Solomon's words for the wise: 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Reports Arrest After Alleged Stabbing Incident

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office

5 hrs

Domestic Incident Arrest
Allegany- On December 31, 2018 at 1:45 am, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office reports the arrest of Triston R. Heitzinger, 19, of Allegany. Mr. Heitzinger was arrested for Assault in the 1st degree, Assault in the 2nd degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th degree, Resisting Arrest, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, following a domestic dispute.

It is alleged that Mr. Heitzinger stabbed a family member which resulted in injury. The victim was transported to Olean General Hospital by ambulance, treated and released.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Village of Allegany Police Department and the City of Olean Police Department.

Mr. Heitzinger was arraigned in the Town of Allegany Court and was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash/$10,000 bond.

Friendship, Belmont Dispatched For Water Rescue

At 10:54 PM on Monday, Friendship Fire & Ambulance has been dispatched to a water rescue in Van Campen Creek behind the Valley View trailer park on Route 20.

Two people are on the vehicle which is floating down the creek toward Amity.

10:56 PM--Belmont Fire Dept. dispatched to the overpass in Belmont to watch for the car being swept down stream in the creek. Amity Rescue also dispatched.
At 11:20 PM--Requesting Westons Mills Water Rescue with boat to 6463 County Road 20.
11:27 PM--Wellsville Rescue with water rescue equipment requested. Helicopter also requested. Very swift water reported.
11:34 PM--No helicopters available due to weather.

Jim Monheim photo (Facebook)

Allegany County Fire Wire shared a post.
1 hr ·

A valiant team effort by the Swift water teams to execute a successful rescue!
Allegany Fire Dept. Technical Rescue Team
2 hrs ·

11:17pm on December 31- The Technical Rescue Team responded to assisted Friendship Fire for 2 people trapped on the roof of a vehicle in a swollen creek.

Our team along with Westons Mills responded with 10 swift water technicians and met up with 4 techs from Wellsville Engine 1 to form a plan. Wellsville Engine 1 set up down stream safeties and began setting up for a high line operation. Allegany was able to launch our inflatable boat with jet drive into the swollen creek to pull the two very cold victims from the roof of their SUV.

The victims were handed off to ems for transport to OGH.

Each member of the Allegany and Westons Mills teams put in over 100 hours of training a year and are equipped with the proper and best equipment available for water, rope, and confined space rescues.

Recently the teams have began some regional training with the great members of Wellsville Engine 1 and the Ladder Company and tonight this teamwork paid off. Many volunteers from several departments, from 2 counties, came together to start the New Year on a positive note.

Coudersport Ambulance to Rt. 6 West

At 8:45 PM on Monday, Coudersport Ambulance has been dispatched to Rt. 6 West for a woman ill.

Clinton County Units Responding To House Fire

Clinton County Fire Wire

4 mins

Stations 8,12,10,5,6,45,3,94
****WORKING BOX****
House fire 98 TIADAGHTON AVE in Pine Creek Township.

Woman charged with stealing $2,000 from St. Marys Walmart

Connect Radio FM

St. Marys, PA – A Ridgway woman faces charges after she reportedly stole more than $2,000 worth of items from the St. Marys Walmart.

27-year-old Southern Shute is accused of failing to scan $2,022.47 worth of merchandise over 21 different occasions.

Shute was charged with 21 counts of retail theft.

Smethport & Port Allegany Dispatched For House Fire

At 6:26 PM on Monday, Smethport & Port Allegany Fire Depts. have been dispatched for a house fire.

Chief 220 on scene: Fire is out. Smoke throughout the structure.

Port Allegany recalled. Smethport respond non-emergency.

Smethport Fire Department Inc.

49 mins

SFD dispatched for a structure fire on Green Street along with Port FD and Ambulance 16. Chief 220, Dana Spittler, arrived on scene to report fire out and recalled all units expect Station 2. Engine 23 responded with 4 and cleared the house. All station 2 units were in service in less than 30 minutes. Chief 2 and several Firemen were also on scene.

One Dead After Standoff in Waterville

North Central PA.com

Press release from Pennsylvania State Police in Montoursville regarding standoff incident today in Waterville:

On 12/31/18 at approximately 0442 hours, Lycoming County EMS was dispatched to 111 Church Street, Waterville, Cummings Township, Lycoming County, for a reported complaint of chest pains by Brant Hartung, 62.

