Drugs Found In Oswayo Borough
July 2023
MINICH Sentenced For Discharging A Firearm And Other Charges
Former Bradford Resident, Daniel Minich, previously convicted of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and other charges has been sentenced by President Judge John H. Pavlock to a period of incarceration in state prison for 26 months to 52 months. He had credit of 77 days already served. Daniel MINICH, formerly of Onofrio Street in Bradford, had been convicted by a jury on May 23, 2023.
On December 9, 2021, Officers with City of Bradford Police Department responded after learning that Minich was firing his firearm from within his house and sending photos of his television that he had shot to Chief Ward. He continued to send messages to Chief Ward and refused entry to the other officers unless Chief Ward were to appear. MINICH then fired several rounds from his front porch and told Ward that the neighbors would be calling him now.
Ward and other officers from Bradford City, Bradford Township and Pennsylvania State Police went to the area and Chief Ward was able to make contact with MINICH, who was inside his house. MINICH then exited his residence and threw a firearm into his front yard where it was retrieved by officers with a live round in the chamber.
MINICH was taken into custody. Officers tracked the bullets’ trajectory and found that one bullet had entered the siding and framing of a neighbor’s home and another bullet had entered and ricocheted inside another neighbor’s shed which was next to that person’s house before exiting the shed. That homeowner’s teenage son was inside the residence near the shed when the shots were fired into the shed. Methamphetamine was found in Minich’s home.
MINICH was convicted of Discharge of a Firearm Into an Occupied Structure, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and two counts of Criminal Mischief.
In addition to incarceration, MINICH was ordered to have no contact with any of the victims, no contact with Chief Ward except for legitimate law enforcement matters, drug and alcohol and mental health evaluation and treatment, lab fees and provide a DNA sample. He is not eligible for any early parole.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. City of Bradford Police Officer Joshua Frederoski investigated the case.
KANE MAN SENTENCED FOR DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH
The Kane man who delivered fentanyl to another Kane man who died from fentanyl toxicity has been sentenced. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that Paul MCMAHON was sentenced to a period of state incarceration of 124 months to 254 months and 1 year of post-release supervision by President Judge John H. Pavlock.
On May 6, 2022, emergency medical personnel and police were dispatched to a home on Pine Street in Kane for an overdose death. Numerous first responders and District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer were on scene and the DA referred the investigation to the State Police. Trooper Eric Thompson handled the investigation. An autopsy showed that the victim died from fentanyl toxicity. Residue on a metal spoon seized from the scene was determined to contain fentanyl.
Trooper Thompson found evidence showing communication between MCMAHON and the deceased victim about suspected drug transactions leading to the victim’s death.
Following investigation, Trooper Thompson charged MCMAHON with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, Drug Delivery, and other charges.
MCMAHON faced other charges as well in three other, unrelated cases.
On July 5, 2022, Kane Borough Police investigated MCMAHON for menacing another man and Chief Boyer filed charges in that case.
On July 27, 2022, Pennsylvania State Police learned that Kane Borough Police were investigating stolen firearms and crossbows from a residence in Kane. They executed a search warrant at a residence in Kane and located numerous stolen firearms and crossbows and controlled substances. Trooper Hunter Freer charged MCMAHON and another person with Receiving Stolen Property and other charges.
After MCMAHON was charged and incarcerated at the McKean County Jail, he was charged by Trooper Brandon Long with throwing urine at another inmate.
MCMAHON pled guilty to Drug Delivery Resulting in Death (Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 counts, Felony), Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony), Aggravated Harassment by Prisoner (Felony), Possession of a Firearm with an Altered or Obliterated Manufacturer’s Number (Felony), Receiving Stolen Property (Felony), and Simple Assault by Physical Menace (Misdemeanor).
