Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContactCapitol Update Friday, July 21, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. EMS Task Force Set to Meet Thursday  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. this 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. The McKean County Department of Emergency Services is located at 17175 U.S. Route 6, Smethport. Bradford Senior Citizens Expo Aug. 4  Please join us on Friday, Aug. 4, for the Bradford Senior Citizens Expo! Open to senior citizens and their family members and caregivers, the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Sports and Fitness Gymnasium, Campus Drive, Bradford. The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. State, county and local exhibitors will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions about a variety of issues. Health screenings will also be offered, and door prize drawings will be held at 12:30 p.m. If you can’t make it this time, mark your calendar for additional expos scheduled later this year. We’ll be at the Kane Community Center on Friday, Sept. 8, and the Roulette Fire Hall on Friday, Oct. 13. Both events run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the senior expos, contact the Bradford office at 814-362-4400. Information is also available at RepCauser.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepCauser. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the expo, our offices in Bradford and Kane will be closed all day on Friday, Aug. 4. The office in Coudersport will remain open and may be reached by calling 814-274-9769. Come See Us at the Potter County Fair!  The Potter County Fair starts next weekend, and once again, my office will have a table set up offering a variety of brochures and booklets about state programs and services, as well as state maps. The table will be staffed in the evenings from Monday, Aug. 1, through Friday, Aug. 5. Please stop by!! More information about the fair schedule is available here. Grants Awarded in Eldred  Eldred residents will benefit from much-needed water and sewer line improvements thanks to state grants totaling nearly $8.5 million. A grant of $4.67 million was awarded to the borough of Eldred to replace approximately 9,650 feet of existing sanitary sewer collection pipe. Additionally, the Barden Brook and Shields pump stations, last upgraded in 1996 and 2003 respectively, will be replaced. A grant of $3.79 million was awarded to the Eldred Borough Water Authority to replace approximately 9,600 feet of existing distribution waterline with polyvinyl chloride waterline. A dozen fire hydrants are also set to be replaced. Work on both projects will coincide with the paving of State Route 446 by PennDOT to minimize construction impacts in the community. The grants were awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. Bill to Help Prevent Medicaid Fraud Advances  Working to protect taxpayer dollars, a bill to help prevent fraud within the Medicaid program has been approved by the House Human Services Committee. House Bill 876 would require any Medicaid provider to use a National Provider Identifier (NPI) when submitting claims for reimbursement. The NPI is a unique identification number for covered health care providers mandated by federal law. If the provider does not have an NPI, they would be required to register for a State Provider Identifier (SPI) with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The bill also would clarify where civil claims for Medicaid fraud can be filed. Both initiatives were recommended as part of a grand jury investigation of the state’s Medicaid program. The bill is pending consideration by the full House. PennDOT Seeking Workers for Winter Maintenance Program  While we are still feeling the summer heat, PennDOT is preparing for cooler temperatures by gearing up for its winter maintenance program. Positions available may include CDL equipment operators, mechanics, dispatchers, tradesman helpers and semi-skilled laborers. The positions pay between $15.88-$22.80 an hour. The winter maintenance program runs from September through April. Anyone wishing to apply should visit www.employment.pa.gov and go to the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program posting under the “Open Jobs” section of the website. Fee Reduction to Help PA Families Save for Future Education Expenses  Pennsylvanians looking to save for their child’s future education expenses will see a reduction in operational fees for the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Investment Plan (IP).The reduction will save PA 529 IP account owners an estimated $579,000 over the next year. The PA 529 IP offers a variety of portfolios for families to choose from, including target enrollment date options that automatically reallocate assets as a child approaches their anticipated date of enrollment. PA 529 accounts are designed to help Pennsylvania families steadily and strategically save for future educational expenses – including costs associated with universities, community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships and K-12 education – all with significant state and federal tax advantages. For more information about saving for education with PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. |
Frederick G. Andreano, 75, of Port Allegany, PA
Frederick G. Andreano, 75, of Port Allegany, PA passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday (July 20, 2023) at his residence in Port Allegany.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Nancy J. Yeager, 85, Eldred, PA
Nancy J. Yeager, loving wife, mother, grandma and GG, died Saturday (July 15, 2023).
