NEWS
Sizerville State Park Environmental Education Programs for Labor Day Weekend
Pollinator Garden Workday
Date: Saturday, September 2nd
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: Environmental Learning Center
Description: Come out and help the park educator along with some other local volunteers work on the pollinator gardens outside of the Environmental Learning Center. We will be pulling weeds, cutting bushes, and giving these gardens some much needed TLC! Some garden tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own, a water bottle, and sunscreen/bug spray! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Poolside Powwow (Last one for the season!)
Date: Saturday, September 2nd
Time: 5:00 PM
Scams Rob Residents Of Millions of Dollars; Don’t Be A Victim!!
PA State Rep. Martin Causer
In the wake of recent arrests involving scams against older Pennsylvanians, the Office of Attorney General (OAG) is again reminding people of all ages to be on the lookout for someone trying to cheat them out of their hard-earned money.
Some tips to keep in mind:
Never send money or gift cards to someone you do not know. Also, gift cards are for gifts, not for paying debts or bills.
If you are suspicious or have concerns about a solicitation, call your local police or the OAG hotline at 800-441-2555.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. “Sweepstakes” scams have been common for years, so be vigilant and use common sense. If you did not sign up for a sweepstakes, you could not have won.
Sign up for scam warning text alerts from the Office of Attorney General: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/consumer-alerts/ Mobile carrier rates may apply.
Pennsylvanians who believe they have been victims of a scam should file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 800-441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
Allegany County Legislators Named to State Committees
A pair of Allegany County Legislators have been named to two important statewide committees.
Legislator Janice Burdick (District V, Alfred) was named to the New York State Association of Counties’ (NYSAC) Medicaid and Human Services Standing Committee. Burdick, who chairs Allegany County’s Human Services and Budget committees, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new appointment. The NYSAC Committee focuses on New York State human services policies that directly impact county finances and operations.
Legislator Adam Cyr (District III, Bolivar) has been placed on NYSAC’s Standing Committee on Public Safety. Since joining the County Board in 2022, Cyr has demonstrated a passion for advocating on behalf of first responders. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of Allegany County’s Public Safety Committee and now brings that level of commitment to NYSAC’s standing committee.
Shapiro Administration Secures Methane Detectors for Rustic Ridge Community
Plum, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Rich Negrin today announced they have secured combustible gas detectors for the Rustic Ridge neighborhood in Plum Borough following an explosion that took the lives of six Pennsylvanians and damaged multiple homes. The detectors will be provided at no cost to residents. The origin of and cause of the incident in Plum remains undetermined and is under investigation.
Olympus Energy, a Pennsylvania-based company, has donated 250 detectors to the Rustic Ridge homeowners association. DEP personnel are partnering with the homeowners association to distribute the detectors to residents of Rustic Ridge. DEP’s team of experts will provide residents with guidance for identifying the best location in their homes to install the detectors. While the cause of the house explosion in Plum is still under investigation, gas detection alarms maintained for any home are a beneficial safety item.
Pennsylvania State Police Welcomes 50 New Troopers
Harrisburg, PA– Colonel Christopher Paris, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, announced that 50 cadets have graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. The class was the 167th to graduate from the academy in Hershey since it opened in 1960.
“These women and men completed one of the nation’s most comprehensive and intense basic training courses and are now prepared to join the ranks of the Pennsylvania State Police,” said Colonel Paris. “The 167th Cadet Class exemplifies the Academy’s commitment to excellence and will undoubtedly contribute to the continued safety and security of Pennsylvania.”
The new troopers will report to the following local troop barracks on September 5:
Troop C
Nathan A. Lash
Troop E
Collin E. Askins
Jaden R. Blasco
Jake L. Cuny
Daniel E. Kline Jr.
Jason D. Taylor
Troop F
Charles G. Ball
Emily J. Harsomchuck
Philip V. Kyle
Aaron J. Mylan
Caleb B. Smith
Jacob T. Walker
2 MEN CHARGED WITH LEADING LARGE-SCALE IMPERSONATION SCHEME TO STEAL $2 MILLION FROM CENTRAL PA. BANKS, CUSTOMERS
Investigation Continues as More Arrests, Charges Are Expected in Multi-County Ring
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against two men at the top of a widespread bank fraud operation that involved impersonation of bank employees and customers, and resulted in thefts of approximately $2 million from consumers and financial institutions.