District Attorney Shaffer argued for the sentence in this case and argued that the sentencing guidelines supported it, citing another case in McKean County where an offender convicted of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death received a sentence of 7 years to 14 years on the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death and 8 years to 16 years total. She argued that, while the sentencing guidelines set by the legislature for the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death provided for a sentence of only between 66 months and 84 months, a sentence of 124 months to 254 months (or 10 years to 21 years) was warranted in this case due to the numerous charges he had been convicted of by way of plea agreement and, with the allowable guidelines set by the legislature for each offense, the proposed sentence was within the allowable guideline ranges when the sentence for each offense is added.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge John H. Pavlock sentenced MCMAHON to a total period of incarceration in State Corrections of 124 months to 254 months plus 1 year of post-release supervision, lab fees, no contact with the immediate family of the deceased victim, the owners of the stolen firearms, or the victim of the menacing, as well as drug and alcohol treatment and additional terms. He is not eligible for any early parole program.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer highlighted the diligence of the investigating officers in these cases. “The crimes charged here, particularly the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, result in lengthy investigations and thousands of pages of documents, numerous items of physical evidence, and complex laboratory reports. The attention paid by the officers involved in such complex cases is greatly appreciated. I want to personally thank the investigators in all of these departments and the District Attorney’s Office for their diligence and collaboration in bringing each of these investigations, particularly the lengthy investigations, to a successful completion.”
Vehicle Into Building Crash on Rt. 49
At 3:58 PM on Friday, Osceola Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a vehicle into the Family Dollar building at 7764 Rt. 49. Elkland 7 Osceola units can hold in quarters. There are no injuries.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContactCapitol Update Friday, July 7, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. Causer Honors Smethport Couple’s 60th Wedding Anniversary  It was an honor to present Emery and Arlie Gallup of Smethport with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple was married on June 15, 1963, at the United Methodist Church in Port Allegany and has been blessed by eight children and 16 grandchildren. Congratulations! State Budget Update Click here to view video. A week into the new fiscal year, and we are still without a finalized state budget. The House and Senate have approved a General Appropriations bill, which dictates how much money goes to each program and agency, but the associated bills (commonly referred to as “code bills”) have yet to be brought forward for a vote. Those bills are necessary to guide how and where the money appropriated in the budget is spent. I voted against the $45.5 billion plan because it spends $1 billion more than we anticipate bringing in, and in these uncertain economic times, I don’t believe that is in the best interest of the Commonwealth. My focus continues to be on adopting a fiscally responsible budget that supports the core functions of government, including rural schools, health care and public safety. I will keep you posted on any new developments. Save on Summer Energy Bills  The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is highlighting opportunities to help millions of consumers manage summer energy usage and utility bills, with some having the potential to save as much as 20% to 40% every month. According to a recent sampling of supplier offers posted on the PUC’s electricity shopping website, PAPowerSwitch.com, there are substantial benefits for consumer energy costs, particularly in service territories for PPL, PECO and Duquesne Light. In each of these areas, potential savings are large enough to make a very noticeable impact on monthly electric bills – with estimated savings ranging from $18 to $32 per month for the average customer. Even outside of those utility service areas, saving opportunities are available. Simply visit PAPowerSwitch.com and check the price to compare (PTC), be mindful of any sign-up or early termination fees, and pay attention to whether offers are fixed or variable rates. To learn more about shopping for electricity, click here. To learn more about how to cut your energy usage, click here. Read more from the PUC here. Attention College-Bound Students: Complete the FAFSA  With a key Aug. 1 financial aid deadline approaching, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding a statewide webinar later this month to guide college-bound students and their families in completing the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. The “FAFSA Line by Line Overview Presentation,” hosted by PHEAA’s Higher Education Access Partners, will guide attendees through each step in filing the 2023-24 FAFSA and the Pennsylvania State Grant application to assist them in meeting the Aug. 1 deadline. This is the filing deadline for students planning to enroll in a community college; a designated Pennsylvania Open-Admission institution; a business, trade