Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/25/2023 to STL RESOURCES LLC in Gaines Twp, Tioga county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/25/2023 to STL RESOURCES LLC in Gallagher Twp, Clinton county. 78a86 – CASING AND CEMENTING – DEFECTIVE CASING OR CEMENTING – Operator failed to report defect in a well that has defective, insufficient or improperly cemented casing to the Department within 24 hours of discovery. Operator failed to correct defect or failed to submit a plan to correct the defect for approval by the Department within 30 days.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/25/2023 to STL RESOURCES LLC in Gaines Twp, Tioga county. 78a64a(c)1 – SECONDARY CONTAINMENT – Secondary containment was not used on the well site when equipment for any phase of drilling, casing, cementing, hydraulic fracturing or flowback operations was on the well site and when regulated substances including drilling mud, drilling mud additives, hydraulic oil, diesel fuel, hydraulic fracturing additives or flowback were brought onto or generated at the well site.
The bear that attacked and injured two children in Luzerne County this week has been captured and euthanized.
Two bears – a male and a female – were caught overnight in live traps the Pennsylvania Game Commission set following a May 22 bear attack in Wright Township, near Mountain Top, that left a 5-year-old and 14-month-old with injuries.
Previously completed DNA testing on the clothes the children were wearing at the time of the attack had developed a profile for the bear in the attack. Samples collected Friday morning from the trapped bears immediately were taken to The Dr.Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute at East Stroudsburg University. Testing performed there concluded the trapped female bear indeed was the same one from the attack.
While bear attacks in Pennsylvania are extremely rare, when bears attack people and later are captured, they are euthanized to ensure public safety. That’s not to say a bear involved in an attack is prone to attack. Bear attacks many times are the product of a bear that is cornered and has no easy escape route. But euthanasia is a precaution against future attacks, as well as the only way to test the bear for rabies. If a bear tests negative for rabies, it relieves concerns the animal has caused further public health risk, and allows attack victims to possibly be spared rabies treatments.
“For more than 125 years, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has worked to protect and provide for the Commonwealth’s wildlife,” said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “With the agency’s guidance, the state’s once-beleaguered bear population recovered, prospering to the point we now have about 15,000 bears statewide, and bear hunting opportunities in most counties. Pennsylvania’s bear populations really couldn’t be doing better, and that will continue to be the case.
“While the agency doesn’t take lightly its duty to follow protocol to euthanize a bear involved in an attack, it also places great importance on ensuring public safety, and in this case we have fulfilled our responsibility through our actions.”
The male bear caught in the trap alongside the female has been relocated to a more remote area farther from the attack site.
If there are further updates in this matter, the Game Commission will issue another news release Tuesday afternoon.
St. Marys, Pa.: “It’s been a busy spring for the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) up here in NC Pa,” said Jed Hamberger, President of the Chapter, “but we finished up our ambitious spring schedule. Now we take a short break and get ready for our summer event, the four-day Women’s Intro to Wingshooting program.”
The Upland Bird Hunt Chapter started its spring schedule by tackling an ambitious new habitat project of alder regeneration at Tionesta Lake in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers; then moved directly into woodcock singing and drumming grouse surveys in partnership with the PA Game Commission and the US Geological Service. The first ever Wild Game Dinner Social was held at the Rolfe Beagle Club. And finally, the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter sponsored its always well-received Future Hunters and Handlers’ Clinic for dog owners at the Rolfe Beagle Club.
The Future Hunters and Handlers’ Clinic is designed for any dog handler or hunter who wants to establish a better rapport with their dog or learn new techniques in dog training. This program is held every spring by the chapter with experts in the dog training field, dog care, and habitat providing short one-hour seminars for attendees to rotate into. This spring, the program had 16 attendees – mostly dog owners, but even a few attendees that will be future dog owners. “We are thinking about rotating this program to another RGS Chapter area such as Erie or State College or Williamsport next spring so we can reach more interested folks,” said Tom McPherson, an instructor for the program.
Any hunters or dog handlers interested in what the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter of the RGS has to offer in NC Pa should contact Jed Hamberger at jedhamberger@gmail.com.
