I Forgot How Cool This Was! Award Winning Audio.
2 hours ago
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Input Sought on Preliminary Report on Extensive Survey Focusing on the Future of Pennsylvania’s State Parks
Austin, PA - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn has announced the release of a preliminary report gleaned from results of an extensive two-year survey seeking public input on the future of Pennsylvanian’s state parks.
“Commenting on everything from pets in campgrounds to trails and beaches, thousands commented on what they like, dislike and hope to see someday in their state parks,” Dunn said. “This information shaped recommendations that will help in the creation of a strategic plan to ensure the Pennsylvania state park system remains as relevant and valuable to future generations as it has been to current and past generations.”
In response to the release of the preliminary report, the Bureau of State Parks’ website now features downloadable information detailing survey findings and includes a public comment tool to address recommendations suggested as a result of this input. Also, in a continuing attempt to gain public feedback Sinnemahoning and other parks across the state will be scheduling public meetings.
The public input meeting for Sinnemahoning State Park will be held in the classroom of the Park Office and Wildife Center on Saturday December 14, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., immediately following the annual Holiday Open House. This meeting will also include park updates and an open forum for public comments and concerns. The Park Office and Wildlife Center is located at 4843 Park Road, Austin, PA, in Grove Township, Cameron County, just 14 miles south of Austin.
“As part of an effort to stimulate and encourage public input in this effort, I am requesting all park and park complex managers to schedule public informational meetings before mid-December of this year for Friends Groups, stakeholders, park visitors and the public,” said Bureau of State Parks Director John Hallas. “This will provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the preliminary report and how to provide comment through the bureau’s website.”
Recommendations in this “Penn’s Parks for All” report address:
Improvement of outdoor recreation opportunities; expansion of outdoor recreation oportunities; protection of resources from recreation impacts; offering of more “active adventure activities;” expansion of overnight accomodations; protection of parks’ natural and cultural resources; parks’ financial support; and improved services and facilities.
Presented in the Penn's Parks for All Preliminary Report (PDF) is a summary of results from the various surveys, along with proposed recommendations to guide the management of Pennsylvania state parks for the next 25 years. To access: www.dcnr.pa.gov; click on “State Parks;” then Penn’s Parks for All.
A series of surveys was conducted by Penn State in 2017 and 2018 to assess the attitudes and opinions of Pennsylvania state park visitors and the public regarding key issues affecting the future of the state parks. In 2017, 10,186 adults responded online and 4,090 answered surveys at parks. A 2018 statewide telephone effort reached out to 1,650 Pennsylvanians; and an online survey the same year targeted 1,131 Latinos, Asians and African Americans.
Public comment on these survey responses and resultant recommendations will be accepted online and in writing until December 31, 2019. For online participation, visit the Penn's Parks for All Preliminary Report (PDF). Address written comments to: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of State Parks’ Planning Section, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551.
Seeking additional information, scheduled stakeholder meetings will be held at state parks throughout the state this fall and early next year. A final report is planned in summer 2020.
It has been 25 years since DCNR's Bureau of State Parks underwent its last strategic planning effort -- StateParks 2000. That effort guided state park improvements that included the modernization of facilities; expanded environmental education programs; and designated natural areas in order to better protect sensitive or special natural resources.
Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks total almost 300,000 acres. Together with DCNR’s state forest system, they are one of the largest expanses of public lands in the eastern United States.
For state park information, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov.
Ludlow, Kane Dispatched For Search For Lost Hunter
6:29 PM--Chief 5 reports lost hunter has been found.
June A. Rought, 81, of Clarksville, NY
Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother
June A. Rought, 81, of Clarksville, NY, passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 at Cuba Memorial Hospitals Palliative Care Unit following a lengthy illness.
Born on September 5, 1938, in Elmira, she was a daughter of Clifford and Alice Seymore Crain. She married George E. Rought on July 20, 1954 in Montrose, PA.
June loved country music and taught herself to play guitar and enjoyed playing for friends and family. Her passion was helping others and often donated her handmade hats, blankets, and bears to cancer patients and head start children. She found happiness in planning family gatherings, cooking, baking, yard sales, shopping, and writing poems.
