Solomon's words for the wise: 3/17/13

Saturday, March 23, 2013

PA Extends Home Heating Assistance Program for Low-Income Families

PA Extends Home Heating Assistance Program for Low-Income Families
Harrisburg – Pennsylvanians who need assistance paying home heating bills now have additional time, through April 26, to apply for financial help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly referred to as LIHEAP.

“Each year we work to set our budget for the LIHEAP program in anticipation of the
upcoming heating season,” Corbett said. “At the beginning of each season there
are many unknowns, including the severity of the weather and fuel prices, but
through running an efficient program and via prudent planning, we are now able to
extend the program by nearly a month.”

The federally-funded program was slated to end March 29, but the application
deadline has been extended through April 26, 2013.

To-date, the LIHEAP program has received 485,689 applications for cash assistance
to help low-income households pay for home heating fuel and utility bills. It has
also received 86,551 applications for crisis grants, which assist with heating
emergencies such as a furnace failure, unexpected fuel shortages or utility
terminations.

Cash grants are based on household income, family size, type of heating fuel and
region. In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide
a recent bill or a statement from their utility company or fuel dealer verifying their
customer status and the type of fuel used.

Applicants can apply for a LIHEAP grant online at www.compass.state.pa.us.
LIHEAP applications are also available at county assistance offices, local utility
companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or
community action agencies.

For more information on the LIHEAP program, or to download an application, visit
the Department of Public Welfare website at www.dpw.state.pa.us and click on “For
Adults,” or call the toll-free hotline at 1-866-857-7095.

Roulette GirlScouts Collect For Food Pantry

Janie and I would like to thank the four little girl scouts (one could not be here for the picture) and their leaders for spending the majority of their day gathering food for the Roulette Food Pantry.

We would also like to thank all the people who donated food and money to make this one of the best months we have had since we opened the pantry in December.

As you can see those little girls worked their hearts out and did a super job to supply the food pantry with food. They also managed to gather some eggs, bread, and money which is going to be enough for the pantry to buy at least 20 more hams to go with the ones we had given to us.

Again, thank you all for your generosity.

Nita

Roulette Fish & Game Club To Stock Streams April 6

The Roulette Fish & Game Club will stock 3,500 trout on Saturday, April 6 th starting at 9:00 AM at the White Chopin' Fish Nursery.

The Brook, Rainbow and Golden Rainbow trout will be stocked in both branches of Fishing Creek, Sartwell Creek, Trout Brook, and Laninger Creek.

Volunteers or spectators are welcome to watch or assist club members with the stocking.

State Owes Potter County $110,000 (And Counting)

Potter County Today

Potter County this month received a payment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of about $31,000, covering the final portion of the state’s long-overdue reimbursement of District Attorney’s 2011 salary. The state still owes Potter County $109,551 for 2012, representing 65 percent of the DA Andy Watson’s salary of $168,541. Another $111,976 will be due by year’s end, as the salary is now $172,271.

Act 57 of 2005 obligates the state to pay a portion. When those payments lag, the county has been covering the entire salary, a situation that does not sit well with the Potter County Board of Commissioners. Other counties with full-time district attorneys face a similar shortfall. According to a spokesman for the Office of Attorney General, “The Criminal Justice Enhancement Account does not currently have enough funds to reimburse the full amount . . . As the funds continue to accumulate in the account, we will begin to make partial payments for 2012.”

Local Disabilities Advocacy Group Forming

March 22nd, 2013

Efforts are underway to establish a new advocacy organization in Potter County for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as their families. ARC of Pennsylvania will hold a public meeting at 6 pm Wednesday, March 27, in the Gunzburger Building, Coudersport, to discuss the proposal to form a local chapter.

ARC promotes the rights of people with disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community. Those attending should use the Water Street entrance. More information about the meeting is available from Tonya at 274-4290. Anyone seeking more information on ARC of Pennsylvania should visit the organization’s website at thearcpa.org.

Shinglehouse Ambulance To Doyle Hollow Road

At 7:37 PM on Saturday, Shinglehouse Ambulance to Doyle Hollow Road for a medical call.

Congratulations to Dakota Mascho from Shinglehouse Wrestling Club

Congratulations to Dakota Mascho from Shinglehouse Wrestling Club receiving 2nd place at the PAJW State Championships. Shared by Tracy Barney

Thelma G. Fairman, 97, of 3704 Bucktail Trail Hwy., Driftwood, PA

Thelma G. Fairman

Thelma G. Fairman, 97, of 3704 Bucktail Trail Hwy., Driftwood, PA died at Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys on Saturday (March 23, 2013) morning.

She was born February 24, 1916 in Sinnamahoning, PA a daughter of the late Edward and Edith Hershberger Lohr.
In 1930 she married the late Murray Fairman.

Mrs. Fairman enjoyed crocheting, knitting and quilting and donated most of her handmade items to loved ones.

