|
n WFRM NEWS ARCHIVE |January - February - March 2007 3 Back
to Archive (Past Months) |
|
03/30/07 Kane-based state police are charging 23 year old Brandon Freer of Eldred with failing to drive at a safe speed and failing to wear a seatbelt following a rear-end collision Thursday morning on the West Eldred Road, about four and a half miles north of Route 446 in Eldred Township. Troopers said Freer was unable to stop his northbound Chevy truck in time, and allowed it to run into the back of a Dodge Dakota driven by Roger Moyer also of Eldred. Freer and his wife, Beth, were taken to Olean General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries while their daughter, 3 year old Jenna who was in a child safety seat escaped injury. Moyer was transported to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries. No one, including 26 students, was hurt in a rear-end collision Thursday morning in Tioga County involving a school bus. State police said the collision occurred on Route 287 near Morris when Joseph Bohnert tried to make a left turn with the bus into a pull-off area just as Steven Johnson of South Williamsport was attempting to pass after passing an SUV. The bus’s left front hit the front right tire on Johnson’s 2004 Grand Prix and sent it spinning off the road and into the brush. Police said an inspection of the bus showed the left rear turn signal was not working so Bohnert, the owner of the bus will be charged for traffic and equipment violations. The theft of a car from Stuck’s Garage in Otto Township is being probed by State police at Kane. The 1999 Ford Escort owned by Eleanor Schwab of Duke Center was found Wednesday night in a ditch along New York State Route 16, about a mile and a half from where it was taken earlier this month. Underage drinking charges have been filed against 19 year old Joshua Smith of St. Marys by Kane based state police. Authorities allege Smith was found to be consuming beer along the east side of Route 219, a mile south of Route 6 in Hamlin Township just before 1:00 p.m. today. A Duncannon, PA man has been admitted to the Potter County ARD program for 9 months after pleading guilty to DUI and various traffic violations. John Hall, 48, was arrested by Coudersport Borough Police last August 18 when he failed to use a turn signal and allowed his car to cross the center line several times. His blood alcohol content was found to be .17%, more than twice the legal limit. Hall was also ordered to attend DUI Alcohol Safe Driving School, perform 25 hours of community service, surrender his drivers license for 60 days and attend the DUI Victim Impact Panel. Todd Wright, 36 of Genesee will be sentenced on May 2 after recently pleading guilty in Potter County Court to DUI. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, Wright was arrested following a vehicle crash on March 2, 2006. Consider it a warning. Coudersport-based state police have announced that sometime over the next two weeks they will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on a section of highway that has had a high incidence of impaired drivers both in terms of alcohol related crashes and arrests. The site and time will not be specified.
03/29/07 The warmer temperatures and March winds are combining to create conditions which make wildfires more likely. Nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvania's wildfires occur in March, April and May, before the greening of state woodlands and brush lands and 98% are caused by people. Wildfires devastate nearly 10,000 acres of state forest and even more private land annually threatening life, property, and the sustainability of valuable natural resources. Campers and other state forest visitors are reminded open fires are prohibited on state forestland when the fire danger is listed as high, very high, or extreme, unless authorized by the district forester. The Department of Community and Natural Resource's Bureau of Forestry is responsible for prevention and suppression of wildfires on the commonwealth's 17 million acres of state and private woodlands and brush lands. The bureau maintains a fire-detection system, and works with fire wardens and volunteer fire departments to ensure they are trained in the latest advances in fire prevention and suppression. The first one of the season blackened only a small area on Fishing Creek north of Roulette Wednesday afternoon. Roulette volunteers were summoned to the Dana Halle residence when a brush fire got out of hand. All units were back in service a short time after firefighters doused the brush fire and watered down the surrounding area according to Chief Mike Ingalls. The threat will continue over the next several days. An Eldred man has been released on $5,000 bail after being arraigned on charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault and indecent assault. Authorities allege that 22 year old Leonard Windsor had sexual relations with a 16 year old girl several times between November 2005 and January of this year. Police claim the two met through activities at a McKean County fire department and that some of their sexual encounters took place inside a fire hall and, a fire department vehicle and Windsor’s vehicle. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 2 in front of District Judge Bill Todd.
State police here have charged 20 year old Iva Scharlau of Beech Street Coudersport with simple assault. Troopers claim that Scharlau hit a young girl Saturday afternoon causing a red welt on the child’s back.
David Lush, Apprise Coordinator for Potter County, has recently become aware that one or more insurance company representatives are deliberately misrepresenting themselves, and may be involved in illegal sales tactics. “Our Agency had contact with a Medicare beneficiary who was recently visited by an insurance agent selling Medicare Advantage Plans for an insurance company. The beneficiary indicated that the insurance agent claimed to work with me, and that I approved of the Advantage plan he was offering. That is completely false” Lush explained that as an Apprise Coordinator/Counselor, his role in assisting Medicare beneficiaries is to be a neutral source of unbiased information to help the beneficiary make an informed choice about their Medicare options. In general, all Medicare beneficiaries should be aware that there may be several insurance agents who are being very aggressive trying to enroll beneficiaries in their Medicare Advantage plan, and that there are 24 Advantage plans available to Potter County. Which Medicare Advantage plan, or if a Medicare Advantage plan is a good choice for a person very much depends on their specific situation. Beneficiaries should be aware of their rights- they are in no way obligated to listen to a sales pitch that they have not specifically requested, and that door-to-door solicitation of Medicare Advantage plans is illegal. Also, beneficiaries have the right to fully understand what it is they are enrolling in; and they have the right to take time to think things over. Lush says “don’t let an insurance agent use high-pressure tactics to force you into making a decision that you are not yet ready to make”.For more information contact him at the Area Agency on Aging at 800-800-2560 or 544-7315.
03/28/07 Kane-based state police are continuing their investigation into the apparent accidental death of a young Port Allegany man Monday night. Authorities say 22 year old Michael Evens was taken to Charles Cole Hospital at around 11:00 p.m. and was pronounced dead a couple of hours later. Potter County Coroner Kevin Dusenbury says the cause of death will not be determined until toxicology tests are completed. A hit and run taking place sometime between Sunday and Tuesday at the Clermont Cemetery in Sergeant Township, McKean County is also being investigated by state police at Kane. Troopers said an unknown vehicle, probably while backing down the hill caused about $150 in damage when it struck the headstone of Helen Emma Rice and an eternal light vessel. A theft at a Wetmore Township home is also being probed by troopers at the Kane barracks. Sometime between 7:00 a.m. Monday and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday thieves entered the home of Ronald Swanson on Kinzua Avenue and removed about $2000 worth of property including a Sentry safe with personal papers, jewelry, state quarter books, and a small cedar box containing old coins and several two dollar bills. Potter County Director of Veterans Affairs, Joe Becker tells WFRM some vets are getting mis-information about a tax reduction. Becker says in order to qualify, a vet must be totally and permanently disabled. Becker also recommends visiting the updated website for Pennsylvania veterans, www.paveterans.state.pa.us which he says is very easy to navigate. Becker is available Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Potter County Court House but he says he will make an appointment anytime to meet with a vet. Call him at 274-8290, ext. 210. Pennsylvania hunters interested in applying for a second spring gobbler tag have until April 1, according to the Game Commission. Fees for the special license are $21 for residents and $41 for nonresidents. Mailed applications for special wild turkey licenses must be sent to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Special Spring Gobbler License, P.O. Box 61317, Harrisburg, PA 17106-1317. The spring gobbler season is set for April 28-May 26, and the daily limit remains one bird. Hunters are allowed to submit only one application for the special wild turkey license during a license year. So far, the agency has received applications for more than 3,100 second spring gobbler tags.