She retired from Olean Tile Company after 20 years of employment and was a full time mother.
She leaves behind her husband of 65 years and their four children
Wilson J. Rought, Port Orchard, Washington
Dianna L. Rought, Wellsville
Laurie L. (Charles Sheffield) Kelley, Cuba
David (Lisa) Rought Bradenton, Florida
Several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren
Her brother Cliff (Christine) Crain, Roanoke, Virginia
A Sister Joan Shell, Horseheads
Several Nieces and Nephews
She was predeceased by her parents.
Family and friends may gather at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 2-4 P.M. for a time of visitation and sharing memories.
Burial will be in West Genesee Cemetery, Obi, New York.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com
Today is a day that will live in infamy
LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve
4 hrs ·
As many of you know we kick off our deer hunt next week. However today we would like to remind everyone of one of the most important days in American history. Today is a day that will live in infamy. Please take a moment to remember the brave men and women who risked and lost their lives protecting our great country.
Wolf Administration Offers Resources for Older Driver Safety
Family, Friends Urged to Get Involved
Harrisburg, PA – With nearly a quarter of Pennsylvania’s licensed drivers 65 years of age or older, today the Wolf Administration hosted an event at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg to highlight the unique challenges faced by older drivers during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which is observed December 2-6.
“Mobility is essential to quality of life at any age,” said Kurt Myers, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “Many older drivers have a lifetime of valuable driving experience to draw from, and PennDOT continually seeks to balance the safety of our roadways with the need for independence and autonomy.”
Approximately 23 percent of Pennsylvania’s 8.9 million licensed drivers are 65 or older. In 2018, there were 21,746 crashes involving a driver 65 or older, resulting in 330 fatalities. This represents nearly 17 percent of the total crashes in Pennsylvania and nearly 28 percent of the fatalities.
“As Pennsylvania’s aging population continues to grow, the Wolf Administration is committed to ensuring that older adults have the resources they need to remain active in and connected to their communities,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “Driver safety awareness is a big part of that picture and if older adults need to make adjustments, accessible and available transportation alternatives become key to getting around. Pennsylvania is fortunate that our Lottery proceeds help to fund these alternative services.”
Pennsylvania has a network of shared-ride service providers dedicated to keeping older adults mobile, safe, and engaged in their community. This free transportation program allows citizens age 65 or older to ride for free on a local, fixed-route service whenever local public transportation is operating. During 2017-18, 83,252 riders accessed the Shared-Ride Program, totaling more than 3.3 million rides.
“Winter weather conditions, including snow and ice, longer nights, and heavy holiday traffic, can create challenges for drivers of all ages,” said Colonel Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “We can all do our part to keep ourselves and our fellow travelers safe on the road by slowing down, buckling up, and never driving while impaired or distracted.”
Representatives from PennDOT, PDA, AARP and PSP manned information booths to share advice and methods for helping Messiah Village residents safely extend their years on the road. Advice ranged from knowledge of current and less emphasized laws to recognizing signs that it may be time to give up driving. For example, one program discussed was CarFit, an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. CarFit is designed to help older drivers find out how well they currently “fit” their personal vehicle, to learn how they can improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility.
While every person ages differently, aging typically brings certain -- sometimes subtle -- physical, visual, and cognitive changes that could impair an older person’s ability to drive safely. Older drivers and their families should work together to identify potential issues that may affect driving, outline courses of action to assist the older driver, and plan for when it’s time to hang up the keys.
Signs that can indicate it may be time to limit or stop driving altogether include:
• Feeling uncomfortable, fearful, or nervous when driving;
• Unexplained dents/scrapes on the car, fences, mailboxes, or garage doors;
• Frequently getting lost and frequent “close calls” (i.e. almost crashing);
• Slower response times, particularly to unexpected situations;
• Difficulty paying attention to signs or staying in the lane of traffic; and
• Trouble judging gaps at intersections or highway entrance/exit ramps.
