Port Allegany’s Claude Haskins (21) and BJ Greenman (24) break up a pass intended for Coudersport’s Tim Thomas(22).
Coudersport’s Derek Burdick intercepts a pass during the first quarter.
Port Allegany’s Jake Rohrer (23) tackles Coudersport running back Colton Corey (2).
Port Allegany quarterback Willie Bova (9) had a big day for Port Allegany.Paul Burdick Sports Images
http://pburdick.smugmug.com
www.maxpreps.com
A veteran from Gowanda, who lost both of his legs in the Iraq War three years ago, died Friday evening when he fell off a roller coaster at Darien Lake.
Sgt. James Hackemer attended the LEEK Preserve for a hunting and fishing trip with other injured veterans in May. He was one of the veterans featured in a story by Amber Woods and published in Solomon's words.
He is pictured above in the special rubber track wheelchair that allowed him to move around on rough ground at the event. Photo above shared by Jim Caskey.
Sgt. Hackemer came out of the Ride of Steel roller coaster and died at around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, according to a statement from Darien Lake.
The theme park is investigating, but believes all safety precautions were taken. The Ride of Steel will be closed until the investigation is complete, according to Darien Lake’s website.
Back in May, Amber Woods wrote this about Sgt. Hackemer:
Opinion
Columnist Amber Woods shares her experience volunteering during a week-long trip for wounded veterans in Pennsylvania.
Sometimes a seemingly simple experience becomes something that makes you reassess every single thing that's important in your life.
As I write this, I'm sitting at a table with a group of injured American soldiers, who are hunting and fishing at a nonprofit volunteer-driven preserve in Potter County, Pennsylvania.
I wrote about this place, leekpreserve.org, in a previous column.
This is a vacation. Or at least, that's what I consider it.
What else would you call four days of baiting hooks or spending time "shooting the bull" with men who have survived one or more tours of duty in war-ridden countries?
While it's true that some of them barely lived to tell about it, they don't have to utter a word for outsiders to know something extremely traumatic has happened to them.
You can see it in each of their faces, some of them are marked by scars surrounding their entire heads, others missing one or more limbs.
You don't have to believe in the politics of this war, or the multitude of reasons we are in yet another conflict, to be touched by the lives of the people who are sacrificing everything in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Last night I ate dinner across from a young military police officer who lost both of his legs three years ago when an explosive device came through the vehicle he was driving in Iraq.
As you can imagine, his life has changed drastically since then.
He told me that his wife, who was eight months pregnant at the time, came to visit him in a military hospital to announce she couldn't handle the severity of his injuries.
He hasn't seen her since that day.
Despite that, he has a positive outlook on life, never mentioning the obstacles he now has to overcome to do even the simplest thing—like getting out of bed each the morning, a task which requires assistance of others and a crane-type lift that was (after three years) finally provided to him by the government.
MISSING/RUNAWAY/FOUND PERSON
Address: SIZERVILLE STATE PARK
City: PORTAGE TOWNSHIP
Cross Streets: CROOKED RUN RD * HEMLOCK RD
Agency: MOUNTAINEER SEARCH AND RESCUE
7/9/2011 8:41:06 PM
Jaws Of Life Called For Arm Injury
At 8:00 pm on Saturday, EMS has called for the Jaws Of Life for a 9 year old with an arm injury from a dirt bike accident at 9 Lafayette Avenue in Lewis Run, PA
Station 6 has been asked to set up a landing zone for a helicopter at the Lewis Run Fire Dept.
ATV Crash
At 7:17 pm on Saturday, Coudersport Ambulance and Medic 6 have been dispatched to the Potter County Family Campground for a victim of an ATV rollover accident with a head injury.
Another Coudersport Ambulance had been dispatched for a second victim of this ATV accident with a shoulder injury.
State Police and Coudersport Fire Police were called to the scene of a vehicle disabled by a crash with a piece of metal in the roadway near the Cemetery curve on Rt. 6 in Eulalia Township at 4:43 pm on Friday.
The incident occurred as Lance M. Freeman, 54, of Roulette, PA, was operating a 2010 Toyota Camry eastbound on Route 6. He was negotiating a left curve when he struck a metal object in the road. The object made a hole in the oil pan on the undercarriage of the vehicle causing it to leak oil. It traveled about 130 feet before it shut down due to lack of oil in the engine.
Freeman managed to coast the vehicle to the side o f the roadway and notified PSP Coudersport. Freeman and his passenger, Jarett R. Smith, 43, of Coudersport, PA, were not injured.
Prohibited Offensive Weapon
An Austin man will be charged with having a Prohibited Offensive Weapon after showing up at the Coudersport State Police Station on Denton Hill with a switch blade knife.
Charles Richard Goff, 18, of RR1 Box 338, Austin, PA arrived at PSP Coudersport at 3:30 pm on Wednesday in possession of a Smith & Wesson knife which opened to a fully locked position with a push button that was spring assisted.
