Potter County Commissioners Meeting Minutes From February 9, 2023
February 2023
PUC Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Settlement with National Fuel Gas Related to 2020 Gas Leak and Fire in Erie
Published on 2/9/2023
Proposed Settlement Calls for $125,000 Civil Penalty and Procedural Changes by NFG to Help Prevent Future Incidents
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is seeking public comment on a proposed settlement between National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (NFG) and the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) – addressing a 2020 incident in Erie, Pennsylvania, that resulted in a natural gas main “hit,” gas leak, and fire in a nearby building.
The Commission voted 5-0 today to seek comment from interested parties on the Joint Petition for Approval of Settlement which was submitted by NFG and I&E.
The proposed settlement calls for NFG to pay a $125,000 civil penalty and make a series of modifications to business practices and policies that would mitigate the likelihood of similar occurrences.
25th Annual YWCA Leader Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Place: Mukaiyama University Room, Frame-Westerberg Commons at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Empowering women is one of the core values of the YWCA.
To that end, the YWCA Bradford has honored nearly 65 McKean County women since 1998 during its annual Leader Luncheon. Each woman has demonstrated leadership qualities and has made a difference in the lives of others.
Now in its 25th year, The YWCA Bradford’s 2023 Leadership Awards will recognize Tina Martin, executive director of CARE for Children; Sayge Bruno, senior at Bradford Area High School; and Faith Miller, senior at Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School.
The luncheon will be held at noon on March 8 in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Tickets are $30 per person. Reservations are required by March 1. To make a reservation for the Leader Luncheon or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please call 814-368-4235 or email development@ywcabradford.org.
DEANE CENTER HOSTS NEW ALBUM RELEASE SHOW FOR POCONO JONES & THE BEAR SATURDAY, FEB. 25
The Deane Center at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro is hosting a record release show for “Live at Cambridge Sound Studios,” a new album by Pocono Jones & The Bear next Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre.
Billed as The Bear is Pennsylvania-based folk/blues artist Paul Wilkinson who lives in the Philadelphia area, but is originally from Westfield. Joining him is Pocono Jones, aka Brad Hinton.
Together they will perform ten selections from their live acoustic album recorded during the pandemic in a back-to-the-basics folk music session. Most are familiar songs and four are originals.
Wilkinson and Hinton trade vocal and guitar leads throughout the album, which opens with “Louis Collins,” better known as “The Angels Laid Him Away” followed by “Rosalee McFall,” a vintage bluegrass-like tune once covered by The Grateful Dead. Next are “Borderline,” a Wilkinson original and “Pretty Mama,” one of three songs written by Hinton. “Blues Stay Away From Me” from the Delmore Brothers includes a string-bending guitar solo from Jones who is the lead for the country classic “You’re Still On My Mind.” Picking and singing, the two musicians move into Merle Haggard’s classic “Silver Wings.”
The release show is BYOB with audience members encouraged to bring their favorite beverages and snacks.
Admission is $20. To purchase tickets and reserve a table, call 570-724-6220 or visit deanecenter.com.
C&N Wealth Management Names Philip Prough Chief Investment Strategist
WELLSBORO, PA – C&N Wealth Management has named Philip Prough as its Chief Investment Strategist. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Prough will lead the development and expansion of the C&N Wealth Management team’s customized investment management offering to new and existing markets.
Coudersport Dispatched to Rollover on Dingman Run Road
At 12:41 PM on Saturday, Coudersport Fire & EMS have been dispatched to Dingman Run Road, 2 1/2 miles from Route 6 for a rollover crash.
John K. Parana, 89, of 326 Clarion Rd., Johnsonburg, PA
John K. Parana, 89, of 326 Clarion Rd., Johnsonburg, PA died Thursday evening, February 23, 2023 at home surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness.
He was born on December 14, 1933 in Johnsonburg a son to the late Joseph and Anna Gluch Parana. On June 6, 1963 he married the love of his life, Karen A. Wensel and she survives.
John was a lifelong resident of Johnsonburg and was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School. He was a Vitenam Era Army Vet serving as a PFC with the 54th NIKE Battallion at Ft. Meade and Aberdeen, MD and he also served 4 years in the Army Reserves.