The Wolf Administration encourages older drivers and their loved ones to review PennDOT’s Seniors Driving Safely publication series, which can be downloaded for free from the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. These publications help older drivers assess their abilities and offer guidance on next steps if their medical condition is reported to PennDOT. The series also includes a publication designed to guide family and friends of older drivers in what can sometimes be difficult conversations about deciding to stop driving, as well as information for healthcare providers on PennDOT’s medical reporting program.
The following safe-driving habits, which should be routine at any age, are especially useful to older drivers:
• Plan ahead: lengthy car trips should be made during daylight hours. Morning may be best because most people aren’t as tired as they are in the afternoon.
• Don’t drive in rush-hour traffic if you can avoid it. Plan trips after 9:00 AM or before 5:00 PM. Know what roads near home are most congested and avoid them.
• When driving long distances, especially in winter, call ahead for weather and road condition updates.
• Look ahead. Good drivers get a jump on trouble by looking far down the road and making adjustments before encountering problems that may involve other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists or animals.
• Maintain a safe speed. This depends on what the road is like, how well the driver can see, how much traffic there is and how fast traffic is moving.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. The PA Driver’s Manual advises that you should always keep a 4-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Additional information on older driver safety and mobility resources is available at both PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services and the Department of Aging websites.
Concerned Citizens of Allegany County Monthly Meeting & Anniversary Committee Meeting Notice
Angelica, NY… Concerned Citizens of Allegany County will hold its regular monthly meeting on Sunday, December 15th at 9:30 am at 22 W. Main St., Angelica NY. All members and interested parties are invited to attend. Please RSVP at contactusccac@gmail.com or phone 585-466-4474 so seating may be arranged.
After reports from officers and standing committees, the group will discuss developments related to the proposed AlleCatt wind project, the environmental and human health effects of 5G technology, and the proposed Hakes landfill expansion in Steuben County. The group will receive an update on the proposed Northern Access pipeline and continue “Bump the Dump” 30th anniversary and reunion events.
Volunteers planning the 30th anniversary events will meet at 12:00 noon, also on Sunday, Dec. 15th, at the same location. As always, members and interested parties are invited to attend. Please RSVP at contactusccac@gmail.com or phone 585-466-4474 so seating may be arranged.
CCAC is a 501c3 environmental advocacy group that fights against pollution, focusing primarily on ending the expansion of infrastructure related to fracking, and halting the disposal of hazardous and radioactive gas field wastes in Allegany and Steuben county landfills. We meet monthly in Angelica and welcome interested parties to join the effort to raise awareness and protect our clean water, soil, and air. Learn more at www.ccallegany.org or follow us on FB. Email contactusccac@gmail.com or call/text 585-466-4474.
Penn State DuBois December Commencement slated for December 19
DuBOIS – Fall 2019 graduates of Penn State DuBois will be celebrated at December Commencement Ceremonies beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, in the Multipurpose Building Gymnasium at Penn State DuBois. Friends and family members, as well as all members of the public, are invited to attend and support the new graduates.
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| Assistant Teaching Professor LuAnn Demi receives her DEF Educator of the Year Award from DEF president Craig Ball during spring commencement ceremonies at Penn State DuBois. |
Demi earned her master’s in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College in 1993, and her bachelor’s in Rehabilitation Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1984. She is a certified Occupational Therapist with the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy and is licensed through the Pennsylvania State Licensing Board.
Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home celebrates 80 years of service
In addition to being a funeral home for the past 80 years, the property at 210 North East Street is one of the oldest buildings in Coudersport, built in 1849, just one year after Coudersport was incorporated as a borough. To commemorate the event, a small gathering was held on Wednesday, November 20th, hosted by Bill Brennan, funeral director at Fickinger Funeral Home, and his wife Lisa. It was attended by family and friends associated with the Fickinger Funeral Home, along with local historians from the Potter County Historical Society and the E.O. Austin Museum.
The property at 210 North East Street, facing the courthouse square, was home to the Henry J. Olmstead family for over 85 years. The Olmstead family was remarkable in their roles as local leaders in government, education, and as merchants. Henry J. Olmstead himself played an important role in the election of Simon Cameron, the great orator and anti-slavery Republican, to the United States Senate in 1857.
