Prison suicides leave families grieving, seeking answers

By Kristina Scala, 
Delaware County Daily Times

Posted: 07/19/15,


CONCORD >> Two recent suicides at Delaware County’s Prison have the families of inmates pleading for information about their loved ones deaths and threatening legal action against the county.

On May 26, a 35-year-old woman with a history of mental illness was found dead in her cell at the Delaware County prison, hanging by her bra from a vent on the wall.

Janene Wallace had been in the Concord facility for nearly three months on charges she had violated her probation linked to a 2013 arrest for terroristic threats and related offenses.

On July 5, Richard Dandrea, a 46-year-old employee at the Sunoco refinery in Marcus Hook, hung himself with a rope from a laundry bag. Dandrea also had a history of psychological issues.

Dandrea, formerly of Aston and previously of Galeton, Pa., in Potter County, was jailed for failing to pay child support in June. He was sentenced to serve six months at the facility.

The Daily Times reported a suicide in 2007, making the most recent the seventh at the facility in 10 years.  Read more...

Lawrenceville Dispatched To 4 Vehicle Crash In LIndley

At 9:25 PM on Saturday, Lawrenceville was dispatched to Route 99 Northbound in Lindley for a 4 vehicle crash. Unknown injuries. Roadway is reported blocked.

Coudersport Dispatched For A Gas Leak Behind Original Italian Pizza

At 9:00 PM on Saturday, Coudersport Fire Dept. dispatched to 18 East Second Street at Original Italian Pizza for a gas leak in the alley behind the restaurant.
9:12 PM--RECALLED BY CHIEF 48

Austin Dispatched To Motorcycle Crash With Injury

At 7:33 PM on Saturday, Austin Fire & Ambulance have been dispatched with Medic 6 to a motorcycle accident on Route 872, 5 miles south of Coudersport near the Fish Hatchery. Caller reports one motorcycle, one injury.

Known Actor Charged With DUI In Coudersport Boro

Shinglehouse Man Charged With Simple Assault On 29 Year Old Female

Unknown Actors Stole Items From Camps On Turton Lane In Ulysses Township

Lots of People Enjoying the Dam Show At Austin

Photos by Laura Landry Sypien

Lost Brittany Spaniel between Turtlepoint and Larabee

Could you post a lost Brittany Spaniel, white with little brown spots. Probably wet and muddy. We lost track of her while kayaking.
Her name is Keema.

Keema has been found.

Michael Spencer Named School Resource Officer At Bradford Schools

Bradford city police officer and Roulette native Michael Spencer  has been assigned as school resource officer at the Bradford Area High School and School Street Elementary School. Spencer is the son of  Tim and Nita Spencer of Roulette.

The job had been handled by Sergeant Butch Bartlett for the last five years, according to an article in the Bradford Era.

Habitat Looking For Yard Sale Items For Coudersport Town Wide Sept. 5th

Potter County Habitat for Humanity is looking for items to sell at their yard sale on September 5, 2015 in Coudersport. 

If you are cleaning out your home, garage, basement, etc. we would love to have any items that you would like to donate.  We do not accept clothes or tires. We pick up items on Monday and Friday.

Please call: Eldon Price (814) 933-8513 if you have items to donate.

Edward KOSA, Jr., 93, of Ulysses, PA

Edward KOSA, Jr

Edward KOSA, Jr., 93, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, August 27, 2015 in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. 

Born February 27, 1922, in Himlerville, KY, he was the son of Ede and Yolanda Dienes Kosa. On April 14, 1944, in Coudersport, PA, he married the former Helen Yardlay, who predeceased him on February 26, 2013. 

A 1939 graduate of Ulysses High School, he and his wife owned and operated EDKO Farms for many years. Ed was a member and deacon of the Bible Union Church in West Bingham, PA. He served as a director and member of numerous business, civic, and agricultural organizations, including First Citizens National Bank, Potter County Conservation District, Headwaters RC&D Council, Farmland Preservation Board, PA Farm Bureau, Tioga/Potter Farm Bureau, Potter County Extension, Select Sire Power, Agway, Progress Through Communications, and a charter member of the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company. 

Surviving are: four sons, E. Gene (Nancy) Kosa, Douglas (Donna) Kosa, and Kurt (Laurel) Kosa, all of Ulysses, and Brian (Marianne) Kosa of Woodbridge, VA; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a sister, Yolan “Jennie” Zimmerman of NE; a brother, Ernest R. Kosa of Wellsville, NY; nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a grandson, Justin Kosa. 

