District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Brady PYSADEE, of Rochester, was convicted of crimes related to the death of a Bradford woman due to a fatal overdose in 2021. PYSADEE was charged after City of Bradford Police and City of Bradford Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to a call of a cardiac arrest at an apartment on East Main Street in Bradford on June 17, 2021.
Upon arrival, Officers observed Mercedes Simonds unresponsive. Despite resuscitation efforts by the caller, Police and EMS, Mercedes was pronounced deceased upon her arrival at BRMC. An autopsy and toxicology showed that she died as a result of a drug overdose predominantly caused by fentanyl. Officers soon learned from witnesses that she had been contacted by PYSADEE and they had made arrangements to meet in the evening of June 16, 2021.
Joe C Haggard, 80, of Port Allegany, passed away Monday (August 19, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport, surrounded by his family.
He was born June 1, 1944 in Science Hill, Kentucky, the son of Joseph O. and Bonnie C. (Dowell) Haggard. On August 21, 1963 in Martinsville, IN, he married Clara A. Norton, who survives.
Joe was a self employed mechanic and tow truck operator. He enjoyed restoring old cars, hunting and fishing. He loved the time he spent with his family and friends.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons; Tim (Barbara) Haggard and Joe (Patti) Haggard both of Port Allegany PA,. Three daughters; Donna (Roger) Veilleux, of Mt. Jewett PA, Connie (Bob) Blose, of Holland NY, and Debbie (Randy) Pesock, of Roulette PA.
Twelve grandchildren; James, Terrick, Camron, Nichole, Robert, Rosanne, Melissa, Jessica, Laura, Miranda, Joslynn and Kelly, and 19great grandchildren
Two sisters; Rita (Frank) Skillman, of Eldred PA and Dorothy (Norm) Lannanger,of Crosby PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Arvil and David Haggard and three sisters; Hattie Prosser, Anna Lou Haggard and Mary Elizabeth Shatley.
Route 11 Closed in Montour Township, Columbia County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Route 11 is closed in both directions between Division Street and Welliver Drive in Montour Township, Columbia County, due to a vehicle crash.
A detour using local roads is in place. Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area.
Roadway Improvement Project Continues on Route 414 and Blockhouse Road in Liberty Borough, Tioga County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a two-year roadway improvement project continues on Water Street (Route 414), Blockhouse Road (Route 2005), and Williamson Road (Route 2007) in Liberty Borough and Liberty Township, Tioga County.
Water Street is now open to traffic. The contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, continues work with stream relocation between Blockhouse Road and North Penn Liberty High School. Motorists can expect a single lane condition with flaggers while work is being performed.
Motorists should be alert, expect delays in travel and drive with caution.
Glenn O. Hawbaker is the prime contractor for this two-year $6.2 million roadway improvement project. Work on this project includes drainage work on Route 414 (High Street/Water Street) and Blockhouse Road, roadway reconstruction, retaining wall, sidewalks, curbing, and resurfacing of 1.7 miles of Williamson Road. Work is expected to be complete in November of 2025, weather permitting. Motorists can expect a winter shut down between construction seasons.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program will hold its fifth annual native tree and shrub sale this fall in 27 locations across the state. As a fundraiser for the program, the sale offers 18 varieties of native trees and shrubs. Organizers will accept orders through Aug. 28, with curbside pickup available in September or October. Pickup dates and times vary by location.
Master Watershed Stewards plant trees to intercept and infiltrate stormwater, stabilize soils, and filter pollutants. Whether residents seek trees for privacy, foliage, shade, attracting pollinators, or creating a beautiful landscape, organizers note that the program offers a variety of trees and shrubs to meet a wide range of needs.
Six local graduates recently received scholarship awards administered by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
Mitchel Schnaufer received the Alyn J. Heim Music Scholarship for $2,000.
The Heim scholarship is for a graduating Cattaraugus County student majoring in music. The recipient must demonstrate academic success, as well. Paul DeRitter, Mr. Heim’s former student at Manchester Regional High School in Haledon, NJ, and a musician and music educator himself, established the scholarship to honor his former teacher. Mr. DeRitter taught elementary general music and instrumental music for 33 year in Franklinville.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s two-month survey on wild turkey sightings wraps up on Saturday, Aug. 31. Participants are encouraged to report their sightings from July and August through Wednesday, Sept. 6. To contribute, visit pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/TurkeyBroodSurvey through the Game Commission’s website.
