NEWS

Rebecca Renn is pleased to announce her candidacy for the Magisterial District Judge position in Coudersport left vacant by the Honorable Annette Easton. Renn has practiced law in Potter County since moving to Coudersport in 2009. Originally from Georgia, Renn holds a degree in secondary education and, prior to beginning her legal career, worked as both a high school and middle school English teacher in Muscogee County, Georgia.

After attending law school in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Renn upheld individual’s rights as a criminal defense attorney in Columbus, Georgia. She and her family relocated to Potter County in 2009, where she practiced as a family law attorney for several years under her former name, Rebecca Ross, at the firm of Ross & Ross. From 2013 through 2018, she served as Assistant District Attorney for Potter County, during which time she worked extensively in both the Magisterial District Court and the Court of Common Pleas. Since 2018, Renn has maintained a private practice in the areas of franchise law and commercial leasing, while also serving the children of Potter County as a guardian ad litem in the Court of Common Pleas. In this capacity, she represents the best interests of children who are the subject of Children and Youth Services involvement or highly contested custody matters. 

Renn cares deeply for the people of this community. She raised her family in Coudersport, and her children attended Coudersport schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. She has served as a school director on the Coudersport Area School Board as well as a coach for the high school mock trial team. She has also volunteered as a coach with the Coudersport Area Soccer Association, organized a clothing closet for foster children in placement in Potter County, and facilitated a 12-step recovery program for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

While a Magisterial District Judge in Pennsylvania is not required to hold a law degree, the judge oversees the initial stages of every criminal proceeding as well as the final disposition of many minor offenses. Renn’s legal education and experience make her the most qualified candidate for the position, having practiced in almost every aspect of civil and criminal litigation, including experience as both prosecutor and defense counsel in criminal matters. Renn brings a unique combination of training, experience, and perspective, which combined with her integrity, honor, and compassion, make her an excellent choice for this position.  

Jim Howe, organizer of the 2023 Chili With A Chance For Chocolate Taste-Off and Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries president, announced the first through third place taste-off winners on Saturday, Feb. 11. This was the eighth taste-off held since the first one in 2015. It is a Wellsboro Winter Celebration event. 

The first place winner was awarded $100 and the second and third place winners $50 each in Wellsboro Chamber Dollars that can be redeemed at any of more than 40 area participating businesses.

“All 13 chili chefs will soon be receiving a special thank you gift for participating,” said Howe.

The 315 people who each bought a $5 taste-off passport had the opportunity to try all or some of the 13 different types of chili beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday. They cast their votes and then turned in their passports at any taste-off location by 2 p.m.

Taking first place was Zack Luczak with his Wine’ing for Chili at Oregon Hill Winery’s retail store at 87½ Main Street.

Luczak’s chili includes Oregon Hill’s Ensemble Rouge, a blend of dry red wines along with ground beef, bacon, onions, red peppers, diced tomatoes, five different types of beans, spices and a secret ingredient.

In 2022, Luczak took second place with his Wine-ing for Chili made with Oregon Hill Cabernet Sauvignon. “My chili’s name was spelled with a hyphen last year and with an apostrophe this year to signify they are different,” he said.

“I tweaked my 2022 chili to create this year’s marriage of flavors by taking out some of the spices and two of the meats I had used and adding some new ingredients,” said Luczak.

“I’ve been around the food industry most of my life because my dad was a chef and I would help him. I began working in area restaurants about 16 years ago and been at Oregon Hill Winery for the past two and a half years. I am currently an assistant winemaker but continue to cook, too. Through Oregon Hill, I have catered several private events at the main winery and for the past two years made the chili for the taste-off.”

Taking second place with her Mammy’s Sweet Chili was Pat Schramm, owner of Shabby Rue at 69 Main Street. “I am surprised and thrilled. I’ve never won before and have been participating in the taste-off since it started in 2015, most of the time with my Mammy’s Sweet Chili. I don’t consider myself a great cook but I Iove to make chili. Several people have asked me for my recipe but I don’t follow one,” Schramm said.

