Finding Solutions to PA’s EMS Crisis Focus of May 11 Town Meeting, Causer Says
BRADFORD – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) is inviting emergency medical services (EMS) providers, county and local officials, and concerned citizens to a town meeting focused on finding solutions to the state’s growing EMS crisis.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at the Smethport Fire Department, 109 S. Nelson St., Smethport.
“Ambulance services across the Commonwealth are struggling with rising costs, declining revenue and a shortage of providers,” Causer said. “The problem is especially severe in rural areas like ours.
“We all need to work together to ensure our emergency responders can continue providing the life-saving services we depend upon,” he added.
Aaron Rhone, director of the Bureau of EMS within the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is scheduled to attend, as is Heather Sharar, executive director of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, and Tom McElree, executive director of EMS West.
Causer noted lawmakers in Harrisburg have been working to address the EMS crisis by enacting policy changes requested by the EMS community, including increased Medicaid reimbursement rates, payment for treatment without transport, volunteer incentives, training availability, staffing requirements and more.
“Unfortunately, even with these changes, the challenges facing our EMS providers continue to mount and threaten their ability to continue operating,” Causer said. “Already, many ambulance companies across the state have shut their doors. We have to do all we can to keep our EMS companies up and running. Lives depend on it.”
RSVPs for the meeting are requested. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to sign up at www.RepCauser.com or call one of the offices in Bradford (814-362-4400), Coudersport (814-274-9769) or Kane (814-837-0880).
Clayton Theodore “Ted” Gross, 73, of the Emery Towers, Bradford, PA.

Clayton Theodore “Ted” Gross, 73, of the Emery Towers, Bradford, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on January 10, 1950, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Clayton E. “Gus” and Jean K. (Whitmire) Gross.
Ted was a 1968 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
He was employed at Quaker State, Haliburton, Owen-Illinois. Prior to his retirement he was the owner, operator, and driver of a tractor trailer for over the road trucking.
Surviving are four sons, Timothy (Heather) Gross, of Clearwater, FL, Todd (Amy) Gross, of Bradford, Thomas (Stacey) Gross, of Bradford, and Scott Hirst, of Sherburne, NY, one daughter, Allison (Rex) Santon, of Manhatten, KS, one sister, Sharon Work-Grice, of Bradford, one brother, Jack Gross, of Bradford, and several grandchildren.
A Celebration of Ted’s Life will be held at a later date this summer.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to McKean County SPCA, P Box 113, Bradford, PA 16701 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Randal G. “Randy” Simbeck, 66, of Glen Hazel, PA.

Randal G. “Randy” Simbeck, 66, of Glen Hazel, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk surrounded by his family following a brief illness.
He was born on April 5, 1957 in St. Marys, a son of the late Harold “Rudy” and Rita Wendel Simbeck.
Randy was a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of St. Marys High School, class of 1975. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. A true American patriot, Randy served in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country from 1975-1979. He has been a dedicated and longtime member of the St. Marys Servicemens Burial Detail, where he also served as past president. Armed with great skill and talent, Randy spent many years working as a carpenter. Over the years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his kids. He also loved Jeeps, was an avid country music fan, and had a special love for his service dog, Cash. Most of all, he adored his grandchildren, and was over the moon with his newest grandson, Wyatt. With an endless smile, an ear always willing to listen, and a friendship you knew was true, Randy will be deeply missed by many, having touched the lives of many.
Randy is survived by three children; Amy Simbeck of Florida, Justine McKinnon and her husband Ryan of Florida and Aaron Simbeck and his wife Sophia of St. Marys; and by his six beloved grandchildren; Maddox, Harper, Reagan, Jackson, Addison, and Wyatt.
He is also survived by one brother; Ronald (Denise) Simbeck of St. Marys and by numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by a son in infancy; Jason Scott Simbeck.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Randal G. Simbeck will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street. St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB, as celebrant.
Military Honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemens Burial Detail.
Burial will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Servicemens Burial Detail.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Wellsboro Dispatched For Water Rescue

On May 7 at 1:31 pm. Wellsboro ambulance was dispatched to a water rescue at 124 Greenhouse Lane patient was in a pond for over an hour he is breathing but hypothermic. Fire Dept. was also dispatched but later cancelled because the patient was removed from the pond. Air medical is on standby
Floyd H. Stahl, Jr., 92, of Shinglehouse, PA.

Floyd H. Stahl, Jr., 92, of Shinglehouse, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.
Born on Saturday, November 8, 1930, in Harrisburg, he was a son of Floyd H. Sr. and Charlotte Weis Stahl.
After graduating from high school, Floyd served honorably in the US Marines. After his service to his country, he was employed as a photolithographer, laying out pictures in magazine articles.
Surviving are three daughters, Constance L. (Terry) MacNeill of Landenberg, Nancy A. (Kevin) Bradshaw of Marietta, California, and Jean S. Stahl of Placentia; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Floyd was predeceased by his parents.
Private graveside burial services will be held in the Bell Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Floyd’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer Ambulance Service, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Floyd entrusted his care and funeral arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Floyd, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Smoker’s Insane Terrain Off-Road Park 2023 Events

Smoker’s Insane Terrain Off-road Park
The Cameron County Mud Run is just around the corner, time to get your vehicles wrapped up, it’s almost time to race!
Only 3 weekends left till it’s go time.
3rd annual Cameron County Mud Run
Head-to-head timed race around the course and mud bog. There will be payouts for 1st place for both race and the bog. SUV’s, trucks, jeeps are all welcome, after races the track will be open to have fun. Mega trucks are welcome to come play also.
Cost for admission is $10 spectators’ kids 10 and under are free and $15 for drivers.
Vinny and the Mud Flaps will be playing live music during the event.
Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Smoker’s Insane Terrain Off-Road Park
89 Sizer Run Road, Emporium, PA. 15834
https://www.facebook.com/events/500514325575038
List of events for 2023
May 20th.
Listed above.

June 17th
Mud race and bog small trucks
Music by Six Pak, Frakus, Vinny & the Mudflaps, tv Blonde!
https://www.facebook.com/events/862402164839798

July 2nd
Smash & Dash Car Race/ Tire Pull Car Race
All details listed at the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/events/756404902649422

Aug 5th Smash and Dash Car Race
Follow their FB page for updates and details
https://www.facebook.com/Smokers-Insane-Terrain-Off-road-Park-104844128913058

Sept 16th Mega Truck Event
Follow their FB page for updates and details
https://www.facebook.com/Smokers-Insane-Terrain-Off-road-Park-104844128913058
A summer full of fun, mud and music!
Please share with your friends!
POSTED BY CAMERON COUNTY AT MAY 07, 2023
Wildcat Weekly Highlights
38Weekly2022-23/May 1-7

Penn College lacrosse season ends; baseball, softball playoffs set
Men’s lacrosse season at Pennsylvania College of Technology ended in the United East semifinals, the college’s softball and baseball teams closed out their regular seasons and enter playoffs this coming week, tennis and esports coaches reflected on their recently completed seasons and The CATS are loose as the 2022-23 school year nears a finish.
MEN’S LACROSSE
When the Wildcats lost to SUNY Morrisville in the regular season, they staged a late comeback that cut a 10-goal deficit to five at the finish. That was not the case on Wednesday.
Vote Angela Milford For Potter County Sheriff
ELECT FOR POTTER COUNTY SHERIFF

