The Potter County Education Council Is Seeking An Applicant For A Part-time Evening Clerical Position
NEWS
SMETHPORT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL STARTS MONDAY
July 10-14, 2023
9:00am – 12:00pm
We are looking for kids who want to become brave like Daniel! Learn about how God is always with us, even when we’re lonely, afraid, or need help. Come for stories, games, crafts, music, singing, and lots of fun! Lunch will be provided.
The program is free and open to all kids ages 4 through 6th grade graduates so bring a friend. Babylon: Daniel’s Courage in Captivity is a collaborative program of Smethport churches. It will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, West Main Street, Smethport.
If you have any questions, please contact the Smethport St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 814-887-5841.
****REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE ON FACEBOOK PAGE****
SMETHPORT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
McKean County Box Culvert Replacement to Begin July 14
Smethport, PA- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting area motorists that a McKean County box culvert replacement project will begin on Friday, July 14. The bridge spans Warner Brook on Route 146 in Hamlin Township. Built in 1930, the structure is 15 feet long and carries an average of 540 vehicles daily. Replacing the box culvert will improve its rating from poor to good.
Starting July 14, the bridge will be closed and work to replace the box culvert will begin. A detour will be in place using Route 6 and Route 46.
Overall work includes the removal of the existing bridge and the construction of a new concrete box culvert. Dean Construction, LLC. is the contractor for this $658,000 project, with an expected completion date of July 23. All work is weather dependent.
Motorists are encouraged to “Know Before They Go” by checking conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
Route 287 Bridge Replacement Project Continues Next Week
Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel Route 287 are advised that a bridge replacement project continues next week in Cummings Township, Lycoming County. This project will replace the structure carrying Route 287 over Larry’s Creek, approximately 5.6 miles north of the intersection with Route 973.
The bridge replacement is scheduled to be complete by late November 2023. Traffic will be in a single lane, controlled by a temporary traffic signal. There is a 11′ width restriction in place for oversize vehicles.
Week of July 10
Traffic is scheduled to switch to the northbound side of the newly completed structure and construction of the southbound side will begin.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays, watch for changing traffic patterns, and drive with caution. Motorists should approach crossovers with caution in the work zone.
Nestlerode Contracting Company Inc. is the prime contractor on this $2 million, bridge replacement project.
Owlett Takes a Stand for PA College Students
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) issued the following statement regarding his “no” vote on legislation that would provide $642 million in taxpayer funding to four state-related universities: Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln:
“First and foremost, my vote is about taking a stand for our students pursuing a higher education at these universities. Three of the four state-related institutions have said they will raise tuition regardless of how much money they receive from taxpayers.
“If funding from the state is not going to help make college more affordable for the students who choose to attend these universities, maybe we need to rethink the way we fund higher education and send the money directly to those students instead.
“I also voted ‘no’ because these institutions are not subject to the same level of Right to Know access as other state institutions. If they want to receive state taxpayer dollars, they need to be transparent and accountable.
“Finally, I voted ‘no’ on this bill because it sets a dangerous precedent when we choose to appropriate money to four private institutions in one bill. Each should have to stand on their own and earn the support of the General Assembly.”
PennDOT Potter and Cameron County Maintenance work schedule for the week of July 10 – July 14, 2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Potter and Cameron County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of July 10 – July 14, 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
Box Culvert Replacement: Detour in place until July 13th
- State Route: 4001 (Old West Creek Road)
Bridge Deck Sealing
- State Route: 4002 (Beechwood Road)
Patching:
- State Route: 120 (Elk County line to the intersection of Moore Hill Road)
Potter County 0260
Sign Repairs/Replacement:
- State Route: Various SR throughout County
Seal Coat: Expect Delays
- State Route: 49 (Intersection of 44 – North Hollow Road)
- State Route: 4009 (Baker Creek Road)
- State Route: 4013 (North Hollow Road)
Side Dozing:
- State Route: 244 (Coneville to Genesee)
- State Route: 4023 (Eleven Mile Road)
Spray Patching:
- State Route: 1011 (Hickox/Ulysses Road)
Roadside Mowing:
- State Route: 4001 (Sartwell Creek Road)
- State Route: 6 (Roulette to Coudersport)
Ditching:
- State Route: 1005 (Phoenix Road)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
Forest View Evergreen Tree Farms– Roadside Mowing
State Route: 449 (SR 6 intersection to SR 49 intersection)
State Route: 49 (SR 449 to North Hollow Road)
State Route: 4013 (North Hollow Road)
State Route: 1001 (Brooklyn Road)
Traffic control: Shadow Vehicle will be following the tractors as they mow along roadway.
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.
Nestlerode Contracting Company, Inc– Bridge Replacement
State Route: 1011 (Hickox/Ulysses Road)
Traffic control: Detour will be in place, traffic will use State Route 1012 (Jackson Road), State Route 49, and State Route 1011.