Tyreese Lewis, 22, and Carl A. Gonzalez, 19, were recently arrested and charged with numerous counts of corrupt organizations, identity theft, bank consumer impersonation, access device fraud, computer trespass, and related offenses. The Office of Attorney General and Pennsylvania State Police filed charges in conjunction with a collaborative investigation, which is ongoing.
State, county elected leaders take proactive steps for banning injection wells
While the application for a proposed injection well in Fayette County may have been withdrawn, county and state leaders are looking for ways to stop similar applications in the future.
After G2 STEM applied for a permit to dispose of fluids associated with oil and gas production into the Balltown Sandstone Formation about 3,400 feet underground in Nicholson Township, state Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa circulated a co-sponsorship memorandum seeking a statewide ban of toxic oil and gas wastewater injection wells.
The Smithfield Republican said soon after her memorandum was circulated, a state senator from across the aisle contacted her about introducing companion legislation Senate.
The legislation, which she hopes to formally introduce next week, would prohibit the state Department of Environmental Protection from issuing any permits or authorizations that would allow for oil and gas waste water to be injected throughout the commonwealth.
“If successful, no community in Pennsylvania has to fight like this on this particular issue,” Krupa said.
Opponents of the injection well application in Nicholson Township – which included residents, elected officials and environmental groups – raised concerns that the waste can contain heavy metals, man-made chemicals and radioactive materials. G2 STEM ultimately withdrew its request for the well earlier this month.
“I’m very, very proud of how the community rallied and responded to this,” Krupa said, attributing the application withdrawal to the collective efforts of those who opposed the well. “In my role, I don’t want this to happen in Nicholson or Springhill (townships) or anywhere in state.”
Read more: State, county elected leaders take proactive steps for banning injection
Electronics & Household Hazardous Waste Collection
A Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Day will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023. The event will be held from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Memorial Drive, Duke Center, PA Pre-registration is required for this event. To register:
- Visit nobleenviro.com or call 412-567-6566
- On the event listing, choose the September 16th McKean County event.
- Follow the steps to register and reserve your time slot.
- Pay per pound with payment is due the day of the event after all your items are accounted for and weighed
ACCEPTED CHEMICALS: Paint/workshop products, automotive products, cleaning products, lawn & garden products, pesticides, every type of battery, every type of light bulb/tube, flammables, & pool chemicals, mostly any chemical you find under your sink or in your garage.
ACCEPTED ELECTRONICS/FREON: TVs, computers, printers, phones, window AC units, dehumidifiers, mini fridges, microwaves, laptops, gaming devices, & any other electronic device with a cord, screen or circuit board.
This is a pay per pound event with the following rates:
- Freon – $0.37 / lb.
- Television & Monitors – $0.70/lb.
- All other Electronics – $0.48/lb.
- Paint & Stains – $0.85 lb.
- Bulbs & Batteries – $0.95/lb.
- Chemicals – $1.15/lb.
- Propane Cylinders (all sizes) – $7.50/lb.
For additional information contact the McKean County Conservation District at 814-887-4001. Please note there is limited space and time slots for this event that are filled on a first registered, first served basis. Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before your appointment time to avoid traffic congestion.
UPMC Cole Hits Home Run With Babies Born During LLWS
Coudersport, Pa., August 25, 2023 – UPMC Cole welcomed this year’s newest lineup of heavy hitters born during the Little League Baseball World Series. Baby Octavia sports a special UPMC Magee-Womens onesie, and a handmade baseball cap created by UPMC employees. Matching t-shirts were also given to mom and dad, and baseballs and softball balls were donated by Little League® International to help make this special time even more memorable. For more information about prenatal care at UPMC Magee-Womens in North Central Pa., go to UPMC.com/MaternityNCPA.