My name is Angela Milford, and I am a Republican candidate running for the position of Potter County Sheriff. I was born and raised and have worked in this area my entire life. I have worked for Potter County government for approx. 29 years in the jail. I was a Corrections Officer and was moved up into management of Deputy Warden and now Warden for approx. 14 years of that. I work very closely with the Sheriff’s Department and am very familiar with their role. I am being endorsed by the current Sheriff, Glenn Drake. He has expressed to me his desire and intention, should I be elected, to stay on with the department in a part-time capacity, which will assist me in my transition into this new job. The role of Sheriff has many different aspects with much of it being administrative and delegating other functions to deputies. I do some parts of the administrative tasks already in assistance to their department such as coordinating transports, going on transport, taking care of extradition requirements and many other tasks. I am confident I will be able to jump into this position and take it on. I do understand and know there will be training that I need to attend and look forward to learning. I believe I am the best candidate for this position as I am motivated by a desire to help people. I am firm but I am also fair. I hope you will vote for me as your next Sheriff. I would appreciate my democratic friends to write me in also. Thank you.
Paid for by the candidate.
Potter County Commissioner Nancy J. Grupp Announces Re-Election Bid

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.”
Paid For By The Candidate
Top-seeded Penn College softball team has point to prove
One year ago, Pennsylvania College of Technology softball coach Angela Stackhouse had her team in the same position entering the United East Conference playoffs as it is this year: regular-season champion, top seed and tournament host.
Unfortunately, wet weather forced what was to have been a double-elimination tournament into a one-loss-and-you-are-out event, and her Wildcats made an early exit after going 1-1 as Penn State Berks walked away with the championship trophy.
“I am extremely happy that we are in the exact same situation again, just because last year’s format got changed to a one-day single-elimination tournament. This year, we are looking forward to having that full four-team, double-elimination bracket going,” Stackhouse said of action that begins Monday morning at Elm Park.
“This team has been hungry since that day last year. They knew in their hearts that they felt they were the best team, and we are definitely looking to prove that point this year,” Stackhouse said.
Penn College (20-4 UE, 28-8 overall) will open against fourth-seed PS Abington (14-10, 20-14) at 10 a.m. Monday. Following at noon will be second-seed Penn State Berks (19-5, 24-8) against third-seed Penn State Harrisburg (15-9, 23-15).
PennDOT Elk County Maintenance work schedule for the week of May 08-May 12, 2023
Ridgway, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Elk County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of May 08 through May 12, 2023,
weather permitting. Motorists should travel with extra caution in these and all work areas. Motorists should be aware that due to the nature of highway maintenance and emergency work, crews could be working on any highway at any time of the day or night.
Elk County 0280
Signs:
● State Route: Various Routes County wide
Crack Sealing:
● State Route: 1003 (Washington St., St. Marys)
● State Route: 1008 (West Creek Rd., St. Marys)
Bridge Cleaning:
● State Route: 2004 (Quehanna Hwy.)
● State Route: 3001 (Belltown)
● State Route: 120 (Mohan Run Area)
McKean & Cameron County’s “Wild” Envirothon Held May 4th

