Animal cruelty and kidnapping arrest in Fillmore
01 July 2023

NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Eugene J. Staniszewski
Troop A Commander
PRESS RELEASE
On June 29, 2023 the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Amity arrested Jeremy J. Vankuren, 33 of Fillmore, NY for Kidnapping 2nd degree (B Felony), Aggravated Animal Cruelty (E Felony), Menacing 3rd degree (B Misdemeanor), Torturing/Injuring Failure to Provide Sustenance (A Misdemeanor) and Obstruction of Governmental Administration (A Misdemeanor).
On June 28, 2023, Troopers out of SP Amity received a complaint of possible animal cruelty. Investigation determined that Vankuren had people at his residence on County Route 23 in the town of Hume on June 19, 2023.
Allegedly during that time, Vankuren forcefully restrained a 28-year-old victim to a chair outside the residence. Vankuren then took his red nosed pitbull and put it into a burning barrel in front of the victim. The victim was held against their will for multiple hours.
The Bureau of Criminal Investigation executed a warrant at the Vankuren residence and located the burned deceased dog and other items relating to the incident.
Vankuren was arrested and processed at SP Amity. Vankuren was arraigned at the town of Hume Court. Vankuren was remanded to the Allegany County Jail in for $20k cash and $40k bond with a return date of July 13, 2023.
This is still an ongoing criminal investigation.
The Allegany County District Attorney’s Office and the Allegany County SPCA assisted in this investigation.
Caleb Elias Goforth, 43, of Elkland, Pennsylvania

Caleb Elias Goforth, 43, of Elkland, Pennsylvania passed suddenly on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Caleb was born in Renton, Washington on November 21, 1979, the day before Thanksgiving. Caleb moved with his family to Wellsboro, Pennsylvania in March 1989. He graduated from Wellsboro Area High School in June of 1998 and then after a short jaunt to Seattle, he joined the Marines.
He fought in Iraq and came home. He went to college in Indiana, PA and worked as a diesel mechanic for Genesee & Wyoming Railroad.
Caleb married Madeleine Hodge in 2017, cared greatly for his stepson, Alex, and completed his family with the arrival of his daughter, Peyton Camille.
Caleb was proud of his service in the Marines and greatly enjoyed working for the railroad. He enjoyed playing pool with the leagues, riding his dirt bike and golfing. At family gatherings, we could count on Caleb to keep the fire going. He liked creating a fireworks show and was absolutely the best at it.
Caleb is survived by his wife, Madeleine, his stepson, Alex and his daughter, Peyton. He is also survived by his parents, Renee and Karl Hider, his sisters: Alexis (Lon) Savini; Poppy (Jared) Breining and Jessi Hider, and his brothers: Silas Goforth and Wesley (Cat) Hider; his many nieces and nephews, his maternal grandparents, Clyde & Theo Derting, his many aunts and uncles and cousins both here and out West, his grandmother, Kathleen Hider, as well as his wife’s grandparents: Jerry and Susan Metzler, whom he loved. He is also survived by his biological father, Herschel Goforth, his Aunt Nancey and his Uncle Jerry.
Friends and family are invited to pay tribute to Caleb’s life from 1-3pm Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, followed by military honors at 3pm.
To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
Alice Nielson Steis, 96, St. Marys, PA

Alice Nielson Steis, 96 years old, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 30, 2023 at her home, surrounded by family.
Born June 12, 1927 to the late Walter and Margaret Nielson at their home in Johnsonburg PA, she graduated from Johnsonburg High School in 1945, where she was class president and head cheerleader.
Employed in the office of Pure Carbon Company where she met the love of her life, Harry (Hal) Steis who had recently returned home from the Navy. Married in 1949 in Johnsonburg Methodist Church, they were married for 62 years until Hal’s passing. Hal built a home on Taft Road in 1952, the first home on that road, were they raised their five children.
Active in her local Methodist Church, she held many different offices including financial secretary for over 50 years. With the help of her church family, she collected and delivered thousands of stuffed animals to a summer camp near Eldrid for inner city young children over a period of 14 years. She also shopped for Elk Haven residents until Covid and as she put it ” I enjoyed shopping for the old people.” Many people may remember her as the hostess for the local merchants’ Welcome Wagon program for new residents during the 1960s and 70s.
Alice is preceded in death by sisters Dorothy and Jean; three brothers, Walter, Robert, and Donald Neilson, granddaughter, Abby Horchen, and grandson, Ryan Steis.
She is survived by three daughters; Janet (Ron) Fiele, Sharon (Michael) Herzing, Laura (James) Horchen; two sons, Dr. Robert (fiancée Angela) Steis, Roger (Doreen) Steis; nine grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for Alice L. Steis will be held at the St. Marys Methodist Church pavilion at a later date.
Memorials Contributions mav be made to the St. Marys Methodist Church.
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.lynchgreenfuneral.com
Gerald “Jake” Hallock, 72, of Wellsboro, PA