Goff was advised that this type of weapon is illegal in the state of Pennsylvania. He will be charged in District Court 55-3-01
Emporium State Police responded to the Buttonwood Motel on Route 155 in Shippen Township at 10:15 AM on Saturday.
A known actor struck a known victim in the face several times.
State Police chose not to disclose the names of those involved, but they know who they are.
| 7/9/2011 | 4:00 PM | FIRE / WILDFIRE | 2731 RIDGE RD | MIDDLEBURY TWP |
Motorcycle/Deer Crash- RT.6 NOW OPEN
At 3:38 pm on Saturday, Priority Care Ambulance & Smethport Fire Rescue are responding to a motorcycle vs deer accident on Route 6 East of Smethport near Shunk's junkyard.
A Stat helicopter is being dispatched with a 36 minute ETA.
Port Allegany Ambulance has been dispatched to this crash.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/HIGH MECHANISM
Address: 1 PIGS EAR RD
City: HIGHLAND
Cross Streets: SACKETT RD * WEIKAL LN
REPORTED TO BE 4 WHEELER ACCIDENT
Agency: ELK COMPANY 8 FD, KANE AMBULANCE
7/9/2011 1:16:28 PM
At 2:10 pm , Stat 9 was en route with a 20 minute ETA
2:47 pm--Stat Medevac 9 landed
7/9/2011 1:41 PM MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT
FOX HILL RD & Horseshoe Road, ULYSSES TWP
Ulysses & Harrison Valley have responded to a bulldozer roll over accident near the intersection with Fox Hill Road & Horseshoe Road. Harrison Valley Recalled.
A Mercy Flight Helicopter has been dispatched to a landing zone near the scene.
Port Allegany Gators Alumni vs. Coudersport Falcons Alumni
Saturday, July 9, 2011 at
The Swamp, Port Allegany, PA Lineups announced at 1:30, kickoff at 2:00
Proceeds will benefit local charities in both towns including PACS, SW Smith Library Building Fund, Youth Football, S.O.A.P. (Save Our Area Pool).
Price of admission: $5 per person. If you bring two canned goods to the game to donate to the local food pantry, you will save $1 off the price of your admission.
A 17 year old male juvenile was uninjured when he lost control of his 1999 Oldsmobile Bravada Thursday at 9:15 PM on Route 6 near the intersection with the Olmstead Road.
Trooper said the known juvenile was traveling west on Rt. 6 when he rounded a curve about a mile west of Coudersport Boro and lost control of his vehicle. It left the roadway and traveled through a yard, struck some blueberry bushes and came to rest straddling a culvert and small stream.
The operator was wearing his seatbelt and was uninjured. The car was disabled and was towed from the scene by Kightlinger's. He was cited with (not) Driving Vehicle At Safe Speed.
Coudersport Fire Police assisted troopers with traffic control at the scene.
A known female juvenile, 16, of 2414 Kinney Road, Genesee, PA, was unhurt Thursday at 3:15 pm when her 1996 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup went off the road and struck an embankment and a fallen tree, after swerving to miss a deer on Route 449 in Genesee Township.
Troopers said the girl, who was wearing a seat belt, was traveling north along Ridge Road when she encountered a deer. She swerved to the left to avoid the deer, causing her pickup to exit the west side of the roadway where it struck an embankment and proceeded forward until it struck a fallen tree with it's windshield, coming to rest along the west side of the road in a ditch.
She was able to exit the vehicle through the passenger side door unassisted and was uninjured.
The pickup sustained damages to the windshield, hood, front end and the undercarriage. It was towed from the scene by Kightlinger Motors.
The juvenile will be cited in District Court 55-4-01 for Failing To Drive Vehicle At Safe Speed.
A hit & run at the parking area of Kosa's Kountry Market, on Tuesday at 6:15 pm at the intersection of Main & Church Streets in Ulysses Borough in under investigation by State Police.
A known 17 year old female juvenile from Westfield, PA, parked within the parking lot of Kosa's and went into the store. Upon exiting the store, the operator discovered damages to the passenger side of the 2002 Mercury Cougar the operator was driving. Damage included the passenger side fender, door, and rear quarter panel.
The hit & run vehicle is believed to be a white vehicle with damage to front end or sides. Anyone with information should call PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690. Trooper Chad E. Savannah is the investigator.
Unknown actor(s) cut about 30 feet of RG6 coaxial cable from a satellite dish at a seasonal residence along Deering Run Road in Summit Township, Potter County, between May 31 and July 5, 2011.
The residence is owned by Joseph W. Black of 714 Petersburg Road, Carlisle, PA.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690. Trooper Chad E. Savannah is the investigator.
State Police are looking for a red passenger car or minivan that struck an electric pole breaking it in half, cutting electric power to the village of Cross Fork at 3:00 am on Friday. Police say power is still out in that community Saturday morning as crews from Tri-County work to repair the damage.
The vehicle was traveling northeast on Stewart Hill and attempted to turn right onto Main Street. It was traveling too fast to make the turn and slid through the intersection of Stewart Hill Road and Main Street where it struck the electric pole located on the south side of Main Street, causing it to break in two halfway up.
