PENNSYLVANIA COULD UP PENALTY FOR KILLING EAGLES

Commissioners give preliminary approval to $2,500 fine.

Those who kill golden and bald eagles could face stiffer penalties under Pennsylvania law.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a measure that would increase to $2,500 the replacement cost for killing bald eagles or golden eagles.

The bald eagle had been classified as a state-threatened species until early 2014 when, it was removed from the threatened list because its recovery met objectives outlined in the state’s bald-eagle management plan.

While golden and bald eagles both remain protected by federal and state law, the fact that neither bird was classified as threatened meant that killing a golden or bald eagle resulted at the state level in $200 in replacement cost. Replacement costs are restitution for unlawfully killed wildlife and typically are paid in addition to fines.

Commissioners said the $2,500 replacement cost emphasizes that although golden and bald eagles are recovered in Pennsylvania, they still require further protection.

MENTORED YOUTH HUNTERS COULD SEE RABBIT, DOVE OPPORTUNITIES

Preliminary vote would need final approval before becoming effective in 2016-17 license year.

Mentored Youth hunters could see opportunities in the 2016-17 license year, to begin about a year from now.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to measure that would add rabbits and mourning doves to the list of species mentored youth hunters may pursue.

The Mentored Youth Hunting Program was established in 2006 as a way to give youth under the age of 12 an opportunity to experience hunting in a tightly controlled setting under the close supervision of an adult mentor. The program has been successful and safe, and the list of species that can be pursued by mentored youth hunters has been expanded over the years.

In casting their preliminary vote, the commissioners pointed out that sporting organizations and other interested groups have continued to encourage the Game Commission to expand mentored youth hunting opportunities and, particularly, to add rabbits and mourning doves to the list approved for mentored youth.

If the measure gains final approval, mentored youth hunters still would need a migratory game bird license to hunt and harvest mourning doves.

Requiring the license would facilitate the Harvest Information Program (HIP), a cooperative state and federal program designed to improve the information collected regarding the harvest of migratory game birds. The license costs $3.70 for residents and a mentored youth permit costs $2.70.

The measure will be up for final approval in September.

CHANGES TO DMAP GAIN PRELIMINARY APPROVAL

Commissioners said they will continue to meet with public landowners in lead-up to final vote.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a proposal to make changes to the Deer Management Assistance Program, commonly known as DMAP.

In casting their votes, commissioners said they will continue to work with the public landowners that would be affected by the proposal, and that the proposal might be amended before final approval.

DMAP provides private and public landowners an additional tool to meet deer-management goals on their properties through hunting. Landowners who apply may receive a number of DMAP permits they then can issue to antlerless-deer hunters for use during open deer seasons. The number of permits a landowner receives often is based on a formula of one permit per 50 acres, and the allocation may be increased due to heavy deer impact.

The proposal that was tabled would have limited the size of DMAP units on public parcels to 15,000 acres, and would have required DMAP coupons for public parcels be allocated based upon current conditions relative to goals and objectives outlined in an approved management plan.

Commissioners noted that DMAP was designed specifically as a tool to deal with localized deer-impact issues rather than issues across a broader landscape, and added that hunters have expressed concerns DMAP might have too great an impact on deer herds, especially on state-owned lands. 

By limiting the size of DMAP units on public lands, deer can be managed at a more distinct local level, the commissioners have noted.

Commissioners said they will continue to discuss potential changes to DMAP with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other public landowners, and they will take those discussions and additional public comments into consideration in casting their final vote.

HUNTERS COULD BE LIMITED TO ONE MIDDLE CREEK GOOSE PER SEASON

Proposed rules do not allow successful hunters to return.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a one-per-season limit on geese within the controlled goose hunting area at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, in the southeastern part of the state.

If given final approval, the change would take effect in the 2015-16 hunting season.

Hunters still will be selected by lottery to hunt from blinds within the controlled goose hunting area and, has been the case, each can harvest only one goose per day.

Previously, however, hunters who had been successful from a Middle Creek blind were able to reapply to hunt from an unclaimed blind later that same season, abiding by the controlled area’s daily bag limit of one goose. With the season limit within the controlled area now set at one goose per season, that no longer will be the case.

Hunter success rates in recent years have declined within the controlled goose hunting area due in part to declining resident goose populations, fewer migrant geese and higher harvest rates on geese in areas surrounding Middle Creek.

Implementing a season limit is among the changes aimed at increasing hunter success and resident goose populations. September season hunting is closed on State Game Lands 46, which includes Middle Creek.

The commissioners are scheduled for a final vote in September.

COMMISSIONERS UPDATE QUAIL RESTORATION PROGRAM

Progress being made on effort to establish bobwhite quail at Fort Indiantown Gap.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today provided an update on efforts to establish bobwhite quail populations to some areas with suitable habitat in Pennsylvania.

