NEWS

Va. triple murder suspect arrested in New York

SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. (WWBT) – A woman accused of killing her three roommates in Spotsylvania has been arrested after a two-day search.

Alyssa Jane Venable, 23, was captured after a vehicle pursuit on I-86 in Steuben County, New York, with help from the United States Marshals Service and the New York State Police.

Around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, troopers with the New York State Police observed a gray 2009 Honda Civic matching what Vendable was known to drive and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

Read more with photos, video………..

The Enemy Within

By

Pastor B.J. Knefley

There is a saying that goes like this, “I have seen the enemy and it is me.” The sad reality is that regardless of what is happening in our life, the greatest enemy to our happiness and joy is ourselves. We may not like to admit it, but it is true. It has been said that life happens while we’re making other plans. What does that mean? It means that while we are expecting one thing to happen something else does. When life comes at you in this manner it takes the wind out of our sails. Instead of being in control, we are out of control because the events in our lives disrupt our equilibrium and sense of well-being. So, what or how do we deal with life?

First, we need to understand, realize, comprehend, and every other adjective you can think of to express the point that nothing you are experiencing is new to man. You are not unique, you are not being punished, you do not have a dark cloud over your head, it is life and regardless of any other reasons, God is allowing it. The second thing is, we need to talk about it. David on numerous occasions in the Psalms wrote about what he was experiencing. Some might call it complaining, but what he was doing was just laying it out there. He was stating that he did not have all of the answers and that he was being overwhelmed by the problems he was facing. Third, we need to get our mind off the problem. That does not mean that we attempt to forget about it, that doesn’t work anyway, and attempting to forget only drives it deeper. No, we need to focus on something else, redirect our thinking, go for a walk, read a book, music, anything that works for you. Personally, music works the best for redirecting my thoughts when I am being overwhelmed by a problem. Ultimately, it is a heart issue. Proverbs 4:23 gives this warning, “Guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life.”

Lastly, do not let others tell you what you should or should not be doing or thinking. Instead, seek God, that’s what David did. Remember, God is allowing whatever is happening. He sees the beginning and the end, and there is a plan even when we can’t see it. Think about it.

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday (weather permitting) from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, June 7th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

*  The outdoor market is held each Friday from May through October (weather permitting; on very rainy days, we will relocate into the Riley Gallery (if available)).  In November, the Farmers  Market goes indoors for the winter market.

 *  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]

CARING CRAFTS will be attending this week’s Market! Weather Permitting! We will be bring a variety of Homemade Travel Pillows! Along with our Plastic Canvas Magnets/Ornaments! Our selection of both is very wide and unique! Don’t forget to like us Facebook! If your not able to stop by or would like to place an order please contact Jess at 814 203 2482! Caring Crafts excepts Cash or PayPal (cowgirl_jess16915@yahoo.com) payment! Hope to see everyone there! 

BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market with local, organically grown beautiful produce and plants.  We will have Romaine Lettuce, Lettuce Mix, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Radishes, Green Garlic and Basil plants. We accept cash, checks, FMNP and credit cards. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com 

CARRIAGE HOUSE RUGS will be at the Farmers’ Market Friday, June 7. Weather permitting. Loom woven rugs, many colors and sizes available. Come and take a look!  Custom orders considered. Email cherylbrown52@icloud.com 

JOANIE’S APIARY plans to be there at market on Friday depending on the weather, too chilly or rain. I will have my Raw Local honey along with my beeswax products, and corn heating pads. If I cannot get there my products are all available at the Artisan Center or on sale at my house. TOM AND LUCY HOPPE’S creamed Honey and cinnamon creamed honey will also be available at the same table as Joanie’s Apiary. 

ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Friday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.

MIKE THOMPSON will be a vender at Potter Co Farmers Market, Friday, June 7. produce being brought will consist of lettuce, spinach, radishes, green onions, beets & greens and  rhubarb. Excepting FMNP checks, starting June 1. Knife sharpening while you shop or look at other vendor merchandise. Rain or shine.

MOUNTAIN VIEW SHEEP FARM will be attending the farmers market June weather permitting. With hand woven wool blend shawls and scarves .   Also  lovely delicate designed, scented and fragrance free handmade sheep milk soaps  all from our own sheep.  Pa preferred and Juried. We accept cash, check and cards. Follow us on Facebook @mountainviewsheepfarm Or contact by email@ mountainviewsheepfarm@yahoo.com 

QUIET ACRES will be at market Friday, weather permitting, with our selection of Haldeman Mills products – NEW Stauffer’s cornmeal,Teff Flour (African Ivory and Dark) and buckwheat flour for the gluten sensitive, Buttermilk and Buckwheat Pancake Mixes, Shortcake/Cobbler Mix, Funnel Cake  and Soft Pretzel Mixes as well as Brinser’s Best Cornmeal.  On the craft side: NEW rope coasters, trivets,trinket bowls and baskets. We will also have upcycled braided rugs/runners/mug rugs of all sizes as well as aprons for all occasions, for kids and adults including summer sports teams.  Orders are welcome – you can choose your fabric, color, size and shape. We accept cash payments. You can contact us at QuietAcresPortAllegany@gmail.com

