Smethport Area School District Silent Auction For Fitness Equipment
NEWS
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.
Burham Escapes From Warren County Prison
City of Warren Police – Pennsylvania
8h ·
ATTN ALL CITIZENS
Michael BURHAM, the subject wanted in the Jamestown, NY homicides has escaped from the Warren County Jail. He was last seen at approximately 1120pm wearing a blue denim jacket. All citizens are urged to lock their doors and stay vigilant.
Think About It
Messy Christianity
By
Pastor B.J. Knefley
Christianity is messy. Not sure about that? Look at the people in the New Testament, the people who Jesus called to be his disciples and those that hung out with. In fact, if you looked at many people in both the Old and New Testaments you will find that God consistently choose messy people. Remember Moses? He was a murder and lived in self-exile. When God called him to lead the Israelites, he complained that he wasn’t qualified. When he did lead, he showed anger and great frustration with the people.
In the New Testament there’s Matthew the tax collector, Paul who persecuted the early Christians and witnessed the stoning of Stephen. Women with questionable reputations and even Jesus himself hung out with the most detestable of society. In other words, the people of God are messy. They don’t make good storylines. Even King David who was said to be a man after God’s heart committed adultery, murdered the husband of the woman who he had the affair. God doesn’t look for perfect people, but rather broken ones, and I guess that’s the point isn’t it. God is interested in messy people.
Jesus did have his critics. The Sadducees and Pharisees had their rules and expectations as to how the people of God should look and behave. Messy people weren’t apart of that group. In those days, some of those messy people were stoned to death. I wonder if we’d like to do that with some even today.
Being messy isn’t the problem. If it was, we’d all be in trouble. The Good News is that God loves messy people and He uses them every day no matter who they are or where they are. That should make us all hopeful. No matter what we’ve done, or how far we’ve fallen He’s there to pick us back up. It doesn’t matter how many times or why, His love is constant and never failing. I know that there will be some who will say that God has His limits and that He is the righteous Judge. But the story of the Prodigal Son tells me that he’s still looking for the messy son to come home because he’s still a son. Think about it.
The Potter County Farmers Market Friday, July 7th
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, July 7th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICE: If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]
ALPACA CREATIONS will be a vender at the Potter Co. Farmers Market, Fri. July 7. We will have a nice variety of natural and dyed yarns, large selection of sizes and designs of alpaca socks, and hand knit hats, mitts, mittens, neck warmers, scarves along with felt inserts, and Dryer balls. Special orders are accepted. Credit cards accepted. Pa preferred status, 814-601-0049 or alpacas@zitomedia.net for comments or questions
BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market rain or shine with assorted herb and vegetable plants. It’s never too late to start a garden! Limited amount of produce. We accept cash, credit cards, and SNAP. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the market July 7th. I haven’t been there for a couple of weeks d/t family time. Message me if you want something special, otherwise stop at my table for artisan breads, sweet breads, sweet treats, and fresh brown eggs. Each week there is something different for a surprise.
CARING CRAFTS will be attending the Market. We have a variety of patterns for our Homemade Travel Pillows. A variety of plastic canvas ornament/magnet pieces thank include; NFL logos, character theme, military signs, animals, etc.. Stop by and see us and don’t forget to like/ message us your special order on Facebook @ Caring Crafts. We accept cash payments. Hope to see everyone there
JOANIE’S APIARY plans on being at market with our own local raw honey, honey candy, beeswax products, corn heating pads. (Joanie’s Apiary will not be at market on July 14th. You can purchase my products at the Artisan Center.)
HOPPE RL FARMS will have their creamed honey 
with JOANIE’S APIARY
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, lotion bars and bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
RECALLS
Urgent Food Recall of Van’s Gluten Free Original Waffles Due to Potential Presence of Undeclared Wheat Allergen
Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. – July 3, 2023 – Van’s International Foods (“Van’s” or “the Company”) is voluntarily recalling certain packages of Van’s Gluten Free Original Waffles, because they may contain undeclared wheat. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to wheat run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The affected products are labeled with Lot Code #UW40193L and have an expiration date of 1/19/2024. To identify the Lot Code and expiration date, please refer to the side of the carton. Consumers who believe they have purchased recalled lot code product are urged to confirm the lot code with place of purchase.