Friends may call Sunday, August 30, 2015 from 2:00 -- 4:00 and 7:00 -- 9:00 PM at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday in the Bible Union Church, West Bingham, PA. Pastors Brian Kosa and Marty Reisman will co-officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the West Bingham Bible Union Church, Genesee, PA 16923 or the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation, P.O. Box 8736, Camp Hill, PA 17001-8736. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.

Norma Jean Wooster, 87, formerly of Lincoln Ave., Bradford, PA

Norma Jean Wooster, 87, formerly of Lincoln Ave., Bradford, PA, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2015, at the Bradford Manor.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete will be announced and are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

SP Olean - Olean man arrested for Robbery 1st after stealing a Taxi Cab at gun point

SP Amity – Two males arrested for possession of Felony weight Heroin

Donations Can Help Keep The Doors Open At Port Area Ambulance Service

Port Area Ambulance Service

Click above to donate to PAAS

My name is Kate Kysor. I am the treasurer for the Port Area Ambulance Service. 

We are in need of immediate financial support to remain open. 

We are located in a small rural community. 

We run approximately 600 calls a year. We are an ALS (advanced life support) as well as BLS (basic life support) service. We are 16 miles away from the closest hospital. 

Ambulances are a vital need in this area. We need your financial support to remain open for the remaining 2015 year.
Any amount is appreciated greatly. 

Causer Announces Meeting to Discuss Emergency Facing Area Ambulance Services

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)

PORT ALLEGANY – With area ambulance services struggling with limited personnel and limited finances, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is inviting ambulance service personnel, county and local officials, and members of the community to a public meeting to discuss the problem and possible solutions.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Port Allegany Fire Department, 65 West Maple St.

“Our ambulance services provide vital, life-saving care to people in need, and we cannot afford to lose them,” Causer said. “But there is a very real chance that could happen if we don’t take steps to address these challenges.

“The organizations we rely upon to help us in the case of an emergency are facing an emergency of their own. It’s our turn to respond to their call for help,” he added.

Ambulance companies throughout the Commonwealth have been struggling for years with a dwindling number of volunteers. As a result, some companies have had to hire paid staff to ensure someone is available to answer emergency calls, and that has placed a heavy financial burden on the companies.

“Part of the problem with recruiting volunteers is the time and commitment it requires of them. But another part of it is the need for more local training opportunities at a reasonable cost to prepare people for what is a very important and rewarding opportunity to serve our community,” said Causer, who volunteered for the Port Allegany Ambulance Service for many years.

On the financial side, Causer said there are a number of factors contributing to the problem, including low reimbursements from Medicaid programs and the failure of patients to pass payments from their insurance companies on to the ambulance companies, as they are required to do by law. Ambulance companies may use third-party bill collectors in an attempt to get the money they are due, but that is a costly and time-consuming process.

“The state House has voted more than once to require insurance companies to send payments directly to ambulance companies, but the insurance industry has fought hard against the bill,” Causer said. “However, with more and more ambulance companies struggling to survive and continue their life-saving mission, the pressure is building to get this bill signed into law.”

House Bill 347, which requires direct pay by insurance companies to ambulance services, passed the House unanimously in June and is awaiting action in the Senate.

The General Assembly is also considering legislation to require emergency medical services agencies to be reimbursed for services provided, even if transport to a hospital does not take place. Current, that is not eligible for reimbursement. This bill also passed the House unanimously in June and is awaiting action in the Senate.

“Ensuring our area ambulance services remain in operation is a major public health issue, and it affects everyone. You never know when you might be the one in need of an ambulance, but you want to know it’ll be there when you do,” Causer said. “I hope residents will join us for this important discussion.”

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Causer’s offices in Bradford (814-362-4400); Coudersport (814-279-9769); or Kane (814-837-0880).

Tioga County 9-1-1 Holding Grand Opening Of New Center In Wellsboro On Friday, September 11th

Ever wonder what going on behind the scanner radio? 

Ever wonder what the dispatcher is doing during an emergency, or why we ask the questions that we do? 

Want to put a face to the voice that you hear dispatching your department. 

Want to say thank you? 

Here is your opportunity to do all those things. 

This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!!! 
Call now to register for a tour of the Potter-Tioga 9-1-1 Center.

Risser Farm on Rt. 49 has corn

Risser Farm on Rt. 49 has corn to be picked. There is a can for monetary donations. 

A donation for the corn taken will go to Penn York camp.

