BRADFORD MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR SEX CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: April 4, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford man appeared for a sentencing hearing after previously been convicted of sexual offenses against two minor female family members several times between 2010 and 2015. Roger Traster, Sr. was sentenced by the Judge to a period of incarceration of 9 years – 18 years plus 3 years of consecutive probation.
Traster was also ordered to register as a sex offender for his lifetime due to the Court previously determining he meets the criteria to be considered a sexually violent predator. He was convicted of fondling the breasts of a minor child who was between the ages of 9 and 10 at least two times and to fondling the breasts and penetrating the vagina with his finger of another child who was between the ages of 9 and 12 at least two times.
Traster was ordered to provide his DNA, undergo sex offender treatment and other terms. Traster had been convicted after a jury trial in 2018 but, prior to the original sentencing date, various motions were filed by the defense related to Traster’s medical condition that required the Court to hold hearings at various intervals and prevented the Court imposing a sentence sooner. DA Vettenburg-Shaffer: “One of the children disclosed the sexual abuse during a talk in her classroom about “good touch/bad touch.” The other child wrote a note to a teacher’s aid about what the defendant had done to her and asked the aid for help. These children knew that these adults in their school could help them and, in both cases, the teachers reported the crimes as mandated reporters. This resulted in CYS and City of Bradford Police initiating investigations. Anyone who works with children is deemed a “mandatory reporter” under Pennsylvania law where they are required to report suspected child abuse. But all adults are in a position to report suspected abuse to authorities and could stop a child from being abused. If you suspect child abuse, please call Childine at 1-(800) 932-0313 and 911.”
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/bradford-man-sentenced-state-prison-sex-crimes-against-children
PennDOT Job Fair Planned for Tioga County
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that a job fair will be held for those seeking employment with the department in Tioga County.
The job fair will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the following location:
- Tioga County Maintenance Office, 6 Berwart Street, Wellsboro PA 16901. For more information, please call 570-724-4142.
Current vacancies include:
- Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic Trainee/Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic
- Transportation Equipment Operator A
- Summer Highway Maintenance Workers
- DOT Summer Students
PUC Finalizes Policy Statement on Use of Electric Storage to Enhance Grid Reliability and Resilience
Commission Policy Statement Follows Extensive Review of Stakeholder Input and Public Comment from Utilities, Advocates, State Agencies, Consumer Groups and Other Parties
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a final policy statement establishing guidelines for the use of electricity storage by electric distribution companies (EDC).
The PUC voted 5-0 today to adopt the final policy statement – creating a path for future use of various “non-wires solutions” that enhance the reliability and resilience of the electric distribution grid in Pennsylvania and help provide better service to customers.
Potter County, PA: Position Openings
Position Opening
Potter County Register & Recorder of Deeds
Full Time Deputy II Position
The Commissioners of Potter County will be accepting applications for a full-time Deputy II position in the Register & Recorder of Deeds. Job descriptions/applications can be obtained from Potter County CareerLink and/or the Administrative Office, Suite 203 in the Gunzburger Building. Resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to Danielle Gietler; Executive Secretary/HR Admin. at dgietler@pottercountypa.net or at One North Main Street, Suite 203, Coudersport, PA 16915 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., April 10, 2024.
Position Opening
Potter County Elections/Voter Registration Office
Part Time Secretary/Clerk
The Commissioners of Potter County will be accepting applications for a part-time Secretary/Clerk position in the Elections/Voter Registration Office. Job descriptions/applications can be obtained from Potter County CareerLink and/or the Administrative Office, Suite 203 in the Gunzburger Building. Resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to Danielle Gietler; Executive Secretary/HR Admin. at dgietler@pottercountypa.net or at One North Main Street, Suite 203, Coudersport, PA 16915 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., April 10, 2024.
Position Opening
Potter County Maintenance Department
Full Time Housekeeping/Janitor Position
The Commissioners of Potter County will be accepting applications for a full-time housekeeper/janitor’s position with the Maintenance Department. Job descriptions/applications can be obtained from Potter County CareerLink and/or the Administrative Office, Suite 203 in the Gunzburger Building. Resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to Danielle Gietler; Executive Secretary/HR Admin. at dgietler@pottercountypa.net or at One North Main Street, Suite 203, Coudersport, PA 16915 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., April 10, 2024.
Position Opening
Potter County Public Defender
Full Time Secretary/Clerk
The Commissioners of Potter County will be accepting applications for a full-time Secretary/Clerk position in the Public Defender’s Office. Job descriptions/applications can be obtained from Potter County CareerLink and/or the Administrative Office, Suite 203 in the Gunzburger Building. Resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to Danielle Gietler; Executive Secretary/HR Admin. at dgietler@pottercountypa.net or at One North Main Street, Suite 203, Coudersport, PA 16915 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., April 10, 2024.
Position Opening
Potter County Jail
Full Time Secretary/Clerk
The Commissioners of Potter County will be accepting applications for a full-time Secretary/Clerk position in the Potter County Jail. Job descriptions/applications can be obtained from Potter County CareerLink and/or the Administrative Office, Suite 203 in the Gunzburger Building. Resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to Danielle Gietler; Executive Secretary/HR Admin. at dgietler@pottercountypa.net or at One North Main Street, Suite 203, Coudersport, PA 16915 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., April 10, 2024.
The Commissioners of Potter County will be accepting applications for a full-time Sheriff’s Deputy at the Potter County Sheriff’s Office. Job descriptions/applications can be obtained from Potter County CareerLink and/or the Administrative Office, Suite 203 in the Gunzburger Building. Resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to Danielle Gietler; Executive Secretary/HR Admin. at dgietler@pottercountypa.net or at One North Main Street, Suite 203, Coudersport, PA 16915 and will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., April 10, 2024.
