Owlett Takes a Stand for PA College Students
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) issued the following statement regarding his “no” vote on legislation that would provide $642 million in taxpayer funding to four state-related universities: Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln:
“First and foremost, my vote is about taking a stand for our students pursuing a higher education at these universities. Three of the four state-related institutions have said they will raise tuition regardless of how much money they receive from taxpayers.
“If funding from the state is not going to help make college more affordable for the students who choose to attend these universities, maybe we need to rethink the way we fund higher education and send the money directly to those students instead.
“I also voted ‘no’ because these institutions are not subject to the same level of Right to Know access as other state institutions. If they want to receive state taxpayer dollars, they need to be transparent and accountable.
“Finally, I voted ‘no’ on this bill because it sets a dangerous precedent when we choose to appropriate money to four private institutions in one bill. Each should have to stand on their own and earn the support of the General Assembly.”
Kersey Dispatched For Rollover Crash with entrapment
At 9:20 PM on Saturday, Kersey Fire & EMS has been dispatched to 215 Toby Road for a rollover passenger vehicle crash with entrapment. Patient is responsive but entrapped in the vehicle that is on its roof. Medevac 12 is enroute to the park. Extrication is in progress.
9:45 PM–Patient extricated, enroute to LZ.
PennDOT Potter and Cameron County Maintenance work schedule for the week of July 10 – July 14, 2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Potter and Cameron County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of July 10 – July 14, 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.
Cameron County 0240
Box Culvert Replacement: Detour in place until July 13th
- State Route: 4001 (Old West Creek Road)
Bridge Deck Sealing
- State Route: 4002 (Beechwood Road)
Patching:
- State Route: 120 (Elk County line to the intersection of Moore Hill Road)
Potter County 0260
Sign Repairs/Replacement:
- State Route: Various SR throughout County
Seal Coat: Expect Delays
- State Route: 49 (Intersection of 44 – North Hollow Road)
- State Route: 4009 (Baker Creek Road)
- State Route: 4013 (North Hollow Road)
Side Dozing:
- State Route: 244 (Coneville to Genesee)
- State Route: 4023 (Eleven Mile Road)
Spray Patching:
- State Route: 1011 (Hickox/Ulysses Road)
Roadside Mowing:
- State Route: 4001 (Sartwell Creek Road)
- State Route: 6 (Roulette to Coudersport)
Ditching:
- State Route: 1005 (Phoenix Road)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
Forest View Evergreen Tree Farms– Roadside Mowing
State Route: 449 (SR 6 intersection to SR 49 intersection)
State Route: 49 (SR 449 to North Hollow Road)
State Route: 4013 (North Hollow Road)
State Route: 1001 (Brooklyn Road)
Traffic control: Shadow Vehicle will be following the tractors as they mow along roadway.
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc– Roadway Repair
State Route: 6 (Port Allegany to Coudersport) Contractors will continue with roadway repairs and drainage upgrades.
Traffic control: Traffic along SR 6 will be utilizing flaggers during work hours; multiple work zones may be in project area.
Nestlerode Contracting Company, Inc– Bridge Replacement
State Route: 1011 (Hickox/Ulysses Road)
Traffic control: Detour will be in place, traffic will use State Route 1012 (Jackson Road), State Route 49, and State Route 1011.
LTT Trucking LLC– Bridge Replacement
State Route: 449 (Brookland Road)
Traffic control: Detour will be in place, traffic will use State route 49, State route 1008 (Cross Road) and State route 1001 (Fox Hill Road)
IA Construction Corp– Roadway Repair
State Route: Contractors will be applying an overlay.
Traffic control: Traffic along SR 4013 (North Hollow Road) will be utilizing flaggers during normal work hours; multiple work zones may be in project area.
Dean Construction LLC– Bridge Replacement
State Route: 44 (Intersection of Tennessee Road)
Traffic control: Bridge will be closed, and the temporary roadway will carry traffic around the work zone.