Fall Fitness Classes To Be Offered On Monday & Wednesday Starting September 9th At JEN-ESIS FITNESS In Port Allegany

Emergency Response Drill Planned For Saturday, August 29th At Cameron County Schools

Round & Square Dancing Saturday, August 29th At Odin Grange

40th Annual Germania Old Home Day Sunday, September 6, 2015

Care Unlimited Seeking RN's, LPN's, CNA's & HHA's For Smethport / Coudersport Area

Previous Phone Number was wrong, Please call again, this is the right number.

Apply Online--Open Interviews Monday / Start Work As Early As Tuesday At Empereon In Coudersport

PSA Has Openings In Bradford, Emporium, Port Allegany, St. Marys and Wellsboro

Seeking a part-time caregiver, male or female

Seeking a part-time caregiver, male or female

Person should be able to assist me in performing daily tasks, some cooking as needed, housekeeping, must have car to run errands as needed, assist with leisure activities, and perform other duties around the house as needed.

Must have reliable means of transportation and a valid drivers license. Some lifting involved.  Hours will primarily be on Saturdays and Sundays, but may include a weekday from time to time. This position will range from 20-30 per week. 

The position is located between Coudersport and Austin.

Must be comfortable with working in a family setting around children and pets. Experienced Required. Starting at $10/hour. Background checks required. 

Please email your references and resume to tanc16915@yahoo.com or if you have questions call 814-260-4692 and leave a message & I'll call you back.

Part-time and Perdiem Opportunities Available At Sweden Valley Manor

9-2 Online Auction Ends / Bid Now, Genesee, PA

Helpmates, Inc. is Now Hiring Personal Care Aides & CNA's In Galeton, Shinglehouse & Coudersport Areas

Cole Medical Group Has Openings At Bowman Health Center In Smethport

Shinglehouse Community Health Center Hours Starting August 31, 2015

34th Annual Penn-York Camp Auction, Farmer's Market & Flea Market Saturday, September 5th

Dietary Aide / Housekeeper Needed At Lakeview Senior Care In Smethport

Causer to Host Public Meeting to Discuss Solutions to Save Area Ambulance Services

Causer to Host Public Meeting to Discuss Solutions to Save Area Ambulance Services

WHAT: Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is hosting a public meeting to discuss the challenges facing area ambulance services. Many are struggling with limited personnel and dwindling finances, which is threatening their ability to continue operating.

WHO: Causer, ambulance service personnel, county and local officials, and members of the community.

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Port Allegany Fire Department, 65 W. Maple St., Port Allegany.

Shinglehouse Ambulance To Depot Street In Oswayo

At 8:43 PM on Friday, Shinglehouse Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched to Depot Street in Oswayo for a fall victim.

Round & Square Dancing Saturday, August 29th At Odin Grange

Bradford Ambulance To South Avenue For An Assault Victim

At 7:34 PM on Friday, Bradford Ambulance has been dispatched to South Avenue  to assist a female assault victim. Police are en route.

Apply Online--Open Interviews Monday / Start Work As Early As Tuesday At Empereon In Coudersport

Four-legged love: Family looks to breathe new life into old farm with animal therapy program

By COLIN DEPPEN Era Reporter c.deppen@bradfordera.com
Bradford Era

RIDGWAY — Drive on Long Level Road towards Ridgway far enough and you’ll come to a stretch that exemplifies the name.

Rolling turns give way to straights, inclines to smoother earth.

In a clearing off to the right sits a farm where goats graze in a field, wind chimes coo and woodsmoke wafts. A porous century-old barn caps a network of squat buildings scattered between the road and trees.

For Amanda Balon and her parents, Ray and Michele McMinn, this is home.

It is also a hope.

A psych grad with a master’s degree in counseling, Balon has big plans meant to restore this family farm to its former glory and bustle, while also answering her “higher calling” to serve. Read more...

2015 Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Events for Potter County

There is a vast amount of information associated with Medicare, much of it is complicated and it changes every year. If you’re going to be on Medicare soon, there is information available to help you make informed decisions about your Medicare choices. If you are already on Medicare, there is information that will protect your rights and may help lower your out of pocket expenses. If you are caring for family members on Medicare, there is information to help you ensure they receive the best care available under Medicare.

The Potter County APPRISE Program, a free health insurance counseling program designed to help Pennsylvanians with Medicare, has specially trained counselors to answer your questions and provide you with objective, easy to understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance.

