Harrison Valley Woman Facing Cruelty To Animals Charges After Stabbing Her Dog 3 Times

Cuba, NY Woman Unhurt In Route 44 Crash In Hebron Township

Roulette Man Unhurt When Van Slides Over Embankment On Keating Summit Road

Shinglehouse Woman Charged After Punching Known Female

Ulysses Man Jailed For Forging & Cashing Checks On Harrison Township Couple's Account

Troopers Arrest Man For DUI After Traffic Stop In Hamlin Township

Pekarski Benefit Event At Coudersport Fire Hall Was A Success

Cathy Thompson Bowers added 11 new photos from January 16 at 4:30pm

After spending part of the day on the road, made it home in time to attend the benefit spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction held for Bill Pekarski and his wife, Beth. CVFD and the many volunteers and donations made this very special event possible.

The dinner was held to assist Bill and Beth with medical bills and associated costs concerning Bill's recent illness. Bill became critically ill last year and was hospitalized in Erie for over a month. He returned home to recuperate and became seriously ill with pneumonia and was hospitalized again. Bill has a long journey ahead, however he is now on the road to recovery, his spirits are high and he is anxious to get back to work.

For those who do not know Bill Pekarski, I can only say he is a wonderful man who has given so much to the community. He and Beth are loved by many and we know 2016 will be a good year for both.

Many thanks to the CVFD and the many donations and volunteers who made this possible. We certainly are blessed to live in a county and community where people come together in times of need. The event was a success! God Bless You, Bill and Beth. "Happy Trails"

More Snow On The Way For Snowbelt Areas and Beyond

https://www.facebook.com/2onyourside/?fref=nf

Coudersport Ambulance And Medic 6 Dispatched To RT. 44 North For A MVA

At 5:24 PM on Saturday Coudersport Ambulance and Medic 6 were dispatched to RT. 44 North for a MVA one vehicle roll over.

Mt. Jewett Fire Police Dispatched To Crash On Route 219

At 5:10 PM on Saturday, Mount Jewett Fire Police have been dispatched to assist State Police 2 miles north of the barracks on Route 219 for a motor vehicle accident with no injuries.

Emporium Woman Injured In Sizerville Road Crash

Please Return RockyTo His Home In Turtlepoint

Rocky was found and is now back home with his family 

Abbott & West Branch Township Annual Meeting Regarding Joint Dump Facility January 20, 2016

Dead Body Found Near Railroad Tracks In Wellsville

http://regionalnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2016/01/wellsville-police-investigating-dead.html

SP Olean - Troopers arrest Eldred man for DWI

On 01/09/16 SP Olean Troopers responded to a report of a vehicle off the roadway on the Barnum Road in the Town of Olean. 

Upon arrival Troopers located Ryan A. Worthington age 32 of Eldred with the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Worthington was the operator of the vehicle. Worthington was arrested and transported to SP Olean for processing. 

Worthington had a BAC of .13%. He was charged with DWI, issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Olean Court on 01/14/16 at 4PM and was turned over to a third party.

Derrick City Fire Dept. Called To Transformer Fire Overnight

Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department

Box 0133 - at 3:30am Station 1 and Station 11 were dispatched for a structure fire at the Mill Street Substation near ARG. Units arrived on scene to find no fire but a burned up transformer. 

 

Personnel from ARG were called however their was no loss of power at the Refinery and that it was Penelecs equipment that was damaged.

Roulette Ambulance To Pine Lane

At 1:19 PM on Saturday, Roulette Ambulance has been dispatched to Pine Lane for a medical emergency.

Jon R. COWBURN, 70, of Ulysses, PA

Jon R. COWBURN

Jon R. COWBURN, 70, of Ulysses, PA, died Friday, January 15, 2016 in Broad Acres Health and Rehabilitation Center, Wellsboro, PA. 

 Born December 23, 1945, in Wellsville, NY, he was the son of Roger W. and Florence Angood Cowburn. On August 20, 1966, in Genesee, PA, he married the former Elizabeth “Liz” McCarn, who survives. 

A 1963 graduate of Northern Potter High School, he was employed by Air Preheater in Wellsville, NY for 45 years, retiring in 2012. 

Jon was a member of the Ulysses First Baptist Church, where he had served as a Sunday school teacher, trustee, and deacon, life member of Trout Unlimited and was a volunteer with the healing waters program, life member of the NRA, and Sons of the American Revolution, General James Potter Chapter. 

He helped coach several Ulysses youth baseball teams and served on the Ulysses Borough Council. An outdoorsman, Jon was active in fly-fishing, hunting, bicycle riding, cross-country skiing, and hiking with canine companions. 

Surviving besides his wife, Liz, are: his mother, Florence of Ulysses; two sons, Robb (Trinity) Cowburn of Genesee, PA and Travis (Stephanie) Cowburn of Bradford, PA; six grandchildren, Brooklynne, Alexis, Holden, Madalene, Caleb, and Gavin; a brother, Richard (Debora) Cowburn of Coudersport; two sisters, Carolyn Cowburn of Ulysses and Faye (Brad) Gibson of Harrisburg, PA; nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his father. 

Friends may call Sunday, January 17, 2016 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 Ulysses First Baptist Church. The Rev. Jason K. Reed and the Rev. Marty Zdrojewski will co-officiate. Burial will be in Ulysses Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Trout Unlimited (for Healing Waters), P.O. Box 72, Coudersport, PA 16915, Northern Potter Athletic Endowment Fund, 745 Northern Potter Rd., Ulysses, PA 16948, or Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948. 

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

Girls Basketball

Girls Basketball
Falcons 57
Hubbers 46

http://sunkenbranch.zenfolio.com/ladyfalconshubsbasket

Photos Courtesy Of Leo Szczesny Sunken Branch Photography.

