover vehicle accident involving an adult and children.
The accident victims are reported to be at a residence at 710 June Hollow Road.
Two patients are being transported to Bradford Hospital.
Rep. Martin Causer On The Budget
Responsible Budget Plan Voted Down by Democrat House Majority State House Democrats today voted AGAINST a balanced budget proposal that would have protected you from higher taxes while still funding vital government services. I was not a part of that majority. I supported this proposal because:
Our plan, offered by Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman Mario Civera of Delaware County, is the right kind of budget for today’s economic times:House Bill 1416, without the Civera amendment, is both unbalanced and irresponsible: House Bill 1416, without the Civera amendment, is scheduled for a final vote on Friday. I expect it will pass in the House, despite my negative vote. The final budget must achieve passage in the House and Senate and be signed into law by the governor. There is still time for common sense to prevail and end up with a balanced, no-tax-increase budget that funds Pennsylvania’s priorities.
Iris J. Childs, 80, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA
Iris J. Childs, 80, formerly of Shinglehouse, PA, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009 in the Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, PA.
Born April 5, 1929, in Canandaigua, NY, she was the daughter of Edwin C. and Mary Margaret Ramph Childs.
A memorial service will be held in Rochester, NY.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA.
DEP PLANS SERIES OF MOSQUITO SPRAYINGS IN McKEAN COUNTY TO CONTROL WEST NILE VIRUS THREAT
Mosquito Spraying Planned
MEADVILLE – The Department of Environmental Protection and McKean County West Nile virus staff will be applying multiple adult mosquito control treatments beginning the evening of Wednesday, July 22, and lasting through Friday, Aug. 21, in Eldred Borough, Eldred Township and Keating Township.
These treatments are follow-up to mosquito control operations conducted in June and earlier this month in the same neighborhoods. Weather permitting, control operations will be conducted on an as needed basis and will occur during the evening hours.
Samples in these areas taken by DEP and local officials have shown extremely high nuisance adult mosquito populations. Treatments will be conducted in an ongoing effort to bring adult mosquito populations under control.
The treatments will be administered with truck- and ATV-mounted equipment to spray ultra low volume applications in residential and recreational areas. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 0.75 ounces per acre.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which, when transmitted to people, can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis.
There have been no confirmed human cases in Pennsylvania this year.
Individuals can take a number of measures around the home to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Throw away tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on property.
• Pay special attention to discarded tires, which can hold stagnant water.
• Maintain drainage holes that are located on the sides of gardening containers that might allow enough water to collect for mosquitoes to develop.
• Clean clogged roof gutters as needed.
• Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows and birdbaths when not in use.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
In addition, here are some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk:
• Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
• Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes.
• When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October.
• Use insect repellants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellant will contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician if you have questions about the use of repellant on children, as repellant is not recommended for children under the age of two months.
For more information, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.
Potter McKean 9/10 Year Old All Star Softball
On the road to the Championship Game...
By Dave and Leeanne Bertrand
The 9/10 Year Old Potter McKean All Star Softball team is hitting the road again Saturday to play Canton in the District 15 Championship game.
Known by some as the Route 6 Rebels, these girls have traveled over 1500 miles in a little more than two weeks to compete against teams in Southern Tioga, Troy, Canton, Tunkhannock and Towanda.
Their win yesterday against Towanda 13 to 3 in 3 1/2 innings in the consolation bracket places them in the Championship game Saturday at 3:00 pm in Canton.
With Katie Bertrand on the mound, Bianca Roussel behind the plate, MacKenzie Burr at 1st, Mira Terrette at 2nd, Joplin Osgood at shortstop, Macy Gleason at 3rd and an outstanding outfield made up of Angelica Cavanaugh, Sammie Bickford, Katie Kelly, Jeri Houghtaling, Brittany Bollhorst and Stephanie Fry, these girls are sure to be a tough team to beat!
Thank you to all the parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends who have traveled the many miles to support the team.
Thank you to the parents from Port Allegany who have traveled back and forth to Coudy each night for practice.
Thank you to the girls from the Coudersport Varsity Softball team who have given up their time to help with pitching and hitting.
Thank you to the Coudersport Varsity Softball team assistant coach who has been at practices guiding and teaching the girls.
Thank you to our dedicated coaches who have taken days off from work and spent endless hours coaching our girls.
A special thank you to Steve Gernier and his staff for all their hard work maintaining the softball field that we practice and play on.
And thank you to all the "All Star" girls for putting out your best effort every single game.
Democrats Block Thompson Amendment to Prevent Government Takeover of Insurance Markets
Washington, D.C.—As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today offered an amendment to the House Democrats’ health care bill to prevent the creation of a national health insurance exchange.
The Exchange is the government controlled health insurance marketplace in the Democrat bill that would dictate coverage requirements and create unprecedented levels of bureaucratic red tape for health care plans that serve families and small businesses. His amendment failed on a party line vote with18 Republican votes in favor and 31 Democrat votes against.
During the debate, Thompson told the Committee: “This Exchange will not have any real market checks and balances, in that the government creates the rules, markets a product, then acts as a referee. In fact, eventually nothing in the bill prohibits the Commissioner of the Exchange from automatically enrolling all eligible individuals in the government-run plan. “
This Commissioner will be like the car czar, Thompson said after the hearing, “another unelected bureaucrat calling the shots with our health care and tax dollars.”
He explained further, “The Exchange would concentrate the sale and purchase of insurance coverage in one centralized location, run exclusively by the federal government. Uninsured individuals would be eligible to enroll in an Exchange plan, as would those who have employer plans, which the government has otherwise deemed inadequate.”
Under the bill, uninsured and small businesses with less than 10 employees could purchase coverage the first year. In the second year, small businesses with 11-20 employees could join and by the third year, larger employers could participate.
After the fifth year of the Exchange, employees in all business could enroll in plans and employers would be required to pay an 8 percent payroll tax in order to pay their employees’ Exchange costs, regardless of whether the employer already provides coverage.
Thompson said, “These businesses are our national economic engine, and will be paying on both ends—first for the costs of their current employee health plans and second an additional 8 percent to the government. Can we really afford to place a burden on our small businesses during these trying times?”
Democrats maintain that you can keep your private health insurance under their program. But the Exchange will have built-in advantages that will keep that from happening.
An independent analysis by the Lewin Group says the number of people with private health insurance will decline by about 119 million people.
In a blow to the Democrat plan, the director of the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, Douglas Elmendorf, testified at a Senate hearing today that the House bill will not lower health care costs. Elmendorf said:
“In the legislation that has been reported we do not see the sort of fundamental changes that would be necessary to reduce the trajectory of federal health spending by a significant amount. And on the contrary, the legislation significantly expands the federal responsibility for health care costs.”
“This plan doesn’t lower health care costs, it creates a bureaucratic, government-run Exchange that will drive private plans out of the market, and it taxes small businesses. This does not meet the criteria I have set for health care that includes, better access, quality, affordability and choice,” said Thompson.
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