Local APPRISE counselors will be available to assist Potter County residents at the following Events:

• Falling Leaves Outdoor Show: Friday, October 2, 2015 and Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the Courtyard Square in Coudersport from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm each day.
• Representative Martin Causer’s Senior Expo: Friday, October 9, 2015 at the Roulette Fire Hall from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The following Medicare Open Enrollment Events are by appointment only. Please call the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging and ask for Barbara Busch, APPRISE Coordinator, at 1-800-800-2560 or 814-544-7315 to schedule a private Medicare counseling session.

October Appointments
• October 15, 2015, 11:30 am to 6:00 pm – Galeton Library, 5 Park Lane, Galeton.
• October 16, 2015, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm- Potter County Human Services, 62 North St, Roulette
• October 21, 2015, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm- Ulysses Library, Main Street, Ulysses
• October 22, 2015, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm- Coudersport Public Library, 502 Park Avenue, Coudersport
• October 28, 2015, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm- Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, 103 North Puritan Street, Shinglehouse
• October 30, 2015, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm- Potter County Human Services, 62 North Street, Roulette

November Appointments
• November 4, 2015, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm- Ulysses Library, Main Street, Ulysses
• November 5, 2015, 11:30 am to 6:00 pm- Galeton Library, 5 Park Lane, Galeton
• November 6, 2015, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm- Potter County Human Services, 62 North Street, Roulette
• November 12, 2015, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm- Coudersport Public Library, 502 Park Avenue, Coudersport
• November 16, 2015, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm- Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, 103 North Puritan Street, Shinglehouse
• November 20, 2015, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm- Potter County Human Services, 62 North Street, Roulette

Appointments are limited and time slots fill up fast! Be sure to schedule your appointment in advance. For more information about the APPRISE program or other supports and services provided by the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, please call 1-800-800-2560 or 814-544-7315.

Update on Mifflinville River Bridge Project in Columbia County

Montoursville – This is the latest update on the Interstate 80 Mifflinville River Bridge Project in Columbia County.

From Monday, Aug. 31, through Thursday, Sept. 3, a daylight signing pattern will be used to close the westbound right shoulder of I-80 from mile 242 to mile 241 so the contactor can perform punch list repair operations.

Work will be performed from 6AM to 6 PM each day.

No travel lanes will be closed but some backups are possible.

Intelligent Transportation System Project Update

Montoursville – This is an update on the $4.2 million Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) project in Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, and Union counties in central Pennsylvania.

On Monday, Aug. 31, the contractor will begin work on Route 11 southbound in Briar Creek Township, Columbia County.

This work includes excavating and placing a concrete pad for an electrical service cabinet at this location.

Later in the week, the contractor will move to Interstate 80 westbound in Mifflin Township, Columbia County. The contractor will install junction boxes at this location.

No traffic impacts are expected at either construction site.

Pavement Restoration Work on I-80 WB in Montour County Next Week

Montoursville – At 9 PM Sunday, Aug. 30, contractor Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., will begin concrete patching on Interstate 80 westbound in Montour County.

This work will be performed from mile 223 to mile 221.

There will be single lane closures each day from 9 PM to 7 AM Sunday night through Friday morning.

This work is part of a project involving multiple routes in the area, including Route 15 and Interstate 80. The project is expected to be completed in mid-October.

The Northern Potter Junior class will be hosting Color Me Graduated

The Northern Potter Junior class will be hosting Color Me Graduated a color run aimed at assisting them to raise funds for their class. The run will take place October 10, 2015 at the Northern Potter School District Ulysses, PA. Registration starts at 9:30am and the run/walk will start at 10am. Participants will be splashed with color as they make their way through the cross country course at the school.

Cost per runner is $35.00 and $40.00 on the day of the event. First 100 participants will receive a t shirt. Register early to ensure a t shirt and color packets. Registrations forms can be accessed through the Northern Potter School District Facebook page as well www.northernpottersd.org. Any questions should be directed to Deborah Hamilton dhamilton@northernpottersd.org or by phone at 814-848-7534.

Click here for registration Form

Shinglehouse Community Health Center Hours Starting August 31, 2015

Edward KOSA, Jr., 93, of Ulysses, PA

Edward KOSA, Jr., 93, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, August 27, 2015 in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. 

Friends may call Sunday, August 30, 2015 from 2:00 -- 4:00 and 7:00 -- 9:00 PM at the Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, PA. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday in the Bible Union Church, West Bingham, PA. Pastors Brian Kosa and Marty Reisman will co-officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to the West Bingham Bible Union Church, Genesee, PA 16923 or the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation, P.O. Box 8736, Camp Hill, PA 17001-8736. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.

