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06/29/07 State police here are looking for a Birdsboro, PA man in connection to a violation of a protection from abuse order filed in Berks County. Authorities claim 39 year old Wade Wilkinson arrived at the home of Dana Reid on Academy Street during the early morning hours, Thursday in violation of the order and when they arrived, Wilkinson fled the area and has not been seen since. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact the local barracks at 274-8690, A Coudersport man is facing simple assault charges for an incident taking place last week at a home on Railroad Avenue in the village of Roulette. State police are accusing Michael Langworthy of pushing a 14 year old boy onto a bed and restraining him during an argument. The youth suffered a cut lip as a result of the altercation. The theft of an American flag from a Ulysses residence sometime last weekend is being investigated by state police here. The flag, valued at $20 was taken from the front lawn at the Joseph Lerch residence on South Main Street. A criminal mischief occurring during the same period at the Ulysses Library is also being investigated. Vandals cracked the library’s exterior sign which is valued at about $3800. 06/28/07 Although it’s not as hot today as yesterday, we are not out of the woods yet as there could be more thunderstorms moving into the WFRM listening area once again this afternoon. In fact, one early this afternoon dumped another half inch of rain in downtown Coudersport Yesterday’s storms brought varying amounts of rain... Rainfall amounts ranged from .40 at WFRM to 1.10 inches on Fishing Creek. The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for the entire WFRM listening area throughout the afternoon yesterday Severe weather popped up to the north, south, east and west of Coudersport throughout the afternoon and early evening .While there was no damage reported to Potter County EMA, trees along roads in the Roulette and Fishing Creek area looked as though they had encountered a buzz saw with fine tree and leaf debris littering the roads State police here have charged a Potter County jail inmate with simple assault, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of children, reckless endangerment, harassment, making false reports to law enforcement, and unsworn falsification for an incident allegedly taking place on Beech Street in Coudersport on May 19, 2006. Troopers claim 23 year old Sean Scharlau struck a young girl several times with a metal rod and then lied to authorities about the incident, claiming the child’s mother had committed the crime. But later, police say, Scharlau recanted and confessed to hitting the girl. He will be arraigned at a later date. And state police claim 48 year old Dorothy Buchanan of Sweden Valley also implicated the child’s mother in both written and verbal statements. She will be arraigned later of charges of making false reports to law enforcement authorities and unsworn falsification. A Smethport man was taken to the McKean County jail in lieu of $20,000 bail after being arraigned on charges of burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and trespass. Brandon Kinney, 20 was apprehended following an incident allegedly taking place on June 4 at Seneca Resources. Troopers were summoned by a witness who saw someone cutting the lock on a gate for the company’s private lease road. When officers arrived, they saw two men take off on foot, leaving their cars behind. Police traced the vehicles back to Christopher DeFilippo and Mike Dowell and upon returning to the property found receipts from Goodman Services for a couple thousand pounds of stainless steel and other metals sold to them by the suspects. A preliminary hearing for Kinney is scheduled for July 9. The other two men have also been arraigned and are awaiting further court action. A Gaines driver received minor injuries in a work-zone collision taking place Monday afternoon on Route 6 just west of Route 449 in Ulysses Township. State police said David Wolz was headed west when his Ford pick up crossed the double yellow line and hit a Jeep Cherokee driven by Gary Zylstra of Grand Rapids, Michigan which was stopped the eastbound lane in a construction zone. Wolz who was not wearing a seatbelt was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Zylstra and his wife, Patricia were both wearing seatbelts and escaped injury. DUI charges are being filed against 29year old Jennifer Feasel of Kane following a collision Wednesday afternoon on Gibbs Hill Road a half mile east of Route 6 in Hamilton Township, McKean County. State police said Feasel’s Pontiac Firebird crossed over into the eastbound lane and hit a Chevy Corsica driven by Mark Hilyer of Ludlow, head-on. Both drivers and a passenger in Feasel’s car, Laura Lucia of Ludlow, were all taken to Kane Community Hospital for treatment.
6/27/2007 US District Judge Leonard Sand has ordered John and Timothy Rigas to report to Jail on August 13. The ruling came in a hearing today in Manhattan. John Rigas was sentenced to a jail term of 15 years and Timothy, 20 years, for their part in the accounting scandal which resulted in the bankruptcy of Adelphia Communications which was founded by John Rigas. Bloomberg News is reporting that attorney John Nields told the judge that the defense is preparing an appeal of their conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court but Sand denied a request that they remain free on bail pending the appeal. The judge is quoted as saying it’s time they begin paying their debt to society. It’s not yet been determined where the sentences will be served. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire WFRM listening area in effect until 8:00 o’clock tonight. Thunderstorms could bring heavy rainfall according to forecasters. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been posted for all of Potter and Tioga Counties until 4:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm warning for Allegany and Cattaraugus County in nearby New York State expired at 2:30 p.m. about 45 minutes after being posted, however the two counties also remain in the “watch area.” Coudersport volunteer firefighters responded with one engine and crew this afternoon to a “porch” fire at the Moore residence at 509 Park Avenue. According to Assistant Chief Bryan Phelps the cause of the blaze remains “undetermined”. Phelps said damage is about $500 and was contained to the porch area. The engine and crew returned to the fire hall about 40 minutes after the 1:17 p.m. call. A Genesee motorcyclist was hurt in a McKean County crash Tuesday afternoon. Kane-based state police said 24 year old Luke Gibble lost control of his 2007 Suzuki when it dropped onto a low shoulder. The cycle hit the ground and an embankment before coming to rest. Gibble was taken by private vehicle to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. State police at Mansfield are charging 24 year old Nicole Sirianni of Knoxville with careless driving following a crash Monday afternoon on Route 49 just west of that town. Troopers said Sirianni’s Ford ZX2 crossed both lanes of the highway and traveled through a barbed wire fence and down an embankment after she overcorrected when the unit went out of control while rounding a left hand curve. She was flown to Arnot Ogden Hospital for treatment. 06/26/07 There was no word as of news time regarding the re-sentencing of John and Timothy Rigas today in New York City for their convictions of securities fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy. About a year ago, John Rigas was sentenced to 15 years in prison and his son, Timothy, to 20 years for their part in the accounting scandal which resulted in Adelphia’s bankruptcy. . An appeals court threw out one of two bank fraud convictions and that action is the basis for their request for a new trial. Lawyers contend that when the prosecution relies on two theories of guilty, and one of them is “legally infirm” (overturned) the conviction must be reversed. The Rigases had remained free pending their appeals. A Port Allegany woman was hurt Monday afternoon when her Jeep overturned on Minard Run Road in Bradford Township. Authorities said Debra Hammond’s Jeep traveled more than 130 feet along the berm before hitting a concrete culvert and overturning. The unit slid almost 90 feet more before stopping and Hammond had to be extricated from the wreckage. She was flown by helicopter to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo and was released after treatment. State police locally say that additional information will be provided later regarding their investigation into an indecent assault allegedly taking place at a Genesee Township home earlier this year. A 40 year old man is suspected of committing the crimes against a 19 year old female victim. A couple of recent burglaries are being investigated by state police here and at Kane. Sometime over the past week, someone smashed a window and two door knobs to gain access to a camp on the Ridge Road in Portage Township owned by William Foreman of Gettysburg. Police did not indicate if anything was taken but said damage is estimated to be about $520. Thieves entered Top Line Inc. on the Valley Hunt Road in Lewis Run sometime over the past weekend and removed cash from a drawer before fleeing the scene. Coudersport Borough Council announces there is a vacancy on the board with the recent resignation of a member. The vacancy is in the Second Ward and must be filled by a resident of that ward. Anyone interested in filling the spot is asked to contact the borough office no later than July 9, 2007 at 274-9776.
06/25/07 Details were released over the weekend about a fatal speed-related collision taking place early Thursday morning in Shinglehouse. Authorities say 21 year old Jayson Turner, of Shinglehouse, was speeding when his car went out control and slid sideways into the opposite lane where it collided with a pick up truck driven by Gordon Mesler also of Shinglehouse. Turner was pronounced dead at the scene by Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury. Mesler was taken to Charles Cole Hospital, treated and released. State police here say DUI charges are pending against a 20 year old Chad Barr, Jr. of Austin following a minor crash early Saturday morning on Route 607 just east of the Reed Run Road in Keating Township. Troopers said Barr’s Chevy truck went off the road and struck a guard rail due to a steering failure, but when they investigated, they allegedly found Barr had been driving under the influence. Troopers are looking for a tractor-trailer which knocked down a Penn Dot route sign at the Gold intersection Friday afternoon. Witnesses told police that the words “Mason Trucking” were written on the side of the trailer. The rig pulled off of Route 449 into the parking lot at the Gold Store and took off westbound on Route 49 after the sign fell onto the road. State police are also looking for the operator of a dirt bike who led them on a chase Saturday night. Authorities say the chase began on Route 49 in Ulysses just before 8:00 p.m. when the trooper activated the lights and siren upon observing the bike on Route 49. The pursuit continued in on Route 101 and the Hamilton Road in Bingham Townshp before being terminated. The bike was last seen on the Rowley Road. The operator was said to be a male wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and an orange helmet.
Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the local barracks at 274-8690. Both people involved in an argument in their home Sunday afternoon have been cited for harassment. State police claim Kristy Waters hit her husband John in the head and that he made threatening remarks toward her during the confrontation. A couple of recent vehicle thefts are being probed by troopers locally. Sometime overnight Friday, someone stole a 1986 Suzuki DS 80 dirt bike from the front lawn of the Shari Haskins residence on Creekside Driver in Roulette. The blue bike had yellow faded duct tape on the back of the blue seat, no plunger in the carbureator, and the words “full floater” written on the rear swing arm. A van owned by Wending Creek Farms was located Saturday afternoon on private property located along Route 449, just south of Route 49 in Ulysses Township. It had been taken a few hours earlier from the sash-bay garage at the Lent Barn on Route 49 in Hebron Township. Police said the van was unlocked and the keys had been left in the ignition. The theft of a Caterpillar tractor from a McKean County lease site is being investigated by Kane-based state police. The equipment was taken June 16 or 17 from an oil lease belonging to MSL Oil and Gas of Bradford located on the Chappel Fork Road in Hamilton township. 06/22/07 It appears that the engineer of the train which derailed last summer near Gardeau will be going to trial on charges of causing a catastrophe, risking a catastrophe and reckless endangerment. Michael Seifert, 46, of Buffalo remains free on $20,000 bail but has been fired by Norfolk Southern Railroad. Neither Seifert nor his attorney Paul Malizia of Emporium appeared in McKean County Court yesterday for a preliminary hearing and McKean County District Attorney John Pavlock told the court he had talked to a Malizia who indicated he is preparing for the trial. Authorities claim Seifert was operating the speeding train when 3l cars derailed last June 30 spilling some 42,000 gallons of caustic lye onto the ground and into Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek near the Cameron/McKean County line. Investigators found that the train was doing 70 mph in a 35 mph zone as it crested Keating Summit. There were no human injuries but acquatic life and the fish population were devastated for miles downstream. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has fined the railroad more than $8.8 million for violations of the state’s Clean Stream Laws and Management and Hazardous Sites Cleanup acts. The clean up continues. A Smethport teenager received minor injuries in a crash taking place early this morning on the East Valley Road just north of Route 6 in Keating Township, McKean County. State police said 17 year old Patrick Mitchell, Jr. was headed south when his Ford Escort crossed to the other side of the highway, struck concrete reinforcements in a ditch, became airborne briefly and came to rest in the ditch. Mitchell is facing several traffic violations. Minor injuries were also reported for 22 year old Matthew Stone of Osceola following a one-vehicle mishap Thursday morning on Route 49 just west of the village of Cowanesque.. State police at Mansfield said Stone fell asleep at the wheel of his Ford Ranger a round 9:00 a.m. and caused it go off the road and into a ditch. During their meeting yesterday, the Potter County Commissioners approved a $4.2 million agreement between the County and Motorola to provide the equipment, system, and optimization services for a new Microwave System Infrastructure for the 911 Wireless program. The programis fully funded through the state 911 Wireless Program.Chairman Ken Wingo told WFRM that members of the statewide committee from Philadelphia and Delaware Counties pushed hard for Potter County to get the funding because they realize many of their residents vacation here and they want them to be able to access 911 anywhere.
06/21/07 A North Tonawanda, NY man has been committed to the Potter County jail in lieu of $250,00 bail following arraignment on rape and hundreds of related charges. Dennis Pollock, 43, is accused of having numerous sexual encounters with a girl who as six years old when the crimes allegedly began. Pollock is charged with 116 counts each of rape and statutory sexual assault, 117counts each of aggravated indecent assault, incest, indecent assault and corruption of minors and one count each of statutory rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Authorities say the crimes began in early 1994 ended in May of 1997 and resumed three years later, ending in the Spring of 2002. Authorities say Pollock’s arrest came after the victim came forward and an extensive investigation was undertaken. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for next week before District Judge Delores Bristol. An elderly McKean woman escaped injury Wednesday afternoon
in a collision on Route 6 in
06/21/07 A Tonawanda, NY man has been committed to the Potter County jail in lieu of $250,00 bail following arraignment on rape and hundreds of related charges. Dennis Pollock, 43, is accused of having numerous sexual encounters with a girl who as six years old when the crimes allegedly began. Pollock is charged with 116 counts each of rape and statutory sexual assault, 117counts each of aggravated indecent assault, incest, indecent assault and corruption of minors and one count each of statutory rape and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse. Authorities say the crimes began in early 1994 ended in May of 1997 and resumed three years later, ending in the Spring of 2002. Authorities say Pollock’s arrest came after the victim came forward and an extensive investigation was undertaken. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for next week before District Judge Delores Bristol. An elderly McKean woman escaped injury Wednesday afternoon
in a collision on Route 6 in
06/20/07 Ed. Note: Our audio news will not be available until our main computer has been returned to service. Thanks for your understanding. We are in the company of the space station and United Airlines!
Troopers at Kane are also continuing their investigation
into a reported aggravated indecent assault allegedly taking place in last month
at a campsite on the
06/19/07 Ed.Note: Due to a computer "meltdown" we are unable to update this website at this time. Hopefully conditions will improve soon and we will resume our news updates. Coudersport-based state police say they have a suspect in a Genesee Township theft, but the investigation is on-going. Several items were taken from a garage on Grover Hollow Road this past Tuesday or Wednesday including a Craftsman Tool box containing about $3,000 worth of tools, a Clark Mig Welder, six piece Ryobi 18 volt tool kit, Craftsman Sander, and fiberglass hammer. The tools and equipment belonged to Roy Thompson of Genesee and Paul Golish of Whitesville, NY. A Genesee man is being charged with violating state drug laws. State police say they pulled Randy Lane, Jr. of Genesee over Tuesday night on the Hickox-Ulysses Road in Bingham Township and allegedly found him to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a marijuana pipe. Police also report finding a open bottle OF Bud Light in the car, in violation of liquor laws. Charges are being filed before District Judge Delores Bristol. Troopers at Kane are probing a criminal trespass taking place at a camp located at the end of Beers Hollow in Eldred Township over the past week. Unknown persons entered posted property owned by Martin Quinn of Coatesville and may have tampered with a screen on a window located on the western side of the camp. Tioga County emergency crews had to mop up some 57,000 pounds of milk following a collision this morning at about 6:30 a.m. on Route 328 just west of Jackson Center Road in Jackson Township. Troopers say the collision occurred when a westbound Mack truck tractor driven by Diana Newman of Warren Center, PA crossed the center line just after rounding a curve and the rig’s tanker struck an eastbound Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Howard Houser of Lawrenceville. The compact was pushed over some guardrails and went down an embankment before coming to rest. The rig rolled onto the driver’s side and the tank ruptured, spilling the load of milk. Both drivers suffered minor injuries. Newman was taken to Arnot Ogden Hospital and Houser was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Newman is being cited for various traffic violations including speeding and accidents involving overturned vehicles.
06/18/07 WFRM's main computer crashed Sunday afternoon and it was impossible to update the news on this website. We are sorry for an inconvenience. 06/15/07 Coudersport-based state police say they have a suspect in a Genesee Township theft, but the investigation is on-going. Several items were taken from a garage on Grover Hollow Road this past Tuesday or Wednesday including a Craftsman Tool box containing about $3,000 worth of tools, a Clark Mig Welder, six piece Ryobi 18 volt tool kit, Craftsman Sander, and fiberglass hammer. The tools and equipment belonged to Roy Thompson of Genesee and Paul Golish of Whitesville, NY. A Genesee man is being charged with violating state drug laws. State police say they pulled Randy Lane, Jr. of Genesee over Tuesday night on the Hickox-Ulysses Road in Bingham Township and allegedly found him to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a marijuana pipe. Police also report finding a open bottle OF Bud Light in the car, in violation of liquor laws. Charges are being filed before District Judge Delores Bristol. Troopers at Kane are probing a criminal trespass taking place at a camp located at the end of Beers Hollow in Eldred Township over the past week. Unknown persons entered posted property owned by Martin Quinn of Coatesville and may have tampered with a screen on a window located on the western side of the camp. Tioga County emergency crews had to mop up some 57,000 pounds of milk following a collision this morning at about 6:30 a.m. on Route 328 just west of Jackson Center Road in Jackson Township. Troopers say the collision occurred when a westbound Mack truck tractor driven by Diana Newman of Warren Center, PA crossed the center line just after rounding a curve and the rig’s tanker struck an eastbound Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Howard Houser of Lawrenceville. The compact was pushed over some guardrails and went down an embankment before coming to rest. The rig rolled onto the driver’s side and the tank ruptured, spilling the load of milk. Both drivers suffered minor injuries. Newman was taken to Arnot Ogden Hospital and Houser was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Newman is being cited for various traffic violations including speeding and accidents involving overturned vehicles.
6/14/07 The dog days of summer haven’t even arrived and already state police across the region have investigated a number of harassment incidents. A 13 year old Harrison Valley boy is being charged in juvenile court with two counts of simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment for incidents allegedly taking place Sunday and Monday afternoon at the basketball court in Harrison Valley. State police say the teen was playing basketball with a 14 year old boy Sunday afternoon and became upset with another 14 year old, pulling a knife on him. The victim fled the scene but returned the next day and was playing basketball with the accused who then became upset when he lost the game and pulled the knife on the first 14 year old, with whom he had played on Sunday. Other teens at the court kept the boys apart until police arrived. Both a husband and wife have been charged with harassment for an incident allegedly taking place Monday evening outside their home on Route 6 West in Pike Township. State police say 25 year old James Poklar and 30 year old Jennifer Jo Poklar shouted obscenities and pushed each other in a public place. Troopers at Kane have cited both 23 year old Jason Laktash and 24 year old Jami Sue Perry of Eldred with harassment for an incident said to have taken place Tuesday evening on King and Main Street in that town. Authorities claim the two pushed each other during an argument. Kane-based state police have also charged 38 year old Michael Corwin of Eldred with harassment after he allegedly threatened 23 year old Nicole Hemphill with physical harm during an arguments Monday afternoon at a home on Main Street in that town. Troopers here are probing a couple of recent criminal mischiefs. Sometime last weekend vandals tore out an eight foot long piece of weather stripping from a 2002 Caterpillar excavator owned by Max Greeley and Sons of Coudersport while it was parked at a work site on a private lane off of Route 44 seven miles south of Route 6 in Summit Township. And, sometime over the past couple of weeks, someone smashed a window in a Dodge Caravan owned by Kathryn Green while it was parked at her home on Cow Hollow Road, Roulette. Damage was estimated to be $500. A 24 year old Coudersport woman has been admitted to the ARD program for 23 months after admitting she illegally obtained a prescription painkiller. According to District Attorney Dawn Fink, Crystal Leschner called Dr. Blake’s dental office on last December 6 and told employee Susan Thompson that her tooth was bothering her and was wondering if she could get a prescription for pain medicine. Dr. Blake was unavailable and Thompson illegally used his stamp for the prescription. Leschner was also ordered to pay all costs and fees and to perform 25 hours of community service.