or technical school; a hospital school of nursing; or a two-year program that is not transferable to another institution. The webinar will be held on Monday, July 24, from 6-7 p.m. Click here to register. Attention Veterans: DMVA Helps Locate Lost Military Documents  The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding veterans it can help locate their lost DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other military documents so they can get credit for time served and receive important benefits they have earned. The DD-214 contains information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veterans’ organizations. Without this key document, there could be significant delays when a veteran seeks benefits earned through their service to our nation. The DMVA can also assist with locating the DD-215, which is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214, helping to assure that veterans have accurate discharge documentation. Anyone needing assistance from the DMVA to locate their DD-214/215, or other military documentation, can call toll-free 1-800-547-2838 or e-mail RA-REQ@pa.gov. More information about locating military documents can be found by visiting the Records Request Program. Another way to stay in touch is for veterans, family members and people who work with veterans to sign up for the DMVA’s Veterans Registry by visiting www.register.dmva.pa.gov. PGC Seeks Help Counting Turkeys  The Pennsylvania Game Commission again is seeking input from the public in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is open now through Aug. 31. Participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends. Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website. . The mobile app is no longer available. The agency recommends saving this link to your favorites for quick access to report turkey sightings. On the website, participants are requested to record the number of wild turkeys they see, along with the county, township, wildlife management unit (WMU), date and contact information if agency biologists have any questions. Participants may also simply drop a “pin” on the map for the location data to automatically populate. Location data are used only for the survey, not for law enforcement and are not shared. |
Thomas M. Todd, 43, of Coudersport, PA
Thomas M. Todd, of Coudersport, PA passed away on February 27, 2023 at the age of 43.
He was a 1998 graduate of Coudersport High School. During high school, he participated in wrestling and the VoTech program. After his high school years, Thomas obtained a certificate in small engine repair at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown, PA.
Along with his studies, Thomas enjoyed many new experiences while in Johnstown, such as learning to drive and participating on the Flood City Rollers wheelchair basketball team.
He eventually returned to Coudersport where many people were acquainted with him as a cashier at ACE Hardware for a number of years. Thomas had a gift for knowing the location of every item in the store and was quick to know the answer if a customer asked where something was. After his time at ACE, Thomas spent time volunteering at the Sweden Valley Manor where he enjoyed helping with activities and calling BINGO.
Thomas was born with physical disabilities which created various challenges throughout his life that not many people can begin to understand. He was incredibly independent and impressively creative in finding ways to meet and overcome many obstacles that came his way. While he sometimes got frustrated, and made that well known to those within hearing distance, he also was kind, generous, and very thoughtful towards people, especially those he loved and cared for. He took great pride and satisfaction in choosing and giving the perfect gifts. His family and friends were blessed to have known him and he will be greatly missed by many.
Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Todd, his biological mother, whom he was never able to meet in this life, and his beloved cat for 16 years, KitKat.
He is survived by his three older sisters, Amy (Mike) Snyder, Beth (Tom) Kerns, and Abby (Pete) Gehris, as well as his nieces and nephews, to whom he was an entertaining and generous uncle. He is also survived by his adoptive father, Tom (Sandy) Todd, four step-siblings, and a number of biological relatives, whom he enjoyed getting acquainted with over the years.
Family and friends are welcomed to pay their respects, Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 10-11 am at the Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. A memorial service will follow at 11. To share a memory or condolence visit www.thomasfickinger.com.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hiram G. Andrews Center, Business Office, Memorial Donation, 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, PA 15905.
Albert F. Peters, 85 of Wellsboro, PA
Albert F. Peters, 85 of Wellsboro, PA passed away while under hospice care after a brief illness at The Gatehouse in Williamsport, PA on July 5th, 2023.
Albert was born June 30, 1938 in New Jersey to Richard and Elsie (Schmidt) Peters.
He moved to Wellsboro in the early 1970’s, and worked alongside his brother Walter as a brick mason. They both were well known throughout the community for their impeccable brick work.
Albert’s favorite pastime was fishing. He loved to fish at Cowanesque Lake and Nessmuk Lake. He even tried his hand at ice fishing and was successful! He never passed up a chance to enjoy a good meal, and nary a leftover be had!
