Causer Meets With Local Game Wardens
NEWS
Shapiro Administration Announces Long-Term Presence in Darlington Township as Part of Its Commitment to Residents Affected by Norfolk Southern Train Derailment
Darlington Township, PA – Today, the Shapiro Administration announced plans to maintain a long-term, physical presence in Darlington Township, Beaver County to continue assisting residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred on February 3 in East Palestine, Ohio.
Starting on Thursday, March 23, staff from the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection (DEP) and Health (DOH) will be onsite at the Darlington Township Building, 3590 Darlington Rd., Darlington, PA 16115 every Thursday from Noon to 5:00 PM to meet with residents. Additional staff will be available via video conferencing during that time, as well. In addition, state agencies are working with Township staff to ensure they can help residents access state resources related to the derailment.
Staff from Commonwealth agencies and Beaver County also plan to hold open house events Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 PM to offer one-on-one discussion to individuals who attend, as well as provide resources and information.
McKean County Juvenile Probation Department is seeking applicants to perform duties of Boondocs Staff
The McKean County Juvenile Probation Department is seeking applicants to perform duties of Boondocs Staff in the McKean County Boondocs Program. This program is run under the direction of the McKean County Juvenile Probation Department and is slated to operate for eight weeks, Monday thru Friday, from June 12, 2023 to August 5, 2023.
The requirements for this position are:
- Be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. College students are encouraged to apply, applicants working towards a college degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Education or related field are preferred but not necessary.
- Ability to work at least 40 hours per week from June 13, 2023 to August 5, 2023.
- An interest in working with court involved youth ages 14-17.
- Valid and clean state driver’s license.
- Clean child abuse and criminal history.
- Ability to pass a drug screen.
- Ability to perform physical labor as necessary.
- Ability to work predominately outdoors
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to:
John Bickford, Chief McKean County Juvenile Probation
500 West Main Street Smethport, PA 16749
DUBOIS CITY MANAGER ARRESTED FOR OVER $600,000 IN FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS FROM PUBLIC FUNDS
HARRISBURG—Attorney General Michelle Henry announced today that the City Manager for the City of DuBois and Executive Director of the DuBois Area United Way, John “Herm” Suplizio, was arrested on charges related to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from public accounts.
Suplizio, 62, of Clearfield County, allegedly committed $620,815 in fraudulent transactions, using funds from city bank accounts and the Dubois Area United Way account to pay his personal credit card bills, make political donations, and gamble. The majority of the funds came from accounts for Community Days, an annual summer event presented by the DuBois Volunteer Fire Department, for which Suplizio and his secretary were the sole signatories.
“Suplizio was a trusted public official who should have been acting in the best interests of his community,” said AG Henry. “Instead, he betrayed that trust by stealing hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars for his own personal use. This egregious violation of the trust Pennsylvanians put in their officials is disgraceful. Today’s arrest is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that everyone who holds public office in Pennsylvania is accountable to the people.”
A Grand Jury investigation found that, in addition to the fraud, Suplizio used his position as City Manager to enter into contracts with businesses for which he received personal benefits. From 2014-2021, Suplizio also provided false information on his tax returns, paying for numerous charges with public money and claiming those charges as unreimbursed expenses on his taxes.
Suplizio was charged with five counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking; one count of Conflict of Interest; one count of Misapplication of Entrusted Property; and eight counts of Fraudulent Return.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Summer Carroll. All charges are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Port Allegany Man Convicted of Felony DUI
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a jury trial on March 1, 2023 at the McKean County Courthouse, George Stuckey Jr., of Port Allegany, was convicted of Driving Under the Influence (Felony 3). Stuckey was found to be under the influence of alcohol to a degree which impaired his ability to safely drive.
Trooper John Jones of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run investigated the case. Assistant District Attorney Sarah DuFresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. The Judge scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2023 at 10 a.m.
St. Marys Area United Way Awards Grant
Elk County- Doug Gaffey, St. Marys Area United Way President presented a $8,650 to Citizens Against Physical & Sexual Abuse (CAPSEA) Executive Director, Billie Jo Weyant and Executive Assistant, Jamie Kline. CAPSEA applied for this grant to support their shelter and emergency shelter needs.
CAPSEA is a non-profit organization that provides a 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling and ongoing supportive services, shelter, plus permanent housing options to victims of domestic violence and sexual violence in Elk and Cameron counties. Also, CAPSEA provides services to victims of crime in Elk and Cameron counties in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rights and Services Act. All CAPSEA services are free and confidential.
CAPSEA is 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.