John had worked for Russ Construction, PennTech Papers and as a draftsman for Stackpole Carbon Co. in Johnsonburg and St. Marys and was the street superintendent for Johnsonburg Boro until he found his dream job; He retired in 2002 after 30 years of service with the Pennsylvania DCNR where he was maintenance supervisor of Bendigo, Elk and Kinzua State Parks. He loved his job! He and his brother George also had a contracting business painting houses and siding and roofing houses.
John was a member of Holy Rosary Church and had been a member of Central Hose Co. where he was a fireman for many years and served several terms as president and vice-president. He had served two separate times on the Johnsonburg Borough Council. He loved camp, and the outdoors. Family was a Keystone in his life.
John is survived by his wife Karen at home, a son John W. Parana of Johnsonburg, three daughters; Kisa Tomaski and her partner Bart O’Leary, Trina, Mrs. Tom DeStephano and Teri Parana of St. Marys, 6 grandchildren; Morgan McDermott, Kyle McNeel, Tyler Tomaski, Vincent DeStephano, Shannon McKinney and Jacob DeStephano, 7 great-grandchildren and his special brothers; Edward George Parana of Wilcox and Thomas Parana and his wife Carol of Johnsonburg. A brother-in-Law Darrell W. Wensel and his wife Connie of State College and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to his parents, John is predeceased by a brother Joseph Parana, sisters Annie Parana in infancy, Mary Ann Kreckel, Patricia Peterson, Helen Wickett, Agnes Manno and Kathryn Kocjancic, his uncle Paul Gluch a cousin Mary A “Bobo” Knapik and his in-laws Clarence and Ester Wensel.
Friends and Family are invited to attend a Funeral Service for John K. Parana to be conducted at the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg, PA on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 11 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor of Holy Rosary Church as celebrant. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM on Monday morning. Interment will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Johnsonburg.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Johnsonburg-Ridgway Servicemen’s Detail. Detail Members are asked to assemble at the funeral home Monday morning at 10:30 AM.
If desired, memorial contributions should be made to the Johnsonburg Public Library, 520 Market St., Johnsonburg, PA 15845, the Johnsonburg Community Center, 600 Market St., Johnsonburg, PA 15845 or the Elk County Humane Society, 1029 E. Eschbach Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857.
Ruth Katherine Thompson, 100, of Coudersport, PA
Ruth Katherine Thompson, 100, of Coudersport, PA passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Cole Manor in Coudersport.
Born on Tuesday, February 20, 1923 in Colesburg, Pa., she was the daughter of Edgar Harvey and Katherine Anna Mosch Tucker. On June 11, 1944, she married Robert A. Thompson, who predeceased her in 2001.
Ruth had been employed at Eastman Kodak as a film inspector in Rochester, N.Y. for over 40 years before she retired to Colesburg, PA. She was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.
Ruth is survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was predeceased by two brothers, Franklin “Bub” Tucker and Edgar “Sonny” Tucker, of Coudersport; and two sisters, Marjory “Marge” Butz and Beatrice “Tootie” Clark, both of Coudersport.
A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date determined by the family and will be held at the Woodland Cemetery in Hebron.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ruth’s name may be made to UPMC Cole Home Health and Hospice, 102-108 S. Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Final arrangements are being conducted by Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Ruth, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
2nd Annual Coudersport Wine Walk on Saturday, April 29
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Coudersport Wine Walk on Saturday, April 29 from 3-7. Tickets are available at Cream ‘n Sugar for $25 until sold out & registration is at the Crittenden. There you will register, pick up a free wine cup, tote bag & get your wrist band for wine tasting! There will also be Danny’s Whiskey Wagon, Cream ‘n Sugar mobile food truck, live music, seating, yard games and corn hole on 1st Street!
City of Bradford Police Arrested Braxton Reese for Motor Vehicle Theft
On 02/17/2023 the City of Bradford Police arrested Braxton Reese for 2 separate counts of motor vehicle theft and several additional counts of theft of items from a motor vehicle. Reese committed all of these offenses over a short period of time on that date. Both motor vehicles were recovered.