Gerald “Jake” Hallock, 72, of Wellsboro, PA passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023, at UPMC Soldiers and Sailors in Wellsboro.
He was born February 7, 1951, in Bradford, PA to Charles Marion and Freida (Deivert) Hallock.
Jake graduated from Wellsboro High School in the class of 1969. He was a manager for Cisco Systems, Inc.
He thoroughly enjoyed life, was an avid motorcyclist and enjoyed walking through Wellsboro with his friend Geoff Coffee. He was a sports enthusiast and coached baseball, basketball, and football, and loved playing ball himself, the competition, the companionship, his teammates and his friends. A favorite pastime was smoking cigars and drinking bourbon, especially on the beach.
Jake is survived by his mother: Freida Cox; two sons: Jacob Hallock (Sarah) of Littleton, CO, and Josh Hallock of Tioga; a daughter: Heather Covert (Lance) of Wellsboro; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two brothers: Roger and Jeff Hallock; and a sister: Kathy O’Neal. He was preceded in death by his father and a son: Luke Hallock.
His family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
Those wishing to make a donation in his memory are encouraged to remember the Second Chance Animal Rescue, 725 Gee Rd, Tioga, PA 16946. To share a memory or condolence with his family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
PA Dept. of Agriculture Weekly Roundup
Find out what’s been happening at PDA! Having trouble viewing this message? View web version. The opportunities within the Pennsylvania dairy industry remain limitless. Under Governer Shapiro’s leadership, the commonwealth — in strong partnerships with partners like the Center for Dairy Excellence, Legislature, and stakeholders — is investing in a long-lasting, strategic vision and ecosystem for dairy success. This infrastructure and its connections will have long-term benefits unique to Pennsylvania. And, with our incredible farmers at the core, Pennsylvania dairy will be cause for celebration long after dairy month has ended.Read More Shapiro Administration Releases Results Of Crop Samples Showing No Contamination On PA Farms Near Norfolk Southern Train Derailment Secretary Redding announced that samples from crops in Beaver and Washington Counties show no contamination stemming from the East Palestine, Ohio Norfolk Southern train derailment on February 3, 2023. Area producers requested testing of plant tissue to understand the full impact of the derailment on their agricultural products. In late April, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture technicians took tissue samples from triticale, grass, hay, spelts (grain), garlic, and blueberry bushes to determine levels of 26 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) present. Penn State University scientists tested the samples and found no compounds present above reportable limits for that substance. Results indicate that plant tissue is an unlikely source of exposure to SVOCs.Read More Governor Shapiro Announces Pennsylvania Will Receive $1.16 Billion in New Federal Funding to Expand Affordable, High-Speed Internet Access Across the Commonwealth Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth will receive more than $1.16 billion in federal funding to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-speed internet. The funding is coming to Pennsylvania through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and is part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative. The BEAD funding will be used to extend broadband infrastructure to areas of the Commonwealth that currently lack access to reliable, high-speed internet. Thanks to this significant investment, the Shapiro Administration will now have the resources it needs to connect Pennsylvanians to the internet and ensure they can go to school, start and grow businesses, and access telemedicine no matter where they live.Read MoreUSDA to conduct annual potato processing surveyThe U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is encouraging potato producers and agribusinesses to respond to the Annual Potato Processing survey. Potato processors make up a significant share of the United States economy. In recent years, the majority of potatoes grown within the U.S. were utilized for processing, and most potato exports consisted of processed potatoes. The results of this survey will be used to establish final USDA statistics about the 2022 potato crop processing for official processing states. Data collected includes the total quantity of potatoes processed as chips, frozen french fries, other frozen, starch, flour, other dehydrated potatoes, canned potatoes, and other potato products.Read MoreNew Eligibility Guidelines For Free And Reduced School Meals Announced For The 2023-24 School Year The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released federal income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals and free milk for July 2023 – June 2024. Schools, and other institutions and facilities, use the guidelines to determine eligibility for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. Read More ![]() The deparment came together to celebrate Dr. Ruth Welliver in honor of her retirement after 33 years of public service with the Bureau of Plant Industry, most recently as the Director of the bureau.See More PennAg Industries Solutions and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture staff enjoyed a visit and tour of Melhorn Sales Service & Trucking to learn more about their great biosecurity measures and protocols.See More![]() A Susquehanna County farm was recently honored by American250PA. A replica Liberty Bell will live on the land that has been owned by the same Black family for over 200 years. Deputy Secretary Cheryl Cook and Michele Brookins from the Market Development team were in attendance and along with the leader of the Project JUST initiative.See More Members of the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council stopped by the office to meet with Secretary Redding and PDA staff in addition to touring the Plant Industry facility and Animal Health and Vet lab.See More The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture would like to extend a huge congratulations to Food Inspector, Channing Greenland. Channing was awarded the Association of Food and Drug Officials 2022 – 2023 Jacob Joseph Achievement Award for her hard work and leadership within the food safety field. This award is given out to just one person in the country each year and PDA is honored to have Channing as part of the Bureau of Food Safety.See More The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is working on an “Economic Impact Analysis of PA Organic Agriculture” with E-Consult Solutions. This in-depth research will uncover some of the challenges and opportunities for organic farming (and processing) and recommendations of ways that PDA can help to support farmers and processors interested in transitioning to USDA certified organic. We have held some meetings with producers and processors to gather input but need to hear from more producers and processors. If you are a producer or processor, please consider taking this short survey. The estimated time to complete the survey is approximately 15-20 minutes. Please complete the survey by Friday, July 21.Learn More As the weather warms and you start planning your summer cookouts, invest in your local economy and ensure the quality of your food by shopping local and buying from Pennsylvania farmers.Read BlogBuy Local |
Friendship Man Arrested After Domestic
Friendship Police Department
On June 29th 2023, at approximately 3:55 PM Officers of the Friendship Police Department were dispatched to a report of a domestic disturbance at Maple Grove Estates resulting in the arrest of James A. Moucha (58 YO) of Friendship N.Y. Moucha was charged with the following:
PL 145.05 E F 3 C CRIMINAL MISCHIEF-3RD (Felony)
PL 145.00 04 A M 4 C CRIM MIS 4:PREVENT EMERGENCY CALL (Misdemeanor)
Moucha was processed at FPD and arraigned before a Town Of Cuba justice where he was placed on pre trial release. Friendship PD was assisted by the NYSP. Moucha is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Lois Jane Piecuch, age 84, of Osceola, PA