Albert was a kind-hearted gentleman, with a golden heart and a warm smile. A wonderful brother, and the best Uncle there ever was. He will be missed immensely by his family and many friends.
Albert is survived by his brother, Walter H. Peters (Ruth) of Harrington DE. Nieces Donna (Berry) Hill of Harrington DE, Diane (John) Ryan of Metropolis IL, Danielle (Darin) Eades of Catawba NC, and nephew David Peters of Ocala FL, along with several great nieces and nephews.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elsie (Peters) Reese, brothers Richard Peters, Edward Peters, nephew Ricky Peters and nieces Susan (Peters) Casperite and Deborah (Peters) Serpa.
To honor Albert’s wishes, there will not be a public service. Memorial contributions in Albert’s name may be made to Susquehanna Health Foundation, C/O Gatehouse Hospice, 1001 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701, Or “Shine for Shirati” www.supportshirati.org or Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, 725 Gee Rd., Tioga, PA 16946.
Arrangements are entrusted to Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, Wellsboro. Please share a memory or leave a condolence message with Al’s family at
OLEAN OILERS TO HOLD PITT-BRADFORD NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
OLEAN, N.Y. – July 12 will be Pitt-Bradford Night at the Ballpark at Bradner Stadium.
The Olean Oilers will take on the Horseheads Hitmen in a 7 p.m. game in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.
Head Pitt-Bradford Panthers Softball Coach Tina Phillips will throw out the first pitch. Phillips completed her 18th season as head coach this year and serves as assistant athletic director, senior woman administrator and compliance coordinator for Pitt-Bradford.
Panthers’ pitcher and outfielder Joe Long of Cuba, N.Y., is playing for the Oilers this summer.
The Olean Oilers are a summer development baseball team assembled of collegiate players from all over the country. The Oilers compete in the Western Division of the 10-team NYCBL.
Bradner Stadium is located at 600 East State St., Olean.
Update on Manhunt For Escapee Michael Burham From Warren County Prison
City of Warren Police – Pennsylvania
12m ·
Extensive searches of the area are still being conducted and a thorough investigation is ongoing.
Warren, PA.— Officials discovered early in the morning of Friday, July 7th that inmate Michael Charles Burham had escaped from the Warren County Prison. He was last seen wearing an orange/white striped jump suit, a denim jacket and Crocs. Inmate Burham was being held on arson and burglary charges and was a suspect in a homicide investigation. He was also associated with the prior carjacking and kidnapping of a local couple while trying to escape capture. He is considered very dangerous, and the public is asked to be vigilant and report anything out of the ordinary.
Federal, state and local resources are working cooperatively on this developing incident. Current law enforcement resources assigned to this incident include: Warren City Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Warren County EMA, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Warren County Sheriff, Chautauqua County Sheriff, Jamestown (NY) Police, Bradford City Police, and Pennsylvania Game Commission. These cooperators are using available resources including ground assets (foot, K-9, motorized) and aerial resources (drones and aircraft).
The public is asked to report anything unusual to law enforcement by calling 911 and they should expect to see an increase in law enforcement presence in the area. All tips and information relating to this individual and his recapture are appreciated. An Incident Command Post has been established at the Warren County Courthouse, Warren, Pennsylvania.
Questions can be directed to the Public Information Officer at 814-688-7133.
We are asking that if you see Burham, call 911 or the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency having jurisdiction immediately and do NOT approach or try to apprehend him.
Coudersport Ambulance to West Locust Street
At 8:40 AM on Friday, Coudersport Ambulance has been called to West Locust Street for a female fallen with a possible head injury.
Roulette Ambulance to Trout Brook Road
At 8:20 AM on Friday, Roulette Ambulance has been called to Trout Brook Road for a possible CVA.
Burham Escapes From Warren County Prison
City of Warren Police – Pennsylvania
8h ·
ATTN ALL CITIZENS
Michael BURHAM, the subject wanted in the Jamestown, NY homicides has escaped from the Warren County Jail. He was last seen at approximately 1120pm wearing a blue denim jacket. All citizens are urged to lock their doors and stay vigilant.