She was born on Sept. 20, 1937 in Kane, and was the daughter of Robert and Agnes Schneller. On June 16, 1956, she married the love of her life, Robert E. “Bob” Yeager, who survives, along with Julie A. Yeager and Steven E. Yeager (Amy Hill).
Nancy had a professional work history in banking as a teller & bookkeeper in San Antonio, Texas, Smethport & Bradford. She also worked as a cashier at Jubilee in Bradford alongside Helen Hill (mother of Amy). She finally retired from The Engine Doctors, a family-run business in 2001.
Due to Bob being in the Air Force for 22 years, Nancy was able to be a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed traveling and the many adventures they had. Nancy was an active salt and pepper shaker collector and loved to crochet. She enjoyed attending every event or activity involving her family and grandchildren.
Nancy has several granddaughters as well as great-grandchildren: Kimberly (Josh) Bolibaugh, son (Dakota) & daughter (Natalee); Tamra Yeager (Jeff Baker), daughter (Olivia); Brittney Yeager (Cullen Playter); Brandi (Korby) Evans, daughters Addison & Hazel. Nancy is also survived by her brother Larry (Donna) Schneller of Cyclone; and several nieces/nephews and grandnieces/nephews.
Friends will be received on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at the Frame Funeral Home, Eldred, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at which time funeral services will be held with the Rev. Thomas E. Brown officiating. Entombment will take place in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.
Epiphany has just received a $6.1 million loan
Aborted Epiphany PA Wastewater Plant Resurrected w/PENNVEST Loan
CLARION COUNTY | INDUSTRYWIDE ISSUES | PENNSYLVANIA | WASTEWATER
July 20, 2023–Marcellus Drilling News
We love a good “back from the dead” story. In 2017 Epiphany Water Solutions (aka Epiphany Environmental, LLC) filed for a permit to build a centralized oil and gas wastewater treatment facility in Coudersport (Potter County), PA (see Shale Wastewater Treatment Plant Planned for Potter County, PA). The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a public hearing on the proposed facility in January 2018. From that time on, the environmental left launched a smear campaign to defeat it, which subsequently happened in April 2018. But what’s this? Epiphany has just received a $6.1 million loan from the Gov. Shapiro administration to build a similar (same?) plant several counties away–in Clarion County, PA.
Please Login to view this content. (Not a member? Join Today!)
Storm Leaves Austin Without Electricity
Austin Volunteer Fire Department
Last evening a large storm system moved across the area. Station 44 was dispatched at 21:08 for a Tree Down on Power Line with Transformer involved in the Austin Boro. Causing a power outage for the entire Boro.
All Chief & Line Officers responded.
At 21:13 Station 44 was again dispatched for a report of multiple trees down blocking the roadway in Keating Township near the Austin Dam.
Capt 44 (A.Bothell), Chief 44-70 (S.Orlowski) and Patrol 44-24 with Chief 44-10 (J.Burgett) and Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) responded to to the first incident. Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) was first on scene reporting roadway completely blocked. PSP on scene. Roadway was closed.
Patrol 44-4 with Chief 44-30 (S.Hostetlar) responded to the second incident. Chief 44 (J.Rooney) and Lt. 44 (S.Foringer) cleared multiple trees while responding to this incident, and met with Patrol 44-4 to clear additional trees near Jones Run. Once roadway was cleared all units returned to 1st incident.
Patrol 44-24 set up for traffic control on the North side of the incident, while Patrol 44-4 set up flares to mark detour route, Rescue 44-8 with Lt. 44 (S.Foringer) responded to direct traffic South of the incident.
At 22:43 Station 44 was dispatched for a Medical in the Austin Boro. Ambulance 44-6 with Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) responded. Penndot relieved Rescue 44-8 who then responded to assist on scene.
At 23:24 Station 44 was dispatched for a second medical in the Austin Boro. Ambulance 44-7 with Lt.44 (S.Foringer) responded.
As of 00:07 Patrol 44-24 and Chief 44 (J.Rooney) remained on scene of the first incident controlling traffic, all other units were back in quarters.
As of 06:25 this morning, Station 44 was dispatched yet again for a Medical in the Austin Boro. Ambulance 44-6 with Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks), Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) and Chief 44-70 (S.Orlowski) responded.
