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06/30/06 McKean County Emergency Services and the HazMat team based in Elk County responded to a train derailment this morning next the to Gardeau Road in Norwich Township. Potter County EMA Director John Hetrick reports that more than 10 cars were involved and a quantity of sodium hydroxide leaked from some of the cars. Hetrick says the situation is under control although residents in that area were asked to leave as a precaution and the Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter in Keating Summit. Traffic on Route 155 is flowing normally but Hetrick is urging people to stay away so that the clean-up can continue without interruption. State police at Kane are probing the theft of some golf clubs at the Pine Acres Country Club in Lafayette Township between June 18 and 21. Thieves took a Men's Cobra brand F-speed driver, green shaft with black head and a Women’s Cobra brand 440 S2 driver, red shaft with black head from a golf cart owned by Timothy Petitt of Bradford. The Clubs are valued at a total of $798. In McKean County Court news, 26 year old Timothy Barth of Port Allegany pleaded guilty to several charges of writing worthless checks and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Bart admitted writing the bad checks to businesses in Port Allegany and Smethport last summer and to driving a vehicle belonging to an Eldred business without the owner’s permission and he also admitted trying to use debit cards belonging to two Port Allegany women. He’ll be sentenced on July 6. Flood waters are receding in the northern part of the
state and in neighboring Tioga County
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began discharging
water from Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque dams late Thursday morning after holding
back storm runoff for 30 hours. All three lakes remained above their normal
summer pool levels Thursday afternoon, swollen by runoff from heavy rain in the
region Tuesday and Wednesday. At 2:30 p.m., Hammond Lake was 3 feet above
normal, and Cowanesque Lake was 3.5 feet higher than usual. Tioga Lake, which
directly impounds the Tioga River, was 17.5 feet above normal size. 06/29/06 Governor Rendell has declared a disaster emergency for 46 Pennsylvania Counties due to the recent heavy rains and flooding. The declaration authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and personnel necessary to cope with the magnitude and severity of the emergency. Potter and Tioga Counties were included in the declaration but according to Potter County EMA John Hetrick, Potter County did not experience any significant damage. However, he continues to urge those planning on traveling to check on road conditions before beginning the trip. State Police, meanwhile, are asking that motorists not call state police barracks for road conditions as the calls needlessly tie up phone lines and available manpower. Road conditions are provided by Penn Dot. Call toll free: 888-783-6783. Flooding was reported in Tioga County and as a result, Tioga Lake is closed to all public access until further notification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Marilyn Jones, Operations Project Manager at Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes Project said due to current lake levels, flooding conditions, and mud and debris, Tioga Lake and the Lambs Creek Recreation Area will be closed until conditions improve to allow personnel to safely clean and clear the area. This recreation area includes the boat launch, picnic area, hike and bike trails, and fishing accesses. It is advised that visitors contact the Project Office at (570) 835-5281 for additional information. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources advises that a number of state parks have been affected by the flooding. Beaches, pools, trails, roads and camping areas have been impacted. To find out which parks are affected, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us or call a specific park. State Police at Kane are investigating the theft of some equipment from a work site along a forestry road off of Route 321 near Kane. Thieves took a 5.5 hp Honda semi trash pump, 10 ft. suction hose, male cam lock ends and two inch hose clamps belonging to North Coast Energy of Youngstown, Ohio between 3:00 p.m. Monday and 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. No value of the equipment was given. A Coudersport man, charged with burglary and theft, has waived his case into McKean County Court. Adam Rotino, 23, was arrested this past February for burglarizing an apartment in the city of Bradford. Authorities claim he and Carrie Winston went to Tuesday Hale’s apartment and that Winston asked her for some narcotics. The couple reportedly left after Hale told them to do so. She later left her apartment and when she returned, she found that a DVD player, movie and watch had been taken. Police later recovered the items in a car driven by Winston and Rotino along with two syringes. Rotino, who is also charged with receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia, remains free on $2500 bail.
06/28/06 Potter County EMA Director John Hetrick is advising area residents, that while the WFRM listening area “dodged a bullet” with the recent flooding, there are several areas of the state which have been hard hit, if you are planning a trip south or east in the next few days, it would be a good idea to phone ahead to find out what the road conditions are. Governor Ed Rendell has activated the state emergency operations center Tuesday afternoon and has issued a disaster declaration for 46 counties. Locally, nearly three inches of rain fell Monday and Tuesday but there was no significant flooding. But there was a weather-related power outage for some 156 Tri-County REC members early Wednesday morning. According to a spokesperson, a large tree took down a primary conductor line at 1:27 a.m. plunging Roulette-area members into the darkness. All power had been restored by 6:09 a.m.A bankruptcy judge has given his approval for the sale of Adelphia’s assets to ComCast and Time Warner to proceed even without a bankruptcy plan in place. The last hurdle for the deal is approval by the FCC, but chairman Kevin Martin was quoted last week as saying he expects the commission will review the deal by mid-July. The three involved parties have expressed optimism that the $17.6 billion sale will be completed by July 31. Minor injuries were reported for Diane Weiss of Ulysses following a one-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning on Denton Hill. Sweden Township Police Chief Bryan Phelps said Weiss lost control of her car when she swerved to avoid a deer. The unit crossed four lanes of the highway, then came back across, went off the berm and overturned. The driver was taken to Charles Cole Hospital, treated and released. Coudersport volunteer emergency services responded to the scene. A Smethport driver has been cited for overtaking a vehicle on the right following a collision Tuesday afternoon on Route 246 near Moody Hollow in Otto Township. State police said Steven Kimball was passing a Peterbilt truck tractor operated by Daniel Finlan of Rixford on the right as Finlan began a right turn into a private drive as they were headed east. Both drivers escaped injury. An Emporium man also escaped injury in a weather-related crash Tuesday on Route 120 about four miles east of Emporium. State police said a Jeep Cherokee operated by Robert Stitt went out of control on the wet highway, hit some guardrails and rolled over. He’s been cited for speeding.
06/27/06 The “watches and warnings” keep coming. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for all of Central Pennsylvania in effect through Wednesday morning as a storm system keeps “training” over the Northcentral mountains, repeatedly dumping rain in already saturated areas. Flood warnings have been issued for McKean, Elk, and Clearfield Counties in the Pennsylvania portion of the WFRM listening area and for Allegany County in neighboring New York State. The warnings remain in effect through this evening. There have been two Severe Thunderstorm warnings issued for McKean County this afternoon and more may be on the way. Weather Observer Tony Pierotti recorded 2.33 inches of rain at his location on Route 872 south of Coudersport between 5:00 a.m. Monday and 5:00 a.m. Tuesday. 1.79” fell at WFRM and 1.19” on Fishing Creek to the west. Tuesday afternoon’s rainfall was approximately .50 here at the station and more than 1.00 inch on Fishing Creek. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge heard arguments today in the Adelphia case which could make all but certain the sale of the company to Time Warner and Comcast in about four weeks. Adelphia has petitioned the court to allow the sale to go through without creditor approval. Under the plan, proceeds of the sale would be put in escrow -- to be distributed to its creditors after they work out their differences. If the judge approves the plan, the sale must clear just one more hurdle – approval by the Federal Communications Commission. Meanwhile, Time Warner Cable continues to extend job offers to members of the Adelphia workforce in Coudersport. An Adelphia spokesman said last week that more than 850 people from the company's Coudersport workforce have been offered jobs by Time Warner. About 275 current Adelphia employees have not yet received job offers. Time Warner continues to assess the situation and is likely to continue recruiting from that pool to meet its needs. Some of the 850 jobs in Coudersport are “transitional,” and could be eliminated by the company in the coming months. There will also be temporary jobs available after July in the “Adelphia Estate,” a business entity that will handle post-close financial, legal and asset management issues. Officials from all three companies expect the sale to close no later than July 31. The State Labor Department reports that Potter County’s unemployment rate rose slightly between April and May from 5.6 to 5.7%. Unemployment rates for neighboring counties during the period were 6.7% in Cameron County; 5.4% in McKean; 5.0% in Elk and 4.8% in Tioga. Jobless rates were 4.8% in Pennsylvania and 4.6% in the nation as a whole during the same period. State police here are probing the theft of handgun from a parked truck last Tuesday night. Someone reached into a pick up belonging to Tracy Crawford of Wellsboro while it was parked at his business on Route 6 about a mile west of the Tioga County line and stole a .357 pistol from the cab. Anyone with information is asked to contact the local barracks at 274-8690.
06/26/06 The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for most of Pennsylvania through Tuesday evening. A nearly stationary frontal boundary over the central part of the state will move slowly to the northwest today. The front will focus persistent moderate to heavy rain today and tonight continuing into Tuesday. Widespread additional rainfall amounts of around one inch will occur by late tonight and three to five inches are possible in some locations. Potter County EMA Coordinator John Hetrick is advising people to postpone unnecessary trips as several more inches may fall in isolated areas. Evening travel may be particularly dangerous due to decreased visibility. Here at the station, a quarter of an inch fell between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m.; another quarter inch fell between 10:00 and 10:45 p.m. and by 2:30 p.m., 1.31 inches had fallen. A Cuba, NY motorcyclist was hurt Sunday afternoon in a crash on Route 346 near Stickney Hollow in Corydon Township, McKean County. State police said 24 year old Brenden Bradley was operating his ’05 Suzuki at a high rate of speed when it went out of control and “laid down” on the highway, skidding some 300 feet before coming to rest in a ditch. Bradley was thrown off the machine and landed nearby. He was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. Police say he will be cited for reckless driving. A Galeton teenager escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash taking place late Saturday night on Route 6 in Pike Township. Troopers said 18 year old Duntin Rinehart was headed east when he swerved his Dodge Caravan to avoid some deer which had come onto the highway. The van went off the road and struck a ditch. A five year old male passenger also escaped injury. A couple of drivers are facing DUI charges following recent crashes. State police at Emporium have charged 26 year old Frank Caratelli of Homer City with DUI and various summary traffic offenses following a crash Sunday afternoon on Route 120 in the village of Sinnemahoning. Caratelli’s Chevy S-10 traveled off of the road while westbound, and struck a telephone, shearing it off. He was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment. And, Kane-based state police have charged 20 year old Angela Allen of Wellsville with DUI for a crash taking place during the early morning hours back on June 4th. Her Ford Tempo flipped end over end after striking an embankment on Route 44 about a mile north of Shinglehouse. She was taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment of her injuries. State police here are probing the theft of some medicine from a Ulysses residence Sunday between 10:15 and 10:45 a.m. Someone entered the home of Arlene Bristol on Water Street and remove 360 Adavan pills from two prescription bottles. A couple of camp burglaries are also being investigated. Sometime over the past six weeks, thieves forced their way into a camp on Weimer Hollow Road in Pleasant Valley Township and removed some $570 worth of items. The camp is owned by James Grube Sr of New Providence, PA. And sometime over the winter, thieves forced open a door at a camp on the West Branch of Dingman Run, outside of Coudersport, owned by Mary Bray of El Paso, Texas. Thieves took personal items from the camp belonging to David Nunan of Pottstown, valued at about $90.
06/23/06 The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the entire Pennsylvania portion of the WFRM listening area through Friday evening. Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms are likely over the next several hours and may produce locally heavy rainfall. Last night’s thunderstorms caused at least one electrical fire in the area. The Foster Township Fire Department was called out at around 10:30 when the residents returned home and found half of the house had power and there was smoke coming from the basement where broken glass was found. Earlier in the evening, Smethport volunteers were called to a location on Nelson Street where a high tension wire had ignited some grass after falling to the ground. It was not determined whether the line came down due to gusty winds or a tree limb falling on it. During Thursday’s regular meeting, Potter County Commissioner Cathy Bowers announced that she had been assured by Time Warner that some 650 jobs, possibly more, will be retained here in Coudersport. She said that represents some 75% of the workforce and is a much better situation than many believed would be possible with the sale of Adelphia’s assets to Comcast and Time Warner. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of July. Commissioner Bowers credited the employees themselves for making a good impression on Time Warner executives.She said the workers had put on an “overwhelming effort” to impress the huge company. She said they went to work every day, plugging away without knowing if they would still have a job or not and they convinced the “powers that be” that Coudersport is a “good place to live, play and work.” A Lewis Run driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash last night near Tacks Inn. State police at Kane said 21 year old Edward Horn, Jr. was headed south when his Dodge Caravan crossed the road and struck a tree. He was taken to Kane Community Hospital for treatment and is facing charges of careless driving, and an equipment violation. The van was severely damaged. Troopers here are investigating a camp burglary discovered Thursday on Mitchell Road in West Branch Township. Authorities say someone pried open a door at Hemlock Lodge owned by Thomas Bross of New Oxford, PA but apparently took nothing. Damage is said to be about $10. A criminal mischief taking place last weekend on Airport Road in Shippen Township, Cameron County is being probed by Emporium-based state police. Someone pushed in a door on a mobile home owned by John Jordan causing the lateral hinge work to disengage from its supporting structure.
06/22/06 The sale of Adelphia to Comcast and Time Warner is likely about to clear a final regulatory hurdle which would allow the deal to be completed. Reuters News Service is quoting FCC Chairman today that the “commission will try to address (the sale) by the end of July.” The statement was made to reporters at the end of the Commission’s monthly open meeting. The Federal Trade Commission gave its approval in January. Both companies have said they expect the sale will be completed by the end of July. During today’s Potter County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Cathy Bowers reported that Time Warner, who is acquiring the local Adelphia assets, has promised more and more jobs will stay here. She said the prospects are a lot better than many had originally believed and acknowledged that upwards of 75% of the local workforce will be staying. In McKean County court news, a hearing was held yesterday to determine if a jury which found two former Potter County women guilty of perjury had been tainted. The jury found that Marian Nersinger and Michelle Nelson committed perjury when they both testified under oath that they overheard Becky Lucrezi Olsen state she was the one who killed Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman, not Timothy Williams who was found guilty of third degree murder and is currently serving a prison sentence. Olsen and Matt Seeley were backseat passengers in the car driven by Timothy Williams when the veteran officer was shot dead at a traffic stop in February 1999. All were from Coudersport at the time of the shooting. Olsen and Seeley were given partial immunity for testifying against Williams who maintains he was so drunk he still does not know what really happened. Witnesses at the hearing yesterday included news reporters, a state police officer, a jury member and other witnesses. Judge John Yoder took the matter under advisement and directed the attorneys to file their briefs for the case within 15 days. In other court action, 45 year old Joel Johnson of Smethport was sentenced to a prison term of nine months to three years for harassing his neighbors numerous times over the past several years. The Potter County Needs Assessment Committee is asking anyone who received the survey and has not returned it to do so right away so the results can be compiled. The information is confidential and the results will be tabulated at Penn State University. The results will be used by volunteer organizations, Potter County Human Services and county officials to plan future programs to deliver services to residents. Anyone with questions about the survey is invited to call Leon Kaple at Potter County Human Services 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560. He can also be emailed at lkaple@pottercountyhumansvcs.org.
6/21/06 The state police fire marshal is investigating an arson fire which destroyed a seasonal dwelling on the Hurlburt Hill Road in Harrison Township early Tuesday morning. State Police Cpl. Murray at the Denton Hill barracks told WFRM that the firebug(s) used an accelerant and lit several pieces of farm equipment in a steel building on fire and said the blaze was “definitely intentional.” The home was owned by Brian Farleigh of Hazelton and while the total extent of damage is not yet available, authorities believe it’s in the neighborhood of $250,000. State police are seeking a suspect and motive for the fire and anyone who has information which may the investigation is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690. When Harrison Township Fire Chief David Jones arrived on the scene shortly after the 5:11 a.m. call, he found the house completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters from Tri-Town in Ulysses, Crary Hose Company in Westfield, Whitesville, Genesee and Goodyear Hose in Galeton assisted Harrison Township volunteers at the scene. A Galeton man has been cited for disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place at about 8:30 p.m. on June 6 along Crippen Run Road in West Branch Township. State police claim 48 year old Dan Mock was standing on his porch and used obscene language and made obscene gestures towards his neighbors David and Wendy Burrous as they drove past his house. The theft of some cash from a Keating Township home between June 18 and 20 is being investigated by troopers locally. Authorities say someone entered Duran Knapp’s home on the Odin Road by unknown means and removed a “substantial” amount of money. State police at Kane have charged 54 year old Rick Godfrey and Todd Springer, 43, both of Warren with theft by unlawful taking. Authorities claim the pair was caught “red-handed” stealing glass wire insulators belonging to the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railroad from the track next to the Campbelltown Road in Hamlin Township Monday morning. A Belmont, NY resident has been charged with disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place late Saturday night on Academy Street in Ulysses. Police say 38 year old James Cowburn used an air compressor and hose to propel a glass bottle into the air. The bottle landed in the back yard at the Michael Healy residence near his camper. A criminal mischief taking place in the same neighborhood over the weekend is being probed by state police here. Vandals shot paint balls at the front door and surrounding area at the Northern Potter Health Center.