PA Dept. of Agriculture Weekly Roundup
Find out what’s been happening at PDA! Shapiro Administration Highlights Critical Budget Investments in Pennsylvania’s Hardwoods Industry The commonsense, bipartisan budget Governor Shapiro signed increased the funding for hardwood research and promotion by 50% Secretary Redding joined the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council at WOODBED CORP to recognize the strength of Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector and highlight how the 2023-24 budget’s significant investment will further the growth and impact of the Hardwoods Development Council and forest products industry. With nearly 17 million acres of forestland, Pennsylvania has the most abundant hardwood forest in the United States and accounts for $21.8 billion in direct and $39.1 billion in indirect impacts on the state’s economy. More than 60,000 Pennsylvanians — ten percent of the state’s manufacturing workforce — are employed in the forest products industry. The commonsense, bipartisan budget Governor Shapiro signed increased the funding for hardwood research and promotion from $474,000 to $725,000. This is an increase of more than 50% from the previous year’s funding, which marks an important step in furthering the mission of the Hardwoods Development Council and its partners to support this impactful industry. RecapSee More Pennsylvania Invests $8.6 Million To Ensure 35 Farms, 2,645 Acres In 18 Counties Will Remain Farms Forever The Shapiro Administration announced that Pennsylvania preserved 2,645 acres on 35 farms in 18 counties, forever protecting them from future residential or commercial development. The investment of $8.64 million in state, county, and local dollars preserves prime farmland, so that Pennsylvania farms can continue feeding our families and our economy in the future. Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, when voters overwhelmingly supported the creation of the Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,266 farms and 628,967 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing nearly $1.68 billion in state, county, and local funds. The newly preserved farms are in Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, Union, and York counties.Read MoreBipartisan Budget Signed by Governor Shapiro Spurs Innovation, Expands Opportunity, Grows Future of Pennsylvania Agriculture The commonsense, bipartisan budget Governor Josh Shapiro signed invests in the future of Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector, making critical investments in the industry that feeds the state’s economy $132 billion annually, supports more than 580,000 jobs statewide, and puts food on tables around the world every day. The budget increases funding for the Department by nearly 6.4%, feeding agricultural emergency preparedness and response to help cushion businesses against the blows of animal disease and invasive species outbreaks; feeding agriculture business profits while increasing consumer confidence in products labelled as organic; and feeding opportunities for healthy, locally grown foods in rural and underserved communities where availability is scarce. Read More Secretary Redding visited Lancaster County to join in celebration of Dutch Wonderland’s 60th Anniversary. Thank you to the robust ride safety team we have here in PA for making sure that everyone across the Commonwealth can enjoy their time on amusement rides!See More Secretary Redding met with the Warren County Farm Bureau to share with them how the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is working to strengthen PA farms through policy, networking, and advocacy.See More The Quarterly Ag Ed Commission Meeting was held in State College. During the meeting, updates were shared regarding the Workforce industry and plans for the future, Career and Technical Education (CTE), as well as a Commission Report. State Conservation Commission Director, Doug Wolfgang, and Director of Conservation and Innovation, Michael Roth, attended the Salisbury Township Project Talk & Tour. While there, they learned about two farm hosts that shared about their experiences with this project. Secretary Redding attended Penn State’s Farming for Success Field Day for a chance to talk and learn about the on-going research in agriculture that Penn State experts are completing, and to understand how their research will lead to innovations that will change the way we view and interact with our fields and crops.See More Secretary Redding and Deputy Secretary, Lisa Graybeal, visited the Elizabethtown Fair in celebration of their 50th Anniversary. While there, they also awarded Matthew Swartz with the Friend of the Fair Award Recipient for his dedication to the Fair.See More Now Hiring! The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex is hiring! On-site interviews will be available during a job fair. Candidates are encouraged to apply online before attending the job fair and should bring reference information along with two forms of ID. WHEN: Tuesday, August 29, 10 AM – 6 PMLearn MoreUSDA Provides Local Support for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers The first 10 years of a farming or ranching operation are tough. USDA recognizes you need dedicated support to help make sense of all the information coming your way. Now each state has a Beginning Farmer and Rancher team headed up by a state coordinator. The coordinator helps producers who have operated a farm or ranch for less than 10 years navigate USDA and partner resources.Learn More You Are Invited! The Pennsylvania Food Policy Council is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to host a virtual listening session to discuss and gather input on PA’s Master Plan for Older Adults. WHAT: Virtual listening session to discuss and provide recommendations on senior nutrition and food security-related issues to the PA Department of Aging for its 10-year Master Plan for Older Adults WHEN: Thursday, September 7th from 10 AM – 12 PM.RegisterUSDA Seeks Companies to Provide Food Commodities to Meet the Departments Demand in its Nutrition Assistance Programs The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking suppliers of buttery spreads, canned vegetables, dehydrated potatoes, frozen chicken, frozen turkey, and pasta to help support the demand for wholesome, high-quality products for use in USDA’s nutrition assistance programs. Producers of any of these products that are not currently participating as vendors for USDA’s nutrition assistance programs are invited to contact the New Vendor Specialists in AMS’ Commodity Procurement Program (CPP) at newvendor@usda.gov for information about how to become an approved vendor to sell food to USDA.Learn More |
PA Permit Violations Issued
PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Limestone Township, Clarion County |
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 8/24/2023 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Limestone Township, Clarion county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-08-24 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
PA Permit Violation Issued to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Limestone Township, Clarion County |
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 8/24/2023 to DIVERSIFIED PROD LLC in Limestone Township, Clarion county. 78.57(a) – CONTROL, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTION FLUIDS – Operator failed to collect the brine and other fluids produced during operation, service and plugging of the well in a tank, pit or a series of pits or tanks, or other device approved by the Department or Operator discharged brine or other fluids on or into the ground or into waters of the Commonwealth. |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-08-24 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Upper Allegheny Watershed Association Calendar Photo Contest 2024 !