Henry Kisler received the Richard K. Taylor Award of $500; Darren Tinder received the Raymond Charles Varney Award of $2000;  Miska Young received the Dylan Pesock Award of $1000 and The Eastman Award of $200; Julia Postlewait received the Jean Marie Swanson of $11,830,  the Roxie Taylor Volunteer Scholarship of $1000, the Patricia Lloyd Memorial Award of $400, the Eastman Award of $200 and also the PA Association Rural and Small Schools of $500;  Alana Corey received the Elizabeth Losey Award of $845, the PAEA Higher Education Award of $300 and the Paul Maynard Scholarship of Courage of $1000; Braylon Button received the Larry Norton Award of $500; Austin Freer received the Andrew Pingie Award of $500 and the Odd Fellows Citizenship award of $700; Lily Babcock received the Eastman Award and the Robert J. Edgreen Memorial Award of $1000; and Saxon Palmer who received the Pastor Randy Headley Memorial Award for Community Service and the Robert J. Edgreen Memorial Award of $4000. 

Missing from the photo is Levi Wilfong who received the Gerald Stayer Memorial Scholarship, the John Thrash Scholarship of $1200, the Lt. William E. Daisley, Jr. Mathematics Award of $500 and the Jean Marie Swanson Scholarship of $11,380.  

Port Allegany High School recognized their athletes at the 2024 Awards Assembly held recently at PAHS. 

Miska Young was named a member of the Varsity Club, the Varsity Club Scholarship of $1000, and was named the Thomas Taylor Memorial Award/Athlete of the Year Award; Kayleigha Dowell earned a Varsity Club plaque and was named the David Lacher Memorial Award/Female Athlete of the Year; Amber Funk received the Varsity Club Scholarship of $1000, the Bob Davis-Lou Foy Student Athlete Award and the USAF Scholar Athlete Award; Kole Kisko received the USMC Distinguished Athlete Award;  Lily Babcock received the USMC Distinguished Athlete Award; and Levi Wilfong received the USAF Scholar-Athlete Award and the NTL Senior Athlete Award of $1000.   

(McKean County, Pennsylvania: June 6, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer Reports that charges have been filed in the bank robbery and subsequent high-speed chase that occurred earlier today.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Sierra Rooke filed charges against Edwin McPeak of Olean, NY.  According to the criminal complaint, PSP-Lewis Run received a BOLO from Cattaraugus County for a vehicle stolen by gunpoint in Olean, New York. 

Shortly thereafter, multiple calls were received regarding a bank robbery at Hamlin Bank in Eldred. Witnesses reported that the person who robbed the bank approached while wearing a mask and, with a firearm in his hand said, “No one‘s going to get hurt. Give me all of your money” before going to the next cashier and demanding money from each receiving over $18,000 of actual cash and bait money.

Witnesses reported that the bank had been robbed and the person was wearing a mask and brandished a firearm.  The suspect fled in a dark color truck and the witnesses obtained the license plate.

Area police were on the lookout when Chief Warnick of Smethport located the vehicle traveling south on State Route 446 and onto State Route 46. Warnick activated his lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. 

Additional officers from Port Allegany, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford City, Bradford Township, and Foster Township, as well as the City K9 Unit, joined in the effort to bring the suspect into custody. 

The suspect crashed the stolen vehicle near Rew Hill and was treated by City of Bradford Ambulance before transport to BRMC for minor injuries.

The occupant of the vehicle was identified as Edwin J. MCPEAK of Olean, New York. US currency and a handgun were located in the vehicle. MCPEAK has been charged with two counts of Robbery (one of a financial institution; and one for placing a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury) – deadly weapon enhancement; Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer; Theft by Unlawful Taking (cash); 2 counts Terroristic Threats; Receiving Stolen Property (vehicle); Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License; and summary traffic violations. 

MCPEAK was just arranged by Magisterial District Judge William Todd.  Bail was set at $1 million. He will appear at central court next week.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/new-york-man-arraigned-bank-robbery-1-million-bail

This Saturday, June 8th, is the Turtlepoint Farmers Market, located at the Turtlepoint Community Park! This event will be running from 9-12! There is a large line up of vendors this month! 

South Kendall Hydroponic Lettuce will be selling delicious varieties of lettuce. Messy Mountain Organics is returning with vegan hand-crafted soaps, shampoo bars, natural bug repellent, and wax melts. She also will be selling homemade breads and pickles. Really Rural Woodworks will be returning where you will be sure to find a handcrafted bowl or gift. Gloria French will be present to talk all things essential oils and holistic remedies. As always, we will have a variety of Amish baked goods including pies, cookies, donuts and bread. 