Robert D. Galey, 94, of Bradford, PA

Robert D. Galey, 94, of Bradford, PA, passed away Friday, August 28, 2015, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Emory Allen Palmer, 78, of Cleveland, Ohio

Emory Allen Palmer, 78, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away, August 20, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Born August 17, 1937 in Bradford, he was the son of the late Emory W. and Elsie (Milliron) Palmer.

US Navy Veteran

On October 14, 1957 in Bradford, he married Emily Joyce (Scott) Palmer.

Mr. Palmer served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958 and in the reserves until 1962.

He moved to Cleveland where he had been employed at Apex in Cleveland, and retired after 30 years of service.

Mr. Palmer enjoyed walking, riding his bicycle in the park and helping others. He was a kind and caring man. His greatest joy was being with his family and loved to have his grandchildren and great grandchildren near.

In addition to his wife of 57 years he is survived by two daughters, Lori (Robert) Mouro of Jacksonville, FL and Donna Palmer of Ohio, three sons, Emory A.”Jo Jo” (Helen) Palmer, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Steven (Karen) Palmer and Daniel Palmer all of Cleveland, several grandchildren and great grandchildren and a sister, Lois (Perry) Miller of Bradford.

Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Debra Lynn Palmer and three sisters.

There will be no public visitation or services.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer

Facebook Website Bio Latest News State Forms Photo Gallery Contact
Capitol Update Friday, August 28, 2015 The latest news from the State Capitol Effort to Release Vital Funding for Human Services and Schools Blocked    As the budget impasse enters its third month and human service agencies struggle with the lack of funding from the state, lawmakers were in Harrisburg this week to attempt to override portions of the governor’s budget veto to get money to those agencies and the people they serve.    Unfortunately, a series of override votes failed to garner the two-thirds majority needed to pass. The votes all fell along party lines.    Had we been able to override these vetoes, funding could have started flowing to programs such as domestic violence response and prevention agencies, rape crisis centers, cancer center services and many others. Instead these important services are at a greater risk every day we go without a state budget.    Among the biggest hurdles standing in the way of the budget agreement is the governor’s unwillingness to take his 20 percent income tax increase and 10 percent sales tax increase, along with his proposed expansion of the sales tax to hundreds of new products and services, off the table. The state House voted on his tax plan in early June and it failed in a unanimous vote.    Read more in my press release here.                                         Your Input is Needed to Help Save our Ambulance Services    With area ambulance services struggling with limited personnel and limited finances, I am inviting ambulance service personnel, county and local officials, and members of our communities to a public meeting to discuss the problem and possible solutions.   The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at the Port Allegany Fire Department, 65 West Maple St.   Our ambulance services provide vital, life-saving care to people in need, and we cannot afford to lose them. But there is a very real chance that could happen if we don’t take steps to address these challenges. The organizations we rely upon to help us in the case of an emergency are facing an emergency of their own. It’s our turn to respond to their call for help.      Attention Cold War-Era Veterans    Over the years, I have had the honor of hosting events to recognize groups of veterans who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.    This year, I would like to recognize Cold War-era veterans who served between Sept. 2, 1945, and Dec. 26, 1991. If you or a loved one served during this time, please take a moment to register by signing up at my website or by calling my office at 1-866-437-8181. Once a date has been set for the ceremony, you will receive a personal invitation to attend.    The event is open to Cold War-era veterans residing in the 67th Legislative District, which includes Cameron, McKean and Potter counties, as well as their family members.   To veterans who served in the Persian Gulf conflict or subsequent operations, please know that I wish to recognize your service as well and will plan to do so at a future event.    House Committee Endorses Measure to Ask Congress to Protect Military Recruiters    The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced a resolution to further protect the safety of military recruiters by urging Congress and the U.S. Department of Defense to allow them to carry firearms while performing their duties.    House Resolution 437, which has bipartisan support, asks the Department of Defense to review current domestic force protection policies, including giving military personnel the authority to carry the weapons they have been trained to use and to protect one another should there be a threat of violence.    The resolution was drafted following the July 16 killing of four Marines and one sailor in two shootings in Chattanooga, Tenn. Since 1992, the Department of Defense has limited the presence of weapons in public settings. The measure now goes before the House for its consideration.

Thompson: WOTUS Rule Will Cause Great Harm to Pennsylvania Economy

Court Exempts 13 States From Rule; 
Rule Takes Effect Today In Pennsylvania

Washington, DC – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) today applauded a federal court decision to block a proposed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory action, entitled the Waters of the United States (WOTUS), which seeks to drastically expand the federal jurisdiction over state waters.

