Energy Company Charged In Greene County House Explosion
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
This week, my office charged Equitrans, L.P. regarding the energy company’s failure to fix a natural gas leak that caused a 2018 house explosion in Greene County.
A couple and their four-year-old son suffered severe burns in the explosion on October 31, 2018.
An investigation by my office found a natural gas well near the family’s home was deteriorating and leaking gas for years, resulting in methane contamination of the home’s water supply.
This brave family has endured significant hardship, suffering physical and emotional injuries, financial stress, and the loss of their family home and cherished personal belongings.
Pennsylvanians have a right to feel safe in their homes, without concern for large corporations creating environmental hazards. My office will enforce the laws if companies fail to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the communities where they work.
Read more: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/…/attorney-general…/
Cuba Woman Jailed; Facing Multiple Charges
Cuba Police Department
On November 1st, 2023 at approximately 1:40PM, following a domestic dispute, Cuba Police arrested Bryannan N. Proctor (19) of Cuba.
Proctor was arrested on charges of harassment 2nd (Violation), endangering the welfare of a child (Misdemeanor), obstructing governmental administration (Misdemeanor), resisting arrest (Misdemeanor) and assault 2nd (Felony).
Proctor was processed, placed in front of a judge and sent to the Allegany County Jail on $25,000.00 bail. These charges stem from an alleged domestic dispute and proctor allegedly assaulting a police officer. Proctor is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Lawrence D. “Larry” Boring, 85, of Montoursville, PA formerly of Cameron Road, Emporium, PA
Lawrence D. “Larry” Boring, 85, of Montoursville, PA formerly of Cameron Road, Emporium, PA passed away at UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence, Williamsport, PA on Monday afternoon (October 30, 2023).
He was born February 24, 1938 in Conemaugh, PA a son of the late Walter and Rosella Williams Boring. On September 4, 1960 in Conemaugh, he married the late Mary Sue Dennis.
Larry served in the PA Nation Guard (Staff Sergeant). He graduated from Lock Haven University and from West Virginia University with a master’s degree in History Education. He retired from Cameron County High School where he taught health and physical education for many years.
Galeton Pa. October 2023 weather report
You name the kind of weather you like and you may be able to find it in October 2023. We had nearly a week of Indian Summer with near 80 afternoon temperatures, three frosty mornings with most mornings in the 40s and 50s . We experienced 15 foggy mornings. No thunderstorms for the month. It was again a very nice weather month.
The average high temperature is 57 degrees with the average low listed at 37 degrees.
The average rainfall for October is 3.78″. We received 2.05″ and last year the reading was 1.04″. Pine Creek is down somewhat from September, but quite steady thanks to a wet summer. I have been told many times from many “old timers”, especially my weather expert grandfather, “we will not have winter weather until Pine Creek is bank full”. I agree with that saying. The lawns are still being mowed aggressively. The mowers should have been put away weeks ago. I guess we all appreciate having our lawns look like a golf course. It looks like all of Potter Co. is now being kept mowed.
Be advised that the forecast is for some snow on Wednesday. Keep your snow shovels at the ready. The grass will soon turn white.
Henry W. Lush, National Weather Service Observer
DA AND K9S VISIT LOCAL SCHOOLS FOR RED RIBBON WEEK
McKean County Detective Bureau K9s LG, Rigby and Nico accompanied District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, Officer Dakota Eaton, Officer Bob Rinfrette and Vicki Rinfrette to Smethport Elementary and Eldred Elementary Schools where they were invited to participate in Red Ribbon Week on October 27th. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated each year nationwide from October 23 – October 31 to promote an anti-drug lifestyle. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, drug dog LG and explosives dog Nico along with their handlers Bob and Vicki Rinfrette met fourth-graders in Smethport to talk about the dangers of drugs and safe medication handling.
Rotary Delivers Coats to Area Students
The Rotary Club of Bradford is taking action in the fight against childhood poverty in the Bradford Area School District by providing brand new coats to children in need.
The club partnered with the Blaisdell Foundation, received a matching grant from Rotary District #7280, and used a portion of the proceeds from the Rotary Golf Tournament to raise the funds needed to purchase 168 coats.
Rotarians visited schools in the Bradford Area School District and Head Start this week to deliver the coats which were purchased from the Operation Warm Coats for Kids Foundation.
“In our eighth year of collaboration with Operation Warm, Rotary President Ben Kirsch announced, ‘We are continuing our mission to provide new coats for children.’ The club extends its sincere appreciation to the community partners who play a pivotal role in the success of this important initiative, alongside the dedicated individuals from Bradford Schools and Bradford Rotary who tirelessly work to meet the needs of local children.”
