Potter County Conservation District Seeking Outreach and Communications Advisor
Job Announcement: Outreach and Communications Advisor
The Potter County Conservation District is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Outreach and Communications Advisor. The position will be full-time (37.5 hours/week) with a probationary period of six months. The purpose of this position is to oversee the general planning, development, and direction of all communications of the District. Coordinate programs, social media, news releases, and other forms or publication to build and sustain a positive image of the District in the public. The qualified applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to obtain required clearances, and a valid driver’s license. Candidates are preferred to have a degree in an Environmental Field (Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, etc.), Communications, Public Relations, or another related field. The position involves extensive contact, both by phone and in person, with a variety of District customers and partners. The person in this position must have excellent communication skills, a pleasant disposition, be courteous, and detail oriented. Tasks will be assigned and supervised by the District Manager per program needs.
The salary will be commensurate with experience. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, age, sex, ancestry or
national origin.
Contact the Potter County Conservation District for an employment application and full job description at 814-320-4012, or at j.childs@pottercd.com
Deadline for cover letter, application, and resume is November 30th, 2024. Please send a cover letter, application, and resume to:
Jason Childs
Potter County Conservation District
107 Market Street
Coudersport, PA 16915
or
PCCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the PCCD will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

PAIR PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG CRIMES AFTER MCKEAN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE INVESTIGATION

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 21, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the two wanted for conspiring together to deliver a controlled substance in Shinglehouse have pled guilty.
Mark Nagy and Christina Lynn-Hamilton were charged with conspiring together to deliver drugs while under the surveillance by the McKean County Drug Task. An arrest warrant was issued for their arrest.
At a plea hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on October 10, 2024, NAGY pled guilty to Delivering Controlled Substances twice in Shinglehouse – on March 21, 2023 and April 4, 2023. He pled guilty to Delivery of Cocaine (Felony) and Delivery of Fluerofentanyl (Felony), which is a derivative of the drug Fentanyl.
LYNN-HAMILTON pled guilty to Conspiring with NAGY to deliver cocaine (Felony).
Sinnemahone Trail Run Results

Perfect conditions for runners in the Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run. The event this year included a new section through the Elk State Forest eliminating a conflict with the CCOYA youth mentored hunt event. More than 50 competitors took to the trail Saturday.
Taking home top honors in the 50k were 20 year old Benjamin Kauffman from Lykens in a time of 5:33:12. Cleo Bradybaugh from Kane was the first woman to cross the finish line at 5:47:20.
The top finisher in the 25k race was 23 year old Raymond Esh from Lykens with a time of 2:41:30. The first woman to finish was 43 year old Jessica Goss from Milroy in a time of 3:20:49. The mother son team of Nancy and Eric Vierhaus from California returned to compete in the 25k. The Emporium natives have competed yearly.
Top finisher in the 12k was 50 year old Chris Lyon from Cory in a time of 1:09:45. The top female competitor was 51 year old Valerie Van Breugel finishing in 1:10:25. The 12k saw a mother daughter duo including the youngest competitor 10 year old Isabel Les from Austin. A husband wife team from Texas also competed in the event.
This is the 12th year for the race which is used to promote local businesses who provide the awards and swag for the events.
Complete results can be found at https://www.runhigh.com/2024RESULTS/R101924MA.html
MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON AFTER DRUG INVESTIGATION BY MCKEAN COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 21, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a man has been sentenced for Delivery of a Controlled Substance while under the surveillance of the McKean County Drug Task Force.
Jonathan COLTS was charged by Detective Kolin Strawcutter with Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine (Felony) and Criminal Use of a Communication Device (Felony) on June 7, 2023 after he was placed under surveillance by Strawcutter and other Detectives of the McKean County Drug Task Force. In a separate case, COLTS pled guilty to Theft also from June, 2023, also filed by Strawcutter.
In a sentencing hearing on October 17th, 2024, COLTS was sentenced by the Judge to 27 months to 54 months of incarceration and other terms.
If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call Chief County Detective Ryan D. Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or email tips to McKeanDA.org.
MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING DRUGS IN MCKEAN COUNTY JAIL