PennDOT McKean County Maintenance work schedule for the week of July 10 – July 14, 2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation McKean County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of July 10 – July 14, 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.
McKean County 0250
Sign Repairs and Upgrades:
- Various State Routes throughout the County
Mowing:
- Various State Routes throughout the County
Patching:
- State Route: 2001 (Seven Mile/Clermont Rd.)
- State Route: 1015 (Columbia Hill Rd.)
Crack Sealing:
- State Route: 6 (Port Allegany to Potter County Line)
Shoulder Cutting:
- State Route: 6 (Smethport to Port Allegany)
- State Route: 446 (Eldred to Farmers Valley)
- State Route: 155 (Eldred to Turtlepoint)
- State Route: 1002 (Champlin Hill Rd.)
Ditching:
- State Route: 246 (Looker Mt. Trail to Rixford)
Box Culvert Replacement: Detour in place starting July 14th to July 24th
- State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
Justin AGUGLIA, 49, of Clay, NY
Justin AGUGLIA, 49, of Clay, NY, died Saturday, July 1, 2023. Born March 19, 1974, in Buffalo, he was the son of Ken and Kathleen Feroleto Aguglia.
A graduate of Alfred State Architectural Engineering program, Justin was employed as a construction superintendent by S.J. Thomas Co. in Syracuse.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and building. He loved spending time with his family and will be forever missed.
Surviving are: his wife, Laura Phelps Aguglia; three children, Brayden, Camryn, and Ellygrace; his mother, Kathleen; sister, Cara (Thomas) Kiblin; nephew, Andrew Kiblin; niece, Danielle Kilbin; and many friends.
He was predeceased by his father.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Inmate Who Escaped From Quehanna Boot Camp Is In Custody
Ryan P. Sayers, District Attorney of Clearfield County
***UPDATE—Inmate is in custody***
BOLO from PSP Clearfield—
On 07/05/23 at 0151 hours, PSP Clearfield was notified by SCI QUEHANNA that inmate Joshua David LACKEY had escaped. LACKEY was last seen running into a wooded area near SCI QUEHANNA. LACKEY is currently believed to still be in the area near SCI QUEHANNA. LACKEY is a white male, 6’2″ approximately 200 pounds with brown hair and beard. LACKEY has three face tattoos one between his eyes and one at the bottom corner of each of his eyes in blue ink. Anyone with information is encouraged to call PSP Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
Weekly Roundup from PA Dept. of Agriculture
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| As the summer sun goes down, the lights go on at Pennsylvania’s 108 Agricultural Fairs. Fairgoers are busy making their checklists. They want to be sure they don’t miss an opportunity to taste their favorite fair foods, try their hand at the hay bale toss, and of course, hug their favorite farm animals. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with a slice of rural America, a Pennsylvania fair is one of the best places to do so.Blog |
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 Governor Shapiro Highlights Administration’s Plans to Expand Broadband Access Across Pennsylvania During Visit to Beaver County During a visit to the Carnegie Free Library in Beaver Falls, Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) discussed the Administration’s plans to use more than $1.16 billion in federal funds the Commonwealth will receive to expand broadband and ensure every Pennsylvanian can access the internet. The funding is through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding and is part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative. See More |
| Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend August Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments for and virtually attend a public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on Aug. 1, 2023. Topics for the upcoming meeting will include addressing public comments and discussing the following recommended topics:Food waste prevention and food recoverySurplus food recoveryCompostable food packing standardsRead More |
| Allegheny National Forest Announces Centennial GeoTrailExplore the Four Counties of the Forest to Find Geocaches The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announces a partnered centennial geocache trail now available on the Allegheny National Forest to commemorate the Forest’s 100th year since its establishment. In partnership with the Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council (Penn Soil RC&D), Allegheny National Forest presents the first official GeoTrail, encouraging the public to explore the Forest in a new way. Twenty-eight caches have been placed across the four counties of the Forest (Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren), with descriptions available here. Participants need to register, for free, online to access cache location descriptions, along with GPS coordinates. To log your findings, fill out the Allegheny National Forest Centennial GeoTrail Passport document found here. Use this sheet to record each cache’s code word and the date found. The code words relate to the benefits and purposes of the National Forest.Read More |
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 Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson visited the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to meet with Secretary Redding, deputy secretaries, and bureau staff about the Farm Bill. The Department shared its insight into existing Farm Bill programs and what programs might work for the Farm Bill that Congress is currently drafting.See More |
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| PA Organic Agriculture Survey 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 |
 Join Rodale Institute’s researchers and expert staff at their annual Organic Field Day to learn the latest results of our farming trials and visit nearly 20 demonstration stations on their 386-acre experimental farm.Learn More |
Ellen E. Evans, 83, of 410 Mill Street, Johnsonburg, PA
Ellen E. Evans, 83, of 410 Mill Street, Johnsonburg, PA died peacefully at home on Friday morning, July 7, 2023.