Surviving
Son: Roy Fairman, Port Lion, AK
Son: Blaine Fairman and his wife Sandy, Bonneau, SC
Son: Gary Fairman and his wife Linda, Driftwood
Daughter: Virginia, Mrs. Alvin Wheeler, West Farmington, OH
Many Grandchildren
Sister: Eva Armstrong, Las Vegas, NV

Preceded in Death By
Parents: Edward and Edith Hershberger Lohr
Husband: Murray Fairman
Son: Murray Fairman, Jr.
Several: Grandchildren
3 Sisters: Edna Weiss, Arlene Rohacek & Olive Lohr
Brother: Wesley Lohr

Private Funeral Service at the convenience of the family. There will be No Visitation.
Burial will be in the Huntley Cemetery, Driftwood.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, Pittsburgh Office , 300 Penn Center Blvd., Suite 602, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Lonny Frost Says Thanks For Your Votes

http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/137/Lonny-Frost Looking for 33 more votes to make the 1,000 record before 11:59pm Thanks to the 55 votes I have received since my post 6 hours ago! Also in case people are wondering I am 113 votes behind 1st place contestant Peter. I cannot express the thankfullness I have for all the support you all have given me over the last 6 weeks. Round 7 starts on Monday at 12:01 am. I am sure I will be making it into that round simply because of your daily support.

Thanks again.

Environmental Services Tech Positions At Cole Memorial Hospital

Richard “Ty” Brewer, 72, of Coneville, PA

Richard “Ty” Brewer

Richard “Ty” Brewer, 72, of Coneville, PA, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, after a short illness.

Born January 2, 1941 in Coudersport, he was a son of Richard E. and Pauline R. Butler Brewer. On May 31, 1997 in the Oswayo United Methodist Church, Oswayo, he married Jacqueline D. “Jackie” Dates, who survives.

Mr. Brewer was a graduate of Coudersport High School, class of 1960. He was employed as a process engineer for Xerox Corporation in Rochester, NY for 23 years. He later was a self employed contractor.

Ty enjoyed gardening, fishing and being with his family. He was a social member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post #530.

Surviving besides his wife are a son, Kyle R. Brewer of Arizona; two stepsons, Bryan M. (Theresa) Welsh of Coudersport and William R. (Valerie) Welsh of Ardmore, PA; three grandsons, Kenneth Welsh, Brandon Welsh, and Rowen Welsh; three granddaughters, Vivian Welsh, Kerridwen Welsh, and Sophie Welsh; a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Welsh; a great-grandson, Riley Welsh; three brothers, Bruce D. (Maryanne) Brewer of Rochester, Kerry L. “Dewey” Brewer of Honeoye Falls, NY, and Brian B. (Karen) Brewer of Coudersport; a sister, Judy (Dana) Leonard of Boalsburg; and many nieces and nephews.

Ty was predeceased by his parents.

There will be no public visitation. A celebration of Ty’s life will be held at a date and time to be announced.

Memorials may be made to the Shinglehouse American Legion Post #530, PO Box 25, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.
A fond memory of Ty may be expressed at www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com.

2 Reported In Custody After Police Pursuit From NY Into PA

Police Pursuit Near Lawrenceville
A vehicle pursuit by New York State Police into Pennsylvania in the Lawrenceville area around 4:30 Saturday afternoon resulted in two people being taken into custody after their vehicle was stopped on the Alder Run Road.

PA local and state police joined the chase and assisted the NY trooper. No details yet on the reason for the pursuit or what charges will be filed.
UPDATE:
3/23/13 5:15pm, A traffic stop on River Road in Lindley resulted in the arrest of two men. Aaron D. Butler, 22, of Lawrenceville, Pa. was charged with fleeing police in a motor vehicle and possession of pot. He was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 cash bail. Meanwhile, 21-year old Joshua D. Degeyter of Lindley was charged with pot possession and obstructing governmental administration. He was arraigned and jailed on $2,000 cash bail.

4-H Food Projects Becoming Popular with Members

4-H Food Projects Becoming Popular with Members

Food projects and learning about food has become increasingly popular in 4-H. We have had several clubs this year focus on learning to make food and learning about some of our local Potter County food businesses. The Shinglehouse Sew Cooks club completes a food project each year and this it was around everyone’s favorite- cookies. The girls learned how to make Snickerdoodles and other treats in the club then took those treats to a bake sale for the library. A 4-H club of five raised over $300.00 to donate to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library.

Two clubs, 11 Mile Livestock Club and Cream of the Crop, came together this spring to learn about Potter County’s own Torrey’s New Horizon Creamery in Coneville. The clubs toured the facility to learn how they make cheese. After the tour, the groups had an pizza and ice cream party at the Creamery. The leaders commented that it was a great learning experience for the kids.

The Cow Patty Kickers club in Roulette has gone Mexican this spring with members learning how to make empanadas and tortillas. It was then time to indulge the sweet tooth and learn about cake decorating and coming soon- making homemade chocolate treats. The kids will then take what they have learned and utilize it to make dinner for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Buffalo, NY. The group will be making and serving dinner on Sunday, April 21.

If interested in learning more about our food projects or to get involved in a 4-H club, please call the Extension Office at 274-8540.