The ‘Wild’ Envirothon was held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 hosted by the Veterans Memorial in Port Allegany. The Envirothon began in 1989 in McKean County. 95 students from both Cameron and McKean Counties that included Cameron County High School, Bradford High School, Kane Area High School, Otto-Eldred High School, Port Allegany High School, and Smethport Area High School participated in the event.
During this hands-on competition, students may be asked to measure a tree…identify a frog or toad call…or determine soil erosion potential according to a soil survey. They work as a 5-member team to answer questions, and use their critical thinking to find solutions to reality-based situations.
Partners helping to make the day possible included DCNR Bureau of Forestry, PA Game Commission, USDA Natural Resources & Conservation Service, McKean County Court of Common Pleas, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford as well as staff and volunteers from the Cameron and McKean County Conservation Districts.
The event was sponsored by McKean and Cameron County Conservation Districts, International Waxes, Upper Allegheny Watershed Association, Zook Motors, Lafayette Township, Dresser Pipeline Solutions, Kiwanis Club of Bradford, Kane Save A Lot, Pine Valley Nurseries, Ardagh Glass Packaging Team Minard Screen Printing & Embroidery, American Refining Group, Inc., Pine Haven Vet Clinic, Kessel Construction Company, Veteran’s Memorial of Port Allegany, Miller-Raffaele VFW Auxiliary Post 6221, North Point Contracting, Solveson Contracting, Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities, May Hollow Sportsmen, Cameron County Vet’s club, McKean County E-Sales, Emporium Food Market, J. Ream Engineering, Sinnemahoning Sportsman Association, Emporium Hardwoods, and IUE-CWA Union Workers of G.E. Motor Coils of Emporium
Overall Winning Team and first place McKean County: Bradford Bees – Amber Eschrich, Steven Williams, Sydney Hamer, Lilly Kemick, Cecily Bell and Advisor Jan Russell. Second place McKean County team: The Cubs from Kane – Lily Williams, Paige Lehman, Jess Stear, Anna Meyers, Ben Walter and Advisors Nick Byron and Lindsey Hottel. Third Place Screech Owls from Bradford – Lillian Erickson, Joseph Bukowski, Emmy Kemick, Andrew Magee, Landon Lohrman and Advisor, Rich Bierbower. Amber Eschrich from the Bradford Bees was also recognized for participating in the “Wild” Envirothon for the 4th year.
The Bradford Bees will go on to represent McKean County at the State Envirothon to be held May 24th at Camp Mt. Luther in Mifflinburg.
Clermont Dispatched For Side-By-Side Rollover With Injuries on Bloomster Hollow

At 12:39 AM on Sunday, Clermont Fire Dept., Hamlin QRS 20 & Mt. Jewett ambulance dispatched to 919 Bloomster Hollow Road for a side by side ATV rollover crash with partial ejection.
A 45 year old male was trapped under the machine, but is now out from under it. Responders reporting severe head injury. Air medical checking weather. Hamlin Twp. & Smethport to set up LZ at Rt. 6 & Clermont Road for Mercyflight. Kane Medic is also enroute.
Coudersport Area Education Association held its 1st Annual 5K Fun Run

The Coudersport Area Education Association held its 1st Annual 5K Fun Run on Saturday, April 29th , with all proceeds funding the scholarships that are handed out to graduating seniors from Coudersport High School. The race participants completed a 3.1 mile loop that started at Coudersport Elementary School, continued around Coudersport High School and then finished back at the elementary school. A Fun Run/obstacle course was also held for children ages 9 and under. Despite the rain, there was a great group of enthusiastic participants and volunteers of all ages, who had a lot of fun encouraging and cheering each other on. Top finishers were: Overall 1st place, James Nichols (21:28), 2nd place, Simon Rohrer (25:14), and 3rd place, Steve Erway (25:16). Age Bracket winners were: (Age 12 and under) 1st – Kary Oliver, 2nd – Knox Linden, 3rd – Sadie Russell; (Ages 13-17) 1st-Chase Williams, 2nd Leroy Davis; (Ages 18-29) 1st – Breanna Nichols, 2nd – Cheyenne Williams, 3rd – Tiffany Plumstead; (Ages 30-39) 1st – John Tate, 2nd – Greg Oliver, 3rd – Jim Chambers; (Ages 50-59) 1st – Lynette Howard, 2nd – Marie Russell, 3rd – Leslie Easton; (Age 60+) 1st – Jan Brown, 2nd – Pam Simcoe, 3rd – Sandi Potocki.
A big thanks goes out to the Coudersport PTSA, who organized the Kids Fun Run, donated supplies and ran the water station. Our Gold Sponsors, who contributed $100 or its value towards this event include Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy, UPMC Cole, E&G Auto Plus, and Edward Jones. Other supporting businesses/organizations include Rainbow Paradise Trout Farm, Always in Bloom, Phoenix Physical Therapy, Main Street Events, Coudersport Borough Police, and EMT Kelly Beck. Thanks to all who supported this event and we look forward to running this event again next year!




