Friends of Kettle Creek

I sincerely thank the 51 members who have recently joined or renewed using the new credit card method or printing out the membership form from the KCWA website & mailing it with your check. That really helps make my new membership job easier and saves KCWA money.

Kettle Creek Watershed Association has positions open on our KCWA Board of Directors. This is not a huge commitment but rather an excellent excuse to come to the amazing Kettle Creek Valley for a weekend 4 more times a year. KCWA meetings do not interfere with holiday or family friendly weekends. The 2016 meeting dates and times are below. All meetings are held at the Kettle Creek Hose Company # 1 firehall in Cross Fork. If you would be interested in joining the board, please let us know at the email address below. Check out the current officers, board members and committees under the 'About Us' tab on our website below. In fact, if you have not done this recently, please check out all 'tabs' on the KCWA website.

We also need volunteers for lots of interesting committees. You do not need to be a board member to volunteer for committees, just a KCWA member.

The meetings below are open to KCWA members whether board members or not. Next one is only 3 weeks away, Saturday, February 6 at 9:30 AM (not too early in the day) at the KCHC # 1 firehall in Cross Fork. Selection of officers and committee chairs will occur at this February meeting. Please plan to attend.

2016 KCWA Quarterly Meetings

Feb. 6, 2016 - Sat. - 9:30 AM - Kettle Creek Hose Company #1 Firehall (KCHC) in Cross Fork

May 6, 7 & 8, 2016 - Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing​
- 3 day weekend for disabled/recovering ​
​ ​
​ ​military personnel.

May 7, 2016 - Sat. - 5:00 ​PM
- meeting - KCHC #1 Firehall
​
6:30 PM - Annual Pot Luck/Covered Dish Banquet - KCHC # 1 Firehall in Cross ​​
Fork
​
All veterans welcome at​ ​
banquet.

Aug. 6, 2016 - Sat. - 9:30 AM - KCHC #1 Firehall

Nov. 6, 2016 - SUN. - 9:30 AM - KCHC #1 Firehall

kettlecreek.org

kcwatershed@gmail.com

Pennsylvania Farm Show News

Jan. 15, 2016

The 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show: Our Commonwealth's Blue Ribbon Experience is the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs Jan. 9-16 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is $15. Visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us for details.
Fourteen Century, Bicentennial Farm Families Recognized

The historic 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show hosted a special event on Friday to recognize Pennsylvania farms that have been in the same family for 100 and, in some cases, 200 years. More...
Cumberland, Jefferson Co. Sheep Win Wooly Affair at Farm Show

Karen Fleishell of Carlisle, Cumberland County, won the Supreme Champion Wool Breed Ram honors with her Natural Colored ram. The Supreme Champion Wool Breed Ewe went to Callie Taylor of Timblin, Jefferson County, with her Border Leicester ewe during the Wool Breeding Sheep Show at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show. More...
The Elder's Way Wins at Farm Show Celebrity Cow Milking Contest

Twenty local celebrities from across the state gathered around the milking stool for the Celebrity Cow Milking Contest on Friday, January 15, at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. More...
York Co. Red & White Named 2016 Supreme Champion Dairy Cow

Spungold-MVU Salsa-Red-ET, exhibited by Roy Thompson of Wellsville, York Co. was named Supreme Champion of the Open Dairy Show on Friday, January 15, at the 2016 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. More...
Antiques Displays Connect Past, Present of Ag at Centennial Show

With a sharp bark, a 1943 John Deere H shuddered to life, settling into the throaty chuff characteristic of the green brand’s iconic two-cylinder tractors. More...
Boer Bucks 'Smoke' Out Competition at 2016 PA Farm Show

Dauphin and Lancaster County families took home top prizes in the Open Goat Meat Show on Friday, Jan. 15, at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show. More...
Redding Recognized by Philadelphia Society for Work to Further Ag

On Tuesday, January 12, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding was presented with the Gold Medal for Distinguished Service by the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture (PSPA). More...
Judge Amazed by Gretchen, Best Doe of Show

CH Coreys Animal Acres Gretchen owned by Betty Bronson from Bloomsburg, Columbia County won Best Doe of Show at the Open Dairy Goat Show on Friday, Jan. 15, at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show. More...
Bedford Co.'s Foor Brings Back Bun Blue Ribbon for Second Year

Bakers across the commonwealth catered to the sweet tooth of Farm Show visitors as they participated in the Sticky Bun Content at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show, Friday, Jan. 15, at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show. More...
Dairy Exhibitors Compete in 2016 Showmanship Contest

FFA and 4-H junior exhibitors went head-to-head, demonstrating their presentation skills, in the Junior Dairy Showmanship Contest on Friday, January 15 at the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. More...
Sweet Victory for Milton Hershey Student in Jr. Dairy Goat Show

CH Milton Hershey Coconut Cream, a Recorded Grade exhibited by Myra Brooks of Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Dauphin Co. was awarded Best Doe in Show in the Junior Dairy Goat Show on Thursday, January 14 during the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. More...
Tomorrow at the Farm Show:

It's Dairy Day on the PA Preferred Culinary Connection Stage, featuring former White House Chef John Moeller at noon, and the...

Celebrity Ice Cream Scoop Off featuring Penn Staters and Secretary Redding in the culmination of our 100th PA Farm Show celebration and the 150th anniversary of the Penn State Berkey Creamery, all in the Main Hall at 12:30 p.m., plus...

Farm Class Horse Pulling, a laid-back way to start the day, at 9:30 a.m. in the Equine Arena, as well as the open meat breeding sheep show in the Small Arena at 8 a.m., plus,
Purchase some delicious homegrown produce in the apple auction at 3 p.m. in the fruit exhibition area in the Main Hall, and...