The top portion then fell to the ground, pulling the attached wires toward the ground, causing the loss of power to the Cross Fork area.
The vehicle then backed away from the pole, traveled back onto Stewart Hill Road, fleeing the scene.
Anyone with information in this investigation is asked to contact PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690. Trooper John G. Whitcomb is the investigating officer.
A Gifford woman was transported to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital by Emporium Ambulance after falling asleep at the wheel Friday at 39 minutes after midnight, her vehicle striking two other vehicles parked in a driveway.
Heather L. Coon, 22, of Gifford, PA, sustained injuries of unknown severity, when her 1996 Nissan Maxima drifted off the right side of the road. Coon lost control when attempting to steer back onto the roadway, causing her vehicle to fishtail. It slid off the roadway onto the right berm and struck two vehicles, a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado, and a 2009 Pontiac G6 that were parked in a driveway along Rt. 155 , north of 4 Mile Road in Shippen Township, Cameron County.
The Nissan continued into a yard at 3200 Sizerville Road before coming to rest. Coon was cited for Careless Driving by State Police.
After an Emporium woman was stopped by troopers for a traffic violation on Tuesday at 1:14 pm on 5th & Walnut Street in Emporium Boro, investigation revealed that Tawnya McCurley, 48, was under the influence of alcohol.
Charges against McCurley are pending results.
Unknown actor(s) broke into a camp owned by Donald Richard Bernardi of Pineview Drive, Elizabeth, PA, and located at 263 Sterling Run Road in Lumber Township, and removed various items between May 31 and July 6.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Emporium at 814-486-3321.
An Alquippa man was cited after his GMC Jimmy struck a PennDOT tractor mowing the roadside on Route 872, about a mile north of Brooks Run Road in Grove Township on July 5th at 12:50 pm.
Scott Alan Byers, 20, of Alquippa, PA, was traveling south on Rt. 872 when he attempted to maneuver around a PennDOT John Deere tractor mowing the roadside and struck the rear of the tractor operated by Craig Doud, 46, of Emporium, PA, as a vehicle was approaching in the opposite direction.
No one was injured. Byers was cited for Limitations On Overtaking On The Left by State Police.
Man Sentenced for Police Chase
WESB NEWS
Fatal Stabbing in Corry
WESB NEWS
LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers would have to cut an estimated $7.3 million from the 2012 county budget in order to meet the state’s new 2 percent property tax cap.
Most members of the County Legislature’s Finance Committee were in shock after meeting in special session with County Administrator Jack Searles Thursday to hear a report on the impact of the property tax cap recently signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. More...
Thompson Joint Subcommittee Hearing
Highlights Need for Increased American Natural Gas Production, Job Creation
"Marcellus Has Created 100,000 + Jobs Just In Pennsylvania"
Washington, D.C. – Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today held a Joint Oversight Hearing, “Challenges facing Domestic Oil and Gas Development: Review of Bureau of Land Management/U.S. Forest Service Ban on Horizontal Drilling on Federal Lands.” The hearing was held in conjunction with the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The panel received testimony from a number of experts regarding the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed ban on horizontal drilling in the George Washington National Forest, as well as the Interior Department’s possible regulation of hydraulic fracturing on federal lands. Horizontal drilling provides significant benefits by reducing the footprint of oil and gas production and allowing for directional drilling in order to leave areas of environmental concern undisturbed.
“Through effective management practices, these resources have been successfully produced for decades and these technologies have the ability to enhance environmental stewardship. Recognizing the national need for affordable and reliable energy, I am extremely concerned about the Forest Service’s proposal to ban horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the George Washington National Forest,” said Thompson.
The Obama Administration has actively taken steps to block or delay American energy production, which has negatively impacted job creation and efforts to reduce America’s reliance on unstable foreign energy. These efforts are continued by the Administration’s attempt at blocking horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing on the Marcellus Shale, partially located in the George Washington National Forest.
“This proposal undermines the Forest Service’s mission of multiple-use and it comes at a time when we are increasingly dependent on foreign sources. Despite these terrible facts, the Administration continues in their attempts to stymie development of our own natural resources,” said Thompson.
According to economists and industry experts at the Pennsylvania State University, the development of the Marcellus Shale has the potential to be the second largest natural gas field in the world. A recent study estimates that in 2009 alone, the development of this resource added over 44,000 new jobs in Pennsylvania, $389 million in state and local tax revenue, over $1 billion in federal tax revenue, and nearly $4 billion in value-added to the state’s economy.
“Make no mistake, predictable and affordable natural gas prices have been a direct result of horizontal drilling and hydro fracturing,” added Thompson. “The Marcellus has brought upwards of 100,000 new jobs to Pennsylvania alone, significant new tax revenues to the state, over $200 million to build new roads, and an unimaginable amount of natural gas for the country.”