Lois Jane Piecuch, age 84, of Osceola, PA passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Sheila’s Care Home in Mansfield, PA.
Born in Wellsboro, PA on November 21, 1938, she was a daughter to the late Ralph Earl and Blanche Howe (VanDusen) Mattison.
Lois married Edmond F. Piecuch and they were together for several years until his passing in March 1980.
She worked in the Cost department at Ingersoll-Rand which became Dresser-Rand and retired after 42 years. Lois was a member of the Osceola United Methodist Church; where she was the secretary for a few years, she was also a part of the United Methodist Women and she sang in the choir when the church had one.
She enjoyed horseback riding, camping, and boating on the lake. Lois also loved to travel when she was able to; she has visited every state and even a handful of countries like Australia and Switzerland. She had 2 beloved dogs, Lady and Dina, and several kittens throughout her life that she loved spending time with.
Lois is survived by her brother, Ralph Van (Mary) Mattison; nieces, JoAnna Mattison, Vanya (Greg) VanGorden, and Dawn Mattison; nephew, Mark Len Mattison(Amanda); great nieces, Janice VanGorden, Rihonna Mattison and Dianna Abbott; great nephews, Adam Abbott, Maddox Mattison, and Josh Abbott; great-great nephews, Alexander and Christopher Fuheur; and her friends at the Osceola United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by both her parents; her husband Ed; and brother, Len Jay Mattison.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to the Osceola United Methodist Church, 207 Holden St, Osceola, PA 16942. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc., www.kenyonfuneralhome.com
Shirley J. BELL, 65, of Westfield, PA

