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NEWS
McKean County Man Convicted of More Than 200 Sex Offenses Against Minors Over 20 Years
McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Darvin Carpenter, of Bradford, was convicted of 251 counts related to sex crimes against children, providing marijuana to juveniles and other crimes. He was found not guilty of 11 additional counts.
CARPENTER was charged with committing crimes against 7 juvenile victims between the years 2000 and 2022.
The crimes were discovered in 2022 after a juvenile female reported to her mother that CARPENTER had touched her in her “bad spot” and the mother reported it to the Childline child abuse hotline. The report was referred to Children and Youth Services and law enforcement.
Trooper Eric Thompson of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks was assigned the criminal investigation.
Through his investigation, he identified six other victims who reported numerous instances of rape from the age of 5, forced oral sex on victims under age 13, unlawful touching of children under age 16, providing marijuana to juveniles and numerous other crimes.
Six of the victims – all now adults – testified before the jury and described the acts committed by the defendant through the last two decades and at various locations in McKean County – including various places he resided, his vehicle, and some of the victims’ own residences. Some of the victims described not only the crimes he committed against them, but other crimes they witnessed against other children.
The jury convicted CARPTENTER of 10 Counts of Rape Of A Child Under 13 (Felony 1); 10 Counts of Rape By Forcible Compulsion (Felony 1); 55 Counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1); 6 Counts of Criminal Solicitation To Commit Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse On A Person Less Than 16 ( Felony 1); 3 Counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Statutory Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 112 Counts of Indecent Assault – (Felony 3, Misdemeanor 1 & Misdemeanor 2); 11 Counts of Distribution Of Small Amount Of Marijuana (Not For Sale) (Misdemeanor); 3 Counts of Corruption Of Minors, and 1 Count of Indecent Exposure (Misdemeanor 2).
Trooper Thompson filed a criminal complaint against the defendant on July 14, 2022. He has remained incarcerated at the McKean County Jail since the time of his arrest.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Following conviction, DA Vettenburg-Shaffer asked to increase CARPENTER’S bail and it was increased to $1 million.
Because the defendant has been convicted on sexual offenses, the law requires that he undergo an assessment with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board. Sentencing will be scheduled by the Court.
If you suspect child abuse, please call 911 and Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
POTTER COUNTY 4-H PROGRAMS
Figure 1: Teen Council members share their leadership style at a club meeting
While historically 4-H clubs have engaged participants in programs focusing on agricultural interests, such as growing crops, caring for livestock, and preparing nutritious meals, the Pennsylvania 4-H program has expanded to include a wide variety of other topics in recent years. These program topics vary greatly, but all work to develop communication, problem-solving, and personal development in youth across the state.
A recent highlight in 4-H programming is science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By connecting these technical skills with 4-H, participants can relate their interests to future career opportunities in these fields, find passions solving complex problems in their lives, and work as a team to design and create a better world. In Pennsylvania, 4-H members can engage in STEM topics at all ages of the program, through Engineering Design Challenges, Animal Science Camps, 4-H STEM Labs, and more!
Another popular area of programming in Pennsylvania is leadership. Youth across the commonwealth are encouraged to engage with their club, community, country, and world through programs that provide opportunities for youth to connect with their roles as young leaders of Pennsylvania. The state offers 4-H members opportunities to enhance their understanding of civic engagement and the role they play as active members of their community by providing opportunities to hold office positions in clubs, organize community events, and participate in events such as State Leadership Conference.
These are only some of the opportunities 4-H offers participants throughout the state. Youth members participate in activities ranging from shooting sports and rocketry to sewing and gardening. Other members may find an interest in horses or showing rabbits, while still more members may find their passion lies in leadership projects or public speaking. With such a wide variety of opportunities, 4-H members can work to improve and develop their passions with the guidance of a trusted adult no matter where their interests lie. For more information on 4-H programming or how to get involved, contact the Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or email Spencer at sqg5901@psu.edu.
Bucktail Council Receives Grant Award
Elk County- The St. Marys Area United Way Board President Doug Gaffey presented a $11,500 grant to Gregg Bennett, Scout Executive with the Bucktail Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This grant award was as a result of the United Way’s 2022 campaign. Gregg Bennett, Scout Executive, reports that the funding will be used to further the camping program at Camp Mountain Run where hundreds of youth attend each year. The United Way funding will be used to train and hire a portion of the camp staff for summer camp, support the maintenance cost for Camp Mountain Run, and purchase program materials.
Scouts BSA is designed for boys and girls ages 11-18, Scouts learn responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs. For over 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.