LTT Trucking LLC– Bridge Replacement
State Route: 449 (Brookland Road)
Traffic control: Detour will be in place, traffic will use State route 49, State route 1008 (Cross Road) and State route 1001 (Fox Hill Road)
IA Construction Corp– Roadway Repair
State Route: Contractors will be applying an overlay.
Traffic control: Traffic along SR 4013 (North Hollow Road) will be utilizing flaggers during normal work hours; multiple work zones may be in project area.
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 July 10 – July 14, 2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation McKean County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of July 10 – July 14, 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
Patching:
- State Route: 2001 (Seven Mile/Clermont Rd.)
- State Route: 1015 (Columbia Hill Rd.)
Crack Sealing:
- State Route: 6 (Port Allegany to Potter County Line)
Shoulder Cutting:
- State Route: 6 (Smethport to Port Allegany)
- State Route: 446 (Eldred to Farmers Valley)
- State Route: 155 (Eldred to Turtlepoint)
- State Route: 1002 (Champlin Hill Rd.)
Ditching:
- State Route: 246 (Looker Mt. Trail to Rixford)
Box Culvert Replacement: Detour in place starting July 14th to July 24th
- State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
Inmate Who Escaped From Quehanna Boot Camp Is In Custody
Ryan P. Sayers, District Attorney of Clearfield County
***UPDATE—Inmate is in custody***
BOLO from PSP Clearfield—
On 07/05/23 at 0151 hours, PSP Clearfield was notified by SCI QUEHANNA that inmate Joshua David LACKEY had escaped. LACKEY was last seen running into a wooded area near SCI QUEHANNA. LACKEY is currently believed to still be in the area near SCI QUEHANNA. LACKEY is a white male, 6’2″ approximately 200 pounds with brown hair and beard. LACKEY has three face tattoos one between his eyes and one at the bottom corner of each of his eyes in blue ink. Anyone with information is encouraged to call PSP Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
Weekly Roundup from PA Dept. of Agriculture
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| As the summer sun goes down, the lights go on at Pennsylvania’s 108 Agricultural Fairs. Fairgoers are busy making their checklists. They want to be sure they don’t miss an opportunity to taste their favorite fair foods, try their hand at the hay bale toss, and of course, hug their favorite farm animals. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with a slice of rural America, a Pennsylvania fair is one of the best places to do so.Blog |
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 Governor Shapiro Highlights Administration’s Plans to Expand Broadband Access Across Pennsylvania During Visit to Beaver County During a visit to the Carnegie Free Library in Beaver Falls, Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) discussed the Administration’s plans to use more than $1.16 billion in federal funds the Commonwealth will receive to expand broadband and ensure every Pennsylvanian can access the internet. The funding is through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding and is part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative. See More |
| Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend August Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments for and virtually attend a public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on Aug. 1, 2023. Topics for the upcoming meeting will include addressing public comments and discussing the following recommended topics:Food waste prevention and food recoverySurplus food recoveryCompostable food packing standardsRead More |
| Allegheny National Forest Announces Centennial GeoTrailExplore the Four Counties of the Forest to Find Geocaches The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announces a partnered centennial geocache trail now available on the Allegheny National Forest to commemorate the Forest’s 100th year since its establishment. In partnership with the Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council (Penn Soil RC&D), Allegheny National Forest presents the first official GeoTrail, encouraging the public to explore the Forest in a new way. Twenty-eight caches have been placed across the four counties of the Forest (Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren), with descriptions available here. Participants need to register, for free, online to access cache location descriptions, along with GPS coordinates. To log your findings, fill out the Allegheny National Forest Centennial GeoTrail Passport document found here. Use this sheet to record each cache’s code word and the date found. The code words relate to the benefits and purposes of the National Forest.Read More |
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 Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson visited the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to meet with Secretary Redding, deputy secretaries, and bureau staff about the Farm Bill. The Department shared its insight into existing Farm Bill programs and what programs might work for the Farm Bill that Congress is currently drafting.See More |
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| PA Organic Agriculture Survey The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is working on an “Economic Impact Analysis of PA Organic Agriculture” with E-Consult Solutions. This in-depth research will uncover some of the challenges and opportunities for organic farming (and processing) and recommendations of ways that PDA can help to support farmers and processors interested in transitioning to USDA certified organic. We have held some meetings with producers and processors to gather input but need to hear from more producers and processors. If you are a producer or processor, please consider taking this short survey. The estimated time to complete the survey is approximately 15-20 minutes. Please complete the survey by Friday, July 21.Learn More |
 Join Rodale Institute’s researchers and expert staff at their annual Organic Field Day to learn the latest results of our farming trials and visit nearly 20 demonstration stations on their 386-acre experimental farm.Learn More |
Ridgway Farmer’s Market Season Beginning July 11
The Ridgway Farmer’s Market will hold a soft opening of the 2023 season on Tuesday, July 11 with a new Market Manager and a new location.