The Marcellus Shale underlies 50% of the George Washington National Forest. Witnesses testified about the safety of hydraulic fracturing when paired with horizontal drilling and the job creation associated with natural gas production on our public lands:
· Maureen Matsen, Deputy Director of Natural Resources and Senior Advisor on Energy for the Commonwealth of Virginia reminded the panel that Virginia’s “natural gas production has meant more than $2 billion in capital investment, $360 million in royalties, $150 million in severance taxes paid…and more than 3000 jobs.” She went on to note that while “there have been no documented instances of surface water or groundwater degradation from facing in Virginia,” the proposed Forest Service ban would “harm Virginia, and Virginians by burdening businesses and preventing job growth” and “undermine the nation’s energy security by placing domestic resources out of reach at a time when the global competition for energy resources is rapidly increasing.”
· Pennsylvania General Energy’s General Counsel, Craig L. Mayer testified about a 2009 Settlement Agreement between the Forest Service and the Sierra Club that would have blocked 513,000 acres in the Allegheny National Forest. The Settlement was later overturned by a judge but Mayer said, “if it remained in force, it would have had an irrevocable, profound, massive, and devastating adverse impact on oil and gas production activity in the ANF and upon the economy, communities, and people of the surrounding region dependent on this development activity.”
· Lee Fuller, Vice President of Government Relations with the Independent Petroleum Association of America commented on the on the proven safety of hydraulic fracturing noting, “with about one million operating oil and natural gas wells in the United States, tens of thousands being drilled annually and only a small number of problem incidents, it is clear that the process is sound and effective.”
· David Miller, Standards Director of the American Petroleum Institute reminded the panel that “the great majority of hydraulic fracturing activities take place at depths far below existing groundwater sources that could reasonable be considered underground sources of drinking water.”
A Survey of the NY and PA Border Between the Allegheny National Forest and the Allegany State Park
Josh Hatcher Media Is Producing DVD's Of The Games
Port Allegany / Coudersport Alumni Football Game DVD’s
$15 plus shipping and handling
$20 plus shipping and handling
Travel Advisory
I-80 Columbia County work zone lane restrictions for next week
Following are the planned work-zone lane closures for Interstate 80 in Columbia County for the week of July 11.
Monday through Friday, the I-80 westbound left lane will have a daylight signing pattern (lane restrictions) for approximately 800' for haul trucks to exit work areas between exits 241(Lime Ridge/Berwick) and 242 (Mifflinville). This will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, except Friday which will be from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.
On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, the eastbound right lane will have a daylight signing pattern (lane restrictions) from exit 241 to 242 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for slope work to widen the roadway.
A stop condition will continue at the top of the ramps entering westbound I-80 from SR 339 south and eastbound I-80 from SR 11 north.
Disabled Vehicle On Cemetery Curve
At 4:51 pm on Friday, Fire Police have been dispatched to Route 6 West near Cemetery Curve in Eulalia Township for traffic Control for a disabled vehicle in the roadway.
UPDATE: At 5:17 pm--The Roadway is Cleared and OPEN
Port Allegany Gators Alumni vs. Coudersport Falcons Alumni
Saturday, July 9, 2011 at
The Swamp, Port Allegany, PA Lineups announced at 1:30, kickoff at 2:00
Proceeds will benefit local charities in both towns including PACS, SW Smith Library Building Fund, Youth Football, S.O.A.P. (Save Our Area Pool).
Price of admission: $5 per person. If you bring two canned goods to the game to donate to the local food pantry, you will save $1 off the price of your admission.
Assuming it draws majority support, the measure will authorize CCAP to push for legislative approval. That resolution seeks reversal of a 2009 DEP policy that stripped conservation districts of their long-held erosion and sedimentation permitting authority for oil and gas drilling sites. DEP moved to centralize permit review for drilling with its regional oil and gas offices. At the same time, this move took review authority for those plans away from county conservation districts, whose staffs are more familiar with local environmental issues and trained to deal with issues encountered in the field.
The Public Education Committee from the Potter County Natural Gas Task has investigated the level of DEP staffing for natural gas drilling sites in the region. According to Bruce Jankura, DEP’s oil and gas inspector supervisor, the Mansfield office is staffed with two inspectors who are responsible for the oversight of drilling sites — existing and new — for all of Potter, Tioga and Cameron counties and the western section of Bradford County.
Jankura said that although there are 13 steps in the drilling process that could be inspected, all of them cannot possibly be monitored, so DEP attempts to monitor a limited number of steps at each well. He said there is no requirement that an inspector be present during hydrofracturing. The same two inspectors responsible for the compliance monitoring responsibilities during drilling are also charged with responding to complaints in those four counties, Jankura said.
Commissioner Heimel introduced the conservation district resolution to CCAP’s Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee, on which he serves. A companion resolution, which will be considered by the CCAP statewide membership next month, supports state regulation and registration of local natural gas “gathering lines” (pipelines), which are currently not subject to regulation.
ELDRED, PA - Marjorie J. Benson, 80, formerly of Barden Brook Road, Eldred, passed away Tuesday (July 5, 2011) at the Sena-Kean Manor following a long illness.