Upon EMS arrival, Hartung denied EMS personnel entry to the home and was again in contact with Lycoming County Control. Hartung allegedly indicated he thought someone was trying to get into his house and poison him.

As EMS personnel retreated from the residence they heard gunfire and PSP was dispatched to the location. Upon police arrival, Hartung refused to exit the residence. At approximately 0739 hours Hartung allegedly fired rounds at law enforcement from within the residence.

PSP SERT (Special Emergency Response Team) was activated and responded to the scene. An arrest warrant for Hartung was obtained for charges of Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer and Aggravated Assault.

Continued efforts to persuade Hartung to surrender were attempted until Hartung again allegedly fired upon law enforcement. PSP returned gunfire. Hartung was struck and is deceased.

PSP was assisted on the scene by Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Department, DCNR and local fire and EMS departments.

Elizabeth "Betty" Shembeda, 91, of Glendora, CA, formerly of 15 Leonard Avenue, Bradford, PA

Elizabeth "Betty" Shembeda

Elizabeth "Betty" Shembeda, 91, of Glendora, CA, formerly of 15 Leonard Avenue, Bradford, PA, passed away, Friday, December 21, 2018, at Citrus Valley Hospice in W. Covina CA.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, from 4-6 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc, 372 East Main Street. Friends are also invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday at 10:00am in St. Francis Church with the Rev. Stanley Swacha, Senior Associate, as celebrant. Entombment will be private in St. Bernard Cemetery.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Bradford Public Library or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

2019 DuBois Fire Department Officers Announced

DuBois Fire Department

2019 DuBois Fire Department Officers:

Chief- Joe Mitchell
Deputy Chief- Tony Roy
Assistant Chief- Mike Federici

Captain 71-Jim Bolam
Captain 72-Chad Roy
Captain 73- Leo Brooks
Captain 74- Tyler Clark
Captain 75- Nick Laukitis

Good Luck to everyone and have a safe and happy New Year!

North Carolina Man Arrested For Alleged Threat To Cuba-Rushford School District

Phillip C. Dick

Cuba Police Department

On Sunday, December 30th, at approximately 10:00pm, Cuba Police arrested Phillip C. Dick (34) of Sanford, North Carolina.

Phillip Dick was arrested and charged with Making a Terroristic Threat (Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Misdemeanor).

Phillip Dick was processed and placed in front of Cuba Town Justice Tuttle and sent to the Allegany County Jail on $1500.00 bail/$3000.00 bond.

These charges stem from an investigation in September in which Phillip Dick allegedly made a threat to the Cuba-Rushford School District.

Phillip Dick is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Roulette Ambulance Dispatched To Port Allegany

At 2:04 PM on Monday, Roulette Ambulance has been dispatched to Church Street in Port Allegany for chest pains.

Police Standoff Continues Behind Waterville Hotel

The Record

WATERVILLE – Details remain sketchy but at noontime Monday a standoff between a person and state police continues to the rear of the Waterville Hotel along Route 44 near Pine Creek.

Multiple state troopers from Montoursville and Lamar responded Monday morning following reports of a standoff. Read more...

UPDATE: Reports that Police have shot the man in the standoff and he is deceased.

Coudersport Ambulance To Cherry Springs Road

At 1:44 PM on Monday, Coudersport Ambulance has been called to Cherry Springs Road for a woman ill.

Millerton & Big Elm Dispatched To Natural Gas Leak

At 1:24 PM on Monday, Millerton & Big Elm Fire Depts. have been dispatched to a natural gas leak at a residence at 4561 Rt. 328.

Wellsville N.Y. Police Department Blotter

Saturday, December 29, 2018
Wellsville Police arrested Rohan T. Tinson, age 40 of Erie, PA, charging him with AUO 3rd (Aggravated Unlicensed Operation) and No/Inadequate Plate Lamps. The charges stem from a traffic stop on North Brooklyn Avenue in the Village of Wellsville. Tinson was issued traffic citations and released. Tinson is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on January 22nd at 4:30 pm.