After months of planning and listening to input from local farmers, and with cooperation from the Ridgway Borough, the Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) is taking the reins as the new Market Manager for the Ridgway Farmer’s Market, to be held at the Ridgway Mills Campground on West Main Street.
“We are prioritizing the farmer in the Farmer’s Market while also enhancing the market with artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. The goal is to make the Market a family destination every Tuesday evening this summer” said Sara Frank, Executive Director of ECCOTA.
Featuring everything homegrown, handmade, and creative, the Market is currently looking for vendors, food trucks, and performers who may be interested in attending. Vendors can register to attend weekly, or for the entire season up front. Vendor registration can be completed online at ECCOTA.com, or you can stop at the ECCOTA Sales Gallery to pick up a paper copy.
Musical entertainment will be provided at the markets when possible thanks to a generous local donor. Darkwater Duo will perform at a larger Market celebration event in August. Details about that are forthcoming.
The market will be held each Tuesday, July 11 – September 26, 2023, 3:30 – 6:30 at the Ridgway Mills Campground, 260 West Main Street, Ridgway, PA.
The Elk County Council on the Arts is a 501( c ) non-profit organization founded in 1984 as a center for the development of arts and culture in Elk County. ECCOTA provides opportunities to participate in the arts for the area’s residents. Classes and workshops for all ages are offered including an annual summer youth theater camp. New programs and exhibits are held regularly.
For more information, please contact Sara Frank, Executive Director, at sara@eccota.com or 814-772-7051.
KANE MAN SENTENCED FOR DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH
The Kane man who delivered fentanyl to another Kane man who died from fentanyl toxicity has been sentenced. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that Paul MCMAHON was sentenced to a period of state incarceration of 124 months to 254 months and 1 year of post-release supervision by President Judge John H. Pavlock.
On May 6, 2022, emergency medical personnel and police were dispatched to a home on Pine Street in Kane for an overdose death. Numerous first responders and District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer were on scene and the DA referred the investigation to the State Police. Trooper Eric Thompson handled the investigation. An autopsy showed that the victim died from fentanyl toxicity. Residue on a metal spoon seized from the scene was determined to contain fentanyl.
Trooper Thompson found evidence showing communication between MCMAHON and the deceased victim about suspected drug transactions leading to the victim’s death.
Following investigation, Trooper Thompson charged MCMAHON with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, Drug Delivery, and other charges.
MCMAHON faced other charges as well in three other, unrelated cases.
On July 5, 2022, Kane Borough Police investigated MCMAHON for menacing another man and Chief Boyer filed charges in that case.
On July 27, 2022, Pennsylvania State Police learned that Kane Borough Police were investigating stolen firearms and crossbows from a residence in Kane. They executed a search warrant at a residence in Kane and located numerous stolen firearms and crossbows and controlled substances. Trooper Hunter Freer charged MCMAHON and another person with Receiving Stolen Property and other charges.
After MCMAHON was charged and incarcerated at the McKean County Jail, he was charged by Trooper Brandon Long with throwing urine at another inmate.
MCMAHON pled guilty to Drug Delivery Resulting in Death (Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 counts, Felony), Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony), Aggravated Harassment by Prisoner (Felony), Possession of a Firearm with an Altered or Obliterated Manufacturer’s Number (Felony), Receiving Stolen Property (Felony), and Simple Assault by Physical Menace (Misdemeanor).
District Attorney Shaffer argued for the sentence in this case and argued that the sentencing guidelines supported it, citing another case in McKean County where an offender convicted of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death received a sentence of 7 years to 14 years on the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death and 8 years to 16 years total. She argued that, while the sentencing guidelines set by the legislature for the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death provided for a sentence of only between 66 months and 84 months, a sentence of 124 months to 254 months (or 10 years to 21 years) was warranted in this case due to the numerous charges he had been convicted of by way of plea agreement and, with the allowable guidelines set by the legislature for each offense, the proposed sentence was within the allowable guideline ranges when the sentence for each offense is added.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge John H. Pavlock sentenced MCMAHON to a total period of incarceration in State Corrections of 124 months to 254 months plus 1 year of post-release supervision, lab fees, no contact with the immediate family of the deceased victim, the owners of the stolen firearms, or the victim of the menacing, as well as drug and alcohol treatment and additional terms. He is not eligible for any early parole program.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer highlighted the diligence of the investigating officers in these cases. “The crimes charged here, particularly the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, result in lengthy investigations and thousands of pages of documents, numerous items of physical evidence, and complex laboratory reports. The attention paid by the officers involved in such complex cases is greatly appreciated. I want to personally thank the investigators in all of these departments and the District Attorney’s Office for their diligence and collaboration in bringing each of these investigations, particularly the lengthy investigations, to a successful completion.”