Third place winner was Greg Nagy with his Smoked White Chicken Chili. He is the head chef at Beck’s Bistro, 104 Main Street. The Main Street Creamery at 17 Main Street was the tasting location. In his chili were marinated, barbecued chicken; grilled corn; great northern beans; onions, peppers and spices. He won third place in 2018, second place in 2019 and first place in 2020 at the taste-off with a different chili he had made for another business in Wellsboro. “I am hoping to do that with this one – tweak it into first place,” he said. “I have lived in Wellsboro all my life and became interested in cooking thanks to my grandfather. I spent summers with my grandparents in Canada after he retired and he would always be cooking.”

Proceeds from the sale of the passports will benefit rescued animals and programs offered by Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, according to Howe.

FIRST News Now

1 INJURED IN BLAZE THAT DESTROYED 2 BARNS, 2 SHEDS AND CLAIMED MANY ANIMALS – GOFUNDME SITE is SET UP TO HELP FAMILY & A SPAGHETTI DINNER BENEFIT SCHEDULED FOR MARCH

FNN Article © Saturday, February 18, 2023.

Fire images from scheduled benefits (Links to assist the family provided to FNN. Links in article below).

MANSFIELD, PA. — Late Wednesday evening, February 15, 2023, firefighters from Mansfield Hose Company, as well as EMS crews and fire units from Blossburg Fire Department responded around 10:55 PM to a reported barn fire at the Lehman/Brooks residence located at 719 Wood Road in Richmond Township.

One large barn approximately 50×50 in size and a second barn approximately 30×40 were both well involved before fire personnel even arrived on scene.

Mansfield fire personnel were on scene by 11:01 PM and immediately a 2nd and 3rd alarm was requested as winds fueled the flames, putting other buildings at risk of catching fire.

According to Mansfield Fire Chief, Jim Welch, fire crews from Mansfield, Blossburg, Wellsboro, Big Elm (out of Daggett, PA), Millerton, Tioga, Lawrenceville, Liberty, Lindley (out of NY), and Troy assisted in battling the burning barns and sheds. Other fire departments provided stand-by coverage.

The fire was so intense that it lit up the night sky and the orange glow could be seen from a few miles away, according to residents. Embers continuously blew in the wind creating a hazard for other fires to be started.

By 11:12 PM the main barn, where the fire had started, collapsed, while the second barn was reported to have partially collapsed at that time, sending more embers hundreds of feet into the night sky.

A water fill site was set up on the Kellytown Road at a large pond area, so tankers could refill with water and head back to the fire scene.

Firefighters worked hard to fight the flames and bring the fire under control. The fire was brought under control around 1:22 AM.

Several fire units were able to head back to their stations around 2:12 AM. As other crews continued to work at extinguishing the flames.

The last fire units were cleared from the scene around 3:00 AM. However, by 4:00 AM the winds fueled some hot embers and soon Mansfield Hose Company crews headed back out to the Lehman residence to deal with a rekindle of the flames that claimed the family’s two barns and two sheds. It is unknown how long fire crews remained on scene for the rekindle.

Fire Chief Welch noted that a number and variety of animals were lost in the fast moving fire. Those animals lost included over 30 goats, dozens of chickens, sheep, lambs, cattle, pigs, and rabbits, some of which were show animals. Many of the animals the children cared for and raised as they were involved in 4H. The kids lost everything, from their animals they bred, to the items they needed to care and showcase their animals. FNN was told that the family did not have insurance.

One female resident suffered burns to her back while trying to rescue animals. The woman was transported by Mansfield Ambulance to UPMC Wellsboro Hospital for treatment. It was later reported that the burn victim was sent onward to Lehigh Valley Burn Center in Allentown to receive treatment for 3rd degree burns.

FNN was told by a friend of the family, that two goats were rescued that evening.

The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall was on scene the following morning investigating the cause of the fire. Often with fires as extensive as this one, finding a cause is most unlikely.

A Spaghetti Dinner Benefit has been set for the Lehman and Brooks family for Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Tioga County Fairgrounds. Please visit the following page event for more details; https://www.facebook.com/events/946490200053035 . Also a GoFundMe link has been set up so those wishing to help. One can donate any amount they wish to the family. Just click the following link to help; https://www.gofundme.com/…/tragic-loss-of-farm-and… .

* Article #312 in 2023.

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Paul Costanzo entered a 30.2# male coyote into Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Predator Hunt or Trap after a resilient weekend.  Paul hunts with an electronic call and an AR .223 caliber equipped with a thermal scope. 

