NEWS

On June 10 at 9:32 pm Coudersport Fire Dept. was dispatched to 705 N. Main St. for an automatic fire alarm

On June 10, at 8:20 pm Clymer, Galeton and Westfield were dispatched to 407 Mix Town Rd for a two vehicle crash with injuries

Carrol A. Vecellio, 82, of 124 Clarence Street, Bradford, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Born October 24, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Thelma (Casher) Homan. Carrol was a 1959 graduate of State College High School, and she attended Mansfield State University where she met her husband Joe.

On January 4, 1962, in the Rectory of St. Bernard Church, she married Joseph P. Vecellio, who survives.

Carrol was a volunteer in the kitchen at St. Bernard School and Bradford Central Christian High School. She had a passion for quilting and was a member and Past President of the Kinzua Quilters. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

All livestock entries are due June 15 to either Beth Bell for sheep and goats or Judi Turton for beef, dairy, horse, rabbit and swine. Also, all camping reservations are due then to Judi Turton.

We will be at the fair’s office on June 15 from 1 pm to 3 pm to collect entries! Beth and Judi will also have drop boxes at our homes for you to leave your entries if you would rather not put them in the mail! If you have any questions, please contact one of us. Fair books are available online and should be out in book form next week! See everyone at the fair!

HARRISBURG — Reps. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) and Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny) and Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny) came together today to announce they have introduced Alicia’s Law in the House and Senate to fund the prosecution of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children.

They were joined at the press conference by Alicia Kozak, who was abducted from her Pittsburgh home by an internet predator at the age of 13 in 2002. She became the first known case of such a crime. Alicia was chained and held captive in the perpetrator’s dungeon in Virginia. He livestreamed the abuse, and Alicia was rescued thanks to an anonymous tip to the FBI. Since her rescue, Alicia has been an outspoken advocate for internet safety by working to educate the public and policymakers about the dangers of online predators and ways to end predatory crime.

“Since the horrendous events Alicia endured, internet crimes against children have exploded partially due to the proliferation of social media apps and smartphone usage,” Ortitay said. “As the father of a preschool daughter, we need to send a message to perpetrators that they cannot hide online. We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff of the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association (CVAA) and the Coudersport Regional Advanced Life Support (ALS) have been hard at work to posture our agency to better respond to your needs and the needs of the community it covers.

We reviewed our current joint billing agreement (contract) this year and have determined that certain changes were required to effectively deliver advanced emergency medical services (ALS) to the community. There are a lot of requirements and increased expenses including numerous medications and advanced equipment that go into ensuring that we can provide ALS (paramedic) services when called upon. Our ALS coverage operates 24/7 to provide advanced care to patients in emergency medical situations throughout Potter County and surrounding counties.

This year, our ALS organization proposed an agreement that would allow for joint billing with each local ambulance company. Thus meaning, CVAA would provide ALS services in support of the local ambulance services in your area, and in return, the local transporting ambulance service would bill the patient’s provided health insurance company for payment of all services, all in one bill submission. In conjunction to this, the Coudersport ALS (owned by CVAA) would then either submit an invoice to the local ambulance service for an agreed upon fixed charge that is set at an agreed amount per intercept call (which is lower than the rate charged to the patient directly for ALS services without the agreed contract). The billing agreement also gave the option for a reasonable split payment after fees are collected from a joint billing company. The local ambulance service (BLS) would keep a larger portion of the payment received and the ALS would acquire the remaining balance paid by insurance.

The joint billing agreements were incorporated to benefit the local patients serviced by providing a mechanism in which major health insurers, including the government, would be able to pay for BOTH the BLS transporting agency services and our ALS services without risking non-coverage or insurance denials. This would also include members with memberships to local ambulance companies, as they would be covered by the agreement and not have an out-of-pocket expense for ALS service charges.

Joint billing agreements/contracts were addressed at multiple county emergency service council meetings and sent out to each local ambulance association across the entire Potter County, portions of Tioga County, as well as McKean and Cameron Counties, that we currently service for ALS. Final correspondence was set for May 1, 2024.

Starting June 1, 2024, if we do not have an agreement/contract on file with your local ambulance service, we will be removing our ALS (paramedic services) from the initial 911 dispatch for that coverage area. Tioga County 911 coordinator is aware of these possible actions.

If your local BLS service declines this contract, additional steps must be made to request our ALS for an additional resource for patient care. After a BLS crew has made a patient assessment on scene, then they may request for an additional resource of ALS, then our ALS may respond if available. Remember this could delay proper patient care, and the local BLS services are also aware of this decision.