Wildfire On Station Road In Lawrence Township

3/23/2013

4:23 PM

FIRE / WILDFIRE

449 STATION RD

LAWRENCE TWP

Report 1/4 acre headed toward residence.
5:49 pm--FIRE REPORTED OUT

Westfield/Elkland Police Assist Osceola Twp. Police With Driver Who Failed To Stop

Westfield Boro Police Department

On 3/22/2013 at 1957 hrs, Westfield PD and Elkland PD were called to assist Osceola TWP PD with a Vehicle failing to stop for the officers lights and siren, traveling West on SR 49, Said vehicle was driving at a very high rate of speed, and passed several other vehicles, after turning onto several side streets on the South side of Knoxville the vehicle finally stopped and the driver was taken into custody w/o incident. WPD assisted OPD with transport of driver to Elkland PD, then to SSMH for a blood alcohol testing. Charges will be filed at Judge Edgecomb's office.

Vote For Lonnie Until 11:59 Tonite

Lonny Frost

Im 88 votes from breaking a record of 1,000 can u help me reach it before today, as this round ends @ 11:59pm tonight. You can Vote twice today if u vote now. Thanks

Check out what cartoon contestant Lonny Frost of Wild Tails has entered. Show your support for Lonny by voting today!

2 Shot/3 Yr. Old Dead/Mother Injured

http://www.wjactv.com/news/news/breaking-news-two-people-shot-huntingdon-county/nW2rC/

WJAC-TV News
UPDATE: The alleged shooter in Huntingdon County murder has been found dead. The D.A. has identified the alleged shooter as Robert Ayers. He said Ayers shot and killed his two-year-old son, Michael, inside a home along Manor Hill Road in Barree Township. Investigators say Ayers also shot his estranged wife. She's recovering in the hospital. Stick with 6 News for updates on this developing story.

Structure Fire On Rosely Road In St. Marys

STRUCTURE FIRE-LG NON DWELLING
Address: 1598 ROSELY RD
City: ST_MARYS
Cross Streets: BLAIR RD
VEHICLE FIRE INSIDE BUILDING--FLAMES SHOWING
Agency: ELK COMPANY 1 FD
3/23/2013 12:24:05 PM
12:56--FIRE IS OUT--COMMAND TERMINATED--UNITS RETURNING TO HALL

Phyllis I. Skudlarek, 83, of Coudersport, formerly of Salamanca, NY

Phyllis I. Skudlarek

Phyllis I. Skudlarek, 83, of Coudersport, formerly of Salamanca, NY, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2013, at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, PA, after a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements, under the direction of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

2 Vehicle Head On Crash On Olean Road

2 Vehicle Head On Crash On Olean Road
At 9:44 AM on Saturday, Derrick City Fire Dept. and Bradford City Ambulance have been called to Olean Road for a 2 vehicle head on crash with entrapment. The crash has Olean Road completely blocked near the Otto-Foster Township line. Otto Township Fire Dept. and Knapps Creek have also been dispatched.

Roulette Easter Egg Hunt Today At NOON

Roulette Easter Egg Hunt Today At NOON

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be today, March 23, at NOON. Sponsored by the Roulette C. of C. across the road from Human Services Building.

Ages from 1 to 10 years of age.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Harassment Investigation In Ulysses

State Police are investigating a possible Harassment that occurred at a residence on Route 49 in Ulysses Township on Thursday.

Trooper Wooster said John Raymond Glover, 49, of 2270 SR49 West, Ulysses, PA, and
Tyler Kenneth Shupp, 21, of 30 Elm Street, Galeton, PA, allegedly subjected each other to unwanted physical contact at Glover's residence.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to please contact PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690.

Pancake Breakfasts Saturday & Sunday At Brydonson Farm Near Coudersport

Brydonson farm will be having
Pancake Breakfasts This Weekend

All you can eat pancakes for a $5.00 donation.

We will be serving on Maple Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 23rd and 24th from 8am to 2pm

Also the Pa Woodmobile will be here on the 23rd and 24th.

Stop by have pancakes, see how maple syrup is made and check out our store.

Please share this post with all your Facebook friends....thanx in advance and hope to see you there.

The SPOT Easter Egg Hunt-Maze Saturday In Coudersport

SPOT EASTER EGG (HUNT) MAZE - UPDATE!
We will also have a hunting option for 2-3 years olds.
Sat. Mar. 23, 2-3:30pm.
(3 miles East of Coudersport on Rt. 6)

Hamilton's Pancake House Is Now Open Saturday & Sunday From 8 to 4

Click on ad to go to our website

Mahindra Ride & Drive Event At Moon's Farm Yard Center Saturday

Handgun Stolen From Fishing Creek Residence

A burglary that occurred at a residence at 1335 W. Branch Fishing Creek Road between February 14 and March 15th is being probed by State Police at Coudersport.

Trooper Wooster said unknown actor(s) entered the residence of Daniel Kerr and stole a .380 caliber revolver pistol, two magazines for the gun and two boxes of .380 ammunition.