Reese was taken to Magistrate Cercone and arraigned and remanded to McKean County Jail on $10,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Friday, February 17, 2023 – 9:42am Reference ID: 2023-02170942 Charges: CC 3921 A Theft (F3) CC 3925 A (F3) CC 3928 A Unauthorized Use of a motor vehicle (M2) CC 3934 A Theft from a motor vehicle (M2) Incident Type: Motor Vehicle Theft Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/reese-braxton-martin-cc-3921-theft-f3-and-3-additional-charges
Man Arrested On Bench Warrant
On 02/23/2023 City of Bradford Police arrested Shannon Shroyer at 44 East Corydon Street on a McKean County Bench warrant. Shroyer was transferred to Sheriffs Deputies and transported to McKean County Jail.
Arrest Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023 – 2:25pm Reference ID: 2023-02231300 Charges: McKean County Bench Warrant Incident Type: All Other – Criminal Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/shroyer-shannon-e-mckean-county-bench-warrant
Bradford Police Charge Suspect in Vehicle Theft From October
On 02/22/2023 City of Bradford Police arraigned Nicholas P. White for theft of a motor vehicle from an investigation back on 10/15/2022. There has been an active arrest warrant for White out since that time frame.
White was taken to Magistrate Luther and he was remanded to McKean County Jail on $30,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2023 – 2:50pm Reference ID: 2022-10150901 Charges: CC 3921 A Theft (F3) CC 3925 A Receiving Stolen Property (F3) CC 3928 A Unauthorized Use of a motor vehicle (M2) Incident Type: Theft Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/white-nicholas-paul-cc-3921-theft-f3-and-2-additional-charges
Bradford Police Arrest Man For Alleged Assault
On 02/16/2023 the City of Bradford Police investigated an assault on Mechanic Street where an adult female was found with injuries. The female alleged that Thomas Nelson had assaulted her and fled the scene.
City of Bradford Police obtained an arrest warrant for Nelson and located him on 02/22/2023 and arrested him for the assault. Nelson was arraigned by Magistrate Cercone and bail was set at $2,500 unsecured. Preliminary hearings are set in the matter.
Arrest Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023 – 6:05pm Reference ID: 2023-02161805 Charges: CC 2701 A1 Simple Assault (M2) CC 2709 A1 Harassment (S) Incident Type: Assault – Other Source: City of Bradford Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/bradfordpd/68048/arrests/nelson-thomas-arthur-cc-2701-a1-simple-assault-m2-and-1-additional-charge
Coudersport, Port Allegany Dispatched/Recalled
At 11:01 AM on Saturday, Coudersport Fire Dept. with Port Allegany mutual aid dispatched to a possible house fire on Elk Street.
RECALLED
Heath Goodyear Claims Two Top Prizes
Heath Goodyear Claims Two Top Prizes at Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Predator Hunt or Trap
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Heath Goodyear of St. Marys, Pa., harvested a 36.4# female coyote on Saturday evening that earned him top honors for the largest coyote for the second weekend of Rolfe’s Two-weekend Predator Hunt, and top honors for the largest female harvested over the six days of the hunt. Congratulations, Heath!
This coyote was Heath’s first entry into Rolfe’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap. Heath shot his coyote in Elk County on private lands. He used an electronic call.
Hunters are reminded that Rolfe Beagle Club will be holding their 111h Annual, Statewide, 10-Day Coyote and Crow Hunt from August 30 to September 9.
Scanner on Steroids, Crashes & Road Closures Across Area
Upon waking up this Saturday morning, a heavy snow across the entire coverage area has caused multiple accidents and road closures. Roads are a mess until serviced by plows & salt trucks.
If you don’t have to go, it would be a good day to put off traveling until another day.
Latest crashes are a two vehicle crash on Coryland Road with 7 total occupants and a rollover crash on Route 6 West of Galeton.
Shinglehouse & Genesee Phone Service Restored
Shinglehouse & Genesee Customers
Frontier lines have been restored approx. at 400hrs
The fire/ambulance stations are no longer manned if you have a 911 emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
North Central Supply And the “Shops of Quarterwest”
North Central Supply will be closed this week.
We will be closed for a family medical reason that will not allow us to be there.
Thank you for your understanding.
We will reopen Thursday 3-1-23
Coudersport Ambulance to Liberty Lane
At 12:30 AM on Saturday, Coudersport ambulance has been called to Liberty Lane for leg pain.