06/20/06 A New York City man was sentenced yesterday to two terms of one to three years in a New York State prison for raping a 15 year old Shinglehouse girl. Walter Escobar-Vega, 28, of Queens still faces numerous sex-related charges here in Potter County. He was arrested on March 19 when he and the girl emerged from a hotel in Olean where they had spent the weekend. Escobar-Vega hired a cab to drive him from New York to Shinglehouse on March 16. He picked up the ninth grade student when she left the Oswayo Valley High School that afternoon and took her to Olean for the weekend. She was listed as a missing person and was not located until Sunday evening. During their investigation, police learned that the two had become acquainted through a Yahoo chat room on the internet in September 2004. The two began having phone conversations in April 2005 and started sending each other nude pictures a couple of months later. Escobar-Vega traveled by cab to Shinglehouse in February of this year when the girl’s parents were out of town. Charges are pending against a Smethport driver following a one-vehicle crash Monday morning on the Bingham Road in Lafayette Township. State police said 26 year old John Brown Jr. was driving a Ford Bronco northbound when it slid off the wet pavement, ran into a ditch and rolled over. The driver and his three passengers, 31 year old Thomas Carpenter of Smethport and two boys, ages 4 and 5, were all taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Police said seatbelts and child safety seats were not being used at the time of the crash. A 31 year old Genesee resident has been charged with criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness for an incident allegedly taking place early Sunday morning at the Genesee Environmental Center. Police were called to the location by owner Larry Hinrichsen who had gone to check an activated burglary alarm and discovered Jason Bundy highly intoxicated and passed out inside the building. Troopers at Kane have charge 44 year old Glen Szymanski of Ridgway with public drunkenness after he was found lying on Route 321 in the village of East Kane at around 2:00 a.m. Saturday. A couple of victims have told police they do not wish to press charges against suspects. Kane-based state police claim 45 year old Steven Ault of Eldred grabbed Tiffany Ault, 20, around the throat and threatened to choke her during an argument early Saturday morning at her home on Cris Drive in that town. But no charges are being filed at the request of the victim And, Eugene Graybill of Columbia, PA told Coudersport-based state police he did not want to file charges against a known suspect who fired some rounds
06/19/06 A Coudersport man is facing charges in connection to two separate incidents involving a 15 year old female victim. State police say the first incident took place inside a bus on Route 6 in Pike Township at about 9:00 a.m. on Thursday June 8. Derek Stout, 19, is accused of grabbing, pushing, pinching, biting and smacking the girl during a school trip. He was released on unsecured bail after being arraigned before District Judge Delores Bristol on charges of simple assault and harassment. Stout has been subsequently charged with concealment of whereabouts of a child and unsworn falsification for an incident taking place the following Saturday between 7:30 a.m. and midnight at his home on East Second Street in Sweden Township. Troopers claim while they searched for the 15 year old girl who was listed as a missing person or runaway, Stout made false statements as to the girl’s whereabouts when in fact she had been hiding in his home. Stout was also arraigned on those charges before Judge Bristol who was on duty at the time of his arrest. Preliminary hearings on both matters will be scheduled later. Alcohol was a factor, according to police, when a Whitesville, NY driver wrecked his car Saturday morning on the Peet Brook Road in Allegany Township. Troopers said 21 year old Christopher Bryant was headed north when he fell asleep at the wheel of his Chevrolet Cavalier causing it to go off the road and strike a tree stump. After which, the coupe spun around and slid down a 10 foot embankment. Bryant had to be extricated from the wreckage by Coudersport EMS personnel. He was first taken to Charles Cole Hospital and was later flown to a hospital in Erie for observation and a moderate head injury. Minor injuries were reported for a Roulette woman and her young child following a crash Friday afternoon on Lanninger Creek Road in Roulette Township. State police said Chastity Marsh was traveling north when her Pontiac Grand AM went off the road and struck a fence. Both the driver and youngster were taken to Charles Cole Hospital. An Eldred teenager also received minor injuries in a one-vehicle mishap. Kane-based state police said 18 year old William Freer lost control of his Ford Ranger pick-up when he overcorrected after the wheels dropped onto the berm Saturday afternoon. The truck went through some grass, became airborne over a creek and landed in a nearby field. He’s being charged with speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt. The theft of some money from a wrecked car is under investigation by state police here. Thieves reached into a car owned by 86 year old Eugene Kovacs of Coudersport and stole over $509 last Saturday while it was sitting in the Main Driveway at Charles Cole Hospital after it had been involved in a collision. The theft of a Coleman Powermate generator from a Hector Township residence is under investigation as well. The generator was taken from the patio at the home of Gregory Lampman located on the Brown Road between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. last Thursday. Troopers at Kane are probing the theft of an n”inoperative” Suzuki RM 250 from the front of the Franklin Howard residence on Oil Valley Road in Otto Township on Sunday, June 11. The thieves cut the chain locking the bike to a steel post and pushed it southwards on Route 546 between 2:30 and 11:15 a.m.
06/16/06 A portion of Route 6 east of Ludlow was closed to traffic early this morning followinga one vehicle crash . State police at Kane said James Sluga of Mt. Jewett was headed west at about 11:30 p.m. when his Dodge 4-door truck crossed to the other side of the road, struck some guardrails and spun counterclockwise dragging a section of the guard rail across the highway. Sluga was flown by helicopter to Hamot Medical Center in Erie. His passenger, Reuben Nearing of Ludlow was also injured, but police did not indicate where he was taken for treatment of his injuries. The highway was closed for about three hours while PennDot employees removed the damaged guard rail. A cruelty to animals incident taking place Thursday afternoon in Hamlin Township, McKean County is under investigation. State police said someone took a pet rabbit belonging to Debra Carpenter from its cage. Apparently the rabbit managed to get loose and was found injured under a tree along Church Street. Police said it appeared the pet had been shot twice with a BB gun. The theft of some copper wire from along the railroad grade near the entrance of Kinzua State Park in Hamlin Township is also being probed by state police Thieves took two 480 foot long copper wires belonging to the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad Company sometime between Monday and Wednesday. Troopers are also looking for the Asian male who drove off without paying for $37.86 worth of gasoline he pumped into his white Toyota Siena mini van at theCrosby Mini Mart last night at around 7:45 p.m. The van reportedly had Maryland plates. The Potter County Visitors Association held their annual membership meeting and dinner on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at the Hotel Crittenden in Coudersport. 37 people representing 25 businesses or organizations were present to cast their votes for board members and take part in the annual social event. The winners of the election are as follows: Harry “Chip” Harrison, Lyman Run State Park Complex, Patricia Berberich, PA Lumber Museum, and Doug Morley, Northwest Savings Bank, Donald Gilliland, Potter-Leader Enterprise, Kim Mitchell, Mitchell’s Tax Service, and Walter Baker, Hotel Crittenden. They join existing board members: Jeff Miller, TelCove, Shawn Schoonover, Ski Denton, Amber Neefe, Sweden Valley Inn, Gerri Miller, Radio Station WFRM, and Gail Ayers, Frosty Hollow Bed and Breakfast. After the elections, Rich Jones gave a brief presentation regarding the Wildflower Weekend project. Afterwards, David Brooks, Executive Director, demonstrated the new Potter County Visitors website, www.visitpottercounty.com. The website was launched last June and is averaging 12,000 distinct visitors per month. The Potter County Visitors Association was incorporated on Sept 4, 1962 as the Denton Hill Recreation Association. In 1964, the name was changed to Potter County Recreation, Inc., “PCRI”. In 1997, PCRI changed its name to the Potter County Visitors Association (PCVA). PCVA is the official tourist promotion agency of Potter County. Its mission is to enhance the local economic development and quality of life by promoting tourism and recreational opportunities in Potter County. PCVA will be moving to the former Bonnie Sue Young law office at 118 N. Main Street, Coudersport later this month. 06/15/06 Attorneys for Adelphia founder and former CEO John Rigas and his son Timothy argued in federal appeals court in New York City yestrday that their convictions should be overturned because accounting terms were not explained to the jury. Attorneys also told the judges that the Rigases believed they were properly following accounting rules in transactions which the government argued successfully in the 2004 trial were fraudulent. The two men were found guilty of conspiracy, bank and securities fraud. Another son, Michael Rigas was acquitted of some charges and was scheduled to be re-tried on others when he pleaded guilty to one count of making a false entry in a company record. He currently is serving a 10 month sentence of home confinement. His father and brother remain free while they appeal their sentences. The elder Rigas was sentenced to a 15 year prison term while Timothy was sentenced to 20 years. The appeals court panel will rule later on the defense motion. Work is progressing at the Lyman Run Dam according to Park manager Chip Harrison who told members of the PCVA last night that, weather permitting, the actual construction should be completed sometime in September. The site will be cleaned up and equipment moved out after that and the filling of Lyman lake should begin in October. The dam was drained several years ago when inspectors determined the fifty year old earthen dam was unsafe. Because of the negative impact on the county's tourism industry, the county commissioners lobbied the state government to have it repaired or rebuilt. Tom Ridge was governor of Pennsylvania at the time and pledged funding for the project which survived the transition to the Mark Schweiker administration after Ridge became the nation's first Homeland Security Secretary in 2001. There was a little "down time" with a change in Administrations when Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, succeeded the two previous Republican governors but the actual project was never in doubt and many observers believe it may be the last dam to be constructed in Pennsylvania. A couple of harassment incidents are being investigated by state police in Coudersport and Kane.A 15 year old Roulette girl told troopers that she has been receiving harassing messages and emails through her MySpace.com account from a 15 year old boy she had been friends with over the past school year. Jeffrey Campbell, 28 and 19 year old Michelle Fillhart, Port Allegany have been cited for harassment in connection to incidents allegedly taking place over the past week along Route 155 north of Port Allegany. Authorities claim the pair drove past a construction site, shouting obscenities and making derogatory remarks toward 31 year old Karl Renner of Port Allegany while he was in the company ho a work crew. Allegheny Power has announced a planned electrical outage affecting a large portion of Coudersport Borough Saturday. The outage is expected to run from about 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weather permitting, and will affect over 900 customers.
06/14/06 A Roulette man is facing hit and run charges following a crash early Tuesday morning in that village. Troopers claim 21 year old David Darush left the scene after his vehicle drifted off of Maple Street and knocked down three mailboxes and a fence at about 4:00 a.m. . Police said one of the victims later identified Darush’s Chevy Baretta. The investigation is continuing and anyone else with information is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690. An unidentified dump truck driver was injured Tuesday around noontime in a mishap occurring adjacent to the Keating Township building near the intersection of Routes 607 and 155. According to an Austin Fire Department spokesman, the truck was dumping a load of limestone when it tipped over onto the passenger side. The driver was transported to Charles Cole Hospital by Austin Volunteer Ambulance. A couple of recent thefts are being investigated by state police here and in McKean County. Sometime between June 2 and 8, someone strung a heavy duty black electrical cord across land owned by Karen Marshall of Lock Haven and plugged it into an external electrical outlet at a her camp on Grover Hollow Road in Bingham Township. Anyone who has knowledge about the theft of electricity is asked to contact the local state police barracks. Thieves took two radiators from a vehicle parked in a field next to the Coleman Mills road in Liberty Township sometime over the past couple of weeks. The radiators belonged to Frederick Ernst. And, a 20 inch boy’s BMX bicycle was taken from in front of a residence on Alan Street in Keating Township, McKean County between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday. It belonged to a 15 year old boy. State police here are looking for vandals who blew up a mail box at the intersection of Niles Hill Road and Dingman Run Road at about 10 p.m. Monday night. Lester Goss of Coudersport told authorities that the vandals were driving a sedan when they took off after using a type of fireworks to destroy his plastic mailbox. In regional news, an elderly New Jersey couple perished in a blaze which destroyed their camp in Delmar Township, Tioga County early Tuesday morning. According to authorities, the camp was accessible only by driving across a field and there was no electricity or water at the cabin. While the exact cause of the fire is unknown, it’s believed that a faulty pipe leading from a wood-burning stove to the chimney may have been the cause. The victims’ identities have not been released until next of kin can be notified.
06/13/06 A Shinglehouse-area teen who left her home at about 1:00 o’clock Tuesday morning was located about 12 hours later, apparently unharmed. Kane-based state police said 13 year old Katelyn Barnes of Champlin Hollow Road was picked up by an unidentified person driving a small SUV after “chatting” with an unknown person on the internet. In an updated news release, police said there was “no foul play.” Injuries were reported for one driver following a collision Sunday afternoon on Route 6 in front of Charles Cole Hospital, Coudersport. State police said the collision occurred when 86 year old Eugene Kovacs of Coudersport who has headed east, turned left into the hospital driveway in front of a westbound car driven by 18-year old Caitlin Kernan of Lebanon, PA. Kovacs was treated at the hospital for minor injuries while Kernan and her passenger, Josh Knable of Hershey escaped injury. DUI charges are being filed against 43 year old Philip Bennett of Ulysses following a minor mishap early Saturday morning o Route 49 near Seven Bridges in Allegany Township. State police said Bennett was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for chemical testing after his vehicle ran off the road and went into a ditch. A hit and run taking place between 11:00 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 a.m. Sunday in Hebron Township is being investigated by state police here. An unknown vehicle went off of Dingman Run Road and damaged a fence surrounding property owned by Roy Thompson of Coudersport. Damage was said to amount to about $500. Several harassment incidents have recently been investigated by state police. Troopers here have filed charges against 63 year old Barbara Smith of Germansville, PA after she allegedly “kneed” Maureen Padilla of Austin in the abdomen and shoved her against a table during an argument on Costello Avenue in Austin Sunday around noontime. State police at Kane cited 29 year old Katie Dietz of Olean, NY with harassment after she appeared repeatedly at a home on Canfield Hollow and allegedly harassed Samantha Forte and her family as they were moving out of the house recently purchased by Dietz. And, state police here were called Sunday to a squabble at the playground at the Ulysses townhouses when a four year old boy allegedly hit a13 year old boy with his fist. Police said the incident was settled among both sets of parents and responding troopers.