03/27/07 The engineer operating the Norfolk Southern train which derailed last summer near the McKean/Cameron County border was committed to the McKean County jail in lieu of $20,000 bail after being arraigned Monday on charges of risking a catastrophe and reckless endangerment. Kane-based state police claim 45 year old Michael Seifert of Buffalo was under the influence of drugs when the speeding train went off the tracks near Gardeau on June 30 and spilled some 43,000 gallons of caustic lye onto the ground and into the Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek devastating fish and other aquatic life for miles downstream. Investigators found the train was going 77 mph in a 15 mph zone. Norfolk Southern is conducting a clean-up of the area but faces nearly $9 million in fines. A Westfield resident has reportedly confessed to scattering rubbish on land in Harrison Township owned by Hancock Forest Management of Smethport. State police locally said 22 year old Jeffrey Martin admitted dumping several garbage bags of miscellaneous trash down over an embankment along the Cole Branch Road about a half mile east of the Dodge Hollow Road and will be making restitution to the victim. Several area drivers have been cited for DUI. Troopers here pulled over 43 year old Robert Bruce of Roulette Friday evening on Route 6 in Eulalia Township for a traffic violation and allegedly found him to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Kane-based state police have charged 38 year old Shellie Doty of Lewis Run with DUI after she went to the Kane Barracks Friday evening to pickup someone who had been arrested earlier. Upon questioning Doty, troopers allegedly found she drove to the location while under the influence of alcohol. Troopers at Kane have also charged a Bradford minor with DUI. The youth was allegedly discovered under the influence in a car at the Country Fair Parking lot Saturday at around 3:15 a.m. And, Mansfield-based state police have charged 56 year old Terry Yoder of that town with DUI after pulling him over Friday evening on the Westgate Road in Richmond Township for multiple traffic violations. Meanwhile, a couple of DUI defendants are awaiting sentencing in Potter County Court.Todd Wright, 36 of Genesee was arrested for DUI following a one-vehicle crash on March 2, 2006. He’ll be sentenced on May 2. Julie Vecellio, 40, of Bradford was arrested by State Police on March 19, 2006 when she was observed driving erratically while speeding on Route 6 near Roulette. According to Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink, both Wright and Vecellio pleaded guilty recently to the charges.
03/26/07 Kane-based state police have filed charges against the engineer who was operating the Norfolk Southern train which derailed last summer, spilling some 43,000 gallons of caustic lye near the McKean/Cameron County Border. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of 45 year old Michael Seifert of Buffalo. He is charged with two counts of risking a catastrophe and one count of reckless endangerment. Authorities allege Seifert was under the influence of drugs when the speeding train derailed on June 30. The lye spilled into the Sinnemahoning Portage Creek devastating acquatic life for several miles downstream. Norfolk Southern is currently cleaning up the spill and is facing fines of more than $8 million. There were no human injuries but private water supplies will continue to be monitored for infiltration. Charges of reckless driving are pending against an Olean driver following a crash Friday afternoon on Route 770 near the Pine Acres Golf Course in Lafayette Township, McKean County. State police said Jessie Green, 19, was driving his Chevrolet Camaro at a high rate of speed when it slid off the road for about 500 feet before striking a tree on the Pine Acres Golf Course. Green and his passenger Towadi Williams of Lewis Run both escaped injury. Coudersport volunteer firefighters were able to keep a chimney fire contained to the chimney itself Saturday afternoon. A crew responded with one engine to the Darrell Quintrell residence on the Green Forest Road in Sweden Township. They were assisted at the scene by volunteers from Galeton. State police locally have charged 19 year old LaShella Noles of Port Allegany with simple assault for an incident allegedly taking place at around 9:30 Saturday morning at Faith’s Café and Country Store in the village of Roulette. Authorities claim Noles struck the store owner, Faith Cornelius, several times during an argument, causing minor injuries. A Smethport man has been charged with simple assault for a domestic violence incident allegedly taking place Sunday morning at his home on Willow Street. Tropers claim 45 year old John Braitwaite hit his wife Tina in the face and head several times during an argument. Disorderly conduct charges have been filed against a Mt. Jewett man who reportedly could not quiet his dogs. Troopers said 64 year old John Minehart had been previously warned about causing a public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm. Michael Conner, 36 of Lewis Run is being charged with criminal trespass and public drunkenness for a couple of incidents taking place Friday afternoon. State police say they were called to Jose’s Bar in that town when an employee told them that Conner was smoking an illegal substance. When troopers arrived, they found Conner had left Jose’s and had gone to Ross’s Inn but had left there. He was later located and taken into custody. A camp burglary taking place over the past month or so in Sharon township is being probed by troopers here. Thieves kicked in the back door to gain entry to a camp owned by Edward Hellriegel of Barton, PA which is located on the Eleven Mile Road. 03/23/07 A Roulette woman is facing charges in connection to a one-vehicle crash taking place early this morning on Route 6 just east of Potter Pack in Roulette Township. Troopers said Kelli Snyder left the scene without notifying authorities or the property owner when her westbound Jeep Cherokee crossed to the other side of the road, and came to rest in a yard off of the north berm just after 2:00 a.m. today. Snyder suffered unknown injuries. One of her passengers Ronald Drabert suffered minor injuries while a second passenger, Zachary Easton escaped injury. Minor injuries were reported for a Genesee woman following a collision Thursday afternoon on Route 449 a half mile north of the Brookland Road in Ulysses Township. State police said the collision happened when Sherry Harmon’s 2007 Honda Civic crossed the double yellow line and sideswiped a tractor trailer driven by Eric Stephens of West Haven, Connecticut. The compact sideswiped the entire length of the 48 ft. trailer before coming to rest along the east berm. Harmon was taken to Charles Cole Hospital. The truck driver was unhurt and initially believed there was no significant damage to the rig but it broke down later and had to be repaired by White’s Repair Service. Harmon has been cited for failing to stay within a traffic lane and police noted that Tri-Town Volunteer fire personnel provided excellent traffic control in very dense fog. A Shinglehouse man has been remanded to the McKean County Jail in lieu of $20,000 cash bail after being arraigned on charges of criminal trespass, theft, burglary, and forgery in connection to two burglaries at Ram Forest Products on Route 44 in Ceres Township on January 4 and 11th. Ryan Dexter, 24, a former employee, was allegedly videotaped by surveillance camera. He’s accused of stealing a computer and taking a check belonging to an employee and cashing it at a bank in Olean. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 2 before District Judge William Todd. State police are continuing their investigation into an identity theft victimizing an Abbott Township couple. Authorities say Sharon and Gerald Rawson noticed charges on their Mastercard account totaling more than $283 taking place between early December and mid-February which they did not authorize. Potter County District attorney Dawn Fink tells WFRM she is considering re-filing charges against 28 year old Shawn Foringer, the former Austin Borough Police Chief. A Potter County jury could not reach a decision last week on charges of theft and intent to deliver drugs but found him guilty of a misdemeanor charge of making false reports. Foringer resigned his position in October 2005 shortly after being charged with stealing about two pounds of marijuana which was being held by his department as evidence in a drug case. 03/22/07 A Coudersport man has been sentenced to a jail term of 16 to 48 months on aggravated assault and harassment charges. According to Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink 26 year old Justin Houghtaling became combative with police last June 11; threatened to beat and kick them and spat blood at them while at Charles Cole Hospital. Houghtaling was arrested by Borough Police and was represented by Public Defender Brent Petrosky. In other Potter County Court action, 19 year old Vincent Langworthy of Roulette will be sentenced on April 11 after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary, criminal trespass and theft. According to DA Fink, between September 8 and 13, 2005, Langworthy and co-conspirators were involved in five camp burglaries in Sylvania and Keating Townships. He was represented by Coudersport attorney Walter Stenhach. A couple of area drivers are facing DUI charges. Troopers here pulled 33 year old Betsey Daniels of Genesee over late Saturday night on Route 6 in Sweden Township for alleged traffic violations and reportedly found her to be driving under the influence. Kane-based state police have charged 59 year old David Carlson of that town with DUI after responding to the intersection of Route 6 and Biddle Street from a caller who reported seeing Carlson erratically driving. Governor Edward G. Rendell announced this week that a partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will create the largest elk watching and conservation education center in the eastern United States in Benezette Township, Elk County. The governor said the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources signed a 30-year partnership agreement with the foundation, one of the country’s premier conservation organizations, for construction of the 7,000-square foot facility that will include interpretive exhibits, wildlife trails and viewing blinds, year-round restrooms and parking for cars and buses. Under the partnership agreement with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the commonwealth will provide $5 million in Public Improvement Project funds for construction of the center. The foundation will initially invest $2 million for the land purchase and the center’s exhibits in addition to committing an estimated $5.6 million over 30 years for the operation of the facility. Completion of the center’s design is expected by the end of this year. Construction completion is projected for spring 2009. 