North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission Seeking Input on Broadband Through Community Meeting
Feedback collected will support Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion planning efforts
Ridgway, PA (July 6, 2023) – The North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission today announced a meeting to engage the community in discussions about broadband use and experiences. The meeting will also provide information about the Commonwealth’s work to develop an action plan to ensure equitable, affordable broadband access for all residents, businesses, and communities.
Those interested in participating are invited to join the meeting scheduled for July 20th, 2023, from 10am – 11:30am at the Port Allegany Veteran’s Memorial Inc. at 4743 PA-155, Port Allegany, PA.
Executive Director, Jim Chorney states “Access to broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for every individual and community in the region. It goes beyond connectivity; it is the key that creates opportunities and paves the way for knowledge and economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.”
The North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission’s meeting is part of a larger strategic effort led by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA). Through a robust meeting series, the PBDA will connect with a diverse array of Pennsylvanians and use the public input to help develop plans to address broadband service needs in unserved and underserved communities. The plans will help ensure everyone has the skills, technology, and capacity needed to benefit from our digital economy.
“Far too many Pennsylvanians lack access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet access or face barriers to accessing the technology necessary to participate in our society and economy fully,” said PBDA Executive Director Brandon Carson. “We are seeking to close the digital divide, and the feedback we receive through community meetings is essential as the Commonwealth develops its Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment and Digital Equity plans.”
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, authorized a $65 billion investment into broadband to close the digital divide. Pennsylvania is guaranteed a minimum of $100 million and is expected to receive hundreds of millions in additional funding through formula or competitive funding opportunities. The community meetings are critical to the planning process and will help inform Pennsylvania’s path forward when the Commonwealth secures funding and implements the plans.
For more information about the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) and the upcoming community engagement activities, visit the PBDA’s website.
About the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA)
The PBDA is responsible for creating a statewide broadband plan and distributing federal and state monies for broadband expansion projects in unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. PBDA efforts focus on closing Pennsylvania’s digital divide so all Pennsylvanians can get connected to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband internet at home, at work, or on the road.
About North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission
The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is a premier regional development organization that serves the public and private sector through a wide range of economic, community, infrastructure, human services, and technology programs for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter Counties.
Resurfacing Project Continues on Interstate 180 in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a two-year roadway project continues on Interstate 180 eastbound and westbound in Montoursville Borough, and Loyalsock, Fairfield, and Muncy townships in Lycoming County.
Week of July 9
On Sunday July 9, 2023, through Friday, July 14, 2023, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, will continue milling the westbound lanes of Interstate 180 starting near the westbound on ramp at the Lycoming Mall and continue westward to Brushy Ridge Road. The contractor will also be paving the westbound lanes from Brushy Ridge to Loyalsock Creek. Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 PM and 2:00 PM, weather permitting.
Motorists can expect daily traffic patterns including alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution.
Glenn O. Hawbaker is the prime contractor for this $11.4 million highway resurfacing project. Work on this project includes mill and resurface of over 13 miles of roadway including entrance and exit ramps at Route 87 and the Fairfield Road interchanges, new lighting, guide rail upgrades, drainage, signage, and pavement markings. Additional work the removal and re-epoxy of 16 bridges throughout the project. These bridges span the Loyalsock Creek, Route 87, Fairfield Road, Route 220, Carpenter’s Run, Brushy Ridge Road, Wolf Run, and Muncy Creek. Work on this project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024, with a winter shutdown in 2023.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Traffic Delays- Constitution Ave.
City of Bradford Police
We are pleased to inform you that the Bolivar Run and Constitution Ave remediation project is scheduled to commence this week.
As the project progresses, we anticipate possible traffic disruptions and occasional road closures, which may affect residents and other motorists.
In the event of complete road closures, appropriate signage will be placed to guide residents, ensuring access to their homes.
Access can be gained via Constitution Ave or Bolivar Drive, passing through GGB Elementary School.
The project is expected to span approximately one month, and we sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.