PUC Schedules Hearings to Gather Public Input on Proposed Merger Involving American Water Works and Essential Utilities
Late-April and early-May in-person and telephonic public input hearings scheduled across Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled a series of in-person and telephonic hearings to gather public input about the proposed merger involving American Water Works Company (American Water) and Essential Utilities (Essential), the parent company of Aqua America and Peoples Natural Gas.
According to the application filed with the PUC, American Water and its subsidiaries provide water and wastewater services to 3.5 million customer connections, or more than 14 million people in 14 states, including Pennsylvania. Essential provides water, wastewater, and natural gas services to approximately 5.5 million people in Pennsylvania and nine other states.
In-Person Public Input Hearings
In-person public input hearings will be held at the following locations and times:
- Tuesday, April 21, 2026 – Dauphin County
Hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m.
Hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn Hershey
550 East Main Street
Hummelstown, PA 17036 - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – Chester County
Hearing #1 will begin at 1 p.m.
Hearing #2 will begin at 6 p.m.
Penn State Great V…
LEWIS RUN MAN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO RETALIATE AGAINST A VICTIM/WITNESS
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Lewis Run man is charged with Conspiring to Retaliate against someone who testified against a man in a prior hearing involving Rape and Sexual Abuse of a Child.
Peter ROSS is charged with Conspiracy Retaliation (2 counts) and Conspiracy Criminal Use of a Communication Facility. The complaint accuses ROSS of conspiring with Ray COAST, who is currently being held in jail after being unable to post $3 million bail on a prior case involving hundreds of counts of Rape, Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography) and Stalking, to retaliate against a victim who testified against COAST during a preliminary hearing on his prior cases.
The two are accused of planning to contact the victim’s employer and to post things about the victim to an anonymous social media page, urging that they need the victim to be fired before his trial. The two allegedly engaged in discussions about the plans to do things for the purpose of discrediting the victim, referencing that it will make his case that much better and his lawyer can use it and, further, they are alleged to have engaged in discussion about ways to hurt the victim’s career or his reputation.
Following these discussions, the victim’s employer is alleged to have received materials from ROSS that were intended to hurt the victim’s employment status and another person reportedly was contacted in furtherance of the conspiracy to retaliate. ROSSD was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge William Todd who set bail on this case at $150,000. All persons charged are presumed innocent.
COAST CHARGED WITH CONSPIRING TO RETALIATE AGAINST VICTIM AND ADDITIONAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that additional charges related to child pornography and conspiring to retaliate against a victim have been filed against Ray Edward COAST who is currently being held on $3 million on two prior cases including hundreds of counts of sex crimes including Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Abuse of a Child (Child Pornography) and Stalking.
By criminal complaint filed on March 20, 2026, COAST is now also charged with Conspiracy Retaliation against A Victim (2 counts); Criminal Use of a Communication Facility; Photographing/Filming Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography) (4 counts); and Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography (5 counts).
The complaint accuses COAST of conspiring with Peter ROSS, of Lewis Run, to retaliate against a victim who testified against him during a preliminary hearing on his prior cases-discussing a plan to contact a victim’s employer and to post things about the victim to an anonymous social media page, urging that they need the victim to be fired before his trial.
The two are accused of engaging in discussions about the plans to do things for the purpose of discrediting the victim, referencing that it will make his case that much better and his lawyer can use it and discussing ways to hurt the victim’s career or his reputation and materials were, in fact, sent to the victim’s employer and another person was contacted, allegedly in furtherance of the conspiracy to retaliate.
The complaint also alleges that COAST video-taped himself engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor boy and possessed a video and photograph of 2 boys who appear to be between 8 and 10 years old engaging in sexual activity.
COAST was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge William Todd who set bail on this case at $150,000. He remains incarcerated on $3 million in the other cases. All persons charged are presumed innocent.
Criminal Trespass Arrest In Bradfors
On March 16, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a reported break-in at 84 Maplewood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals inside the residence, with one of them stripping wire from the home.
The reporting party had been checking the property and found the individuals, who did not have permission to enter the structure. As a result of the investigation, the two individuals were taken into custody.
The male suspect Jason McCracken and the female suspect, were both charged with criminal trespass. Additionally, the female suspect, Candace M. Crawford, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia at the time of her arrest.
Both suspects were arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail, each on $50,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and property of our community. If you have any information about this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact us at 814-887-4911.
Criminal Trespass Arrest In Bradford
On March 16, 2026, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a reported break-in at 84 Maplewood Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered two individuals inside the residence, with one of them stripping wire from the home.
The reporting party had been checking the property and found the individuals, who did not have permission to enter the structure. As a result of the investigation, the two individuals were taken into custody. The male suspect Jason McCracken and the female suspect, were both charged with criminal trespass.
Additionally, the female suspect, Candace M. Crawford, was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia at the time of her arrest. Both suspects were arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail, each on $50,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and property of our community. If you have any information about this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact us at 814-887-4911.
GLENN O HAWBAKER IS HIRING: MULTIPLE OPENINGS AVAILABLE
Glenn O Hawbaker Is Hiring:
Foreman
Laborers
Equipment Operators
Tri Axle Driver
Paving Operator
Screed Operator
Apply Online at www.gohcareers.com
EOE
PennDOT/BPD-I Set to Announce Upcoming I-80 Traffic Switch to Stage 2
Allentown, PA – Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in coordination with Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will implement a traffic switch as part of Stage 2 of the I-80 Lehigh River Bridge Project.