RECALLS
| Updated – Scenic Fruit Company Recalls Frozen Organic Strawberries and Frozen Organic Tropical Blend Because of Possible Health RiskScenic Fruit Company of Gresham, Oregon is recalling frozen organic strawberries sold to Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, PCC Community Markets and frozen organic tropical blend sold to Trader Joe’s due to an outbreak of Hepatitis A illnesses. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from exposure to the Hepatitis A virus, including from food. It can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious illness lasting several months. In rare cases, particularly consumers who have a pre-existing severe illness or are immune compromised, Hepatitis A infection can progress to liver failure. Illness occurs within 15 to 50 days of exposure and includes fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, abnormal liver tests, dark urine and pale stool. Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent illness if given within two weeks of exposure to a contaminated food. |
Perrigo Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula
Dublin, Ireland – March 17, 2023 – Perrigo Company plc is issuing a voluntary recall of certain lots of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula in the U.S., that were manufactured at the Company’s Gateway Eau Claire, Wisconsin manufacturing facility from January 02, 2023 to January 18, 2023. This product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution due to the potential presence of Cronobacter sakazakii
Allegany County Legislative Meeting Agenda
REGULAR SESSION
Allegany County Legislative Meeting
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 – 2:00 p.m.
Legislative Chambers – Belmont, New York
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that in accordance with the Board Rules of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, the second regular scheduled monthly meeting of the Board will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers, County Office Building, 7 Court Street, Belmont, New York 14813.
PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
BOARD MEETING – March 22, 2023
INTRO. NO. TITLE PAGE NO.
| 131 – 23 | APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO ALLEGANY COUNTY FIRE ADVISORY BOARD……………………………………………………………………………….. | ……. 1 |
| 132 – 23 | APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE NEW YORK STATE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS…………………………………………….. | …….. 3 |
| 133 – 23 | APPROVAL OF 2023 BUDGET ADJUSTMENT REDUCING REVENUE AND EXPENSE APPROPRIATIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN RELATION TO UNEXPENDED FUNDING OF THE NEW YORK STATE ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES CORPORATION GRANT (EFC) FOR THE STATE SEPTIC SYSTEM REPLACEMENT PROGRAM FOR PROPERTIES WITHIN 250 FEET OF CANACADEA CREEK………..………. | …….. 5 |
| 134 – 23 | APPROVAL OF 2023 BUDGET MODIFICATION WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN RELATION TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND CATTARAUGUS COMMUNITY ACTION INC., FOR THE SAFE HARBOUR PROGRAM………………………………………………………………………….. | …….. 7 |
| 135 – 23 | APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THORNTON ENGINEERING, LLP, FOR ENGINEERING REVIEW SERVICES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT………………………………… | ……. 9 |
| 136 – 23 | APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND ACCURATE ANALYTICAL TESTING, LLC, FOR ANALYSIS OF LEAD IN DRINKING WATER, DUST WIPES, PAINT, AND SOIL SAMPLES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT…………………………………………………… | ……. 11 |
| 137 – 23 | APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND KOS, INC., FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A CANON IKRC2501F COLOR DIGITIAL COPIER AND A FAX MACHINE FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WIC OFFICE; AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT….……………………………. | ……. 13 |
| 138 – 23 | APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND DAVE’S DINER FOR THE RESTAURANT GO & DINE PROGRAM FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING; AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT…………………………………………………… | ……. 15 |
| 139 – 23 | APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND DAWNY JEANS FOR THE RESTAURANT GO & DINE PROGRAM FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING; AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT…..………………………………………………. | ……. 17 |
| 140 – 23 | APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND VNA HOMECARE OPTIONS, LLC, D/B/A NASCENTIA HEALTH OPTIONS FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING; AUTHORIZING CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT……………………………………………………………………..… | ……. 19 |
| 141 – 23 | APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM #2 TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THE WESTERN NEW YORK INTEGRATED CARE COLLABORATIVE, INC., FOR THE FALLS PREVENTION COACHING PROGRAM FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING; AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID ADDENDUM…………………………………………………………………………. | ……. 21 |
| 142 – 23 | APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM #3 TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THE WESTERN NEW YORK INTEGRATED CARE COLLABORATIVE, INC., FOR THE EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM WORKSHOPS FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING; AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID ADDENDUM…………………………………………………….. | ……. 23 |
| 143 – 23 | APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM #4 TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND THE WESTERN NEW YORK INTEGRATED CARE COLLABORATIVE, INC., FOR THE CAREGIVER COACHING SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR THE OFFICE FOR THE AGING; AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID ADDENDUM………………………………………………………………………… | ……. 25 |
| 144 – 23 | APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF ALLEGANY AND HUNT ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, LAND SURVEYORS & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, DPC, FOR PROPOSED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON COUNTY ROAD 51, COUNTY FACILITIES AT THE S-CURVES ALONG COUNTY ROAD 20, AND SEQR DOCUMENTATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS; AUTHORIZING THE CHAIRMAN TO EXECUTE SAID AGREEMENT…………………………..…… | ……. 27 |
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.