06/13/07 Coudersport Volunteer Fire Chief Andy Dubots has asked WFRM to announce that the local department is not soliciting donations by phone. He says a number of local residents have received calls from someone either saying they are collecting on behalf of the local department, or implying they are but the Chief says that is not the case. In fact, he is not aware of any area department conducting a fundraising campaign by phone. If you wish to make a donation to a local department, make it through someone you know and trust. State police locally are probing a burglary at the Kountry Market on Main Street in Ulysses sometime Monday or Tuesday. Would be thieves broke a locked latch on exterior doors leading to the basement of the two story building and tried to enter the first floor through the basement but were unsuccessful. Apparently nothing was taken. This is the latest in a couple of recent attempted break-ins at the business and anyone who has information is encouraged to call the local barracks at 274-8690. A couple of local residents were in Potter County Court today for sentencing on charges relating to a break-in at the Ox Yoke Inn and Restaurant in Galeton on May 26, 2006. Bill Stokes, 18, of Galeton pleaded guilty to criminal trespass and theft by unlawful disposition. Stokes admitted that he and two co-defendants broke into the business and stole cash and eight large bottles of liquor. Joshua Bloom, 19, of Westfield pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property for the incident. He admitted driving to the business and providing tools from his car to facilitate the forced entry and acknowledged receiving one-third of the stolen cash for his efforts. PennDot announces that the betterment project on Routes 6 and 144 in Galeton will begin this coming Monday. The $3.8 million project includes the demolition of seven buildings, drainage improvements, construction retraining walls, lighting, installation of a new traffic signal, sidewalk improvements, roadway widening and paving. AS detour will be in effect, sending westbound traffic over West and Germania Strees. Route 6 will be restricted to one lane, allowing eastbound traffic to move through the work zone. There will be a separate detour for bikes over Sherman, Hammond, Clinton, and Mill Streets. A.L. Blades and Sons, Inc. is the contractor and PennDot expects the project will be completed by August 29, weather permitting. 06/12/07 Monday was a bad day for Roulette women named Jennifer. Coudersport-based state police say two drivers were injured in a three-car collision Monday afternoon on Route 6, west of the borough. Troopers said the pile up began when an eastbound Ford Explorer driven by Jennifer Sisson of North Street, Roulette hit a deer about a quarter mile west of Olmstead. The car crossed into the opposite lane and struck a westbound Jeep Cherokee driven by Jennifer Emory of Main Street, Roulette. The force of the impact sent the Jeep spinning out of control and it crossed the center line and struck the rear end of an eastbound Dodge Caravan driven by Mary Deer, (this is correct) of Genesee. Emory was taken by ambulance to Charles Cole Hospital. Sisson apparently did not require treatment for her minor injuries. A passenger in her car, Jennifer Pinchock of Railroad Avenue, Roulette escaped injury as did driver Deer and a four month old child in the Emory Jeep. Police did not indicate the fate of the whitetail which initiated the crash. Troopers say Sisson is being cited for moving her car into another lane without determining it was safe to do so. A short while later, a Mt. Jewett woman escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash on the Campbelltown Road in Hamlin Township, McKean County. Kane-based state police said Mary McClelland was headed North when she nodded off causing her Oldsmobile sedan to go into a ditch and strike a dirt embankment. An internet scam has victimized a Port Allegany resident according to Kane-based state police. Officers say Charles Zimmerman was trying to buy something from E-bay and when he received notice that his bid was accepted by the seller, he tried to use Escrow.com to pay for the item. However, police say his computer received a virus which sent him to a fictitious Escrow.com website where he was directed to send the $3260 by Western Union to an unknown person. Zimmerman was notified by E-bay that he had become a victim of a scam. Authorities say E-bay does not recommend the use of Western Union in their transactions. A pair of Ohio residents, charged with criminal trespass for an incident allegedly taking place at a Bingham Township home Saturday night have been jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail each. Eli Mullet, 30, and Eli Miller, 27both of Township Road. Bergholtz, Ohio were arraigned before District Judge Delores Bristol and charges of criminal trespass, simple trespass, harassment and criminal mischief. State police allege the men wnet into the home of Lavern Toyer without permission or privilege to do so and began arguing with him about a family member. No one was hurt in the scuffle, but a stairway railing was damaged. Judge Bristol told WFRM the preliminary hearing was tentatively set for June 18 but will be likely postponed until June 26. She says the hearing will be held in the Potter County Courtroom rather than in her office due to the anticipated number of witnesses and spectators. Two Coudersport residents will be sentenced tomorrow after recently pleading guilty to theft and other charges in Potter County Court. Devon Long, 29, admitted that he and a co-defendant broke into two Keating Township Camps in September 2005 and stole a compound bow. He also admitted breaking into the Austin-Costello Sportsmen club in Sylvania Township and stealing a spotting scope with a tripod and four cases of beer. Kyle Woodring, 19, admitted that he and three codefendants broke into numerous camps in Southern Potter County between December 3, 2005 and June 30, 2006. Numerous items were taken including fire arms. Woodring also admitted breaking into two other camps, located in Hebron and Eulalia Townships and stealing various items valued between $200 and $2000. 06/11/07 Charges are being filed against 21 year old Jason Roth of Mt. Jewett following a collision early Saturday morning that claimed the life of his passenger 24 year old Ian McClosky also of Mt. Jewett. Authorities say the collision occurred when Roth tried to pass a Subaru SUV driven by Karianne James of Kane, as both were heaed south on Route 219. When Roth tried to re-enter his lane, the rear of his coupe clipped the front of the SUV and the impact sent the Mustang rolling off the east side of the highway where it struck several trees. McClosky was pronounced dead at the scene. Roth was taken to Kane Community Hospital for teamten of moderate injuries. Neither had been wearing a seatbelt. James and her passenger, Elisha Brown of Mt. Jewett were both wearing seatbelts and escaped injury. The investigation is continuing into a fatal ATV crash taking place Sunday evening off of the Totten Hollow Road in Foster Township, McKean County. Eric Suttrich, 26, of Bradford was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:07 p.m. crash. And, state police at Mansfield are trying to determine why a Ford Ranger went off of Cherry Flats Road in Charleston Township, Tioga County Friday morning. Police said the pick-up driven by 77 year old Lyle Harman hit a drainage pipe across a private driveway, continued for a distance in the ditch and struck a utility pole before coming to rest. He was flown by helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. Several serious crashes were investigated over the weekend by area state police. Troopers at Kane say DUI charges are being filed against 21 year old Jason Roth of Mt. Jewett following a collision early Saturday morning that claimed the life of his passenger 24 year old Ian McClosky also of Mt. Jewett. Authorities say the collision occurred when Roth tried to pass a Subaru SUV driven by Karianne James of Kane, as both were heaed south on Route 219. When Roth tried to re-enter his lane, the rear of his coupe clipped the front of the SUV and the impact sent the Mustang rolling off the east side of the highway where it struck several trees. McClosky was pronounced dead at the scene. Roth was taken to Kane Community Hospital for teamten of moderate injuries. Neither had been wearing a seatbelt. James and her passenger, Elisha Brown of Mt. Jewett were both wearing seatbelts and escaped injury. The investigation is continuing into a fatal ATV crash taking place Sunday evening off of the Totten Hollow Road in Foster Township, McKean County. Eric Suttrich, 26, of Bradford was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:07 p.m. crash. And, state police at Mansfield are trying to determine why a Ford Ranger went off of Cherry Flats Road in Charleston Township, Tioga County Friday morning. Police said the pick-up driven by 77 year old Lyle Harman hit a drainage pipe across a private driveway, continued for a distance in the ditch and struck a utility pole before coming to rest. He was flown by helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.A man wanted by New York State authorities surrendered Sunday afternoon to Kane-based state police. The Genesee County New York Sheriff’s Department had issued a “Be on the lookout” bulletin for 30 year old Howard Strait following a crime Saturday morning involving a firearm. He was considered to be armed and dangerous but apparently turned himself in without further incident. He was arraigned before District Michael Kennedy and committed to $100,000 bail awaiting extradition to New York State, Troopers here have charged two Ohio men on charges of criminal trespass, simple trespass, harassment and criminal mischief of for an incident allegedly taking place Saturday evening in Bingham Township. State police say 30 year old Eli Mullett and 27 year old Eli Miller, both of Bergholtz, Ohio entered the home of Lavern Troyer on the Hickox Ulysses Road and argued with Troyer over a relative of theirs. No one was hurt during the fight, but a wooden stairway railing was damaged. A Coudersport man has been jailed for allegedly violating a protection from abuse order. State police at Emporium claim 40 year old Frankie DeLung, Jr. went to the Sinnemahoning State Park Campground Friday evening and struck his estranged wife, Darra, in the stomach and grabbed her by the throat. He’s also accused of punching Edward Bova, and Tobias Bova, both of Coudersport in the face. He was committed to the Potter County jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. Another Coudersport man is facing charges in district court following an altercation last Thursday night at a residence on Vader Hill Road. Authorities said Richard Bliss arrived at his home to drop off his child and, upset over the recent separation from his wife, began shouting obscenities at her and shoved her and Bethany Peet.
06/08/07 The National Weather Service has posted a severe thunderstorm watch for Potter, McKean, Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties until 10:00 o’clock tonight. Some thunderstorms could contain gusty winds and large hail. Listeners should be on the look-out for rapidly changing weather. Two Bradford men have been jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail each for allegedly stealing more than two and a half tons of metal from Seneca Resources near Cyclone. Christopher Defilippo, 21, and Michael Dowell,33, are charged with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. They were arrested earlier this week after Kane-based state police responded to a “burglary in progress” at the business located near the Pithole Road Monday, and upon arriving at the scene, officers saw two people run off on foot, leaving their vehicles behind. Police allegedly traced the vehicles to the two men, and reportedly found a receipt for some of the stolen items from Goodman Services who provided ID’s to authorities. Value of the stolen items exceeds $4,000 and included a stainless steel tank weighing more than 3000 pounds and other scrap metal totaling more than 5,000 pounds. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 25 before District Judge Bill Todd. September 13 has been set as the sentencing date for a Port Allegany man who pleaded guilty to a Megan’s Law offense this week in McKean County Court. Kevin Fuller, 48, admitted having indecent contact with a 10 year old boy between June 1 and 30, 2006 in Liberty Township. In other McKean County court news, 22 year old Dominic Thompson of Shinglehouse pleaded guilty to simple assault for an incident taking place April 1 on Bells Run. Thompson admitted hitting 19 year old Corey Scholtz repeatedly about the head and face causing serious injury before taking the victim to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment. US Forest Service agents have filed charges against 10 Butler County residents for illegally operating ATVs in the Allegheny National Forest last Saturday. The defendants were allegedly observed riding on a pipeline near a Forestry Road in Elk County by a Game Commission officer who attempted to stop them, but they fled the scene. However, he was able to track them down and took five into custody initially. Four others were located several hours later and the tenth was identified by his companions. All have been charged with operating an ATV in non-designated areas, without insurance, without valid Pennsylvania registration and failing to stop for law enforcement officers. During their meeting yesterday, the Potter County Commissioners accepted the recommendation of the Planning Commission and appointed Charlotte Dietrich as acting Planning Director for a three-month period during Planner Amy Jo McClain’s leave of absence. Dietrich will retain her status as a union member as per the union contract but will be receiving pay according to the position.. As explained to reporters by Chief Clerk Cora Thompson, according to the contract, appointment cannot exceed 90 days. Thompson and Chairman Ken Wingo also explained that McClain will not be using vacation and sick days while absent so there will be adequate funds to pay both women without exceeding the budgeted amount.