The Boy Scouts are one of the many partnering organizations that have sought grant money from the St. Marys Area United Way. Over the next couple of weeks, the United Way will continue to notify the public of all the grant recipients and award amounts. The grant funding disseminated in 2023 is as a result of the donations raised during the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. Funding raised in 2023 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2024.
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. If you would like to become one of these individuals or corporate donors, please call 781-6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857
Wolfinger Family Fund supports projects, opportunities at area schools
OLEAN, N.Y., March 14, 2023 — Four area school districts and one New Jersey school recently received grants supporting new projects and education opportunities, together totaling $4,633, from the Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund.
Harold “Sandy” and Connie Wolfinger established the Wolfinger Family Fund in 2019 and designed the fund to provide annual support for educational programming and enrichment opportunities for area students in schools.
The Smethport Area School District received three grants, totaling $1,187, for three projects in the district schools.
PENELEC PLANNED OUTAGE for Borough of Galeton
Borough of Galeton
PENELEC PLANNED OUTAGE
Day/Date Tuesday, March 28th
Time/Duration 08:30 until 15:00
Alternate Date N/A
Town/Street In Galeton, West St., Germania St.,1st St., West Branch Ave., Penn Ave., Division Ave., 5th St., Poplar Ave., Second St.
Reason for Outage Upgrade our facilities for enhanced circuit reliability for our customers.
# of Custs. 195
Borough of Galeton Council Meeting March 8, 2023
The regular meeting of the Galeton Borough Council was held this date in the Municipal Building with the following members present: Joe Petrencsik; Doug Droppa; Darrell Jackson; DJ Fuller, and Denny Dean. Not present was Ron Tarabori.
Others present were: Mayor-Garrote; Foreman-Joe Cimino; Secy-Andrea Caracciolo; Office Asst-Eleanor Boyd and Borough Crew-Joe Cimino Jr.
President Petrencsik called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Followed by the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES
The 2/8/23 minutes were reviewed, Joe Petrencsik pointed out that they needed to state that both sides of Germania Street is to have restricted parking for the week of the 4th of July. A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller to approving the minutes with the change. All were in favor, motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller approving the treasurer’s report for Feb/March 2023 as reported. All were in favor, motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Committee toured the Chattanooga Bldg. and agreed to proceed with the first study.
BOROUGH FOREMAN
Orchard Ave and Adams Street sewer issues. There are 8 customers on the list where they are having sewer issues. The sewer is continuously being plugged up with wipes and paper towels. The customers in this area will be sent letters.
Test Wells were drilled and the following were found: The one that was drilled at the Right Branch produced approx. 70 gallons per minute and the water was good. The one on the Left Branch wasn’t successful as well as the one drilled on the Holly Smith property. They are going to drill another one at the Main Branch next.
DJ reported that two culverts on Pine Street have concrete blocks that are caving in and need repaired.
ORDINANCES
A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Darrell Jackson to advertise Ordnance #377 of 2023 to amend Parking on Germania Street during the week of the 4th of July. All were in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Darrell Jackson appointing the mayor as designee to exercise the parking on Germania Street for the 4th of July week. All were in favor, motion carried.
****At this Time, 7:52PM, AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS CALLED TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL ISSUE
***AT THIS TIME 8:35 PM, THE MEETING RECONVENED.
The executive session was held for Joey Cimino to make a presentation. The proposal was for Joey to attend the Mansfield Act 120 academy to become a police officer at his own expense. After graduating from the course the Borough will hire him as an officer. Joey will remain an employee on the Borough crew also in the process of getting his water and sewer licenses. There will be a probation period of a year to see if this works out.
A motion was made by Darrell Jackson, seconded by DJ Fuller to accept the proposal. All were in favor, motion carried. Further details will be discussed at a later date.
BILLS
A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Denny Dean to pay the bills for March 2023. All were in favor, motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Denny Dean, seconded by Doug Droppa to Adjourn. All were in favor, motion caried. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
ATTENTION PATRONS OF THE S.W. SMITH MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY:
The Seneca Library District that includes the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library will be migrating data into a new inter-library system over the next month. Patrons will be able to easily access more library materials and services after this transition! This is an exciting process that will have a very beneficial end, but sometimes getting to the end of the road can be bumpy. As the library transitions, there will be a few “pauses” in library service:
- From March 26-April 5 the library will not be able to create new library patron accounts. If you have been thinking about getting a library account, please come in before March 26 or after April 11.
- The library will be running in an “offline” circulation mode so checking out library materials, checking in library materials, updating patron accounts, and placing holds on books will take a little longer to process. Please give yourself some extra time in the library for us to complete these circulation tasks for you.