According to Operation Warm: Nearly 17% of American children live in poverty. For a family of four, their income is less than $26,200/year. While many government and private programs work to address food and housing insecurity, only a few programs are able to address the lack of appropriate and adequate clothing.
For more information about the Rotary Club of Bradford, visit https://www.facebook.com/bradfordrotary or myrotary.org.
RECALLS
The Harvard Drug Group, LLC Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Rugby® Laboratories Brand Eye Drops Supplied by Velocity Pharma, LLC Due to Potential Risk of Eye Infections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 31, 2023 – La Vergne, TN, The Harvard Drug Group, LLC d/b/a Major® Pharmaceutical and Rugby® Laboratories is initiating a voluntarily recall for all lots of Polyvinyl Alcohol, 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops and Lubricating Tears Eye Drops (Dextran/Hypromellose, 0.1%/0.3%) supplied by Velocity Pharma, LLC to the consumer level. The Harvard Drug Group, LLC received information from FDA indicating investigator found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility.
Cardinal Health, Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain LEADER™ Brand Eye Drops Supplied by Velocity Pharma, LLC Due to Potential Risk of Eye Infections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 31, 2023 – Dublin, OH, Cardinal Health, Inc. is initiating a voluntarily recall for all lots of ophthalmic products supplied by Velocity Pharma, LLC to the consumer level. Cardinal Health, Inc. received information from FDA indicating investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility.
Sr. Roberta Brunner, OSF
June 22, 1937 — October 21, 2023
Allegany
BORN: Roberta Ellen Brunner, June 22, 1937, Olean, NY
DIED: October 21, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY.
DAUGHTER OF: Edward and Helen Duffy Brunner, Allegany, NY
Roberta entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on January 4, 1959, was received into the Congregation on July 2, 1959, and professed her final vows on July 3, 1966. For 64 years, Sister lived her commitment to Franciscan values through her ministry and life in community.
Roberta attended St. Bonaventure Elementary School and graduated from St. Elizabeth Academy, Allegany, NY. She attended St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, NY and D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She pursued graduate studies at St. Clare’s School of Nursing in New York, New York, University of Rochester and the State University of New York in Buffalo, NY, where she graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing and a minor in Administration.
A registered nurse and Administrator, Roberta worked in Congregational hospitals: Our Lady of Lourdes, Camden, NJ; St. Elizabeth Hospital, New York, New York; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa. FL where she served in many roles including Director of Inservice Education, Director of Nursing, Instructor in Staff Development, Coordinator of Cancer Care Center, and a Clinical Cancer Specialist.
UPMC Physician: Debunking Common Emergency Department Myths
Robert Strony, D.O.
Emergency Medicine, UPMC
Emergency departments (EDs) are essential to the communities they serve and the hospitals they support. They provide exceptional and immediate care to patients. The ED is the most active and critical department of a hospital with a constant flow of incoming patients, many of which are very ill or critical. It’s 24/7/365 work and the teams are trained to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, ranging from treating dehydration, suturing cuts, caring for patients with strokes and heart attacks, and performing emergency lifesaving procedures.
Misconceptions about the ED are prevalent due to TV dramas, personal experiences, and a lack of understanding of the complex workings of emergency medicine. Addressing these misconceptions helps improve understanding of the vital role emergency departments play in providing life-saving care during critical situations.
Common Myths
Lucille A. “Lucy” Nelson, 76, of Warren, PA
Lucille A. “Lucy” Nelson, 76, of Warren, PA, died peacefully at home with her family at her bedside on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, after an 8-year battle with kidney disease.
She was born February 6, 1947, in Philipsburg, PA. She was the daughter of Marcel and Betty Gathagan Lefebvre. Lucy grew up in Philipsburg, PA., and Jamestown, N.Y.
She was employed as a press operator, with Loranger Manufacturing Corp, retiring from there after many years of employment. Lucy was a member of the Warren, PA., First Methodist Church, Warren Moose Lodge 109 Ladies Auxiliary, Warren American Legion Post 135 Ladies Auxiliary. She bowled on the Thursday night ladies’ league for many years.
Robert E. “Bob” Walker, 86, of St. Marys, PA
Robert E. “Bob” Walker, 86, of St. Marys, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 after a courageous, 2 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Known by his family as a silent warrior, he faced the terrible diagnosis with grace and dignity – never asking one time – why me? Bob was born November 28, 1936 in Dayton, PA, a son of the late Robert Charles and Myrtle Whitacre Walker.
Bob married and is survived by his wife Betty Weaver Walker in Dayton, PA in a simple ceremony that resulted in a marriage that lasted more than 60 years.
Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army as a vehicle mechanic for two years. After moving to St. Marys in the early 1960’s, he began his career at Powdered Metal Products where he worked for 38 years until retirement.