Potter County is an equal opportunity employer.
Potter County Commissioners
Nancy J. Grupp, Chairman
Paul W. Heimel, Commissioner
Robert W. Rossman, Commissioner
Attest: Jessica M. Giebel, Chief Clerk
PennDOT Update on Flooding Related Closures for Morning of April 4
Clearfield, PA – Following heavy rains that fell across the state yesterday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in District 2 is updating drivers on the status of road closures due to flooding.
The closures with the most significant traffic impacts are along Route 219 in Clearfield County. It is closed in Burnside Township between the intersections of Route 286 and Butterbaugh/Stifflertown Road. Traffic is following a detour using Route 286 to Route 240 in Indiana County, and Route 240 back to Route 219 in Cambria County. PennDOT anticipates this closure being in place until at least noon on Thursday, April 4.
Route 219 is also restricted to one lane between the intersections of Colonel Drake Highway and Route 969 in Mahaffey Borough and Greenwood Township.
Additional closures in effect as of 9:00 AM include:
Facility Energy Efficiency Project to Temporarily Close Interstate 80 Rest Areas in Montour County
Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that two rest areas in northcentral Pennsylvania will undergo significant energy efficiency upgrades and renovations as part a Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) project, initiated by PennDOT and the Department of General Services in 2021.
Under the GESA, building systems deemed eligible for energy saving upgrades within a GESA Project are leveraged by future energy savings. The project will upgrade heating, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting to improve energy efficiency in the buildings.
While improvements are being completed, the following rest areas, including parking lots, will be closed to the public:
- Montour County Roadside Rest Area, I-80 Eastbound, Liberty Township
- Closed Wednesday, April 10 through Tuesday, April 23, 2024
- Montour County Roadside Rest Area, I-80 Westbound, Liberty Township
- Closed Sunday, April 7 through Friday, April 26, 2024
The Columbia County Roadside Rest Areas on Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound will remain open.
PA Drilling Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Meshoppen Township, Wyoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 4/01/2024 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Meshoppen Township, Wyoming county. 78a73(b) – GENERAL PROVISION FOR WELL CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION – Operator failed to prevent gas, oil, brine, completion and servicing fluids, and any other fluids or materials from below the casing seat from entering fresh groundwater, and prevent pollution or diminution of fresh groundwater. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2024-04-01 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON IS THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 6
HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 3) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is this Saturday, April 6. Anglers may begin fishing at 8 a.m.
While the opening day of the season is a cherished tradition for anglers, many who travel great distances and look forward to spending time with family and friends, it should be noted that stocked trout fishing opportunities will continue to be abundant statewide with replenishment stockings occurring throughout the spring.
Throughout the 2024 season, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 129 lakes open to public angling. These figures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout; 707,000 Brown Trout; and 168,000 Brook Trout. As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds.
Shapiro Administration Announces Grant Opportunities to Help Communities Explore Ways to Become More Pedestrian-Friendly
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration announced today that applications are now being accepted for funding to help communities create opportunities for residents that increase physical activity by walking, rolling, riding bikes, and using public transit.
Boroughs, cities, towns, townships, and counties can apply for up to $3,000 through the Justin R. Lehman Community Capacity-Building Pre-Planning Assistance Program to begin the process of developing active transportation plans in their municipality. This grant is part of the WalkWorks program, which helps communities increase physical activity by connecting local destinations with improved pedestrian, bicycle, and transit networks.
Untreated Sewage In Allegany River in Olean
New York Sewage Pollution Right to Know
Issued: 04-03-2024, 14:12:45
Affects: New York – Cattaraugus – Olean
The Olean (C) WWTP, NY0027162 is issuing this notification.
Discharge location: 411 S. 4th St, Olean, NY
Location details: Pump station
Waterbody affected: Allegany River
Discharge description:
Potentially impacted public areas: Unknown –
Discharge date and time: 04-03-2024 12:28:00
Discharge duration: 110 Minutes
Discharge reason: Weather Conditions – Heavy Rain and unknown pump issue
Steps taken to contain discharge: Troubleshooting cause of pump failure. Two other pumps functional.
Volume/rate of discharge: 115,000 Gallons Estimated
Treated state of discharge: Untreated
Knights of Columbus Donates To Dickinson Center Inc.
Dickinson Center, Inc., a non-profit organization and affiliate of Journey Health System, is pleased to announce the generous $1000 donation received from the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus (K of C) Assembly 958.
Dr. William C. Conrad, who currently serves as a capital campaign committee co-chair, in addition to his roles as a former board member and long-term board chairman of Dickinson Center, Inc. graciously accepted the donation alongside Tana Smith, Journey Health System Director of Institutional Advancement. This contribution stems from the Fourth Degree Knights’ annual “Baby Bottle” Campaign organized by members of K of C councils in Elk and Cameron counties, aimed at supporting local childhood and youth causes.
Dickinson Center, Inc. extends its heartfelt gratitude to Assembly 958 and all participating K of C members for their commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Raymond K. Rodgers, 73, of Tioga, PA
Raymond K. Rodgers, 73, of Tioga, PA, passed away April 2, 2024 at Bradford Hills Nursing Home in Troy, PA.
He was born February 18, 1951 in Elmira, NY to Raymond A. and Dorcas (Fuller) Rodgers. Raymond worked as a mechanic for Corning Glass for more than forty years. He enjoyed fixing old cars and was a talented artist who especially enjoyed drawing.