Commissioner Timothy Layton, who heads the board’s quail restoration committee, said there’s a good possibility a restoration effort will take place at Fort Indiantown Gap, a U.S. Army property in Lebanon County.

Layton said the habitat at Fort Indiantown Gap meets conditions recommended to establish quail populations, and officials there are willing to cooperate on a restoration initiative.

The Game Commission next will need to secure wild bobwhite quail that can be trapped in another state and transferred to Pennsylvania for release. Commissioner David Putnam, the board’s president, said he believes the chances are good of finding a partner in another state to provide wild quail.

Game Commission officials said the program will aim to establish a sustainable population, but not necessarily a huntable one. The northern bobwhite quail is native to Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania hunters continue to be provided with the opportunity to hunt and harvest bobwhite quail.

Scientists have determined, however, that it’s unlikely wild populations of bobwhite quail exist in Pennsylvania. Quail encountered in the wild in Pennsylvania most likely are birds that were raised in captivity. 

Officials said the primary motivation in restoring quail is to recognize its status as a heritage species.

BOARD TAKES POSITION ON LEGISLATION

Resolutions support early retirement for WCOs, ability to regulate semiautomatic hunting rifles.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today took formal positions on a pair of issues contained in proposed state legislation.

The board adopted one resolution supporting legislation that provides wildlife conservation officers the option of early retirement if certain criteria are met, and a second supporting legislation that would give the Pennsylvania Game Commission authority to regulate semiautomatic hunting rifles.

The subject of early retirement for WCOs is contained in legislation that’s soon to be introduced. As it is now, all other state law-enforcement officers, including waterways conservation officers working for the state Fish and Boat Commission, are given the option to retire after 20 years if they meet certain age requirements. WCOs must have 35 years of service, or turn 60, before retiring. The legislation, if approved, would provide equal treatment to all state law-enforcement officers.

“We believe that our conservation officers deserve the same benefits,” the board resolved.

Meanwhile, several bills have been drafted regarding semiautomatic hunting rifles. Some of the bills identify the caliber of rifle that could be used or the species that could be hunted with the rifles.

The commissioners, in their resolution, expressed preference for legislation that would give the board authority to regulate semiautomatic rifles, which would provide them an opportunity to study and select from hunting opportunities that might be implemented.

DELMARVA FOX SQUIRREL TO BE CLASSIFIED AS EXTIRPATED IN PENNSYLVANIA

Species never appeared in Commonwealth in high numbers, and has been absent for years.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a proposal to classify the Delmarva fox squirrel as an extirpated species in Pennsylvania.

At the same time, the commissioners voted preliminarily to identify the Allegheny woodrat as a species separate from the eastern woodrat.

One of three subspecies of fox squirrels listed in Pennsylvania, the Delmarva fox squirrel currently is listed as a state-endangered species. The Delmarva fox squirrel was considered present historically, but only a very limited portion of southeastern Pennsylvania. A reintroduction attempted in 1989 occurred with no documented survival past one year.

Suitable habitat for the species within its historic range is nonexistent, and no documented individuals have been recorded in the 25 years since the reintroduction effort was undertaken.

The mammal technical committee, a scientific advisory committee of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey, has voted to consider it as state extirpated, and to remove it from the list of state endangered mammals.

Across the species’ core range in coastal portions of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, it is considered stable and proposed to be removed from federal list of endangered species.

The second amendment updates the common name of the eastern woodrat in Pennsylvania to the Allegheny woodrat. Based upon genetic and morphological evidence, the eastern woodrat has been split into two species; the eastern and Allegheny woodrat.

Meanwhile, the Allegheny woodrat, which inhabits Pennsylvania, currently is considered a state-threatened species, but the Pennsylvania Code recognizes only the eastern woodrat, which is shown to be a separate subspecies. If the change is given final approval, the Allegheny woodrat would be placed on the state’s threatened species list.

GAME COMMISSION PUTS NEW STRATEGIC PLAN INTO PLACE

Plan for 2015-2020 had been reviewed by public.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved the Game Commission’s new strategic plan, which will carry the agency from the start of the 2015 fiscal year, through the end of the 2020 fiscal year.

The commissioners’ approval of the plan follows a period of public review and comment.

The strategic plan was developed in a collaborative approach with a focus on developing SMART goals; goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. By no means does the plan represent all of the inner workings of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Instead, the document outlines goals and challenges the Game Commission will focus on during the next five years to continue to improve the agency’s effectiveness. This strategic plan was developed through an interactive strategic planning process which sought input from all six regions, all six bureaus, and the Board of Commissioners. In total, five core goals were identified in the strategic plan: put wildlife first; improve wildlife habitat; follow sound business practices; serve the Pennsylvania public; and improve support for hunting and trapping.

The plan will be posted to the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us.

 

BOARD WISHES DELANEY WELL

His term expired, James J. Delaney Jr. will continue to serve only if no replacement is named.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today bid farewell to Commissioner James J. Delaney Jr., whose term has expired.