03/21/07 Kane-based state police have charged a 20 year old resident of that town with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, criminal trespass and criminal mischief in connection to a break-in at the Kinzua Country Family Restaurant on Main Street in Mt. Jewett during the early morning hours Tuesday. Police said they followed footprints from the restaurant to a house where Dylan Forsythe was staying. They allege he forced open a rear window and once inside removed four bottles of liquor valued at about $600 and took $400 in currency from a cabinet from behind the bar. Following arraignment before District Judge Todd, Forsythe was committed to the McKean County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. The restaurant is owned by Lisa Ginkle and troopers said a friend of hers helped them “tremendously” in following the footprints. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 2. Troopers here have charged 41 year old Brenda Kay Williams of Emporium with criminal mischief in connection to an incident taking place Saturday night in the parking lot of the Forest House Bar located in Keating Summit. Authorities claim Williams used a hammer to smash the driver’s side headlight in a vehicle owned by Kimberly Jones also of Emporium In recent Potter County court action, 49year old Harvey Howell of Galeton was ordered to spend 12 months on probation, pay a $100 fine, court costs and restitution and to perform 25 hours of community service on a criminal mischief conviction. Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink said Howell was arrested when he was observed slashing tires on four vehicles parked at the Lakeside in Galeton last September 16th. Matthew Louser, 20 of Shinglehouse was ordered to spend four to 18 months in jail for theft. According to the DA, Louser stole about 50 gallons of gasoline, four plastic jugs and a gas gauge during the fall of 2005. A couple of area residents have been cited for DUI. Jerome Dubots, 54, of Coudersport was arrested by state police after being stopped on the night of February 28 in Coudersport Borough. And, 54 year old Herman Beyer of Austin was pulled over early Monday morning by a trooper at an intersection in Austin. Emily Gamble, of Ulysses was one of three young women honored today as “Women of Promise” for their achievements in athletics, community service and creative and performing arts. Emily, the daughter of Darrell and Patti Gamble was honored for her athletic ability. A senior at the Northern Potter High School, Emily has excelled in four sports, basketball, volleyball, softball and track. She is the captain of the volleyball and basketball teams and was named most outstanding athlete in girl’s track. Gamble plans to major in either business or one of the health-related fields at either Susquehanna University or Slippery Rock University. She hopes to study abroad and play volleyball while in college. Susan Valentine, Northern Potter principal says Emily is an outstanding young lady, and is a true leader for her teams. The Department of Agriculture is conducting random inspections of pet food inventories at more than 100 facilities in Pennsylvania to make sure that recalled pet food is removed from shelves, according to Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff .Certain wet food products, labeled “Cuts in Gravy,” and manufactured by Menu Foods of Ontario have been recalled by the company in response to reported pet illness. All pet owners are urged to check the labels of their pets’ food and call their veterinarians with any signs of illness.The cause of illness is unknown at this time, but has been linked to wet pet foods under more than 40 dog and cat food brands manufactured by Menu Foods and distributed throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Only wet food sold in cans or pouches is affected.Owners should consult a veterinarian immediately if pets show symptoms of illness, including loss of appetite, lethargy or vomiting.For a complete list of products affected by the recall, visit www.menufoods.com/recall. For more information about the recall, call Menu Foods at 866-463-6738 or 866-895-2708. 03/20/07 Several area drivers are facing charges in connection to recent crashes. State police at Kane say both truck drivers will be charged in district court following a collision Monday morning at the intersection of Route 6 and the West Brick Road in Wetmore Township. Troopers said the collision occurred when Michael Hayward of Cuba, NY backed his rig off of Route 6 onto the West Brick Road, attempting to travel east. His rig blocked both lanes as Ervin Abers Jr of Bradford approached with his tractor trailer. Abers tried to avoid hitting Hayward’s semi, and traveled into the opposite lane, went off the road, struck a utility pole and a headstone in the cemetery at the Lebanon Lutheran Church Cemetery before coming to rest. Both drivers escaped injury but major damage was reported for the rigs. A 24 year old Smethport woman is being charged with failing to drive at a safe speed following a one-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in Eldred Township. State police said Elise Elderkin was headed north when her Ford Escort traveled off the road and struck a guardrail. She escaped injury. A couple of hours later, Douglas Kramer’s Toyota Tacoma rolled over after cresting a hill on Route 219 a mile and half north of Route 6 in Hamlin township when he slowed down for another unit. And, a few minutes later, Theodore Phalon III of Smethport received minor injuries when his Chevrolet Lumina struck a utility pole on Route 646 in Keating Township. Police said Phalon was traveling too fast for conditions at the time. He was treated at the scene by ambulance personnel. An underage Roulette driver is being charged with DUI and furnishing alcohol to minors. State police say they pulled Crystal VanZile’s car over on Route 6 near Seymour Drive in Roulette Township early Sunday morning and allegedly found she was under the influence of alcohol. State police say her passengers, a 16 year old boy from Shinglehouse, a 16 year old girl from Roulette and a 15 year old boy from Coudersport had also been drinking. Troopers now say charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief have been filed against 24 year old Jason Greiss of Ulysses for an incident allegedly taking place on March 12. Previously, authorities had not released his name but now say he is the one who became vulgar toward officers who accompanied Teri Mills to retrieve personal belongings from a vehicle parked at his residence. And, that after being placed in handcuffs for his own safety, he smashed his head against the patrol car causing damage to the car when officers tried to force him inside. A Roulette businesswoman is being charged with yet another count of writing bad checks. State police claim 32 year old Faith Cornelius doing business as Faith’s Café and Country Store, wrote a check for more than $871 last October to Hershey’s Ice Cream in Harrisburg and has failed to make the check good or arrange payment. Cornelius is facing similar charges for worthless checks written to suppliers and even employees. The Potter County EMA is advising any permanent Potter County resident who suffered damage due to last week’s flooding to contact their township or borough and provide an estimate of damage and pictures, if possible. Municipalities will be collecting the data and reporting it to the EMA. 03/19/07 A couple of Potter County residents have been given jail time for DUI convictions according to District Attorney Dawn Fink. Philip Bennett, 44, of Ulysses was arrested last June 10 following a one-vehicle crash on Route 49 near Seven Bridges. His car drifted off the road and went into a ditch. When State Police investigated, they found he had been driving under the influence of alcohol. Judge John Leete ordered Bennett to spend 90 days to five years in jail, pay a $1550 fine, all costs and fees and to perform 25 hours of community service. Robert Siebert, 24, of Shinglehouse was ordered by the judge to spend four months to five years in jail and pay a $1500 fine. Siebert was arrested by Shinglehouse Borough police following a one-vehicle crash on June 23, 2006 in that town. His blood alcohol was found to be .16%, twice the legal limit. State police at Emporium and Kane report investigating harassment incidents. Troopers at Emporium charged both people involved in a fight Friday afternoon. Authorities said Rhonda Mason of Emporium and Harry Erskine of Galloway, NJ were involved in an argument in the Village of Truman which became physical. State police at Emporium have charged 52 year old Lavonne Jarvie of Clymer, PA with harassment for making repeated phone calls to Roger Jarvie