- The library will not be able to catalog new materials beginning March 26 until after the migration is complete. The library may have the new book you have been waiting for but getting it out on the shelf for you to borrow might take a little longer. Please be patient or ask the circulation staff to get a copy for you via AccessPA inter-library loan.
- All library due dates for materials checked out beginning March 13 have been changed to the extended date of April 11 to accommodate this migration period.
- If you have questions or concerns, please contact the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library Director, Mary Grace, at 814-642-9210 or swsmith@swsmithlibrary.org.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Emporium and Warren to host remote workers for 2023 Wilds Are Working initiative
Application opens March 15, submissions due by May 3
After a successful pilot program in 2022 for The Wilds Are Working: A Remote Lifestyle Experience, remote workers will have the chance to apply to test out living in two new communities for 2023. Those communities will be Emporium and Warren.
Funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission through Ben Franklin Technology Partners and administered by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., this project seeks to help address the issue of outmigration in rural areas by marketing PA Wilds communities as great places to live and work.
Originally piloted in summer 2022 in the PA Wilds communities of Bellefonte and Kane, the initiative allows remote workers to live, work, volunteer, and explore all that the rural region has to offer. Participants could come from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a sense of adventure and the ability to work remotely.
Applications open on March 15 and are due by May 3.
Spring Story Hour Signups Underway
Coudersport Public Library’s Preschool Story Hour series, with the theme “Hello Spring!” will begin Tuesday, April 4!
Participants will learn about and celebrate Spring and all the fun and new beginnings it brings, with leaders Brenda Bonczar and Lisa Bretz. Sessions will run on Tuesdays, April 4-May 9, at 10:00 a.m. These are geared for children ages three through five and their parents, and include stories, a craft and snacks.
Registration is required to ensure sufficient materials. Stop in at the Library, call 814-274-9382 or email coudersportlibrary@gmail.com to register your child.
It is time to vote for your favorite video for the 6th Annual What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?™ Contest for North Central PA.
Steps to Vote
· Go to the website What’s So Cool….North Central Contest
· Watch the videos by clicking on each one
· Press vote on the video you like the best
· Can’t decide which one you like best – you can vote for more than one!
· The video with the most votes will be the winner of the Viewer’s Choice Award to be presented on March 28th! There are other awards being made by our team of judges.
Voting will open March 13th at 12:01 am and will end on March 15th at 11:59 pm.
Thank you for taking the time to vote and recognizing the hard work of the students, teacher coaches and employers!
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM EDT WEDNESDAY…
* WHAT…Accumulating snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to
3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…Livingston and Allegany counties.
* WHEN…Until 8 AM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact the evening commute.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow could result in snow covered secondary roads and
limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)
Crash Closes Route 220 in Sullivan County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Route 220 is closed in both directions between Route 42 and just north of Route 3006 (Thorne Street) in Laporte Township, Sullivan County, due to a tractor trailer crash.
A detour using Route 42 and Thorne Street is in place. The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect travel delays, and drive with caution.
Brenda Langan Announces Candidacy for Potter County Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts
My name is Brenda Langan, and I am announcing my candidacy for the Potter County Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts in the 2023 primary election.
I have been a member of the Potter County community for most of my life. After graduating from Port Allegany High School, my husband Todd and I raised our children a few miles from his childhood home in Ulysses. Now we’re involving our grandchildren in the same civic and church community that has nurtured us for so many years.
Let’s be candid; the first and foremost role of our county officials is to serve the public. My priority is customer service for all of our residents and assisting them with transactions in this office.
I appreciate how important these transactions are as both a resident and a previous small business owner. While it is certainly true that meticulous and secure filing and record-keeping are essential for the court staff, it is also true that the Prothonotary’s role isn’t solely for the benefit of the court. Your business, whether related to a request for court records, managing a lien, or even applying for a passport, deserves to be done as quickly, reliably and painlessly as possible. I can relate because I’ve had experience on both sides of the County Government counter.
Professionally, I was in the workforce for several years before deciding to pursue a college degree. I graduated with high honors from Gannon University in Business Administration. After a brief career in real estate, I joined Adelphia Cable, where I rose to the position of Corporate Inventory Manager in charge of over 200 inventory locations across the country. After that, I spent several years in Supply Chain Management at Arvos Ljungstrom LLC, where in addition to my regular responsibilities, I implemented new financial software. Subsequently, the opportunity for public service drew me to county government work in my current position.
Currently, I am the Director of Finance in McKean County. This position has provided me with keen insight into the inner workings of government offices. In this role, I am responsible for developing the County budget with input from Department Heads, ensuring proper cash flow and appropriate expenditures, and confirming that the maximum reimbursements have been received on grants. This requires collaborating and working with others while still accepting full responsibility to ensure the integrity of the budget expenses and revenues.