Thursday’s injunction only applies to states that filed suit against the EPA until the resolution of those cases. Pennsylvania had not filed suit against the EPA, meaning the new rule took effect as scheduled today. Thompson issued the following statement on Friday:

“On Thursday afternoon, a federal court ruled against the overreach of the EPA and prevented the harmful Waters of the United States rule from taking effect in 13 states. Despite continued bipartisan concerns from legislators and stakeholders, Pennsylvania was not part of the suit and the rule took effect today. I have long said it represents a real threat to the Commonwealth’s economy. It also jeopardizes years of success under the Clean Water Act, which until now, has only applied to navigable waters.

“Under WOTUS, a wide range of activities which drive economic development will now be subject to federal permitting, including infrastructure projects, farming, flood control and energy production.

“Specifically, the rule would turn ditches into ‘tributaries.’ Routine maintenance activities in ditches, on-site ponds and impoundments could lead to permits which can cost companies more than $100,000. Furthermore, the rule could trigger additional environmental reviews which could extend projects for years, with added costs to landowners and businesses.

“So, while I applaud the North Dakota court’s decision, I continue to urge the EPA to go back to the drawing board to fix the fundamental flaws with this rule. This court decision emphasizes a fairer, and more calculated approach is needed.”

DEP Returns Clean Earth’s Application for the Wellsboro-Johnston Airport Project in Tioga County

Proposal To Extend Wellsboro Airport With Gas Well Drill Cuttings Is Dead

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that it is returning the NPDES permit application for stormwater construction to Clean Earth Inc. related to the company’s proposed use of treated drill cuttings for fill at the Wellsboro-Johnston Airport in Tioga County.

“Clean Earth has not fully responded to the deficiencies in the application and has agreed that the application should be withdrawn for the Tioga County project,” said DEP North-central Regional Director Marcus Kohl. “The department is deeming it withdrawn and returning it.”

DEP had been conducting technical reviews of the NPDES permit application and a site-specific approval under the company’s existing Waste Management Research and Development General Permit.

The department held a public meeting and hearing in late February in Wellsboro to discuss the project and accept public testimony.

For additional information about DEP, visit our website, www.dep.state.pa.us.

Reids Hometown Emporium Supporting the Hometown

The Firequacker 2015 Duck Race will explode on Saturday October 10 during the First Fork Festival at Sinnemahoning State Park. Joining the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce as a duck adoption center is Reids Hometown Emporium on Fourth Street in Emporium.

The ducks can be purchased for $2.00 each or a 6-quack for $10.00. The first place duck owner will receive $100.00, while second and third place finishers will take home $75.00 and $50.00 respectively. Last year two of the winning ducks were trained at Reids Hometown Emporium 

The funds will pay for the fireworks sponsored by Seneca Resources planned for July 2016. The fireworks draw crowds from as far away as Ohio and Maryland because of their noise level. This year they will blast off on Saturday July 2 at 9:45pm from the Cameron County High School Football Stadium.

Baker Announces Half Million Dollars in Funding for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project in Hamilton Township

Rep. Matt Baker

HARRISBURG – Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) today announced state funding in the amount of $514,683.20 from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for an abandoned mine reclamation project in Hamilton Township, Tioga County.

“Pennsylvania has numerous abandoned mines and reclamation projects, like the one now scheduled to take place in Hamilton Township, help return the land to a usable state that can benefit the community instead of lying dormant,” said Baker. “I welcome this funding and am looking forward to the project reaching its completion.”

Baker noted extensive work goes into transforming an abandoned mine site, including mobilization and demobilization of the site, grading, clearing, laying down surface materials, seeding and landscaping.

The project is expected to begin on Sept. 5, with a completion date of May 7, 2017.

Trib Total Media puts 9 Western Pa. newspapers up for sale

By The Tribune-Review
Friday, Aug. 28, 2015, 10:03 a.m.

Trib Total Media announced on Friday it intends to sell nine publications in Western Pennsylvania, including four daily newspapers.

“Our plan to sell these newspapers is part of a larger strategic growth plan that the board of directors has developed over the course of the past year,” said Jennifer Bertetto, president and CEO of Trib Total Media.

She said the death last year of Trib owner Dick Scaife prompted a strategic review of the company, which produces 77 publications.

The daily newspapers offered for sale are The Valley Independent in Monessen, the Leader Times in Kittanning, The Daily News in McKeesport and the Daily Courier in Connellsville.