If requested for ALS services, we will be forced to directly send a bill to the patient being rendered care. These patients would be reliable to pay for ALS coverage services out-of-pocket, which would amount to a fixed fee ranging from $600.00 to $650.00 per ALS service rendered. This fee may increase at any time.  Without these joint billing agreements, it places patients in an untenable financial position, as ALS claims typically are NOT covered by insurance when billed separately therefore the patient is then responsible for the entire ALS service billed. Insurnace companies only pay the claim submitted by the transporting agency so essentially without a joint billing agreement (joint claim) the claims would have to be billed separately.

We encourage all residents to contact your local Ambulance Associations and municipalities if you have any comments, questions, or concerns about their final decision and if an agreement has been contracted.  We would also like to give our thanks to Shinglehouse Ambulance for their continued dedication towards our ALS services. You may also contact the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, the Coudersport Regional Advanced Life Support EMS Manager or Board of Directors if you have questions about the proposed contracts. 

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a bridge replacement project including a detour around the project site will begin in Otto Township, McKean County on Tuesday, June 18. The bridge is located on Route 346 spanning Tram Hollow Run. This will improve safety and ride quality for motorists by replacing the bridge and bringing the quality to a higher standard.

Route 346 (Main Street/Derrick Road) will be closed, and work will begin June 18. The detour will utilize Route 246 (Looker Mountain Trail) and Route 646 (Summit Road) where each route intersects with 346, routing traffic around the project for a detour length of approximately 12.5 miles.

The existing bridge structure will be removed and replaced with a pre-cast box culvert type bridge. Bob Cummins Construction is the contractor on this $1.5 million project. PennDOT anticipates completion in August, but all work is weather dependent.

​Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a bridge replacement project will begin in Horton Township in Elk County on Monday, June 17. The bridge is situated on Route 2011 (Brandy Camp Road) spanning Karnes Run. This will improve safety and ride quality for motorists by replacing the bridge and bringing the quality to a higher standard.

Route 2011 will be closed and work will begin June 17, under a detour. The detour will utilize Route 2011 (Brandy Camp Road), Route 219 (Buffalo Pittsburg Highway), and Route 948 (Kersey Road).  

The structure is 16 feet long and carries an average of 378 vehicles daily. In addition to replacement of the bridge structure, the road surface around the bridge will also be improved as part of this project. PennDOT anticipates completion at the end of July, but all work is weather dependent.

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) Monday applauded the bipartisan House passage of legislation he co-prime sponsored to require insurance coverage of biomarker testing in Pennsylvania.

“Biomarker testing not only saves money by providing precision medicine to better treat diseases like cancer and ALS, but—more importantly—it produces better outcomes for patients,” Cutler said. “I thank my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this legislation, which is so important to Pennsylvanians, their families, and caretakers who are working together to fight complex disease.”

Cutler noted his work with Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna) and many other stakeholders in getting the legislation through the House.

“This legislation is personal to not only Rep. Mullins and me, but also to many Pennsylvanians who are hoping for a better future in fighting complex diseases,” Cutler said. “I will continue working with all stakeholders to engage the Senate on final legislation so we can deliver on the coverage of precision medicine for Pennsylvania patients and families who are looking for a little relief in difficult circumstances.”

House Bill 1754 passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with a vote of 200 to 1. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Motorists are advised that a two-year roadway improvement project continues on Route 414 (Water Street), Route 2005 (Blockhouse Road), and Route 2007 (Williamson Road) in Liberty Borough and Liberty Township, Tioga County.

The week of Monday, June 10, 2024, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, will continue stream relocation on Route 414 (High Street) between the intersection of Blockhouse Road and the North Penn Liberty High School. Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging. Work continues with utility relocations, cross pipe replacements, and drainage work in relation to the to replace the 84-inch culvert on Route 414.

Olean, N.Y., June 5 – The recently established Bud and Marion Boorom Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation will serve as a testament to the deceased couple’s unwavering love and devotion to animals throughout their lives.

This fund, established through the Blackhawk Trust, will provide resources to benefit the enhancement of the lives of animals at the SPCA while they await adoption into their forever homes.

Darwin O. “Bud” and Marion’s journey together began in 1947, a union of many years marked by love and a shared passion for animals.

Emporium Senior Center is busy this month with a Be Red Cross Ready training session on June 11 at 11 AM.

Our monthly Member Meeting starts at 1 PM June 11th.

Julie returns with Trivia Fun June 14 at 12:30. 

Come in and enjoy our Spaghetti dinner on June 15, from 4-6, only $8.00. 

Wednesday Bingo will start at 1 pm on June 15th, at $1/card. 

Smoking Cessation session is June 27th from 11-12. 

Join us for the 5th Saturday Bingo with Sloppy Joes on June 29.  Doors open at 5 for Sloppy Joe platter only $5.  Games start at 6, $25 for 24 games.  Jackpot, raffles, 50/50 are available.  Come to eat and/ or stay to play. 