Although losing his left arm in a farming accident as a youth in Ulysses, Henry went on to become Principal of the Coudersport Academy, County Prothonitary, and also served in the office of the State Secretary of Pennsylvania. It was Henry J. Olmstead who transported an ailing Senator Issac Benson by sleigh to the train station in Wellsville, NY on January 5, 1857. Along with Dr. Ellison, he delivered Senator Benson to the state assembly in Harrisburg to cast the single vote needed to send Simon Cameron to Washington.
The house itself, on the corner of North East and East 3rd streets, was a guidepost for run-away slaves seeking refuge within Coudersport’s Underground Railroad system.
The transition of the property to a funeral home, came in December 7, 1939, when another prominent family, the Grabe’s, established the Grabe Funeral Service. George H. Grabe, the grandson of Gustave Grabe, whose sons Herman and Almon served the communities of Coudersport, Austin, and Port Allegany as funeral directors. Herman Grabe, father of George, worked compassionately in recovering and identifying victims of the 1911 Austin Flood, the same year that George Grabe was born.
The Grabe Funeral Home was the center of emergency management with an ambulance service. In 1966, George formed a partnership with his son Thomas E. Fickinger. Tom, along with his wife Barbara, continued to carry-on the tradition of service and compassion to area families.
At the anniversary gathering, the Fickinger Funeral Home, was filled with stories and memories by the late Thomas Fickinger’s wife, Barbara, and friends to pay tribute to the families and the dwelling that has served our community for these many years.
The Fickinger Funeral Home is looking forward to many more years of compassionate service to the community. We would like to extend an invitation to our Memorial Tree Service on December 10, 2019. Registration starts at 6pm and the service will start at 7pm. Please RSVP by calling 814-274-8888.
We will also be hosting a Cocoa with Santa on December 21, 2019 from 1-4pm for children and adults of all ages. This will be a free event and photo taking is welcomed.
We at the Fickinger Funeral Home, would like to open our doors to any small groups or organizations if they are in need of a meeting location, at no charge.
The Fickinger Funeral Home would like to thank, David Castano for taking the time to provide the written history in this article, Curt Weinhold for the group photos, and our friends from the First Presbyterian Church for their contributions.
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| (L-R) Bill Brennan & wife Lisa, Andy Dubots, Wick Furman, Ron Ebbert and Mrs. Barbara Fickinger in the chair. |
The Funeral Home would also like to acknowledge the special people that it takes to keep a small business going for 80 years, including but not limited to Mrs. Barbara Fickinger and her family, Mayor Andy Dubots, and his 39 years of service, Ron Ebbert, Founder and President of the E.O. Austin Home and Historical Society, and his 18 years of service and former Mayor, Wick Furman and his 16 years of service. Lisa and I are very lucky to call Coudersport home, to live in a building with so much history, and to meet and get to know so many wonderful people.
Coudersport Ambulance to Academy Hill Road
Bolivar Dispatched For Crash on County Road 33
Roulette Ambulance to Railroad Avenue
Joanne M. Karas, 59, of, Bensalem and Turtlepoint, PA
Joanne M. Karas
Port Allegany - Joanne M. Karas, 59, of, Bensalem and Turtlepoint, PA passed away Friday (December 6, 2019) at her home in Bensalem.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, PA. are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT--IT'S A BOY
BLAYZE TROYAL-BROOKS LEHMAN
Blayze Troyal-Brooks was born at UPMC Wellsboro on December 1, 2019 to Sarah Holleran and Trent Lehman of Gaines, PA. Blayze weighed 9 pounds 2 ounces. He joins his sisters Bailee 16, Brielle 10 and Brynlee 4 at home.
Maternal Grandparents: Nancy Holleran of Gaines, PA Jim and Ann Holleran of Wellsboro, PA
Maternal Great grandparents: The late Mildred Kratzer of Selinsgrove, PA
The late Robert and Margie Jacobs of Coudersport, PA and The late John (Jack) Holleran of Kingwood, WV
Paternal Grandparents: Harvey and Linda Lehman of Ulysses, PA
Paternal Great Grandparents: The late Robert and Jolene Lehman of Galeton, PA and Claude (Late) and Elaine Flynn of Galeton, PA
Headline Harrisburg by Rep. Matt Gabler
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Mary pinch hit for me Wednesday at Francis S. Grandinetti Elementary School in Ridgway.