Thea Petruzzi, daughter of Josh and Erica Petruzzi of Port Allegany, joined high school seniors and their parents from 32 area school districts at the Big 30 Academic Scholarship Banquet. The banquet recognizes a senior from each school district in the Olean Times Herald’s Twin Tiers sports coverage area, known as the Big 30. Students are nominated by their principals. Thea’s plans after graduation are to attend Robert Morris University majoring in biomedical engineering. She is pictured with PAHS Principal Marc Budd.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation McKean County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of May 29 – June 2, 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
Bridge Repair:
Various State Routes throughout the County
Mowing:
Various State Routes throughout the County
Patching:
State Route: 2004 (Christian Hollow Road)
State Route: 646 (Rew to Red Rock)
Crack Sealing:
State Route: 155 (Potter County line to Port Allegany)
Pipe Replacement:
State Route: 1006 (McCrae Brook)
State Route: 1015 (Columbia Hill Road Rixford)
Pipe Repair:
State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
State Route: 46 (Cameron County line to Crosby)
Ditching:
State Route: 346 (Foster Brook to Red Rock)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
L.C. Whitford- Bridge Replacement
State Route: 1011 (Barnum Road)
Traffic control: Contractor will be utilizing flaggers on SR 1011 during work hours to control the flow of traffic.
Jefferson Paving–Roadway repairs
State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
Traffic control: Contractor will be utilizing flaggers on SR 146 during work hours to control the flow of traffic
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Potter and Cameron County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of May 29 – June 2, 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
Bridge Repairs:
State Route: 4001 (Old West Creek Road)
State Route: 4002 (Beechwood Road)
Sign Repair:
State Route: Various SR throughout County
Mowing:
State Route: Various SR throughout County
Spray Patch:
State Route: 120 (Elk County Line to Moore Hill Road)
State Route: 1001 (Plank Hollow Road)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
Richardson Tree & Landscape Company, Inc– Tree Trimming
State Route: 46 (Rich Valley to the McKean County line)
Traffic control: Traffic along SR 46 will be utilizing flaggers.
Potter County 0260
Sign Repairs/Replacement:
State Route: Various SR throughout County
Shoulder Cutting:
State Route: 44 (Coneville to Shinglehouse)
4019 (Horse Run Road)
State Route: 4021 (Honeoye Road)
State Route: 4017 (Sunnyside Road)
Pipe Replacement:
State Route: 1011 (West Bingham Road)
State Route: 1010 (Genesee/ Mills Road)
Spray Patching:
State Route: 1010 (Genesee/ Mills Road)
State Route: 44 (Oleona to Lycoming County line)
Crack Sealing:
State Route: 4009 (Baker Creek Road)
State Route: 4007 (Dingman Run Road)
Ditching:
State Route: 1003 (Loucks Mills Road)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc– Roadway/ Bridge repair
State Route: 6 (Port Allegany to Coudersport) Contractors will continue with roadway repairs and drainage upgrades. Bridge structure repairs will continue at the intersection of SR 6 and Trout Brook Road intersection.
Traffic control: Traffic along SR 6 will be utilizing flaggers during work hours, multiple work zones may be in project area, including temporary traffic signals at Trout Brook Road intersection.
Principal Marc Budd was the MC for the event which began with Underclassmen Awards.
Certificates of Excellence for attaining Honor Roll status during each grading period of the school year were presented to Molly Barber, Kaiden Bartlett, Chase Boyd, Ryan Carlson, Ian Crum, Braedyn Dibble, Trace Kazimer, Madelynn Lannager, Victor Link, Bailey Lloyd, Duke Shelley, Jackson Smith and Kason Stake in Grade 7; Collin Ableidinger, Jordan Bailey, Kaydence Beaver, Lillie Foltz, Liam Hawver, Olivia LIlly, Brock Marsiglio, Tessa Rendos and Derrick Xaros in Grade 8; Micah Emerick, Madison Errick, Bynn Evens, Jarrod Funk, Isla Lehmier, Blake Lloyd, Kendra Meade and Nicholas Wilfong in Grade 9; Tyler Carinci, Ava Coleman, Joshua Colton, Tyler Fillhart, Levi Howard, Madison Langfitt, Raelin Meacham, Ella Moses, Joy Ou, Riley Painter, Skyler Pelchy, Beau Shelley, Derek Smith and Isabelle VanNette in Grade 10; Trenton Bunnell, Colton Crowe, Paige Crum-Threadgill, Hannah Hanchett, Kole Kisko, Henry Kisler, Lacy LaChine, Kendra McGarvey-Smoker, Jossalynn Mereen, Brayden Pearsall, Julia Postlewait, John Smith and Miska Young in Grade 11.