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Build Community-Oriented High-Speed Internet Networks for People in Rural Areas
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under
Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to build
community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas.
The Department is making up to $79 million in grants available under the Community Connect program.
Recipients may use the funds to establish high-speed internet networks that will foster economic growth and
deliver enhanced educational, health care and public safety benefits.
Grant recipients must agree to provide high-speed internet service at community-serving institutions free of
charge for up to two years. These institutions include schools, libraries, fire stations and other public safety
sites.
Eligible applicants are state and local governments, Federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits, for-profit
corporations and limited liability companies. USDA does not provide funding directly to individuals under this
program.
All applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time on June 20, 2023, to
https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect. This funding opportunity will also be posted to
https://www.grants.gov. For additional information, see page 16579 of the March 20, 2023, Federal Register.
McKean County Juvenile Probation Placement Specialist Wanted
NOTICE OF VACANCY
ANNOUNCEMENT: McKean County Juvenile Probation Placement Specialist
PAY RATE: $39,643.50 ($20.33/hr.)
37.5 hours per week
The Placement Specialist position performs duties and responsibilities consistent with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure, Principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, and Juvenile Justice Evidence-Based Practices. The mission and purpose of the Juvenile Act mandates that youth who commit delinquent acts be provided “programs of supervision, care and rehabilitation which provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of accountability for offenses committed and the development of competencies to enable children to become responsible and productive members of the community.”
The Placement Specialist is responsible for working with youth in court ordered placement and community aftercare settings to ensure community safety, accountability to crime victims, compliance with conditions of supervision and court orders, and competency program participation. Responsibilities further include employing evidenced-based practices which may include screens/assessments, interventions, and treatment approaches that have been demonstrated by research to work most effectively to reduce recidivism with juvenile offenders. Assisting crime victims, as well as, supervision of offenders will occur in the placement facilities, office, school, home and community settings and at times will require non-traditional work hours (nights and weekends), travel and on-call responsibilities.
A bachelor’s degree which includes an academic background of 18 credits in the behavioral and/or social sciences with a minimum of 1 year in probation, or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience working with at-risk youth or victims preferred. Successful completion of New Probation Officer Orientation classes will be required during probationary period. Must complete forty (40) hours of training annually. Applicant must hold a valid driver’s license, pass pre-employment drug screening, be able to obtain criminal record and child abuse clearances as well as successfully complete any additional Human Resources requirements. As a condition of employment, employee must attend the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm Education and Training Commission Basic Training Academy and upon successful completion carry a firearm in the performance of duties.
Submit a résumé, cover letter, unofficial transcripts and a completed McKean County application for employment to:
John Bickford, Chief McKean County Juvenile Probation
500 West Main Street Smethport, PA 16749
Pre-Employment Application can be found on Human Resources webpage: http://www.mckeancountypa.org/departments/human_resources/index.php
ECCF outgoing board members recognized at meeting
Photo: Elk County Community Foundation outgoing board members, Chris Imbrogno and Nancy Hoffman, receive a recognition plaque from Tom Jesberger, outgoing board president, on left, and Tom Wagner, newly appointed board president on right.
The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) is a non-profit community organization governed by a Board of Directors. At their February board meeting, the Foundation recognized three outgoing board members who have volunteered their time to guide ECCF, dedicating significant time and energy to help grow the Foundation as a sustainable and community-oriented organization.
Nancy Hoffman, a resident of Ridgway, joined the Board in 2014. She chaired the Marketing Committee and served on the Grants Committee for many years. As a graphic designer, Nancy shared her time and talents while she helped with many of our projects including many years as the Foundation’s annual report designer.
Chris Imbrogno joined the ECCF Board in 2014. As an RN working for Penn Highland Community Nurses for many years, she brought not only her community involvement, but also her perspective on community health needs to the table. Chris served on the Grants Committee for many years. Chris was fortunate to gain knowledge of and commitment to the Foundation from her father, John Kojancic, who was a founding member of the Elk County Community Foundation.
Dennis Bonnano served as a member of the Board since 2017. Prior to that time he served on the Investment Committee since the early days of the Foundation. Denny also reviewed the Foundation’s quarterly Board Reports and helped ECCF’s first director set up the Quickbooks system prior to 2005. He served on the Grants Committee, Scholarship Committee, and as Vice President from 2019 to 2022.
The Elk County Community Foundation is grateful to these outgoing members who have volunteered their time to guide ECCF and help chart our past, present and future.
ECCF, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grant making as it works with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals.