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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
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On 04/19/2023 at approximately 0206 hrs City of Bradford Police conducted an investigation at 38 High Street looking for a wanted male Tony Shadow Star Vawter who had an active arrest warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Officers did locate Vawter inside the home and took him into custody. Magistrate Cercone arraigned Vawter and $5,000 cash bail was set. Vawter did not post bail and was remanded to McKean County Jail.
Charges Title 35 Paraphernalia (M) Location 38 High Street Bradford, PA 16701
On April 28th, 2023 City of Bradford Police conducted an investigation at 12 North Kendall Avenue in relation to welfare check.
During that investigation Officers learned that a male found at that location was the defendant Michael J. Nesbit from NY. Upon further checking Nesbit was found to be a wanted fugitive for several violations in NY State. Nesbit had warrants out for Burglary, Grand Larceny, Criminal Possession of a Firearm and other related offenses.
City of Bradford Police took Nesbit into custody once he was identified and the warrants were confirmed to be extraditable. Nesbit was arraigned by Magistrate Dominic Cercone and remanded to McKean County Jail on $250,000 cash bail where he will be held until NY State extradites back to their jurisdiction.
Charges Fugitive From Justice Title 42 9134 Location 12 North Kendall Avenue
On April 27, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has tentatively scheduled an online “public conference” May 18 on the proposed Roulette Oil & Gas waste injection well in Clara Township, Potter County from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Barbara Hanes, DEP Oil and Gas Operations, asked opponents of the proposal to confirm their availability by the end of the day April 28 and to send questions or other items to be included on the agenda by May 10.
In the email, Hanes said a link will be made available to anyone who wants to attend, but it makes no mention of how many people will be allowed to speak.
Questions about the public conference should be sent to Hanes at: bhanes@pa.gov.
On April 18, residents of Clara Township in Potter County and environmental advocates called on DEP to provide them with an opportunity for public engagement in consideration of the proposal. Read more here.
“The Department describes the public participation process on its website. No mention is made of a conference as an alternative to providing the public an open, inclusive process for engagement.
“We have objected to the use of a conference in place of an appropriate process since it was first suggested by your office. Our objections only intensified when we were asked to submit questions in advance.
“Our position has not changed.
“Injection wells pose significant threats to communities in proximity of them. They are consequential projects that deserve a robust public participation process.
“A virtual conference is not a suitable substitute. Do not mistake our refusal to participate in one as acquiescence.”
Background
The agency is currently reviewing an application submitted by Roulette Oil and Gas to convert the Clara 20 well, an active conventional gas well into a Class ll-D injection well in Clara Township.
Nearing the end of the process, a decision to approve or deny the request could be made soon, according to the DEP permitting geologist who is reviewing the application.
If approved, this Class ll-D injection well permit may be the first in the Commonwealth to be authorized in PA through a streamlined process with very limited public scrutiny.
Clara 20 is currently an active gas well with storage tanks nearby. The storage tanks, according to inspection reports, are not properly labeled. Trees are growing through the plastic liner of the containment surrounding the tanks.
(Photos:Top- Trees growing through liner around storage tanks, wellhead – DEP inspection photos; Bottom- Clara well site – DEP inspection photo; unlicensed and uninspected truck used to haul drilling wastewater. This is where hundreds of thousands of gallons of drilling wastewater would be deposed of.)Read more…….
At 4:55 PM on Saturday, Wellsboro Water Rescue has been dispatched to the Rail Trail between Ansonia & Blackwell. Caller reports people screaming for help from 911.
Drone 50 has also been dispatched. Morris Fire Dept. also dispatched.
911 Center has received text from people involved that the location is 5.5 miles north of Blackwell for an individual injured in the woods confirmed by Morris responders. The victim is not in the water. Water rescue equipment is not needed.
6:26 PM—28 year old male has been extricated from the woods and is enroute to Williamsport Hospital by ambulance. He is reported to have fallen 100 feet. Air medical is not available.
Robert L. Murphy, age 89, of Bendigo Road, Johnsonburg, PA, died April 16, 2023 at Elk Haven Nursing Home after a short illness. A son of the late Edward and Vera (Wills) Murphy, he was born on July 13, 1933 in Johnsonburg, PA. On December 12, 1952 he married M. Patricia (McAlee), who preceded him in death on October 23, 2022.
Along with his parents and his wife, Robert was predeceased by: a son, William; a granddaughter, Amy Joe Frost; two brothers, Neylon and Jack; and three sisters, Colleen, Rosemary and Joyce.
Robert leaves behind: a son Robert (Claire) Murphy of Clarksville, TN, two daughters Christine Elwell of Wellsboro, PA and Colleen (Jack) Collson of Horseheads, NY; ten grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Robert graduated from Johnsonburg Area Schools and received an Associate Degree in Electrical from Bliss Electrical School in Washington, DC. He worked as an Electrician all his life and is the last surviving member of “Edward Murphy and Sons Electrical Contractors”. He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and enjoyed hunting and working on cars. He was born and raised in Johnsonburg, lived several years in Vestal, NY and several years in Westfield, PA and came back to Johnsonburg in 1988.
As per Robert’s wishes, there will be no visitation and funeral services will be private.
Special Thank You to Brenda Copelli, Rhonda and Justin, all the staff at Elk Haven Nursing Home and a very special thank you to Nancy & Louie Votano and all those who helped Robert.
The family suggests memorials to the Johnsonburg Senior Center and will be accepting online condolences at the Ubel Funeral Home website (www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com).
Sharon L. (Disque) Penfield, age 70, of Second Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA died April 23, 2023 at her daughter’s home in Johnsonburg. A daughter of the late Richard “Tich” and Shirley (Polinski) Disque, she was born on July 5, 1952 in Kane, PA.
Sharon is survived by: three children, Daniel (Lisa) Lechien of Johnsonburg, Jesse Lechien of Wilcox and Carrie (Pete Konen) Cherry of Johnsonburg; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Rich (Roberta) Disque of Wilcox; four sisters, Sherry Disque of Johnsonburg, Jean (Kerry) Keneske of Johnsonburg, Dawn Sandy of Wilcox and Millie (Bau) Yasurek of Wilcox; and two brothers-in-law, Dave Robuck of Johnsonburg and Reno Galdini of Wilcox.
Besides her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by: a daughter, Becky Tomaski; and two sisters, Shelly Robuck and Dinny Galdini.
Sharon lived all her life in Wilcox and Johnsonburg. She graduated Johnsonburg Schools in 1970. She worked as a Care Nurse with Elk Haven Nursing Home before retiring after thirty plus years of service. She enjoyed reading and spending time with her family.
As per Sharon’s request, there will be no public visitation and services will be private.
Patricia L. Osani, 91, of Max Roys Dr., Port Allegany, PA passed away Thursday (April 27, 2023) in the Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born March 18, 1932, in Mansfield, PA, she was a daughter of Chester A. and Maude M. Dewey Feig. On June 2, 1956, in Galeton, PA, she married Charles W. Osani, who died June 23, 1994.
Patricia was a graduate of Fabias High School, Fabias, NY, class of 1950, and Mansfield State University, with a BS in Music Education.
She taught music at Addison School District, Addison, NY, Shinglehouse School District, and with the Port Allegany School District, before retiring.
She was a member of the St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Port Allegany, where she was church organist for 35 years, and a member of the Catholic Women’s Club. She was a member of the Port Allegany Women’s Club and former choir member of the Coudersport Consistory. She volunteered playing piano @ Cole Extended Care and Sweden Valley Manor, both of Coudersport. Patricia was an in-home piano teacher for over 35 years & sang and played for many area weddings. She was a gifted musician.
Surviving are two sons, C. Andrew (Sarah) Osani of Aurora, CO, W. Jay (Christine) Osani of Eldred; two daughters, Shari A. (John) Kuzman of Middleton, ID, Nancy L. Osani of Port Allegany, with whom Patricia resided; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles, a son, A. James Osani, a great-grandson, Taric Osani, a brother, Robert C. Feig, and three sisters, Ruth Gilmore, H. Yvonne Orvik, and Bette Duclos.
Friends will be received form 4-7 p.m. Monday in the Switzer Funeral Home, Port Allegany. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday (May 2, 2023) in St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, Port Allegany, with Rev. Joseph Daughterty, as celebrant. Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton.
Memorials can be made to the Port Area Ambulance Service or the Port Allegany Fire Dept.
Condolences can be made to: Nancy L. Osani, 104 Max Roys Dr., Port Allegany, PA 16743
Sarah J. BREEMES, 74, of Scio, NY, died Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in her home.
Born February 17, 1949, in Dansville, she was the daughter of Clayton and Sarah Miles Fuller.
Surviving are: two children, Kenneth E. (Vickie Robinson) Breemes and Crystal L. (Duane Cox) Breemes; a grandson, Alexander Breemes; and two sisters, Rose Tallman and Edith Pragle.
She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Kenneth A. Breemes, on February 10, 2022; and a brother, Clayton Fuller, Jr.
Friends may call at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.
John W. Welsh, 80, a lifelong resident of Coudersport, PA passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, in UPMC Cole Place, Coudersport, after a brief illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Shapiro Administration Unveils New Interactive Soil and Water Sampling Map as Results Continue to Show No Contamination after the Norfolk Southern Train Derailment
New map provides data to the public, soil and water sample results indicate no signs of contamination from train derailment
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a new interactive mapping tool that shows final sample results from soil and water testing conducted by DEP in the wake of the East Palestine train derailment on February 3, 2023. Pennsylvanians can use this tool to review sampling results in the vicinity of the derailment.Read MoreDashboard
Shapiro Administration Invites Applications For PA Farm Bill-Funded Grants To Boost Local Meat, Poultry Supply Secretary Redding called for applications for $500,000 in PA Farm Bill-funded grants aimed at increasing locally produced meat and poultry in the state. Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grants help small businesses start up or expand and meet USDA food safety requirements. Governor Josh Shapiro demonstrated his commitment to stimulating growth for Pennsylvania’s agriculture small businesses in his 2023-’24 budget. Grants will be available depending on funding in the final budget.Read More
Shapiro Administration Invites Proposals For $2.187 Million For Research Critical To Growing Pennsylvania Agriculture Industry Secretary Redding called for research proposals on issues critical to sustaining and growing Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry. In his 2023-’24 budget, Governor Josh Shapiro proposed $2.187 million to address complex challenges from reducing impacts of climate change and measuring soil and water conservation, to tackling emerging animal diseases, to meeting demand for bio-based fuels and plastics.Read More
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger pose with DCNR staff and Borough of Mechanicsburg staff behind a newly planted tree in Mechanicsburg. DCNR Highlights Importance of Trees in Communities on National Arbor Day On Arbor Day, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger planted trees in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, to highlight the many benefits trees provide to communities.Recap
During Take Your Child To Work Day at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, kids enjoyed a day full of fun which included planting flowers, learning more about the vet labs, and exploring the WoodMobile.See More
The Lancaster County Career and Technology Center Agriscience team recently visited with faculty and students from Burrowes Elementary to foster an understanding and appreciation for PA farmers and agriculture. Focusing on the different components of agriculture, 2nd and 4th grade students learned about many careers in agriculture, the feed used to grow strong animals, and how veterinarians work to keep our agriculture animals – from rabbits and pigs, cows and horses – safe and healthy. Agriculture education is essential in keeping our industry growing and ready for the future, and we’re very grateful to Dr. Alex Rohrer, the Burrowes Elementary School, and the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center for providing an introduction and foundation to a rewarding and lifelong career.
Secretary Redding attended the Ag Bankers Conference in State College to talk more about the current financial landscape of agriculture.See More
Left to right: Ashley Mount from USDA, Joseph Diamond from PA Farm Bureau, Amanda Rankin from Armstrong County Farm Service Agency, Robin Fox from Bedford Farm Service Agency and Corinne Elliott. Corinne Elliott, Bureau of Market Development, attended the Bedford County Farm Service Agency Open House – hosted by the Bedford County Conservation District. It was a great event with experienced and new farmers looking for information and learning about the different agencies and services offered to help farmers across Pennsylvania.
Recently, Secretary Redding had the opportunity to talk with the current members of Delta Theta Sigma as they discussed how the agriculture industry is exploding with opportunity.See More
The PA Department of Agriculture hosted the Human and Animal Food Operation Rapid Response Team Conference. Attendees spent their time listening to speakers and executing field work at Asylum Run. See More
Applications are open for the fourth round of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) recovery support for poultry farmers and integrators who suffered losses in HPAI Control Zones (the 10-kilometer perimeter around an infected, quarantined farm). Deadline: Apply by June 29, 2023Apply
The William and Hannah Penn Fellowship Program is now accepting applications until May 13, 2023. Apply today and gain valuable experience working with state agency policy offices. As part of this fellowship, you will gain invaluable experience in the policy-making process while making a difference in PA agriculture. Help transform our state government!Apply
Farm and Food Workers Relief Program Available Through PASA Sustainable Agriculture Frontline farm workers and meatpacking workers who incurred expenses preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a one-time $600 relief payment through this website, which is administered by Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.Learn More
NHLA Inspector Training School – Class 202 NHLA is excited to bring their 8-week Inspector Training School program to Pennsylvania. The program is a mix of hands-on training and testing, in-class lectures, group study, one-on-one training with the instructor, and more. Students who successfully fulfill all of the program requirements will receive a certificate of completion. Tuition: $3,250 Schedule: June 5 – July 28, 20238:00 am – 4:00 pmRegister
27 April 2023, Parsippany, NJ. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, has initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of specific lots of various strengths of FENTANYL Buccal Tablets CII to the Consumer Level. Teva USA manufactured and labeled these product lots exclusively for Mayne Pharma Inc. under Mayne’s label. This recall has been initiated because safety updates were omitted in the Product Insert/Medication Guide (MG) that are provided with these recalled lots.