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She was on hand to attend the school's Innovation Showcase, a culmination of the district's effort to emphasize and educate students about the need to study computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
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Thank you to Ridgway Area School District Superintendent Heather McMahon-Vargas, School Principal Pam Yeager and STEM Instructor Rita Buhite for your leadership, as well all the students for your hard work and dedication to learning!
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Recognizing Our Future Leaders
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Congratulations to Ryan Fox, whose Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held this Sunday at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in DuBois. |
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Fighting for Rural Health Care
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In pursuit of a #HealthierPA for all, the House recently approved landmark legislation to help rural hospitals continue providing quality care to their patients.
The Pennsylvania Rural Health Redesign Center Authority, now Act 108 of 2019, will help expand upon a successful pilot program that has provided participating hospitals with more stability and predictability in their reimbursements and operating budgets. It allows rural hospitals to transition from fee-for-service to set monthly budget payments, making it easier to plan to meet financial obligations and keep their doors open.
Another challenge facing rural hospitals is unpredictable delays in the credentialing of health care providers. Credentialing is done by insurance companies to determine if the provider is eligible for reimbursement for services.
Under current law, hospitals, physician practices and community health centers are losing money, and access to care is being limited because they are sidelined by a credentialing process that can take up to six months. House Bill 533, now pending action in the Senate, will limit the process to no longer than 60 days.
Learn more about our #HealthierPA initiative here.
PA Permit Violation Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-06 to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest county. SWMA 302(A) - DISPOSAL, PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF RESIDUAL WASTE - Person disposed, processed, stored, or permitted the disposal, processing or storage of residual waste in a manner which is contrary to the rules and regulations of DEP or to any permit or to the terms or conditions of any permit or any order issued by DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-06 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-06 to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest county. SWMA 610(1) - UNLAWFUL CONDUCT - Person dumped or deposited, or permitted the dumping or depositing, of solid waste onto the surface of the ground or underground or into the waters of the Commonwealth, without a permit for the dumping of such solid wastes from DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-06 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-06 to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest county. 78.57(a) - CONTROL, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTION FLUIDS - Operator failed to collect the brine and other fluids produced during operation, service and plugging of the well in a tank, pit or a series of pits or tanks, or other device approved by the Department or Operator discharged brine or other fluids on or into the ground or into waters of the Commonwealth. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-06 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-06 to Minard Run Oil Co in Jenks Twp, Forest county. SWMA 301 - MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE - Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-06 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-05 to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga county. CSL 401 - PROHIBITION AGAINST OTHER POLLUTIONS - Discharged substance of any kind or character resulting in pollution of Waters of the Commonwealth. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-05 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-05 to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga county. CSL 402(b) - POTENTIAL POLLUTION - Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-05 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-05 to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga county. SWMA 301 - MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE - Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-05 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 2019-12-05 to Rockdale Marcellus Llc in Liberty Twp, Tioga county. 78a56(a) - TEMPORARY STORAGE - Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2019-12-05 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Wellsboro Dispatched For Rollover Crash On Rt. 6
Today's Events
12-7 Roulette Firehall Annual Craft Show
12-7 Christmas Fest, Eldred, PA
12-7 A Storybook Christmas, Angelica NY
12-7 Cookie Sale Genesee Methodist
12-7 Port Allegany Evangelical Covenant Church "12th Annual Christmas Bazaar"
Thru 12-7 Cards for Troops Program
12-7 Candy Cane Lane Festival Shinglehouse
12-7 Christmas Bazaar, Evangelical Covenant, Port Allegany
12-7 Ulysses's Christmas Start-Up
Friday, December 6, 2019
Ischua Dispatched To Injury Crash on Rt 16
Jay Township Dispatched To Crash on Rt. 555
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