06/07/08 A Sabinsville teen received minor injuries in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on the Phoenix Run Road in Pike Township. Troopers say the 17 year old boy lost control of his southbound ’98 Isuzu Amigo when he swerved to miss a deer. The car spun off the eastern side of the road, traveled up an embankment, rolled over and came to rest on its roof about 465 feet later. The teen was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by private vehicle. DUI Charges are pending against a Smethport man following a crash last night at around 8: 00 on Route 46 in Norwich. State police said Thomas Gault’s 1993 Jeep Cherokee failed to negotiate a right curve, traveled onto the berm for several yards, struck a utility pole…continued headed north then struck a tree and a utility trailer before coming to rest. He was taken by ambulance to Bradford Regional Medical Center. A 27 year old St. Marys driver escaped injury in a one-vehicle mishap yesterday afternoon on the Beechwood road a mile west of Route 120 in Shippen township. State police said Adam Neubert lost control of his Nissan truck due to a medical condition. The truck went off the road and struck some guardrails, and continued along the guardrails before going over an embankment. Neubert was taken to Elk Regional Medical Center for treatment of his medical condition. An Eldred resident is facing DUI charges after being stopped early this morning by state police on Route 346 near the west elder road in Eldred township. Authorities claim 41 year old David Crowley was pulled over when he was observed committing several traffic violations and was found to be driving under the influence. He was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for chemical testing. An Emporium man has been jailed in lieu of $5000 bail after being arraigned on charges of failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. Authorities say when they responded to a recent domestic violence incident, they found Randall Branham had failed to notify state police of changes in his residence, employment, and other information. Troopers here have charged 40year old Timothy Shaffer of Ulysses with writing a worthless check to Howbill Auto Parts in Belmont, New York on April 12 of this year. Business officials told police that when they tried to deposit Shaffer’s check for $477.70. It was returned by Northwest Savings Bank of Coudersport for insufficient funds. Coudersport Borough says the Consumer Confidence Report shows that the town’s water meets all EPA and DEP quality standards. A copy of the report has been sent to all borough water customers. Anyone who did not receive a copy, whether they are a customer or not, may obtain a copy by visiting the borough office at 201 S. West Street or by calling 274-9776 and a copy will be mailed. Penn Dot announces that contractor L.C. Whitford will begin a $326,000 plus project on the North Fork Road near the village of North Fork on Monday June 18. Crews will remove the existing bridge and replace it with a pre-castbox culvert. An 18mile detour will be in effect over Potter and Tioga Counties for the duration of the project which is expected to be completed by the end of August, weather permitting.
6/6/2007 Several area fire departments responded to a blaze on Academy Street in Genesee just before 10:00 o’clock last night. 9-1-1- dispatch reports first responders observed heavy smoke showing causing a second alarm which brought in volunteers from Ulysses, Whitesville and Willing. The State police fire marshal has been called in to investigate. He and Genesee Volunteer Fire Chief Alan Kibbe were not available to provide additional details. Jason Saltsman, 35, of Port Allegany has been charged with stalking, aggravated assault, and terroristic threats for incidents allegedly taking place over several days last week in Port Allegany and Smethport. Kane-based state police claim Saltsman, followed Kevin Saulter around the county causing emotional distress and placing Saulter in fear of bodily injury. Police also allege Saltsman tried to run over Saulter with a vehicle. Charges are being filed in district court. A Penfield man was committed to the McKean County jail in lieu of $5000 cash bail after being arraigned on charges of simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. State police at Kane allege Keith Hoskinson grabbed his wife Cynthia by the hair and hit her head off a window in a vehicle while it was parked on East Main Street in Hazelhurst Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Hoskinson did not seek medical treatment for her minor head injuries. A Philipsburg driver escaped injury Monday night in a one-vehicle mishap at a remote intersection in Gibson Township, Cameron County. Emporium based state police said Brian Kanouff was traveling south on Wycoff Run Road and drove through the stop sign, braked too late, causing his Nissan pickup to skid across the Quehanna Highway off the berm and into a large tree. Troopers at Kane are investigating the theft of an LG brand cell phone and an Apple Nano iPod, valued at about $370, from a locker in the girls’ locker room at the Kane High School during a brief period Monday morning. The items which belonged to a 16 year old girl were located the next day by a school official. Potter County led the state in the harvest of bobcats
during the 2006-2007 season. The local kill of 31, was followed by Tioga with
27, Clearfield, 21, Elk and Clinton with 18 each. Cameron County had 11
taken while McKean had only 7 harvested. The statewide total was 258, up from
221 the previous season. Officials said weather conditions were favorable
during January and February, especially for trapping bobcats, due to limited
precipitation and warmer than average temperatures. In fact, 47% of the cats
were taken after the first of the year. On June 29, the Game Commission will
begin accepting applications for 2007-08 bobcat permits from holders of resident
furtaker, junior combination or senior lifetime combination licenses, along with
a nonrefundable $5 fee. Mail-in applications are included in the 2007-08
Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which will be provided
to each license buyer. All mail-in applications must be postmarked no
later than Aug. 15.
06/05/07 We have been asked to announce that there is a phone outage today affecting customers in the Bark Shanty area. Phone company personnel advise repairs should be completed by sometime Wednesday. A Coudersport man is being cited for failure to maintain valid insurance on a vehicle following a mishap Monday morning on the West Hebron Road. State police said Kevin Kenyon’s 2000 westbound Chevy Cavalier sedan went off the road and into a ditch at around 7:40 a.m. and had to be towed from the scene. Kenyon escaped injury. Troopers at Kane late yesterday released details about a one-vehicle crash which took place last Thursday morning on Route 46 at the entrance of Majestic Trails in Keating Township. Authorities said Beta Avery of Smethport lost control of her Chevy Cavalier when it dropped off the road after negotiating a left curve. Avery overcorrected causing the car to slide off the road and strike a utility pole. She was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. Police say their investigation is continuing and charges are pending against Avery. They are also continuing their investigation in to a burglary and theft occurring Monday afternoon a half mile north of the Pithole Road in Keating Township. Troopers were summoned just before 1:00 p.m. to a burglary in progress at Seneca Resources and when they arrived, they saw several people running from the scene. The theft of a piece of equipment during a two hour period last Thursday morning on Hill Street in Mt Jewett is also under investigation by state police. Thieves made off with an Earth King one person hole digger valued at $700 owned by D & D builders. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kane Barracks at 778-5555. A 19 year old Austin resident is being charged with harassment for a fight taking place late Saturday night on the Lower Bark Shanty Road in Keating Township. State police allege Andrew Dynda struck a 16 year old boy causing minor injury during an argument.. A couple of criminal mischief incidents are being probed by troopers here and in Cameron County. Sometime overnight Sunday, vandals broke a Panic Hardware outer door handle off of a metal door at Kosa’s County Market on Main Street in Ulysses.. Damage is estimated to be about $100. And, someone damaged a tire on a 1998 Dodge Neon owned by Rusty Jones of Emporium early this morning while it was parked at the Uni-Mart in that town. The Potter county commissioners during their May 24 meeting acted on several personnel matters. The Board accepted the resignations of jail guards William Powers, effective May 1 and Laurence Bailey, effective May 26; approved the hiring of Sara Gamble to fill the existing position of part-time summer intern at the previously established rate of $8.20 per hour, effective May 16; approved the emergency hire of Dee Walters as part-time Secretary Clerk II, Class III at any hourly rate of $8.40 per the union contract to fill the vacancy created with the departure of Kari Stubbs who was recently hired as the community service coordinator for probation, a full time secretary/Clerk II Class II position at any hourly rate of $9.14 per hour, as per the union contract. The commissioners also recently announced that technicians have refined the courthouse telephone systems making it more user friendly. 06/4/07 A Portville, NY man has been remanded to the Potter County in lieu of $100,000 straight bail after being arraigned on numerous charges for incidents taking place Saturday morning in the Coudersport Area. State police said they were called to Gerner Electric in Hebron Township around 7:00 o’clock when 37 year old Robert Nelson was observed by the owners trespassing on their property. Nelson is said to have fled the scene with a two year old girl. Officers responding to the trespassing call, tried to stop Nelson but he led them on a chase to East 7th Street in Coudersport where he finally stopped and was taken into custody. Authorities say the incident began as a domestic violence incident earlier that morning in Portville. Nelson was arraigned on charges of criminal trespass, DUI, Reckless Endangerment, fleeing or attempting to elude police officers, public drunkenness, speeding, careless driving, reckless driving, unlawful activities , failing to pull over for an emergency vehicle and violating laws concerning alcoholic beverages. A two year old girl in Nelson’s van was apparently unharmed. Two Galeton teenagers were hurt Saturday night in a one-vehicle crash on Paul Hollow Road in West Branch Township. Troopers said 18 year old Zachary Detwiler lost control of his Chevy Truck while headed south. The pickup went off the road on a curve, struck several trees and continued another 85 feet before stopping. Both Detwiler, who was not wearing a seatbelt, and his 16 year old female passenger, who was, suffered moderate injuries. Charges are being filed against a Derrick City man in connection to a collision taking place Saturday afternoon on Route 46 near Columbia Hill Road in McKean County. State police said Charles Wilson had stopped his Ford F-150 in the southbound lane of the highway to load some equipment and the truck was hit nearly head on by a southbound car driven by Maynard Baker of Eldred. Baker suffered minor injuries. Wilson was not hurt. A Shinglehouse driver received moderate injuries in a crash taking place early Sunday morning on East Honeoye Road in Sharon Township. Police said Robby Goode’s Saturn went off the road, hit an embankment and rolled over, coming to rest on its roof. The crash remains under investigation. Animals were factors in a couple of recent mishaps. State police say 20 year old Ervin Mullet of Genesee received minor injuries last Wednesday afternoon when his Pontiac Sunbird overturned after he tried to keep a dog from jumping out a window. The dog was recovered and returned to the owner. And, Max Williams of Phoenix, Arizona escaped injury Friday afternoon when his eastbound Toyota 4 x 4 hit a bear on Route 346 in Otto Township. Police did not indicate the bear’s fate. Thieves last Thursday or Friday stole several thousand dollars worth of items from a camp located on a private road off of the Notch Road in West Branch Township. Stolen items include some 30 pairs of gold earrings, a man’s stainless steel watch, a camouflage colored rechargeable spotlight, a Spanish made double barrel side by side shotgun, Motorola Talk About two radios, Two Garmin two-way radio/gps units, a pair of Zeiss Classic 10x 40 binoculars, a pair of Celstron Promaster compact binoculars, a Sport large rechargeable yellow rechargeable spotlight, about $2,000 in assorted currency, a Yamaha Grizzly 600 ATV and a Yamaha Kodiak 400 ATV. 06/01/07 A 29 year old Shinglehouse woman died in a one-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on the Clara Road, about a mile south of Route 44 in Clara Township. Coudersport-based state police said Kelly Sue Taylor, of the Clara Road was headed south when her Jeep Liberty went off the east side of the road, for about 330 feet through the yard at the home of James and Amberly Costello where it collided with a parked tractor. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn numerous times before coming to rest some 90 feet off the road. Taylor was ejected as the unit overturned. She was found about 124 feet east of the road and was pronounced dead at the scene. Taylor’s five year old son was also thrown out of the rolling Jeep but walked away from the scene. He and his 9 year old brother were taken to Charles Cole Hospital and the older boy was flown by helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center for treatment of major injuries. Minor injuries were reported for a Coudersport man following a one-vehicle crash earlier in the day in McKean County. Kane-based state police said 76 year old Donald Wagman suffered a medical emergency at around 8:00 a.m. while headed east on Route 59 and allowed his Ford 250 pick up to go off the road and hit a tree. Numerous charges are pending against a 16 year old female resident of Adelphoi Village in Harrison Township in connection to incidents allegedly taking place Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon. State police say the girl scratched and kicked staff member Aaron Atwell of Westfield. While she was being restrained by other staff members, she allegedly bit staff member Rosemary Houghtaling of Wesfield in the back and after being released, the girl allegedly punched another staff member, Nicole Sirianni of Knoxville in the face causing a black eye. State police were called Thursday morning, and after conducting an investigation, Trooper Michael Davis took the girl into custody. While she was being transported in the front seat of the patrol car, the teen allegedly became unruly and bit the officer and kicked him in the arm She also reportedly kicked the windshield, smashing it and kicked the computer keyboard. Total damage was estimated to be $500. The girl was restrained again and taken to the barracks for processing and then was transferred to the Juvenile Detention Center in Wellsboro. She is being charged in juvenile court with felony counts of aggravated assault and criminal attempted escape along with misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and institutional vandalism and one summary offense of harassment. Authorities said none of the injuries required medical attention. The 33rd annual God’s Country Marathon will take place Saturday on Route 6 . Runners will leave Galeton at 8:00 a.m. and the winner will cross the finish line a couple of hours later. Approximately 170 had registered by this afternoon and approximately 40% have participated previously. Dave Brooks, the executive director of the sponsoring organization, the Potter County Visitors Association told WFRM the high return rate is partially due to the special attention given to the runners. 05/31/07 A Port Allegany man has been committed to the Potter County jail in lieu of $5000 bail for allegedly violating a protection from abuse order. Coudersport based state police claim 42 year old David McGinley went to the home of Tina McGinley on Railroad Avenue in the village of Roulette on the morning of May 20 and made harassing comments toward her. He was sent to the jail after being arraigned before District Judge Barbara Easton on Tuesday. Troopers are charging both Coudersport residents involved in a fight Monday afternoon with harassment and disorderly conduct. Authorities say 42 year old Daryl Jackson and his 21 year old stepson Jeffrey Myers were engaged in a heated argument at Jackson’s home on Route 6 West and both reported throwing a baby swimming pool at each other. Police allege Myers pushed Jackson; Jackson spit on Myers and Myers retaliated by pushing Jackson to the ground. The fight ended when Myers left the property. Apparently there were no injuries but charges are being filed in District Court. The Department of Environmental Protection and Norfolk Southern announced yesterday that they have signed an agreement authorizing the railroad to complete restoration at the site of a toxic spill near the McKean and Cameron County border by this coming December 1. The railroad must complete replacement seeding and planting by that date and then must submit regular reports to DEP about the site. The agreement does not address the nearly $8.9 million in penalties DEP assessed Norfolk Southern last fall. More than 42,000 gallons of caustic lye spilled into the Portage-Sinnemahoning Creek when a train derailed last June 30. Fish and other aquatic life were devastated for miles downstream. Investigators found that the train was going 77 mph in a 15 mp zone. The engineer, Michael Seifert of Buffalo is awaiting trial on criminal charges of operating the train while under the influence of drugs. Galeton Borough in Potter County has been awarded $5.176 million in state grants and low interest loans to complete a major wastewater treatment improvement upgrade that will protect local water supplies, according to Senator Joe Scarnati and Representative Marty Causer. The money was awarded through the state’s PENNVEST and Growing Greener Program, and includes a low interest loan of $4,405,857 and a grant of $771,143 and will be used to construct approximately five miles of sanitary and storm sewers, 83 manholes and a pump station to eliminate the discharge of untreated sewage to a local stream that occurs during heavy rains. Brian Scott, a senior from Northern Potter High School, is winner of the first annual Robert Merten “Circle of Fifths” Music Award. Larry Herbstritt, who chairs the music award committee, will present Scott with a $2,000 check toward his study of music education at Lycoming College in Williamsport. Scott undertook a rigorous exam judged by Professor Joseph Murray of Mansfield University on to earn the award. He scored an outstanding 234 points out of a possible 260 on the exam which covers subjects ranging from music theory to performance. Friends of the Rev. Robert B. Merten and the Potter County Fine Arts Council established the “Circle of Fifths” as a memorial to the clergyman, musician and intellectual, who died in January 2006, and to promote music education. The second annual fund-raiser for the Robert Merten Circle of Fifths Music Award will be a dinner-dance held at the Coudersport Golf Club on Saturday, Aug. 25, 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. It will feature a reunion performance by Ollie and the Go Gos, as well as a return by local favorites Brother Dietze & the Dixie Boys and Jakob’s Hollow. Tickets are $25 and available at Olga’s Living with Art and Hauber’s Jewelry in Coudersport. Attendees will have the choice of grilled steak, broiled haddock, or grilled chicken. The organizing committee is seeking sponsors for the second annual fund-raiser. Sponsorships are $50 and checks should be made payable to the Merten Music Award-PCFAC and sent to Merten Music Award, 107 E. Second St., Coudersport PA 16915 05/30/07 A Duke Center man has been charged with five counts each of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. State police at Kane claim 38 year old Scott Best, while employed by Allegany Aggregate, otherwise known as Wayne Paving and Gravel, in Ceres, stole copper wire, brass, aluminum, electric motors, a gas motor, and stainless steel which had a scrap value of more than $3353 and a replacement value approaching $56,000, Troopers say that Best stole the property between last December 5 and last Tuesday. He was jailed in lieu of $2500 bail after being arraigned before District Judge Cercone. The investigation continues. Troopers at Kane are also probing the theft of an ATV from a camp on Stickles Hollow over the past couple of weeks. The tan Yamaha Big Bear 4-Wheeler belonged to William Jarrett of Smethport and was parked in the front yard of his camp. The machine’s VIN is JY43HAN09sA179166. A couple of thefts from parked vehicles early last week in the Driftwood area are being probed by state police at Emporium. Thieves stole money from a pick up truck owned by Gaylord McIsaac and cigarettes from an SUV owned by Daniel Woods while the vehicles were parked at the victims’ residences along the Castle Garden Road. And, some music CDs were taken from Scott MacMillan’s truck while it was parked at his home on Driftwood Avenue. Emporium based state police say there were no injuries in a rear-end collision involving acquaintances or friends Monday afternoon on the Quehanna Highway. Troopers said 19 year old Jordan Reeves, of Washington, PA drove a Dodge Dakota into the back of a Ford Escort driven by 18 year old Nathan Parry also of Washington, PA when eastbound traffic quickly stopped. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. The Escort had to be towed from the scene while damage to the other vehicle was minor. Reeves has been cited for following too closely. State police headquarters reports seven people died and another 320 people were injured in crashes on Pennsylvania highways during the four-day Memorial Day Weekend. Last year 11 people died and 361 people were injured. Officials say while the decrease in fatalities and injuries is encouraging, none of the people who died this past weekend were wearing a seatbelt and four out of the seven fatal crashes were alcohol related. A spokesperson for the East Fork Sportsman’s club reports the annual children’s fishing derby and chicken barbecue held Sunday was a huge success with more than 1200 people attending, the most ever.. The chicken was sold out and most of the children reeled in their limit from the 1500 trout stocked for the occasion. The club expressed thanks to all the volunteers who helped to make the day a so successful. 05/29/07 A Patsko, Pennsylvania woman was hurt Monday around noon time at a camp located about a half mile east of Vas Hollow in Wharton Township when her young son accidentally fired a rifle. State police said the 10 year old was putting a .22 cal. rifle into a case but did not clear the live round from the chamber. The gun discharged and the round struck 46 year old Nancy Yakopovich in the ankle. She was treated and released at Charles hospital. Moderate injuries were reported for a Northvale, NJ woman following a motorcycle crash Sunday afternoon on Route 44 about two and a half miles west of Route 144 in Stewardson Township, Potter county. State police said Mary Ann Cappellini was a passenger on a 2001 Harley Davidson operated by her husband, Victor Cappellini which went out of control on a left hand curve while southbound. He received minor injuries both were taken to Jersey Shore Hospital for treatment. Police said both were wearing safety helmets. No one was hurt in a one-vehicle crash late last night in Smethport. State police said a 2001 Chevrolet Venture driven by a 17 year old girl went off of Willow Street, sheared a utility pole in half, traveled through some grass, hit a ditch, and then backed up onto the road where it came to rest. The teen’s passengers were identified as a 16 year old boy from East Smethport, 18 year old Amanda Ryder, 25 year old Leonard Hess, and a 13 year old boy all of Smethport. The driver is being charged with failing to drive at a safe speed. Another Smethport driver is being charged with careless driving for a three-vehicle crash taking place early this morning on Route 246 in Duke Center. State police said Ashley Colley fell asleep at the wheel of her eastbound 1993 Toyota Camry, causing it to zig zag and spin across the road the road, before hitting a 1988 Ford pick-up and a 1985 Nissan pick-up owned by Glenn Frederick. Both the driver and her passenger, Ashley Eschrich of Bradford were unhurt. State police at Kane have also charged a Crosby resident with Criminal mischief and harassment for an incident allegedly taking place late Sunday naight at the home of Loretta Button on Route 46 in that village. Authorities say Steven Alcock Sr. subjected Button to unwanted physical contact and destroyed her kitchen table when he threw it during the argument. A couple of Coudersport residents are harassment charges for an incident allegedly taking place Monday at around 3:45 p.m. here in the borough. Troopers say 22 year old Aaron Martin of Ross Street and 24 year old Benjamin Strayer of East 6th Street followed 23 year old Eric Monroe of Coudersport aounrd town and when he stopped his car in the lot of St. Eulalia’s church, Martin and Strayer reportedly jumped out of their car and tried to pull Monroe out of his. Authorities are probing a couple of thefts taking place over the weekend. Someone stole five to ten pieces of firewood from a stack at a camp on Bryant Hollow Road in Oswayo owned by John Fetzer of Medina, Ohio and someone made off with a set of keys Lisa Bartholet of Batavia, Illinois had placed on a bench at Rainbow Paradise on Route 6 in Sweden Township. 05/28/07 Today is, of course, Memorial Day and several area communities have scheduled ceremonies as part of a tradition that dates back nearly 140 years. In Coudersport, the schedule called for a parade to step off at 11 o’clock this morning and a memorial service to follow at the courthouse square. Ceremonies were also scheduled for Austin, Shinglehouse, Galeton, Ulysses, Port Allegany and several other local communities.