Friday, December 28, 2018

Wellsville Police arrested two 14 year old youths, from Wellsville and Friendship, following incidents that took place on Hill Street and Crescent Drive in the Village of Wellsville. The youths were located on South Broad Street and taken into custody. The 14 year old Friendship youth was charged with Menacing 2nd, Resisting Arrest and Possession of Alcohol by a person under 21 years of age. The Wellsville youth was charges with two counts of Criminal Mischief 4th and Resisting Arrest. The youths were petitioned to the Allegany County Probation department for further action.

Monday, December 24, 2018

Wellsville Police arrested Justin JL Fisher, age 22 of Bolivar, charging him with Harassment 2nd. Fisher was processed and arraigned before Wellsville Village Justice O’Connor. Fisher was released and is due back in Wellsville Village Court on January 22nd at 4:30 pm.

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Wellsville Police, acting on a Bench Warrant issued by the City of Hornell Court, arrested Brian J. Goodrich, age 36 of Wellsville. Goodrich was turned over to the City of Hornell Police Department. Goodrich was due to be arraigned in the City of Hornell Court at a later time.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Wellsville Police arrested Sonya M. Bleau, age 30 of Wellsville, charging her with a Probation Violation. Bleau was processed, and turned over to the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department. Bleau was due to be arraigned in the Town of Scio Court.

Friday, December 21, 2018

Wellsville Police arrested Michelle K. Fauth, age 40 of Wellsville, charging her with Falsely Reporting an Incident 3rd. The charge stems from an incident that took place on December 20th in the Village of Wellsville. Fauth was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. Fauth is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on January 15th at 4:30 pm.

Events Scheduled This Week at Sinnemahoning State Park

Events Scheduled This Week at Sinnemahoning State Park

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
First Day Hike – Start the New Year on the right foot with an easy 2.5-mile guided hike on fairly level trails. Scout for dens, nests, and other animal traces as you learn about additional outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the coming year. Dress for the weather and bring water. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Meet at Wildlife Center

Saturday, Jan. 5, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Coffee with the Birds – Resolve to spend more time enjoying backyard birds this year. Join park staff for a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, INDOORS, as we learn about the birds visiting the feeders just outside the classroom window. No pre-registration required. Wildlife Center Classroom

Rhea J. Reeves, 85, of Coudersport, PA

Rhea J. Reeves

Rhea J. Reeves, 85, of Coudersport, PA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 31, 2018, in the home of her son, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.

Nancy Lent of Coudersport is a Winner

Dan Woods of Smethport is a Winner

Tara Morey of Smethport is a Winner

High Wind Warning issued December 31 at 12:28PM EST until January 01 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM
EST TUESDAY...
The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a High Wind
Warning, which is in effect from 11 PM this evening to 7 AM EST
Tuesday. This upgrades the High Wind Watch which was previously
in effect.
* LOCATIONS...Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming,
Chautauqua, Allegany and Cattaraugus counties.
* TIMING...From late this evening through early Tuesday morning.
* WINDS...Southwest 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.
* IMPACTS...Strong wind gusts will bring down trees and power
lines and result in scattered power outages. Minor property
damage is also possible, especially to roofs and siding. Travel
in high profile vehicles will be very difficult at times.

INSTRUCTIONS: High winds of 58 mph or greater will make driving difficult and
could result in property damage, including downed trees and power
lines. Scattered power outages are expected. Home owners should
secure loose objects.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)

SUSQUEHANNA RIVER SURVEYS REVEAL ABUNDANT SMALLMOUTH BASS, CHANNEL CATFISH POPULATIONS

HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 31) — In a pair of recent reports, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) biologists concluded that the Susquehanna River is home to a healthy, abundant population of smallmouth bass and channel catfish.
From October 22-28, 2018, fisheries biologists conducted nighttime electrofishing surveys targeting adult smallmouth bass at four historic sampling sites located within the middle portion of the Susquehanna River between Clemson Island and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge. Sites surveyed were near Clemson Island, Rockville, the Dock Street Dam and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Bridge near Highspire, Dauphin County.

Of note, the catch rate of smallmouth bass in 2018 was the fifth-highest on record since standardized surveys began in the middle section of the Susquehanna River in 1990. In addition, the surveys revealed a strong population of adult bass ranging in size from 6 to 20-inches, as well as record numbers of trophy-sized bass measuring 18-inches or longer.