The Canyon Pilots Association Memorial Day Weekend All-You-Can-Eat Fly-In Breakfast is this Sunday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to noon indoors at the corporate hangar at the Grand Canyon Regional Airport in Delmar Township at 112 Runway Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901.
The breakfast is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Parking is free. Handicapped parking is available.
Weather permitting pilots in various types of full-size aircraft will fly to the airport for the breakfast.
Costa’s in Painted Post, New York is providing two Cessna airplanes and pilots to take people on rides over the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon for a fee and Blaise Alexander is offering helicopter rides, weather permitting.
On the menu are ham, eggs, buckwheat pancakes, coffee and orange juice. Requested is a donation of $10 for adults and $5 for youngsters, ages 3 to 8 years old. Children 2 and under will be admitted free.
Members of the Canyon Country Ultralight Club will assist with the breakfast.
The Mountain Modelaires will display radio controlled airplanes and helicopters and a one-third scale RC Piper J-3 Cub. A Real-Flite Simulator will be available for anyone that wants to try flying a radio control airplane.
Kathy and Andrew Coscia are hosting the 2nd annual Joggin’ for Frogmen 5K Shadow Run/Walk and you are invited to join their team, “Team O-E.”
The event will take place on Saturday, May 27th at 9 am (8:30 for registration) at the OEHS Track on Sweitzer Drive, Duke Center, PA. We will have access to the track as well as the XC trail. Please register using the link below. Registered participants will receive their Joggin’ for Frogmen race shirt and bib at packet pickup starting at 8am the day of the event. Plan to register as soon as you can (no later than May 6th) to be sure your packet will be in prior to the run. We will start the run at 9am.
*5K Participants: All 5K finishers will receive a JFF t-shirt and a JFF medal. *GORUCK Participants: All GORUCK finishers will receive a t-shirt, medal and custom GORUCK Patch. *Tadpole Trot: All kids who register and complete the Tadpole Trot will receive a t-shirt and medal.
If you are unable to make this event but would like to donate to our team, please visit jogginforfrogmen.com. Go to the Donate tab then click on Donate for Pittsburgh and be sure to add in our team name: Team O-E.
WHAT IS JOGGIN’ FOR FROGMEN Inspired by US Navy SEALs (Frogmen), the mission of the Joggin’ for Frogmen Race Series is to activate communities from around the world to honor the sacrifices of our Naval Special Warfare service members and veterans, and to support the families of our fallen heroes. Our races bring communities together to celebrate the lives of America’s fallen and to express our deep gratitude to those still serving.
Please feel free to share this with your Family & Friends!! We hope you will jog with us to support this mission and to continue helping military families.
The. Ruffed Grouse Society is proud to announce that they will offer their popular Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting Program at the Mt Jewett Sportsmen’s Club on July 15-16 and August 19-20. Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting is a course for women and taught by women. On both Saturdays, the course starts at noon and ends at 4:00 p.m. On both Sundays, the course starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m.
Register by contacting wlhab9@gmail.com. Lodging is available, if needed, but is limited.
A hunt will be offered to the graduates on Sunday, September 10, at a nearby sportsmen’s club.
No pre-knowledge of shooting is required. “We pride ourselves on helping a woman who has never even held a shotgun before learn how to become a wingshooter,” says Sue McClelland of Smethport, one of the instructors. “And owning a shotgun is not necessary; we have shotguns that the attendees can try for size and then use during the program. When you finish this training you can go on and shoot at targets for fun or hunt your choice of birds.”
You must register to attend this course, and it is on a first-come, first serve registration basis. “We only take twenty women into the program each year so we can maintain the quality”, offers Taylor Holt of Kane, another instructor.