Also up for sale is the Laurel Group, which publishes weekly newspapers in Westmoreland County. Those publications are The Mount Pleasant Journal, The Independent-Observer, The Ligonier Echo, The Times-Sun and The Jeannette Spirit.

“Additional investments are planned to enhance our digital offerings that will allow us to deliver the news where, when and how our readers would like to receive it,” said Bertetto, who became the company's top officer in January.

Read more: http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8994304-74/trib-media-total#ixzz3k8TgaZ2L
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook

Driver In Car / Train Crash At Turtlepoint Escapes With Minor Injuries

https://www.facebook.com/star.hose.7?fref=nf

Kane Dispatched To Fire Alarm At Kane High School

At 1:58 PM on Friday, Kane Fire & Ambulance have been dispatched to a fire alarm activation at the Kane High School on Rt. 321.
KANE HIGH SCHOOL REPORTS THIS IS A FIRE DRILL, THERE IS NO FIRE AT THE SCHOOL.

St. Marys EMS, Fire Rescue and Elkland Search & Rescue Responding To Logging Acccident

At 1:30 PM on Friday, St. Marys Fire Dept., Ambulance & Elkland Search & Rescue have been dispatched to a 30 year old male victim of a logging accident who was struck by a falling tree. Emergency services were to meet a gray Jeep at the end of Trout Run at the Trout Run Lodge gate to be taken to the scene. Caller reports victim is 12 miles back in the woods.
2:11 PM--EMS on scene reports patient is in stable condition. Stat helicopter on standby has been cancelled. 
2:17 PM--CHIEF 1 REPORTS PATIENT LOADED ON UTV EN ROUTE TO AMBULANCE.

JKLM ENERGY LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Sweden Twp, Potter County

JKLM ENERGY LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Sweden Twp Township

JKLM ENERGY LLC reports drilling started on 2015-08-28 00:00:00 at site REESE HOLLOW 118 3HU in Sweden Twp township, Potter county
Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling, gas, unconventional

JKLM ENERGY LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Sweden Twp Township

JKLM ENERGY LLC reports drilling started on 2015-08-28 00:00:00 at site REESE HOLLOW 118 2HU in Sweden Twp township, Potter county
Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling, gas, unconventional

JKLM ENERGY LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Sweden Twp Township

JKLM ENERGY LLC reports drilling started on 2015-08-28 00:00:00 at site REESE HOLLOW 118 1HU in Sweden Twp township, Potter county
Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling, gas, unconventional

Urgent Water Conservation Notice To Driftwood Water Company Customers

The Driftwood Water Company is issuing an 

URGENT WATER CONSERVATION NOTICE

effective immediately to all of their water customers.

The water levels at the Nanny Run Reservoir are CRITICALLY low. DEP was notified and on site when it was determined that this urgent conservation notice be implemented and effective immediately due to the lack of rain and no significant rain in the forecast.

Water restrictions are in effect, all outside watering privileges are suspended until further notice, such as:

-Watering lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and outdoor plants.
-Washing paved surfaces such as, streets, sidewalks, driveways, garages, parking areas, tennis courts and patios.
-Operating water fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools.
-Washing vehicles
-Serving water in public eating places unless specifically requested by the individual.
-Filling or topping off swimming pools.

Rt. 155 Bridge In Port Allegany To Be Repaired Next Week; Replaced In Spring of 2016

Bridge Deck Repairs Scheduled for Port Allegany Bridge

Daylight flagging will be in place

Port Allegany, PA – Concrete deck repairs and paving will start to take place Monday, August 31 on a Port Allegany bridge on Route 155, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Making these repairs will keep the bridge in service during the winter months until replacement of the superstructure can take place in 2016. 

Starting in the spring, the superstructure will be replaced along with replacing the back walls, removing the sidewalk and adding new expansion joints. Crews will also reset the rocker bearings and fixed bearings, which will allow the bridge to expand and contract properly in the summer and winter months,

PennDOT expects this year’s deck repair work to be finished September 11. Daylight flagging will be used to enforce an alternating traffic pattern while work takes place. Drivers need to remain alert for flaggers in the roadway and crew members working on or near the roadway and bridge.

The 330-foot bridge spans the Allegheny River in Liberty Township, near the borough of Port Allegany. It was originally built in 1953 and carries an average of more than 1,300 vehicles daily.

I.A. Construction Corporation of Franklin, PA is the contractor on this $8 million project. L.C. Whitford Company, Inc. of Wellsville, NY is the sub-contractor. Contract value includes all 2015 and 2016 work.