“The findings of this survey continue to reveal a strong smallmouth bass population,” said Geoff Smith, PFBC Susquehanna River Biologist. “Because we’re seeing fish in all size categories, we believe the population will remain strong for years to come.”

In a second report, PFBC biologists outlined the findings of adult channel catfish surveys conducted between 2016 to 2018. During this time, biologists surveyed eleven sites; six in the middle section of the Susquehanna River extending from Sunbury to York Haven, and five in the lower Susquehanna River from York Haven to the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge.

Using commercial catfish bait, biologists collected thousands of channel catfish ranging in length from 12 to 31-inches. While equipment used in the survey is not capable of collecting younger fish, typically those under 12-inches, the number of catfish in the angler-preferred length of 24-inches or longer was good in both the middle and lower sections of the river with no evidence of overfishing.

The entire smallmouth bass report and channel catfish reports can be found at www.fishandboat.com.

Allegany Dispatched To 2 Vehicle Crash On East Main Street

At 12:32 PM on Monday, Allegany Fire & Ambulance have been dispatched to a 2 vehicle crash on East Main Street at North 6th Street in the Village.

Geraldine “Gerry” Jacqueline Tassone, 91, of Warren, PA

Geraldine Tassone

Geraldine “Gerry” Jacqueline Tassone, 91, of Warren, PA, passed away Monday morning, December 31, 2018, at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice Residence in Warren.

Gerry was born on January 2, 1927 in Easton, PA, the daughter of the late Frank and Esther Ring Fournier.

Gerry had resided in Warren, PA for many years and had previously resided in West Melbourne, FL. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Warren.

Gerry is survived by her daughter – Karen K. (David) Zock of Warren, PA; grandchildren – Abby L. Wenzel (Chris) and Andrea S. Hall (“JT” Litsko), Missy Shene (Mark), Matt Zock (Kerstin); great-grandchildren – Rebekah Jacqueline Wenzel, Lani Wenzel, Niclas Wenzel, Marylin Shene, Parker Shene, Lily Zock and Evan Zock.

At Gerry’s request, there will be no visitation hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Those wishing to place a memorial may do so to First Lutheran Church, 109 W. Third Avenue, Warren, PA, 16365.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com

ELK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY INVESTIGATING RECENT THEFTS AT DECKER’S CHAPEL

The sun sets behind the silhouette of Decker’s Chapel in St. Marys, Pennsylvania.

RIDGWAY, PA – The Elk County Historical Society is working with local and state law enforcement to investigate recent thefts that have taken place at the historic Decker’s Chapel in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. The 162 year-old wayside sanctuary is managed and maintained by the all-volunteer staff of the Elk County Historical Society. In two separate incidents, which took place in recent months, the chapel’s donation box was vandalized and stolen.

Historical Society Board President, Kurt Hughes said, “We are sad and frustrated that thieves would target a holy place that is open to all. The small donations that visitors deposit in the donation box help to maintain the site.”

Currently, the chapel is open year-round, as it has been since the original structure was completed in 1856. The Society was deeded the property in 1990 by a descendant of the Decker family. In 2016, the Society completed extensive renovations of the space, which included the addition of a wheelchair ramp to make the chapel more accessible.

“Wayside chapels have become rare in America.” Hughes added. “Unfortunately, we currently do not have enough volunteers to staff the chapel daily, but it is important to us to carry on this tradition and make the space available to all seeking a place of prayer and reflection.”

The chapel is equipped with surveillance cameras. In both incidences, the thieves were clearly caught on camera in the act of removing the donation box from the chapel. Members of the Historical Society staff are unable to determine how much money may have been inside the donation box at the time of the thefts, but they are encouraging those wishing to give to the preservation fund to mail checks directly to the Society at their offices in Ridgway.

“Ideally, we’d love to have an army of volunteers who were willing to help tend to the chapel, but we’re not going to allow petty thieves to prevent us from keeping it open to the public every day,” Hughes concluded. State and local police are investigating the thefts. One party has already been identified and a forthcoming arrest is expected.