FFAers are recognized for their informative displays in an Ag Career Connections awards ceremony in the East Hall at 1:30 p.m., lumberjacks and jills show off their skills in the Equine Arena at 2 p.m., and the First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo wraps up the 100th PA Farm Show at 5 p.m.
More...

Deuane C. Cummings, 102, a longtime resident of Wellsboro, PA

Deuane C. Cummings

Deuane C. Cummings, 102, a longtime resident of Wellsboro, PA, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at The Green Home. 

He was the husband of Margaret (Moran) Cummings, who preceded him in death, February 27, 2009. Deuane was born in Tioga, December 31, 1913, the son of the late Cassius and Edith (Jones) Cummings. He was one of eight children and grew up on a farm on Mitchell Creek Road, in Tioga.

Deuane worked for America LaFrance in Elmira NY, painting fire trucks. He was a steel guitar player, who also enjoyed woodworking. Deuane was a member of Wellsboro First Baptist Church.

Surviving are his son, Alan Cummings (Judy), Irmo, SC and his daughter, Janet Sloppy (Merril), Miamisburg, Ohio; nine grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; brother, Cecil (Red) Cummings, DeLand, Florida. 

In addition to his parents and wife, Deuane was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhenda Kennedy; sister, Theadora Barnes; five brothers, Reed, Gordon, Jesse, Maynard, and Luther Cummings.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016, 12:00 PM at Wellsboro Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey McCleary officiating. Local arrangements by Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, Ltd., 139 Main St., Wellsboro, PA 16901.

Memorials may be made in Deuane’s name to Wellsboro First Baptist Church, 25 Central Ave., Wellsboro, PA 16901.

To share your fondest memories of Deuane and sign the guest book, visit www.tusseymosher.com.

PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Morris Twp

PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Morris Twp Township

Gas permit issued on 2016-01-11 00:00:00 to SWN PRODUCTION CO LLC for site HERCEG 3H in Morris Twp township, Tioga county
Tags: PADEP, frack, permit, drilling, Gas

PA Permit Violations Issued

PA Permit Violation Issued to Eqt Production Co in Plumcreek Twp, Armstrong County

Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2016-01-15 to Eqt Production Co in Plumcreek Twp, Armstrong county. OGA 3216(C) - Failure to fill all pits used to contain produced fluids or industrial wastes and remove unnecessary drilling supplies/equipment not needed for production within 9 months from completion of drilling of well.
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling

PA Permit Violation Issued to Enervest Opr Llc in Lafayette Twp, McKean County

Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2016-01-06 to Enervest Opr Llc in Lafayette Twp, McKean county. SWMA301 - Failure to properly store, transport, process or dispose of a residual waste.
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling

Automatic Fire Alarm Activation At Baptist Church In Little Genesee

At 9:31 AM on Saturday, Bolivar and Richburg Fire Departments have been dispatched to the Baptist Church in Little Genesee for an automatic fire alarm activation in the basement.

Pancake breakfast with sausage and eggs 'till 10 am

 Shinglehouse Boy Scout Troop 557 is having a pancake breakfast with sausage and eggs at the Shinglehouse Firehall today from 7 am till 10 am.

Olean Dispatched For Vehicle Into Tree On Barnum Road

At 2:17 AM on Saturday, Olean Town Fire Rescue and EMS have been dispatched to the area of 676 Barnum Road for a vehicle into a tree with injuries.
ROADS REPORTED VERY SLIPPERY.

Firefighters Dispatched to Sewer Plant Road In Eldred For Automatic Fire Alarm

At 1:49 AM on Saturday, Eldred, Boro, township, Port Allegany and Westons Mills have been dispatched to 118 Sewer Plant Road for a automatic fire alarm.
Chief 4 reports nothing showing. Hold in quarters.

David Sharts, 47, from Gowanda is missing; Has Alzheimers Type Disorders

David Sharts  from Gowanda is missing

Buffalo, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Gowanda man is the subject of a Silver Alert issued Saturday morning by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

David Sharts, age 47, was last seen in the area of Aldrich and Buffalo Streets. He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, about 200 pounds, with gray hair. Police are not sure what he was last seen wearing.

This alert was issued for Sharts because he’s reported to have symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia or cognitive disorders.

If you have information about Sharts, call the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

Port Allegany Dispatched To One Vehicle Crash; Report Rt. 155 A Solid Sheet Of Ice

At 1:12 AM on Saturday, Port Allegany Fire Department and Ambulance have been dispatched to the area of 4927 Route 155 for a one vehicle crash. This is near Postlewaits. 
Port Allegany police on scene. One patient is possibly entrapped. Vehicle is against a utility pole. Report patient not conscious.
1:36 AM--Command reports extrication complete.

Applications Accepted For JV / Varsity Baseball Coach At Galeton Area School District

RN's, LPN's & CNA's Needed By PSA Healthcare in Cameron, Potter, McKean, Elk & Tioga Counties

1-22/23 Daniel A. Carter Antiques Extravaganza & Auction; Antique Road Show Appraisal

Lorenzo Family Optical In Kane, PA Has Closed

Start The New Year With A Warm and Toasty Car.

Substitute Teacher Training Available At Seneca Highlands IU9

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STATE COLLEGE PA
1014 PM EST FRI JAN 15 2016

WARREN-MCKEAN-POTTER-CAMERON-NORTHERN CLINTON-NORTHERN CENTRE-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WARREN...BRADFORD...COUDERSPORT...
EMPORIUM...RENOVO...PHILIPSBURG
1014 PM EST FRI JAN 15 2016

...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EST SATURDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STATE COLLEGE HAS ISSUED A
FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM EST
SATURDAY.

* LOCATIONS...PORTIONS OF THE NORTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS.