A Wilkes-Barre resident, Delaney began his service on the board in April 2007 as the appointed commissioner from Region 7, in northeastern Pennsylvania.

There’s a possibility Delaney could remain on the board awhile longer. No new commissioner from Region 7 has been appointed. Still, at what could be his last meeting, Delaney’s fellow commissioners took the opportunity to thank him for his eight years of service and all that has been accomplished since.

Board president David Putnam pointed to the responsiveness to hunters and trappers Delaney exhibited during his tenure. For example, when a number of rabbit hunters in January made a case for lengthening the season, and biologists saw no issue with it, Delaney was there to see it through, Putnam said.

“He heard the sportsmen, championed the issue and got it through the system in 24 hours,” Putnam said of Delaney.

Delaney thanked the many people who had a part in his appointment as commissioner, his family, the 14 commissioner he served alongside, and all of the staff he worked with throughout the agency, including in the Northeast Region.

He called the Game Commission “the model wildlife agency with some of the most dedicated people I have ever met.”

He said during his time on the board, he strived to make Pennsylvania’s hunting heritage stronger, find the balance between the science of wildlife management and the hunters, trappers and other stakeholders the agency serves, and speak on behalf of the state’s small-game hunters.

“I think we have done some great things for small-game hunters the last eight years and I am thankful to the Board of Commissioners and executive staff for supporting those efforts,” Delaney said. “Hopefully this fall, I can get back to using my vacation days from my real job, hunting pheasants and grouse with by birddog Hunter.”

BOARD SAYS GOODBYE TO DUNN

Interim wildlife management director to retire in July.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today thanked interim Wildlife Management Director John Dunn for his more than 30 years of service to the agency.

In addition to serving as interim director, Dunn had most recently headed the Game Management Division.

Commissioner James J. Delaney said he was particularly impressed by Dunn’s ability to step in to lead what is perhaps the busiest bureau within the Game Commission after former wildlife management director Cal DuBrock retired in July 2014.

“He picked up those additional responsibilities, and I don’t think he skipped a beat,” Delaney said of Dunn.

Dunn took the opportunity to thank those he worked with through the years, and remarked on the professionalism, dedication and cooperation of Game Commission employees.

“I wish you all success,” he said.

 

FUTURE MEETINGS SET

September commissioners meeting to be held in DuBois

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners next will convene at a working group meeting to be held Aug. 10 in Harrisburg.

Working group meetings are informational sessions between Game Commission staff and the Board of Commissioners, and no official action is taken by the board at Working Group meetings. The meetings are open to the public, but there is no period for public comment.

The next quarterly meeting of the Board of Commissioners is scheduled to be held Sept. 28 and 29 at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in DuBois.

The agenda for that meeting will be posted at the Game Commission’s website closer to the meeting date.

Bradford Dispatched To Rollover Crash On West Washington Street

At 6:27 PM on Saturday, Bradford Township Fire Rescue & Bradford Ambulance have been dispatched to the area of 2080 West Washington Street for a rollover car crash.

Coudersport Dispatched For Motorcycle / Car Crash in Coneville

At 5:48 PM on Saturday, Coudersport Fire & Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched to a motorcycle vs car crash with one person injured at the intersection of Rt. 44 & Rt. 244 in Coneville.

Not All Scams Are Online; This One Is In Your Malbox

The Food's Ready At The Friendly Inn, Come And Get It!!

Kane Ambulance Dispatched To Victim Of Assault

At 4:30 PM on Saturday, Kane Ambulance has been dispatched to 16 Field Street for a victim of an assault.

Shoebox Fundraising Campaign

I'm a local individual who has started a donation campaign for an organization called Operation Christmas Child. This organization is supported by Samaritan's Purse and allows for shoeboxes filled with gifts to be sent to children in third world countries who have nothing and many have never received a gift their entire lives. I wanted to share this with you in hopes that you would have interest in writing an article supporting this cause.

Since 1993, Samaritan's Purse has collected and delivered more than 113 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in over 150 countries through Operation Christmas Child and hopes to reach another 10 million this coming Christmas.

I am aiming to pack 50 boxes this year and need help raising the funds to do so. Each box costs approximately $30.00, which includes shipping to get them around the world to these needy children. Most people aren't thinking about Christmas quite yet, but in order to get these supplies collected, ordered, wrapped and packed, now is the time necessary to start. People can now get into the "Christmas in July" mindset and I'm hoping to spread the word about this great organization.

For more information, photos, videos and donations, visit http://www.gofundme.com/sendingshoeboxes.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Sincerely,

Kelly Martin

(814)366-1181

What constitutes proper preaching? CHRISTIAN!