Decker’s Chapel has been a landmark in St. Marys for well over a century and a half. As local history tells, the original structure was built after a farmer, Michael Decker, fell from a tree and sustained an injury to his back. Decker vowed that if the injury would heal and not cause permanent damage he would build a chapel in thanks for the miracle. When his prayer was answered, he built a crude sanctuary on the site of the current building, which has undergone many alterations and changes since its construction in 1856. It remains one of the oldest and smallest wayside chapels in America.

The Elk County Historical Society is asking for the public’s help in maintaining the chapel. Volunteers and donations are always welcome and anyone interested in donating their time or money should contact the Society by phone at 814-776-1032 or by email at elkctyhistoricalsociety@windstream.net. More information about the chapel and the Society can be found at elkcountyhistoricalsociety.org.

About the Elk County Historical Society
The Elk County Historical Society is a nonprofit membership organization funded through donations and grants and governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. The Society is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. The Society is funded in part by generous grants from Elk County and the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. The Society is a repository of artifacts that tell the rich story of Pennsylvania and pioneers and settlers who ventured into the vast wilds to help create America.

St. Marys Holiday Tournament Finals 12/29/18

St. Marys Holiday Tournament Finals 12/29/18

St. Marys Lady Dutch 41
Johnsonburg Lady Rams 31

Elk County Catholic Crusaders 43
Ridgway Elkers 40

Galeton Pa. Weather Report December 2018

It seems the weather for November and December got switched around. November was colder than normal and December was just the opposite. There were no zero or below readings in December, however we did have a zero degree reading in November.

In spite of the mild December, we did have a white Christmas. It snowed 1.5" Christmas eve and lasted through the 25th.

This December we received 4.17" of rain and 3.1" of snow. Pine Creek became quite high thanks to a hard shower and a thunderstorm on the 22nd. That particular two day period we recorded 2.71" of rain.

We had only one day in December with 1" or more of snow on the ground. However, we did have 9 mornings with a trace of snow on the ground. We recorded 4 foggy mornings and one thunderstorm on the 22nd.

Last year we received 1.35" of rain and 9.35" of snow.

Averages for December 3.05" rain. average high temperature is 36 degrees and the average low is 21 degrees.

For 2018 we measured 60.27" of rain . Needless to say it was a record breaking wet year. Rainfall total was 17.98" above normal. In July we received 11.96". This is the highest monthly total I have measured in my 51 years in this job. The total snowfall was 51.21" which was 3" below normal.

The way it looks today, 2019 will begin very wet and warm.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Henry W. Lush
National Weather Service Observer

Robert Jones Missing From Buffalo, NY

Coudersport Ambulance To Davidge Street

At 11:56 AM on Monday, Coudersport Ambulance has been dispatched to Davidge Street for a possible CVA.

Raymond Edward Deegan, 88, of Smethport, PA

Raymond Edward Deegan

Raymond Edward Deegan, 88, of Smethport, PA, passed away Saturday (December 29, 2018) in Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.

He was born Oct. 16, 1930 in Reynoldsville, a son of Leonard and Vira Fuller Deegan. On Aug. 30, 1958, in St. Casmir's Catholic Church, Erie, PA, he married Audrey Ann Bargielski, who survives.

Korean War Veteran

Mr. Deegan was a graduate of Reynoldsville High School. He was later drafted into the Army where he served in Germany during the Korean War. He graduated from Gannon University of Erie, PA with an Industrial Management degree.

Raymond worked for Jaguar Manufacturing Co. of Smethport as Plant Manager.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved to play golf. He also was a dedicated Notre Dame, Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Church of Smethport, Smethport Country Club and Smethport Legion.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

One son: Raymond A. (Kristine Hammett) Deegan of Tampa, FL

Two daughters: Jean (David Ingram) Deegan of Streator, IL and Mary (Scott) Deegan-Collins of Olean, NY

Grandchildren: Allan, Amber and Adam Ingram, Kayla, Connor and Mason Deegan, and Ashlyn Collins.

One sister: Margaret Ann Kaizer of Reynoldsville, PA

And several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Francis, William and Thomas, along with one sister, Elizabeth Deegan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at 11 AM in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Elizabeth Church Memorial Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.