of Driftwood, even though she had been asked to refrain from calling. And troopers at Kane say they are continuing to investigate a harassment taking place over the past several months victimizing Paula Piero of Ludlow. No further details were released. For the 12th year in a row, Shinglehouse Borough has been named a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. The award will be presented during Shinglehouse’s Arbor Day Ceremony in April by representatives of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Susquehannock State Forest. Shinglehouse has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community by having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance. The Game Commission says that hunters took more deer last season even though fewer licenses were allocated. An estimated 361,560 deer were harvested in the 2006-07 seasons, similar to the 2005-06 estimated harvest of 354,390.. Hunters took 135,290 antlered deer in the 2006-07 seasons, compared to the previous year's harvest of 120,500. Also, hunters harvested 226,270 antlerless deer in 2006-07, compared to 233,890 in 2005-06. The 2006-07 antlerless deer license allocation was reduced by two percent, from 879,000 to 859,000. Total deer harvest estimates by WMU for 2006-07 (with 2005-06 figures in parentheses) are as follows: WMU 3-A, the area north of Route 6 in Potter, McKean, Tioga and Bradford Counties, 4,500 (4,000) antlered, 8,800 (8,700) antlerless; and WMU 2G(the area south of Route 6 in Potter and McKean Counties, 7,200 (5,000) antlered, 4,600 (6,200) antlerless; 03/16/07 Having survived Thursday’s flooding, residents across the Twin Tiers braced for Part Two of Ol’ Man Winter’s “One Two Punch” today. The National Weather Service has posted a Winter Storm warning for the entire WFRM Listening Area until 8:00 a.m. Saturday. Snow began falling locally at around 8:00 a.m. today and anywhere from 6 to 10 inches accumulation is possible before the system moves out. As a consequence of the storm, several cancellations and postponements have been received at the WFRM News Desk.. All activities and practices at Coudersport Area Schools scheduled for tonight and tomorrow have been cancelled. The Junior High Basketball game at Oswayo Valley scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed and will be re-scheduled. Bingo at the Shinglehouse and Smethport fire halls scheduled for tonight has been cancelled and the St. Patrick’s Day dinner and concert at the Austin United Methodist Church planned for Saturday night have been postponed and will be re-scheduled. Meanwhile, PennDot told WFRM earlier today that all roads closed Thursday due to flooding have been re-opened. Roulette Township reports that all roads were open as of early this morning at least to one-way traffic. However, the bridge at the western end of Atkins Road remains closed pending inspection by engineers. Flooding was reported earlier today in downtown Portville, NY and the Allegheny River reportedly crested early in Salamanca and waters began to retreat earlier than originally anticipated. A Turtlepoint driver escaped injury in a one-vehicle crash Thursday morning on Route 155 a mile south of Route 446 in Eldred Township, McKean County. State police said Twila Feile was traveling north when her Ford Explorer slid across the snow and ice covered road and struck an embankment; rolled over and came to rest on the driver’s side. In recent Potter County Court, 44 year Kevin Kiselyk of Galeton pleaded guilty to theft for an incident taking place last August 19. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, Kiselyk and an accomplice stole a car parked in front of Crickets in Galeton and it was found burned the next day in Tioga County. Sentencing will be scheduled later. Walter Gutshall, 24 of Shinglehouse was sentenced 185 days to a year in jail for simple assault. According to DA Dawn Fink, on July 9 of last year, Gutshall grabbed Verna Sowers by the neck during an argument. And, Raymond Shuff of Show Low Arizona was ordered to spend 8 to 23-1/2 months in jail for theft. According to the DA, Shuff stole $300 in coins, and jewelry from Rae Blackwell this past August 13. In regional news, State police at Mansfield have charged 30 year old Shawn Wilcox of that town with indecent exposure. Authorities claim that on the afternoon of February 9, Wilcox, while headed north on Route 15, pulled up along side a vehicle driven by Laura Douglas of Elmira and exposed himself to her. She was able to get an accurate description of the vehicle and operator as well as the license plate number and notified state police. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident that afternoon is asked to notify the Mansfield barracks to 570-662-2151. 03/15/07 To many, this week’s storm was a reminder of the storm of Janauary 1996 which brought flooding followed by ice. There were similiarities. Warmer temperatures ushered in fog early Wednesday afternoon, and rain began falling in the WFRM Listening Area by early evening, accompanied by thunder and lightning during the night and into the early morning. The rain and warm temperatures quickly put away the dense snowpack sending it into streams and rivers and by daybreak Thursday, extensive flooding was reported throughout the region. The hardest hit areas appear to be Roulette, Shinglehouse and Genesee in Potter County. Genesee and Shinglehouse became virtual islands with the flooding earlier this morning. Shelters were set up at the fire halls in both towns and some families were evacuated. A water main apparently broke in Genesee causing an interruption in service for the entire town. Potter County Human Services personnel shuttled drinking water in throughout the day. During the morning commute, temperatures dropped, bringing freezing rain into the mix. That was followed by heavy wet snow. Fortunately, temperatures remained above freezing most of the day. As of news time several roads remained closed but waters are receding and most should be re-opened by evening. Route 44 from the intersection of the Oswayo Road in Hebron Township to the intersection of the Blauvelt Hollow Road in Hebron Township is closed in both directions. Route 244 from the intersection of the Gold Road in Genesee to the intersection of Township Route 248-A-NY to the New York State line in Genesee is closed. The Eleven Mile Road near Millport in Sharon Township is closed in both directions. The Sunnyside/Shaytown Road in Shinglehouse is closed from the Gadsby Hollow Road to the intersection of Oswayo and Academy streets in Shinglehouse borough is closed in both directions. The East Fork Road and Cherry Springs Road from Route 872 to Route 44 in Wharton Township is closed in both directions. Kim Hill Road in Roulette Township is closed near the intersection with Route 6 at Burtville. Main Street in the Village of Roulette is closed from Elliott Lumber to the Route 6 intersection. The West Branch of Fishing Creek north of Roulette is closed to traffic at the Coyle Cottage bridge and so is the western end of Atkins Road in Roulette Township. In McKean County, Route 155 south of Port Allegany is closed at the bridge near the ball field; Route 44 from Bells Run to the New York State line in Ceres Township is closed as is a section of Route 146 from Red Mill to Clermont. As a result of the flooding, Coudersport Area Schools have cancelled all activities for this evening and Thursday night bowling at the Old Hickory Lanes in Coudersport has been cancelled.Adding insult to injury, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Potter County from Friday morning through Friday evening. Snow is expected to arrive around noontime and 6-10 inches accumulation is possible. A Snow Advisory is in effect for McKean and Elk Counties Friday with some 2-5 inches of snow possible. Additional accumulations are also possible on Saturday.This is Weather Emergency Preparedness Week in Pennsylvania and Potter County’s one-day exercise as part of the event was scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. . Instead, the County Emergency Operations Center was activated at 6:00 a.m. to deal with a real emergency Weather was a factor in a one-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Routes 59 and 321 in Corydon Township, McKean County. State police at Kane said 21 year old Christopher Wiley of Port Allegany encountered dense fog while traveling north on Route 321 and did not see the stop sign, drove through the intersection across Route 59 and struck an embankment. Wiley and his passengers, Nick Herbstritt of Eldred and Mike Brooks of Lewis Run were not wearing seatbelts and all suffered moderate injuries. Police said they will not be filing charges due to the extreme weather conditions. 