Andrew Wright Bennett, known as “Andrew the Harpist,” PO Box 35 Dayton MD 21036 http://www.andrewtheharpist.ws/ ,awbpsalmist@yahoo.com, please check out videos under "Andrew the harpist" on youtube, *24/7 Cell# 202-573-6015

Dear Ones;

     What constitutes proper preaching?  CHRISTIAN!  For the sake of every single one of us, this question MUST be answered, and I CAN give an answer to this question! 

     Preaching is to be Bible based, Christ centered, people directed!

     Jesus is the central theme of the Bible and the Bible directly reveals him to all who would come into an experiential knowledge of him.

     John 6:55 - "(Jesus himself says about the Bible), Search the scriptures; for in

them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."  Therefore the Scriptures are as a Jesus bottle, containing the very essence of his being to be poured out upon all who will hear him!

     I Corinthians 1:15-17 - "(Seeing then what the Bible says about Jesus), Who (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

     I have before written, "traditional Christianity is sin centered, modern Christianity is self centered, but Biblical Christianity is Christ centered."

     Modern Christianity, even when seeming to be Bible based, is not Christ centered but self or people centered, and gives handy formulas and methods for trying to fix one's own life using the Bible, and in so doing, disregards the primary purpose of the Scriptures to reveal Jesus, and him as our life's savior and helper. Joel Olsteen, Rick Warren, Kenneth Copeland, Andrew Womack, and many others fit this category.  Their preaching and teaching is intoxicatingly and hypnotically persuasive, because they put in the minds of people a false sense of security and self protection with power over their own lives and even the whole spiritual universe around them and this is what people want, not knowing how much more they need to know Jesus, that he be their all in all.

     To further pound in this point, this is in shocking and startling contrast to what the Apostle Paul writes in the Bible about the all consuming motivation for his life,  "THAT I MAY KNOW HIM!" - "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, (THAT I MAY KNOW HIM!) - I Corinthians 3:7-10.

    I recently heard a preacher trying to speak on the subject of Jesus being the central theme of the Christian message, but his message fell totally flat, because he used no Scripture to say this is so.  It is not at all possible for a message to be Christ centered, unless it is Bible based.  However, as I've here stated, it is possible for Christian teaching to be Bible based, but not Christ centered.  (Also, a good litmus test for Christ centeredness, next time you hear a sermon, see how much time it takes for the pastor to say "Jesus."  You might just be shocked, if you keep looking at your watch for over 15 minutes, which has been my common experience.

    The message of Jesus through the Bible is people directed.  When Jesus spoke to the crowds, "All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables (word pictures); and without a parable spake he not unto them:" - Mt. 13:34. 

    Jesus not only spoke to the crowds in stories which were word pictures, but since he is the author of the book, the entire Bible is written in these parables, as ringlets of pictures interconnected into each other together in one book. The Bible is a spiritual book, which can not be understood by the mind of man, because if it could, man's mind would be greater than the God who created it, but God's own Spirit can reveal what the Scriptures are saying to the person.  The Apostle Paul writes something spectacular, and unlike the preaching of today in I Cor. 2:1-16,

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ."

     The Apostle John further states in I John 2:27 - " But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."  So why then do we even need pastors and Christian teachers, when we Christians have the Holy Spirit to interpret the Word to us?

     My answer to you, proud Christian, is that you are not even reading the Bible for yourself enough to make this argument.  However it is true, that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (not the preaching about the Word of God, but hearing the Word of God itself)." - Rom 10:17.  Also, in Neh 8, the Scriptural pattern for hearing the Word taught is for it first to be heard (which in Neh 8 may have been from sunrise to noon).

     Christian, you should be reading your Bible daily, and reading through the entire Bible at least once every year.  If this is good for the goose, how much more for the gander?   Pastors, you should take the lead as examples to the flock, reading your Bible daily.

     Almost every sermon I've heard preached for the past year, with very few exceptions, in many different churches, have followed the same pattern.  The Pastor quotes a couple verses from the Bible, and then rambles for as much as 45 minutes, not properly relating what he is saying to the Bible verses quoted at the beginning (although I think those who preach like this think they are doing that) , so the Bible verses are mere mustard and ketchup condiments to what he has to say, a mere pronouncement of the subject of his talk at best, rather than the Bible being the main course.  So this can not even be called Bible based preaching, and if it is not Bible based, it is not at all possible for it to be Christ centered preaching.

      This also reveals that a whole current of pastors are washing up on the shores of lukewarmness, not taking the time to read the Bible daily, not studying the Bible to prepare their sermons, and when the people they are preaching to, say "Amen, good Pastor," they prove they are not reading the Bible enough to know they are not hearing the Word of God being preached.

      I began to say, as of May 1, 2015, that mainstream Christianity is like a runaway train, where the Bible has been left back at the train station, and that church in America has probably not much more than 2 years.  If by May 1, 2017, there is not at the least, a significant and visible closing of the churches in America, call me a false prophet. 