The contractor will be implementing a new traffic pattern on I-80 eastbound, as early as March 21, 2026, at 9:00 PM, weather permitting. Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the right onto the new eastbound bridge.
After the eastbound traffic is shifted, there will be an approximate two-week delay until the I-80 westbound traffic will be shifted to the existing eastbound bridge utilizing temporary median crossovers.
Drivers should remain alert for changing traffic patterns, follow all posted signage, and allow extra travel time when traveling through the area.
Leadership Elk Cameron Program Explores Local History and Preservation
The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on local history and preservation in March. The day started at The Johnsonburg Community Center where the participants heard from John Kautz and Ray Beimel about the history of Elk and Cameron Counties. Next the group received a tour of the Johnsonburg Community Center from the Director, Tara Pogue. To end the morning, the group got a Brick Block Tour from Stephanie Distler, President of the Johnsonburg Trust. One participant said “I am very impressed that modern opportunities have connected with historic opportunities. Revitalizing old structures to be used for modern opportunities proves that Elk and Cameron Counties continue to appreciate its historical value”.
Owlett to Host Future Entrepreneur Summit with Focus on Trades
Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is inviting area students and aspiring tradesmen and business leaders to his second annual Future Entrepreneur Summit on Thursday, April 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Lambs Creek Events, 200 Gateway Drive, Mansfield.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and the need for folks in the trades is only continuing to rise,” Owlett said. “After a successful inaugural summit last year, it was a natural choice to focus on the trades and the many opportunities they present for this year’s event. This is a great opportunity to learn from one another as we grow together.”
The event will include a light breakfast, panel discussions with a variety of local business owners, and opportunities to connect with community resources. Lunch will be provided, along with time for networking.
The summit is open to students, new business owners or anyone interested in learning more about careers in the trades. There is no charge to participate, but registration is required. To sign up, visit Owlett’s website at www.RepOwlett.com/events or call the Wellsboro office at 570-724-1390. The deadline to register is Tuesday, March 31.
The event is co-hosted by Develop Tioga, Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, Progress Authority, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center and Ben Franklin Technology partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Sponsors include Commonwealth University – Mansfield, National Federation of Independent Business, PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and The Fund for Northern Tier Development.
Jack G. Baker, 83, of Gifford
Jack G. Baker, 83, of Gifford, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born June 4, 1942, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Wayne and Georgean (Gallagher) Baker. He attended Bradford Area High School.
On July 5, 1997, in Bradford, he married Julie (Moonan) Baker, who survives.
Jack owned and operated Bakers Service in Gifford for 55 years. He was known for his ability to fix older model cars and he was particularly talented with his painting skills. He was a major car enthusiast and considered an expert with the restorations of all vehicles, especially Chevrolet cars and trucks. He enjoyed participating in car shows throughout the area.
He was an accomplished driver known for his car #56 “Boo Baker” in the late 60’s and 70s, when he raced at the local tracks including the Bradford Speedway and McKean County Raceway. Jack was elected into the McKean County Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the local race tracks.
Surviving in addition to his wife Julie of 28 years, are two daughters, Barbara (Keith) Delacour, of Port Allegany, and Kathy (Garry) Tipton, of Tampa, FL, two sons, Thomas (Rachel) Baker, of Akron, OH, and Dean (Carol) Truman, of Allegany NY, 15 grandchildren, Kyle, Lauren, Jonathan, Lindsay, Brandon, Lynae, Thomas, Jack, Gabrielle, Bobby, Dylan, R.J., Christopher, Hooter, Kasey, 10 great-grandchildren, Heath, Hazen, Hudson, Auggie, Emerson, Anna, Wren, Kylyn, Spencer, Jamison, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Dick Baker, his first wife, Linda (Clawges) Baker, two brothers, Jim Baker, Wayne Baker, one sister, Beverly Truman, and one niece, Judy Truman.
Family will receive friends on Saturday March 21, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue , followed by funeral services at 1:00 pm with Rev. Max Simms, Pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
2026 First Quarter Nightingale Award Presented to Oncology Nurse
Bradford, PA/Olean, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are pleased to announce Kristyn Wilber, RN, an oncology nurse at the Barry Street Health Center in Olean, as the 2026 first-quarter Nightingale Award recipient. Wilber has been a nurse at OGH since 2018.
“It takes a special type of person to be an oncology nurse. Patients often say that coming to our office is their safe space. They feel welcomed, cared for and look forward to freely talking with our staff. Kristyn helps make all of this happen. She has a genuine compassion for all of our patients including their family members. She makes each patient feel special. She goes above and beyond to provide the patient with the best care possible. She educates patients naturally throughout sincere conversation,” said her nomination.
A Blood Test May Better Tailor Breast Cancer Treatment for Older Women
PITTSBURGH – For women age 70 and over with a common form of breast cancer, determining “the right size” of treatment can be challenging, in part because clinicians have limited tools to guide individualized treatment decisions.
In a study published today in Clinical Cancer Research, scientists at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that a blood-based test may help guide treatment decisions for a carefully selected group of women age 70 and over who have estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer, who were considering endocrine (or hormone-blocking) therapy as the primary treatment and forgoing surgery and radiation.
GLENN O HAWBAKER IS HIRING-MULTIPLE OPENINGS AVAILABLE
Glenn O Hawbaker Is Hiring:
Foreman
Laborers
Equipment Operators
Tri Axle Driver
Paving Operator
Screed Operator
Apply Online at www.gohcareers.com
EOE