Think About It
Messy Christianity
By
Pastor B.J. Knefley
Christianity is messy. Not sure about that? Look at the people in the New Testament, the people who Jesus called to be his disciples and those that hung out with. In fact, if you looked at many people in both the Old and New Testaments you will find that God consistently choose messy people. Remember Moses? He was a murder and lived in self-exile. When God called him to lead the Israelites, he complained that he wasn’t qualified. When he did lead, he showed anger and great frustration with the people.
In the New Testament there’s Matthew the tax collector, Paul who persecuted the early Christians and witnessed the stoning of Stephen. Women with questionable reputations and even Jesus himself hung out with the most detestable of society. In other words, the people of God are messy. They don’t make good storylines. Even King David who was said to be a man after God’s heart committed adultery, murdered the husband of the woman who he had the affair. God doesn’t look for perfect people, but rather broken ones, and I guess that’s the point isn’t it. God is interested in messy people.
Jesus did have his critics. The Sadducees and Pharisees had their rules and expectations as to how the people of God should look and behave. Messy people weren’t apart of that group. In those days, some of those messy people were stoned to death. I wonder if we’d like to do that with some even today.
Being messy isn’t the problem. If it was, we’d all be in trouble. The Good News is that God loves messy people and He uses them every day no matter who they are or where they are. That should make us all hopeful. No matter what we’ve done, or how far we’ve fallen He’s there to pick us back up. It doesn’t matter how many times or why, His love is constant and never failing. I know that there will be some who will say that God has His limits and that He is the righteous Judge. But the story of the Prodigal Son tells me that he’s still looking for the messy son to come home because he’s still a son. Think about it.
The Potter County Farmers Market Friday, July 7th
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, July 7th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICE: If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]
ALPACA CREATIONS will be a vender at the Potter Co. Farmers Market, Fri. July 7. We will have a nice variety of natural and dyed yarns, large selection of sizes and designs of alpaca socks, and hand knit hats, mitts, mittens, neck warmers, scarves along with felt inserts, and Dryer balls. Special orders are accepted. Credit cards accepted. Pa preferred status, 814-601-0049 or alpacas@zitomedia.net for comments or questions
BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market rain or shine with assorted herb and vegetable plants. It’s never too late to start a garden! Limited amount of produce. We accept cash, credit cards, and SNAP. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the market July 7th. I haven’t been there for a couple of weeks d/t family time. Message me if you want something special, otherwise stop at my table for artisan breads, sweet breads, sweet treats, and fresh brown eggs. Each week there is something different for a surprise.
CARING CRAFTS will be attending the Market. We have a variety of patterns for our Homemade Travel Pillows. A variety of plastic canvas ornament/magnet pieces thank include; NFL logos, character theme, military signs, animals, etc.. Stop by and see us and don’t forget to like/ message us your special order on Facebook @ Caring Crafts. We accept cash payments. Hope to see everyone there
JOANIE’S APIARY plans on being at market with our own local raw honey, honey candy, beeswax products, corn heating pads. (Joanie’s Apiary will not be at market on July 14th. You can purchase my products at the Artisan Center.)
HOPPE RL FARMS will have their creamed honey 
with JOANIE’S APIARY
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, lotion bars and bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
Bolivar Dispatched For Tree & Lines Down
At 8:35 PM on Thursday, Bolivar Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a tree & lines down on Scott Hollow Road.
RECALLS
Urgent Food Recall of Van’s Gluten Free Original Waffles Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Wheat Allergen
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. – July 3, 2023 – Van’s International Foods (“Van’s” or “the Company”) is voluntarily recalling certain packages of Van’s Gluten Free Original Waffles, because they may contain undeclared wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The affected products are labeled with Lot Code #UW40193L and have an expiration date of 1/19/2024. To identify the Lot Code and expiration date, please refer to the side of the carton. Consumers who believe they have purchased recalled lot code product are urged to confirm the lot code with place of purchase.