Submit your favorite watershed, wildlife and conservation photos. Selected entries and prize winners will be published in our 2024 calendar.
- Limit 3 entries per contestant.
- Contest runs form 9/1/23 to 10/31/23
- Cash prizes will be awarded.
- Contest will be judged by a professional photographer.
Submit entries in .jpg format to: upperallegheny@gmail.com
Entries will be accepted 9/1/23 to 10/15/23
PennDOT Potter and Cameron County Maintenance work schedule for the week of August 28 – September 1, 2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Potter and Cameron County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of August 28 – September 1, 2023, weather permitting. Motorists should travel with extra caution in these and all work areas. Motorists should be aware that due to the nature of highway maintenance and emergency work, crews could be working on any highway at any time of the day or night.
Cameron County 0240
Sign Repairs:
- State Route: Various SR throughout County
Side Dozing:
- State Route: 0872 (Sinnemahoning area to Potter County Line)
Potter County 0260
Bridge Deck Replacement: Road Closed/Detour in Place
- State Route: 4005 (Fishing Creek Road)
Sign Upgrades:
- State Route: Various SR throughout County
Seal Coat: Expect Delays
- State Route: 4009 (Baker Creek Road)
- State Route: 4013 (North Hollow Road)
Shoulder Repair:
- State Route: 44 (Pine Mountain Area)
Pipe Flushing:
- 449 (Gold to Genesee)
Spray Patching
- State Route: 1003 (Loucks Mills Road)
- State Route: 244 (Andrew Settlement to Genesee)
Pipe Replacement: Daylight Road closure August 30 – August 31
- State Route: 4021 (Honeoye Road)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
Patriot Tree Surgeons-
State Route: 244 (Andrew Settlement – Genesee)
Traffic control: Traffic along 244 will be utilizing flaggers during work hours.
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc– Roadway Repair
State Route: 6 (Port Allegany to Coudersport) Contractors will continue with roadway repairs and drainage upgrades.
Traffic control: Traffic along SR 6 will be utilizing flaggers during work hours; multiple work zones may be in project area.
LTT Trucking LLC– Bridge Replacement
State Route: 449 (Brookland Road)
Traffic control: Traffic along 449 will be utilizing flaggers during work hours.
Dean Construction LLC– Bridge Replacement
State Route: 44 (Intersection of Tennessee Road) Traffic control: Bridge will be closed, and the temporary roadway will carry traffic around the work zone.
PennDOT McKean County Maintenance work schedule for the week of August 28 – September 1, 2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation McKean County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of August 28 – September 1, 2023, weather permitting. Motorists should travel with extra caution in these and all work areas. Motorists should be aware that due to the nature of highway maintenance and emergency work, crews could be working on any highway at any time of the day or night.
McKean County 0250
Sign Repairs and Upgrades:
- Various State Routes throughout the County
Mowing:
- Various State Routes throughout the County
Bridge Work:
- Various State Routes throughout the County
Shoulder Cutting:
- State Route: 646 (Ridge Road)
- State Route: 4003 (Bingham Road)
- State Route: 3009 (Roberts Road)
Ditch Cleaning:
- State Route: 546 (Oil Valley Road)
Pipe Flushing:
- State Route: 44 (Shinglehouse area)
- State Route: 1006 (McCrae Brook Road)
Patching:
- State Route: 6 (Ludlow to Kane)
- State Route: 1009 (Bell Run Road)
Side Dozing:
- State Route: 46 (Smethport to Rew)
- State Route: 59 (Mt. Alton to Ormsby)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
Glenn O. Hawbaker – Bridge Repair
State Route: 6 – Port Allegany
Traffic control: Traffic along SR6 in Port Allegany Borough will be controlled with temporary traffic signals.