03/14/07 Despite the threat of colder weather later this week, it appears Punxsutawney Phil may have been right predicting an early spring. Several listeners have phoned WFRM in the last couple of days to report seeing flocks of robins in the area. And, Isaac Burr a pre-schooler from Roulette saw a groundhog trying to go up a snowbank this morning. And with spring comes flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all of the WFRM listening area through Thursday evening and just recently issued a flood warning for Cattaraugus County. The Allegheny River is expected to crest at 14-1/2 feet to 15-l/2 feet by Thursday evening near Olean and Salamanca . Flood stage is 12 feet. Very warm temperatures will continue to produce rapid snowmelt and additional rainfall this afternoon and evening from a half inch to an inch may aggravate the situation. The flooding threat includes the possibility of local ice flooding as well as more widespread lowland flooding. Listen to WFRM for further weather updates. A couple of area residents are facing charges after tangling with state police. Troopers at Emporium have charged 19 year old Jonathan Aikens with simple assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and purchase, consumption possession or transportation of alcoholic beverages for an incident allegedly taking place Tuesday evening in that town. Authorities claim that while being cited for underage drinking, Aikens became combative and struck and scratched Trooper Darren Ott. After being arraigned on the charges, Aikens was remanded to the Potter County Jail. Police say charges are pending against a woman suspected of supplying the alcohol to Aikens. And, state police here have not yet released the name of a man who is facing charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief for an incident taking place Monday evening on the White Knoll Road in Ulysses Township when officers went to assist a woman retrieve personal belongings from a vehicle parked at the suspect’s residence. Troopers assert the suspect was handcuffed for his own safety and that when they tried to put him into the patrol car, he smashed his head off the car, damaging the vehicle. State police have also not yet released the name of a person suspected of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The known suspect reportedly took a vehicle belonging to David Mink of Austin Friday night or Saturday morning and as of Tuesday night, had not returned the vehicle. A Hazel Hurst woman has been charged with harassment for incidents taking place last night in McKean County. State police contend 22 year old Stephanie Nichols made four harassing phone calls to Bettina Ginkel during a three hour period. The theft of some items from a car Saturday night is under investigation by troopers at Emporium. Sometime between 7:00 and 11:30 p.m. someone reached into Heather Uber’s unlocked Suzuki and took a case containing two credit cards, two debit cards and Uber’s driver’s license. In recent Potter County court action, 22 year Jonathan Haun of Eldred was ordered to spend 18 months on probation and pay a $150 fine for writing a worthless check in the amount of $654.02 to Larry’s Sport Center in Pike Township. Colton Main, 21, of Galeton will be sentenced on March 21 for writing three bad checks to the same business in September 2005. 03/13/07 Coudersport based state police say their investigation is continuing into a crash Monday afternoon at the intersection of Marsh Creek Road and Route 49 near the Mills Country store which left five people, including three children injured.. Authorities say 18 year old Anayia Clugh of Genesee was headed south on Marsh Creek Road and was unable to stop her Ford Tempo before it crossed Route 49. The car went off the road, entered a grassy area, hit a small mound of dirt, became airborne, cleared a small creek and struck an embankment before coming to rest. Clugh was flown by helicopter to Arnot Ogden Hospital in critical condition. Sheila Prouty, 24, also of Genesee was airlifted to Geisinger Medical Center in stable condition. A five year old boy was flown to Geisinger for treatment of a skull fracture and two girls, ages 1 and 4 were released after being treated at Soldiers and Sailors Hospital for minor injuries. State police were assisted at the scene by members of the Tri Town Fire and Ambulance, Harrison Township Fire and Ambulance and Sabinsville Fire and Ambulance departments. Police say they do not yet know why the compact did not stop at the intersection.Kane-based state police say two recent McKean County fires were accidental. A blaze Sunday afternoon which caused about $150,000 in damage to the home of Mark and Sonia Havers on No Name Road in Corydon Township was like the result of a faulty stove pipe. An electrical malfunction in the bathroom ceiling caused a fire Monday afternoon which resulted in about $10,000 worth of damage to a mobile home on the Ormsby-Cyclone Road in Keating Township owned by Janet Swick. Troopers here are probing an identity theft victimizing a Galeton couple. Authorities say an unknown person set up an account to Secret Cash Card, an online Virtual Prepaid Debit Mastercard charging Betty and Terry Gorg’s bank account $49.95 without their knowledge. In regional news, 30 year old Gerald Morrow of Corning charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, waived his arraignment in Tioga Court on Monday, causing the court to automatically enter a plea of not guilty on his behalf. Morrow faces trial on two counts of attempted murder, three of aggravated assault and one count each of criminal trespass, simple assault and terroristic threats stemming from the Feb. 2 shooting of his wife, Darlene Morrow, 30 and a Middlebury Township couple: Frederick Douglas, 33, and Rebecca Douglas. The state labor department reports the jobless rate in Potter County increased a half a percent to 6.1% between December and January. The unemployment rate in neighboring counties for the period was 5.8% in Cameron; 5.2% in McKean and Elk; and 5.1% in Tioga. The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania for January was 4.7% while the jobless rate nationwide was 4.6%. 03/12/07 Moderate injuries were reported for a Cyclone woman following a one-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon on the Newell Road in Eldred Township, McKean County. State police said Susan Smith’s Dodge Neon failed to negotiate a right hand curve and went off the road, hitting an embankment before coming to rest. Smith had to be extricated from the wreckage by members of the Eldred Township Fire Department and was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center. State police at Kane say charges are pending against Steve Walb following a crash Sunday morning on Champlain Hill Road in Annin Township, McKean county. Walb’s Ford F-350 slid out of control on the icy road, spun into an embankment and continued spinning counter clockwise before coming to rest in the middle of the road. He and his passenger Victor Lushbaugh, both of Bradford escaped injury. Troopers at Emporium are investigating a hit and run taking place Sunday afternoon in the parking lot of the May Hollow Sportsman Club in Lumber Townshp. An unknown vehicle damaged a Pontiac Sunfire owned by Daniel Morton of Emporium and the driver failed to provide information to him or authorities. A Lewis Run resident was jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail after being arraigned Saturday on charges of terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment. Kane-based state police claim 39 year old Paul Conner, Jr. disconnected a phone and hit Lisa Berkhouse in the head with it, grabbed her by the hair and threw her into a table while verbally threatening her during an argument in their home during the early morning hours. Several recent thefts are being probed by state police at Kane. Sometime between 6:0 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 p.m. Sunday, someone took a miniature horse from property along the Two Mile Road in Annin Township. The horse, which belonged to Sally Corey is a stallion, about 27 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. He’s mostly brown with some white spots. Thieves broke into the Warehouse Restaurant last Thursday night or Friday morning and stole $620 in US currency from a private area of the restaurant. Three or four four wheeler tires with rims belonging to Glenn Wank were taken last week from his property on the West Eldred Road, about a mile north of the Fowler Brook Road. The wheels are valued at $60 to $80. And in early January, thieves took several items from the Ram Forest Products office on Route 44 in Ceres Township. Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to contact the Kane Barracks at 778-5555. The theft of a black House 150 cm snowboard at Ski Denton last Tuesday night is under investigation by state police here. The board had Fusion Bindings and is valued at $300. It belonged to a 13 year old boy. A Roulette resident is being charged with criminal mischief for an incident allegedly taking place early Friday morning on Burleson Avenue in that village. Troopers say Charles Marsh, while intoxicated, walked over a vehicle owned by April Brimline of Coudersport causing the rear window to shatter which Brimline did not discover until later that day. 03//09/07 A couple of former tellers at the First National Bank of Port Allegany have been released after posting $10,000 bail following arraignment Thursday on nine felony counts of theft and conspiracy. Kerrie Meacham, 30 of Vine Street, Port Allegany and 29 year old Merry Marsiglio of Rock Run Road, Turtlepoint are accused of stealing nearly $35,000 while employed there between December 2000 and August 2006.The two women are scheduled to appear in a preliminary hearing before District Judge Bill Todd on March 19. Coudersport-based state police are looking for a vehicle involved in a minor hit and run Monday afternoon at about 2:20 p.m. on the Honeoye Road just south of the Plank Road in Sharon Township. Authorities say Debra Taylor of Bolivar was cresting a hill while northbound when a southbound vehicle struck the drivers side rearview mirror on her blue Pontiac Sunfire and continued on without stopping. Taylor told police she pulled over and waited for about 15 minutes to see if the other vehicle would return and it didn’t. Anyone with information about the car is asked to contact the local barracks at 274-8690 and speak to trooper Adam Pufka as the investigation continues. Emporium-based state police are probing an access device fraud crime victimizing an Emporium woman in Mid-February. A known suspect is believed to have unlawfully debited Janet Lininger’s account. State police here are continuing their investigation into a bounced payroll check. Judith Bennett of Rixford told authorities that when she deposited her paycheck from Faith’s Café and Country Store in Roulette on November 26, the check was returned due to “various problems with the account.”