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 21, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a man has been sentenced for possessing a controlled substance while an inmate at the McKean County Jail.
Brandon WHITEBIRD was charged by County Detective Linda Close after he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine at the McKean County Jail, where he was an inmate.
WHITEBIRD was being processed by Corrections’ Officers at the jail after being incarcerated on another matter. During the booking process, the Officer found a substance on WHITEBIRD. Lab testing confirmed it was methamphetamine.
WHITEBIRD pled guilty to the offense. At a sentencing hearing on October 17th, WHITEBIRD was sentenced to 6 months to 18 months of incarceration and other terms.
If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call Chief County Detective Ryan D. Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or email tips to McKeanDA.org.
Bradford Man Pleads Guilty to Cruelty to Dog

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: October 21, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford man charged with cruelty to animals has pled guilty.
Robert KNELL of Bradford was charged by Officer Shaun McDonald after he was dispatched to a case of animal cruelty on May 12, 2023. Witnesses reported that they had just rescued a dog from KNELL. The witnesses reported that they observed the dog at KNELL’s residence in a cage without food and water. The Officer observed the dog’s fur to be stained by apparent urine and feces and the odor of feces was emanating from the dog. The Officer also noted the dog’s ribs were showing through his skin as he was significantly underweight. The dog was noted to have difficulty standing or moving
On October 3, 2024, just prior to jury selection in his case, KNELL pled guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to an Animal – Felony. He will be sentenced in December.
The SPCA responded and took the dog to their shelter where they arranged for his care. The dog was adopted and is now flourishing.
Joel Bishop, 69, a lifelong resident of Duke Center, PA.

Joel Bishop, 69, a lifelong resident of Duke Center, passed away Friday, October 18, 2024 at Olean General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Born on March 1, 1955 he was the son of C. Fred and Betty (Blauser) Bishop
Joel was an active member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunts with his brother Dan Bishop (Dee), his nephew, Eric Bishop (Rachel), his lifelong friend John Green, as well as countless others. He began working for Dresser-Rand, at the age of 18, and remained with the company until his retirement in 2011.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Tammy Stoddard of Duke Center, and Kristy Bishop of Mansfield , Texas; his grandchildren, Cody (Stephanie) Stoddard, Chloe Fain, Jaedon Fain and Andrew Pearson, as well as his two beloved great grandchildren, Jett and Mayvis Stoddard.
He adored sharing daily activities with Tammy, Stephanie, “Jetterbug” and “May May” as they were an absolute delight to him! He will be missed dearly.
Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com
Ernest D. Robinson, Jr., 64, of 214 Olive Street, Bolivar, NY

Ernest D. Robinson, Jr.
Ernest D. Robinson, Jr., 64, of 214 Olive Street, Bolivar, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at home after a lengthy illness.
Born on June 23, 1960, in Wellsville, he was a son of Ernest D. Robinson, Sr. and Nancy Beck Wilbur. On May 31, 1998, in Bolivar he married the former Gail Wilson who predeceased him on May 15, 2020.
Ernest was employed as a welder for Alstom Preheater in Wellsville, prior to his retirement.
Thomas M. “Tom” Pedine, 71, of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Lewis Run, PA.

Thomas M. “Tom” Pedine, 71, of Murfreesboro, TN, formerly of Lewis Run, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024, at his home.
Born August 21, 1953, in Bradford, he was the son of Shirley Ann Vinca Pedine, who survives and the late Julio Joseph Pedine. Tom was a 1971 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School. He attended the University of Notre Dame, and then immediately began his lifelong, successful career in business before retiring as the Business Unit Manager for the Tennessee Region at RockTenn.
Betty Lou Stebbins, 88, of Upper Grimes Rd. Port Allegany, PA.