      Among communities of Christians who will themselves read the Word of God and pray, and will have pastors to validate, amplify, and encourage them in what they are hearing from the Lord from his Word, these shall live strongly and boldly in Christ until the day when the promise of the Lord shall be fulfilled from I Thess 4:15-17 - "For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.   For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."

      This is my recommendation to those who are called of God to pastor.  First and foremost, read the Bible daily, not even just for your sermon preparation, but so the Lord has access to your heart and mind, so he can take you away with him as his beloved, in the Spirit, in praying without ceasing, cleaving to him, and he to you.  You can never minister to others more than from the overflow of your relationship with the Lord.  Don't fool yourself by thinking anything other than this.

      Secondly, when you stand before God's people, before you preach at them, read the Bible to them, taking as much time as you can to read the Bible to them, as a storybook to your dear spiritual children.  Stop using the worship music to get them into the mood to hear you preach.  Use the hearing of the Bible to open their ears to hear necessary teaching from the Word of God. 

     Don't start your sermon with a story or a joke to break the ice and get them to laugh and feel comfortable so they will listen to you.  Read the Bible to them.  Then, use stories, jokes, physical illustrations and props and everything you can, to amplify to them what you are hearing from the Lord to communicate to them from the Bible, but do not let any of that be in place of their hearing the Word  or let anything you say or do be a distraction from their hearing from God through you.  "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." - Luke 12:48.  Realize when you stand before God's people. what you deliver is a work of prophecy from the Lord - "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." - Revelation 19:10, and a matter of life and death, not something to be taken lightly, not something to be delivered with lack of interest and superficiality, that would seem in any way to condone the superficiality of the church environment.

     I know the Bible says to preach doctrine, but go past the dictionary meaning of words in the Bible, to hear what God is saying, especially the word  "doctrine" itself mentioned in I Tim 4:4 and elsewhere which is pure Bible teaching, but understand that much of protestant doctrine was written to correct Roman Catholic "error," and over corrects into error as well.  Much of Charismatic doctrine is just plain bologna.  Don't take such things so seriously and define the Bible by such doctrines, but read and preach the Bible and let the Holy Spirit interpret it to all who hear, because that's his job, and you are not the Holy Spirit, so don't be such a "fighting fundy" for your denomination's doctrines and against the doctrines of others.

      Stop thinking and saying your preaching is better because you preach expository.  The last Pastor I heard who alledgedly preached expository did no different than any other, but quoted 6 verses that he seemed not much interested in, then rambled for 45 minutes, things that didn't even make sense, churchy talk and blabber, meringue, fluff, and empty air.  Expository, when preaching verse by verse, can abandon the context of a passage, and when only preaching in one place in the Bible, the witness of the whole of the Scriptures is also lost.  The Bible is written in ringlets of spiritual pictures that are interlinked throughout the book.  See the allegorical, the parabolic.  I talked to another pastor last year so proud he preached in the superior expository fashion, and when I mentioned the Song of Solomon, he said, "Oh yes, that's just a sex manual."  He was trying to take the Bible so literally, he was a mere rationalist, not hearing the Lord from his Word, not knowing that although the Song of Solomon is a book for the married, it is also a book for those who belong to the Lord Jesus.  When I read the beloved sleeps the night betwixt my breasts in the Song of Solomon, I know that betwixt my breasts is my heart, and my heart is the resting place of my beloved Lord Jesus.  When I read how the Lord says to me from the Song of Solomon,  "come Away, My Beloved," I know it is time to pray.  Pastors, you to need to dig deep into the treasure chest of the Bible to pull up riches for those who will hear.

     The days that are coming upon the world before the Lord Jesus appears in the clouds to take those who love him away with him forever shall be very dark and filled with tears, but those who turn to him in these times will be filled with light and unspeakable joy at his coming. 

Invitation

      I sing Scripture with the harp.  I can also speak well on the subject of developing a strong devotional life in God's Word and Prayer and the soon coming of the Lord.  I'm singing through the Bible for the 9th time in my private devotional life, and I play 32 instruments.  I love to encourage worship teams by playing brass and other instruments with them.  Pastors, you must invite me to minister at your church, for how can I invite myself to do so?

      If any feel led to give to this ministry, you can send a check to Andrew

Bennett and mail it to Andrew Bennett, PO box 35, Dayton MD 21036.  Thank you all for your prayers, but right now I need your prayers truly desperately.  The emotional cost of what I've been hearing and seeing in the churches which has resulted in this writing, I can't even say anything further, I'm hurting so bad. Love to all, especially to the pastors - Andrew.

Andrew Wright Bennett, known as “Andrew the Harpist,” PO Box 35 Dayton MD 21036 http://www.andrewtheharpist.ws/ ,awbpsalmist@yahoo.com, please check out videos under "Andrew the harpist" on youtube, *24/7 Cell# 202-573-6015

Kelsey Boudin, OTH Reporter, Asks: Where is America Going?