It’s a big playoff weekend in area high school sports. Coudersport Freshmen Wrestler Dirk Cowburn advanced to the AA state semi-finals tonight after beating his opponent 2-1 in the quarter finals consolation round in the 160 pound class earlier today in Hershey. Oswayo Valley’s Zeke Drake, a senior advanced to the championship round of semi-finals in the 140 pound class with a 6-4 decision this morning. The Coudersport boys basketball team will be playing Kennedy Christian tonight in the first round of the PIAA Class A state playoffs in Hershey. Tip off is 7:30 p.m. The Coudersport Lady Falcons will play Eisenhower at St. Marys Saturday with a 3:00 p.m. tip-off. Both games will air on WFRM. Senator Joe Scarnati and Representative Martin Causer announced this week that several state grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) totaling more than $450,000 are headed to area municipalities. The grants are part of the Community Conservation Partnership Program, administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, aimed at providing local governments, river and trail organizations, land trusts, and other nonprofits with financial and technical assistance to facilitate park, recreation, conservation and greenways projects. Coudersport Borough will receive $12,500 to study the feasibility of rehabilitating the Municipal Swimming Pool. The Tuna Valley Trail Association has been given $150,000 for further development of a 1.4-mile segment of the Cook Farm Loop Trail, including trail and bridge construction, installation of ADA access, landscaping, sign and related site improvements. Jones Township in Elk County has been awarded $25,860 for further development of the Community Park, including installation of walking paths, ADA access, fishing piers, landscaping, sign and related site. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has been given $29,500 for a feasibility study to determine the scope, format and content of conservation education programs that could be offered on and off site at the Elk Country Wildlife Education Center, and to examine the feasibility of constructing an overnight facility on the Winslow Hill property. St. Mary’s City has been awarded $13,200 to prepare a Master Site Development Plan for Elk Creek Park to include stream stabilization and trail linkage assessments. And, the Borough of Wellsboro will be receiving $106,000 for rehabilitation and further development of the Hamilton Lake Boat Launch to include construction of a boat ramp, dock, comfort station parking lot, installation of utilities, ADA access, signage, and related site improvements.
It’s a big playoff weekend in area high school sports. Coudersport Freshmen Wrestler Dirk Cowburn advanced to the AA state semi-finals tonight after beating his opponent 2-1 in the quarter finals consolation round in the 160 pound class earlier today in Hershey. Oswayo Valley’s Zeke Drake, a senior advanced to the championship round of semi-finals in the 140 pound class with a 6-4 decision this morning. The Coudersport boys basketball team will be playing Kennedy Christian tonight in the first round of the PIAA Class A state playoffs in Hershey. Tip off is 7:30 p.m. The Coudersport Lady Falcons will play Eisenhower at St. Marys Saturday with a 3:00 p.m. tip-off. Both games will air on WFRM.
03/08/07 A Cyclone teenager received minor injuries in a one-vehicle crash Wednesday morning on Route 6 in front of the Smethport Tastee Freez. Kane-based state police said Matthew Braund headed north when his Ford Forestar slid off the road and struck a snowbank. A 16 year old male passenger escaped injury.A hit and run taking place last weekend on the Bark Shanty Road in Keating Township is being probed by state police here. An unknown vehicle bumped a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 owned by Wyllis Caldwell of Austin while it was parked in his driveway causing minor damage to the right rear wheel well. Kane-based state police are investigating a burglary taking place Wednesday between 1:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Mountain Inn on the Wilcox Clermont Road in Sergeant Township, McKean County. Thieves broke out a window and a door to gain entrance and then removed numerous items from the interior. Troopers here are probing a scattering of rubbish incident occurring earlier this month on the Reed Run Road a mile south of Route 6 in Roulette Township. Someone deposited ten bags of trash on property owned by Hancock Forest Management of Smethport. The case of a Port Allegany man charged with numerous traffic offenses has been bound over to McKean County Court. Francis Kramer, 34, was arrested by Bradford City police on January 13 when they tried to pull him over for reckless driving, careless driving, failing to stop at stop signs, failing to yield to emergency vehicles, reckless endangerment, fleeing or attempting to elude police and a host of other offenses. When police investigated, they found Kramer was driving with a suspended license. Both people involved in a domestic violence incident have been charged with harassment by state police here. Authorities say that Shawn Rader and Amy Scott began arguing when they returned to their East Second Street apartment at around 2:30 Tuesday morning “from a local establishment” and became physical when Rader tried to leave. If you’ve ever seen a cougar
or mountain lion in the WFRM listening area, you might be interested in this.
The state game commission announces that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service is beginning a review of scientific and commercial information to
determine the status of the endangered eastern cougar, the first review the
Service has done since publishing a recovery plan in 1982. As part of the
process, the USFWS has requested that anyone wishing to submit information
regarding the eastern cougar may do so by writing to: Eastern Cougar, Northeast
Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Westgate Center Drive,
Hadley, MA 01035. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail to
EasternCougar@fws.gov <mailto:EasternCougar@fws.gov>.
03/07/07 A Coudersport man will be spending 4 to 10 years in state prison after being found guilty of aggravated indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors. According to DA Dawn Fink, 32 year old Curtis Proctor was arrested by Sweden Township police for committing the crimes in 2003 and 2004 against a 9 year old victim. The judge also ordered Proctor to participate in and complete all recommended sex offender treatment programs. Procter was represented by Coudersport Attorney Walter Stenhach. In other court action, 23 year old Ryan Snyder of Emporium pleaded guilty to fleeing and eluding police officers. According to DA Fink Ryan was arrested last May 6 in Ulysses Township when state police tried to stop his car after observing him speeding. Snyder tried to lose police by hiding behind a building but the building owner called police to let them know where Snyder was. He’ll be sentenced on May 2. No one was hurt when a snowplow and SUV collided in Eldred Township this morning. State police said Scott Dowell could not stop the Eldred Township plow at the icy intersection of Route 446 and the Burris Road and slid into the opposite lane, hitting a Ford Escape driven by Chad Ewings of Olean. Yesterday was the last day for candidates to file their signed petitions with county boards of election for the upcoming May Primary. Here in Potter County, the field of commissioner candidates narrowed considerably from earlier rumors. Kenneth Wingo, Catherine Bowers, and Susan Kefover filed as Democrats and John Torok, Douglas Morley and Paul Heimel filed as Republicans. Two candidates will be selected by each party in the Primary election, and the four successful candidates will square off in the fall election with the top three vote-getters assuming office next January. Democrats Margo Germino and Bernard Mike Fowler filed for Auditor as did Republicans Pauline Kleintop and Patricia Nichols. Two candidates of each party will be chosen as well in the Primary, with the three top vote getters winning the General Election in November. Incumbents Sheriff Kenneth Sauley, Prothonotary Amy Moshier, Treasurer Krista Miller and Register and Recorder Gary Kelsey, all Republicans are unchallenged in the Primary and there were no Democrat candidates to file for those offices. A host of municipal and township offices will be up for grabs in the primary and general elections. The Coudersport High School Mock Trial team, having won the District Championship last month, competed today in the Regional Semi Finals in the Lycoming Court of Common Pleas with the Honorable Dudley Anderson presiding. Team Attorney Advisor Andy Watson told WFRM that ten enrichment students have been working for the past three months memorizing a large volume of mock trial materials and have spent countless hors preparing themselves to go into a courtroom and act out the roles of real attorneys and witnesses. He said the teacher Advisor Theresa Daniels and Potter County Judge John Leete were extremely helpful.