TruVision Health LLC is recalling the dietary supplement products listed below because they contain the unapproved dietary ingredients hordenine and/or octodrine/DMHA (1,5-Dimethylhexylamine).
Hordenine is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth and might cause stimulating side effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, jitteriness, nervousness, nausea, vomiting or insomnia. These adverse events are more likely to occur in sensitive sub-populations of people such as pregnant women and consumers with cardiovascular disease. Currently, hordenine is not an approved dietary ingredient in dietary supplements.
Potter County Commissioner Nancy J. Grupp has announced her intentions to run for re-election on the Republican ballot in the May 16 Primary Election.
During her first term in office she served as the chair of the Board of Commissioners, County Salary Board, and County Retirement Board. She has served in an unpaid capacity as Potter County Director of Emergency Services, saving the county thousands of dollars each year and is a member of the county’s Aging Advisory Board.
During her tenure, Commissioner Grupp has also spearheaded improvements in county operations, including technology upgrades and updates to personnel and human resources policies. She was also chosen by her peers to chair the executive board of the regional community and economic development agency, North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission.
Some of the current board’s accomplishments under her leadership have included:
— Creating programs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support small businesses along with fire and ambulance services and other non-profits that were negatively impacted during the shutdown.
— Facilitating COVID relief grants to those significantly impacted in the hospitality industry, many of which would not have survived without those funds.
— Adoption of a countywide Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance, making available county tax breaks for businesses building or expanding operations to create jobs and support economic development.
— Improving services for Potter County veterans by expanding the Veterans Affairs Director position to full-time, giving military veterans much-needed assistance in accessing the benefits and services to which they are entitled.
— Supporting a collaborative effort to bring cost-free transportation to veterans who require rides to medical appointments.
— Repurposing federal grant revenue totaling more than $500,000 to support infrastructure projects in Genesee, Galeton and Ulysses to date.
Fiscal responsibility has been a high priority for the board under Commissioner Grupp’s leadership. While improving services in multiple ways, the board has not raised real estate taxes, which she considers a major accomplishment. Grupp is a lifelong resident of Potter County, has 30 years of experience working in the finance industry, and has served as a township auditor and secretary/treasurer, as well as president for the Potter County Township Officials Association.
She and her husband, Lynn, live in Coudersport.
Commissioner Grupp states, “Rather than engaging in extreme politics, if re- elected I pledge to continue to bring common sense leadership to Potter County. Thank you for your support.”
Status: Temporary Part Time (20 – 29 hrs. per week)
Reports To: County Commissioners
Location: 500 W. Main Street, Smethport
McKean County is seeking an American Rescue Plan Coordinator to assist with managing programs identified by the county commissioners for funding through the America Rescue Plan Funds. Candidate will work an interim time period with weekly hours to fluctuate with release of funds to community partners. Ideal candidate will have general knowledge of McKean County with knowledge of economic impact funding and grant processes.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for compliance for use of funds by McKean County for American Rescue Plan Funds
Assist Community Partners to identify avenues for resources and/or matching funds
Monitor and assess project impact and identify funding gaps for sustainability
Assist with program design in collaboration with the McKean County Commissioners and staff
to identify global focus and goals of initiative and tailor process to align with those goals
Monitor grant applications and execution from award through compliance to final reporting
Manage marketing and promotion of program in all media outlets including print, online, radio
and presentations as public meetings
Assist with needs assessment to identify optimal impact of American Rescue Plan Funds
Process applications, ensure proper documentation and eligibility and provide general
application assistance to applicants for internal and external reports
Participate in review and ranking criteria to evaluate applicants
Maintain detailed records of application status, eligibility criteria and award notifications
Maintain spreadsheet and financial records of allocated funding, invoices, receipts and
final reporting
Communicate with grant applicants from public, private, government and non-profit entities
General Office Assistance and Other Duties as required
Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in Business, Planning, Accounting or related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred
2-3 years of professional experience in economic development, planning or related field
Interested applicants are invited to apply by completing a McKean County job application and resume. Please forward it to: Michele Jubon, Human Resources Director, McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749 or emailing it to: mmjubon@mckeancountypa.org by May 8, 2023. We are an equal opportunity employer, M/F/D/V.
On April 28, at 6:38 pm Coudersport Police requested assistance from Roulette, Coudersport, or Austin ambulance for a medical on Main St. in Coudersport. Roulette and Coudersport have been recalled