She was born in St. Marys on January 16, 1940, a daughter to the late Kenneth and Margaret VanAlstine Evans. Ellen was a 1957 graduate of St. Marys High School and has lived in Johnsonburg since 1958.
Ellen was a member of Holy Rosary Church. A private person, she loved spending time with her extended family, friends and neighbors and her beloved dog Garnet.
Ellen had retired in 2013 from The Old Brickyard in Johnsonburg after 20 years of service. She had also worked at the Uni-Mart in Johnsonburg for 15 years.
Ellen is survived by her daughter Betsy, Mrs. Donny Leader of Johnsonburg and her son Dan Thiry of Johnsonburg and grandchildren Thomas Thiry and his wife Lisi, Michael Thiry, Gerald Thiry, DJ Thiry and his wife Angela, Jessica, Mrs. Matt Blum, Kenneth Thiry, Savannah Thiry, Ryan Thiry, Donny Leader and his companion Thea Distler, Angel, Mrs. Joe Fritz, Chad Leader and his wife Annie and Corey Leader. She is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren.
For Ellen, friends became like family, therefore she is also survived by two other daughters Rhonda Horchen and Renee Thiry and her good neighbors Tom and Mary Ellen Muroski.
In addition to her parents, Ellen is predeceased by sons Steve and Tom Thiry and Randy Tassone.
A private Mass of Christian Burial for Ellen E. Evans will be conducted at the convenience of the family. There will be no visitation. Interment will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
Arrangements are under direction of the Anthony F. Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 401 Chestnut Street, Johnsonburg.
If desired, memorial contributions in Ellen’s name can be made to the Elk County Humane Society 1029 Eschbach Rd., St. Marys, PA 15857 or to St. Jude’s at 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org
Denise M. App, 62, of Moody Loop Road, Eldred, PA
Denise M. App, of Moody Loop Road, Eldred, PA passed away Wednesday (July 5, 2023) following an illness.
Denise was born May 2, 1961, in Olean, N.Y., and was the daughter of Michael and Ann Ford Welch. On July 14, 1979, at the Eldred Presbyterian Church, she married her loving husband, Harold J. App, who survives.
Denise was a 1979 graduate of Otto Eldred.
She worked at Jim Shopwise in Eldred for many years in various positions including manager. She worked for Hamlin Bank & Trust in the Smethport Branch for over 20 years, where she retired due to her illness.
Denise was a member of the Eldred Borough Fire Department as an EMT.
She enjoyed riding motorcycles, reading books and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Most of all Denise enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Beside her loving husband Harold, Denise is survived by her three sons, Joshua E. (Amber) App of Rixford, Shawn M. (Candice) App of Knoxville, Tenn. and Christopher J. (Amanda) App of Eldred; nine grandchildren, Keith, Hunter, Cira, Caleb, Emma, Abbie, Jordan, Vanek and Dawsyn; three siblings, John Henry (Nicole) Welch of Fredericksburg, Va., Joni (Marshal Skunk) Welch of Smethport and Jennifer (Dave) Welch-Klussmaynn of Bradford; her father, Michael Welch of Eldred; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Denise was predeceased by her mother, Ann Welch, on Jan. 7, 2014.