Anyone with any information is asked to please contact PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690.

PITT-BRADFORD STUDENTS WORK ON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME IN MIAMI OVER SPRING BREAK

PITT-BRADFORD STUDENTS WORK ON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME IN MIAMI OVER SPRING BREAK

BRADFORD, Pa. -- Students from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford soaked up the sun this year in Miami during spring break, but they didn’t do it on the beach. Swapping bathing suits for construction hats to build houses for the Habitat for Humanity of Miami was on the agenda for these spring breakers.

Eleven students from the Pitt-Bradford Habitat for Humanity club and about 40 students from Pitt-Johnstown decided to spend their breaks volunteering and serving the Miami community.

Rachel Brune, a freshman sports medicine major from Philadelphia, said, “I wanted to do something other than lounge around at home, and what a better way to do that then to help out.”

This was Brune’s first time participating in the Habitat for Humanity’s collegiate challenge. She decided to sign up for the alternative spring break trip because she said it was a good opportunity to get to know her fellow club members and give back simultaneously.

“There is always someone who needs help, so if you’re able to give it I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” Brune said.

She said the experience was so rewarding that she is planning to get involved this summer for a local chapter in Philadelphia with her dad.

Pitt-Bradford’s Habitat for Humanity chapter vice president, Nicki Kellogg, a collegiate challenge veteran, said it’s an amazing opportunity that everyone should experience.

Kellogg, a sophomore criminal justice major from Cuba, N.Y, said this year she was excited that she got to do more construction work than she did last year. Her favorite part of the trip was learning how to shingle a roof, she said.

“Knowing you’re putting a roof on someone’s house, who otherwise would be homeless without the help from Habitat, is pretty sweet, Kellogg said.

Kellogg said that the biggest misconception about Habitat for Humanity is that people receive free houses.

“To be eligible to live in a house built by Habitat is a three-step process” she said. “First you must apply for a house, then show a need, and finally agree to ‘sweat equity’.”

Habitat provides affordable housing at low-interest rates giving people the ability to pay off the mortgage. The people receiving assistance are also required to dedicate 500 hours to work on their home, which is referred to as “sweat equity”.

She said being a part of the organization is so rewarding, and she plans to work with the McKean County chapter this summer.

During the course of the week, the volunteers from Pitt-Bradford and other schools worked on five different houses. The students began their work shift at 7:30 a.m. and ended the work day at 2:30 p.m. Paid Habitat staff supervisors taught students how to carry out various construction duties such as landscaping, roofing and building walls.

Kimberly Rublee, a manager in Pitt-Bradford’s Office of Conference Services, advised the alternative spring break trip to Florida. Rublee said the alternative spring break trip benefitted not only the students, but the community as well. Her goal of the trip was to learn more about the Habitat organization to be able to be a resource to Pitt-Bradford club members and the McKean County chapter, she said.

She said based on what she heard about last year’s trip, she expected a powerful experience, but seeing it first hand was so different.

“What surprised me most about the students was that they didn’t shy away from showing their passion and their emotions. I probably shed more tears than anyone,” she said while laughing.

By the end of the trip the students had not only provided service to the Miami community, but they gained a deeper passion for the Habitat organization and a new perspective on cultural diversity, which Rublee said were benefits of the trip.

To learn more about how you can give back to your community, attend a Habitat for Humanity club meeting Sundays at 6:30 p.m. in Room 101, Swarts Hall.

Photos The one of two people shows Pitt-Bradford Habitat for Humanity advisor Kim Rublee, left, and Danielle Erdley, a biology major from Northumberland, Pa., working on a Habitat project in Miami.

The second shot shows all of the students who took part. They are, from left: first row, Genevieve Ding Lin Tan, Laura Kacprowicz, Rublee, Rachel Brune, Nicolette Fruehan; second row, Gabrielle Bonheur, Melissa Curioso, Ashle’ Morris, Edith Lloyd-Etuwewe and Charles Burdine; third row, Nicki Kellogg and Erdley.

Northumberland County Fatal Wreck

Northumberland County Fatal Wreck WNEP TV Video

Structure Fire Reported At 275 Summit Road

3/22/2013

5:50 PM

FIRE / STRUCTURE

275 SUMMIT RD

HEBRON TWP

Coudersport Fire Dept. has been dispatched to 275 Summit Road in Hebron Township for a structure fire. Natalie Phelps residence.
6:07 PM--SINGLE STORY DWELLING--FIRE IN THE WALL
6:13 pm--ROULETTE FIRE DEPT. TO COVER COUDERSPORT STATION
7:14 PM--COMMAND REPORTS FIRE OUT

"REVISION FOR GIRL SCOUT FOOD DRIVE"

"ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF ROULETTE"

"REVISION FOR GIRL SCOUT FOOD DRIVE"

Since it is a little last notice for everyone, we have chosen to go door to door asking for non-perishable items. We will still look for those porch lights and if you choose to you could also just leave the items on your porch for pick up. Thanks again in advance for your help!!!