Read Kelsey's article in the Olean Times Herald--http://www.oleantimesherald.com/news/article_54bbf4ae-21ee-11e5-b610-2bbdbe7312bc.html

Bradford Dispatched To Grease Fire At Tops Market

At 1:50 PM on Saturday, Bradford Firefighters have been dispatched to a grease fire in the kitchen at Tops Market.

An Outstanding Award for the Northern Potter High School!

Coudersport Ambulance Dispatched To Route 6 West

At 12:56 PM on Saturday, Coudersport Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched to Route 6 west for a link to life call.

Corydon Dispatched For Person Trapped In Motor Home

At 12:55 PM on Saturday, Corydon Township Fire Department has been dispatched to a Forest Road off Route 321 for a person trapped in a motor home after ground beneath it has given way.

Janice R. HAND, 91, of Genesee, PA, formerly of Millville, NJ

Janice R. HAND, 91, of Genesee, PA, formerly of Millville, NJ, died Saturday, July 4, 2015 in Wellsville Manor, Wellsville, NY. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/HIGH MECHANISM Address: ALLENHURST AVE and DEPOT S City: RIDGWAY_B

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/HIGH MECHANISM
Address: ALLENHURST AVE and DEPOT ST
City: RIDGWAY_B
Cross Streets: DEPOT ST
Agency: ELK COMPANY 4 FD; RIDGWAY AMBULANCE
7/4/2015 11:41:14 AM

Chicken BBQ July 4th In Coudersport To Benefit Navada Waterman

Hi my name is Chris Waterman. My son Navada is having a Chicken BBQ at the American legion in Coudersport the 4 th of July starting at 11 am.  

We will also be set up at the service station right beside Sheetz with dinners all ready to go. Dinners will be 9 dollars and half chicken will be 5 dollars. 

This will be a fundraiser for Navada Waterman who is playing baseball with the Minnesota Twins 18- u scout team. He has been in Georgia for 8 days and then off to North Carolina for 4 days and a few other major tournaments so please help support my son and his baseball career and a special thanks to all that have helped so far. 

Donations can be sent to Chris Waterman, 201 North Main St., Coudersport, PA

Howards Will Be Closed Saturday Thru Monday / Happy 4th of July

Get Your Summer Bash Tickets Now / Limited To 600 / Don't Miss It / July 31st Thru August 2nd

Tickets are available at the Wharton Tavern and General Store and at The Colonial Hotel in Westfield. Don't forget that the Crittenden TapRoom in Coudersport, Shooters in Port Allegany and the Roadside in Shinglehouse also have tickets. Hurry on out and get your tickets while they are still available.  Check out Facebook for more information.

HURRY GET YOUR TICKETS NOW. NEED MORE INFORMATION? CALL 814-274-4852. NO ONE ANSWERS. LEAVE A MESSAGE, SOMEONE WILL GET BACK TO YOU 

 Come join us for the a fun filled weekend of music, camping and fun! Multiple bands Friday and Saturday. we will kick the party off with the Ozone rangers and the 69 band on Friday, Saturday we will have multiple bands on the stage all day plus music by DJ Brandon, then Saturday night we will have Witch Hazel followed by the bad boys of country music Jackson Taylor & The Sinners! There will be food and drink vendors on site both days, tent camping areas will be designated, and we will also have designated areas for RVs and travel trailers. 

NO ONE UNDER 21 PERMITTED, NO GLASS, FIREWORKS OR CAMP FIRES ON SITE, NO FIREARMS, NO ATVS!

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON AND WILL BE LIMITED, FROM NOW UNTIL JULY 1 2015 TICKETS WILL BE $50 A PIECE FOR THE WHOLE WEEKEND, IN JULY THEY WILL GO TO $55 A PIECE, AND ANY REMAINING TICKETS WILL BE $60 AT THE GATE! 

We will update this page with more bands and more info as it is confirmed!

RN's, LPN's, CNA's & HHA's Wanted To Joiin Us At Career LInk On Friday, July 10th

New Hours At Shinglehouse Community Health Center Start July 6

Coudersport Beverage Business For Sale

Veterans & Armed Services Members Invited To Attend Celebration Of Those Who Have Served Our Country

"Hit Men" Are Coming To Galeton Borough On Saturday, July 4th

Summer Consignment Auction Saturday, July 11th At Daniel A. Carter's In Allegany, NY

Zito Media Seeking Maintenance Technician For Coudersport, Austin, Emporium,Port Allegany, Shinglehouse & Harrison Valley Areas

Local Group Pushes For Four-Season Denton Hill State Park

July 3rd, 2015

Members of a stakeholders’ committee formed to advocate for the resurrection of Denton Hill State Park as the centerpiece of a broader tourist promotion strategy will reconvene in the coming weeks.

 The committee is working as a liaison with the Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources. Members see the park as the centerpiece for a broader strategy – open as a year-round attraction and a link to other state parks and attractions in the region. 