* HAZARD TYPES...FREEZING RAIN.

* ICE ACCUMULATIONS...LIGHT COATING IN SPOTS.

* TIMING...RAIN WILL OVERSPREAD THE REGION BY MIDNIGHT...WITH
PATCHY FREEZING RAIN OCCURRING AT THE ONSET. WARMING IS EXPECTED
TO OCCUR IN THE PRE DAWN HOURS...CHANGING POCKETS OF FREEZING
RAIN TO PLAIN RAIN BY 3 AM.

* IMPACTS...UNTREATED SURFACES WILL BECOME TREACHEROUS WITH EVEN A
SMALL COATING OF ICE.

* TEMPERATURES...LOWER 30S...WARMING ABOVE FREEZING BY 3 AM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING.
USE CAUTION IF TRAVELING ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES.
FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION...GO TO
WEATHER.GOV/STATECOLLEGE OR MONITOR NOAA WEATHER RADIO.

Shinglehouse Ambulance To Englar Street

At 10:23 PM on Friday, Shinglehouse Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched to Englar Street for a medical emergency.

Elk County eyes new building for recycling center

By Katie Weidenboerner katiew@thecourierexpress.com
Courier Express
 
ST. MARYS — Clad in winter attire, Elk County’s Solid Waste/Recycling coordinator Bekki Titchner, wandered through the vast and cold expanse of the 30,000 square foot industrial building she hopes to relocate the county’s recycling center to this year.

In November, the county agreed to purchase the property at 508 Washington St. in St. Marys for $920,000. Located directly across from Osram Sylvania, it formerly housed Advanced Recycling Equipment, which had been repossessed by Northwest Savings Bank.

Since the Elk County Solid Waste Authority started a fund drive for the new center, it has amassed $360,000 in funding, with another initial commitment of $200,000 from the Stackpole-Hall Foundation.

Several other grant requests are still being reviewed by various entities for equipment, a full assessment of the biomass system, and for the building as well as any changes which need to be made to it.

Find the full story in today's Courier-Express.

Lafayette, Lewis Run & Bradford Dispatched To House Fire

At 8:21 PM on Friday, Lafayette, Lewis Run and Bradford Township Fire Departments have been dispatched to a house fire

Roulette Ambulance To Friendly Inn

At 7:44 PM on Friday, Roulette Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched to the Friendly Inn for an unresponsive female.

7:45 PM--Ambulance on scene.
7:47 PM--Enroute to hospital.

Smethport Teen Unhurt In Rollover Crash On West Valley Road

Sinnemahoning Dispatched For Wykoff Run Rollover Crash

Rolled Over Into Stream

At 7:36 PM on Friday, Sinnemahoning Fire Dept. & Emporium Ambulance were dispatched to the area of 7101 Wykoff Run Road for a vehicle rolled over into a creek. 

The patient who suffered facial injuries has been removed to the Willows.

Coudersport Borough Closed Monday For Holiday

Coudersport Borough

Monday, January 18, 2016 is a holiday for the Borough. 

We will reopen on Tuesday Jan. 19 @ 8:30 am.

Coudersport Ambulance To Dwight Street

At 6:33 PM on Friday, Coudersport Ambulance & Medic 6 have been dispatched to Dwight Street for a maternity emergency.

Police Raid Methamphetamine Lab In Village Of Cuba; Man Jailed, Others Sought

Andrew J. Gaeta

Cuba NY Police K-9 Association

METH LAB BUSTED

 

Following a 3 month investigation into illegal narcotic activity inside the Village of Cuba, Andrew J. Gaeta of Cuba was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd (B Felony), 2 counts of manufacturing methamphetamine 3rd degree ( D Felony ), and 2 counts of criminal possession of controlled substance 7th ( Misdemeanor ). 

 

This investigation culminated with the execution of a search warrant on Grove Street where a methamphetamine lab was discovered. 

 

The Cuba Police Department was assisted by the New York State Police, NYSP C-CERT, NYSP C-NET, NYSP K-9 Unit, Allegany County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit, Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force. 

 

Gaeta is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He was sent to Allegany County Jail on $50,000 bail. 

 

Additional suspects and arrests are pending. 

 

Anyone with any information on illegal activity in Cuba should contact the Cuba Police Department at 585-968-1666 or by dialing 911.

Morris Dispatched For Motor Vehicle Crash With Confinement

At 6:18 PM on Friday, Morris Fire Department & Ambulance have been dispatched for a rollover accident with confinement.

Daggett Dispatched To Crash On Pumpkin Hill Road

At 6:11 PM on Friday, Daggett Fire Department has been dispatched to a one vehicle rollover accident on Pumpkin Hill Road near Aldrich Hill Road in Rutland Township.

Reverend Lewis R. Mericle, age 95, of 49 Rauber Street, Wellsville, NY

Reverend Lewis R. Mericle

Reverend Lewis R. Mericle

Wellsville, NY - Reverend Lewis R. Mericle, age 95, of 49 Rauber Street passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016 in his home. He was born on January 18, 1920 in Main Settlement, Pennsylvania to George and Elsie Harvey Mericle. On December 7, 1991 in Wellsville he married Shirley Raub who survives.

Lewis attended school in East Sharon, Pennsylvania and served in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1946. He worked for the Bingham Township for 9 years and in 1954 he became a truck driver for Harris Supply from where he retired in 1985. 

Lewis was the Pastor at several local churches for over 50 years. His first church was the Free Methodist Church in Hornell where he pastored for eight years, then the Fords Brook Church and then the Shongo Country Chapel where he currently is the Pastor. 

He enjoyed hunting and New York Mets Baseball.