Roulette Girl Scout Troop #20490

Your local Food Pantry needs some help with donations and
the Roulette Girl Scout Troop is on the way!!!

This Saturday, March 23 from 3:30-5:30pm we will be driving around
Roulette to collect non-perishable items to help out the pantry. We are
hoping to receive enough donations to make up an Easter Box for
those in need so they can celebrate Easter with a special dinner too.

Please if you are willing to donate, leave your porch light on during this time
and we will stop and collect your item(s). If somehow we miss your house, we
apologize in advance and ask you to call 544-7403 so your donation can
be picked up.

If you do not have a porch light, will not be home, or live out of town but in
Roulette, please leave your non-perishable items @ Drabee's any time this week.
The items will be picked up Saturday night.

Any non-perishable items are being accepted but are also asking for these
special items for the Easter Box:

canned (corn, peas, or green beans, baked beans),
ham(canned or pkg),
potatoes (boxed or bagged),
canned fruit,
biscuits(pkg or tube),
juice,
eggs,
bread
cake, brownie or cookie mix

Thank you in advance for your support, we hope for a successful turnout
with your help!!!!

Bake Sale Continues Saturday At First Citizens Bank In Ulysses

First Citizens Community Bank in Ulysses is hosting a Bake Sale to benefit one of their customers undergoing medical treatment. The Bake Sale was held all day Friday and will continue Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 AM until noon.

Appearing in the photo from left to right are Erica Yeager, new accounts officer, her daughter Rebekah, Jessica Hummel, and Megan Burrous, teller.

New Fracking Standards Not Supported by Environmental Organizations

New Fracking Standards Not Supported by Environmental Organizations

Kutztown, PA – Environmental organizations across Pennsylvania are objecting to a misleading announcement coming from the oil and gas industry that says they have “made peace” with environmentalists by agreeing to voluntary fracking standards. According to the announcement made, the oil and gas industry believes the new standards “could ease or avert some of the ferocious battles over fracking that have been waged in statehouses and city halls.” They’re wrong. In fact, the anti-fracking movement is large and getting larger as evidence mounts that fracking cannot be done safely, contributes to climate change, endangers the human and animal health and safety, tears apart communities, and pollutes our air and water.

“The cynical intentions of the drillers are stated clearly in the announcement. They say they want to ‘hasten the expansion of fracking’. They say they want to ‘bypass the often turbulent legislative process altogether’. They say they want to make ‘drilling more acceptable to states and communities that fear the environmental consequences’. Making drilling more acceptable and making drilling safer is not the same thing. These statements reveal the industry’s self-serving attitude known all too well to those whose lives have been impacted by drilling,” said Karen Feridun, Founder of Berks Gas Truth.

The voluntary standards are listed on the oxymoronically-named website sustainableshale.org. The so-called “tough new standards” don’t appear to be substantially different from the corresponding regulations the industry has been blatantly disregarding for years. In addition, they fail to address many issues including radioactivity, methane migration, drill cuttings, community disruption, forest fragmentation, LNG, and compressor stations, to name but a few.

"The overwhelming harm of gas development on communities being drilled and our natural environment demands real action, not limp attempts at ‘management’ that just rearrange the deck chairs on a sinking ship. First, we need a nationwide moratorium on drilling, then we need to let science and health professionals fully examine and expose the truth about the inherently polluting fracking process, while we work as a nation to replace these deadly resource extraction industries with energy efficiency and clean, truly sustainable energy sources," said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

"The only way for the fracking industry to self-regulate itself in a fashion that protects the people of Pennsylvania is to kindly end its operations in Pennsylvania and exit our state," said Sam Bernhardt, Pennsylvania Organizer at Food & Water Watch. "Pennsylvania needs a ban on fracking, and it needs it now."

This may be the most cynical aspect of all - a newly-created Center for Sustainable Shale Development would be comprised of a 12-member board tasked with overseeing the voluntary standards program. “The center’s proposed 2013 budget is $800,000, with the two sides expected to contribute equal amounts,” says the program’s interim leader. It would appear that the obscenely wealthy oil and gas companies are only putting up half of the money and that the rest would come from those who would otherwise be funding efforts to fight on behalf of the environment and communities.

“Experience has shown that large, industry-oriented environmental groups do not necessarily represent the interests of grassroots, community-based organizations,” said Melissa Troutman, Outreach Coordinator of Mountain Watershed Association. “If you read the book Managing Activism: PR Advice for Neutralizing Democracy, author Denise Deegan advises that this sort of ‘dialogue’ is industry’s most effective method for managing activists. In our experience, this is true.”

The anti-fracking movement extends far beyond the environmental community to include religious groups, sportsmen’s associations, health organizations, social justice organizations, renewable energy organizations, political groups, farming associations, and others. The groups the industry worked with on this project are not generally considered to be among the hundreds of groups in the movement in Pennsylvania, as they have maintained an industry-friendly stance on drilling.