Energy companies are looking at several sites in Potter County for the location of massive turbines to generative electricity from the wind. That was the message delivered by a citizens group, Save God's Country, during a meeting last week at the Crandall Hill Community Building in the village of Hebron Wednesday night. Most recently, wind energy interests have been looking into placing the massive white structures in the Hebron and Dutch Hill areas, north and south of Coudersport. These developments come on the heels of a plan by energy company AES Corporation to place 79 industrial wind turbines in Ulysses and Hector townships, in northern Potter County’s agricultural district. The wind turbines would measure more than 400 feet high. Save God’s Country members claim the turbines would mar the landscape, decrease real estate values, and could pose a hazard to public health. They’re calling on county officials to pass an ordinance to control the location of the turbines in Potter County while a study group further investigates many aspects of the wind energy issue.
An Emporium man died of injuries suffered in a one-car crash early Friday morning on Rich Valley Road in Shippen Township. Police identified the victim as 39-year-old Russell A. Barnhart. According to troopers, Barnhart lost control of his Chevrolet Cavalier while westbound and the vehicle slammed into a utility pole. Barnhart, who was not wearing a seat belt, was taken to Altoona Hospital, where he died Sunday morning. The car was severely damaged.
A Shinglehouse motorcyclist was injured Friday afternoon in a crash on Rt. 646 in McKean County. State police from Kane said 21-year-old Tyler Salada was southbound at about 1:20 in Otto Township when his cycle drifted off the road, slid in a gravel patch and struck the guide rail. Salada was taken by medical helicopter to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for treatment of his injuries.
State police from Kane are investigating another theft of copper wire from a remote section of railroad track. Police say sometime between 3 o’clock and 4:30 Friday afternoon, thieves took more than 5,000 feet of cooper wire belonging to Norfolk Southern Railroad along the tracks in Gardeau near the border of McKean, Cameron and Potter counties. Value of the stolen material was estimated at about $530. The investigation is continuing.
And state police were kept busy over the past few days investigating several incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol. Police in Emporium finally released details of an early-morning arrest taking place back on May 20. Troopers said 26-year-old John Uber of Emporium was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after he was stopped just off Rt. 120 near the village of Truman. Police reported that Uber was observed to be speeding and initially attempted to elude officers by turning onto Beechwood Road. He did finally stop his vehicle after a short pursuit.
On Friday night, troopers from Kane apprehended 40-year-old Valerie VanCamp of Eldred at the scene of a one-car crash on Indian Creek Road in Eldred Township and charged her with driving under the influence.
Meanwhile, Kane-based state police filed DUI charges against an Eldred man early Sunday morning after his Jeep Cherokee entered a ditch on Barden Brook Road in Eldred Township. Police determined that the driver was Daniel J. Austin, who will face the DUI count as well as several summary charges.
Denton Hill-based state police have charged 47-year-old Francis J. Dougherty of Coudersport with DUI after stopping him for a traffic violation Saturday morning shortly before 3:30 in Coudersport Borough.
A Chicora, Pennsylvania, driver escaped serious injury Sunday afternoon when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his pickup truck near the Deer Park at the intersections of Routes 6 and 449 in Ulysses Township. State police from Denton Hill identified the driver as Dean J. Mellish. Police said Mellish, who was southbound on Rt. 449, left the scene after his truck traveled across the Rt. 6 intersection and struck an embankment.
An all-terrain vehicle operator suffered minor injuries when he lost control of his ATV on Troupe Road in Eulalia Township Friday night at about 6:30. State police from Denton Hill identified the operator as 35-year-old James J. Martinez of Coudersport. He was taken to Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and released that same evening.
Denton Hill-based state police investigated a separate ATV crash Saturday afternoon at about 1 o’clock on Dry Run Road in Sweden Township. Chistopher J. Dougherty, 21, of Wenonah, New Jersey, lost control of his Honda 250 ATV on the gravel. He was treated at Cole Hospital for minor injuries and released later in the day.
Speaking of ATVs, state police at Emporium cited a downstate man for illegally operating his all-terrain vehicle on the highway. Police said 37year-old Jon Parmer was apprehended driving his three-wheeler on Bennett’s Creek Road in Gibson Township.
An Elk County teenager has been charged with careless driving for trying to read while operating a car on Rt. 6 near Kane. Troopers said 18-year-old Vanessa Martini was westbound Saturday shortly after noon when she lost control of the Pontiac Sunfire, which drifted off the highway, struck a ditch and rolled over. Martini, who was wearing her seat belt, was not injured. The car was severely damaged.
State police from Denton Hill are investigating the theft of a red, West Coast Choppers bicycle from a Main Street residence in Roulette sometime Friday or Saturday.
Troopers locally are also probing a camp burglary discovered over the weekend on Butter Creek Road in Sharon Township. Someone caused minor damage after breaking into a camper and two outbuildings on property owned by David C. Smith of Savannah, N.Y.
In other news, McKean County District Attorney John Pavlock is urging all area medical providers and pharmacists to crack down on the abuse of pain relievers, including OxyContin. The D.A. is alarmed about what he describes as “an explosion of illegal use of prescription narcotics, including several overdoses.” In some instances, individuals with addictions to other drugs use OxyContin as a substitute when they can’t get their illegal drug of choice, Pavlock said. He also recently shared results of a drug task force study over the past two years, showing increased drug activity among young teens. Often, the source of their drugs is their parents’ medicine cabinet, Pavlock pointed out.
The holiday weekend’s Denton Family Bike Fest is being described as a success by the operators of Ski Denton. Mountain bike enthusiasts from at least four states were joined by mountain board riders for a weekend of competition and fun, as Ski Denton took another step to establish itself as a year-‘round recreational facility. Next up at Ski Denton is an appearance by the musical combo Modern Man during Saturday night’s Songwriters Roundtable. Tickets will be available at the door.
In local sports, Smethport High School distance runner Ben Hahn rounded out his scholastic athletic career with another state championship during the PIAA Track and Field championships Saturday at Shippensburg State University.