When reporting, include the number of wild turkeys seen, along with the location, date, and contact information in case agency biologists have follow-up questions. Note that your specific location is kept confidential and is used only to determine the general area of each sighting.
The family and friends of Elizabeth A. “Betty Ann” Conners are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 10:00AM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Friends are invited to gather for food and fellowship following the burial. Please email Cathy for details at crbkreif@aol.com.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that work to trim and remove trees along Route 44 in Hebron, Clara, and Sharon townships and along Route 1005 in Pike Township, Potter County, began on Monday, August 12. This work will enhance driver safety and extend the life of the roadway surface.
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced its schedule of maintenance activities in Potter County the week of August 19. In addition to the work listed below, PennDOT’s Potter County maintenance crews will also be addressing shoulder washouts, pipe cleaning, bridge clearing, and other activities to address the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby on various routes not listed below. PennDOT urges drivers to be on the lookout for crews working on all Potter County highways, to obey posted speed limits, and to buckle up always.
Bradford, PA – On Tuesday, August 20, representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 2, the Highway Safety Network (HSN) and law enforcement will hold a press conference on pedestrian and crosswalk,
PennDOT and HSN representatives will speak about laws regulating crosswalks and the responsibilities held by both pedestrians and motorists intended to maintain safety for all members of the public.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised a box culvert replacement project will continue this week on Route 54 in Ralpho Township, Northumberland County.
Beginning today, Monday, August 19, 2024, the contractor, HPCI of Kulpmont PA, will be paving a temporary bypass roadway to facilitate installation of a new box culvert. Work will take place during daylight hours today and Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Northbound motorists can expect single lane condition under flagging just before the bottom of Natalie Mountain, extending ½ mile toward Route 487.
Traffic is expected to be redirected to the new temporary roadway on Thursday, August 22, 2024 for a duration of two months.
Route 2014 Reconstruction and Bridge Replacement Continues in Lycoming County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised the reconstruction and bridge replacement project continues this week on Lycoming Mall Drive (Route 2014) and Fairfield Road (Route 2045) in Fairfield Township, Lycoming County.
Beginning today, Monday, August 19, 2024, the contractor, HRI Inc., will be placing the new structure over Bennett’s Run at the intersection of Fairfield Road and Lycoming Mall Drive.
Motorists can expect one lane of traffic to be maintained in each direction with periodic flagging where work is being performed. On Wednesday. May 8, 2024, temporary traffic signals were installed at the intersection of Fairfield Road and Lycoming Mall Drive.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays, watch for changing traffic patterns, and drive with caution in the area. Motorists should approach crossovers with caution in the work zone.
HRI, Inc., is the prime contractor on this $8 million, two-year reconstruction and bridge replacement project. Work on this project includes widening, constructing turn lanes, and installing traffic signals on Fairfield Road, which occurred in 2023. This year, work includes the replacement of the structure carrying Lycoming Mall Drive over Bennetts Run, intersection improvements at Lycoming Mall Drive and Fairfield Road, including the installation of a traffic signal. Work on this project is expected to be completed in fall of 2024.
Shapiro Administration Celebrates Reopening of Damaged Route 6 Bridge in Bradford County
Montoursville, PA – At an event today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), along with industry partners, announced that the damaged bridge on Route 6 in Troy Township, Bradford County would reopen on Tuesday, August 20. Lane restrictions will be in place for the rest of the week while the contractor, J.D. Eckman, Inc., completes minor work.
The bridge, which carries Route 6 over Sugar Creek, was struck and damaged by an oversized load on June 12. PennDOT Maintenance in Bradford County and District 3 Bridge Unit assessed the bridge and determined it was not safe to remain open and required a long-term closure for repair.
“Completing these repairs and reopening Route 6 as quickly as possible was a top priority for PennDOT and Governor Shapiro,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “We know that Route 6 is a critical highway to the people of this region, and we are grateful for the folks who worked diligently to make that happen and are pleased to be reopening the roadway just in time for the start of the school year.”
While the bridge was being repaired, Route 6 was closed in both directions between Leona Road (Route 4017) and Mud Creek Road (Route 3034), Troy Township with a long-term detour in place.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while we worked to get the Route 6 bridge repaired,” said PennDOT Assistant District Executive for Construction Justin Blakeney. “We thank the department forces, bridge inspectors, consultants, JD Eckman and all involved in inspecting, designing and repairing this crucial bridge.”