In my 30 years of professional experience, I have gained the perspective and experience that Potter County residents deserve in their Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts. In addition to the professionalism and integrity expected from any public official, I’ll remember what it’s like to be on the other side of the counter – to conduct your transactions quickly and courteously so as to get you back to your families or businesses. I appreciate your consideration when casting your vote on May 16th and look forward to the opportunity to serve my Potter County friends and neighbors as their next Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts.
PFBC OFFERS GRANTS UP TO 25K TO INSPIRE INTEREST IN FISHING AND BOATING
HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 14) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is once again seeking applicants for grants to support education programs that promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating in Pennsylvania through the recruitment of new participants, retention of existing participants, and reactivation of former participants – collectively known as “R3.”
The R3 grants aim to connect Pennsylvanians with the fun of Commonwealth waterways by teaching fishing and boating skills and providing quality locations where these activities can be enjoyed. Organizations are encouraged to engage groups under-represented in the fishing or boating population to learn the benefits of these activities, including community, wellness, and taking advantage of the outdoors.
Last year, the PFBC awarded $201,837 in R3 grants to support 13 education projects in nine counties.
The R3 grants will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible expenses for the period of July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The grants require a minimum of 25% match of total project costs. The deadline for submission of R3 grant applications is April 14. At this time, applications for multi-year grants are not being accepted.
More information about the grant program, including the application, can be found on the PFBC R3 Grant Program page on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).
Potter County Education Council and Tri-Co Connections Continue Partnership for Seniors 2 Seniors Program
The Potter County Education Council, Tri-Co Connections, the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, and our local school districts are continuing to team up to implement a county-wide program called Seniors 2 Seniors. This program is teaching basic computer skills, digital literacy, and cybersecurity to senior citizens so that they have the skills and knowledge to utilize the many benefits of high-speed Internet, which can include: Staying connected to friends and family; Sending and receiving emails; Using search engines to navigate the Internet; Utilizing telemedicine (healthcare from home); Using on-line banking; and Shopping from home (for items not available in the local area).
As a part of this program, local high school students volunteer to provide on-site support to each of the adults who participates in the course. The area high school students are a logical resource to support the senior citizens as they learn about the Internet since this generation of students has grown up with technology as a part of their daily lives. They are a true “tech savvy” population and can provide valuable support to older adults who are learning to navigate and use new technological skills and information.
The Seniors 2 Seniors technology course is being offered at each of the four senior centers in Potter County on a six-week rotating schedule, meeting on Wednesdays (following the school districts’ calendars), throughout the 2022-2023 school years. The course will meet at the Ulysses Senior Center on Wednesdays, April 5th – May 10th from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.
The registration deadline for the Ulysses course is Wednesday, March 29th. Register yourself, a parent, or grandparent by calling the Potter County Education Council at (814) 274-4877 or by stopping by the Potter County Education’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to STL RESOURCES LLC in Gallagher Twp, Clinton County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/08/2023 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. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-08 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to STL RESOURCES LLC in Gallagher Twp, Clinton County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/08/2023 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. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-08 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
A Thank You From The Woodward Family
Audrey’s Army,
From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank you all enough for the great success you made my benefit Saturday! I’m truly blown away by the whole entire thing. The kindness, generosity, support and love you have all given to me and my family is truly humbling and overwhelming. You have all helped make this journey a little bit easier.
With so much love,
The Woodward Family 
PENNSYLVANIA 4-H WEEK
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Communities across the state, including Potter County, will celebrate Pennsylvania 4-H Week March 12-18, marking more than 100 years of programs that aid and educate youth.
The Potter County Commissioners passed a proclamation recognizing 4-H Week in the county and praising 4-H for its continuing service to the commonwealth’s citizens.
The term “4-H” often calls to mind youngsters showing calves and sheep at a county fair, but animal science is only part of what makes up 4-H. With a focus on hands-on learning, 4-H members can explore technology, civic engagement, healthy living, fashion design, cooking, environmental stewardship, forestry and wildlife, entomology, community service and other subjects. 4-H is the state’s largest youth development organization, with clubs in rural communities, small towns, and big cities.
A nationwide total of nearly 6 million children and teens, ages 5 to 18, take part in 4-H. In Pennsylvania, 4-H reaches more than 77,000 members in all 67 counties and includes a network of more than 6,000 adult volunteers.
In celebration of Pennsylvania 4-H Week, 4-H clubs throughout Potter County will be decorating windows in their communities to showcase their 4-H projects and achievements from throughout the year.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H.