Potter County Visitors Association and the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance are among the stakeholders. Lyman Run State Park, the expanded Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, and trails in the Susquehannock State Forest are among the other attractions that would be linked.

Consulting firm Moshier Studio of Pittsburgh landed a state contract to study Denton Hill State Park under a plan that would refurbish the ski area and develop other facilities and attractions. Equipment such as lifts, snowmakers, groomers, lighting, safety padding and rentals will need to be either upgraded or acquired in order for skiing to return. State officials have made no commitment to having the ski area open for the 2015-16 season. The park will reopen for two archery festivals this summer, but beyond that it will remain idle for the foreseeable future.

Shinglehouse Ambulance Dispatched For ATV Crash With Head Injury

At 8:38 PM on Friday, Shinglehouse Ambulance & Medic 6 dispatched to the area of 500 Jacobs Hill Road in Sharon Township for a victim who was thrown from an ATV with a head injury.

House For Sale In Beautiful Potter County, PA, Boro Of Coudersport

Happy Independence Day To United States Of America

Photo by: Rosie Bickleman

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/HIGH MECHANISM Address: 13766 ROUTE 555 [BENEZETTE] City: BENEZETTE

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/HIGH MECHANISM
Address: 13766 ROUTE 555 [BENEZETTE]
City: BENEZETTE
Cross Streets: FYE LN * OVERTURF CIR
Agency: ELK COMPANY 5 FD; CAMERON CO. 16; CAMERON COPMPANY 16, BENNETT'S VALLEY AMB., ST. MARYS MEDICS7/3/2015 7:07:52 PM

House Republicans: Wolf Liquor Veto Chooses Special Interests, Taxes over Freedom, Progress

Governor’s actions signal unreasonable demand for unnecessary tax hikes

Turzai

HARRISBURG – Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and many House Republican colleagues joined together today to condemn Gov. Tom Wolf for his veto of House Bill 466, the liquor privatization measure that would increase revenues for the state without raising taxes on Pennsylvania’s workers, families and businesses.

“Liquor privatization provides freedom and convenience for consumers, revenues for the state, an end to an inherent conflict of interest, a return of government to its core functions and a vital path to moving Pennsylvania into the 21st century,” said Turzai. “By vetoing this bill and denying a broad-based, bipartisan-supported measure, the governor has signaled clearly that his policies have very little to do with what the people want and everything to do with protecting a small segment of special interests.”

Wolf has continually campaigned for a government that works, though part of that scheme requires demanding more than $12 billion dollars in tax increases over the next two years, all placed on the backs of taxpayers.

The Republican House and Senate budget that didn’t raise taxes included the divestiture of the state’s Prohibition-era total monopoly over the wholesale and retail sale of both wine and spirits – one of only two states (Utah) to have such control over how its citizens consume the commodities, said Turzai.

“It is very disappointing that the governor is choosing taxes over new and recurring revenues which could be used for our schools and human services,” said House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana). “This historic legislation provided more than $220 million this year and recurring revenue without raising taxes. Our constituents are for selling the state stores; they do not support raising taxes for higher spending.”

“A government that works is continually evaluating and re-evaluating existing programs and spending to make sure all programs are achieving the intended results,” said House Appropriations Chairman William F. Adolph Jr. (R-Delaware). “We were able to balance this budget by adopting such efficiencies and generating new revenues by moving Pennsylvania into the present by privatizing our archaic liquor system and not by relying on the billions of dollars of tax increases the governor proposed in his budget.

Some of this new revenue would come from the ending of “border bleed” – the estimated $300 million worth of wine and spirits that Pennsylvanians purchase out of state each year.

“This bill provided three times more revenue for the state than the current system does and would create many new family-sustaining jobs throughout the Commonwealth.” said Liquor Control Committee Chairman Chris Ross (R-Chester).

The governor’s refusal to move Pennsylvania into the 21st century raises many questions.

“Our liquor system is a blue ribbon example of status quo policy and protecting special interests,” said Rep. Seth Grove (R-York). “With the veto of liquor privatization, Gov. Wolf is maintaining the status quo and protecting his special interest friends. Today is a sad day for those of us who fight for change in Harrisburg every day. Keeping the status quo is unacceptable and maintains a system which is failing Pennsylvanians."

According to the Department of State’s web site, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) 1776, whose members work at the government’s total monopoly of more than 600 wine and spirits stores, contributed $180,000, including in-kind donations, directly to Wolf’s campaign. Its national affiliate contributed overall $394,930 in Political Action Committee funding to Pennsylvania state campaigns in the 2013-14 campaign cycle.

The governor has demanded modernization of the current system and status quo for the UFCW.

“The government has no business whatsoever selling liquor,” said Rep. Mike Regan (R-York/Cumberland). “This is for private enterprise, on which America was founded. It is frustrating that Gov. Wolf has decided to put the desires of special interests ahead of what Pennsylvanians want.”