While crossing a field to set up for a calling sequence, Paul noticed a coyote crossing the field edge with his monocle scanner.  Dropping to the seated position, Paul shot 180 yards to the field edge dropping his target.  But the coyote ran off after a hard hit.  Paul searched for several hours but, without any blood or evident trail, Paul abandoned the trail until the morning light would make searching easier.  Paul returned 12 hours later after reviewing his thermal footage of point of impact.  Paul brought his Plott hound Annie Cujo to the start of the trail and roughly 150 yards later, through thick cover, the coyote was finally recovered.   

Hunters are reminded that if they choose to participate during the second weekend of this two-weekend hunt or trap, they must have their registration postmarked by Thursday, 2/16.

Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day.  Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox.  Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.

Click this link to see the Offices and Terms for the Primary Election. 

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Coudersport Rotary Club was very pleased to present a $200 check to Dalton Miller for his Eagle Project at their January 30, 2023, meeting at A&W West End Grill. Dalton will build a “Care Closet” at the Coudersport Jr/Sr High School for students who need personal hygiene items, non-perishable food, and clothing items. Pictured: Rotarian Courtney Cole, Dalton Miller, and Rotary President Lynne Ruffner

(St. Marys, PA)  If you haven’t heard yet, the Elk County Democratic Committee is keeping its 2022 Headquarters for the 2023 election cycle. This is the first time in the committee’s history that they have been able to have a headquarters in an odd year municipal election cycle through the generosity of a handful of key donors. The committee is marking this achievement by hosting a 2023 Grand Opening at their Headquarters, 210 Brusselles St. in Downtown St. Marys on Friday, February 17th starting at 6:00pm. The event is open to Democrats from Elk and surrounding counties.

They will have light refreshments and drinks, and encourage all local and statewide Democratic candidates to join them and help celebrate. This will kick off the first weekend of the 3 week petition signing period so it is a great opportunity to stop in, meet candidates, and sign petitions to get them on the May primary ballot. In Elk County, all County row offices are on the ballot in 2023 along with numerous township, city, borough and school director (school board) positions.

Along with local races, there are also four statewide offices on the ballot – one vacancy on Commonwealth Court, two vacancies on Superior Court and one vacancy on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The Committee has petition forms for Elk, Cameron, Jefferson and Forest County Democrats to sign for several of the Democratic statewide candidates and they will be available to sign at the Grand Opening. 

In addition, the Committee is hosting a food drive for local charities and will be accepting non-perishable items. They did this in 2021 during Covid and collected hundreds of pounds of food to help local families and they hope to exceed that amount this year.

Following the Grand Opening, the Headquarters will be staffed several other days throughout the end of the Petition Signing Period which ends Tuesday March 7^th to allow Democrats that cannot make the Friday 17^th event to sign petitions.

For more information about the Committee, questions about running for office, or to find out when the Headquarters is open, visit their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ElkCoDC, email elkcountydemocrats@gmail.com or call/text (814) 636-1030.

Photo provided. The Tannahill Weavers ninth concert of their current USA tour is in Wellsboro.

This Sunday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. the Tannahill Weavers will perform their fire-driven instrumentals, foot-stomping jigs and reels, topical songs, and original ballads and lullabies on the Coolidge Theatre stage at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

They are known worldwide for their exuberant and humorous performances, harmony singing and acoustic instruments.

This premier Celtic band began their current 18-show USA tour on Feb. 8 in Minnesota. Their ninth concert is at the Deane Center on Sunday and their last in West Virginia on March 4.

Roy Gullane is the lead singer and plays guitar. Singing harmony are Phil Smillie on flute, bodhran and whistles; Malcolm Bushby on fiddle and bouzouki; and Iain MacGillivray on bagpipes, fiddle and whistles.

This concert is BYOB with audience members encouraged to bring their favorite snacks and beverages and sit at a table with family and friends.

Admission is $25. For tickets and to reserve a table, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220 or go to the website at deanecenter.com. 

            Hello, my name is Ashley Gledhill.  I am currently the Potter County, PA 1^st Deputy Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts.  I would like to announce my candidacy for Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts in the upcoming primary election on May 16, 2023.

 I am a lifelong resident of Potter County and graduated from Coudersport Jr/Sr High School in 2006.  Directly following graduation, I attended OBI majoring in paralegal studies.