Think about it
Life
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
I am reminded once again how fragile life can be. For one, the birth of a child brings great joy, while at the same time, the death of a loved one brings deep sorrow. The two, life and death, go hand in hand. It’s the nature of life. If we’ve experience the first, then we will surely experience the second.
Like you, I’ve wondered why things happen as they do. King Solomon did the same when he wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes. Although I believe that life has a purpose, it seems to be an allusive purpose for many. I’ve wondered about that too? How can it seem to be so clear to one, yet not the other.
I’m getting older, as is everyone. Many in my age group are dying. Some are in nursing homes. While still others are just trying to get through the day, one day at a time. My health is good. I’m active, so much so that sometimes my wife tries to nail my feet to the floor to keep me from over doing. At the end of this week I’m going backpacking for three nights and four days. Why? Because I can. Some have asked what will you do if you get hurt? My answer, what if I don’t? Just because life is fragile doesn’t mean I should live in a protected bubble. I’d like to bicycle across New York State on the Erie Canal Trail. Will it happen? It might, but if it doesn’t it’s okay, there will be another day.
Trust me, my life isn’t perfect. Getting this old body moving in the morning is sometimes quite the event. I push myself to do some things like walking three miles a day. Some days I miss, but not many. I took up sailing a couple years ago and have realized that sailing is like life, you can’t go where you want to go, you have to follow the wind. To me, that’s like following the Spirit of God. He blows where He wills, (John 3:8). My job is to follow. It’s never in a straight line. It’s full of ups and downs, twists and turns, but it’s okay, it’s life. Settling back and enjoying the ride is half the fun and battle all rolled into one. Our life has been given to live. Think about it.
Clara Township Officials Have Concerns
Clara Township
566 Clara Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748
814.203.5231
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Northwest Oil and Gas District 230 Chestnut Street Meadville, PA 16335
Reference: Clara Field #20
August 7, 2023
DEP Officials,
The following questions and comments are in reference to the permit application filed by Roulette Oil and Gas Co., LLC to convert the Clara 20 gas well into an injection well.
Clara Township Officials express deep concern and urgent appeal regarding the permit application for an injection well by Roulette Oil and Gas Company. Clara Township Officials strongly urge the Department to suspend the review of this permit application due to significant non-compliance with Clara Township’s injection well ordinances.
The Policy for Consideration of Local Comprehensive Plans and Zoning Ordinances in DEP reviews of permits for facilities and infrastructure is crucial for ensuring transparency, public participation, and environmental protection (This policy served as the basis for the suspension of review for the Edgar Thomson well site in Allegheny County, demonstrating its critical importance in upholding the rights of local communities).
Roulette Oil and Gas Company’s application falls under multiple categories within Appendix A of this very policy as application types that are affected by the Policy for Consideration of Local Comprehensive Plans and Zoning Ordinances. The Department’s own guidelines acknowledge the relevance of this policy to the current permit application.
Roulette Oil and Gas has not obtained the required local permitting in accordance with Clara Township’s injection well ordinances. Permitting processes at the local level are essential for ensuring community engagement, environmental protection, and safeguarding the well-being of residents in the area. Approving the permit without proper local permitting would directly contravene the Department’s own policy, undermining the principles it stands for and disregarding the concerns of the community and local authorities.
The injection well proposed by Roulette Oil and Gas could have far-reaching consequences for the environment and public health in the region. Any decision made by the Department must take into account the concerns and interests of Clara Township, Pleasant Valley Township, Roulette Township, Potter County and other local communities, as well as adhere to existing policies aimed at preserving the integrity of local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances.
Clara Township Officials request the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection halt the review of the Roulette Oil and Gas permit application until they have obtained proper local permitting and until the Department ensures that its own policies are being strictly followed.
Clara Township trust that the Department will carefully consider the potential implications of this permit and prioritize the well-being of our community and environment.
Thank you.
v/r
Clara Township Officials
Robert W. Wylie Steven C. Mehl
Clara Township Clara Township
Supervisor Chairman, BOS
Attachments:
Clara Township- Ordinance #8- Injection Wells dtd 2FEB1987.pdf
Clara Township- Amendment to Ordinance #8- Injection Wells dtd 31MAR2023.pdf
Cc: Karen C. Cahilly, Esq
Senator Katie Muth
Senator Chris Dush