Jay Sweeney, Chair of the Green Party of Pennsylvania said, “I was flabbergasted to read the article saying the oil & gas industry had made peace with environmentalists. I read the article looking to find out exactly what environmentalists had been consulted and found none. The Green Party of Pennsylvania stands by our position that fracking must be banned!”

“This brilliant propaganda on the part of the gas industry and national groups that are not so much environmental organizations as they are greenwashing collaborators only serves to underscore the collective fear they have of how organized, how effective, how nimble, and how truly threatening the grassroots coalition against fracking has become to the interests of the corporate profit agenda of the fossil fuel barons,” said Julie Edgar, Organizer of Lehigh Valley Gas Truth. “We stand united-- we will not be co-opted-- we will not be mollified by what amounts to no more than a crock of radioactive fracking sludge.”

Oswayo & Bellefonte Hatcheries Will Not Close!!

Rep. Martin Causer

Causer Applauds Reversal of Planned Hatchery Closings At Oswayo & Bellefonte

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today applauded the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s reversal of the decision to close two of its trout hatcheries, including one in Oswayo, Potter County.

“I am glad the commission saw the error of its ways and decided to keep these hatcheries open,” said Causer, who chairs the House Game and Fisheries Committee. “Closing two hatcheries in virtually the same area of the state would have resulted in decreased stocking in area waterways, and that would have had a devastating impact on local fishing opportunities and the local economy.”

The other hatchery that was scheduled to close is in Bellefonte, Centre County. Combined, the two hatcheries produce more than 750,000 adult trout, including brook, brown, rainbow and golden trout.

The commission announced its plan in late January, stating that the closures would save the agency approximately $2 million.

“I understand the agency is facing financial challenges, but the hatchery closures would have done more harm than good,” Causer said. “I look forward to working with the commission to find other cost-saving alternatives while continuing to provide quality services to our boaters and anglers.”

Board Votes to Keep

Oswayo and Bellefonte Hatcheries Open

HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 22) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) voted at a special public meeting today to keep its Oswayo and Bellefonte hatcheries open for at least two more years while the agency pursues a long-term funding source through the General Assembly.

“Since the board of commissioners voted in January to close the two hatcheries, staff and Commissioners have met with members of the General Assembly to try to identify opportunities to secure long-term funding sources,” said Board President Steve Ketterer. “As a result, we have voted to keep the hatcheries open while we pursue these opportunities.”

Commissioner Glade Squires introduced today’s motion, which reads: “I move that we restore funding for the continued operation of the Oswayo and Bellefonte trout hatcheries until the July 2015 Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission meeting and that we continue to work with senators and representatives to secure funding for the other areas of our budget previously identified to be reduced or eliminated.”

The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

The PFBC announced on Jan. 25 that it would close the Oswayo and Bellefonte hatcheries by the end of 2014 as part of a budget plan to save $9 million annually over the next four years. Approximately $6.7 million is needed in order to meet escalating health-care and retirement obligations for employees, and $2.3 million is needed for infrastructure needs, such as maintenance and repairs, at remaining hatcheries, other facilities and boating access areas. Closing the two hatcheries would save approximately $2 million annually.

“We’re thankful that the General Assembly has recognized the fiscal situation we’re in and have expressed their willingness to help us reach a solution,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “However, it doesn’t eliminate the fact that we must still find $9 million in annual savings or revenue over the next four years.”

The Oswayo State Fish Hatchery is located in Oswayo, Potter County, and Bellefonte is in Centre County. Each has nine employees. The PFBC said at the time of the closure announcement that the hatchery employees would not be furloughed, and would be offered jobs at other facilities.

Route 328 lane restriction Monday for crash reconstruction

Travel Advisory

Route 328 lane restriction Monday for crash reconstruction

On Monday, March 25, Route 328 will be reduced to a single lane traffic control set-up for a crash reconstruction following an earlier incident.
Motorists may expect the lane restriction about one mile east of Route 287 (Tioga Junction) in Lawrence Township from around 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Flaggers will alternate traffic past the short-term work zone.

Route 11/15 closed at structure fire at Port Trevorton

Travel Advisory

Route 11/15 closed at structure fire at Port Trevorton

Motorists in Snyder County are advised that Routes 11/15 remain closed at the scene of a structure fire in Port Trevorton.

Traffic is being detoured onto Routes 35 and 104.

Emergency responders anticipate reopening Routes 11/15 by late afternoon.

Power LInes Down On Seward Avenue In Bradford

Power Lines Down On Seward Avenue
At 3:19 PM on Friday, Derrick City Fire Police have been dispatched to 326 Seward Avenue for traffic control for downed power lines.

LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve is seeking donations for their 2nd annual live auction and Chinese auction

LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve is seeking donations for their 2nd annual live auction and Chinese auction.

100% of auction proceeds go directly to support Wounded Warriors who come to LEEK four times each year.