 I was married in 2014 to my husband, Kristopher Gledhill.  We own a home and small piece of property in Austin, PA, and we have a 2 ½ year old lab named Axel. 

My journey working at the Potter County Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts office began in 2018 when I was hired as a 2^nd deputy, and I knew I had found my place, and I became very passionate about my position.  I served as a 2^nd Deputy for several years and was then promoted to 1^st Deputy. 

During my years of service, I have learned how to prepare court documents, bail, pleas sentences, restitution and more.  I have also had the opportunity to build a great working relationship with all involved in the judicial system, including Judges, District Attorneys, Public Defenders, Attorney General’s Office, local and out of town attorneys, and the public.  I believe this has played a significant role in preparing me for serving as the Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts.  I have a total of 11 years of experience in the legal field and 14 years of office experience. 

I have developed a love for this office and the exceptionally hard-working staff that comes with it.  I am eager to serve Potter County with professionalism, kindness, and a fair and humble heart.  I am dedicated to the needs of the public and will look forward to serving the residents of Potter County.  I would greatly appreciate your support and vote on May 16, 2023, in the primary election.

Endorsed by Kathy Schroeder, Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts

Snow Shoe Volunteer Fire Company

145 I80E (Just prior to the Rest Area entrance)

Snow Shoe Township

Feb. 17 at 11:54 AM

Fire-Vehicle Crash Unk Inj

UPGRADED to Fire-Vehicle Crash W/ Entrapment & Fire

**FATALITY**

Due: R6,ER6, TA6, AMB29-1, MEDIC24-2

At approximately 0531 this morning, 2/17/23, Company 6 was alerted for a vehicle accident with unknown injuries at the 145 mile marker in the East bound lanes of Interstate 80 just prior to the Rest Area entrance.

As units were dispatched and Chief 6 went responding, Centre County 911 advised that the call was going to be three (3) tractor trailers now with entrapment and fire. Upon additional information coming in, Chief 6 had 911 upgrade the response.

0542 – Chief 6, Fire Police 6 and Engine Rescue 6 arrived on scene and began assessing the scene. Chief 6 advised that there was negative entrapment and no fire with 2 patients injured, one with critical injuries and took Command. More info on Snow Shoe Fire Facebook page.

I, Jessica Herzing, am excited to announce my candidacy for the office of Cameron County Commissioner on the Republican Ballot.

You may know me from my time leading the Cameron County Project, as the staff accountant at Judd A. Schager CPA, or because I grew up in Emporium and my Dad is Clinton Weekley.

As project coordinator of the Cameron County Project, I championed the need for residents’ voices in local decision-making. I invited residents to re-engage with our communities and put your ideas and priorities into the hands of those who could make them a reality. I will continue seeking resident input and promoting our county’s need for active and engaged residents.

I bring eight years of accounting and business advisory experience to the position. I am well-versed in fund accounting and grant administration, budget preparation and audit process, and navigating local, state, and federal regulatory environments (and their red tape), making me a capable steward of our county’s resources and budget. I appreciate that Cameron County is unique in its size and economic struggles, and a one size fits all approach isn’t going to cut it. Our future success lies in collaboration, knowledge sharing, smart fiscal management, and greater transparency.

I graduated from CCHS in 2005. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration from IUP and another in accounting from Central Penn College. I moved back to Cameron County in 2011, and my husband, Toby, and I are raising our two kids here in Emporium.

I serve on the Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties and the Guy and Mary Felt Manor Board of Directors. I volunteer with local organizations like the Super Saturday Committee and Cameron County Community Chest and lead the Kingdom Kids children’s ministry at the Emporium First Methodist Church.

I’m a big-picture thinker, analytical, honest, and practical. I have a proven record of accomplishing what I set out to do for our community. I understand the dire need for economic and community development for Cameron County to thrive. I am passionate about ensuring a Cameron County residents can be proud to call home. I have what it takes to be an effective Commissioner. I would appreciate your support in the primaries this May.

Michael L. Mascho, owner of the Mascho Funeral Home, Bradford, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for McKean County Coroner in the May 16th primary.