Born July 2, 1931, in Port Allegany, she was the daughter of Levi and Alta Hosmer Redington. On July 18, 1952, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Coudersport, she married Richard H. Benson, who passed away in 2005.
Mrs. Benson graduated from Port Allegany High School in 1951 as class valedictorian. She later graduated from St. Francis Nursing School in Olean with honors.
She resided on Smith Road in Eldred before moving to Barden Brook Road in 1964.
Marjorie worked for North Penn Gas Co. in Port Allegany for several years as a secretary. She was later employed as a licensed practical nurse in Hewitt Manor in Shinglehouse before her retirement.
She was a former member of the Eldred United Methodist Church and a past democratic committee woman for McKean County. She loved painting, drawing, knitting and cooking.
Surviving are one son, Richard Benson of Lockport, N.Y.; five daughters, Lorna (Dock) Sloan of Gettysburg, Barbara (Robert) MacPherson of Eldred, Ellie (Eugene) McMartin of Thermopolis, Wyo., Melanie (William) Sampson of Stafford, Va., and Becky (Jesse) Cliff of Eldred; as well as 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, James (Betty) Redington of Randolph; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Brenton H. Benson in 2009; a daughter-in-law, Delorise McKean Benson, in 2002; as well as two sisters and two brothers.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Frame Funeral Home in Eldred, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday (July 10, 2011) with the Rev. Paula Roulette, pastor of the Portville Bethel Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial and committal services will follow in the Benson's Brenton and Vincent Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benson's Brenton and Vincent Memorial Cemetery, care of Barb MacPherson, 699 Barden Brook Road, Eldred, PA 16731.
Travel Advisory
Ramp resurfacing off I-80 EB to Route 11 NB starts Monday
Contractor Glen O. Hawbaker, Inc. will mill and resurface the off ramp from Interstate 80 eastbound to Route 11 northbound, Exit 241 B at the Lime Ridge/Berwick Interchange, beginning Monday, July 11.
The ramp will be closed to traffic to perform this work. All eastbound traffic wishing to exit I-80 and head toward Berwick via Route 11 will be directed to use Exit 242 (Mifflinville) and follow the detour signs back to Route 11. The detour will follow SR 339 north to SR 2028 (Market Street) to Route 11.
Exit 241 A to Route 11 southbound toward Bloomsburg will not be affected.
The ramp will be reopened on Monday, July 18.
Travel Advisory
I-80 shoulder drainage improvements project starts July 11
A drainage improvement project along Interstate 80, both eastbound and westbound, between Lime Ridge (Exit 241) and Lightstreet (Exit 236) in Columbia County is scheduled to start Monday, July 11.
Prime contractor Don E. Bower, Inc. will begin replacing existing shoulder drainage pipes at numerous locations between exits 236 and 241.
Traffic will be restricted to one lane, around-the-clock weekdays, from Monday mornings at 6 a.m. to Fridays at noon each week. Motorists are advised to expect some delays due to these one-lane conditions.
The contractor will begin this work at the westernmost locations at the Lightstreet Interchange in both the eastbound and westbound lanes. Pipes will also be replaced on the existing on- and off-ramps between I-80 eastbound and Route 487.
All work under this $1.8 million contract in Scott and South Centre townships is to be completed by late September, before the start of the Bloomsburg Fair.
DEP Announces Public Meeting, Hearing on Crawford Renewable Energy Air Quality Permit Application
Session to Also Cover Proposed Project’s Additional Permit Applications
Western/Central PA Downwind Of This Project
MEADVILLE -- The Department of Environmental Protection will host an informational public meeting and hearing July 27 on Crawford Renewable Energy’s draft air quality permit, also known as an air plan approval. The company proposes to build a tires-to-energy plant at Keystone Regional Industrial Park in Greenwood Township, Crawford County, that will combust waste tire chips and capture heat to generate electricity.
The 6:30 p.m. public meeting will be at the Conneaut Lake High School Auditorium, 10331 U.S. Highway 6, in Conneaut Lake. DEP will explain its plans for review of the application and a question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Crawford Renewable Energy representatives will be at the meeting to respond to questions about the proposed project.
In addition to the air plan approval, Crawford Renewable Energy has submitted applications for other permits or authorizations that will address several issues, including tire processing and storage, erosion and sedimentation control during and after construction, wetlands encroachment and industrial wastewater disposal. DEP staff will address the audience’s questions about those permit applications, as well.
At the conclusion of the public meeting, DEP will begin a public hearing, during which a stenographer will record testimony for the public record.
Unlike a public meeting, where the public can question DEP staff or applicants about specific topics and receive responses, a public hearing is a formal session where those wishing to testify will have a maximum of five minutes to present their verbal testimony about the draft air plan approval. Those who have testimony that will extend beyond five minutes will be asked to submit that additional testimony in writing, either that evening or within a ten-day period following the hearing.
During a public hearing, DEP and the applicant are active listeners, but they do not respond to questions raised during testimony.