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContactCapitol Update Friday, July 7, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. Causer Honors Smethport Couple’s 60th Wedding Anniversary  It was an honor to present Emery and Arlie Gallup of Smethport with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple was married on June 15, 1963, at the United Methodist Church in Port Allegany and has been blessed by eight children and 16 grandchildren. Congratulations! State Budget Update Click here to view video. A week into the new fiscal year, and we are still without a finalized state budget. The House and Senate have approved a General Appropriations bill, which dictates how much money goes to each program and agency, but the associated bills (commonly referred to as “code bills”) have yet to be brought forward for a vote. Those bills are necessary to guide how and where the money appropriated in the budget is spent. I voted against the $45.5 billion plan because it spends $1 billion more than we anticipate bringing in, and in these uncertain economic times, I don’t believe that is in the best interest of the Commonwealth. My focus continues to be on adopting a fiscally responsible budget that supports the core functions of government, including rural schools, health care and public safety. I will keep you posted on any new developments. Save on Summer Energy Bills  The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is highlighting opportunities to help millions of consumers manage summer energy usage and utility bills, with some having the potential to save as much as 20% to 40% every month. According to a recent sampling of supplier offers posted on the PUC’s electricity shopping website, PAPowerSwitch.com, there are substantial benefits for consumer energy costs, particularly in service territories for PPL, PECO and Duquesne Light. In each of these areas, potential savings are large enough to make a very noticeable impact on monthly electric bills – with estimated savings ranging from $18 to $32 per month for the average customer. Even outside of those utility service areas, saving opportunities are available. Simply visit PAPowerSwitch.com and check the price to compare (PTC), be mindful of any sign-up or early termination fees, and pay attention to whether offers are fixed or variable rates. To learn more about shopping for electricity, click here. To learn more about how to cut your energy usage, click here. Read more from the PUC here. Attention College-Bound Students: Complete the FAFSA  With a key Aug. 1 financial aid deadline approaching, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding a statewide webinar later this month to guide college-bound students and their families in completing the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. The “FAFSA Line by Line Overview Presentation,” hosted by PHEAA’s Higher Education Access Partners, will guide attendees through each step in filing the 2023-24 FAFSA and the Pennsylvania State Grant application to assist them in meeting the Aug. 1 deadline. This is the filing deadline for students planning to enroll in a community college; a designated Pennsylvania Open-Admission institution; a business, trade or technical school; a hospital school of nursing; or a two-year program that is not transferable to another institution. The webinar will be held on Monday, July 24, from 6-7 p.m. Click here to register. Attention Veterans: DMVA Helps Locate Lost Military Documents  The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding veterans it can help locate their lost DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other military documents so they can get credit for time served and receive important benefits they have earned. The DD-214 contains information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veterans’ organizations. Without this key document, there could be significant delays when a veteran seeks benefits earned through their service to our nation. The DMVA can also assist with locating the DD-215, which is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214, helping to assure that veterans have accurate discharge documentation. Anyone needing assistance from the DMVA to locate their DD-214/215, or other military documentation, can call toll-free 1-800-547-2838 or e-mail RA-REQ@pa.gov. More information about locating military documents can be found by visiting the Records Request Program. Another way to stay in touch is for veterans, family members and people who work with veterans to sign up for the DMVA’s Veterans Registry by visiting www.register.dmva.pa.gov. PGC Seeks Help Counting Turkeys  The Pennsylvania Game Commission again is seeking input from the public in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is open now through Aug. 31. Participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends. Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website. . The mobile app is no longer available. The agency recommends saving this link to your favorites for quick access to report turkey sightings. On the website, participants are requested to record the number of wild turkeys they see, along with the county, township, wildlife management unit (WMU), date and contact information if agency biologists have any questions. Participants may also simply drop a “pin” on the map for the location data to automatically populate. Location data are used only for the survey, not for law enforcement and are not shared. |
OLEAN OILERS TO HOLD PITT-BRADFORD NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
OLEAN, N.Y. – July 12 will be Pitt-Bradford Night at the Ballpark at Bradner Stadium.
The Olean Oilers will take on the Horseheads Hitmen in a 7 p.m. game in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.
Head Pitt-Bradford Panthers Softball Coach Tina Phillips will throw out the first pitch. Phillips completed her 18th season as head coach this year and serves as assistant athletic director, senior woman administrator and compliance coordinator for Pitt-Bradford.
Panthers’ pitcher and outfielder Joe Long of Cuba, N.Y., is playing for the Oilers this summer.
The Olean Oilers are a summer development baseball team assembled of collegiate players from all over the country. The Oilers compete in the Western Division of the 10-team NYCBL.
Bradner Stadium is located at 600 East State St., Olean.