06/13/06 Speeding charges are pending against a Coudersport man for a crash taking place last Wednesday morning on Wycoff Run Road in Gibson Township, Cameron County. State police said 30 year old Ryan Gooch was rounding a left hand curve at high rate of speed when the wheels of his Ford F-150 dropped off the roadway onto the berm. As Gooch tried to correct, the truck veered across the road and struck an embankment. The passenger side door opened upon impact and passenger 32 year old Benjamin Russell of Coudersport was thrown out of the truck and into the middle of the road. The truck continued on for a short distance before hitting the bank again. Gooch was taken by passenger car to obtain treatment for minor injuries while Russell was taken from the scene by Sinnemahoning ambulance and then flown to the Altoona Hospital where he was treated and released. Details of the crash were only provided this past weekend. A Little Genesee, NY driver is being charged with improperly overtaking another vehicle in connection to a collision taking place Saturday afternoon on the Kings Run Road in Ceres Township. State police said Paul Bluhm was trying to pass a Dodge Caravan driven by 70 year old Elaine Brundage of Wellsville, just as she began to make a left turn. Bluhm applied the brakes on his Chevy sedan but could not avoid striking the van in the left side. Bluhm received minor injuries but Brundage and her husband, John, and four children escaped injury. State police at Kane have charged 19 year old Matthew Skinner of Mt. Jewett with burglary for an incident allegedly taking place early this morning on Gallup Avenue in that town. Authorities claim Skinner unlawfully entered the Jane Bernecky property and a physical altercation erupted when she was awakened. An attempted burglary at Connie’s Market on Route 49 in Bingham Township overnight last Monday is under investigation by state police here. The would-be thieves damaged the door and door frame at the business in their unsuccessful attempt to gain entry. The theft of a “Smokey Bear” sign from the intersection of Routes 155 and 120 in Emporium over the weekend is under investigation by state police there. The sign was valued at $200 and was the property of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A couple of incidents taking place last week in the borough of Oswayo remain under investigation by state police here. Ron Reynolds told authorities when he returned home Thursday evening he found that someone had fired about 45 green paintballs at his house between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. And, police have charged 23 year old Eric Davis of Oswayo with harassment after he allegedly went to the Reynolds home Friday morning and allegedly harassed Reynolds and his children and reportedly swore at the children relative to an ongoing investigation. 06/12/06 Speeding charges are pending against a Coudersport man for a crash taking place last Wednesday morning on Wycoff Run Road in Gibson Township, Cameron County. State police said 30 year old Ryan Gooch was rounding a left hand curve at high rate of speed when the wheels of his Ford F-150 dropped off the roadway onto the berm. As Gooch tried to correct, the truck veered across the road and struck an embankment. The passenger side door opened upon impact and passenger 32 year old Benjamin Russell of Coudersport was thrown out of the truck and into the middle of the road. The truck continued on for a short distance before hitting the bank again. Gooch was taken by passenger car to obtain treatment for minor injuries while Russell was taken from the scene by Sinnemahoning ambulance and then flown to the Altoona Hospital where he was treated and released. Details of the crash were only provided this past weekend. A Little Genesee, NY driver is being charged with improperly overtaking another vehicle in connection to a collision taking place Saturday afternoon on the Kings Run Road in Ceres Township. State police said Paul Bluhm was trying to pass a Dodge Caravan driven by 70 year old Elaine Brundage of Wellsville, just as she began to make a left turn. Bluhm applied the brakes on his Chevy sedan but could not avoid striking the van in the left side. Bluhm received minor injuries but Brundage and her husband, John, and four children escaped injury. State police at Kane have charged 19 year old Matthew Skinner of Mt. Jewett with burglary for an incident allegedly taking place early this morning on Gallup Avenue in that town. Authorities claim Skinner unlawfully entered the Jane Bernecky property and a physical altercation erupted when she was awakened. An attempted burglary at Connie’s Market on Route 49 in Bingham Township overnight last Monday is under investigation by state police here. The would-be thieves damaged the door and door frame at the business in their unsuccessful attempt to gain entry. The theft of a “Smokey Bear” sign from the intersection of Routes 155 and 120 in Emporium over the weekend is under investigation by state police there. The sign was valued at $200 and was the property of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A couple of incidents taking place last week in the borough of Oswayo remain under investigation by state police here. Ron Reynolds told authorities when he returned home Thursday evening he found that someone had fired about 45 green paintballs at his house between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. And, police have charged 23 year old Eric Davis of Oswayo with harassment after he allegedly went to the Reynolds home Friday morning and allegedly harassed Reynolds and his children and reportedly swore at the children relative to an ongoing investigation. 06/09/06 A Coudersport man has been sentenced to a state prison term of 2-1/2 to five years for sexual assault. Kevin Lunn, 23, recently pleaded guilty in McKean County court to aggravated indecent assault without consent, aggravated indecent assault on a person less that 13, indecent assault and corruption of minors for having sex with a 14 year old girl between December 2004 and January 2005. Under Megan’s law, Lunn must register his address with state police for 10 years after he is released from prison. State police at Kane are investigating the theft of a lawnmower from a Keating Township camp sometime over the past week. A Craftsman self-propelled lawn mower and a gas can valued at a total of $325 were taken from the front porch of a camp on the Irish Hollow Road owned by Gerald Kite of Austin. The Potter County Commissioners during their regular meeting on Thursday approved a grant agreement between the county and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for a $20,000 grant to conduct Citizen Corps Program activities in the county. They also approved an agreement with Dr. Robert Wagner for on-site physician services at the county jail and an agreement with Infocon for an accounting system The software and training cost of $1440.00 will be funded through the Records Improvement Fund. The monthly service fee of $100.00 will be paid directly out of the Commissioners’ contract services line item of the budget. In personnel action, the commissioners agreed to the retroactive hiring of Sara Gamble as a Summer intern in the Planning Office at the hourly rate of $8.20. they also agreed to hire Adam Neff as a full-time temporary Trailblazer Supervisor at the rate of $10.50 per hour and Phoebe Leber as a full-time temporary Trailblazer Supervisor’s Assistant at the rate of $7.00 per hour. The hirings were ratified during the Salary Board meeting which followed.
6/08/06 A six year old McKean County boy died Tuesday night when his child-size ATV rolled on top of him after he was thrown off the machine. Devon DuPont of Lewis Run was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead following the 8:30 p.m. mishap on private property off of the Bingham Road in Lafayette Township. State police in Coudersport have charged four more area residents with burglary, theft, conspiracy, criminal trespass, receiving stolen property, possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Authorities accused 25 year old Ryan Hibshman, Daniel Foster, 20, and 18 year old Jonathan Proctor all of Galeton and 19 year old Joshua Bloom of Westfield with a recent burglary at the Ox Yoke Inn on Route 6, Galeton in which cash and alcoholic beverages were taken. They are also suspected of trying to burglarize the Ulysses American Legion, Connie’s Market in Ulysses and Kibbe’s Store in Harrison Valley. The three underage suspects have additionally been charged with underage possession of alcoholic beverages. The arrests this week come on the heels of last week’s arrest of 7 people suspected of committing numerous burglaries and thefts all over the county during the past six months or so. They were picked up in connection to a burglary taking place on North Ayers Road in Summit Township on May 31. Search warrants were obtained for several homes and police said extensive property was recovered. Four of the suspects, Daniel Fierro, 21, of Austin, 19 year old Jeffery Johnson Jr. of Sweden Township, 26 year old Victor Vallejo of Austin and 18 year old Kyle Woodring of Eulalia Township were all remanded to the Potter County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail each. Colt Stinger, 23, of Sweden Township was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail. Amanda Shutt, 18 of Coudersport was released after posting $15,000 bail and the 17 year old girl was turned over to Juvenile Probation. Police say they do not believe the two sets of arrests are related. In regional news, New York state authorities are looking for two masked teens who robbed the FYE store in the Olean Mall yesterday. The pair reportedly wore hooded sweatshirts and bandanas and took a dozen iPods and two PlayStations from the store. Ryan Abbott, 25, of Port Allegany has been cited for public drunkenness after being found lying across the Pine Grove Road in Annin Townshp Wednesday at about 10:10 a.m. A non-traffic citation has been filed with District Judge Todd. 06/07/06 A burglary taking place during a 24 hour period Sunday or Monday on the East Fork Road about two and a half miles south of the village of Conrad is being investigated by state police locally. Thieves forced their way into a camp owned by Jack Clough of York but it’s not known if anything was taken. Anyone with information is asked to call Cpl. Murray at the local barracks, 274-8690. Authorities say information can remain anonymous. Troopers at Emporium are investigating a theft at the Hicks Run Cemetery in Gibson Township over the past couple of weeks. A wrought iron sign with the words, “Hicks Run Cemetery” featuring an elk and hummingbird was removed from the signpost after the post was cut. A couple of prowling incidents taking place Sunday night on the Rag Hill Road and Andrews Settlement Road in Genesee Township are being probed by state police here. An unknown person entered property owned by Jonathan Inzana on the Rag Hill Road and by Roy Nickerson on the Andrews Settlement road. The Coudersport Falcons baseball team will play California Thursday afternoon at Clarion University in the first round of the PIAA state play-offs. Game time is 3:00 p.m.
06/06/06 An RD Port Allegany man was seriously injured Monday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash on Route 59 just east of the Bradford Regional Airport. State police said 79 year old Eugene Blood of Sartwell Creek Road could not regain control of his Chevy van after the wheels drifted off the pavement onto the soft shoulder. The van struck a culvert and rolled over several times before coming to rest on its roof. Blood was flown to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for treatment. In regional news, traffic on Boot Jack Hill in Ridgway was tied up for several hours Monday evening when a tractor trailer spilled its load of 2 x 4’s while going up the hill. Police said the accident occurred when the load shifted. The driver, 44 year old Dennis Loney of Brockway escaped injury. A burglary at the home of Rebecca Stuckey on Rugaber Street in Austin last week is being probed by state police here. Thieves took a Delta Compound Mitre Saw belonging to Bucky Blainar of Austin from the front porch and went inside where they stole a Craftsman route belonging to Amberly Costello of Shinglehouse. Value of the equipment is said to be about $400. The crime took place between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tuesday. State police have charged 24 year old Philip Childers of Hopewell with harassment and criminal mischief for an incident allegedly taking place at around 2:00 a.m. Sunday in the Old Tannery Inn located in Sylvania Township. Authorities claim Childers tried to punch Curtis Proctor while threatening him with unwanted physical contact and damaged a sign at that location in the process. We now have some more details on Coudersport’s stunning upset of Mount Union in the opening round of the state high school baseball playoffs Monday afternoon in Altoona. It was a true David vs. Goliath story and it marks the first time Coudersport has ever progressed this far in the state high school baseball playoffs.Falcon pitcher Kyle Kockler staked his team to a 1-0 lead with a long home run in the second inning. Mount Union came back to take a 2-1 lead and it could have been worse, but the team left the bases loaded.The Falcons slipped back ahead 3-2 after three innings. Kockler then settled down and kept the Mount Union bats at bay.Meanwhile, Coudersport’s hitters got to the Mount Union starting pitcher in the fifth inning. They proceeded to pound two more pitchers as the District 6 champions, who entertained thoughts of a state championship, grew desperate.Freshman Buddy Metzger added a home run, while seniors David Babcock and Caleb Morris each pounded extra-base hits off the deep fence to power the Falcon offense.Coudersport improved its record to 12-3 while Mount Union’s season ended with a 21-3 record.Now the Falcons of first-year head coach Doug McClintic are in the state’s “Elite 8,” with the next game scheduled for Thursday afternoon at a site to be announced. They await the winner of Tuesday afternoon’s Ridgway versus Bishop Canevin game, being played at Mount Pleasant.A win on Thursday would propel the Falcons into the state’s Final Four, who square off next Monday. They would be one step away from the state championship game next Saturday at the Blair County Ballpark in Altoona.
6/05/06 Coudersport-based state police have apparently broken up a burglary ring with the arrest last week of seven people, including a 17 year old girl. Authorities say information came together when they were investigating a burglary taking place last Wednesday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 463 North Ayers Hill Road in Summit Township. As a result, search warrants were obtained on several residences and extensive property was recovered. Four suspects, Daniel Fierro, 21, of Austin, 19 year old Jeffery Johnson Jr. of Sweden Township, 26 year old Victor Vallejo of Austin and 18 year old Kyle Woodring of Eulalia Township were all remanded to the Potter County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail each. Colt Stinger, 23, of Sweden Township was jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail. Amanda Shutt, 18 of Coudersport was released after posting $15,000 bail and the 17 year old girl was turned over to Juvenile Probation. Police say the investigation is continuing and additional arrests are anticipated. No one was hurt in an unusual two-vehicle crash occurring Saturday afternoon on Route 872ahalf mile north of the village of Wharton. State police said the mishap occurred when a Ford Ranger driven by 78 year old Emmet Drake of Austin failed to negotiate a left banked curve and continued to travel straight, striking a utility pole and causing it to fall onto a Kenworth Truck hauling a low-boy trailer with a log skidder. The pole wires started to spark, causing the tires to catch fire. Both the operator, Steven Elsayed and his passenger, Timothy Shoemaker, both of Mifflinburg were able to get out of the rig and ran to safety. The fire was extinguished and damage to the tires was only minimal but traffic was blocked for about eight hours. Injuries were reported for one driver and one passenger following a three-vehicle pile up Saturday afternoon on Route 155 about a half mile north of the Two Mile Road between Port Allegany and Turtlepoint. State police said the chain-reaction crash occurred when 19 year old Jeremy Tucker of Turtlepoint failed to stop his Dodge truck and allowed it to run into the back of a Buick van driven by Randy Garzel of Port Allegany which had stopped behind a Chrysler sedan driven by Jeffrey Faulk of Brockway which was stopped preparing to turn. The impact forced the van into the back of the sedan. Faulk received minor injuries while Tucker and Garzel escaped injury as did three passengers in the Faulk car. However, a child in the Garzel van also received minor injuries. Injuries were also reported for 20 year old Angela Allen of Wellsville whose car flipped end over end early Sunday morning on Route 44 a mile north of Shinglehouse after striking an embankment while headed north. Allen was taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment.
6/02/06 Twenty-eight Habitat Bike Challenge college students arrived at Coudersport’s Courthouse square before noon today and were greeted by local residents, dignitaries, and Potter County Habitat board members with bottled water, juices or fruit or just well wishes. The energetic students are bicycling across the country to support Habitat for Humanity and draw attention to the complexities of poverty in America. The bikers left Coudersport heading for Emporium toward where they will be treated to complimentary dinner at about 5:30 p.m. at the Cameron County Christian Center hosted by Pastor Rock Pifer. Then, the public is welcome to attend a slide presentation on the students' extraordinary community service project beginning at 7:00 p.m. . The bike trip began Sunday morning in New Haven, Ct., and will conclude sometime around July 30 in Portland, Ore. Nearly 90 students are pedaling on three separate routes. Their goal is to draw attention to the large percentage of Americans living in substandard housing, and to raise at least $360,000 for construction of five new Habitat for Humanity homes. Each group covers about 70 miles per day. Along the way, the students are scheduled to join Habitat for Humanity volunteers in home construction in Pittsburgh and Ames, Iowa. Their itinerary allows time for the cyclists to stop in towns and rest areas to explain the trip's purpose. Dozens of churches and community groups are poised to host the group along the way. HBC started the annual journeys in 1994 when a small group of Yale University students agreed to bicycle across the country in return for donations. It’s now Habitat for Humanity's largest student-run fund-raiser. The HBC team is posting a diary of its cross-country trip on the Internet at www.hbccentral2006.blogspot.com. The cooler temperatures today and tomorrow are no doubt welcome for the bicyclists and the runners in tomorrow’s 32nd annual God’s Country Marathon taking place between Galeton and Coudersport. 158 runners had registered by early this morning. The number is down slightly from last year’s number of 187 runners. Of that amount, 171 crossed the finish line. The marathon began in 1974 and four years later, during the national running craze, the number of runners totaled 495. This year’s field includes 53 year old Terry Stanley of Eldred who set the record in 1978 with a time of 2:26:42. Paul Maraccini and Park Barner who have competed in all 31 previous marathons are signed up again this year and 68 year old Pilar Sargent of Westfield is also planning to run the 26.4 mile course which is considered one of the toughest in the United States. Runners World magazine lists it among the top 10 marathons. The runners will step off at 8:00 in Galeton and the winners will be crossing the finish line about two and a half hours later. The participants are being treated to spaghetti dinner tonight at the Coudersport Fire Hall and a family style buffet picnic tomorrow following the awards ceremony at 3:00 p.m. WFRM-AM 600 will be broadcasting live from the finish line tomorrow morning and you’re invited to stop by and cheer on the runners. A Port Allegany man will be sentenced on July 27 after pleading guilty this week in McKean County Court to disorderly conduct. Ronald Amell, 75 was arrested by State Police earlier this spring for two separate incidents taking place at a Port Allegany baseball field. On March 28, Amell shouted that someone should shoot the coaches and that the kids need more playing time. He returned to the ball field the next day with a gun. The Cameron County Red Raiders defeated Coudersport 7-1 last night in St. Marys to capture the District 9 Baseball championship after a lengthy rain delay. Coudersport will continue on, however, traveling to Mansion Park in Altoona on Monday to play Mount Union District 6 Champions at 3:00 p.m. Gates open at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for students.