LEEK will hold its fifth annual Open House, May 10 through 12, 2013. The live auction will be held immediately following 6 p.m. dinner on Friday May 10, where attendees can meet Wounded Warriors and LEEK volunteers. The Chinese auction will be held Saturday afternoon at the conclusion of a charity motorcycle ride. If you’re a biker, get out and ride for a great cause and take your chance at the $500.00 first prize! While the charity ride is away from LEEK, Open House activities will continue throughout the day including turkey shoots, activities and games, so this is absolutely a family-friendly and fun-filled event. More information about the Open House is available at www.leekpreserve.org and I’ve attached copies of the flyers.

Donations to support the auctions can be of any size or value. Popular items last year included a car, hunting gear, rifles and pistols, crossbows, gun cases, handmade quilts, gift baskets, gift certificates, chartered fishing trips, nature-themed home décor and artwork, knives, commemorative sports items, and much more. Donors are recognized during the live auction on Friday evening.

LEEK asks that all donations be completed by Monday April 21, 2013. Please include a short description of the donated item as this will be extremely helpful during the auction. Who made it, any special information about the item, and a monetary value assist the auction team in running a fun auction event. Arrangements to accept donations can be made by contacting LEEK Public Affairs Officer Amber Woods at amberwoods100@gmail.com. Priscilla Ebright will be maintaining the auction list and it will be posted on the website.

LEEK is open to the public during the entire weekend. Friday night dinner tickets can be purchased on the website or by calling Ed Fisher at (410) 322-4610, Richard Getchel (814) 331-1251.

For more information about LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, or to order dinner tickets online, go to LEEK’s website at www.leekpreserve.org. LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve is located at 497 State Route 244 E. in Oswayo, PA.

Randy S. Housler, 56, of 1253 Clear Creek Rd, Emporium, PA

Randy S. Housler

Randy S. Housler, 56, of 1253 Clear Creek Rd, Emporium, PA, died at Elk Regional Health Center, St. Marys on Thursday (March 21, 2013) morning.

He was born March 11, 1957 in St. Marys a son of Jessie Stuckey Housler, Emporium and the late George Housler.

On December 31, 1981 in Emporium he married Rexa McCoole, who survives.

Mr. Housler graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1975. He worked at Mallory Lumber over 18 years and at GKN for over 10 years. Randy enjoyed hunting and especially fishing. He loved spending time with his family.

Surviving
In addition to his mother Jessie Stuckey Housler
and wife Rexa McCoole
Daughter: Mandy, Mrs. Bil Berry, Titusville, PA
Daughter: Lacie, Mrs. Todd Steinberg, Emporium
Daughter: Cortney Housler, Emporium
Son: Tyler Housler and his wife Samantha, Emporium
4 Grandchildren Michael, Andrea, Madison & Logan
Brother: Rodney "Andy" Hosler and his wife Bonnie, St. Marys

Several: nieces and nephews
Preceded in Death By
Father: George Housler
Brother: George in infancy

There will be No Visitation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service will be held at the Barnett Funeral Home 207 E. Fourth Street, Emporium on Monday (March 25, 2013) at 2:00 PM with Rev. Joseph Short, Pastor, First United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial will be in the Mason Hill Cemetery, Driftwood.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Man Attacked Nurse At BRMC

Another Year Older!

No Injury In Friday Morning Crash In Coryville

A Bradford woman was not hurt in a Friday morning crash on Route 446 at it's intersection with Moody Hollow Road in Keating Township, McKean County.

Meghan S. Costello, 22, of Bradford, PA, was traveling North on Rt. 446 when she lost control of the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt she was driving on a right turn in the roadway. The vehicle traveled across the southbound lane and through the intersection of the Moody Hollow Road, before striking a ditch along the West side of Rt. 446, coming to rest partially on a guy wire for a utility pole, according to Trooper David A. Surra of the Kane PSP who investigated.

Costello was cited for Roadways Laned For Traffic.

Smethport Fire Police, Priority Care Ambulance, and Buzzard Towing assisted at the scene of the 8:20 AM crash..

Potter County Commissioners' Agenda 3-21

Potter County Commissioners' Minutes 3-7

Center formed for independent certification for shale gas producers

Center formed for independent certification for shale gas producers

By OGJ editors

A group of energy companies, environmental organizations, and philanthropic foundations collaborated to form a center to provide Appalachian basin shale gas producers with an independent, third-party certification process for shale development, organizers announced at a news conference in Pittsburgh.

The Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD) established 15 initial performance standards during discussions that took 2 years. These standards are the basis for CSSD’s certification process. Companies can begin seeking certification later this year, organizers said. CSSD is expected to focus on the Marcellus and Utica shales, primarily in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Read more...

Donkey Basketball Show In Coudersport On March 30

Robert S. "Bob" Fitzpatrick,58, of 153 Main St., Bradford, PA

Robert S. "Bob" Fitzpatrick,58, of 153 Main St., Bradford, passed away, Friday, March 22, 2013 at his residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

4-H Thinks BEYOND THE HORIZONS:

4-H Thinks BEYOND THE HORIZONS:

Beyond the Horizon 4-H Club is a Coudersport area club whose members have a wide variety of interests. The leaders are Tim and Bonnie Wright and Donell Ayers. Our club usually meets on the second Monday of the month and is open to member 8-18 years of age.