During the night Patrol 44-24 was relieved by Penndot. At this time all units are in quarters and available.
As of 09:00 the entire Austin Boro remains without power, with no confirmed ETA for restoration. SR872 remains closed. Detour remains in place, PennDot remains on scene directing traffic.
The Potter County Farmers Market Friday, July 21st
The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, July 21st. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
[NOTICE: If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]
BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market rain or shine with BLACK RASPBERRIES. They have a short growing season so be sure to get them now! We will also have Romaine lettuce, snap peas, snow peas, cucumbers, assorted herb plants and more. We accept cash, credit cards, and SNAP. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com , 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com
CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the Farmers Market on July 21. There will be Artisan bread selections , baguettes, cinnamon bread, and several items of baked goods, for breakfast, and dessert. Each week there is at least 1 surprise item. Fresh Brown eggs from our hen house will be in the cooler. If you have a request now or in the future, please contact me. Or call our home. Home 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net
MIKE THOMPSON will be a vender this week. Bringing Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Beets and Greens, rhubarb, Candy Onions, Dill Weed and Lettuce. Also Rough Rider Brand Knives and Knife Sharpening while you shop other venders. Accepting FMNP Checks.
JOANIE’S APIARY plans to attend this week with our Local Raw honey and beeswax products
HOPPE LR FARMS will have some creamed honey at the same table as Joanie’s Apiary
CARING CRAFTS will be attending the Market. We have a variety of patterns for our Homemade Travel Pillows. A variety of plastic canvas ornament/magnet pieces that include; NFL logos, character theme, military signs, animals, etc.. Stop by and see us and don’t forget to like/ message us your special order on Facebook @ Caring Crafts. We accept cash payments. Hope to see everyone there!
Think About It.
Traps
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
The other night I walked into the bedroom at my daughter’s house and found my dog on the bed with something between her front paws. After closer review and to my horror I found that she’d found a glue mouse trap and it was stuck to her feet and the bed. Thankfully she didn’t have it stuck to her face as well. As I went to work freeing her, I also became entangled in the sticky mess. Needless to say, I wasn’t thrilled, but it did make me think.
There are many traps in life that can ingulf us in a mountain of trouble and heartache that we never saw coming. Like the glue trap, they can stick to every part of our life and have a devastating effect upon everyone we associate with, both family and friends. That seemingly little indiscretion, that one more drink, or a simple decision that changes the course of our life forever. They each can and will have lasting and profound effects.
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Lady Macbeth is heard mumbling, “Out damn spot, out”, but the problem is she has spilled blood and it won’t come out. Like glue it sticks to her hands to torment and accuse. No amount of washing will change it, the memory and consequences follow her for a lifetime. And so it goes. A little poor choice here, a little there and soon we’re caught up in something that we can’t be separated from.
I’d like to say that I’ve lived a perfect life, but I haven’t. I have made many choices that I regret today. I can’t go back and change them and some, like the glue, are still stuck to me and I can’t get rid of them. But I have learned that they can be redeemed if you let them. When I read the Scriptures, I find many of God’s people who did terrible things, yet God still used them. Why? Simply because they weren’t defined by what they did, but rather by who God is. Saint Paul said that “all things work together for those who are called by God and according to His purpose”, (Romans 8:28). Sometimes the simple solution to dealing with the glue that’s got you stuck is to simply lean into God. He has a way of getting us unstuck. Think about it.
Aaron Davis Sentenced To 75 to 150 Years In State Prison for Sex Offenses With A Minor Child
(SMETHPORT, Pennsylvania, July 20, 2023): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that former Bradford and Port Allegany man Aaron DAVIS – convicted in January of 84 counts including Unlawful Contact with a Minor, Obscene Materials to a Minor, and Child Pornography – was sentenced to a period of state incarceration of 75 years to 150 years during a sentencing hearing today at the McKean County Courthouse.
United Way 25th Annual Pig Roast Pig Pass Day
July 21, 2023 — The United Way of the Bradford Area’s 25th Annual Pig Roast & Clam Bake, is coming on Thursday, August 31st beginning at 5:30 pm at the Bradford Township Lions Club with live music by Dan Roche and Dave Morris
The event serves as the celebratory kick-off for the United Way’s annual campaign with signature sponsor, Northwest Bank.