“Modernization is tantamount to installing screen doors on submarines,” said Turzai. “It’s absurd to think government can run any business better than the private sector, and prolonging this antiquated practice is a slap in the face to consumers and taxpayers.”

“By its own convoluted design, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board inherently operates under a conflict of interest that designates the agency as both purveyor of promoting and selling alcohol, all while regulating and enforcing laws at the same time,” said House Majority Whip Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).

“We had an historic opportunity to raise new revenue, not raise taxes on our families and to get rid of this insane conflict of interest that sees Pennsylvanians burning tax dollars on both sides of the market in order to maintain a state-run monopoly,” said Cutler. “This veto will be disappointing to Pennsylvanians from many differing political viewpoints.”

Pennsylvanians have overwhelming supported getting rid of the conflict, which clearly does not benefit them in choice, prices or convenience. According to an FM3 poll conducted on the issue, support transcended political affiliation, gender, region, and even union membership. It found that consumers who make purchases at the state stores most often favor change by more than 70 percent.

“Fully two-thirds of Pennsylvanians want to see wine and spirits sold in privately owned stores,” said Ross. “We will continue to keep working to give them what they want.”

“It is disappointing that Gov. Wolf is overlooking the will of the residents of this Commonwealth,” said Rep. Mike Reese (R-Somerset/Westmoreland). “He is standing with partisan ideologies rather than standing with the many Pennsylvanians who believe the retail sale of wine and spirits is not a core function of government.

“Furthermore, Gov. Wolf’s rhetoric for his veto cites reasons that have been refuted over and over again. It’s contemptuous that he feels he knows what is better for Pennsylvania’s citizens rather than act on what a majority of responsible adults prefer,” Reese added.

Shinglehouse Ambulance And Medic 6 Were Dispatched To Saeger Court For A Medical Emergency

At 6:37 PM on Friday Shinglehouse Ambulance and Medic 6 were dispatched to Saeger Court for a Medical emergency.

Smethport Fire Dept. Dispatched To Automatic Fire Alarm At 619 W. Main In Smethport

At 6:59 PM on Friday, Smethport Fire Dept. responded to an automatic fire alarm at 619 West Main Street.
The call was recalled by the chief.

Recalls

Lombardi Brothers Meats Recalls Steak and Ground Beef Products Due To Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Lombardi Brothers Meats, a Denver, Colo. establishment, is recalling approximately 26,975 pounds of tenderized steak and ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/UNKNOWN STATUS Address: 300 MT ZION RD City: JAY

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/UNKNOWN STATUS
Address: 300 MT ZION RD
City: JAY
Cross Streets: CALEDONIA RD * SMITH HILL RD

Agency: ELK COMPANY 5 FD; ELK COMPANY 3 FD; BENNETTS VALLEY AMB., ST. MARYS MEDIC
7/3/2015 5:07:31 PM

Clara B. Gelotte Wooster, 88, of Warren, PA

Clara B. Gelotte Wooster

Clara B. Wooster

Clara B. Gelotte Wooster, 88, of Warren, PA., died Thursday, July 02, 2015 at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA. after an illness of the past week. 

She was born January 20, 1927 in Warren, PA. She was the daughter of Anthony and Lucia Onorato Gelotte. 

Clara was a lifelong Warren area resident. She was a 1945 graduate of Warren High School and was employed as a Quality Control Supervisor at G.T.E. Sylvania retiring from there after 35 years employment. She then went to work for the Warren County School District for 12 years. She was a member of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church.

Her love of her family was the main focus of her life. She adored and loved her beloved companion, her cat, “Smudge”.

She is survived by her 2 Daughters – Cathleen Mallery and husband, Robert of Pittsburgh, PA., Emily Lynch and husband, Alfred of Erie, PA., 2 Sisters – Viola Ferraro of Jamestown, N.Y., Goldie Hecei of Youngsville, PA., 3 Grandchildren Andy Mallery (Emily) of Seven Fields, PA., Jennifer Mallery and Karen Gonzales (Nestor) all of Mt. Lebanon, PA., 4 Great Grandchildren – Catie and Mathew Partin, J.T. and Kendall Mallery, several nieces and nephews.

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Conrad Wooster whom she married July 30, 1947 at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church who died February 9, 2001, 1 Grandson – John Norman Mallery who died September 4, 2004, 4 Brothers – Frank, Ralph, Samuel and Mark Gelotte, an infant sister, Martha Gelotte, 2 Sisters – Mary J. Cerra, Hilda Hill.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., Sunday, July 5, 2015 from 1 to 4 PM 

A vigil service will be conducted there at 3:45 P.M. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11, Russell Street, Warren, PA. on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 10:00 A.M., Fr. James Gutting, Pastor, officiating, assisted by Deacon Joseph Lucia. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. 

Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365.

E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com