Shirley J. BELL, 65, of Westfield, PA, died Friday, June 30, 2023 in her home.
Born March 24, 1958, in Blossburg, she was the daughter of Benjamin and Effie Ruby Weeks Swan. She was married to Pamela M. Welch, who survives.
A member of Galeton Area High School class of 1976, she was employed by Truck-Lite in Wellsboro, Guthrie in Wellsboro, and NexTier in Mansfield.
Shirley enjoyed woodworking, camping, and making bonfires. She was known for her funny shenanigans.
Surviving besides her wife, Pam, are: two daughters, Kelly (Gene) Moody of Plumas Lake, CA and Betty Dent of Westfield; two step-sons, Zach (Kelly) Robinson and Zane Robinson, both of Pittsburgh; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Delbert (Peg) Swan of Elkland and Alvin (Denise) Swan of Westfield; two sisters, Frances (Al) Salvage of Auburn, NY and Beatrice Quiggle of Warren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two brothers, Elwood Weeks and Benjamin Weeks; and three sisters, infant Dorothy Swan, Clara Swan, and Ellen Emily Tillinghast.
Friends may call at Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA on Monday, July 3, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM, with a remembrance time following at 4:00 PM.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.
Barbara L. Freed, 86, a longtime resident of Genesee, PA

GENESEE, Pa.—Barbara L. Freed, 86, a longtime resident of Genesee, passed away at her daughter’s home in Emmaus, with her loving family by her side, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.
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.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContactCapitol Update Friday, June 30, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. Broadband Funding on the Way to PA ![]() The Commonwealth is set to receive more than $1.16 billion in federal funding to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet in unserved and underserved areas. Reliable, high-speed internet access is a necessity for business owners and employees who work remotely, for doctors and patients who use telemedicine, for teachers and students who learn from home, and all Pennsylvanians who wish to stay connected. The funding was awarded through the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and aims to ensure all Americans have access to broadband service by 2030. Grants through the program here will be administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. To ensure the funding is invested wisely, the authority is now working to complete a five-year action plan for Pennsylvania’s BEAD allocation, which must be submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration by Aug. 12. Visit the authority’s website to learn more. Veterans Services Available ![]() Area veterans are invited to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need. Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet. Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule is as follows: • Coudersport office: Thursday, July 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Coudersport office is located at 107 S. Main St. Please call 814-274-9769 to schedule an appointment. • Bradford office: Wednesday, July 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment. • Kane office: Wednesday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment. Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate. EMS Task Force Set to Meet ![]() Continuing the effort to find solutions to the state’s growing EMS crisis, I plan to convene our first EMS Task Force meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 27. The meeting will be held in person at the McKean County Department of Emergency Services in Smethport; however, people who are interested in participating but unable to attend in person will be able to join remotely. The task force is an offshoot of the EMS Town Meeting we held in May. Several people signed up for the task force following that meeting, but others who are interested are welcome to join in. All who plan to attend should RSVP to Rhonda Race in my office at rrace@pahousegop.com. Happy Independence Day!! ![]() I wanted to share a few important reminders as you plan to celebrate our nation’s independence. Fireworks are a great way to celebrate our independence, but with ongoing drought conditions the elevated risk of wildfires, the Office of State Fire Commissioner and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are urging us to leave the fireworks displays to the professionals this year. Low precipitation has dramatically increased the number of wildfires in the Commonwealth. There have already been 1,400 wildfires reported statewide so far in 2023, compared to 1,036 in all of 2022. This year’s wildfires have burned more than 8,500 acres, compared to 2,700 acres in 2022. Visit DCNR’s website for more information on wildfire danger, maps, forecasts and tips on reducing wildfire risks. If you are going to set off your own fireworks, be smart, be careful and be considerate of your neighbors. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission offers the following safety tips: • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, even sparklers. • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. • Never point or throw fireworks at another person. • Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited. • Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol or other substances that impair judgement or the ability to act quickly. For details about the state’s fireworks laws, click here. If you are traveling, check out www.511pa.com. Free and available 24 hours a day, the site provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. PennDOT will close its driver license service centers on Tuesday, July 4. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Have a safe and happy July Fourth! ![]() Fish for Free on Independence Day! On Tuesday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors! More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here. We All Scream for Ice Cream! ![]() This summer, you can beat the heat and get a sweet treat by visiting any of the 42 creameries that make up the 2023 Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail. Add to the fun by earning a commemorative stainless-steel ice cream scooper by accruing 600 points on your digital passport. Each ice cream shop check-in is worth 100 points. Simply stop in at six shops, make your purchase, and receive a four-digit code to “check-in” and accrue your points this summer. The trail is a partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and its PA Preferred® program, the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Tourism Office, and the Center for Dairy Excellence. The trail offers a delicious way to support Pennsylvania’s more than 5,200 dairy farm families and the small businesses that source from them while offering a unique opportunity to explore the Commonwealth by the scoop. A list of participating creameries is available here. |
G2 Earns 20 State Titles