He is a fourth generation native of McKean County who was born and raised in Bradford.  He is a 1995 graduate of the Bradford Area High School and he also attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford before finishing his education at the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where he earned his degree in 1999.  While attending college he had various training in Anatomy, Pathology, Microbiology and Psychology as well as many other aspects of deathcare.  After completing his education; he returned to Bradford to serve his internship and work at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes as a funeral director until 2006 when he had the chance to move to Cumberland County, furthering his experience with another funeral home.  In 2008 he took advantage of the opportunity to move back to his hometown and purchase the former Koch-Chatley-Gaeto Funeral Home.  In 2011 he earned his New York State Funeral Directors license in order to better serve the local community.  Michael is currently a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, the Western Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, and St. Bernard Catholic Church.

Mascho said “Being the owner of a funeral home puts me the unique position to use my own equipment and facilities for the county’s benefit at no added cost to the taxpayers.”  “It is a benefit to the county when a funeral home owner is the coroner.  I have a job where I am already on call 24/7.  This is why the McKean County Coroner has been a funeral home owner for the past 40+ years.” “One may ask how can someone be expected to be the coroner while employed somewhere else?  If you hold another job where people count on you; how is one able to just up and leave if an emergency occurs when you are needed elsewhere?” 

“For the past 24 years I have worked hand in hand with the McKean County, Elk County, Potter County and Cameron County Coroner’s offices.  I gained a great rapport while working alongside several McKean County Fire Departments (whether it being the city or volunteer departments), the Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford City Police Department, Foster Township Police Department and the Bradford Township Police Department on many occasions when a tragedy occurred as well as countless members of the medical profession in determining cause of death and filing death certificates in Pennsylvania as well as New York State.”  “There is something to be said for having hands on experience versus not having real world experience.”  “On a multitude of occasions medical personnel have asked for my professional opinion for my thoughts on what a cause of death could be when someone had died unexpectedly.”

“Having been a funeral director for as long as I have; I know what it takes to work with a family during a tragedy.  It is something that takes years of experience to be able to deal with delicately.”  “There is nothing more important than family. I am able to provide the people of the county the type of compassion and empathy they need and deserve when they may unfortunately find themselves faced with these situations in their own family.”  “Also; with being a funeral director the public has access to me whenever they may have questions or concerns.  I have a publicly known phone number I personally answer and I am also readily available as I live right here at the funeral home.”

Currently the county does not have morgue for the deceased and when someone needs to be held until an investigation is completed or until a family has been located; the county uses a funeral home.  If elected Mascho would like to build a morgue for the county’s use without using any taxpayer money.  Mascho says “This is a thought that I have had for a few years now and if elected I would like to further pursue this idea.  It is something that I can use for my own business; so, if I could build this with my own funds for my funeral home’s use and let the county use it without any charge, saving the taxpayers any financial burdens why wouldn’t I?”  “Being a business owner since 2008 I have the intimate knowledge on keeping costs down by being as financially responsible as possible and yet still being able to perform effectively; this is a trait that I will bring to the coroner’s office with me when elected.”

Mascho who lives in his hometown of Bradford with his wife Olivia Dunn Mascho and their five-year old son Michael Jr., gratefully asks for your support in the upcoming primary and to also follow his campaign Facebook page (Michael L. Mascho for McKean County Coroner) to get up to date information about his campaign.

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Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Josh Bizzak, predator hunter from Wilcox, Pa., is closing in on a record for fox harvests at any of Rolfe Beagle Club’s Predator Hunts, whether it be the 10-day hunt around Labor Day or the two weekend hunts in February of each year.  Josh entered a large, male coyote weighing 39.4# on Sunday, but it was his 10.8# female gray fox harvest that moved Josh into position to take the lead on fox harvests at the club.  That gray fox was harvested at 5:15 am and was Josh’s fourth registered fox so far in this two-weekend Hunt or Trap event.  The fox harvest record for any single hunter at the club is four, so Josh is in position to surpass that record with his next fox harvest. 

Josh harvested both the coyote and fox while hunting private lands in Elk County.  He was using an electronic call and shoots a .17 Hornet.  He harvested the coyote at 3:45 a.m. Sunday.  This coyote was unique in that it had no ears.  Josh was uncertain what might have caused the coyote to lose his ears, but it could have been a birth defect, or a loss while in the den.

Hunters are reminded that if they choose to participate during the second weekend of this two-weekend hunt or trap, they must have their registration postmarked by Thursday, 2/16.

Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day.  Categories include coyote, fox, largest female coyote, and largest female fox.  Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.