When Bob and Betty moved to St. Marys, they purchased a “fixer upper” along Bucktail Road. After decades of hard work, the house where they raised their family is still home. Bob’s determination and work ethic was certainly passed on to his kids. He was an active member of the St. Marys Methodist Church where he really enjoyed fellowship and the time spent with his small group members.
Bob loved his garden and making trips to greenhouses each spring to look for just the right plants. He was so happy when someone would stop by and ‘take a look’ at his garden. Later in life he spent many hours sitting on a porch swing just watching everything grow as the seasons changed.
He loved basketball, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, and visiting his friends at the Hilltop Diner, where he made nearly daily trips for many years. He also enjoyed trips to the casino, hunting when he was younger, the tv show Gunsmoke, taking car rides with Betty and in the end, just sitting outside as the weather permitted.
Bob was most proud of his grand and great-grandchildren. He was fortunate to share connecting yards with 2 of his granddaughters and their families, allowing him daily visits with 5 of the great-grandchildren. Many believe this was a contributing factor to his ability to not only survive but thrive through his illness. The holidays were amazing as the family gathered at Sandy’s house, next door, as all the children would be reconnected with their cousins and spend the days just being kids. Bob will be sorely missed but so many memories were created and will be cherished forever.
Bob is survived by his five children; Larry (Ann) Walker of Pittsburgh, Sandy (Bob) Buerk of St. Marys, Ed (Michele) Walker of Kersey, Susie (Tim) Nussbaum of Kersey, Nancy (DJ) Eckert of St. Marys, and by 12 grandchildren; Scott (Clara) Walker, Jennifer (Shane) Byrd, Steven (Amanda) Walker, Ashley (TJ) Steele, Leslie (Mike) Trumbull, Justin (Kelsey) Walker, Bryce Walker (Lauren Eckert), Katelynn Nussbaum (Hawk Bullers), Jamie Nussbaum (Lacey Williams), Kevin Eckert (Jen Hallinen), Ben Eckert, and Amy (Alex) Salvaggio. He was extra blessed with 19 great-grandchildren, Cora, Julianna, Jacob, Hannah, Emily, Lilah & Levi Walker, Jack Eckert, Sam, Luke and Maggie Byrd, Gabbie & Bobby Steele, Betsey, Garrett & Grady Trumbull, Louie, Evelyn and Olivia Salvaggio. He is also survived by one brother; Richard “Jack” Walker of Dayton, PA and one sister; Florence Harkelroad of Indiana, PA, as well as his close friend, Denny Ginther of St. Marys.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister; Betty (Walker) Stewart.
Funeral Services for Robert E. Walker will be held on Monday, November 6th at 11:00 AM at the St. Marys Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev Chris Kindle, officiating.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions would be appreciated for the St. Marys Methodist Church, 140 N. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA or St. Marys Ambulance Service, 773 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or Hahne Cancer Center, 100 Hospital Ave, DuBois, PA 15801.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Madeline C. Holtz, 76, of 609 West Washington Street, Bradford, PA
Madeline C. Holtz, 76, a loving mother and grandmother, of 609 West
Washington Street, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023, at
Olean General Hospital.
Born November 25, 1946, in Erie, she was a daughter of the late Leo T.
and Dorothy (Skokowski) Sebunia.
She graduated from Academy High School in 1965 and later attended Erie
Business School.
Madeline worked at General Electric in Erie, and later for the United States
Forestry Service in Marshburg.
Floyd W. GEIGER, 92, of Andrews Settlement, PA
Floyd W. GEIGER, 92, of Andrews Settlement, PA, died Monday, October 30, 2023 in UPMC Hamot, Erie.
Born May 11, 1931, in Quakertown, he was the son of Harry Peter and Carrie Louise Yost Geiger.
A Korean War Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1952 – 1954. He was employed by American Olean Tile in Lansdale, operating the kilns and ultimately becoming a machinist. He was married to Alice Jane Capehart. They resided in Trumbauersville, Landsdale, and Tylersport, where they raised their two daughters, Susan and Lori.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to EQT ARO LLC in McIntyre Township, Lycoming County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 10/25/2023 to EQT ARO LLC in McIntyre Township, Lycoming county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-10-25 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Brayden Cosper is the Seneca Highlands CTC engineering student of the week
Brayden Cosper, a junior from Smethport, is the Seneca Highlands CTC engineering student of the week. He is the newest member of our Occupational Advisory Committee.
Brayden is taking Jamestown Community College courses two CTC afternoons each week. He is completing Introduction to Solidworks and Engineering Drawing Using Autocad. Additionally, Brayden is taking four dual enrollment courses at Smethport for University of Pittsburgh Bradford credits. They are English Composition, Pre-Calculus, American Political Process and Introduction to Environmental.
Brayden consistently displays a great work ethic and leadership in our engineering shop. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.