Those who wish to present oral testimony at the hearing should contact DEP Community Relations Coordinator Freda Tarbell at 814-332-6945 by July 20 to reserve a time to present testimony. Those who testify should bring three written copies of their oral testimony to the hearing. Organizations are encouraged to designate one witness to present testimony on behalf of the organization.
The Crawford Renewable Energy draft air plan approval appeared in the June 25 Pennsylvania Bulletin, which can be found at: http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol41/41-26/1046a.html.
That announcement started a 30-day public comment period on the draft air plan approval, which will end July 25. The July 27 public meeting and public hearing will open the public comment period for another ten days.
Crawford Renewable Energy submitted its air quality permit application to DEP on Aug. 13, 2010, and the other permit applications followed.
The applications are available for review during normal business hours at DEP’s Northwest Regional Office Records Center, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville. Residents who would like to review any of the applications at DEP’s Northwest Regional Office should call Linda Conaway at 814-332-6340 to schedule an appointment.
The applications are also available for review at the Meadville Public Library, 848 N. Main St., Meadville.
For more information on permitting, visit www.depweb@state.pa.us.
Family Caregiver Picnic
Potter County Human Services, Area Agency on Aging (PCAAA) is hosting the annual Family Caregiver Picnic on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 starting at 11:00 a.m., at the pavilion at Coudersport Area Recreation Park (CARP), off E. 7th Street.
The picnic is intended to provide some much-needed rest and relaxation for those who are caring for older relatives or friends. Caregivers can spend a couple of hours just being outside, eating a summer meal and talking with other caregivers and PCAAA staff members. A picnic lunch will be provided.
Events like these help to provide respite from a job that can be very time-consuming and energy-consuming. Spending time with others with similar concerns tends to make people realize they are not alone in a task that can sometimes become lonely and isolating. Caregivers can come on their own, or bring the person for whom they provide care. (Care receivers also enjoy this time out, if they are able.)
The picnic is free of charge for persons caring for older adults, as well as the older adult requiring care. In order to have sufficient food, reservations need to be called in to Rhoda or Donna at the Potter County Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-800-2560 or 544-7315 no later than August 2, 2011.
If you lost a bicycle or had one stolen in the Shinglehouse/Ceres area we may have found it for you. Please call 697-6529 if it belongs to you!
Bradford Township For Search Detail
At 10:04 am on Friday, Bradford Township Fire Dept. has been dispatched to West Branch Station for a search detail.
Additional information indicates personnel from Dive Team and others have been sent to the Marilla Reservoir near Bradford.
... A few strong thunderstorms will affect east central McKean and northern Potter counties through 930 am EDT...
At 834 am EDT... two strong thunderstorms were located near
Shinglehouse and Kinzua Bridge State Park... moving to the east
northeast at 20 mph.
Wind gusts to 40 mph and pea to Marble size hail are possible with
these storms. Expect frequent... dangerous cloud to ground lightning
from these storms. Do not stay in the open nor seek shelter under
trees when lightning threatens... move indoors when a thunderstorm
approaches.
These storms will be near Crosby around 850 am... Oswayo around 900 am... Genesee around 910 am... Roulette around 920 am and Coudersport around 930 am.
This will impact the following major roads... Route 6... State Road
449.
Inc Code: TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/UNKNOWN STATUS
Address: 3210 SIZERVILLE RD
City: SHIPPEN
Cross Streets: FOUR MILE RD * VALLEY VIEW RD
Agency: EMPORIUM AMBULANCE & CAMERON CO. 14
7/8/2011 12:37:47 AM
Today, the Auburn City Council voted to stop taking gas drilling "wastewater" into its sewage treatment plant.
The resolution passed 3:1. No more natural gas waste water to be
accepted by Auburn, NY Municipal Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Elkland Jubilee July 8-10
The Elkland area Chamber of Commerce (and Community Association) is proud to announce the upcoming 17th Annual Elkland Jubilee from Friday, July 8 – Sunday, July 10th. Join us for the following events:
Friday – July 8th –
Jubilee Little Mr./Miss Crowning will be held at 7pm at the Elkland Fire Hall. Come on out to see who is crowned Little Mr./Miss and Mr./Miss Jubilee 2011. There are two age categories for each 5-8 and 9-12. Both a girl and boy will be crowned in each category and get to ride as “parade marshall’s” in the upcoming Jubilee Parade. Stop by the C&N bank in Elkland and vote for your favorite “Little Mr./Miss” through July 7th. All monies collected will be used for the Jubilee fundraiser.
Saturday, July 9th
Jubilee Parade – The parade will start the day’s activities begin at 10 a.m. The parade will form on Oak Avenue, come down Main Street and will end on Coates Avenue. Judging will again be on Coates Avenue.