UPMC Cole Homemaker Program Has Opportunities in Potter, McKean, Cameron & Tioga Counties

Coudersport Ambulance To Mapleview Lane

At 11:44 AM on Monday, Coudersport Ambulance has been dispatched to Mapleview Lane for a fall victim.

White and gray cat from Williams Way Found In Woods

Leo our white and gray cat is still missing from Williams Way.
If you see him please call 814 331 5748.

He still might still be in the neighborhood

Thank you

We found Leo. Leo is in kittie heaven now. We found him in the woods with the help of a neighbor. Rest In Peace Leo GBY

New Year’s Eve Bingo tonight at Austin Firehall

Austin Firehall will have
New Year’s Eve Bingo tonight
starts at 6:30. Doors open at 5:00.

PennDOT Puts Finishing Touches on 2018 Construction Season in North Central PA

Montoursville, PA – As 2018 nears its end, PennDOT’s Montoursville-based Engineering District 3 is wrapping up another busy construction season in nine counties in north central Pennsylvania.

The district, covering Bradford, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties, opened bids for 52 contracts totaling nearly $124.6 million in value. Of those contracts, 39 were for roadway work and 13 were for bridge work.

More than 188 miles of paving and 334 miles of surface-preserving seal coating (oil and chip) were completed in the district in 2018.

Work was performed on 106 state-owned bridges by contractors or department forces. This included the replacement or rehabilitation of 46 bridges, and preservation work on 55 bridges in good condition to extend the life of those bridges.

This work included 14 small bridge projects and two bridge preservation projects completed by department force crews. The district has been able to stretch limited resources by using in-house capabilities such as paving and bridge crews to complete work.

In addition to programmed work, the district needed to respond this year to significant damage caused by extended periods of flooding from late July through September. Flooding damaged more than 400 state roads in the district and caused about $57 million in damages. A total of 48 emergency flood contracts worth an estimated $23.8 million were started this year. Some of this work will be completed in 2019.

Below is a list, by county, of the major projects that were under construction in the district in 2018. Some of the largest are multi-year projects that started prior to 2018.

Bradford County
• Route 6, 7.2-mile resurfacing and shoulder widening in Troy and West Burlington townships, and Burlington Borough. Completion in September 2019, $11.5 million;
• Route 220, bridge replacement and intersection improvement project at the intersection of Route 1022 (Bridge Street) in Ulster Township. Completion in spring 2019, $3.2 million;
• Route 414, emergency slide repair in Leroy Township. Completion in April 2020, $2.2 million; and
• Route 549, bridge replacement over Seeley Creek in Wells Township. Completion in July 2019, $3.4 million.

Columbia County
• Route 42, 2.1-mile mill and resurfacing from Hill Road to Route 442 in Millville Borough and Greenwood Township and Route 487 from Route 254 to Route 239 in Benton Borough and Benton Township. Completion in spring 2019, $3 million;
• Interstate 80 eastbound, 4.4-mile resurfacing from Mifflinville to the Luzerne County line. Completion in spring 2019, $3 million; and
• Route 339, 3.2-mile widening and resurfacing project from West Street to Smith Hollow Road in Mifflin Township. Completion in October 2020, $5.3 million.

Lycoming County
• Route 14, rehabilitation of two bridges, including a superstructure replacement on a bridge over Greys Run, 3.5 miles north of Trout Run, and on a truss bridge over Lycoming Creek, one mile north of Ralston. Completion in spring 2019, $3.9 million;
• Route 15, northbound bridge rehabilitation project near Trout Run in Lewis Township. Completed in August 2018, $2.1 million;
• Route 44, slide repair about one mile south of Waterville in Cummings Township. Completion in May 2019, $1.6 million;
• Route 87, emergency slide repair project just north of Route 1007 (Dunwoody Road) in Plunketts Creek Township, completion in August 2019, $2.1 million;
• Route 118, 5-mile resurfacing from Mill Lane to Unityville Road in Franklin and Jordan townships. Completed in October 2018, $1.5 million;
• Route 1017 (Lycoming Creek Road), bridge rehabilitation project in Lycoming and Hepburn townships. Completed in November 2018, $3.5 million; and
• Interstate 180, 8.6-mile resurfacing project from Cemetery Road in Fairfield Township to the Muncy Creek bridge. Completion in November 2019, $6 million.