03/06/07 The state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze which destroyed a home on the O’Donnell Road in Genesee Township early Monday morning. Firefighters from Genesee were summoned just after 4:00 a.m. to the Pat Cooney residence and found the house heavily involved They were assisted at the scene by firefighters from the Willing, Whitesville and Tri-Town departments. According to chief Alan Kibbe, no one was home when flames broke out. Then, several hours later, at 9:40 p.m. Genesee volunteers were summoned to the Lydic residence on Rose Lake Lane in Hebron Township for a chimney fire. According to Chief Kibbe, damage was confined to the chimney.A Bradford man was arrested by New York State Police, using an internet sting Friday for having sexual contact with a 14 year old girl. Police said the investigation began when a school resource officer discovered the criminal activity and identified the 14-year-old girl. Authorities say Timothy D. Peterson, 45, met the victim in an online chat room this past December . After months of conversation, they both agreed to meet in New York State. Peterson provided the girl with alcohol and had sexual contact with her. Investigators, posing as the teen, made contact with Peterson over the Internet to set up a second encounter. Instead of meeting the teen, Peterson was introduced to state police investigators who placed him under arrest for second-degree criminal sexual act, endangering the welfare of a child and unlawfully dealing with a child. He was arraigned in Olean Town Court and was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail on $10,000 bail. State police here have charged an Austin resident with disorderly conduct and other offenses following several incidents allegedly taking place Friday evening at various locations between Costello and Austin. Troopers said 39 year old George Sams “created a hazardous condition by an act that served no legitimate purpose causing serious inconvenience” for Bryan Moate. A review of the criminal complaint indicates Sams followed Moate from Costello to Austin, engaging in road rage activities including tailgating, stopping suddenly and gesturing. He’s even accused of backing up his vehicle toward Moate who had gotten out to copy down his license number. A Friendship, NY woman had to be extricated from her wrecked car Monday afternoon on Route 44 in Hebron Township. State police said Jeanne Kemp was headed north on Greenman Hill when her Jeep Grand Cherokee went off the road, rolled over several times before coming to rest on its roof about 30 feet from the road. Coudersport Volunteer Emergency Services personnel responded to the scene, removed Kemp from the wreckage and took her to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. No injuries were reported for a Westfield woman following a one-vehicle crash Monday morning on Route 449 two miles north of Route 6 in Ulysses Township. Troopers said Dawn Lowe’s Chevy Cavalier slid out of control on the snow covered road, crossed to the other side, hit an embankment and came to rest on its side in a small stream. And, Jerry Crumrine of Austin escaped injury a few minutes later when his Ford F-350 skidded on snow-covered Grace Street in that town and hit a large protruding rock
03/05/07 Ol’ man winter has the region in an icy grip for a few more days anyway. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for the entire WFRM listening area from midnight tonight through noon Tuesday. Winds from the west will range from 20-25 mph, gusting to 45 mph as the mercury drops down to single digit numbers, making the windchill as low as 24 degrees below zero. Cold temperatures and snow showers will be possible until Thursday when sunny skies may usher in slightly warmer temperatures. An Ohio woman has been jailed in McKean County in lieu of $25,000 bail after being arraigned on numerous charges in connection to an incident allegedly taking place Saturday afternoon at the BP Gas Station on Route 6 at Lantz Corners. State police say the incident began at about 2:30 p.m. when 42 year old Jacqueline Gan of Antwerp, Ohio pumped $19.64 worth of gasoline into her ’93 ford Escort and took off toward Kane without paying for the fuel. Kane Borough police initiated a stop at the intersection of Route 321 and Rout 6 and awaited state police. Upon arrival of Trooper Russell Stewart., Gan allegedly refused to answer any of his questions and according to police put her car into gear and tried to flee. Trooper Stewart tried to stop her by reaching in to turn off the key and became entangled in the drivers side door. Then, Gan rammed the rear of the state police cruiser. She was finally taken into custody and was arraigned before District Judge Dominc Cereone on charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, fleeing or attempting to elude police, retail theft, driving without a license, reckless driving and criminal mischief. Two people were hurt in a collision Saturday evening on Route 219 a mile from the Route 6 Intersection in Hamlin Township and that crash resulted in two others taking place almost immediately afterward. State police at Kane said the first crash occurred when Lucas Lekanka of Kane was trying to pull out a Jeep Liberty driven by his wife, Michele Lekanka which was stuck in the snow off the east side of the highway. Nathan Mealy of Kane swerved to miss another vehicle and his Toyota Forerunner struck the rear of the LeKanka jeep, the spun around and struck the side of Lucas Lekanka’s Ford pickup. Mrs. Lekanka suffered moderate injuries and Mealy, suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to Kane Community Hospital. Moments later, Colin McGuire of Kane lost control of his Kia Rio when he tried to avoid the previous collision. His SUV slid off the road into a snowbank. He and his passenger, Amy Conwell of Spring Lake Heights, NJ escaped injury. Then, a GMC Jimmy driven by Scrubb Younes of Kane slid off the road and rolled over once after hitting a snow bank when he swerved to avoid the other units. He and his wife, Susan Younes also escaped injury. Charges are pending against an elderly Rixford driver following a collision Friday afternoon on Main Street in Duke Center. State police said 72 year old Betty Elder was trying to go into the parking area at the Post Office, and turned into the path of an SUV operated by Heather Tipton of Bradford. Both drivers escaped injury. State police at Kane have charged Jeffrey Beatty of Mt. Jewett with public drunkenness for an incident taking place early Sunday morning at the firehall in that town. Authorities claim Beatty was “under the influence of alcohol to the degree that he annoyed persons in his vicinity.”
03/02/07 Several Port Allegany residents were sentenced yesterday in McKean County Court, three of them in connection to the same crime. Christopher Rethmel, 23, was ordered to spend 182 days to 23-1/2 months in jail for criminal conspiracy, burglary and receiving stolen property followed by three years on probation for a burglary at the Port Allegany Jubilee last summer. His co-defendant, Shawn Griffith, 24 was ordered to spend 6 to 23-1/2 months in jail, followed by three years of probation and to make restitution. Danielle Toupin, 24, was ordered to spend 12 months on probation for receiving stolen property and to perform 80 hours of community service. Griffith and Rethmel cut their way into roof of the supermarket and removed money and other property from the interior. Toupin received items the next day which she had been taken from the store. All three were given credit for time already served Glenn Gallup, 50, formerly of Port Allegany, now of Bolivar, NY was sentenced 120 days to 23-/2 months for simple assault, criminal mischief, carrying a firearm without a license and reckless endangerment. Gallup was charged in connection to an incident taking place December 15 at the home of Norma Ostrander and Steven Hardway on the Upper Portage Road. Gallup went into the home during the early morning hours and waved the load gun around until the gun could be taken from him. In recent Potter County Court action, 71 year old Lucille Stangl of Coudersport was admitted to the ARD program for 10 months on DUI and related charges. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, Stangl was arrested last October 22 for DUI after she was pulled over by state police in Austin for traffic violations. Chemical testing confirmed an alcohol level of .19 percent, more that twice the legal limit. Stangl must also surrender her drivers license for 60 days, pay all costs and fees and attend DUI Alcohol Safe D riving School and the DUI Victim Impact Panel. An Emporium man will be sentenced on April 4 here in Potter County for DUI and related offenses. He was arrested last April 22 in Portage Township after State Police stopped him for speeding and careless driving. His BAC was fond to .24%, three times the legal limit. Potter County’s Emergency Management Agency has expanded with action taken Thursday by the County Commissioners and Salary Board. John Hetrick, longtime EMA Coordinator was promoted to EMA Deployment Coordinator at an annual salary of $56,000 and Jim Steiner, a paramedic with the Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, was hired as Emergency Management Coordinator at a salary of $30,000. Hetirk will be responsible for organizing and developing a deployment plan for the E-911 Wireless program. Punxsutawney Phil may have been right. The Blaser’s on the Two Mile Road outside of Port Allegany tell WFRM they heard geese flying north Thursday afternoon and Geoff Mahaley saw a robin Thursday near Seven Bridges, northeast of Coudersport.