Middle Row: Skyler Cooper, Addison Amidon, Addie Pilon, Cenadee Ainsworth, Shelby Chamberlain, Ava LaBella, Kallie Root
Back Row: Carly Reed, Catence Taylor, Ashley Oswald, Irelyn Rounsville
Missing from photo: Kennadie Beck, Mya Floravit, Ava Gentzyel, Emily Cobb, Eliana Curcio
G2 Gymnastics of Shinglehouse participated in the PA USAG State Championships for levels XCEL Silver, Gold, and Platinum, with twenty-four members representing G2 Gymnastics. G2 had the most successful State season since their opening in 2014. Out of the 24 G2 athletes, they brought home 90 individual awards including 20 individual State Titles, along with XCEL Platinum’s taking 2nd place in the Team Division out of over 50 eligible PA teams, just missing first place by 0.025 with only 5 athletes to account for scores. Team placements were not given for the Silver division though G2 came in 6th out of over 60 PA teams. The XCEL Silver and Platinum Team traveled to Lewisburg, PA while the XCEL Gold team traveled to State College, PA for their respective State championships.
Pennsylvania USAG State Title Holders:
RECALLS
House of Raeford Recalls Foster Farms Brand Mini Chicken Corn Dog Products Due to Possible Spoilage
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2023 – House of Raeford, a Nesmith, S.C., establishment, is recalling approximately 76,961 pounds of corn dog products due to possible spoilage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The mini chicken corn dogs were produced on April 24, 2023. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:
- 1.83-lb. resealable bag containing “FOSTER FARMS MINI CORN DOGS BITE-SIZED CHICKEN FRANKS DIPPED IN BATTER HONEY CRUNCHY FLAVOR” with lot codes 123114 and 223114 and best if used by date of 4/23/24.
The product subject to recall bears the establishment number “P- 9136” printed on the package. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
The problem was discovered after the firm notified FSIS that it received consumer complaints that the product had an odor, off appearance, and unpleasant taste.
Panamerican Foods, LLC Recalls Ineligible Pork and Beef Bean Stew Products Imported from Brazil
FSIS Announcement
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2023 – Panamerican Foods, LLC, a distributor and importer of record located in Kearny, N.J., is recalling approximately 4,978 pounds of the pork and beef bean stew products that were imported from an establishment in Brazil that is not eligible to export meat products to the United States, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following products are subject to recall, regardless of the product date [view labels]:
- 430g cans containing “Anglo Feijoada Pronta para servir”.
- 430g cans containing “Bordon Feijoada PRONTO PARA SERVIR”.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “76 S.I.F.” on the can. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
The problem was discovered when FSIS followed up on a referral from USDA’s Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance Program. The pork and beef bean stew products, which were imported from a Brazilian establishment not eligible to export meat products to the United States, were observed for sale in a retail store.
Recall of Everest Brand Sambhar Masala and Garam Masala in the U.S. Due to Possible Health Risk
Everest Food Products Private Limited of Gujarat, India has been notified by FDA that samples of their products, Sambhar Masala and Garam Masala, have tested positive for Salmonella. These products were not distributed by Everest Food Products Private Limited and they were not intended for distribution or sale in the US market. Amin Trading Agency LLC., Edison, NJ. sourced our products from Indian markets and distributed them in the US market. Amin Trading Agency LLC. is conducting a recall of these products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
Eliot Ness Fest Parade – You Can Be Part of History!