Aveanna Healthcare Is Hiring RNs, LPNs, CNAs and DCWs
Aveanna Healthcare is offering Shift Differentials, competitive rates of pay, flexible scheduling and weekly pay. PRN work is available in all areas. Direct Care Workers, no experience needed, we provide all training! Must be 18 years old, and be vaccinated for covid or be willing to apply for a medical or religious exemption. RN/LPN Payrate based on acuity and experience Base rates start at $22-$30/ hour. CNA base rate $14/ hour, School cases $17/hour. DCW base rate $12/hour
RN/LPN
Fulltime nights available in Bradford, Kane, and Rew.
Full time days available in St Mary’s, and Bradford.
Part time Days in Roulette, St Mary’s, Port Allegany
Part time nights in Eldred, Port Allegany, Bradford, St Mary’s
Part time evenings in Emporium.
CNA
School cases in Johnsonburg, Kane, Port Allegany, Coudersport, and Warren
Evenings Roulette
PRN in Port Allegany, Bradford, Kane, Eldred, Smethport, Ludlow, Lewis Run, Rixford, Rew, and St Mary’s
DCW/CNA/HHA
Days and evenings in Kane, Ludlow, Roulette, Bradford, Rew, Eldred, St Mary’s, Smethport, Rixford, and Lewis Run
Please call Today at 814-642-9500 to set up your phone interview today!
Cameron County Children and Youth Services is seeking full-time County Caseworker position
CASEWORKER 1 VACANCY
Cameron County Children and Youth Services has an opening for a full-time County Caseworker position. Caseworkers provide a range of case management services to children and families to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
Salary: $37,000 (with a $2,000 increase upon completion of training and promotion to Caseworker 2)
Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree which includes, or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences OR a combination of experience and training which includes 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related social sciences, and one year of experience performing paraprofessional case management functions.
Qualified applicants must apply for the position at www.employment.pa.gov.
Clearances and a valid driver’s license will be required.
Education Opportunity: Caseworkers with a bachelor’s degree, who are employed by Children and Youth Services for a minimum of two years, may be eligible for the CWEL program, which provides substantial financial support, including tuition and other expenses, to a caseworker in completing a graduate level degree. Individuals enrolled in this program would enter into a contract with the agency to continue employment following their studies for a period of time.
For further information, please contact Children and Youth Services at (814) 486-9351 or email hfarren@cameroncountypa.com.
YWCA Bradford will host an open interview/job fair
YWCA Bradford will host an open interview/job fair from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24 and Monday, February 27 at its Administrative Office located at 24 West Corydon Street in Bradford, PA. The job fair will feature both full-time and part-time positions currently open at YWCA Bradford.
YWCA Bradford is seeking candidates who want to make a difference in someone’s life! Open positions include Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Program Staff and Sexual Assault Advocate.
YWCA Bradford offers full-time employees competitive pay, health insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, sick days/bereavement leave, AFLAC, Colonial Life and YW Retirement.
Those interested must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license and must be at least 18 years old. Applicants should provide a copy of their resume. For more
information, contact ywcaadmin@ywcabradford.org
Creative Writing/Journaling Class will be held
Creative Writing/Journaling Class will be held Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, at 5 pm lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours.
This class is for individuals with any level of writing experience. In addition to writing produced over the course of the class, participants are welcome to bring samples of previous writing to be reviewed and critiqued.
Participants should bring a notebook, or tablet/laptop if desired, and writing tools for note taking and prompts. Weekly assignments should be written or typed and submitted to the instructor and peers on paper.
Instructor Teri McDowell is a longtime journalist and freelance writer; Master’s in Library & Information Science from Clarion University of PA, Master’s in English Literature from Southern New Hampshire University.
This class is co-sponsored by the Coudersport Public Library.
Please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op at 814-274-8165 to reserve your spot.
Shinglehouse Dispatched For Vehicle Into Tree Crash
At 11:59 PM on Friday, Shinglehouse Fire & EMS have been dispatched to 120 Canada Hollow Road for a pickup truck into a tree crash with one possible injury. Report vehicle encountered black ice. Vehicle occupants are self extricated.