PennDOT reminds motorists to use caution through all work zones, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up.

False Fire Alarm At Sena Kean Manor Thursday Evening

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smethport-Fire-Department-Inc/1613243875571904?fref=nf

Port Allegany Dispatched To Train / Car Crash At Turtlepoint

At 12:06 PM on Friday, Port Allegany Fire & Ambulance have been dispatched to a train versus car crash on Champlin Hill Road in Turtlepoint. Second caller reports one possibly minor injury. Patient is at Carlson's store.

https://www.facebook.com/star.hose.7?fref=nf

Headline Harrisburg by Rep. Matt Gabler

Headline Harrisburg
Friday, August 28, 2015	The latest news from the State Capitol
Supporting Essential Services in Pennsylvania   On Tuesday, I joined a majority of my colleagues in voting to fund essential statewide services in the wake of Gov. Tom Wolf’s unprecedented complete budget veto on June 30. In a series of party-line votes, House Democrats declined to provide the necessary two-thirds majority necessary to override the governor’s veto and provide immediate funding for a range of human service and education-related programs, including rape crisis centers, domestic violence services, PHEAA college student grants and public school transportation – programs whose budget numbers are agreed to by both sides.   watch video The governor was wrong to indiscriminately veto these noncontroversial line items in the budget through a complete budget veto. While every Republican state House member voted to support immediate funding for these service providers, every Democrat voted against the attempt, directly resulting in a failure to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority needed to pass without the governor’s signature. History shows on June 1, every state House member on both sides of the aisle voted in opposition to Gov. Wolf’s proposed tax increases, which would total over $4 billion in the coming year by substantially increasing hard-working Pennsylvanians’ income and sales taxes. The unanimous vote that day proves this is not a partisan issue. The governor has created this impasse by continuing to demand a budget that legislators in his own party cannot support. On June 30, the state Legislature’s balanced, no-tax-increase budget bill was brought forth as a real, workable solution providing historic increases in education funding based on real revenues. Wolf’s choice to veto this bill was a historic and devastating decision for Pennsylvania. Nearly 60 days into this impasse, rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers and many other critical services are in desperate need of immediate funding. I am committed to continuing my work every day to bring real solutions forward to benefit our Commonwealth. I continue to call on the governor to come to the table willing to agree to realistic and workable solutions that will enable Pennsylvania to move forward in a way that benefits everyone, especially our most vulnerable constituents who were dealt another devastating blow this week by our colleagues who refused to vote to fund these essential human service and education programs.
I-80 Construction - Beginning this Monday, Aug. 31, work crews will begin to apply a high friction surface treatment to the road surface of Interstate 80 in half-mile sections, beginning just west of the Clearfield/Shawville near mile-marker 119 in both directions. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction at the work location. Once application is complete in Clearfield County, crews will move to Clinton County and apply the treatment eastbound and westbound at mile-marker 190. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction at the work location. PennDOT expects the project to be completed by the end of September, with some clean-up work possible in October. Weekend work is likely but no lane restrictions will be in place over the Labor Day holiday weekend, Sept. 4-8. All work will take place during daylight hours.
Attention Veterans – On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Brian Morris from the Pennsylvania American Legion will visit my DuBois district office from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. He will be answering veterans’ individual questions, as well as providing information on programs and benefits available to them. My district office is located at in the DuBois Area Plaza, Suite 10, 1221 East DuBois Ave., DuBois.

Pennsylvania warming to bring 'profound' changes, Penn State report says

By Donald Gilliland

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015

By mid-century, Pittsburgh might feel a lot more like the heat and humidity of summer in the nation's capital. 

Average temperatures in Pennsylvania likely will rise 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 35 years, causing “profound” changes in the composition of the state's forests and more frequent and severe flooding and heat waves, according to Penn State University scientists studying potential impacts of climate change. 

“There will be increased heat-related stresses, especially in cities,” said Dr. James Shortle, lead author of the report. He cautioned that “older people and lower-income populations will be especially susceptible.” 

The 2015 Climate Impacts Assessment is the second update to a report published by the Department of Environmental Protection in 2009 at the direction of the state Legislature. The 200-page assessment contains chapters by different scientists examining aspects of climate science and the likely effects on Pennsylvania. Shortle said it should be viewed as an addition to, rather than a replacement of, earlier reports. 

“The findings are stark,” said DEP Secretary John Quigley. “I personally find this report profoundly disturbing.”

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8988272-74/state-likely-report#ixzz3k7QjpZLy
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