Our club members participate in many different types of projects including backyard poultry, sewing, cooking, rocketry, bicycling, small animals, and electronics to name a few. Each month we have a short business meeting run by the members, and then a program of interest. Some of our speakers have included a sports coach, a wood carver, a chiropractor, a taxidermist, a dog breeder, and an artist.

Community service is a large part of our yearly program. In past years, we have created Christmas food baskets, ran a water station for the God’s Country Marathon, we made angel tray favors of Christmas House to distribute to nursing home residence, and spent several hours doing ground keeping work at Penn York Camp. This week we spent an evening in the Long Term Care Unit at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital doing crafts with the residence and sharing Ice cream with them. Our large project last summer was to give the 4-H Milkshake Booth at the Fairgrounds a face lift. Members replaced the back wall, painted the outside, added trim boards, and scrubbed and painted the floor. This year we plan on improving the 4-H Fair building.

Each year our members look forward to some special activities such as our annual Christmas party, the Potter County Fair, and our club camping trip. Last year we camped at a beautiful vista of the PA Grand Canyon and then hiked the west rim turkey trail. This year the club plans to camp at the Austin Dam and visit the Austin Dam Historical Society.

Beyond the Horizon 4-H Club offers a lot of fun and learning without demanding a lot of time to participate in group activities. If you are in the Coudersport area we would love to have you join us. Please contact the Penn State Extension office at 274-8540 or srg22@psu.edu for more information.

Route 11 closed at crash scene near Northumberland borough

Travel Advisory
03/22/2013
Route 11 closed at crash scene near Northumberland borough

Emergency responders anticipate Route 11 may remain closed at the crash scene near Ridge Road through most of the afternoon.

Motorists traveling Route 11 in Northumberland County are advised that the road is currently closed in both directions at the scene of a serious crash near the intersection with Ridge Road in Point Township.
The detour for Route 11 will use Routes 54, 642 and 147.

Emergency responders anticipate Route 11 will remain closed at the crash scene for the next several hours.

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Announces Departure of DEP Secretary Mike Krancer

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Announces Departure of DEP Secretary Mike Krancer

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 22, 2013 Governor Tom Corbett today announced that Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Krancer will step down April 15 to return home to Montgomery County to practice law.

"Secretary Krancer has been an invaluable member of our team and I am grateful for his service,'' Corbett said. "His impressive efforts at DEP have taken the agency back to basics, protecting the environment and making the permitting process more efficient.

"His guidance on a variety of issues related to the environment has been vital," Corbett said. "DEP has been in good hands under his leadership."

Corbett appointed Krancer to his cabinet in January 2011, where Krancer oversaw many major initiatives, including the reorganization of the agency, which created an Oil and Gas deputate and improved consistency statewide in enforcing that industry's regulations.

Krancer also oversaw the Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee, which have brought timeliness and consistency to the permitting process for all agency-regulated activities.

In April 2011, Krancer and the governor issued a call to Marcellus Shale operators to stop delivering shale gas drilling wastewater to plants that were not equipped to fully treat it, which resulted in a sea change overnight and improved the health of Pennsylvania's waterways.

Krancer also made brownfields redevelopment and abandoned mine reclamation projects around the state a priority and oversaw the implementation of the Covered Device Recycling Act.

Krancer and his agency were also instrumental in facilitating new investments and potential investments around the state, including his role in Governor Corbett's team efforts to save the three southeastern Pennsylvania refineries and attract to them new environmentally responsible investors, employers and projects.

Krancer also had the opportunity to testify as an expert before several U.S. Congressional committees on many topics.

"Serving Governor Corbett and DEP has been the greatest honor of my career,'' Krancer said. "Pennsylvania is well on its way to becoming the focal point of an American energy revolution, and I am grateful to the governor for giving me this role in assuring that natural gas and energy development happen in an environmentally sound and responsible manner.

"I owe a tremendous amount of thanks and appreciation to all of the talented, dedicated, hard-working professionals at DEP with whom I have been privileged to work as their Secretary," he said.

DEP has 2,633 employees and a $655 million budget.

Krancer will rejoin his former law firm, Blank Rome LLP, an international law firm based in Philadelphia.

In addition to his previous legal work at Blank Rome, Krancer, 55, of Bryn Mawr, Montgomery County, served as a judge on the state's Environmental Hearing Board for 10 years, including four years as chief judge and chairman. He has also worked as an attorney for Exelon Corp.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, Krancer earned his law degree from Washington and Lee University.

"I appreciate Mike's unwavering commitment to this job, knowing that it took him away from spending quality time with his wife and children,'' Corbett said. "While I am sorry to lose his expertise in the administration, I am glad this is an opportunity for him to go back home."

E. Christopher Abruzzo , deputy chief of staff for Governor Tom Corbett , will serve as acting secretary. Abruzzo, who works closely with Krancer and the DEP staff in his position as deputy chief of staff, will hold both positions until Corbett names Krancer's successor.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov or www.dep.state.pa.us.