On Friday, July 21, 2023, there will be 100 tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis, in-person purchase only, for $25.00 each at the United Way office, located at 161 Main Street, Bradford PA from 8 a until 2pm. Tickets are limited to 6 per customer.
On Monday, July 24th, 2023 you will be able to begin purchasing tickets for $45.00 per person, 50/50 raffle tickets for $5.00 per ticket, and raffle items will also be available at the event. To know more about the annual Pig Roast and Clam Bake, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram or call 814-368-6181
Carol J. Wenzel, 77, of Coudersport, formerly of Warren, PA
Carol J. Wenzel, 77, of Coudersport, formerly of Warren, PA passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, in UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport, after a short 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.
Donald E. CHAPMAN, 96, of Mills, PA
Donald E. CHAPMAN, 96, of Mills, PA, died Tuesday, July 18, 2023 in his home.
Born May 25, 1927, in Belvidere, NY, he was the son of Anson Daniel and Margaret Hile Chapman. On December 24, 1950, in West Bingham, he married the former Norma L. Patterson, who predeceased him on December 24, 2020.
A World War II Veteran, he served honorably with the U.S. Navy from July 31, 1944 – February 9, 1950 in the Pacific Theatre.
He was employed by Penelec for 33 years, retiring in 1987.
Don was a life member of Carl E. Hyde American Legion Post #963 in Ulysses and Howard S. Lines VFW Post #6753 in Knoxville.
Kevin J. Crowley, 28, of Nichols Run Road, Limestone, NY
Kevin J. Crowley, 28, of Nichols Run Road, Limestone, NY passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, in Pittsburgh.
Born September 20, 1994, in Bradford, he was a son of Joseph F. and DiAnne M. (Greek) Crowley.
Kevin was a 2013 graduate of Allegany-Limestone High School, and received his certification in Media-Entertainment from BOCES.
He formerly worked at Cutco, and Holiday Valley Ski Resort as a lift operator.
Kevin loved his family, and friends, but most of all his son Patrick.
He enjoyed being outside and doing things with his hands like woodworking, welding, bike riding, skateboarding, living off the land, and spending time with his Dalmation “Pongo”. He loved trains and rode them whenever he could. He was a free spirit that loved life on his own terms.
Surviving are his parents, Joe and DiAnne Crowley, one son, Patrick Woodarek, Patrick’s mother Jaimie Woodarek, one brother, Kyle (Danelle) Crowley, two nephews, Karson and Landon Crowley, his grandmother, Janet Crowley, two aunts, Harriett Pritchard, Lynn (Tony) Height, two uncles, Tom (Marilyn) Greek, and Mike (Holly) Crowley, and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James Crowley, and his maternal grandparents, Harry L. and Margaret Greek.
Family will receive friends on Sunday August 27, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Limestone Community Center. At 3:00 pm funeral services will be held with Rev. Eric Kessell, Pastor of the Farmersville Baptist Church, officiating.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Limestone Volunteer Fire Department.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Paul R. Whitman, 75, Shinglehouse, PA
“beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother”
SHINGLEHOUSE – Paul R. Whitman passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on July 17th, 2023, at UPMC Cole in Coudersport, PA, after a courageous battle with leukemia.
He was born on April 1st, 1948, to Stanley and Janet (Potter) Whitman in Buffalo, NY. Paul was a graduate of Depew High School in Depew, NY.
Throughout his life, Paul was renowned for his exceptional cooking skills, and he dedicated much of his working career to leading kitchens at various establishments. He had the privilege of working at some of the area’s finest private Country Clubs and numerous other restaurants. Notably, Paul and his wife Linda also embarked on their own culinary journey together, opening and running Paul’s Little Town Blues in Olean, NY.
Leroy J. “Buck” Himes, 88, of St. Marys, PA
Leroy J. “Buck” Himes, 88, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Elk Haven Nursing Home surrounded by his family following a short illness.
He was born on October 19, 1934 in Ridgway, a son of the late Burton and Lillian Wolff Himes.
On May 22, 1954, in Daguscahonda, he married the late Alice “Dixie” Groll Himes, who preceded him in death on April 20, 2018. Together they shared more than 63 years of marriage.