At a brief ceremony recently, members of the Board of Directors of the West Creek Recreational Trail Association installed a directional map at the St. Marys trail head on West Creek Road. The map was designed by Mickayla Poland from PA Made, of St. Marys, and provides location and mileage information to help visitors to the Trail plan their trail experience. A similar map will also be installed at the trail head in Emporium. Mickayla also designed and produced leaflet maps that describe the trail and offer suggestions on its use. The leaflets will be available at tourist information locations around the area. The map project was supported by a grant from the Elk County Commissioners through the Elk County Community Foundation. The photo shows members of the Board of Directors of the Trail Association, Roger Young, Jesse Cunningham, Jude Weis, Tom Wagner and Bob Kirschner, with Mickayla Poland, owner of PA Made. Directors not present were Cliff Clark, Dave Greene, Jeff Ream and Tina Johns Solak
After the ceremony, the Board also viewed the newly-installed bridge across West Creek. The bridge will improve access to the trail parking lot and help to alleviate flooding issues for neighboring properties. The bridge was designed by J Ream Engineering Consultants of Emporium and funded through grants from the Elk County Community Foundation, the Elk County Commissioners, Seneca Resources and the George A. and Margaret Mee Foundation. It was installed by Northpoint Contracting of Emporium.
The West Creek Trail is a publicly funded multi-use trail. It is open to the public for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter season and walking, hiking and bicycling during all seasons. More information is on the West Creek Trail Facebook page.
A committee operating under the direction of the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce had the task of sifting through 41 applications for the PA Wilds Remote Working project. “The committee focused on those ready to relocate and seeking the opportunity to leave big box stores and strip malls behind,” says chamber director Tina Solak.
PA Wilds indicated five applications should be selected, but the committee has opted to bring six to Cameron County for a month long stay in July. Two are single, two have significant others, and two have children. Their remote jobs range from engineering to self-employed. They are coming from Massachusetts, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Carlisle areas.
Over the next three weeks, we will introduce you to those arriving in July.
Brent Whiting is from Lansdale and works at Temple University as the executive director for information systems. Brent will be joined by his wife who is an artist/crafter, three children and 2 dogs. Brent has spent time in Tioga County at a family cabin and has “often talked about moving to a rural area of the state”. The family are active volunteers in the Lansdale area.
Joni Bryan is from Westhampton Massachusetts and will be bringing her spouse and their dog named Denton. Joni owns her own company and designs and implements database solutions for nonprofit organizations. Joni has a passion for the military, as she followed in her fathers’ footsteps, and her son is currently serving in the United States Navy. In her free time, Joni rides motorcycles, reads, cooking and describes herself as an amateur anthropologist. Jace is a salesforce administrator with No Red Ink and has been a member of the NASA team for the Mars Rover project.
The Wilds Are Calling Hazy IPA hits shelves and participating breweries
The Wilds Are Calling Hazy IPA, produced by New Trail Brewing Company in collaboration with 17 other brewers who call the Pennsylvania Wilds home, is now available at participating breweries and select distributors in PA!
The brew is a hazy IPA, made with a malt bill of pilsner and oats. It’s hopped late with Citra, Simcoe and HBC 586. This gives the brew aromatics of juicy citrus and light tropicals.
DESCRIPTION: …FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM EDT SATURDAY… * WHAT…Temperatures in the mid 30s will result in frost formation. * WHERE…Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. * WHEN…From 2 AM to 8 AM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS…Frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.
INSTRUCTIONS: Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
ATTENTION LIBERTY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS: the township has scheduled the second coat of blacktop for Coleman Mills Road. It will take place on Wednesday 5/31, Thursday 6/1 and Friday 6/2 from 8AM to 4PM. The same rules will apply that were stated before. The work will involve the entire width of the road so people will have to use an alternate route. Thank you for your patience.
Capitol Update Friday, May 26, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account. You are welcome to contact me through this link.
Remember the Fallen This Memorial Day
Monday, May 29, is Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor the more than 1.1 million Americans who have died in wars which the United States entered.
Please take a moment this weekend to remember these men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and for our country and consider participating in Memorial Day events in your community.
If you are traveling this Memorial Day, be sure to drive safely and check traffic conditions at www.511pa.com or on Twitter.
A Great Day in Kane!
Last week, I had the opportunity to read to preschoolers at the Kids Learning Center and discuss the importance of early childhood education. I took a look at the proposed location for a children’s museum and toured the new Six and Kane building. Thank you to Mayor Brandy Schimp for taking me around town. It’s great to see continued growth and development in this community!