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eldred Borough Fire Department at 6 Platts St., Eldred, PA 16731.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean.
Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.
Ridgway Farmer’s Market Season Beginning July 11
The Ridgway Farmer’s Market will hold a soft opening of the 2023 season on Tuesday, July 11 with a new Market Manager and a new location.
After months of planning and listening to input from local farmers, and with cooperation from the Ridgway Borough, the Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) is taking the reins as the new Market Manager for the Ridgway Farmer’s Market, to be held at the Ridgway Mills Campground on West Main Street.
“We are prioritizing the farmer in the Farmer’s Market while also enhancing the market with artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. The goal is to make the Market a family destination every Tuesday evening this summer” said Sara Frank, Executive Director of ECCOTA.
Featuring everything homegrown, handmade, and creative, the Market is currently looking for vendors, food trucks, and performers who may be interested in attending. Vendors can register to attend weekly, or for the entire season up front. Vendor registration can be completed online at ECCOTA.com, or you can stop at the ECCOTA Sales Gallery to pick up a paper copy.
Musical entertainment will be provided at the markets when possible thanks to a generous local donor. Darkwater Duo will perform at a larger Market celebration event in August. Details about that are forthcoming.
The market will be held each Tuesday, July 11 – September 26, 2023, 3:30 – 6:30 at the Ridgway Mills Campground, 260 West Main Street, Ridgway, PA.
The Elk County Council on the Arts is a 501( c ) non-profit organization founded in 1984 as a center for the development of arts and culture in Elk County. ECCOTA provides opportunities to participate in the arts for the area’s residents. Classes and workshops for all ages are offered including an annual summer youth theater camp. New programs and exhibits are held regularly.
For more information, please contact Sara Frank, Executive Director, at sara@eccota.com or 814-772-7051.
PATRICK HOLCOMB Arrested And Charged
Description Trooper Eric Thompson filed the above charges against Holcomb on July 7, 2023. Magisterial District Judge William F. Todd arraigned Holcomb and set bail at $150,000 straight. Central Court is scheduled for July 13, 2023 at the McKean County Courthouse. Charges (18) 3126 (a)(1) Indecent Assault without Consent (18) 3126 (a)(7) Indecent Assault Person less than 13 years of age (F3) 18-5903 (c) (1) Diss Explicit Sex Material To A Minor (1 Count) (18) 4304 (A) Endangering Welfare of Children (18) 3127 (A) Indecent Exposure Location McCrea Brook Smethport, PA 16749 Arrest Date Jul 7, 2023 Incident Type Sexual Offense – Other
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/arrests/holcomb-patrick-18-3126-a1-indecent-assault-without-consent-and-4-additional-charges
MINICH Sentenced For Discharging A Firearm And Other Charges
Former Bradford Resident, Daniel Minich, previously convicted of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and other charges has been sentenced by President Judge John H. Pavlock to a period of incarceration in state prison for 26 months to 52 months. He had credit of 77 days already served. Daniel MINICH, formerly of Onofrio Street in Bradford, had been convicted by a jury on May 23, 2023.
On December 9, 2021, Officers with City of Bradford Police Department responded after learning that Minich was firing his firearm from within his house and sending photos of his television that he had shot to Chief Ward. He continued to send messages to Chief Ward and refused entry to the other officers unless Chief Ward were to appear. MINICH then fired several rounds from his front porch and told Ward that the neighbors would be calling him now.
Ward and other officers from Bradford City, Bradford Township and Pennsylvania State Police went to the area and Chief Ward was able to make contact with MINICH, who was inside his house. MINICH then exited his residence and threw a firearm into his front yard where it was retrieved by officers with a live round in the chamber.
MINICH was taken into custody. Officers tracked the bullets’ trajectory and found that one bullet had entered the siding and framing of a neighbor’s home and another bullet had entered and ricocheted inside another neighbor’s shed which was next to that person’s house before exiting the shed. That homeowner’s teenage son was inside the residence near the shed when the shots were fired into the shed. Methamphetamine was found in Minich’s home.