Pitcher Mark Corey of Austin is on the doorstep of Major League Baseball once again as a member of the Indianapolis Indians, the Class Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Corey, who has pitched in the majors for the Pirates, Rockies and Mets, has made four appearances since returning to active duty for Indianapolis earlier this month. He spent the 2006 season in the New York Yankees organization. 05/25/07 A three judge panel of the U.S. Appeals court in New York City Thursday afternoon upheld 22 convictions of John Rigas and his son Timothy of conspiracy, securities fraud and bank fraud and dismissed one of two bank fraud convictions. The 82 year old founder of Adelphia has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and his son, 20 years. They remain free on bail which could be revoked at any time and could ask the full appeals court to review the fraud case or go to the U. S. Supreme Court. The Rigases had based their appeal on the fact that the government did not put on an expert on the stand to explain accounting practices and terms but the judges agreed with prosecutors that the expert testimony was not required. The family also argued unsuccessfully that they had relied on the expertise of their auditors, Deloitte & Touche and attorneys and Buchanan Ingersoll. The financial scandal erupted in March of 2002 and led to the sale of Adelphia’s assets to Time Warner and Comcast and a move of hundreds of employees from Coudersport. The family retained some cable systems and is operating them under the name of ZitoMedia. A Galeton man has been released on $500 unsecured bail after being arraigned on charges of violating a Protection From Abuse order. State police contend that 25 year old James Poklar of Galeton violated the order by having contact with his estranged wife, Jennifer, over the past month. State police at Kane have charged a 14 year old boy with harassment and carrying or discharging an air rifle. Authorities claim the teen fired the air rifle at 12 year old Wednesday evening near the basketball court in Olmstead Park, Ludlow. In regional news, earlier this month Gary Reed, Jr., of
Butler, 05/24/07 A couple of perjury defendants have been sentenced to spend time in the McKean County Jail in connection to a case connected to the fatal shooting of a police officer back in 1999. Judge John Yoder ordered Marian Nersinger, 28, formerly of Austin, now of Holley, New York and 28 year old Michelle Nelson of Friendship to three to 23-1/2 months in jail after being found guilty of perjury. Both women testified under oath that they heard Becky Lucrezi Olson of Coudersport brag that she is the one who fired the gun that killed Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman during a traffic stop in February 1999. Timothy Williams, of Coudersport is serving 22 to 47 years in state prison after being convicted of third degree murder for the shooting. Lucrezi Olson and Matt Seeley were riding in the back seat of the Williams vehicle when the officer pulled him over for erratic driving. Williams, to this day says he was too drunk to know what actually happened that night. Williams was seriously wounded when the dying officer fired his service pistol at him. In the years since the conviction, the two women made their claims which state police determined were unfounded. The women remain free on bail pending their appeals. Coudersport based state police are investigating several recent thefts. Sometime between 6:00 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, thieves cut two blue ratchet straps and stole a 2006 Yamaha dirt bike owned by Joshua Risser of Coudersport from the bed of his 1997 maroon Chevrolet Silverado The theft occurred when the pick up was parked at the intersection of Route 44 and 49 a half mile south of Baker Creek Road in Eulalia Township. The bike, which is yellow and white with a black seat is valued at $7000. The theft of two digital game cameras from a location along Butternut Road in West Branch Township between May 18 and yesterday is being probed by state police here. The cameras belonged to Russell Long of Levittown and were taken sometime over the past week. State police say they have a suspect for the theft of various pieces of camping equipment belonging to James Taylor of Galeton. The items were taken from a location along the West Branch Road sometime over the past week and are valued at about $60.00. The investigation continues. Troopers at Kane are investigating a criminal mischief taking place during the early morning hours Tuesday on West Washington Street in Corydon Township. Vandals slashed all four tires on a 1995 Chevrolet Lumina owned by Jack Cordner of Bradford. Damage is estimated to be $280.00. Maurice Waldeck , 57, of Rew has been cited for disorderly conduct for an incident allegedly taking place late Monday night. State police allege Waldeck yelled obscenities at Heather Fowler while she was inside her home. And a 13 year old Rixford girl has been cited with violating state law regarding school attendance. Police say they picked her up at her home Tuesday around noontime and escorted her to class. 05/23/07 A Coudersport woman has been cited for harassment in connection to an incident allegedly taking place early Sunday morning in Eulalia Township. State police claim 33 year old Amy Proctor opened the passenger side door of a car parked in her driveway on the North Hollow Road and hit 28year old Mark Watson also of Coudersport in the nose. About a half hour later, a state police patrol unit observed Watson walking along the North Hollow road carrying a chain saw. When he saw the car approach, Watson allegedly started the chain saw and revved the engine before dropping it alongside the road. When troopers questioned Watson, they determined he was “highly intoxicated” and charged him with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct, and pedestrians being under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. STAT MedEvac of Pittsburgh recently announced it’s closing it’s base at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre and according to John Chamberlain, a spokesman for the company the business decision should not affect area residents. STAT MedEvac operates 20 helicopters from 16 bases in central and western Pennsylvania, Youngstown, Ohio and Hagerstown, Maryland. Many seriously ill or injured patients from the WFRM listening area are routinely flown to Robert Packer Hospital. Guthrie Health systems announced earlier this week that it’s close to finalizing an agreement with Air Methods Corp. headquartered in Denver, Colorado to handle the staff, base and helicopter services for this area beginning June 1. The Potter County Visitors Association is looking for volunteers to help with the 33rd Annual God’s Country Marathon is coming to be held June 2. According to David Brooks, PCVA Executive Director, there currently are over 100 registered runners which Brooks says is well over last year’s pace. Volunteers are needed to work Water Stations for the race. Brooks says there is a desperate need of 7 stations on the Galeton side (before Denton Hill) and 4 stations on the Coudersport side. The race begins at 8 am and the first runners usually get to Coudersport by 10:30 am. Location will determine required time commitment. The race is usually over by 2:30 pm or 3:00 pm at the latest. Volunteers will be provided Gatorade, cups, signs, and some stations will receive energy gel to hand out. They will need to provide 20 gallons of drinkable water(10 gallons used for mixing Gatorade), tables, and garbage bags - Some stations have a lot of fun with it and play music, and hand out goodies and treats. At the end of the race, the runners vote for the best water station and the winner receives a one year membership for the PCVA free. Interested persons should call Kim or Theresa at 274-7177. The Potter County Commissioners during their meeting on April 26, decided to pursue the recommendation from Commissioner Cathy Bowers regarding a discount prescription card program. The board will review the details of the program offered through the National Association of Counties with Solicitor D. Bruce Cahilly. According to Bowers, the card would be available to all county residents, not just officials and employees, and would provide a minimum of a 20% discount on prescription medications. The card is honored by more than 57,000 pharmacies nationwide and even offers discount on pet medicines. It is free of charge. 05/22/07 Galeton Borough officials notified WFRM Tuesday afternoon that the “boil water” order has been lifted because two samplings have proven to be bacteria-free. Coudersport-based state police late Monday afternoon released more information about the shooting deaths of two people Sunday morning in Sharon Township. Authorities say autopsies show 36 year old David Mesler shot 35 year old Kelly Jo Sherwood in the abdomen three times and then shot himself in the abdomen and chest. Troopers say the deadly morning began just before 6:00 a.m. when Sherwood arrived at the Roadside Tavern in Shinglehouse to open the restaurant where she worked. Mesler had taken his brother’s truck and a .22 cal semi-automatic rifle from his father’s gun cabinet; got into Sherwood’s blazer and apparently forced her to drive a wooded area off of the Wild Cat Road near his parent’s house where he had been staying since moving out of Sherwood’s Eldred residence. There bodies were discovered a little after 9:00 o’clock that morning by a family member. Authorities are asking anyone who had contact with Mesler either Saturday night or Sunday morning to contact them at the local barracks, 274-8690. Kane-based state police are investigating a theft and a criminal mischief taking place in McKean County over the weekend. Thieves entered the home of Hugh and June Rich in Ludlow between Friday and Monday, through an unlocked door and stole about $170 in loose change. Vandals damaged two 3-D targets owned by the Kane Fish and Game Club Saturday afternoon around 5:00 o’clock. Four vehicles were observed in the area at the time and witnesses told police one was a teal colored Jeep and another was a gray and black Chevrolet truck with a red Chevy emblem on the back window. Anyone with information about either incident is asked to call the Kane barracks at 778-5555. Jacob Kamats, 18 of Salamanca, NY has been committed to the Potter County jail in lieu of $10,000 bail after being arraigned on a criminal trespass charge. According to Emporium-based state police Kamats entered the home of Nora Swartz on E. Allegany Avenue in Emporium this past Sunday morning even though he was told not to. The Potter County Department of Aging will again administer the Senior Farmers Market program though the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture which provides eligible seniors with four $5frm.00 checks to use at approved farmers markets to purchase qualifying fresh fruits and vegetables June l through November 30. Certain income requirements apply. The checks will be distributed at Senior Centers around the county and can be used at Jones Produce, Coudersport, Howardson Farm, Burtville and the Potter County Farmers Market in the Courthouse Square, Coudersport and the Galeton Gazebo. Approved vendors will display a sign that the checks will be accepted. 05/21/07 Coudersport-based state police are continuing their investigation into the death of two people whose bodies were discovered Sunday morning just after 9:00 a.m. in a vehicle parked at the residence of one of the people on the Wildcat Road in Sharon Township. In a news release issued late last night, state police said their department is investigating the homicide deaths of 35 year old Kelly Jo Sherwood of Cris Drive Eldred and 37 year old David Mesler of Wildcat Road, Shinglehouse. The news release said, “ the victims appeared to have died from multiple gun shot wounds.” Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury told WFRM earlier today, that the cause of death, manner and time of death will not be available until autopsies are completed today in Erie. But, he said the deaths do not appear to have been random. When asked why the news release lacked detail, Potter County DA Dawn Fink told WFRM that the case apparently isn’t as clear cut as some had originally believed. However, in reviewing our news files, we can tell you, Mesler was charged earlier this month by Coudersport based-state police with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, harassment, disorderly conduct, failing to stay on the right side of the highway, careless driving, reckless driving and accidents involving damage to unattended property for an incident allegedly taking place at around 3:30 a.m. on April 28 in Shinglehouse Borough. Police said Mesler, whose address at that time was Cris Drive, Eldred, tried to run down Sherwood with his SUV. She jumped out of the way and escaped unhurt, but the Chevy Blazer struck a traffic sign and damaged a lawn on East Honeoye Street. Mesler left the scene without notifying authorities but was apprehended later. He was released after being arraigned on the charges on $15,000 signature bail with the condition that he have no contact with Sherwood. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 8th, but reportedly was continued. WFRM has also learned that Mesler pled guilty in 1995 to terroristic threats and a charge of harassment was nol prossed. In February of 1996, he was sentenced to a year of probation and ordered to pay costs, fees, and fines. He also reportedly had previously been charged with furnishing alcohol to minors. Troopers have not indicated who discovered the bodies or when the shootings may have occurred. Timothy Tuttle, 47 of Mills has been arraigned on charges of violating a protection from abuse order. State police allege Tuttle attempted to contact Joan Pfeiffer, also of Mills, while at the Mills Post office last Wednesday afternoon; spoke to her and “advised her that they needed to talk,” in violation of the PFA filed against him by Pfeiffer. He was released on his own recognizance following arraignment. Edward Kosa, 37, of Ulysses has been charged with simple assault for an incident allegedly occurring Wednesday night at the Baily Hill Lodge. Troopers contend Kosa threw a Budweiser Beer glass at Shelley Kosa of Bailey Hill Road Ulysses and hit her in the head, causing the glass to shatter. She did not request medical treatment. Edward was arraigned before District Judge Delores Bristol and was released on $10,000 unsecured bail with certain conditions. Justin Lehman, 20, of Galeton is facing charges of criminal mischief for an incident reportedly taking place Saturday morning on Ridge Road in Hector Township. State police say Lehman bounced a car battery off the windshield of a 1966 Ford Mustang owned by Jarold Brumach of Galeton, causing $475 in damage. 05/18/07 Coudersport Borough Police tell WFRM that charges are pending against Jeffrey Myers of Coudersport following a one-vehicle crash late Thursday night just before midnight.. Authorities said a 1992 Ford Bronco driven by Myers sheared of a utility pole at the corner of Maple and Main Streets, near McDonalds. Apparently Myers escaped injury. Coudersport Volunteer Fire Police were summoned to provide traffic control and to assist PennDot workers in barricading that South Main Street until a new pole could be erected. Verizon and Allegheny Power crews, early Friday morning, connected their lines to the new pole and the section of Route 6 was re-opened around 7:00 a.m. Residents and businesses in the immediate area suffered a power outage lasting about 40 minutes while lineman re-connected Allegheny Power line.Kane-based state police are probing a theft taking place overnight Wednesday on Narrow Drive in Wetmore Township. Someone reached into a car owned by Holly Yasurek while it was parked at her residence and made off with her red purse containing various personal items. An Eldred man will be assessed by the state Sexual Offender Assessment Board to determine if he is a sexually violent predator after pleading guilty this week in McKean County court to indecent assault and indecent exposure. Donald Kontz, 23, admitted exposing himself to a 7 year old girl and inappropriately touching her on in April of 2006 in Bradford Township. Two Port Allegany residents are awaiting sentencing after also pleading guilty this week to other charges. James Fleck, 22, admitted to endangering the welfare of a child for an incident taking place in April of 2004. Fleck was supposed to be supervising a two year old child but the youngster climbed out of a second story window and was dangling from it until rescued by police after they were summoned by a passerby. Judith Gnan, 57, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft. Gnan admitted stealing money from a residence outside of the borough twice between November 25 and December 27. An unexpected decline in blood collections over the past several weeks has resulted in a shortage of approximately 1,200 units of blood across the northeast, according to officials from the American Red Cross Blood Services Northeast Division which is comprised of Red Cross Blood Regions in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. The Red Cross reports less than a one-day supply of many blood types, including O-Negative, the universal blood type. 05/17/07 A Galeton driver was critically injured in a collision taking place Wednesday morning on Route 6 in Shippen Township, Tioga County. Mansfield-based state police said Michael Goodling was headed east when his Ford F-150 crossed the center line and struck a westbound UPS truck driven by Joseph Kuhns of Liberty,nearly head-on. Route 6 was closed to traffic for about an hour. Goodling was taken to Geisinger medical Center in Danville while Kuhns was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro for treatment of serious injuries. Goodling was not wearing a seatbelt, but police said Kuhns was. He is well-known in the WFRM listening area for delivering UPS items here for many years and recently told some acquaintances that he is only a couple of months away from retirement. We have been told that he suffered a crushed kneecap and multiple cuts and bruises but is recovering. There has been no update on Goodling’s condition.No one was hurt in a collision taking place early this morning on the Lower Grimes road in Liberty Township, McKean County. State police at Kane said Adam Lloyd of East Smethport was headed east and failed to yield one-half of the roadway to Thomasena Stewart of Port Allegany who was headed west and the units collided in the eastbound lane. When police investigated, they allegedly determined Lloyd had been driving under the influence of alcohol and arrested him on the spot. His passenger was Lanny listed as John Kiehlmeier of Port Allegany while Lanny Stewart was a passenger in the other car. State police at Kane are continuing their investigation into a hit and run taking place at about 11:30 p.m. back on May 5th at the intersection of the Brooklynside Road and Route 6 in Liberty Township, near Port Allegany. Authorities say an unknown vehicle failed to negotiate a left curve, traveled off the road and hit a large wooden sign located on the southern shoulder of Route 6.The driver backed up and took off without notifying the property owner. A Mt.Jewett man is charged with criminal mischief and harassment for an incident allegedly taking place Wednesday afternoon King Street in the village Clermont. State police claim Christopher John Confronted Heather Doutt of Smethport was driving past his residence and tht he struck a 1998 Jeep Wrangler owned by Francis Doutt of Smethport with an axe handle causing minor damage. In regional news, Mansfield-based state police are investigating a burglary taking place at a residence on Copp Hollow Road near Wellsboro last weekend. Thieves entered a garage at the home of Alan Garrison and stole a red “Dancer”model Perception Kayak, a blue and purple “Sleek” model New Wave Kayak and a pair of touring paddles with black shafts and narrow white blades. The equipment is valued at $1500. 05/15/07 Today’s Primary Election in Potter County began with a computer glitch. Director of Elections Sandy Lewis confirmed to WFRM that when the electronic voting devices were booted up this morning, they received a “0” proof due to the fact that regular bond paper had incorrectly been installed instead of thermal paper. Lewis told us that the problem would not cause voting delays or have any effect on the results and that the thermal paper would be in place by the time it’s needed to print of the results of today’s vote. There were unconfirmed reports of chaos in some of the county’s 34 precincts as election board workers scrambled to find out how to handle the problem. Voters are selecting their party’s nominees for school board, township and borough offices and county offices. The only countywide contests here are for county commissioner. On the Republican side, incumbent John Torok, who squeaked by four years ago to win a second term through a write-in campaign is being challenged by newcomers Paul Heimel, a local journalist, and Doug Morley, a community banker. On the Democrat ticket, incumbent Chairman Ken Wingo is seeking nomination for his third term. He’s joined by incumbent Catherine Bowers looking to return for a second term and Susan Sullivan-Kefover who served as a county commissioner from 1979 to 1987. Two candidates in each party will be selected today to face off in November and the top three in that election will form the new board of commissioners, next January. In McKean County, John Egbert, Dick Danielson, Al Pingie, Larry Stratton, Joseph DeMott, TimYohe and Jeremy Kosmac are competing for two slots. The Democrat candidates are Clifford Lane, Paul Lathrop, Judy Church and Geoffrey Beck. Republicans Egbert, an incumbent, and Danielson have been campaigning under the bi-partisan “New Directions” banner with Democrat Lane, also an incumbent. In addition to selecting party nominees, voters in each school district will be deciding if their earned income tax rate should be increased as a way to provide property tax relief. Polls are open until 8:00 p.m. Meanwhile, in neighboring New York State, voters will be voting on their local school district’s proposed budgets, unlike Pennsylvania where voters do not have a say in a school district’s budget. An environmental disaster was averted today by good timing and quick thinking. Details are still not available from state police, but an eye witness tells WFRM that a tanker truck carrying concentrated liquid fertilizer overturned near the Gold intersection just before noontime. Burdett Cowburn, an Ulysses Township official just happened to be in the area, and just happened to have Township equipment with him. Cowburn quickly cut a trench and diverted the flowing nitrogen away from a nearby Class A trout stream. The truck driver reportedly escaped injury and witnesses continued to shake their heads in amazement as they recounted the event throughout the day with neighbors and other visitors who stopped in to the historic Gold General Store. A Lewis Run man has been charged with DUI following an incident allegedly taking place Saturday night at a Mt. Jewett residence. When 42 year old Timothy Wagner arrived at a residence to pick up his daughter, his ex-wife observed he appeared to be intoxicated and removed the keys from his vehicle which prompted Wagner to pound on the door. The victim called state police and responding officers concurred that Wagner was intoxicated and took him to Kane Community Hospital for chemical testing. Charges will be filed in district court pending the results of the testing. 05/14/07 A Lewis Run driver was critically injured in a one-vehicle crash Friday afternoon on the Big Shanty Road in Lafayette Township. State police said Melissa Anthony, 22, was thrown out of her 1997 Chevy Cavalier as it rolled over several times after striking a ditch. Police said she lost control of the compact after re-entering the highway when she moved over to allow another unit to pass. Anthony was flown by helicopter to Hamot Medical Center in Erie. Minor injuries were reported for a couple of passengers following a one-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon on the Mahon Run Road in Wharton Township. Troopers here say Theodore Moore, Jr. of Ridley Park, PA was headed south when his Ford Explorer failed to make a left turn at a T intersection, went off the road and struck an embankment. One passenger, Anthony Sorrentino of Folsome, PA was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of his injuries while Kevin Scola of Ridley Park apparently declined treatment. Moore, who escaped injury is being charged for speeding. A New Brighton motorcyclist escaped injury early this morning when his Harley Davidson struck a deer on Route 6 near Bloomster Hollow in Hamlin Township, McKean County. State police at Kane said David Ries was thrown off of his cycle when it hit the whitetail which bounded onto the road in front of the westbound motorcycle. Coudersport-based state police are investigating several thefts discovered recently. Sometime last week thieves entered a barn on Main Street in Roulette owned by Bradley Jones of West Palm Beach, Florida and David Darush of Roulette and removed several power tools. Sometime since early December thieves removed a 4’ x 20” Cycle Country snow plow blade, valued at $350, from behind a camp on the Shale Road in Sharon Township owned by Fred Martin of Gettysburg. Also, since early December, someone broke into a shed at Camp 52 on the Dug Road, also Sharon Township, and removed some tools. The thieves also vandalized the shower, water cooler and windows at the camp owned by Brian Bohn of Denver, PA and then defecated on a shovel and threw the feces through the broken window into the camp. Damage there said to be $150. And, troopers are looking for the person who filled a dumpster at the Lumber Museum Roadside Rest area with construction materials last Wednesday or Thursday. 05/11/07 Area volunteer emergency services personnel were kept busy last night first with a chimney fire and then an air and ground search for a reported downed aircraft. Coudersport volunteers were summoned at 7:53 p.m. to the Walter Hafner residence on the North Hollow Road for a chimney fire. According to Chief Andy Dubots the blaze was contained to the chimney itself and all units were back in service about an hour later but while firefighters were at that call, they were summoned to an area in Hebron Township north of Coudersport for a reported downed aircraft. According to Chief Dubots, a plane transponder was giving off coordinates near the Clark Hill Road and Dingman Run Road. A command center was set up near that intersection and volunteers, using gps units provided by Potter County Outfitters walked a grid pattern in that area and a Stat Medivac helicopter flew a grid pattern above but nothing was found and the search was called off at midnight. Chief Dubots said some 65 people from the local fire and ambulance departments, the Civil Air Patrol, Potter County EMA, DCNR, and State Police participated |