Jubilee Event: This year’s event will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. at the old high school field in Elkland. Everything from vendors to food to to inflatable bouncers and so much more will be going on the WHOLE day. We have a variety of vendors from jewelry to furniture and everything in between along with some of the best vendor foods available. The Chamber will be snow cones for the kid in all of us. There will be Gopher the clown doing balloon animals for the kids, along with several kids inflatable bouncers, fire engine rides and more. For $5 donation, kids will receive a “Julibee 2011” silicone bracelet and will be able to get unlimited rides on the fire trucks, pony rides, and the bounce in the inflatables. The Osceola Fire Company will be doing a chicken barbeque that day with halves available. The Elkland Fire Department will also be doing quarter bingo all day long. So for some good old fashioned family fun – come on out and join us!!!!!
Jubilee 2nd Annual Open Car Show will be held on the Coates Avenue grounds during the Jubilee festival. There will be 1st and 2nd place trophies for the best of several categories. During the car show there will be DJ music and lots of fun. If you are interested in bringing your car to the show, call 814.258.5055.
Jubilee Vintage Snowmobile and Swap Show will be coming back to the area due to popular demand. We will have several vintage snowmobiles on display. Come on out and see this ever popular show.
Jubilee Block Dance will be held at 7p.m. to round out the days activities in front of the fire hall. Scott Tanner’s band the Party Dogs will be providing the music for the evening. We will also be having an Ice Cream Eating Contest for the kiddos and a Hot Dog Eating Contest for the adults. Food will be available for purchase.
Sunday, July 10th
Free Community Chicken Barbeque, Music and JoJo the Clown. Join us for the first free community chicken bbq and music fest. We are having this at Jerome Park and will have a day filled with local Christian music and JoJo the clown for the kids. Festivities will begin at 3p.m. Please join us for a great afternoon.
Elkland Jubilee 2010 Seeking Vendors & Parade Entrants
The Elkland Area Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring Elkland Jubilee 2011. This year we are bringing Jubilee back bigger and better with a weekend filled with fun family events for kids of all ages. We are currently seeking vendors and parade entrants for our Saturday, July 9, 2011 day of events. Booth space cost is $25 for new vendors and $20 for returning vendors and will include electric, if needed. Informational booths that will not be selling anything will be a fee of $5. Parade entrants are free of charge. If you are interesting in becoming a vendor or entering in the parade at the Jubilee contact Deanna Sherman at 814-258-5055 or email her at dsherman69@gmail.com.
Jubilee 1st Annual Open Car Show Seeking Entrants
The 2nd annual Jubilee Open Car Show will be held on the Coates Avenue grounds during the Jubilee festival. There will be 1st and 2nd place trophies for the best of several categories, including Ford, Chevy, Mopar and Best of Show. Goodie bags will be given to the first 25 entrants. A commemorative dash plaque will be given to the first 100 cars entering the show. During the car show there will be DJ music and lots of fun. If you are interested in bringing your car to the show, call 814.258.5055.
BG's Engine Clinic is pleased to announce one of the area's first Briggs & Stratton Master Certified Technicians on staff to service your power equipment needs.
The Briggs & Stratton Master Certification coursework and testing is some of the most rigorous in the industry, and achieving Master Certification status is quite an accomplishment- Even the Plaque is hand-delivered by a company representative, and photos taken for the company's website. In order to maintain the MST Status, an MST technician must complete 8 educational credits each and every year, complete all required certification testing, and keep up on the latest in modern small engine technology as used on generators, water pumps, lawn & Garden Equipment, Diesels, and more. When you have your equipment serviced by a Master Service Technician, you can rest assured that the job will be done right!
BG's Engine Clinic is an Authorized Servicing Dealer for all Briggs & Stratton Outdoor Power Equipment and Engines, with a fully equipped repair facility and the latest technology available, at a very affordable price. For More information about BG's Engine Clinic, just visit http://bgsengineclinic.com/ , and to see a selection of many of our popular parts and products, visit our online store at http://shop.bgsengineclinic.com/
MVA & Fuel Leak On Rt. 6
At 9:43 pm on Thursday, Coudersport Fire Dept. has been dispatched to the intersection of the Olmstead Road and Route 6 to assist State Police at a motor vehicle accident. The vehicle is leaking fuel. There are no injuries.
Mosquito Spraying Set for Lycoming County on July 8 to Aid Upcoming Public Events
HARRISBURG -- The Department of Environmental Protection will apply treatments the evening of Friday, July 8, in portions of the City of Williamsport and Woodward Township, Lycoming County, to control adult mosquito populations.
The treatments will be administered in an effort to bring adult mosquito populations under control prior to the Andrew’s Special Kids Foundation Susquehanna River Fanny Float and motorcycle ride events scheduled in the targeted areas the following day.
The treatments will be administered with ATV-mounted equipment to spray open spaces in residential areas and recreational areas. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3 + 15, a permethrin insecticide product, at a rate of 1.50 ounces per acre. This product is designed to provide quick, effective control of adult mosquito populations.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract West Nile encephalitis, an infection that may result in 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; however, mosquito samples in 13 counties have been identified with the West Nile virus.
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
• Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers that hold water on your property.
• Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed.
• Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers.