Montour County: Interstate 80 eastbound, reconstruction from Danville to the Columbia County line, with concrete patching in the eastbound and westbound lanes from the Northumberland County line to the Danville interchange in Liberty, Valley and West Hemlock Townships. Completed in November 2018, $30.3 million.

Northumberland County
• Route 147 (Duke Street) and Route 11 (Water Street), reconstruction in Northumberland Borough, includes intersection improvements at Duke and Water streets, and Water and King streets. Estimated completion in 2020, $14 million;
• Route 11, widening at the intersection with Route 147 (Duke Street) in Northumberland Borough. Completion in summer 2019, $2.8 million; and
• Interstate 80, 5-mile resurfacing from the Susquehanna River Bridge to Limestoneville. Completed in November 2018, $3.4 million.

Snyder County
• Route 11, 1.3-mile mill and resurfacing from Route 522 to Roosevelt Avenue in Selinsgrove Borough. Completed in fall 2018, $650,000;
• Route 522, 1.4-mile mill and resurfacing from Bridge Street to the Routes 11/15 Interchange in Selinsgrove Borough, Penn Township and Monroe Township. Completed in fall 2018, $600,000;
• Route 2017 (Market Street), 1.6-mile mill and resurfacing from Sand Hill Road to Route 522 in Selinsgrove Borough. Completed in fall 2018, $1.8 million; and
• Route 522, bridge replacement over Middle Creek at Kreamer in Middle Creek Township. Open to traffic in November 2017, completed in April 2018, $4.3 million.
Sullivan County
• Route 154 bridge replacement over Hoagland Branch in Fox Township. Completion in the spring of 2019, $1.5 million; and
• Route 220, 4.4-mile mill and resurfacing project in Laporte Township and Laporte Borough. Completed in October 2018, $2.7 million project.

Tioga County
• Route 6, 6-mile mill and resurfacing from Colton Road in Shippen Township to Sylvan Glen Road in Gaines Township. Completed in fall 2018, $2.5 million;
• Route 6, 0.75-mile bridge rehabilitation and resurfacing project in Charleston Township. Completion in September 2019, $1.9 million;
• Route 15, 9.7-mile micro-surfacing from the New York State line in Lawrence Township to the Route 287 Interchange in Tioga Township. Completed in September 2018, $930,000;
• Route 49, 5-mile resurfacing from Route 4007 (California Hollow Road) in Westfield Township to Route 249 in Knoxville Borough. Completed in August 2018, $1.5 million; and
• Route 287, bridge replacement in Middlebury Township. Completion in late spring of 2019, $1.5 million.

Union County: Route 15, traffic signals upgrade at intersections in East Buffalo Township and Lewisburg Borough. This is a local adaptive signals project sponsored by Lewisburg Borough and East Buffalo Township. Completed in August 2018, $376,000.

Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties
• Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT), first contract, River Bridge connecting Route 147 in Point Township, Northumberland County, with Route 15 in Winfield, Union County. Completion in 2020, $157 million;
• CSVT, second contract, earthwork and structures for the new alignment of Route 147 from the river bridge to the existing four-lane section of Route 147. Completion in 2019, $61 million;
• CSVT, third contract, U.S. 15 earthwork and structures for an interchange just south of Winfield in Monroe Township, Snyder County, and Union Township, Union County. Estimated completion in 2019, $37 million; and
• CSVT, fourth contract, paving of the entire northern section of CSVT, south of Winfield in Monroe Township, Snyder County to south of Montandon in West Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County. Estimated completion in 2022, $52 million.

Estella Spur Remains Closed by Slide in Forks Township, Sullivan County

Montoursville, PA – Motorists in Sullivan County are advised Route 4014 (Estella Spur) will remain closed just west of Route 87 in Forks Township due to a soil slide.

The road is open to local traffic on either side of the slide area.

A detour is in place for through traffic using Route 87 and Route 154.

PennDOT currently is assessing the slide area and will provide further updates.

PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued

PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Delmar Twp Township

Description: Gas permit issued on 2018-12-26 00:00:00 to SENECA RESOURCES CORP for site DCNR 007 129HU 52694 in Delmar Twp township, Tioga county

Incident Date/Time: 2018-12-26 00:00:00