All these events are open to the public!  Also, a reminder that the Senior Farmers Market vouchers are now available for folks age 60+ in the Emporium area.  These are available at all Senior Centers close to you.  We are looking forward to seeing you! ,

It is that time when school books are handed in and the Bradford Area Public Library is busy offering a variety of summer workshops for area children.  “We have a lot of interesting and fun things planned for this summer,” says Marie Troskosky, the teen and tween book clubs’ advisor.   “Many of the workshops offer students in grades 5-12 a chance to use their leisure time in creative and artistic pursuits while enjoying the company of other kids.”  All workshops are free, as they are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “Some events have registration limits so students should sign up online as soon as possible,” advises Troskosky.

The Bradford Rotary Club Annual Golf Tournament will be held Sunday, June 23rd at the Pine Acres Golf & RV Resort in Bradford.

The tournament is a four-person scramble with a 9:00 A.M. shotgun start with flighting and prizes determined by participation.  The entry fee is $75.00 for members and $80.00 for non-members and includes greens fees, a golf cart, and lunch on the course. Flighting is based on the lowest handicap of the team members.  Pine Acres is taking team registration by contacting the pro shop at (814) 362-2005.

There will also be a chance for a Hole-in-One contest. Participants will have the chance to win a spectacular prize in the highly anticipated hole-in-one contest. This year’s grand prize is a brand-new Can-Am Defender XT, generously donated by Jim Coast Sales and Service.

Each year the Rotary Club Golf Tournament, and with the support of the community, businesses, and individual donors, earmarks funds to support local organizations and/or Rotary community service projects.

Ben Kirsch, President of the Bradford Rotary Club, expressed his gratitude towards the club members and sponsors, emphasizing their crucial role in the tournament’s success. “Our club is dedicated to being ‘People of Action.’ By collaborating with other organizations and engaging in volunteer efforts and fundraising, we aim to bring about positive change within our community,” Kirsch stated.

For sponsorship opportunities or Rotary Club of Bradford membership information contact, Rotary Club President Ben Kirsch or contact the club at bfdrotary@gmail.com.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in Potter County the week of June 10. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in Potter County for the coming week is as follows:

Pam Costanzo Burt

Toula has been found. Thank you all.

CARE for Children’s 22^nd annual basketball mini-camp for school-age children was held Wednesday evening at Callahan Park in Bradford.  The camp provides the opportunity for both boys and girls of all abilities to work on gross and fine motor skills, socialization, and physical fitness.

CARE therapists, teachers, and staff; along with volunteer coaches from the community were each paired with a team and the coaches worked with their team throughout camp.  Campers visited skill stations which focused on different activities including passing, dribbling, shooting, layups, ball handling and defense.  Each child in attendance received a t-shirt and a basketball. 

A post camp celebration was held at Pizza Hut to mark CARE for Children’s 100^th anniversary.  Campers and their family members were treated to pizza, cake and cupcakes to mark the occasion.

CARE’s basketball mini-camp was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bradford, a grant from Rotary District #7280, and the Italian American Progressive Club (IAPC).  Volunteers from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford helped prepare the basketballs for the event.  CARE’s therapeutic recreation programs are sponsored in part by the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc.

CARE for Children is a non-profit organization which provides pediatric therapy services, early learning programs, child safety and injury prevention initiatives, therapeutic recreation programs, and community outreach services for children of all abilities in McKean County, Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.

Photo Caption:

Photos by Dart
2023 Pennsylvania State Laurel Queen Emma Podobinski will crown her successor on Saturday, June 15.
 
The 82nd Annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival with activities for all ages gets underway this Saturday, June 8 and continues through Sunday, June 16 in Wellsboro. 
 
Kicking off the festival this Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine is the Family Day and Children’s Health Fair on The Green. There will be 44 booths with information, games to play for prizes and creative projects to do on-site and take home and free giveaways from backpacks and hacky sacks to bike helmets for Infants to 12-year-olds while supplies last and a
free playground ball or a foam 8-inch football for youngsters attending.
 
This Sunday, June 9, is the Pet Parade. Children with pets of all types from dogs to ducks and decorated bicycles, wagons and battery-operated three or four wheelers will gather to register for free or check in and for judging at 12:25 p.m. in the Packer Park picnic area behind the Wellsboro Active Living Center parking lot on Queen Street. At 1:30 p.m., the parade will leave the park, travel up Main Street to The Green where all children will receive ribbons. Special awards will also be presented.
 
Every night, Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14, will be a free concert with different entertainers. Donations are always appreciated.
 
For the annual Arts & Crafts Fair, 85 artisans will be on The Green with unique, handcrafted items and 25 vendors on the International Street of Foods offering delectable delights on Friday, June 14 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.