New vendors coming to June’s market include Jenna-June! She will be coming with healing skin salves, body butters and body scrubs. D’s Queen Bees will also be making an appearance selling honey varieties and beeswax products. Rise Above Farms will be selling farm fresh eggs, fresh baked goods and homemade breads. And Mrs. Farmello will be around to talk all things Kombucha and Kefir! 

Last month we had a great turnout, and we can’t wait to see what June has in store for us! As always, we welcome all vendors to come set up, as there is no official set up fee! We just take donations towards the upkeep of the park. We run the second Saturday of every month, now through October.

PAHS Artist Riley Painter’s drawing of Lynn Hall surrounded by Tiger Lilies and pine trees was chosen to be the logo for the spirit of Port Allegany’s “Heart & Soul” campaign. 

According to the Port Allegany Heart & Soul website, “the Port Allegany Heart and Soul is a community-driven initiative aimed at uncovering the unique essence of Port Allegany and using it to shape a brighter future for the town.

It’s about engaging residents, listening to their stories and aspirations, and working together to create a more vibrant and connected community.  Through collaboration and inclusivity, Port Allegany Heart and Soul seeks to empower residents to take an active role in determining the direction of their town’s development.”  For more information visit the website at www.portalleganyheartandsoul.com.

(McKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: June 6, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that an investigation into a bank robbery is in progress. 

The suspect has been taken into custody and there is no danger to the community. 

Earlier today, officers were alerted to be on the lookout for a stolen vehicle out of NY.  Subsequently, they were notified that an Eldred bank had been robbed and the vehicle description given by witnesses matched the description of the stolen vehicle earlier reported. 

An Officer observed the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop and led police on a high-speed chase before crashing the vehicle near Rew Hill. 

Officers with Smethport, Port Allegany, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford City Police, Foster Township Police, and Bradford Township Police responded along with City of Bradford Fire and Ambulance crew and the City K9.  The investigation is ongoing by the Pennsylvania State Police. 

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/mckean-county-bank-robbery-suspect-custody

The Underclass Award winners at the PAHS annual Awards Assembly are pictured (front row, left to right) Lily Madison, Alayna Palmer, Svea Ayers; (middle) Ella Moses, Steffi Buchsen, Raelin Meacham; (back) Austin Hamilton and Levi Howard.  (Missing from the photo is Juuso Young.) 

Steffi Buchsen received the 7th grade Geography Award; Svea Ayers received the Student Handbook Cover Design for 2023 – 2024; Alayna Palmer received the Biology Award; Ella Moses received the Alfred University Out of the Ordinary Award; Levi Howard and Austin Hamilton received the Bonnie Scholar Award from St. Bonaventure $20,000 a year for 4 years; The Science Award from Bausch & Lomb went to Juuso Young; Frederick Douglas & Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Rochester went to Lily Madison; and the Horatio Alger Scholarship – PA State Winner was Raelin Meacham; 

Once Upon A Crime, The Trial of Goldilocks, by Robert Chauls and Joseph Robinette opens on Thursday, June 13th at 7:00pm at The Warehouse Theatre in Wellsboro. Directed by Titus Himmelberger, the story is a family-friendly romp through the aftermath of Goldilocks’ intrusion into the bears’ home as told in the classic tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In the show, Goldilocks is prosecuted for breaking and entering, and the fairytale testimony takes the audience on hysterical twists and turns with all of our favorite characters offering their version of the story. 

Pictured:  1. The graduating class did their traditional cap toss following the graduation ceremony.

2. School Superintendent Gary Buchsen is pictured awarding Brieanne Hosterman with her diploma. Henry

3. Troupe is pictured with his mother, Terrie Austin during the reception following the graduation ceremony.

4. Kayleigha Dowell, Colton Crowe, Brayden Pearsall, and Kole Kisko line up in the gym before taking their final

walk down the halls of PAHS on the way to the auditorium and their graduation ceremony.

5. Class president Miska Young and classmate Anastasia Penick celebrate after leaving the doors of the school as

PAHS graduates. 

SMETHPORT, Pa. – Penn State Extension is honored to welcome Riley Thompson as the new Agriculture Assistant in the McKean Office.

Riley is currently wrapping up her first year at Oregon State University studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. “Although this a very broad degree, my focus is on agricultural conservation,” says Thompson.

Riley is not new to the agriculture community in the northern tier. She explains “In my spare time I can be found working with our herd of commercial beef cattle on our family farm in Potter County.” Prior to high school graduation she was very involved in Potter and McKean County 4-H, competing in both dairy and livestock shows. She is enthusiastic about connecting farmers, landowners, and other industry professionals in McKean and sharing Penn State’s resources.

When asked what she would say to the McKean public she stated, “I am excited to give back to the agricultural community of McKean County and I can’t wait to work with you!” She will be out in the community this summer, scouting crop fields and meeting with farms.

Riley Thompson can be reached by phone at the McKean County Extension Office at 814-887-5613 ext 101 or by email rst5310@psu.edu or in the office by appointment.