6/01/06 Potter County’s jobless rate improved four-tenths of a percent between March and April according to the state labor department. Unemployment here was 5.9% in March and dropped to 5.5% in April. That compared to 6.4% in Cameron County; 5.1 % in McKean; 4.9% in Elk and 4.7% in Tioga County. The national rate and Pennsylvania rate were both 4.7% for the period. State police here say that a mechanical malfunction was likely the cause of a one-vehicle crash taking place Tuesday night on Route 155 near Combs Creek Road outside of Port Allegany. Troopers said Isaac Lannager was headed south when his 1993 Ford Truck veered off the road and struck a ditch. Lannager was wearing a seatbelt and escaped injury. Troopers are looking for a red truck tractor hauling a white excavator with a black bucket which tore down some electric lines along Route 59 near the Bradford Ranger Station Wednesday afternoon just before 3:00 p.m. The wires fell across the road requiring the road to be closed for a period of time. The driver never stopped and continued west toward Warren County. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kane barracks at 778-5555. 05/31/06 Speeding charges are being filed against a Bradford motorcyclist who was hurt in a crash Tuesday night on Route 346 near Wolf Run Road in Corydon Township, McKean County. State police said James Kemick Jr. was headed west at a high rate of speed when His ’02 Harley Davidson traveled across the road and struck a bridge. Both the operator and cycle continued on through a yard while rolling over several times before coming to rest in the yard. Kemick was transported to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. An Eldred man wanted by Kane-based state police for a domestic violence incident over the weekend was located Tuesday and committed to the McKean County jail in lieu of $20,000 bail after being arraigned before District Judge Todd on charges of aggravated assault. Brian Miller, 45, is accused of firing a gun at 44 year old Joanna Calkins and a 13 year old girl and physically assaulting them at their home on the Prentisvale Road Saturday and Sunday. The investigation is continuing into an assault which sent a Port Allegany man to Charles Cole Hospital early Saturday morning. State police say a known suspect hit 30 year old Troy Renner with a baseball bat during an argument at the Renner home on Wildwood Drive. Police have not yet released the name of a woman facing simple assault charges for an incident taking place Friday evening on Route 155 south of Port Allegany. Authorities say the woman assaulted Joseph Reagle of Bolivar causing him to crash his vehicle on Route 155 south of Port Allegany. State police here are looking for the person or persons who “borrowed” a John Deere Dozer over the weekend without the owner’s permission to grade a 200-250 yard section of road leading the Montgomery-Potter Recreation Association located about a mile south of Mitchell Lane in West Branch Township. The dozer belongs to Edwin Knecht Jr. of Lock Haven and apparently there was no damage. Criminal mischief charges have been filed against 20 year old Jonathan Tritt of Coudersport. State police claim Tritt used a BB gun to shoot the window on a 1972 Travel Master pull-behind camper owned by Darwin Manning of Austin while it was parked near the Keating Township line last Thursday evening. Damage is estimated to be $100. As the sale of Adelphia to Time Warner and Comcast nears completion, an upstart cable channel has filed a lawsuit to block the sale according to a report today from the Associated Press. The lawsuit filed by America Channel based in Florida which is not yet on the air claims the deal violates antitrust laws by reducing competition and that the so-called “monopoly” which would result makes it difficult for independent networks to concede. The channel is also seeking monetary damages totaling about $1 billion. As we reported yesterday, Adelphia late last week filed a motion to allow the sale to proceed without first confirming a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization and to allow the deal to move forward without a creditor vote. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for late next month.
05/30/06 Officials advise traffic on Route 59/6 into Smethport will be delayed from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as the VietNam Moving Wall travels from Marienville through Smethport to Hamlin Lake where it will be displayed through June 5. A couple of McKean County teens are facing DUI charges following separate crashes over the weekend. Kyle Field, 18, of Smethport was injured Saturday night when his Chevy Blazer went through some guardrails and over an embankment on Route 6 about a half mile west of the Brooklynside Road near Port Allegany. The SUV rolled over once, coming to rest on its wheels. Field was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment, and police allege they found he had been driving under the influence of alcohol. Zachary Weart, 19, of Bradford received minor injuries early Sunday morning in a crash at the intersection of Routes 321 and 59 in Lafayette Township. State police said Weart’s Chevy Lumina went off the road while negotiating a curve and struck some large rocks. He was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment. Minor injuries were also reported for an Emporium driver following a collision late Friday Saturday night at the entrance of the Cameron County Fairgrounds. State police said Russell Barnhart backed his Ford Escort onto the Route 46 in front of a northbound Toyota Corolla driven by Clara Burgoon, also of Emporium. The impact forced the Barnhart compact down the private drive and into a locked gate. Barnhart received minor injuries while Burgoon was unhurt. A Ridgway woman has been cited for speeding following a crash Friday night on Route 219 a mile and half south of Lewis Run. Kane-based state police said Kathleen Thomas lost control of her Buick Century on a curve. The sedan slide counterclockwise off the road and into some trees. She escaped injury. Troopers here are continuing their investigation into a hit and run early Sunday morning in the parking lot of the Old Tannery Inn near Austin. Authorities say a bar patron hit a sign while leaving the parking lot and witnesses have provided them with registration information. Several area residents have been cited for harassment recently. Bradley Lannager, 45, of Roulette is accused of punching 26 year old Frances Ayers, of Coudersport in the mouth several times during an altercation in the Roulette Volunteer Fire Department parking lot following the Alumni Association dance early Sunday morning. James Green, 38 of Port Allegany, has been cited after allegedly pushing Amber Lloyd , 24, of Roulette last Thursday evening in the parking lot at the Two Mile Restaurant near Turtlepoint. Denise Geci, 38 of Austin, was cited for an incident allegedly taking place at around 11:00 a.m. Sunday at her home on Ruth Street. Police claim Geci threatened 28 year old Karen Gaines of Emporium with unwanted physical contact. Police are also continuing their investigations into several recent burglaries in the area. During the early morning hours Thursday, thieves entered the Ox Yoke Inn on Route 6 west in Galeton through a basement door and removed an undisclosed amount of US Currency and several bottles of liquor. Thieves took an antique farm bell inscribed with the numbers”1896”, a jockey lantern and solar light from a camp on the Ellis Hollow Road in Ulysses Township sometime over the past two weeks. The camp is owned by James Brossman of Mohrsville, PA. And a 25” black RCA TV and Silver Sanyo DVD/VCR combination were taken sometime last week from a camp on the East Fork Road in Wharton township owned by Donald Berglund of Spring, Texas. 05/26/06 A Roulette woman has been charged with theft, receiving stolen property, and computer trespass and identity theft. State police allege 51 year old Luann Matteson took $3000 from Christina Bowser’s checking account and transferred the money to an online Paypal account sometime between this past December 14 and January 25. Matteson was arraigned before District Judge Barbara Easton and was released on $2500 unsecured bail pending further court action. Troopers here are also investigating some cattle rustling going on in the Harrison Valley area. On May 10th or 11th, someone took a black and brown cow from a pasture on the William Vanetten farm located along Whites Corners Road. The cow was valued at $800. Then, Tuesday night or early Wednesday, thieves entered barns owned by Calvin McCutcheon on the Harrison Fox Hill road and Thomas Kibbe on the Iva Jen Road and removed some calves. Two of them were black and white and one was all black. They are valued at a total of $1900 and anyone who can provide police with information is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690. A couple of area residents have been cited for harassment. Guy Eastman, 57, of Otto Township McKean County has been cited following an argument with his neighbor Raymond Neureiter Wednesday evening. State police allege Eastman threatened Neureiter. And, troopers at Emporium have charged 40 year old Brian McClure of that town with harassment after allegedly pushing and punching 20 year old Tina Bargerstock during an argument early Friday morning at a West Fourth Street residence. The long Memorial Holiday weekend officially gets underway tonight and continues through Monday. State police all across Pennsylvania will be using beefed up patrols on the look out for speeders, aggressive and/or drunk drivers and they will be enforcing the state’s seat belt law in an effort to reduce the number of serious crashes. Last year 11 people were killed and 324 others were injured in the 786 crashes to which state police responded during the 2005 Memorial Holiday driving period.
05/25/06 Proving that there sides to every story, Coudersport-based state police now say trespassing charges are being filed against a Coudersport man following an incident taking place around noon time Tuesday along Old Route 6 in Ulysses Township. Earlier in the week, we reported that Edward Stevens had been charged with harassment after allegedly grabbing Manny Senna of Coudersport by the throat when the two had words about a windshield on a boat in the Stevens yard that Senna allegedly wanted to buy. After investigating further, authorities say they determined Senna should be charged with trespassing on private property. Both cases have been filed with District Judge Delores Bristol. In regional news, US Attorney Thomas Marino has announced that 36 year old Kevin Schlosser of Waverly, NY has been sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to federal drug trafficking charges. He was also ordered to pay a $100 assessment and must surrender to authorities prior to June 26, 2006. Schlosser who worked as a part-time police officer in Ulster Township, Athens Borough and South Waverly, Bradford County pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine in Bradford County between January 200 and June 2004, while serving as a police officer. Schlosser’s arrest arose out of an ongoing investigation by federal drug enforcement agents and state police into meth trafficking in and around Bradford County which has been called the “meth capitol” of the country. As motorists gear up for the long Memorial Day Holiday weekend, state police are advising they are participating statewide in the federal “Click it or Ticket” campaign. Officials say unbuckled fatalities increased from 577 in 2004 to 648 last year despite the fact that seat belt usage has increased slightly. Since this past April 20, troopers have responded to 13 separate crashes across the state that have resulted in the deaths of 14 unbelted drivers or passengers. During the “Click it or Ticket” campaign, each state police troop will be using the PROphecy computer program to identify high-crash areas within its regions and then target enforcement efforts to those locations.
05/24/06 Another large group of Adelphia employees in Coudersport have been notified that they’ll be able to keep their jobs once Time Warner Cable takes over the local facilities this summer. About 200 employees in a set of modular offices along Vine Street, known as the Sales & Marketing Advanced Retention Team – or SMART – received the good news last week. Tme Warner had previously agreed to hire another large Adelphia employee group, the Advanced Products Customer Center – formerly the Tennis Center – and is making job offers to other Adelphia employees scattered across the company’s Coudersport worksites. It now appears likely that fewer than 300 of Adelphia’s 1,100 Coudersport employees will lose their jobs once the company’s sale to Time Warner and Comcast closes, probably no later than the end of July. A small percentage of the approximately 800 Coudersport workers employed by Time Warner after the sale goes through are considered “transitional employees.” Their jobs could be terminated at the end of a transition period.At the same time, the buyers are continuing to make job offers as they assess their needs and learn more about the Adelphia’s Coudersport workforce. Meanwhile MSNBC reported earlier this week that Time Warner Cable and the Erie County (NY) Industrial Development Agency are working on a package to upgrade Adelphia’s facilities in Buffalo. In return, Time Warner has pledged to keep some 1,078 jobs in the Queen City. Adelphia’s sale to Time Warner and Comcast has been delayed while the company works to emerge from its four-year-old Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A multi-billion dollar creditors’ dispute has also delayed the transaction.
State police at Kane say that a fire which caused $5,000 in damage to the kitchen of a Lewis Run home Sunday evening was due to arson. The Jamie Macias residence was occupied at the time. There were no injuries, however. A Port Allegany man suffered a minor leg injury Tuesday afternoon in the parking lot at Charles Cole Hospital. State police said Ronald Gooley was trying to park his 1998 Suzuki 800 Marauder when his glove got caught and caused the throttle to become stuck open. The machine struck the curb and the hospital but there was no damage. The Department of Environmental
Protection has fined Dominion Transmission Inc. of Pittsburgh $10,000 for
several air quality violations at compressor stations it owns in Clinton, Potter
and Tioga counties .A DEP inspection in April 2005 revealed that Dominion
installed a salt bath heater at its Sabinsville compressor station in Clymer
Township, Tioga County, without first submitting a notification to DEP as
required.
05/23/06 McKean County authorities are looking for the
armed robber who reportedly held up the Crosby Mini Mart early
Monday morning. According to police, a man entered the store at
around 3:30 a.m. and pointed a handgun at the clerk demanding
money from the register. After the clerk complied, the bandit left
the store on foot. No description was given and police say the
investigation is continuing. Several area residents have been cited for harassment recently. Denise Windsor, 29, of Eldred was cited following a domestic violence incident Monday afternoon at her home on Edson Street. State police say that during an argument Windsor struck her husband, Matthew in the eye and tore his shirt. She’s also charged with disorderly conduct. Kayla Whiting, 18, of Emporium is accused of hitting and pushing 38 year old Theresa Asti of Emporium during an argument Monday evening on South Wood Street in that town. Thomas Ferren Jr., 37, has been charged with harassment after having physical contact with Debra Smith, both of Emporium during an argument Monday evening on Tannery Heights Road. A criminal mischief taking place at the White Haven Camp on the Peet Brook Road in Allegany Township is being investigated by state police locally. Someone spun their tires on the yard between 5:00 p.m. Sunday and 6:00 a.m. Monday, causing about $25.00 in damage. The camp is owned by Joseph Martin of Millersville, PA. Farmers in Pennsylvania will receive $1 million in state aid for their 2006 crop insurance premiums according to a recent announcement from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The money is provided through the Pennsylvania Crop Insurance Assistance Program, a partnership between the General Assembly, USDA, crop insurance industry, farmers and the Department of Agriculture. Producers will receive premium discounts ranging from five to ten percent of their net premium, depending on the coverage level selected for each policy. In the last five years, $140 million in crop insurance loss payments have been paid to producers, compared to $36 million in paid premiums – a four dollar return on every dollar invested. Last year, loss payments totaled about $15 million. For more information on crop insurance, contact Karen Powell at 717-705-9511, or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on ‘Producers.’ To locate a local risk management agent, visit the USDA Risk Management Agency at www.rma.usda.gov.
McKean County authorities are looking for the
armed robber who reportedly held up the Crosby Mini Mart early
Monday morning. According to police, a man entered the store at
around 3:30 a.m. and pointed a handgun at the clerk demanding
money from the register. After the clerk complied, the bandit left
the store on foot. No description was given and police say the
investigation is continuing. Several area residents have been cited for harassment recently. Denise Windsor, 29, of Eldred was cited following a domestic violence incident Monday afternoon at her home on Edson Street. State police say that during an argument Windsor struck her husband, Matthew in the eye and tore his shirt. She’s also charged with disorderly conduct. Kayla Whiting, 18, of Emporium is accused of hitting and pushing 38 year old Theresa Asti of Emporium during an argument Monday evening on South Wood Street in that town. Thomas Ferren Jr., 37, has been charged with harassment after having physical contact with Debra Smith, both of Emporium during an argument Monday evening on Tannery Heights Road. A criminal mischief taking place at the White Haven Camp on the Peet Brook Road in Allegany Township is being investigated by state police locally. Someone spun their tires on the yard between 5:00 p.m. Sunday and 6:00 a.m. Monday, causing about $25.00 in damage. The camp is owned by Joseph Martin of Millersville, PA. Farmers in Pennsylvania will receive $1 million in state aid for their 2006 crop insurance premiums according to a recent announcement from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The money is provided through the Pennsylvania Crop Insurance Assistance Program, a partnership between the General Assembly, USDA, crop insurance industry, farmers and the Department of Agriculture. Producers will receive premium discounts ranging from five to ten percent of their net premium, depending on the coverage level selected for each policy. In the last five years, $140 million in crop insurance loss payments have been paid to producers, compared to $36 million in paid premiums – a four dollar return on every dollar invested. Last year, loss payments totaled about $15 million. For more information on crop insurance, contact Karen Powell at 717-705-9511, or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on ‘Producers.’ To locate a local risk management agent, visit the USDA Risk Management Agency at www.rma.usda.gov.
05/22/06 DUI charges are pending against a 21 year old Kane driver following a crash early this morning in which he and a passenger were injured. State police said Bradley Lundberg’s Ford Contour failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Old Mill Road and Highland Road in Wetmore Township, and failed to make a turn. The unit ran off the road and went into a culvert , rolled over and came to rest on its roof in a nearby yard. Dustin Menteer, 22, of Kane received minor injuries but Cecil Albert, 18, of Kane and 18 year old Ronald Lucore of James City escaped injury. Holly Duell, 27, of Coudersport has been cited for simple assault for an incident allegedly taking place in her Beech Street home Friday afternoon. State police here claim she assaulted a juvenile during an argument. Duell has been charged with reckless endangerment and harassment as well. State police are investigating vandalism to several cars parked on North West Street Saturday night or Sunday morning. The culprits damaged side view mirrors, removed glass parts from some and the entire mirror assembly from other vehicles owned by Bruce Fink, Charles Trowbridge, Michael Lewis and Cindy Capatch. Damage totaled some $1000. 5/19/06 A burglary at the Austin Game Room is being
probed by state police locally. Sometime between 05/18/06 A Kane driver suffered moderate injuries in an unusual mishap occurring Wednesday evening on Route 321 about two miles north of Route 219 in Wetmore Township, McKean County. State police said 34 year old Timothy Dyne was pulling onto the highway from a parked position when his 2002 Dodge Stratus went out of control, traveled off the roadway and into a wooded area were it struck a tree. Dyne was not wearing a seatbelt at the time and was apparently taken to Kane Community Hospital for treatment. A Harrison Valley man has been remanded to the custody of Potter County Mental Health personnel following a domestic violence incident allegedly taking place Tuesday evening at his Main Street home. State police claim 21 year old Benjamin Post struck his wife, Angel Kinchen on the right cheek with an open hand, causing a bruise and grabbed and twisted the fingers on her left hand causing bruising and swelling during an argument. Post was arraigned before District Judge Delores Bristol on charges of simple assault and harassment and a preliminary hearing has been tentatively set for Friday, May 19 at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Bristol. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will paint a total of 124,000 traffic-line miles this spring and summer – enough to circle the Earth five times.The effort started last month and will finish in October. Twenty-one paint crews will apply more than 1.8 million gallons of yellow and white line paint to guide motorists along the state’s roads. Crews use equipment to heat the paint to 120-degrees Fahrenheit and use spray guns to paint the lines. While the paint is still wet, glass beads are poured onto the lines for reflectivity. According to PennDOT, approximately 12 million pounds of glass beads will be used this year. Every gallon of paint that is applied requires seven gallons of the reflective beads. The width of the center lines on interstate and other limited access highways is six inches, while the center and edge lines on other state highways is four inches wide. PennDOT will spend about $20 million on its line-painting project, which includes paint supplies, equipment and personnel. Motorists are reminded to use caution and stay at least 100 feet behind an operating paint truck and not to pass until directed to do so. On the occasion a motorist crosses fresh paint lines before being instructed to do so, paint may be splattered on their vehicle. If paint does get onto a vehicle, PennDOT recommends the following methods of removing the water-based paint: · If the paint is fresh (less than a few hours), wash the painted area with a high-pressure hose, located at most commercial car washes. · Motorists can also use a commercial latex paint remover, such as Goof Off, which is available at most hardware stores. · If the paint has hardened for more than a few hours, saturate a rag, or preferably cheese cloth with denatured alcohol, and hold, do not rub the spots, then wash the area with a high-pressure hose. For more information, visit PennDOT’s website at www.dot.state.pa.us. 05/17/06
An Eldred man, who was sentenced last week to a state prison term on sexual assault charges, is facing additional charges of statutory sexual assault. State police claim 31 year old Robert Cooper, Jr. of Sartwell Road of having sexual intercourse with a 15 year old girl this past April 1. Last week, McKean County Judge John Yoder sentenced Cooper to a prison term of two and a half years for having sex with a 14 year girl he met on the internet. After pleading guilty to the crime, Cooper sought to withdraw his plea claiming he was not thinking clearly at the time. However, Judge Yoder denied the motion and instead sentenced Cooper to a prison term. In their news release about his most recent charges, police said no further details would be released due to “the sensitive nature of the investigation.”
State police here are investigating a couple of incidents taking place in Roulette and a criminal mischief in Abbott Township. Sometime between 9:30 p.m. Monday and 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, someone entered James Bruzzi’s mobile home on Maple Street in Roulette and removed a prescription bottle containing medicine. And, sometime over the past several months, someone entered the Nenno residence on River Street in the village. It appears nothing was taken and there was no damage but cigarette butts and “Now and Later” candy wrappers were left in the house while the family was away. Vandals smashed the windshield of a 1983 John Deere grader owned by Abbott Township last weekend while it was parked at the intersection of Yochum Run Road and Bloss Hollow Road. Damage is said to be $625. Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to contact state police at 274-8690.
The theft of some cash from a parked car is being probed by state police at Kane. Authorities say that someone reached into Susan Lee’s car while it was parked at her home on Poplar Street in Mt. Jewett overnight Monday and stole $614.00 in various denominations.
A Youngstown, Ohio man has been charged with disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place last night on Tohey Lane in Hamilton township. State police were called to the area on complaints of gunshots. Upon arrival, they determined 23 year old Todd Smith was responsible and placed him under arrest. Coudersport's red-hot high school baseball team will conclude its regular season with a pair of make-up games this week. The Falcons of first-year head coach Doug McClintic may be peaking at the right time as they head into the PIAA District 9 playoffs -- the so-called "second season" -- which get underway next week. Weather-permitting, Coudersport will travel to Shinglehouse on Thursday afternoon to take on the Oswayo Valley Green Wave. Then, on Friday, the Falcons will travel to Smethport to meet the Hubbers in a game that was originally scheduled for tonight (Wednesday). WFRM is making arrangements to follow the Coudersport High School baseball team into the District 9 playoffs. Because of their 9-2 record, the Falcons will host at least one district playoff game at CARP Field next week, with the time and the opponent yet to be determined. Coach McClintic told a large audience attending last night's Coudersport Sports Boosters Banquet that he's pleased with the team's performance, but also determined to get back to work and make a strong showing in the playoffs. Three of the Class A high school baseball teams from District 9 will advance into the state tournament later this month and Coudersport has proven that it has the potential to be one of them. We'll have more details on next week's playoff schedule as they become available.
05/16/06 Today is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania and polls are open until 8:00 p.m. voters will be selecting party nominees to face-off the fall general election. Since there are relatively few contests of interest, observers anticipate a light turn-out. Representative Martin Causer, a Republican is unopposed in his bid for re-election and there are no Democratic candidates. Congressman John Peterson is unopposed in the Republican Primary but he will be challenged in November by Democrat Don Hilliard a former Jefferson County Commissioner and Edward Walko who is running as an independent. Statewide, Governor Ed Rendell, a Democrat, is unopposed in the Primary as is Republican gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann. Three Democrats are vying for the chance to face incumbent Republican US Senator Rick Santorum this fall. Treasurer Bob Casey Jr. is expected to get the nomination over the other candidates. A Cyclone driver is facing charges for improperly entering a roadway following a collision Monday afternoon on the Bingham Road, about two miles north of Route 59 in Lafayette Township, McKean County. Kane-based state police say Tina Smith pulled out of a private drive heading north, into the path of a pick-up driven by Michael Miller of Duke Center. Both drivers escaped injury. Minor injuries were reported for 19 year old Derrick Gribble of Emporium after his Chevy Blazer wrecked Monday afternoon on Pine Tree Road in Sylvan Heights, Cameron County. According to state police, Gribble lost control of the SUV when he swerved to avoid a deer. The unit ran onto the north berm and rolled over onto its roof before coming to rest in the middle of the road. An Austin man has been cited for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness after an incident at an accident scene early Sunday morning. Troopers say 26 year old Daniel Vallejo struggled with responding emergency personnel and despite several attempts to calm him, he continued to struggle. Finally he was taken into custody and removed from the crash site. Troopers are also asking anyone who witnessed an assault on a volunteer firemen at that location, to notify them at the local barracks, 274-8690. Authorities say 19 year old William House, an Austin firemen, was hit in the back by an unknown person while he was working at the scene. Police did not indicate if the two incidents were related or not.
05/15/06 A 65 year old Andrews Settlement woman died
Saturday afternoon in a collision occurring Saturday afternoon at
a Route 49 intersection. State police said Ila Smith who was
traveling north on the Kidney Road, stopped at the intersection
and then pulled across Route 49 in front of a car driven by Dustin
Crosby of Coudersport. His car hit the passenger side of Smith’s
car and the impact forced both units to spin off the road. Smith’s car struck an embankment with the driver’s side
before coming to rest. She was pronounced dead at the scene a few
minutes after the 3:30 p.m. collision by the Potter County
Coroner’s office. Crosby escaped injury.
Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance and Fire Departments assisted
state police at the scene.A Port Allegany man is facing DUI charges following a
collision early Sunday morning in Costello. State police said 21 year old Daniel
Fierro was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer which failed to negotiate a curve and
veered off the highway into the park lot at Shumakers Inn, colliding with parked
vehicles owned by Scott Harper of Aiken, South Carolina and Dennis Cooney of
Austin. Fierro was first taken to Charles Cole Hospital and later transferred to
Altoona Hospital for treatment of undetermined injuries. Authorities say during
the course of their investigation, they determined Fierro had been driving under
the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. DUI charges are also pending against a 20 year old
Shinglehouse driver whose car wrecked early Saturday morning on the Plank Road
in Sharon Township. Troopers said Tyler Salada swerved his car to avoid several
deer on the road causing his the car to slide on the loose gravel. When Salada
tried to regain control, the car came back onto the highway and crossed both
lanes before striking a bank and rolling over.
Salada escaped injury. A Roulette man, currently in the Potter County jail for
raping a seven year old girl, has been additionally charged with 28 counts of
possession of child pornography and 28 counties of using a computer to
facilitate the felony. Jason Stine,
28, was re-committed to the Potter County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail after
being arraigned on the new charges before District Judge Barbara Easton. State
police explained that during the course of their investigation into the rape
case, authorities seized his computers and subsequent forensic analysis revealed
the pornographic images. State police locally are asking anyone who knows the
whereabouts of Christopher Houghtaling to call them at 274-8690. Troopers say
Houghtaling moved out of his parents’ residence on Snyder Road on February 8,
2006 and was last seen in Coudersport on February 12. Authorities did not
provide a description or any further details. A pick up truck stolen in Genesee between 9:30 p.m. Friday and 6:00 p.m. Saturday was recovered over the weekend in nearby New York State. The 1977 Ford belonged to Benjamin Grover and was taken from his driveway located off of Commercial Street. Anyone with information is asked to contact the local barracks at 274-8690.
05/12/06 The Potter County Commissioners during their regular meeting Thursday approved a 3.5% pay raise for non-union department heads in both the Court House and Human Services. The action was ratified in the salary board meeting which followed. The commissioners also accepted a voluntary status change for Donna Foust from Aging Care Management Supervisor 3 to Aging Care Management Supervisor 2 effective Monday, May 15 at an annual pay rate of $43,965.00 and promoted Sherry Hoffman from MR Casework Supervisor to AAA Deputy Adminstrator, effective May 15 at an annual salary rate of $35,000 to fill the vacancy. The commissioners thanked Foust for her 16 years of service. She has been in charge of the department for the past four years. In a letter to WFRM earlier this Spring, Foust said she has missed being directly involved in the “care management” aspect of providing services to the county’s senior citizens and that eight months ago her former position became vacant and since then, she has been performing both jobs. She said that after much “heart felt” consideration she requested to resume her former position adding that she feels that her calling in life is to actually work with the Aging Care Managers and consumers “to provide the best services possible” to Potter County’s older residents. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 21 for two former
Coudersport women who were found guilty of perjury last Friday in McKean County
Court. A jury found that Marian Nersinger and Michelle Nelson lied under oath
when they claimed they heard Becky Lucrezi-Olsen of Coudersport say she was the
one who killed Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman in February 1999, not
Timothy Williams, also of Coudersport who was convicted of the crime several
months later. The testimony came in a Post-Conviction Relief Act for Williams
who is currently serving time in a state prison for third-degree murder.
Olsen and Matt Seeley were passengers in the back seat of the Williams
car and were given partial immunity for testifying against Williams who, to this
day, says he was too drunk to remember what happened that night. In other McKean County Court action this week, 31 year old Robert Cooper of Eldred was sentenced to a prison term of 2-1/2 to 10 years for having sex with a 14 year old girl he met on the internet. Cooper was given credit for 283 days of time already served on charges of aggravated indecent assault and statutory sexual assault. Cooper had asked late last month to withdraw his guilty plea but Judge John Yoder denied the request. Cooper admitted tracking down the girl a year ago and had sex with her while her parents were not at home.
05/11/06 McKean County Human Services Department is looking for 16 year old Natasha Skaggs who has been missing since late April. She was last seen on April 25 in Veterans Square in Bradford. She’s described as being 5’4” to 5’5”, weighs 130 to 135 pounds, has a darker skin tone with black curly hair and burn marks on her left arm. Anyone who knows of her whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1. Several volunteer firefighters from Tri-Town in Ulysses, Genesee and the Goodyear Hose Company from Galeton responded to a wildfire at around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday on Turton Lane in Ulysses Township. According to Tri-Town Assistant Chief Earl Jordan, the cause is unknown and about a quarter acre of land adjoining a wooded area was affected. All units were back in service about an hour later. Firefighters are hoping that the rain which has moved into the area will dampen things enough to lessen the threat. Meanwhile, a fire in the Sproul State Forest in Clinton County continues, after blackening some 1500 acres. Authorities say the fire was intentionally set. State police here are investigating a few recent incidents. Sometime over the past week, thieves forced two doors open at a camp on Bailey Run Road in Wharton Township owned by William Kennedy of Kelton, PA. A .22 caliber long rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun were taken. A white rabbit with red markings was stolen from a barn owned by Bridgette McNeill on the Bingham Center in Bingham Township between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The rabbit is valued at $40. And, someone tried to break-in to the Paula Muller residence on Cowburn Road in Ulysses Township between 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. David Lush, Apprise Coordinator in the Potter County Department of Aging is urging the county’s senior citizens who have not signed up for the Medicare Part D program, to do so before the midnight deadline, Monday, May 15. Lush says so far, there has been a good response here in the county, but eligible persons who do not sign up before the deadline will have to wait until the next general enrollment period of November 15-December 31 to sign up for a plan. Lush also says that anyone who has signed up and has problems with their current plan, can change plans but it also must be done before the deadline. He told WFRM Thursday morning that he came away from a training this week with good news for persons receiving PACE and PACENET—they will be have less “out of pocket” expenses to pay. Aging Department Staff are available to assist in the sign-up process. Call them at 544-7315.
05/10/06 A Knoxville man, charged with stealing audio/visual equipment from the Northern Potter High School late last month has waived his case into county court. Casey Cowburn, 27, a teacher at the school and baseball coach was arrested on May 1 by state police who were tipped off by High School Principal Sue Valentine. She told authorities that during the course of her investigation into another incident, she found the closet door had been forced open and two video “collectors,” valued at $10,000 each had been removed. The units store save video surveillance images from the school’s security system. In the affidavit of probable cause filed with District Judge Delores Bristol, state police contend that they questioned Cowburn on May 1 and that he admitted forcing his way into the closet on April 30 and that he stole the equipment with the intention of hiding them. Damage at the popular Antler’s Inn at Gaines which was destroyed by fire Monday morning is estimated to be in excess of $200,000. The blaze was discovered at about 3:15 a.m. by newlyweds who were staying in a nearby cabin. About 75 volunteers from numerous area fire departments were on the scene for several hours. Route 6 was closed to traffic for a time. Fortunately there were no injuries. The state police fire marshal is investigating the cause, but authorities, at this point, say it is not considered suspicious. The owners, Ron and Sandi Lundgren were in Philadelphia at the time. A Port Allegany woman is being charged with harassment after allegedly making multiple harassing phone calls to a Coudersport woman Monday evening. State police allege 20year old Carrin Potocek threatened to harm 18 year old Katie Marshall during one of those calls. A criminal mischief taking place just before 7:00 p.m. Monday is being probed by state police at Kane. Someone hurled a brick through a window at the Bradley Elliott residence on the Lower Portage Road near Combs Creek in Liberty Township. 05/09/06 A popular Route 6 restaurant has been destroyed by fire. Volunteers from Goodyear Hose in Galeton, Germania, Wellsboro and Clymer Township were summoned to the Antlers Inn between Galeton and Gaines at 3:16 Tuesday morning. A second alarm brought out volunteers from Westfield, and Middlebury Center. Coudersport volunteers stood by at the Galeton station under the mutual aid system and several Tioga County departments covered other stations. In all, some 75 firefighters responded with 15 pieces of equipment. The blaze was declared under control at 7:00 a.m. but Route 6 was closed to traffic for sometime later. A half-mile of five inch hose was laid to Pine Creek to help supply water. There were no injuries and no dollar estimate of damage was available. The state police fire marshal has been called in to investigate cause. As tinderbox conditions continue area fire departments have responded to numerous wildfires including one which has blackened more than 1500 acres in the Sproul State Forest located in Clinton County. The McKean County commissioners have issued a burn ban which takes affect at noon on Wednesday. Persons found in violation could face fines up to $300. The Tioga County Commissioners have adopted a voluntary burn ban and the Potter County Commissioners are asking that outdoor burning be postponed until conditions improve. An Emporium driver has been cited for speeding and eluding police officers following a chase Saturday afternoon on Route 6 in Ulysses Township. State police claim Ryan Snyder, 23, took off when they tried to pull him over for speeding, but he stopped six miles down the road and was cited. The theft of an ATV from a storage shed last week in Lafayette Township is being probed by troopers at Kane. The 2002 Honda Rubicon TRX500 4-wheeler belonged to David Nichols and was in a locked shed on his property located along Sprester Road in Lafayette Township. The machine is green-colored with a black rack on the back and has PA DCNR registration #710C5. Authorities believe the thieves drove the four-wheeler from the scene. State police at Emporium are looking for an older model blue GMC pick-up with gray primer on the right side rear fender well. The driver pumped $47 of gas into the truck at 6:15 a.m. Monday at the Uni-Mart located at the corner of West Fourth Street and Woodland Avenue and drove off without paying. The driver is believed to be a white male in his 40s. 05/08/06 The state police fire marshal has been called in to investigate the cause of a fire which destroyed a barn on Cowburn Road in Ulysses Township Sunday afternoon. Tri-Town Fire Chief Harold Barber told WFRM that volunteers from Galeton, Genesee and Whitesville helped battle the blaze. All units were on scene for about 90 minutes after the 5:20 p.m. call. Chief Barber said the building and its entire contents including a tractor and riding lawnmower were destroyed. The name of the owner was not available at news time. As warm dry conditions continue, area firefighters were called out to quell several wildfires on both sides of the Pennsylvania/New York State border this past weekend, and although some light rain is anticipated by Wednesday, forecasters don’t believe it will be enough to relieve the situation as the entire state remains under a drought watch. A Bradford man has been jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash bail following an incident early Saturday morning at a campsite on a forestry road in Corydon Township about a mile east of Route 321. State police claim that while camping at that location, 35 year old Michael Blair became intoxicated and began arguing with a family member. Authorities say the argument escalated and claim Blair drove his 2000 Dodge truck into a tree with two of the victims in the truck’s bed. They were able to get out and all of the victims, an adult and four children, tried to flee the area on foot and authorities say Blair followed them with his pickup and at one time tried to drive it into the victims. He was picked up by police and arraigned before District Judge Michael Kennedy on charges of attempted aggravated assault, DUI, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, harassment, reckless driving, operating a vehicle with suspended registration and without an inspection sticker and while operating privilege is suspended or revoked. Richard Doebler, 47, of Jersey Shore has been cited for harassment following an incident allegedly taking place at around 6:00 a.m. Friday at a residence on Gross Road in Abbott Township. State police claim Doebler threatened 31 year old Lee Gardner with bodily harm and property damage during an argument. An Eldred driver has been cited for speeding following a crash Sunday morning just before 8:00 o’clock. State police at Kane said Marie Ober lost control of her southbound Dodge Intrepid while negotiating a curve on Route 155 about a half mile South of Road 446 in Eldred Township. The car went off the road, and struck some guardrails before coming to rest.
05/05/06 State Police locally overnight issued a news release regarding a DUI arrest taking place during the early morning hours last October 2 on Turner Street in Austin. Authorities claim 26 year old David Brooks of Austin drove to the scene of an on-going criminal investigation and approached officers involved in the case. Police assert he was obviously intoxicated and was taken to Charles Cole Hospital where he submitted to chemical test, which authorities say, showed an alcohol level in excess of the legal limits. When asked by WFRM why the delay in releasing the information, we were told the arrest was part of a criminal investigation which is on-going and refused to release more details. The perjury trial of two former Potter County woman continues today in McKean County Court. Marian Kay Nersinger of Holley, NY and Michelle Nelson now of Scio are on trial for allegedly making false statements during Post Conviction Relief Act hearings held on behalf of convicted cop killer Timothy Williams also formerly of Coudersport. He was convicted of third degree murder for gunning down Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman in February 1999The two women, testified under oath that they heard Becky Lucrezi Olsen, of Coudersport claim she fired the gun, not Williams. Olsen and Matt Seeley were back seat passengers in the Williams car. Both Olsen and Seeley were given partial immunity in return for testifying against Williams. Yesterday, Olsen took the stand and denied the accusations. In other McKean County Court news, 29 year old Darian Dunsing pleaded guilty to numerous crimes relating two four different incidents. Dunsing admitted being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance when he dropped a two-month old child under his care down a flight of stairs. He admitted not telling the mother about the injury until the next day. He also pleaded guilty to stealing a car in Port Allegany on April 29 after drinking at a Port Allegany bar. He drove to Smethport and then led police on a high speed chase, committing several traffic violations along the way. He also pleaded guilty to stealing another vehicle on April 24, 2005 from the Eldred area. He will be sentenced on June 2.
05/04/06 Coudersport-based state police are asking the public to assist them in locating a “suspicious” vehicle seen the Roulette area Monday afternoon. Authorities say it was an older-style sky blue mini-van with a sloped front end and box-shaped rear end which was traveling at a high rate of speed, eastbound on the Kim Hill Road from the Port Allegany area to Roulette between 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. . An observer told police the next day that it appeared that a young girl, 7 or 8 years of age with long brown hair and bangs in the back seat had duct tape over her mouth and the way she was sitting, indicated she may have been bound by a rope. The d river is described as being a white male with short black hair and a mustache. There was another male in the front passenger seat but no description was available. Anyone who saw the van or who can provide any information to police is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690. Coudersport-based state police are asking the public to assist them in locating a “suspicious” vehicle seen the Roulette area Monday afternoon. Authorities say it was an older-style sky blue mini-van with a sloped front end and box-shaped rear end which was traveling at a high rate of speed, eastbound on the Kim Hill Road from the Port Allegany area to Roulette between 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. . An observer told police the next day that it appeared that a young girl, 7 or 8 years of age with long brown hair and bangs in the back seat had duct tape over her mouth and the way she was sitting, indicated she may have been bound by a rope. The d river is described as being a white male with short black hair and a mustache. There was another male in the front passenger seat but no description was available. Anyone who saw the van or who can provide any information to police is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690. Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers has cancelled the alert for 45 year old Claude Butler formerly of McKean County. He was wanted on assault charges for an incident allegedly taking place on June 21, 2002 in McKean County when he would not leave the premises of a mother and son and during an ensuing argument, he allegedly choked the young boy and damaged the home. Butler was employed as a long distance truck driver and was residing in Texas but was known to frequent the Port Allegany and Eldred areas. A case of access device fraud victimizing a McKean County woman is being probed by state police at Kane. Authorities say some used a credit card or debit card belonging to Denise Shick of Gifford over the past couple of weeks, to purchase products from several different locations.Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kane Barracks at 778-5555. While the weatherman is predicting some rain for parts of the listening area tonight, officials say it will not be enough to lessen the threat of wildfires. Area volunteer fire departments have been called out multiple times over the past few days to battle brush fires. So far, no injuries have been reported and apparently there has been no significant property damage but residents and visitors alike are asked to hold off on outdoor burning until conditions improve considerably. 05/03/06 The state labor department reports that Potter County’s unemployment rate increased slightly between February and March from 5.7% to 5.9% but the figure was an improvement over March 2005 when the rate was 6.8%. The jobless rate in neighboring counties for the same period was 5.7% in McKean County; 5.8% in Cameron; 5.3% in Tioga; and 4.9% in Elk County. The unemployment rate for Pennsylvania during the period was 4.5% and the national rate was 4.7%. A Coudersport woman was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of neck injuries following a rear-end collision Tuesday morning on Route 6 West. Borough police said Mary Mitchell had stopped, preparing to turn left into the CareerLink parking lot and her car was struck by another westbound car driven by Donna Smith, also of Coudersport. Police said Smith had stopped, but her foot slipped off the brake sending the car into the rear of the Mitchell auto. Smith was unhurt. Damage to both vehicles was said to be minor. Borough Police say that charges are pending against both drivers following a collision taking place at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection near the Potter County Court House. Authorities say the collision occurred when Clarence Pritt of Port Allegany who was traveling south on North East Street pulled onto East Second Street in front of an eastbound car driven by Shannon Wood of Shinglehouse. A passenger in Pritt’s van, Christi Jo Pritt, and the passenger in Wood’s Olds Alero, Crystal Holden of Derrick City were taken by Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment. Both drivers escaped injury. No details are available yet from state police regarding a one-vehicle crash at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday on Route 44 in Hebron Township. 9-1-1- dispatch reported a vehicle down over a 30 foot embankment. Coudersport volunteer emergency services responded to the scene and a medical helicopter was reportedly recalled. The theft of $25 from a purse at the Northern Potter High School Monday between 9:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. Monday is under investigation by state police. The purse belonged to a student and anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 274-8690. Volunteer firefighters and government officials are asking visitors and residents alike to refrain from burning out of doors until conditions improve. Area departments have been kept busy battling wildfires every afternoon over the past few weeks, sometimes more than one in a day. Pennsylvania remains under a drought watch.
05/02/06 Coudersport-based state police have charged 27 year old Casey Cowburn of Knoxville with a burglary at the Northern Potter High School. Authorities claim Cowburn forced his way into a locked storage close in the main office Sunday evening and made off with some video equipment. A Genesee man is awaiting extradition to California after being nabbed Saturday afternoon at his Main Street residence. State police say 51 year old Thomas Presha is wanted in California for a parole violation. He was taken into custody without incident and committed to the local jail after being arraigned before on call District Judge Annette Easton. One brother has been cited for harassment following a fight at their camp on Lyman Run Road in West Branch Township Friday afternoon. State police say that 55 year old Harry Althouse of Mohnton, PA and 58 year old John Althouse of Wernersville , PA became involved in argument and that Harry shoved John into his vehicle. John left the camp and phoned state police who cited Harry for harassment. It was an evening of honors Saturday in Coudersport. The Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce held a member mixer at the Hotel Crittenden. During the evening, President Mike Harris announced that Doug Morley, Commercial Loan Officer with North West Savings had been selected as “Business Person of the Year,” and that Morgan A&MT Pure Carbon had been voted as “Business of the Year.” Plant Manager Mark Moore accepted the award on behalf of the employees. Brittany Krog was recognized by Coudersport Mayor Wick Furman for her heroism during the Bicentennial Parade in which she pushed a friend out of the way of an approaching car suffering great personal injury as a result. Several people involved with Brittany’s rescue were also acknowledged. Jeremy Chitester was named “Firefighter of the Year” at the Coudersport Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Appreciation dinner. He also received the Donald Wilson Sr. award from the Wilson family in honor of their father who was a fireman. The annual award includes $100 to be used toward the fireman’s personal safety gear. Glenn Dunn II was named “Junior Firefighter of the Year.” 05/01/06 TelCove has been sold. The announcement came early this morning in a news release issued by Level 3, based in Broomfield Colorado that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Telcove for total consideration of $1.23 billion plus consisting of $637 million in shares of Level 3 common stock, $455 million in cash and $155.5 million the assumption of debt. Late Monday afternoon, WFRM was able to reach Level 3 spokesman Chris Hardman who was non-committal on the impact for the local workforce and economy. He said the companies are hoping that the deal will be finalized in the third quarter this year and the fate of local of workers, etc. will be among those elements to be worked out “in the integration process.” In a conference call with employees Monday morning, TelCove CEO Bob Guth said, “There is no question that there will be some jobs lost.” However, Guth said that the sale to Level 3 is an excellent outcome when compared to other options that were considered, as TelCove’s owners, Bay Harbor Management, reached strategic decisions in the rapidly consolidating and changing telecommunications marketplace. Guth said employees should be proud of building a great company that brought TelCove to this day. TelCove was originally a wholly owned subsidiary of Adelphia under the Rigas family ownership and was known at Adelphia Business Solutions. It was spun off just prior to Adelphia’s meltdown and went into bankruptcy, but successfully emerged a couple of years ago.The cause of death of a young New Jersey turkey hunter in Potter County Saturday remains unknown this time. Raymond Shimp, Jr. 20 of Salem, NJ collapsed and died shortly after going into the woods off of Carr Road in Hector Township at about 5:45 a.m. Efforts by his hunting companions and members of the Clymer Township Fire and Ambulance to resuscitate him failed and he was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:40 a.m. by Deputy Potter County Coroner Ken Wingo. An autopsy was conducted in Erie but according to Wingo the results were inconclusive and the cause of death will not be known until toxicology tests are completed in some four to six weeks. Shimp, a volunteer fireman and EMT, was described as being fit and healthy and had arrived the night before in Potter County to go turkey hunting on opening day. A Butler, PA man has been committed to the Potter County Jail in lieu of $25,000 after being arraigned on sexual assault charges for incidents allegedly taking place at 78 Turner Street in Austin between October 2004 and April 2005. Christopher Ayers, 36, was arrested in North Carolina this past Tuesday and was extradited to Potter County and was arraigned before District Judge Annette Easton on charges of statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, corruption of minors, indecent assault, selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverages to minors. State police allege that during that period of time, Ayers provided alcohol to and solicited sex from a 15 year old girl and when she refused his advances, he forced himself on her. An Andover, NY driver received minor injuries in a collision with farm equipment Friday evening on Route 449 about five miles south of Genesee. State police said the crash occurred when Michael Risser of Coudersport had stopped his tractor for traffic, preparing to turn left into a field and David Chamberlain tried to go around the equipment, but spotting oncoming traffic swerved back into the northbound lane of travel, allowing his Dodge Ram to hit the rear of a fertilizer spreader being hauled the tractor. Risser escaped injury. 04/28/06 Rep. Martin Causer announces that he has secured a $10,000 grant for the Potter County Home Delivered Meals Program. The lawmaker says the money will be used to help pay for the increased cost per meal, the rising cost of transporting the meals and to provide meals for Potter County’s increasing elder population. In order to qualify for the program, elderly persons must be homebound and unable to cook nutritious meals for themselves, recuperating from an illness or injury, suffering from a physical or mental impairment that prohibits them from safely performing meal preparation, and/or receiving such a limited income they cannot afford to buy nutritious food. A few years ago, the program had to establish a waiting list, but community fundraisers have been successful enough that the list has not been necessary recently. However, with the costs of gasoline and natural gas on the increase and more senior citizens requesting the service the program may have once again been facing a shortfall. A
04/27/06 A couple of Bradford residents have been cited in connection to a “drunken” incident taking place early Thursday morning in the parking lot of the Northwest Savings Bank on Main Street in that town. State police say that 54 year old Darlene McMahon drove up to the ATM machine at the bank at about 2:40 a.m. and claim her passenger, 48 year old Bruce Haight got out of the car and was observed urinating in the lot. When officers arrived to investigate, they allegedly found that McMahon had been driving her car under the influence of alcohol. She’s being charged with DUI and Haight has been cited for public drunkenness. Emporium-based state police say they nabbed four juveniles Saturday for under-age drinking when they responded to a disturbance call at 26 Wood Street in that town. Brandy Prescott, 20, of Bradford has been cited for harassment for an incident reportedly taking pace Wednesday afternoon at the home of Kendra Sturtevant on Indian Creek Road in Eldred. State police claim Prescott shoved Sturtevant during an argument over child custody. Steven Malesovich, 45, of Emporium has been charged with criminal trespass, harassment and disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place Tuesday on West Sixth Street in that town. Troopers say Malesovich went to the home of George Singer, Jr. and started a fight, striking Singer and scratching him. A criminal mischief taking place late Monday night or early Tuesday morning is being probed by state police at Kane. Someone let the air out of the front tire on a vehicle owned by Robert Hamilton of Mt. Jewett by damaging the valve stem. Minor injuries were reported for an elderly Pleasantville woman following a collision Saturday afternoon at an Emporium intersection. State police, last night, released details saying that the collision occurred when Richard Jones who was traveling south on Route 46, made a wide right curve and allowed his Ford Focus to travel into the path of a Ford Explorer driven by Jody Johnson which was headed north. Both drivers and a seven year old boy in Johnson’s SUV escaped injury but Ruth Jones was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center in St. Marys for treatment of minor injuries. . 04/26/06 Coudersport-based state police have charged an Austin man with various sexual offenses in connection to an incident allegedly taking place last July 24 in his home on Thorn Street. Timothy Butler, 45, was committed to the Potter County Jail Monday in lieu of $50,000 straight bail, after being arraigned before District Judge Annette Easton on charges of rape, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, indecent exposure, corruption of minors and selling or furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. Authorities allege Butler furnished his 15 year old female victim with alcohol, and when she became intoxicated, allegedly sexually assaulted her. A New York City man, charged with having sex with a 15 year old Shinglehouse girl has pleaded guilty to two counts of rape in Cattaraugus County Court for incidents allegedly taking place in mid-March. Walter Escobar-Vega, 28, was arrested on March 19 outside an Olean Hotel where he had spent the weekend with the girl. Police said he had hired a cab to take him from New York to Oswayo Valley High School where he picked up the ninth-grader on Thursday March 16. The couple the spent the weekend in Olean while police conducted a search for the girl who was reported missing by her parents. Escobar-Vega remains lodged in the Cattaraugus County jail in lieu of $30,00 bail awaiting sentencing on July 10. He faces charges here in Potter County. Coudersport-based state police have charged him with multiple counts of sex-related offenses and unlawful contact with a minor. There is also a federal retainer filed against him by the Buffalo field office of the FBI. While information about the federal charges is not yet available, there is speculation that they may have something to do with crossing state lines. State police here say the couple met in a Yahoo Chat Room in September 2004; began a phone conversation last April; and started exchanging nude pictures of each other last summer. Escobar-Vega reportedly hired a cab on February 18 of this year, traveled to Shinglehouse and had sex with the girl while her parents were out of town. Some 800 Potter County residents will soon be mailed a Needs Assessment Survey compiled by the County Commissioners, Human Service Agencies personnel and other community leaders. Those receiving the questionnaire will be asked for their attitudes and opinions about community issues, services requiring improvement and what is already working well. The information will be confidential and respondents are urged to return the survey as quickly as possible. Rep. Martin Causer reports that a bill increasing the state's Payment in Lieu of Taxes has moved one step closer to becoming a reality. The bill was approved this week by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee with a vote of 25-2. Currently the state pays $1.20 per acre for state game lands and forests. The new legislation, approved by the Senate last fall 49-1, would increase the payment to $3.60. The payments are evenly divided among counties, municipalities and school districts. Rural counties are especially hard hit by the low payment as the tax burden must be absorbed by residents. Not only are large percentages of lands "tax exempt" there is a smaller tax base from which to obtain funding for local governments and schools. Potter County, for instance, has roughly 50% of its land owned by the state. 04/25/06 The $2.6 million Route 44 repair project is underway in downtown Coudersport. This week, contractor I.A. Construction and subcontractor, Eagle Contracting, are continuing to work near the Route 6 intersection across from the Courthouse relocating water and sewer lines. Eagle workers will be working their way out of town while subcontractor J.C. Lee will be doing stream cleaning and resetting pipes from the log yard back into town. As a result of the work, Coudersport Borough Manager Marlin Moore advises that water customers may experience brief interruptions and discoloration. Customers are advised to run cold water before using hot water to eliminate the possibility of discoloration getting into hot water tanks. Congressman John Peterson has some encouraging news for independent pharmacies serving rural Pennsylvania. He reports that legislation has been introduced to lessen the financial burden that some local pharmacists face as an unintended consequence of the new Medicare prescription drug program. The legislation, of which Congressman Peterson is an original co-sponsor, is currently being considered by the House Committees on Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce. As you probably know, the prescription drug benefit was passed by Congress in 2003, and went into effect January 1, 2006. Only four months after its inception, Peterson says the program has already begun saving seniors hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars on medication. To date, more than 30 million Americans are taking advantage of the savings – but the process is not without administrative challenges. The congressman says one such problem that has arisen concerns the timely payment of independent pharmacies for the drugs they provide to seniors. Independent pharmacies and, in turn, independent pharmacists – so named because they are not affiliated with their larger chain drug store brethren – have been forced to wait weeks, and sometimes months, for reimbursement. Such independent stores serve rural communities across Pennsylvania and around the country. A segment on a recent edition of CBS Evening News focused on the hardship many small pharmacies are facing. The legislation, H.R. 5166, would mandate that companies operating Medicare prescription drug plans reimburse participating pharmacists within 10 days, and further require them to offer an electronic direct deposit option to pharmacies. The bill would also increase the dispensing fee on generic drugs to encourage the use of these less-expensive alternatives. Introduced on April 6th, the bill has already garnered the co-sponsorship of 44 House members. April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and the Potter County Commissioners recently approved a resolution encouraging citizens to join together in becoming educated about issues and to refuse to accept the violence as someone else’s problem. A Way Out, which provides services to Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault in Potter County will be holding an event tonight in Coudersport in recognition of the month. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the office of A Way Out at 110 East Third Street and will move to the courthouse square where attendees will be invited to speak out against sexual assault.. According to Executive Director Freda Fultz, sexual assault happens to women, men, and children; of every age, race, ethnic origin, religion, economic status and sexual orientation. Noting a couple of recent events, the statutory rape of a Shinglehouse girl by a man she met on the internet and the conviction of a Coudersport man for assaulting five young Potter County boys, are just a couple of examples.
4/24/06 Ed. Note: We were unable to edit this website on Monday, April 24, 2006. Sorry for the delay I posting the news. Coudersport Borough Police are looking for leads which will lead to the arrest of vandals who destroyed several items throughout the town early Monday morning. According to Mayor Wick Furman, several of the cement trash cans put on the streets by Coudersport Rotary were overturned and broken. Mailboxes were destroyed and some were thrown into the Allegheny River. Authorities believe the vandalism took place between 1:00 and 1:30 a.m. and anyone who saw suspicious activity or who has other knowledge about the vandalism is asked to contact borough police at 274-8970. Also, anyone who also had vandalism done but who has not reported it is asked to contact police. A Coudersport woman has been charged with retail theft in connection to an incident allegedly taking place just before 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the Coudersport Jubilee. Authorities claim 56 year old Frances Carpenter tried to steal several small pieces of merchandise fro the store. She was taken into custody and arraigned on the charges. Three juveniles have been arrested for stealing cigarettes from Connie’s Market in Harrison Valley last Monday afternoon. The youths were taken into custody and their cases are being processed in juvenile court. A camp burglary in Sylvania Township over the winter is being probed by state police locally. Thieves forced their way into the Twin Mountain Camp on Costello Road but it does not appear anything was taken. However, Kane-based state police say several items were taken from a vacant house on the East Valley Road in Keating Township, McKean County, also over the winter. A china cabinet, dining room table, four dining room chairs and a large coal stove, were taken from a house located between Pierce Brook Road and Kent Hollow Road owned by Colleen Green of Smethport. A Harassment charge has been filed against 36 year old Eric Schweigart of Genesee following an incident allegedly taking place Friday afternoon. State police claim Schweigart verbally threatened 65 year old Mary Leyrer and charges have been filed with District Judge Delores Bristol.
4/21/06 Officials and area firefighters are hoping the predicted rainfall this weekend will put a “damper” on wildfires. Volunteers have been called out almost every afternoon this week. On Thursday, a wildfire blackened about five acres of grassland before jumping across the road and burning an estimated 30 acres of state forest land near Corbett located between Galeton and Cherry Springs. The cause is unknown and remains under investigation. Some forty volunteers from Goodyear Hose, Coudersport, and Clymer Township assisted 20 Bureau of Forestry personnel. There were no injuries but a small crew remained on the scene until about 10:30 p.m. Roulette volunteers were summoned at about 2:10 p.m. to a residence on Fishing Creek Road north of the village. Only about a quarter of acre of grassland was blackened and all units were back in service short time later. Eldred Township volunteers doused a grass fire on Route 446 between McCrea Brook Road and the New York State line which began while the property owner was burning brush. Area police are still on the lookout for 43 year old Ralph Phillips who escaped from the Erie County NY Correctional Facility on April 4. He’s described as being Native American, six feet tall, 235 pounds and has long brown hair, and possibly facial hair. When last seen he was wearing black nylon pants, white sneakers, Camouflage jack with the word “bud” on front and was carrying a camouflage backpack. He was also observed wearing a holster with unknown caliber handgun in it and authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous. He has a history of theft and burglary and is believed to have broken into camps and homes while on the lam. He was observed at a Bradford restaurant last week. In McKean County Court action this week, 19 year old Raymond Austin was admitted to the ARD program for theft. Austin admitted stealing 14 Frequent Filler cards from the Port Allegany Kwik Fill on October 28 while employed at the gas station.
4/20/06 A Genesee teen has been committed to the Tioga County Juvenile Detention Center following a standoff with a gun Wednesday afternoon. State police say the incident began at around 4:30 p.m. at a residence located at 142 West Bingham Road when the 16 year old boy and 42 year old Warren Hanes Jr. argued in their home. The disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation and the youth allegedly threatened Hanes with a gun. The victim left the home and summoned state police and after a stand-off the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He’s being processed on charges of simple assault and terroristic threats. Police say no one was hurt in the incident. State police overnight issued a news release stating the department on April 1 had charged 35 year old John Malaczewski of Bloss Hollow Road Galeton with receiving stolen property and violating laws which prohibit convicted felons from possessing, using, manufacturing, controlling selling and/or transferring firearms. He was taken into custody back on December 28 by state police here on a warrant from police in Little Egg Harbor, NJ who charged him with theft and illegal possession of firearms. New Jersey authorities claim Malaczewski stole guns and several other items from Mystic Island, NJ resident and had also purchased a gun from the victim. Using a search warrant, troopers here allegedly found several of the stolen items, including two stolen guns in the suspect’s house and vehicles. The firearm which he allegedly purchased from the NJ resident was also found and he was extradited to New Jersey where he remains incarcerated pending completion of court proceedings before being returned to Potter County. This weekend’s predicted rainfall may give area fire fighters a break from the many wildfires which have been plaguing the region this week. Shinglehouse volunteers were called out twice, Wednesday afternoon within minutes of each other. They first responded to a brushfire on the Kings Run Road were a property owner had been burning leaves. Within a few minutes, they were called to the Plank Road where an old shed was burning. Wildfires were also reported on the Barnum Road near Olean and in Bradford Township. Coudersport volunteers were called out Thursday afternoon at about 1:15 to help Galeton area firefighters douse a wildfire in West Branch Township and less than an hour later, Roulette volunteers were summoned to a grass fire on the Fishing Creek Road. Once again, the Pennsylvania dairy industry is seeking candidates to serve as County Dairy Princesses in their local area throughout the State. All single young women from a dairy background or with an interest in the dairy industry should consider devoting a year of their spare time helping to further the interests of that industry in their home county. Any single woman between 16-24 years of age, never married, whose parents or guardians are engaged in dairy farming or are employed in a dairy related industry, is eligible to compete for the title. A young woman is also eligible if she, herself, is employed as above or is the owner of at least two animals of the six major dairy breeds in a bona fide 4-H or FFA project prior to May 1, 2006.The 2006 winner will serve the dairy industry of Potter County for one year. She will make many appearances at schools, malls, and grocery stores and have the opportunity to speak to civic clubs, senior citizens groups, and farm and non-farm audiences. In addition, she will represent Potter at the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant in Camp Hill in September. Also, at this time any girl between the ages of 6 to 16 who would like to serve as a dairy miss or dairy maid are encourage to contact us for a entry form. Anyone interest in entering the Potter County Dairy Princess contest should contact Judi Turton at 566 Cowburn Road, Ulysses, PA 16948 or email at jturton@pennswoods.net by May 16, 2006 for an entry form.
04/19/06 Area police are still on the lookout for Ralph "Bucky" Phillips who escaped from the Erie County, New York Correctional Facility on April 4. He's described as being six feet tall, weighs 235 pounds, is a Native American with long brown hair. He has a mustache and about four days growth of beard. When last seen he was driving a green pick-up truck and was wearing a camouflage jacket with the word "Bud" on the front, black nylon pants which are too short, white socks and white sneakers. It's believed that he was in the Bradford area last weekend. Authorities say he should be considered armed and dangerous and anyone who sees him should contact the nearest police department. An Emporium man has been charged with simple assault following a domestic violence incident on his home on Hillcrest Drive Friday night. State police contend that, during an argument, Philip Bowman broke a fan and piece flew up and struck his wife, Patricia, causing an injury. Another Emporium man has been cited for public drunkeness following an incident taking place Thursday night at the Kwik Fill. State police said 44 year old Vaughn Lewis appeared in public "manifestly under the influence of alcohol to the extent that he was a danger to himself and property." Pennsylvania State police report that six persons were killed in highway crashes that they investigated over the tree day Easter holiday driving period. That number is up from four last year. In addition, 235 persons were injured in 552 crashes across the state with alcohol playing a part in 72 of those crashes, two of them fatal. Police say they also issued 3,300 speeding citations, charged 199 with driving under the influence. They also cited 122 drivers for not wearing seatbelts and another 22 for not having their children property buckled in safety seats.
4/19/06 A Punxsutawney woman was flown by helicopter to Altoona Hospital Sunday afternoon for treatment of injuries she suffered in a motorcycle crash taking place on Wycoff Run Road about three and a half miles south of Route 120 in Gibson Township, Cameron County. State police said Phyllis Quick was hurt when the operator, Jeffrey Labelle, also of Punxsutawney, locked the brakes on his ’06 Yamaha to avoid a vehicle ahead. The bike “laid down” and both the operator and passenger fell off. Authorities say charges are pending against Labelle. Troopers here are looking for the driver of a pick-up truck which wrecked Saturday afternoon on Brizee Hollow Road in Oswayo Township. The 1984 Ford F-150 struck an embankment while headed north, continued on for nearly 200 feet, before dropping off a 35 foot embankment and coming to rest on its roof. The driver, believed to be Harvey Baldwin address unknown, reportedly fled the scene without notifying authorities. DUI charges are pending against a Florida man following a crash early Saturday morning on Route 6 in Hazel Hurst. State police claim 29 year old Richard Francais was intoxicated when his Dodge Dakota ran off the road and struck a Ford Explorer and Dodge Dakota owned by Larry Kness of Hazel Hurst. Francais escaped injury but his passenger, Jason Conner of Hazel Hurst received minor injuries and was treated at Kane Community Hospital. Jay Raymond, 43 of Smethport is facing burglary charges for an incident taking place early Sunday morning on Wolf Run Road in Keating Township, McKean County. State police said Raymond went to the home of Robert Rittberg, kicked in the side door, entered the residence and awakened the victim. An altercation ensued until Raymond left the house. State police here have charged 27 year old Justin Smith of Olean with criminal trespass for an incident allegedly taking place Saturday afternoon on Wheeler Hill Road in Sharon Township. Authorities say Smith arrived at the home of Jason McClane and harassed the victim before leaving. With the start of fishing season this past weekend, a number of camp burglaries were discovered in the area. Sometime over the winter months, thieves forced their way into a camp located on Route 872 in Keating Township, Potter County, owned by Roy Lefever of Denver, PA. An older 19” tv, stereo with speakers, about $30 in bills and change, two bottles of alcohol, a “TexaS Holdem” neon wall mounted sigh and a wall mounted beer sign were stolen. Thieves also forced their way into three camps on route 872 about three tenths of a mile south of Fowler’s Garage in Costello sometime over the past week. Two television sets were taken. The camps are owned by Lloyd Harkleroad of Rural Valley, PA, Roy Shreckengost also of Rural Valley and Gerald Huff of Kersey. Would-be thieves were unsuccessful in their attempt to gain entry into a camp on the Telescope Road in Ulysses Township owned by Bruce Rader of Boyertown. A security screw was removed from the rear sliding glass door but the attempt to pry open the door failed.
4/14/06 The Potter County Commissioners, during their regular meeting Thursday, voted to accept the contract with the Pennsylvania Social Services Union, representing Potter County Human Services workers. The document had previously been accepted by union members and Chairman Ken Wingo said, that while it calls for a modest increase in salaries, it is “fair to the workers and Potter County taxpayers alike.” In other business, the board appointed Marshall Hamilton to the Potter County Planning Commission, at the request of Planner Amy Jo McClain, to replace Tom Leete who has retired after many years of serviceAustin Volunteer Fire Fighters were called out Friday, just before noon to a camp on Route 872 South in Portage Township for an electrical fire. According to a fire department spokesman, there was no damage to the walls or structure itself. After checking the electric entrance, fire fighters returned to service. The single story camp is owned by Jody Schrecongost of Dayton , PA. State police promise troopers will be engaging in high visibility aggressive enforcement efforts to reduce the number of serious crashes this holiday weekend. Police across Pennsylvania will be looking for speeders, aggressive drivers, DUI , seatbelt and child restraint violations. The holiday weekend begins tonight and continues through Sunday night. Coudersport Borough announces that it has been notified that the construction project on Route 44 North will begin Monday, starting at North Main Street and East Second street, traveling North to 7th Street and continuing into Eulalia Township. The construction being done between 2nd and 7th streets will require that there be parking on either side of the street until the work has been completed. IA Construction is the general contractor for the PennDot project. Pennsylvania’s 2006 Trout Season opens at 8:00 a.m. Saturday .Anglers 16 years and older must possess both a valid PA Fishing licenses and Trout/Salmon Stamp to fish for trout. Licenses, stamps and permits must be signed in ink and displayed on an outer garment. Anglers must also be able to provide to provide positive proof of identification (other than fishing license) upon request of a Waterways Conservation Officer. The season continues until September 4 for combined species. Minimum size is 7 inches and there is a daily limit of five. A variety of licenses is available at retail outlets. Area streams and rivers have been stocked with thousands of brown, brook, rainbow and palomino trout in anticipation of the season 4/13/06 A Roulette woman is facing charges in connection to a hit and run reportedly taking place at about 6:45 p.m. Saturday on Route 607 a mile east of Reed Run Road. State police said 25 year old Courtney Dangro was driving a 2006 Chevy Cobalt which went off the road while headed sets, struck an embankment and continued about 30 yards through a yard and then went back onto the road and continued west on 607without stopping. Troopers say the vehicle and driver were identified by nearby witnesses. However, state police at Kane are investigating a possible identify theft victimizing an Eldred Township resident over the past few months. Authorities say someone obtained personal information belonging to a North Branch Road resident and then used the information to illegally purchase items. A criminal mischief taking place between April 1 and 8th in the parking lot of Kightlinger excavation in Lewis Run is also under investigation by Kane based state police. Someone spun gravel in the parking lot, causing stones to strike and break the windshield on a 2005 Chevy Dump Truck owned by the business. Despite Wednesday’s rainfall of just under a quarter inch, conditions are still very dry and several departments were called out late Wednesday afternoon to douse wildfires. Austin volunteers responded to a brush fire on Bush Hill in Keating Township at around 5:00 p.m. The cause is not yet known, but about three acres were affected. Coudersport assisted Austin under the mutual aid system and all units were reporting back to service just as Star Hose Company in Port Allegany was being summoned when an intentional brush fire got out of control on Knapp Road and blackened about five acres. Eldred and Smethport volunteers assisted Port Allegany at the scene while Roulette stood by at Port under the mutual aid system.