MINICH was convicted of Discharge of a Firearm Into an Occupied Structure, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and two counts of Criminal Mischief.
In addition to incarceration, MINICH was ordered to have no contact with any of the victims, no contact with Chief Ward except for legitimate law enforcement matters, drug and alcohol and mental health evaluation and treatment, lab fees and provide a DNA sample. He is not eligible for any early parole.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. City of Bradford Police Officer Joshua Frederoski investigated the case.
KANE MAN SENTENCED FOR DRUG OVERDOSE DEATH
The Kane man who delivered fentanyl to another Kane man who died from fentanyl toxicity has been sentenced. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that Paul MCMAHON was sentenced to a period of state incarceration of 124 months to 254 months and 1 year of post-release supervision by President Judge John H. Pavlock.
On May 6, 2022, emergency medical personnel and police were dispatched to a home on Pine Street in Kane for an overdose death. Numerous first responders and District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer were on scene and the DA referred the investigation to the State Police. Trooper Eric Thompson handled the investigation. An autopsy showed that the victim died from fentanyl toxicity. Residue on a metal spoon seized from the scene was determined to contain fentanyl.
Trooper Thompson found evidence showing communication between MCMAHON and the deceased victim about suspected drug transactions leading to the victim’s death.
Following investigation, Trooper Thompson charged MCMAHON with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, Drug Delivery, and other charges.
MCMAHON faced other charges as well in three other, unrelated cases.
On July 5, 2022, Kane Borough Police investigated MCMAHON for menacing another man and Chief Boyer filed charges in that case.
On July 27, 2022, Pennsylvania State Police learned that Kane Borough Police were investigating stolen firearms and crossbows from a residence in Kane. They executed a search warrant at a residence in Kane and located numerous stolen firearms and crossbows and controlled substances. Trooper Hunter Freer charged MCMAHON and another person with Receiving Stolen Property and other charges.
After MCMAHON was charged and incarcerated at the McKean County Jail, he was charged by Trooper Brandon Long with throwing urine at another inmate.
MCMAHON pled guilty to Drug Delivery Resulting in Death (Felony), Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (2 counts, Felony), Criminal Use of a Communication Facility (Felony), Aggravated Harassment by Prisoner (Felony), Possession of a Firearm with an Altered or Obliterated Manufacturer’s Number (Felony), Receiving Stolen Property (Felony), and Simple Assault by Physical Menace (Misdemeanor).
District Attorney Shaffer argued for the sentence in this case and argued that the sentencing guidelines supported it, citing another case in McKean County where an offender convicted of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death received a sentence of 7 years to 14 years on the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death and 8 years to 16 years total. She argued that, while the sentencing guidelines set by the legislature for the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death provided for a sentence of only between 66 months and 84 months, a sentence of 124 months to 254 months (or 10 years to 21 years) was warranted in this case due to the numerous charges he had been convicted of by way of plea agreement and, with the allowable guidelines set by the legislature for each offense, the proposed sentence was within the allowable guideline ranges when the sentence for each offense is added.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge John H. Pavlock sentenced MCMAHON to a total period of incarceration in State Corrections of 124 months to 254 months plus 1 year of post-release supervision, lab fees, no contact with the immediate family of the deceased victim, the owners of the stolen firearms, or the victim of the menacing, as well as drug and alcohol treatment and additional terms. He is not eligible for any early parole program.
DA Vettenburg-Shaffer highlighted the diligence of the investigating officers in these cases. “The crimes charged here, particularly the charge of Drug Delivery Resulting in Death, result in lengthy investigations and thousands of pages of documents, numerous items of physical evidence, and complex laboratory reports. The attention paid by the officers involved in such complex cases is greatly appreciated. I want to personally thank the investigators in all of these departments and the District Attorney’s Office for their diligence and collaboration in bringing each of these investigations, particularly the lengthy investigations, to a successful completion.”