COUDERSPORT, PA — This year’s Eliot Ness Fest Parade is going to be one for the books – and there’s still time for you to be a part of it. This is anything but a run-of-the-mill parade! There will be prizes, all kinds of entertaining antics, and a dramatic finale that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
It steps off on Water Street at 4 pm Saturday, July 15, and progresses up Main Street into the festival’s epicenter at the courthouse square. “We first set out to make it more entertaining,” explained Greg Brink, parade chair for the Eliot Ness Fest Committee. “Then we were able add an audience participation element. And, finally, we added a ‘surprise’ grand marshal to lead our parade and a finale that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.”
Anyone who wants to join in on the fun has several options and there is no registration fee. Cash prizes will be awarded for best-dressed man, woman and child in a Roaring ‘20s theme – gangster, flapper, G-man, etc. Another popular category is best-decorated ATV.
Registrants are asked to use their imagination, with bonus points awarded for those who best match the Eliot Ness Fest themes. Local clubs/organizations and businesses are also welcome. Advance registration is required. Line-up will be on Water Street starting at 3 pm. For more information, send email to Greg Brink at moops03.gb@gmail.com.
Eliot Ness Fest (July 14-16) celebrates the career of the famous American crimefighter who lived out his final days in Coudersport. His 1950s book, “The Untouchables,” was written in Coudersport, spawning a popular TV series, blockbuster movie and an enduring American legend.
For details on the festival, visit eliotnessfest.com or the Eliot Ness Fest page on Facebook.













Shapiro Administration Releases Results Of Crop Samples Showing No Contamination On PA Farms Near Norfolk Southern Train Derailment Secretary Redding announced that samples from crops in Beaver and Washington Counties show no contamination stemming from the East Palestine, Ohio Norfolk Southern train derailment on February 3, 2023. Area producers requested testing of plant tissue to understand the full impact of the derailment on their agricultural products. In late April, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture technicians took tissue samples from triticale, grass, hay, spelts (grain), garlic, and blueberry bushes to determine levels of 26 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) present. Penn State University scientists tested the samples and found no compounds present above reportable limits for that substance. Results indicate that plant tissue is an unlikely source of exposure to SVOCs.
Governor Shapiro Announces Pennsylvania Will Receive $1.16 Billion in New Federal Funding to Expand Affordable, High-Speed Internet Access Across the Commonwealth Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth will receive more than $1.16 billion in federal funding to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-speed internet. The funding is coming to Pennsylvania through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and is part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative. The BEAD funding will be used to extend broadband infrastructure to areas of the Commonwealth that currently lack access to reliable, high-speed internet. Thanks to this significant investment, the Shapiro Administration will now have the resources it needs to connect Pennsylvanians to the internet and ensure they can go to school, start and grow businesses, and access telemedicine no matter where they live.
The deparment came together to celebrate Dr. Ruth Welliver in honor of her retirement after 33 years of public service with the Bureau of Plant Industry, most recently as the Director of the bureau.

A Susquehanna County farm was recently honored by
Members of the
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture would like to extend a huge congratulations to Food Inspector, Channing Greenland. Channing was awarded the Association of Food and Drug Officials 2022 – 2023 Jacob Joseph Achievement Award for her hard work and leadership within the food safety field. This award is given out to just one person in the country each year and PDA is honored to have Channing as part of the Bureau of Food Safety.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) is working on an “Economic Impact Analysis of PA Organic Agriculture” with E-Consult Solutions. This in-depth research will uncover some of the challenges and opportunities for organic farming (and processing) and recommendations of ways that PDA can help to support farmers and processors interested in transitioning to USDA certified organic. We have held some meetings with producers and processors to gather input but need to hear from more producers and processors. If you are a producer or processor, please consider taking this short survey. The estimated time to complete the survey is approximately 15-20 minutes. Please complete the survey by Friday, July 21.
As the weather warms and you start planning your summer cookouts, invest in your local economy and ensure the quality of your food by shopping local and buying from Pennsylvania farmers.





