4/12/06 Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty on Tuesday put all 67 Pennsylvania counties under a drought watch and called on residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 5 percent. “Despite recent rainfall, precipitation levels over the last two months are below normal in every corner of the commonwealth,” McGinty said. “Two-thirds of our counties are 50 percent or more below their normal precipitation levels. The remaining counties are reporting a deficit of at least 25 percent. In addition to below normal precipitation, groundwater and surface water levels are low in many regions of the state. Even in areas with normal or near-normal groundwater and surface water levels, those levels are declining rapidly. The Susquehanna River, for instance, is 65 percent below its normal flow. A drought watch is the lowest of three levels of drought status, asking for a 5 percent reduction in water use by residents. The next stage, a drought warning, calls for a voluntary reduction of 10 percent to 15 percent. A drought emergency, the final stage, includes mandatory water use reductions of at least 15 percent. Pennsylvania’s last declared drought emergency was in 2002. Rainfall deficits in the WFRM Listening Area range from 3.0 inches in Cameron County to 2.4 inches here in Potter County. Indoor water-conservation tips include:
Not running water continuously while shaving, brushing teeth or washing dishes by hand.
The lack of rainfall has also contributed to wildfires. Shinglehouse volunteers responded to a brush fire Tuesday afternoon on the Ron Wardon Jr. Farm in Ceres Township. The blaze scorched a shed and threatened a large nearby barn before being put out by firemen. About two and a half acres were blackened. Trucks were back in service about 90 minutes afer the 3:00 p.m. call. Volunteers doused a fire Monday afternoon on Fairground Road in Gifford and Kane Volunteers responded to a wildfire Tuesday in that town while Bradford City Fire Department members extinguished a small grass fire that afternoon near the Route 219 Bradford by-pass off ramp at Elm Street. State police at Kane say the identity of the man who perished in a house fire Sunday morning on Champlin Hill Road near Port Allegany has not been positively determined, pending results of a forensic autopsy conducted in Erie. However, THE BRADFORD ERA is reporting today that the body has been tentatively identified as James Bogardus and an obituary for Mr. Bogardus was published in today’s paper, indicating he had died in a fire Sunday.
4/11/06 A Ulysses man died Monday afternoon when his motorcycle hit a jeep head-on at the intersection of Cowley Hill Road and Bush Hill Road, in Keating Township in Southern Potter County. State police said 20 year old Ryan Snay lost control of his eastbound Suzuki while negotiating a right hand curve.The cycle crossed into the opposite lane where it collided with a Jeep Cherokee driven by John Erskine of Emporium. Snay was thrown off the cycle, struck the Jeep’s windshield and fell into the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury. Erskine and two girls, ages 5 and 6 escaped injury. McKean County authorities have identified the body found Sunday afternoon in Tuna Creek, behind the Sports Café. Investigators say 38 year old Alan Sheldon of Bradford drowned when he fell into the creek and the death is being considered accidental. However, State Police at Kane have not yet released the identity of the person who perished in a house fire early Sunday morning on Champlin Hill Road between Port Allegany and Smethport. State police here have charged 34 year old Guy Seeley of Ulysses with harassment for incidents allegedly taking place Friday night. Police claim Seeley repeatedly made phone calls to Cheryl Williams, also of Ulysses after being told the calls were unwanted. Residents interested in cleaning up their communities and improving the quality of life in the commonwealth still have time to register an event or sign up to participate in the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup on Saturday, April 22.The Great Pennsylvania Cleanup -- an ambitious statewide effort to remove litter and trash from the state’s roadways, parks, forests, riverbanks, neighborhoods, open spaces and wildlife habitats -- is supported and sponsored by the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful alliance, a wide range of businesses, trade organizations, civic and environmental groups, and local and state governments, including DEP, PennDOT and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The feature cleanup event is Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, although events may be scheduled through May 31. The theme of the cleanup is: “Let’s Pick It Up, PA!” Last year during the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, more than 140,000 volunteers removed 6 million pounds of trash and cleaned 11,000 miles of roads and 12,000 acres of parklands. This year’s cleanup offers volunteers exciting incentives, like drawings for six, weekend vacations in some of Pennsylvania’s most scenic spots. There’s also the national Keep America Beautiful sweepstakes for a Honda Accord hybrid-powered vehicle. Volunteers can enter the contests at www.greatpacleanup.org.The Web site has everything event leaders need to get organized and get going, including information to help groups and individuals with registration and promotion of local cleanups, safety information, links to other cleanup organizations, a wide variety of promotional materials and lesson plans for teachers.PennDOT will provide free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags to registered cleanup groups. PennDOT will also provide a comprehensive safety package to groups interested in roadside and other cleanups. For information on the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, or to find or register a cleanup, visit www.greatpacleanup.org or call toll-free 1-888-548-8372.
4/10/06 A Potter County jury, deliberating for about six hours found 38year old Bryan Moyer of Coudersport guilty on all 47 counts of child molestation. At the conclusion of the weeklong trial, jurors found that Moyer, while serving as a foster parent, molested seven boys between the ages of five and nine between January 1, 2003 to January 31, 2005. Moyer who was represented by attorneys James Rague of Wellsboro and George Leppley of Williamsport took the stand in his own defense. He will must undergo “Megan’s Law” evaluation before sentencing and is currently awaiting trial for similar charges involving two other male victims. As of late Monday afternoon, Kane-based state police had not yet released the name of the person who died in a house fire Sunday morning on Champlin Hill Road in Keating Township. Authorities said the house was completely destroyed and due to the extreme heat the cause of death and identification have not been determined. An autopsy was scheduled for today in Erie. A Coudersport man has been jailed in lieu of $5000 bail after being arraigned over the weekend on charges of simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment. State police claim 24 year old Kevin Lunn of Tennessee Road and a 17 year old girl argued Friday night at his residence and that he left the house to sleep in a recreational camper. When he heard noises outside, Lunn pointed a loaded 9 mm rifle at the girl. More words were exchanged and Lunn reportedly tossed the gun back into the camper as the argument continued. He was arraigned before on-call District Judge Annette Easton. Emporium-based state police say they have charged three juveniles with burglary, theft, criminal mischief and institutional vandalism for an incident taking place on March 25 at the Woodland Elementary School. State police are issuing a “friendly reminder” to motorists that studded snow tires must be removed by April 16, according to Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. Studded tires are allowed between November 1st of each year and April 15th the following year and fines vary according to the date the violation occurs.
4/7/06 National Weather Service is advising that severe weather may occur in the WFRM listening area this afternoon or evening. An approaching storm system has pushed a steady rain through the region ahead of a warm front. The rain will taper off but the atmosphere will be more moist and will become marginally unstable. The heating of the day and the approach of a cold front from the northwest will both help to trigger showers and thunderstorms over the region during the afternoon and early evening. Any thunderstorms that do form will be capable of bringing those east winds down to the surface. Damaging thunderstorm wind gusts are the main threat but large hail stones are possible. The State police fire marshal has ruled that the fire which destroyed the mill at C & S Lumber in Roulette Monday night will be undetermined due the extent of damage which is estimated to be about $500,000. Company owners say they will re-build. The yard and mill reportedly employ a couple of dozen workers. State police at Kane have charged both people involved in a fight Wednesday mornig with various offenses. Authorities say 43 year old Diane Carpenter and 34 year old Danny Holly became involved in a fight o Kansas Branch Road in Duke Center and that altercation continued in their home on Main Street in that village. When police arrived, Holly reportedly resisted arrest. After being arraigned before District Judge Luther on charges of simple assault, harassment and resisting arrest, he was committed to the McKean county jail in lieu of bail while Carpenter was cited for harassment. The Potter County Commissioners during their March 30th
meeting hired four full time county school based caseworkers, funded by Children
and Youth grants and school district contributions. Monica Williams will be
employed at the 4/6/06 Yesterday’s snowfall created very slippery roads throughout the region. A section of Denton Hill was closed briefly when three semi-trucks got hung up and a section of Route 219 in McKean County was also closed for awhile during the morning commute. Some motorists told WFRM they experienced white-outs while traveling north of Coudersport prior to 6:00 a.m. The situation was worsened by the fact that Penn Dot had switched to its springtime schedule although crews were called out here in Potter County at 5:00 a.m. and immediately began applying anti-skid materials. A number of minor “fender-benders” classified as “non-reportables” occurred during the morning hours and there were some crashes investigated by area state police. Both the driver and young passenger received minor injuries when a school van overturned on toue 155 about five miles south of Port Allegany at 7:15 a.m. Both Cindy Austin and the student she was transporting were taken to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment. Both drivers escaped injury when a passenger car and tractor trailer collided two miles south of that crash site about an hour later. William Kcomt of Olean was driving a Toyota Sienna which slid off the road, struck a guardrail and bounced back onto the highway where it was struck by a Freightliner operated by Joseph Tomaski of Weedville which also skidded out of control on the icy highway. Both units had been traveling south at the of the collision. Minor injuries were reported for Patricia Boothman of DuBois after her Buick LeSabre slid off of Route 120 near Sterling Run in Cameron County and struck a culvert just before noon. State Police here are investigating a criminal mischief and theft taking place over the past few days at the concession stand next to the Austin School ball field. Someone pried open a vending machine owned by Saint Marys Pepsi and stole about a $100 in bills and coins belonging the Austin Baseball Association. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690. Troopers are also looking for leads regarding a situation taking place Wednesday afternoon on Route 49 about a half mile west of the Northern Tier Children’s Home in Harrison Township. Timothy Pritchard of Ulysses was headed east when the passenger side window on his Chevy Blazer shattered immediately after a loud popping sound. There were no injuries but the source has not been determined and the investigation continues. Jason Saltsman of Port Allegany is being charged with harassment by State Police locally for an incident allegedly taking place Sunday evening on Route 6 between Coudersport and Roulette. Kevin Saulter also of Port Allegany told authorities that Saltsman followed him causing him to be alarmed and annoyed. 4/5/06 This morning’s snowfall, as much as three inches in some locations, caught those with spring fever off guard. PennDot crews were called out at about 5:00 a.m. but slippery road conditions prompted a two-hour delay at Coudersport, Oswayo Valley, Austin and Smethport schools and the morning session of the IU9 pre-school in Coudersport was cancelled. Several motorists called WFRM to report extremely dangerous roads and numerous mishaps were reported across the district. Route 6 on Denton Hill, east of Coudersport, and a portion of Route 219 in McKean County were closed for a period of time during the morning commute. The state police fire marshal investigated two fires taking place over the weekend in the Bradford area. A four stall garage and a 2005 Hyundai owned by Anne Newcomb of Bellview Avenue in Bradford were totally destroyed. The damage was so extensive that investigators say the cause will never be known. Damage has been estimated to be $40,000. The investigation is continuing into the cause of a fire which destroyed a 1992 Ford Ex-Cab pick-up owned by Jean Powley while it was parked behind the Arlington Hotel in Kane at about 12:30 p.m. Sunday. And, the state police fire marshal will be on scene Thursday in Roulette to investigate the cause of the blaze which destroyed the mill at C & S Lumber Monday night. Several area fire departments battled the blaze and Roulette volunteers were called out a couple of times on Tuesday and again today to extinguish rekindles. The company employs about 26 people and company officials are quoted as saying they plan on re-building. State police at Kane have charged 18 year old Larry Walters and a 17 year old juvenile of that town with disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place Tuesday afternoon on Route 321 at the railroad tracks near the Highland Road in Wetmore Township. A 16 year old youth told authorities that Walters and his companion used obscene language toward him as he ran along the highway practicing for a high school track event and that Walters tried to start a fight. Charges have been filed in district court. From nearby New York State, Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton was in the area yesterday to attend an organic agricultural workshop hosted by Alfred State College. During the day-long workshop, which was attended by over 130 local farmers, producers and others involved in the agricultural industry, experts discussed topics such as the organic certification process, organic crop production, dairy herd management, milk quality issues and organic credit considerations. Alfred State College is currently in the process of developing a multi-million dollar “Smart Farm” That will include the addition of an organic dairy here. Senator Clinton’s office says the organic food market has continued to expand by more than 20 percent annually as consumers turn to healthier and more environmentally friendly foods. Speaking of New York, the Associated Press is reporting that hunters took 1,066 black bears in the Empire State last year, 52 more than the previous season. The harvest was second only to 2003 when a total of 1,864 bruins were killed. Last year saw a record bear harvest in Pennsylvania.
4/4/06 The State police fire marshal has been called in to investigate the blaze which destroyed C & S Lumber in Roulette last night. The first fire fighters arriving on the scene in less than six minutes after the 9:18 p.m. call to the mill located at the old Roulette drive-in found the business fully involved. Roulette Fire Chief Mike Ingalls told WFRM the “fire went very fast” and was phoned in almost simultaneously by three neighbors Volunteers from Port Allegany and Coudersport assisted Roulette at the scene while Goodyear Hose of Galeton stood by for Coudersport, Shinglehouse stood by for Roulette and Smethport stood by for Port Allegany under the mutual aid system. Several area ambulance departments were also on scene for a total of about five hours. Roulette volunteers were called out twice on Tuesday for rekindles. Much of the inventory and buildings were destroyed, although some rough lumber at the edge of the yard reportedly can be salvaged. Winds were blowing fairly steadily as firefighters battled the blaze. Fortunately no injuries were reported. In other news, a Galeton man was injured Sunday night when the car in which he was a passenger hit a deer on Route 6 in Pike Township near the Galeton Borough line. Christopher Kefover was treated at Charles Cole hospital for moderate injuries. The driver, Arleen Baker also of Galeton escaped injury. An Eldred motorcyclist was taken to Olean General Hospital Friday after her cycle spilled on The McCrea Brook Road in Ceres Township. Kane based state police said 40 year old Carrie Persall’s 1986 Honda Rebel 450 which went off the road while headed west, struck an embankment, spun around and landed on the operator. State police at Emporium have charged 39 year old Todd Swartz of that town with DUI after pulling him over for speeding Sunday night just south of Cowley Hill Road in Portage Township, Potter County. Authorities claim Swartz was clocked doing 76 mph in a 55 mph zone and was found to be driving under the influence. Charges are being filed with District Judge Annette Easton. A criminal mischief taking place last Thursday at Jose’s Bar in Lewis Run is being probed by state police at Kane. Vandals broke the rear window in a vehicle owned by Tina Reinard while it was parked there between 4:00 p.m. and midnight. Damage is said to total $110. The State Labor Department says Potter County’s jobless rate increased between January and February from 4.9% to 5.7%, but it still was an improvement over last February when the unemployment rate was 7.6% Jobless rates in neighboring counties for the same period this year were 5.7% in McKean; 5.6% in Cameron, 4.8% in Elk and 5.0% in Tioga. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania during the period was 4.5% and the national rate was 4.8%. 4/3/06 A Rockville, Maryland woman was severely injured Saturday morning when her cart hit a tractor trailer on Route 219 at Kennedy Springs in Lafayette Township, McKean County. Kane-based state police said 57 year old Jo Beth DeWindt of Rockville was headed south when her 2005 Ford Mustang crossed over into the opposite lane and struck 2005 Freightliner driven by Russell Smith of Milton, Vermont. DeWindt was flown by helicopter to Erie Medical Center in Buffalo. Her passenger, Roselia Taylor, 61, of Arlington, Virginia, received only minor injuries while the truck driver escaped injury.No one was hurt in a collision taking place about a half hour earlier on Route 244 in Genesee Township. Troopers locally said Betty Knauer of Genesee lost control of her Chevy S-10 Pick up when she tried to adjust the heater controls. The pick-up crossed the center of the highway and collided with a Chevy 1500 driven by Rusty Lampman also of Genesee. His passenger was listed as Jewel Lampman of Genesee. A couple of defendants are facing charges for telephone calls. Tyrone Harvey of Greenville, SC has been cited for violating a protection from abuse order by making several phone calls to the home of Leslie Jeannine Guerreo in Roulette last Wednesday. Stacey Moon, 36, of Westfield has been cited for harassment for making several “hang up” phone calls last September to Crystal Kinchen of Ulysses. Troopers at Emporium have charged 20 year old Francisco Soto of that town with simple assault for in incident taking place last Tuesday at an apartment on 4th Street in that town. Police claim Soto injured Chad Delp of Sinnemahoning to the extent that Delp required medical treatment and while they were investigating, it was discovered that Soto was on probation for a similar incident taking place last year. After being arraigned before District Judge Alvin Brown, Soto was committed to the Potter County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.
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