For stagnant pools of water, homeowners can buy Bti products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacteria kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for those 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 about West Nile virus and the state’s surveillance and control program, visit www.westnile.state.pa.us.
Travel Advisory
Old Royd Road bridge replacement project starts 7-25
A PennDOT maintenance crew in Bradford County will begin the replacement of a bridge on State Route 4037 (Old Royd Road) in Columbia Township, approximately one-half mile northwest of Austinville, on Monday, July 25.
Starting at 8 a.m. that day Old Royd Road will be closed to all traffic to begin the demolition of the existing structure, which is over a tributary to Sugar Creek.
During this time a detour will be in place using Austinville Road and Sopertown Road. Signing will be in place to guide motorists around the bridge replacement project.
The PennDOT crew will remove the existing bridge and prepare the site for a precast concrete box culvert, which will be delivered and set by a private contractor to replace the current bridge. The PennDOT crew will then restore the roadway approaches and perform all other work to complete the project.
It is expected the construction will last approximately four weeks.
Questions or concerns may be directed to the Bradford County PennDOT office in Towanda at 570-265-2181.
Thompson Announces Informational Webinar on Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Urges Emergency Responder Participation as Grant Application Period Approaches
Washington, D.C.—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Live Webinar Workshop to help emergency responders with applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), according to U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard.
“With the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period soon approaching, I urge interested first responders to participate in the workshop and begin preparing for the application process,” said Thompson, who is a long-time volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician.
The AFG Program Live Webinar will be held for all emergency responders located in Pennsylvania on Monday, July 11th at 6:00 p.m. In order to register, participants must contact Pennsylvania’s AFG Regional Representative Lori Bainbridge, by email at Lori.Bainbridge@dhs.gov or by calling (215)-931-5586.
“This webinar is designed to shed light on the details of the application process, which is very competitive in nature and demands thorough preparation,” added Thompson. “Even if folks aren’t able to attend the webinar, it’s important for organizations to begin to familiarize themselves with the application process and program guidance, now available on the FEMA website.”
Guidance for submissions and the 2011 AFG Get Ready Guide can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants
The primary goal of the AFG Program, which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration, is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations.
PITT-BRADFORD CHEMISTRY PROFESSOR WORKS WITH STUDENTS
ON CONNECTED RESEARCH PROJECTS
BRADFORD, Pa. – Dr. David Soriano, associate professor of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, doesn’t believe in solving one problem at a time.
His research projects – on his own and with students – this summer tackle treating industrial dyes to become fertilizer, growing genetically modified willows to prevent stream bank erosion and as a potential biofuel, and roasting the wood for a whole host of purposes.
Each project connects to the next – fertilizer benefitting the willows, which provide the base fuel for the wood-roasting projects.
The four students conducting research with Soriano this summer each focus on a different portion of this green industry cycle.
Charles Holjencin, a senior chemistry major from Emporium, and Matt Abplanalp, a senior chemistry major from Warren, have been working on treating water contaminated with industrial dyes.
The two perform photo-fenton reactions to break the dyes down into nitrates and sulfates that can be used as fertilizer for plants.
The pair’s work this summer was paid for by a Summer Undergraduate Research Grant from the university.
Abplanalp had a chance to discover he likes doing research and hopes to attend graduate school in chemistry.
“I like the research portion of this,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to go out and sign up to work for a company doing research if I didn’t know I liked it.”
Wray Woelfel, a junior biology major from Kersey, is performing similar work treating the campus’s coffee waste with swimming pool bleach to turn it into fertilizer.
As part of his work, Woelfel is growing black willows under a variety of conditions, applying the coffee-turned-fertilizer to some and noting the differences in growth. Some of those trees are planted along the banks of the Tunungwant Creek, which runs along the outer edge of campus.
Soriano, who holds a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, said that the black willow is ideal for the production of biofuel because it is a hardy, quick-growing tree that can be harvested and regenerated every three years. He believes it could be a natural choice for McKean County industrialists investigating the possibility of a torrefaction (wood roasting) facility.
Torrefied wood, Soriano explained, has lost its moisture as well as chemicals such as methanol and acetic acid, which can be captured for other industrial use. The result is a high-density energy that can be mixed with coal for cleaner electricity production.
A fourth student of Soriano’s, Todd Rosell, a biology student from Bradford, is experimenting with different heats and lengths for the wood-roasting process to create different characteristics in the torrefied wood.
From there, Soriano takes the research on himself, treating the wood with citric acid so that it will attract heavy metals in water. The wood can then be used as a natural filter or simply tossed into large vats of wastewater to remove heavy metals, such as iron, cobalt, copper, etc., that can harm living organisms if they are found in excessive levels.
It’s just the last step in Soriano’s quest to use his research for multiple benefits – educating students, helping the environment and creating energy solutions.
Photo of Matt Abplanalp, a senior chemistry major from Warren, left, and Charles Holjencin, a senior chemistry major from Emporium, checking on the status of a photo-fenton reaction that uses ultraviolet light from the sun
Photo Courtesy Of Alan Hancock
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