Betty Lou Stebbins, 88, of Upper Grimes Rd. Port Allegany, passed away Thursday (September 26, 2024) at her home with her daughter by her side.
She was born September 17, 1936 in Port Allegany, the daughter of the late Leslie and Marie (Cummings) Crowe.
She was a 1955 graduate of Port Allegany. While in high school she loved to go to the dances held at the local hall. She was a true Gator fan always in the stands cheering them on. After her children were grown, she would still follow the Gators in the local sports newspaper. After her children were all raised, she took some classes for cake decorating, flower arrangement, crafts, photography, computer, and sign language.
On January 28, 1956, in Port Allegany, she married her only true love Milton O. Stebbins. In 2016 they celebrated their 80th birthdays and their 60th Anniversary with their loving family and friends. Her husband passed away March 23, 2018 on their son Mark’s birthday, who had passed away in 1999.
Margery “Margie” M. Auman, 98, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of 310 George Street, St. Marys, PA

Margery “Margie” M. Auman, 98, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of 310 George Street, St. Marys was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She ended her journey with us peacefully Monday, October 21, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home.
She was born November 3, 1925 in St. Marys, daughter of the late Herbert and Mary Wolfel Dippold. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was the last surviving member of Central Catholic High School’s Class of 1943.
On June 16, 1951, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Margery married the late Robert P. Auman, who preceded her in death on March 27, 2012.
Second Chance Animal Sanctuary Photo Shoot Fundraiser
BLACK CAT PHOTOSHOOT – Saturday, Oct. 26, 11am-3pm at Tractor Supply in Mansfield! Suggested $2 donation gets you self-taken photos in front of a Halloween backdrop with props and adorable black kittens to hold and snuggle. Take the photos with your phone, or we’ll take them for you. All proceeds benefit local animals in need. Plus, kids get some goodies!
FRIENDS OF HANLEY LIBRARY TO PRESENT PROGRAM ON BLAISDELL LEGACY

The authors of the book “Blaisdell Legacy” will share stories about the Blaisdell family’s many contributions to the community during a program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, sponsored by the Friends of Hanley Library.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
Presenters Ron Orris, executive director of the Blaisdell Foundation, Jack Gorton, Zippo historian, and Taylor Tarahteeff, writer, will talk about the impact that multiple generations of the family made in the community, the world and popular culture.
Before George Blaisdell invented the iconic Zippo lighter, his father and seven brothers built an industrial empire, which came to exemplify turn-of-the-century American ingenuity.
“Blaisdell Legacy,” traces the history of the Blaisdell name that has long been associated with industry and success and recounts the Blaisdell family’s determination throughout the years.
A reception will follow the presentation.
Donna J. Blose, 80, of Turtlepoint, PA

Donna J. Blose, 80, of Turtlepoint, passed away Thursday (October 17, 2024) at UPMC-Cole, Coudersport.
She was born February 16, 1944 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Clare and Marie (Cummings) Crowe. In November of 1992, in Smethport, PA, she married John D. Blose.
She attended Port Allegany Schools and worked in quality control at Pittsburgh Corning Corporation, Port Allegany, retiring in 2000 after 26 years.
UPMC Orthopaedic Care Expands Sports Medicine Services in Wellsboro

Wellsboro, Pa., October 21, 2024 – John Kunkel, D.O., is now seeing patients at UPMC Orthopaedic Care, 9 Water St., Wellsboro.
“Dr. Kunkel brings a wealth of expertise in treating sports injuries to UPMC Wellsboro, offering residents top-tier orthopaedic care close to home,” said Sean Henry, director, UPMC in North Central Pa. “His presence at this clinic will ensure athletes and patients alike receive personalized, high-quality treatment and rehabilitation.”
Dr. Kunkel is an orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon and sees patients in Williamsport in addition to Wellsboro. He completed his medical degree from University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME. Dr. Kunkel also completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, and a fellowship in orthopaedic sports medicine surgery with Houston Methodist Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, Houston.
For more information about UPMC Sports Medicine services in northcentral Pa., go to UPMC.com/SportsMedNCPA.
Lawrenceville Fire Department Was Dispatched For A Shed In The Roadway

This morning at 5am, the LFD was dispatched to a Road Hazard on RT. 15 MM 193, reported shed in roadway. 8-2 responded with 4 and arrived on scene to find a shed blocking all of the travel lane and half of the passing lane.
Tioga Volunteer Fire Department was redispatched to assist LFD with traffic.
LFD crews worked to move the shed to the shoulder where a tow service came to remove the shed. All units were back in quarters around 6:45am.




