Survivors include his wife Shirley of Wellsville; a son James Mericle of Lockport; 2 daughters Barbara (Sam) Gunter of Philipsburg, PA. and Ann (Rich) Jenkins of Wellsville; 4 step daughters Evelyn (Richard) Fletcher of Greenville, OH., Janice (Frank) Konier of Lanexa, VA., Michelle Crom of Jacksonville, NC., and Stephanie (Bill) Paschall of Rudy, AR.(Arkansas); 6 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Lewis was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Beth Young, a grandson Justin Forman and 3 brothers Glen, George, and Earl; 2 sisters Florence and Genevieve.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. His funeral service will be held in the Shongo Country Chapel Church in Shongo on Wednesday at 11 am. The Reverend Harry Barrigar assisted by the Reverend Frank Skies will preside the funeral service. 

Following the service at church he will be given a full military service followed by burial in Ulysses Cemetery. 

Memorials in His name may be made to the Shongo Country Chapel at 49 Rauber Street, Wellsville, NY. 14895. 

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Michael A. DeMarte, age 66, of Palm Bay, Florida

Michael A. DeMart

Palm Bay, Florida - Michael A. DeMarte, age 66, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away in his home on November 24, 2015. He was born on March 24, 1949 in Wellsville to Ralph and Wilma Brundage DeMarte.

USAF Veteran

Michael was a graduate of the Wellsville Central High School in 1968 and was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Following the service Michael worked at Dresser Rand for a time and later moved to Palm Bay, Florida. 

While in Florida He worked for and retired from Harris Communication. Michael was a member of the American Legion Post #117 in Palm Bay where he served as Chaplin, post commander, and was a member of the Patriot Guard.

Friends of Michael may join the family in honoring him at his Mother’s Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday January 23, 2016 at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville.

Walter W. Fourness, 70, of Sweden Valley, PA

Walter W. Fourness

Walter W. Fourness, 70, of Sweden Valley, PA passed away January 14, 2016 at Sweden Valley Manor.

Walter was born March 8, 1945 to Llewlyn Fourness and Florence Williams Fourness, at home in Odin, PA. 

 A graduate of Coudersport Area High School, Walter owned and operated Just Printing in Sweden Valley. 

He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. 

He is survived by a daughter: Lesile Empson (Randall) of Genesee, PA, a son: William Aaron Fourness of New York, several grandchildren, and two brothers: Llewlyn and Alvi Fourness both of Odin, PA. 

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Dorothy Chandler, and 1 granddaughter: Delilah Vossler. 

Donations may be made in his memory to: Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 531313 Henderson, NV 89053 for Stargardts research, or to the American Cancer Society 135 W 4th St, Emporium, PA 15834. 

Services will be private at the convenience of the family and are handled by the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 North East Street Coudersport, PA 16915. 

 Online condolences may be made at www.thomasfickinger.com

Port Allegany Dispatched For A Search

At 5:46 PM on Friday, Port Allegany Fire Dept. and Ambulance have been dispatched to stand by at the station and assemble for a search for a child. 

Police are enroute to get details.

6:02--Child reported found.

6:03 PM--Fire Dept. Recalled. Ambulance to scene for eval.

James N. Gould, 77, of 253 Congress St., Bradford, PA

James N. Gould

James N. Gould, 77, of 253 Congress St., Bradford, PA, passed away Friday, January 15, 2016 at his residence. 

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

Online condolences can be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Wilma M. DeMarte, age 94, of Merriam Heights, Wellsville, NY

Wilma M. DeMarte

Wellsville, NY - Wilma M. DeMarte, age 94, of Merriam Heights passed away on Tuesday, January 5, at the Hart Comfort House of Wellsville. She was born on July 29, 1921 in the Town of Willing to Homer and Mary Sekoll Brundage. On January 17, 1942 she married Ralph DeMarte who predeceased her on April 5, 1977.

Wilma was a lifelong resident of the Wellsville area. Upon graduating from Wellsville Central High School and became a school secretary for the high school principal. She took time off from work to raise her family and later went to work at the WLSV Radio station. Wilma was a long time bartender at the American Legion Post #702 in Wellsville and was a fixture at the voting stations around Wellsville. 

She was a member of the American Legion Post #702 Auxiliary, the 40 and 8 Auxiliary, the Immaculate Conception Church and the Mercy Associates. Wilma was an avid bowler who bowled in many leagues and tournaments and also enjoyed playing cards especially euchre.

Survivors include her son Larry (Trudy) DeMarte of Greece; a daughter Diane Scirto of Lockport; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as several cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband Ralph and two sons Thomas and Michael DeMarte.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Saturday January 23, 2016, in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials in Wilma’s name may be made to the Hart Comfort House at 141 East State Street in Wellsville. 

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Crosby Woman FlownTo Buffalo Hospital After Crash At Intersection

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

Eldred Township Dispatched To CO Detector Activation

At 3:22 PM on Friday, Eldred Township Fire Department has been dispatched to 7 West Eldred Road for a carbon monoxide detector activation with no illness.

COUDERSPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2015

COUDERSPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF DECEMBER 15, 2015 MINUTES RELEASED

The Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce met on December 15 at Kaytee’s. The following people were in attendance: Caitlin George, CCMH; Joe Lagrua, Lagrew Printing; Helen Pryslak, Sweden Valley Manor; Brenda Whitman, Country Shoppe; Jane Lanius, Ross Glen Studios; Carl Lanius, Ross Glen Studios; Suzan Paisley, Rep. Causer; Jolee McGarvey, Kightlinger's; Stan Swank, Shop n Save; David Hyde, A Way Out; Genny Tilton, Wagner Ace Hardware; David Brooks, PCVA; Nancy Grupp, NWSB; Gerri Miller, Black Forest Broadcasting; Megan Simms, Colonial Media; Logan Gorg, Ross and Ross, LLC; Patty Giannotti, Secretary.

Call to Order: President, Stan Swank at 12:20 p.m.
Speaker: No speaker at this meeting, so we had extra time to socialize!
Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve by David Brooks, Jolee McGarvey seconded.
Treasurer’s Report: Ending balance for November: $5,836.22. Motion to approve by Nancy Grupp, Jolee McGarvey seconded.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership: Patty reported that the Multi-Care Center (Dr. Fink) is our newest member! She and Zach Williams continue to solicit new members, so please contact them with any ideas for potential members, so they can send out membership information to them. Zach has generated a new format for the membership list that hopefully is easier to read.

Arboretum: Stan reported that he has Dick Buchanan's resignation. Dick is retiring after many years of service. If anyone is interested in taking over the chairmanship of the Arboretum Committee, please contact Stan or Dick.

Public Relations: Britta was not able to attend the meeting, so Suzan reported on her behalf. The Northern Tier Trading Co. Cash Mob was not well attended, perhaps because it was held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

Patty and David Brooks reported that the Artisan Center Open House/Cash Mob was a great success. The Artisan Center had a great sales day, and the event which featured food, live music, and local wine and cheese tasting was well attended and just plain fun! Suzan mentioned that she really enjoyed music being played outside on a speaker during the Open House - Carol Jackson's idea! It would be wonderful to have outdoor music throughout downtown Coudersport. 

 Suzan also reported that Ross & Ross, LLC had their Ribbon Cutting on Thurs., Dec. 12, and a photo of that event will be released to local media in the near future. Additionally, two other new members will be contacted after the holidays to possibly schedule Ribbon Cuttings.

Website and Facebook: Patty reported that Zach is continually working to improve the website, so keep the ideas coming!

Festival of Lights: Suzan reported that the Festival on Fri., Nov. 27 went well! Although there were no carolers, hot chocolate and cookies were served, and many families attended to join in the festivities! Chris and Genny Tilton were Santa and Mrs. Claus, and many families attended! Genny mentioned how rewarding it was to see the excitement of the kids and also mentioned that she would like to have Santa give something to the kids, such as a candy cane or coloring book, next year. The list of tree winners is on the Chamber Facebook page.

Route 6 Project/Downtown Development: David Brooks reported that Bev Morris, Borough Manager, told him not to be concerned about the route for the Potter Co. Marathon in 2016, because it looks like the Route 6 Project through Coudersport may be delayed until 2017. David mentioned that perhaps the change in the lead engineer may be the cause, while others at the meeting said perhaps it is because of the PA State Budget impasse. Regardless, nothing is official, so updates will be forthcoming. David also reported that Susan Kefover met with the Secretary of PennDOT and was able to secure additional PennDOT funding for curbing and possibly sidewalks, as well!

PCVA/Artisan Center & Chamber Partnership: David Brooks mentioned that another interesting aspect to the Cash Mob was that Card Creek Trading Post Winery was able to obtain a special permit from the PLCB to sell its wine at the Center that evening. Additionally, Carol Jackson coordinated with God's Country Creamery to obtain four varieties of their cheeses to taste and sell at the Center on a test basis. The Artisan Center is going to reexamine its bylaws, application, etc. in January, as well as draft a new budget. The building improvements are going as planned, and the storm window inserts have helped immensely already. Susan Lemons has graciously donated a snowblower for the building! Patty mentioned that she has been approached by someone suggesting that an incentive, such as Chamber Bucks, might be instrumental in attracting non-artisan volunteers to staff the Artisan Center, and the determination was made to pass on this idea for the next Artisan Roundtable meeting in January.

Route 6 Heritage: Nothing to report.

New Business:
-Stan reported that the drawing for the Chamber Holiday Raffle is on Fri., Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. at the Chamber Office. If you have any raffle tickets that have been sold, please return them to the Chamber Office before the drawing.

-Suzan reported that there is a Maple Festival planning meeting on January 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Laurelwood Inn. Everyone is encouraged to attend with any ideas you may have! A previous meeting in November was not well attended, so hopefully the January meeting will draw more interest, since in 2016 the Maple Festival will celebrate its 50th Anniversary!

Old Business:
-Stan reported that Chamber Board Elections were held in November to fill three seats and that he and Genny Tilton were elected. There was a tie for the third spot, and per the Chamber bylaws, Megan Simms was elected to fill that seat.

Member News:
-David Brooks had a lot of news to report for the PCVA:
--There is still advertising space available on the new Potter County map he is working on, and he showed us a mock-up of the map. There will be 15,000 copies printed and they are distributed through a vast array of tourist outlets. This is a very popular map and prices for advertising start at $135. Contact David ASAP if you are interested in buying a spot!
--The PCVA was just contacted by Competitor Magazine and they are going to feature the God's Country Half Marathon as one of the "Top 25 Half Marathons to do in 2016"! Registration is already open for the marathon!
--Another advertising opportunity coming out shortly is a new travel guide for the PA Route 6 Alliance, so watch your email!
--Denton Hill will definitely not be opening for skiing this season. There will be a public meeting on Wed., Jan. 20 in the late afternoon at either the Denton Hill Ski Lodge or the PA Lumber Museum to discuss the results of the online survey and inform the public of the park's current status. Keep your eyes open for the exact place and time.
--The Potter Co. Vintage Snowfest will be rescheduled in February.

-Genny Tilton reported that Wagner Ace Hardware is currently making many improvements to its building, and there is a lot of enthusiasm among the employees and customers alike with regard to the rearranging of the store. Wagner Ace would like to do some hands-on workshops in the future and Suzan spoke of the wonders of the new line of chalk-based paint that the store is carrying- exciting times!


Meeting Adjourned: 1:02 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty Giannotti, Secretary

Next CACOC Member Meeting: January 19, 2015 @ Noon at Kaytee’s.

-GUEST SPEAKER: David Brooks, Executive Director of the PCVA, will give a presentation about “Marketing on a Shoestring Budget”!

Please be advised that our meeting will start promptly at Noon, because Rep. Glenn Thompson will be holding a public event at Kaytee's immediately following our meeting.  Plan on staying for Rep. Thompson's event, if you can!

Please join the Potter County Republican Committee for a casual 1:00 p.m. luncheon with GT Thompson, U.S. Congressman, this Tuesday, January, 19, 2016, at Kaytee's Restaurant. 

This event is open to the public and is not party specific so please bring a guest so that we can represent the County of Potter well.

RSVP's by email or phone at (814) 274-9465 (Karen) are not required but are appreciated so that an appropriate amount of food will be available. 

Southern Tier Regional Task Force & Local Officers Acting On Search Warrant For Meth Lab

At 12:10 PM on Friday, Cuba Fire Dept. and Ambulance were called to their stations to stand by. Although no reason was given over ythe air, John Anderson of Wellsville Daily Reporter tweeted this:

3:44 PM--Cuba  Fire & Ambulance assemble crews & radio Chief 502 for instructions.

Fox Township Dispatched To Crash On Million Dollar Highway

At 2:00 PM on Friday, Fox Township Fire & Ambulance has been dispatched to the area of 1102 Million Dollar Highway for a motor vehicle crash with one injury.

Capitol Update

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Capitol Update Friday, January 15, 2016 The latest news from the State Capitol State Funding for Higher Education Blocked The state House took up legislation this week to fund higher education institutions including the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Unfortunately, the legislation, which requires a two-thirds majority to pass, failed along a mostly party-line vote. Senate Bill 915 would have provided $2.5 million in funding for the university, in addition to funding for the University of Pittsburgh as a whole. Bills providing state aid to the Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School also were defeated along mostly party-line votes, even though they too provided notable increases in funding to the institutions. Prudent and responsible budgeting over the last several years made this boost in funding possible without any new or increased taxes on Pennsylvania residents. The lack of adequate support to get funding to these schools is both frustrating and disappointing, and the students who are preparing for their futures there deserve better.   Governor Slashes Funding for PA’s Top Industry This week, I had the opportunity to visit the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The show, the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event, gives farmers a valuable opportunity to check out the latest equipment and farming practices, and it gives the public a chance to learn more about where their food comes from. Unfortunately, there was a shadow hanging over this year’s show…in the shape of the governor’s veto pen. When presented with a responsible, full-year budget, the governor chose to accept the majority of the budget but then vetoed funding for a variety of things, including millions in funding for agriculture programs. Probably the most mind-boggling of the governor’s vetoes is his choice to eliminate more than $50 million in funding to Penn State’s agriculture programs. That includes agriculture extension services and funding for the ongoing fight to keep highly pathogenic avian influenza out of the Commonwealth. How can one justify eliminating funding to fight what is by far the largest threat to the state’s poultry industry? He also eliminated funding for hardwoods research and development, a program that is very important to our region and the entire $12 billion timber and wood products industry. Thanks in part to the work of the Hardwoods Development Council, Pennsylvania leads the nation in exports of hardwood lumber, totaling $455 million. Other agriculture programs eliminated by the governor include agricultural research; agriculture promotion, education and exports; the centers for Dairy Excellence and Beef Excellence, which exist to support farmers’ efforts to grow their businesses and enhance profitability; and the statewide livestock and dairy shows. As chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I will work to get funding restored to these important initiatives that support agriculture as Pennsylvania’s top industry.   Coming Up Next Week: Denton Hill State Park Study Results to be Outlined at Jan. 20 Open House Just a reminder that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will hold a public open house on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Denton Hill State Park to discuss results of a feasibility study about future uses of the park. The open house will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Denton Hill Ski Lodge. Issues to be discussed include data and information gathered regarding the current condition of the park infrastructure; market analysis for economic viability of ski operations; and public input received through a survey regarding four-season recreational opportunities at Denton Hill. In the event of bad weather, the open house will be moved to Wednesday, Jan. 27. Denton Hill is a valuable asset to our region, and I am hopeful the study results will help guide the park to a brighter future.   PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day All of PennDOT’s driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, Jan. 16, through Monday, Jan. 18, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Stay Safe, Enjoy Winter Activities

Always wear protective gear and exercise proper safety precautions

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds Pennsylvanians of all ages to stay safe during the winter months, while driving or enjoying many outdoor activities. With variations in temperature and density of snow, outdoor activities and driving can become more dangerous than adults or children realize, leading to injury and even death.

PennDOT District 2 reminds every one of the following safety guidelines:

· People should stay away from the path of snowplows and snow blowers.
· Avoid having snowy or frosty windows. They should be free from obstruction so drivers have clear visibility.
· Children’s play areas should be away from roads, fences and water.
· Icy roads make it difficult to stop quickly. Take extra caution when crossing roads and stay out of the way of oncoming vehicles.
· Throw snowballs at safe targets, like trees or telephone poles, they should never be aimed at people or vehicles.
· Children should never play on roadside snow banks, nor should anyone stand beside a roadside snow bank where they are not visible to traffic. Snowplow drivers or other drivers may not see you.
· Always sled in familiar territory. Stay away from roads, creeks, rivers, railroads, parking lots, and other potential hazards, such as trees, picnic tables and swimming pools.
· While sledding, wear a helmet that meets bike helmet standards.
· Always sled in the daylight, never at night.
· Only use a sled that can be steered and is in good condition. Never ride a sled being pulled by a car, truck or ATV.

Drivers are reminded to drive with caution around downtown and more heavily populated areas, obey the posted speed limits and always buckle up.

PITT-BRADFORD SPRING SPECTRUM SERIES FEATURES STUDENT ARTISTS

The attached photo shows a painting by Aaron Kagan Putt, one of the artists to be featured in the spring Spectrum series at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

BRADFORD, Pa. -- Student work and gritty artists will be highlighted during the spring Spectrum Arts Series at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

Events are free unless otherwise noted.

Student and community writers will share their work at the Baily’s Beads Celebration to unveil the 2016 edition of the award-winning literary magazine at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons.

The following week painter Aaron Kagan Putt will open an exhibition of his work with a free artist talk and reception at noon Feb. 4 in the KOA Art Gallery of Blaisdell Hall. His work involves immersion in unfamiliar environments and cultures and features his impressions of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico; Central America; Latin America and West Africa.

The exhibition will be on display from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through March 4.

At noon, Feb. 18, multi-instrumentalist blues artist Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton will play a blend of traditional jazz, blues, folk and country in the Studio Theatre in Blaisdell Hall. Will Friedwald of the Wall Street Journal wrote that Paxton is “virtually the only music-maker of his generation – playing guitar, banjo, piano and violin, among other implements – to fully assimilate the blues idiom of the 1920s and ’30s.”

In March, Spectrum and the Women’s History Month Committee will present “The Other Mozart” at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theater. Created by Sylvia Milo, the monodrama is set in a stunning 18-foot dress designed by Magdalena Dabrowska from the National Theater of Poland.

After the 75-minute performance, a discussion will take place in conjunction with Women’s History Month.

Later that month, “Affairs of the Art,” the annual exhibition of student artwork will open at noon March 18 and last through April 18 in the KOA Art Gallery.

In April, students working with Dr. Kevin Ewert, professor of theater, will reveal an original play as part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Year of the Humanities. Students are working with the Pitt-Bradford Prison Education Program and the Federal Correctional Institution – McKean to explore and express ideas about being human in a prison setting. Students will work with inmates to find stories for an original creation.

There will be an on-campus production of the show, with details to be announced at a later date.

The Spectrum season will be capped off by a performance by the Pitt-Bradford Vocal Arts Ensemble at noon April 14 in KOA Speer Electronics Lobby.

Headline Harrisburg

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Headline Harrisburg Friday, January 15, 2016 The latest news from the State Capitol  Investing in Education - The state budget is often mistakenly characterized as simply one piece of legislation. It is in fact a series of bills that go together to form a blueprint for the fiscal year. In late December, the Legislature sent Gov. Tom Wolf a complete, $30.2 billion general appropriations bill that provided immediate funding for state agencies and public schools across the state. It included a $405 million increase for public schools that did not require increases in taxes on Pennsylvanians’ income or purchases. On Tuesday, the House passed House Bill 1327, the Fiscal Code for the 2015-16 budget which provides further instructions on how to administer the monies allocated under the budget that was passed and signed in late December. Among other things, the legislation would clarify that entities which participate in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs during the current fiscal year may use the credit in either the tax year in which the application or the contribution is made. This is necessary to address complications arising from the delayed issuance of award letters by the governor. The contributions made under EITC and OSTC are essential to providing funds to students in many public school programs as well as students who attend non-public schools. When signed into law, the Fiscal Code would also outline conditions for the funding of agricultural research, including new funding for avian flu research, as well as require funding of after-school learning programs for low-income students in Clearfield and Elk counties. House Bill 1327 may now be taken up by the state Senate.   Supporting Our College Students - The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania supports a number of “state-related” universities through appropriations that are promised year-to-year to keep tuition low for in-state students. Legislation to provide these funds is passed every year, and requires a two-thirds vote in each chamber for approval. Efforts to send much-needed funding to Penn State University (including the Pennsylvania College of Technology), the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School failed Monday when the legislation allocating the revenue did not achieve the necessary two-thirds majority of votes. Senate Bills 912-916 would have provided responsible, sustainable funding for each of these institutions. The money to provide this funding is currently sitting in the state Treasury awaiting authorization to be disbursed. I voted in favor of these bills, along with 113 of my House Republican colleagues; however, only two of the necessary 26 House Democrats voted in favor of the bills, leaving us short of the necessary votes to approve them. This is the second time funding for these schools has been defeated due to lack of bipartisan votes. The rationale for House Democratic leaders’ opposition to these bills was a lack of support for increased state revenues (which is code language for tax increases). Continued insistence upon “hostage holding” in Harrisburg in an effort to raise taxes on hard-working Pennsylvanians is disappointing. I continue to stand with citizens who believe the General Assembly should remain hard at work, getting the job done by doing the right thing for taxpayers and citizens who count on essential government services. More information on this issue may be found by clicking here.    Attention Persian Gulf Veterans - The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is again accepting applications for the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans Benefit Program. The deadline to apply is now Aug. 31. 2018. The bonus pays $75 per month for qualifying, active-duty service members, up to a $525 maximum. For personnel whose death was related to illness or injury received in the line of duty in Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm, there is an additional $5,000 available to the surviving family. Service members who were declared prisoners of war may also be eligible for an additional $5,000. In each case, the service member must have: Served with the U.S. Armed Forces, a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Pennsylvania National Guard. Served on active duty in the Persian Gulf Theater of Operations during the period from Aug. 2, 1990, until Aug. 31, 1991, and received the Southwest Asia Service Medal. Been a legal resident of Pennsylvania at the time of active duty service. Been discharged from active duty under honorable conditions, if not currently on active duty. Received the Southwest Asia Service Medal. Individuals who received a bonus or similar compensation from any other state are not eligible for the Pennsylvania program. The deadline for applying for benefits under the program extension is Aug. 31, 2018.