I’m pictured here with Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp; Kate Kennedy, executive director of the Kane Area Development Center; and Jill Grosch, Kane district office manager.
Advocating for PA’s Energy Industry
Advancing our Commonwealth’s energy industry is key to a thriving economy. Unfortunately, that growth is being threatened by misguided policies advanced by House Democrats who are now in the majority in the state House.
Earlier this week, on a party line vote, the House Environmental Resources and Energy (ERE) Committee approved a bill that will significantly drive up costs for our conventional oil and gas producers by increasing the cost of well bonding. The bill is based on the false narrative that today’s drillers are abandoning thousands of wells every year and the increased bonding is needed to plug those wells.
The reality is the vast majority of wells that are in need of plugging are orphan wells that date back decades or even a century ago and there is no identifiable responsible party. That’s why we passed a law last year to increase funding for plugging those wells, but the Department of Environmental Protection continues to drag its feet on implementing the grant program.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. As Republican chairman of the ERE Committee and advocate for our local conventional oil and gas producers, I will continue pushing back on these damaging policies.
Fighting for a Fiscally Responsible Budget
With the June 30 budget deadline just around the corner, House Democrats started the process of advancing Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $45.8 billion proposal that increases spending by $2.5 billion, or 6%, over the current year.
Especially given the rising inflation and economic uncertainty we are all facing, it is irresponsible to support a budget that eviscerates an anticipated $7.9 billion budget surplus over the next three years and the $5 billion Rainy Day Fund over the next five years.
This budget does nothing to prepare the Commonwealth for the turbulent economic climate many economists are predicting.
Given the demographic challenges we face in balancing the Commonwealth’s budget with significant growth in the elderly population and contraction in the working-age population, this is not the time to expand government and introduce new spending initiatives.
As part of our Keystone Commitment to the Commonwealth, we are working toward policies that will promote a thriving economy and affordable living for all Pennsylvanians. This budget would move us in the WRONG direction. Learn more about the Keystone Commitment here.
Grants Offered to Boost Sales, Expand Export Markets for PA Products
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for projects designed to boost domestic sales and exports of Pennsylvania agricultural products. The department plans to award up to $303,000 in matching funds to PA nonprofits to reimburse up to 50% of costs for promotional and educational projects intended to increase consumer awareness and sales or expand export markets.
Grants will be awarded to PA nonprofit agricultural promotion and marketing organizations for projects ranging from festivals and tourism events to regional buy-local campaigns and statewide promotions of PA products.
This Sunday, May 28, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day
PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Services include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/17/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Ward Twp, Tioga county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/17/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Ward Twp, Tioga 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.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/17/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Ward Twp, Tioga county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department.
Memorials, do you have any? Perhaps without thinking you have created some without even knowing it. They often dot our life in different ways. Perhaps it’s the mount that’s hanging on the wall of our family room, or your first gun. Maybe it’s the wall in the hall that’s adorned with family pictures. We might not recognize it but we often have many memorials throughout our home and life. They’re important to us because they remind us of important events.
In my own life I have plaques and pictures that remind me of achievements. I have objects that I carry that remind me of the source of my hope. One of those things is a small rock about the size of a quarter. I carry it to remind me that it only took a small stone to kill Goliath. If you’re not familiar with that name it comes from the story of David and Goliath, a huge giant of a man. He taunted the Israelites with his size and his words. David a shepherd, took his slingshot and a few stones and accepted that challenge. The result was that David, with just one small stone, killed the mighty Goliath. My stone reminds me that it only takes a small stone to kill the giants in my life.
My Bible is another source of memorials. Over the years I have noted and underlined passages. Often these are accompanied by dates. Each remind me of a time in my life where a passage spoke to my spirit with encouragement or direction. Each time I come across one of these passages I smile in remembrance. It’s not that these reminders are of good times. Sometimes they remind me of very difficult times in my life and I am reminded of where I was and where I am now. These become remembrances of hope and perseverance.
Sometimes the greatest encouragement that we can have is thorough the memorials that we’ve established in our lives. They become anchors that can help in our forward moment and direction. Without these we might just become adrift. Think about it.