03/01/07 The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch the Pennsylvania Counties in the WFRM listening area. An intense storm system could produce a widespread rainfall around an inch with locally higher amounts possible over all of central Pennsylvania into Friday. The rain and milder temperatures will cause snow to melt and add to the runoff into the waterways. While the rain will be on the light side early in the event, rain will likely be heavier Thursday night into Friday morning There will also be a chance of thunderstorms along with gusty winds which could increase the snow-melt. The National Weather Service has also issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Potter and Tioga Counties tonight through 1:00 a.m. Friday noting there is a possibility of a rain and snow mix or freezing rain before the precipitation changes over to all rain. A Shinglehouse driver is being charged with failing to yield one half of the roadway following a collision Monday afternoon on Honeyoe Street just past the Shinglehouse Borough limits. Troopers said the collision occurred when a Pontiac Sunfire driven by Brett Osgood and a Ford Taurus driven by Pamela Schultz negotiated a curve. Neither driver was hurt and two passengers in the Schultz car, Patrick Schultz and Daniel Gressley escaped injury. A couple of Coudersport residents were recently sentenced in Potter County Court for theft. Todd Caward, 27 was ordered to spend 11-1/2 to 23-l/2 months in jail, pay a $100 fine, make full restitution, pay all costs and fees and perform 50 hours of community service. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink in May of 2006, Caward accepted $1975 from Sally Hershey to fix her rental property, but pocketed the money and never performed the work. Edward Mulzet, 40, was ordered to spend 60 to 120 months in jail, make restitution and undergo drug and alcohol treatment. Last July 22, Mulzet forced his way into Erway’s Restaurant, where he had formerly been employed and stole about $2600 in cash and a handgun. Mulzet was also found guilty of violating laws which prohibit convicted felons from having a gun.
02/28/07 The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all of Central Pennsylvania for Thursday through Friday. A storm system moving into the Great Lakes will spread rain into the area Thursday morning which may begin as a period of freezing rain or sleet across the WFRM listening area. Warm air will be drawn north across all of the state. The melting snow pack and rainfall will likely cause flooding in some areas. A couple of sex offenders have been sentenced recently in Potter County Court. Christopher Ayers, 36, of Butler was ordered to spend five to ten years in prison for aggravated indecent assault, and corruption of minors. According to Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink Ayers had sexual intercourse with a 15 year old girl on three different occasions between October 2004 and April 2005. Zachary Duncan, 22, of Whitesville, North Carolina was ordered to spend 10 to 23-1/2 months in prison, pay a $250 fine all court costs and supervision fees, make restitution and perform 50 hours of community service. According to the DA, Duncan had consensual sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 16 during June 2005 in Homer Township. A couple of other defendants have been sentenced for simple assault. John Sheets, 37 of Ulysses was found guilty of hitting his wife in the face with a closed fist during an argument last March 8. Sheets was put on probation for 18 months; ordered to pay fees and costs and at undergo approved counseling with an anger management component. John Cooley, 35, of Shinglehouse was sentenced to four months in jail, already served, for simple assault and driving without a license. According to DA Fink, Cooley struck his “paramour” in the face twice while arguing with her and while investigating the incident state police found he was driving a car without a license. A Coudersport retailer is one of a handful nationwide to participate in judging for a contest which will award an aspiring entrepreneur a fully-stocked Ace Hardware store valued at $1 million. Mike Wagner of Wagner Ace Hardware in Coudersport and Ulysses is one of only 28 Ace Retailers to serve as a judge for the Dream Ace contest He was chosen by participating in a contest himself at last year’s dealer convention.
02/27/07 A Bradford driver is being charged with driving too fast for conditions following a collision at about 7:30 this morning on Route 46 in Keating Township, McKean County. Kane-based state police say a southbound Pontiac Sunfire driven by Judith Zetts fishtailed on the slippery road and crossed over into the northbound lane were it struck a Ford Ranger driven by Robert Kelley Jr. of Eldred. Neither driver was hurt but both units received moderate damage. An unattended kerosene heater is blamed for a fire which destroyed a home last night on the Gardeau Road in Keating Township, Potter County. Firefighters responding the the 7:50 p.m. call found the house owned by Jim Babcock fully engulfed upon their arrival a few minutes later. According to Austin Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Chase Cooney, Babcock’s son who was staying in the house while his father wintered downstate, left for St. Marys earlier in the day and did not turn off the heater. When he returned, the blaze was out of control Volunteers from Coudersport, Emporium, Port Allegany and Shinglehouse responded to the scene. There were no injuries. An Austin man has been ordered to spend 24 to 56 months in jail; pay restitution and undergo drug and alcohol treatment. According to Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink, 26 year old Victor Vallejo was found guilty of burglary and criminal conspiracy in connection to numerous break-ins taking place between march 15 and May 17, 2006 in and around Austin. Several camps and the Austin Game Room were burglarized and stolen items included firearms, cash, a tool box with tools, alcohol, television sets, stereo, deer mount, cash, candy, video games and pool cue. In other recent court action, 22 year old Eric Lopez of Gaines was sentenced to a jail term of three to 23-1/2 months and was ordered to pay a $250 fine, court costs and supervision fee plus perform 25 hours of community service and make restitution. According to the DA, during last May, Lopez received $60 cash and alcohol which he knew had been stolen from the Ox Yoke Inn. And, 44 year old Manuel Senna of Coudersport was ordered to spend 23-1/2 months on probation for terroristic threats. He was arrested by Coudersport Borough Police last August 21 for becoming verbally abusive and making threatening statements during a conversation with the victim.
02/26/07 Last week was a rough week for PennDot truck drivers. State police here have charged 56 year old Donald Leilous, Jr. of Shinglehouse with harassment for an incident allegedly taking place last Tuesday morning on the Horse Run Road in Sharon Township. Authorities allege Leilous stopped a PennDot snowplow operated by Thomas Jacoby of Genesee and threatened to do bodily harm to Jacoby. An Eldred resident received minor injuries Friday morning when his GMC pickup collided with a PennDot plow on route 155 near the Potter/McKean County line. State police said Benny Prescott II was trying to pass the plow operated by Scott Knapp of Lewis Run, just as Knapp turned left to enter a dirt pull off area. The pick up hit the gas tank on the PennDot plow. The pickup had to be towed from the scene but only minor damage was reported for the plow. Knapp was unhurt.A Duke Center man is being charged with disorderly conduct in connection to a one-vehicle crash taking place Saturday afternoon on Main Street in that village. State police say Paul Isaman argued with his wife about ownership of their 1991 Chevy Cavalier in the parking lot of the Superette. Isaman reportedly pumped 37 cents worth of gas and drove off without paying. A short distance later, Isaman lost control of the car which went off the road and struck a pole owned Armstrong Telephone Company. Isaman then, according to police walked back to the store and paid for the gas before being taken by ambulance to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of head and neck injuries. He’s also being charged with careless driving and failing to drive without a seatbelt. Kane-based state police have charged 34 year old Michael Furmen of Lewis Run with indecent exposure following an incident allegedly taking place Friday afternoon on Water Street near the Smethport Post Office. The victim told police that Furmen exposed himself while riding in a car as it traveled through Smethport. An air intake unit at the Coudersport McDonalds shorted out Saturday morning and sent smoke back inside the restaurant. Coudersport Volunteer firefighters responded with one unit, cut the power and extinguished the fire and returned to the hall some 40 minutes after the 11:30 a.m. call. According to Assistant Chief Bryan Phelps, damage was confined to the rooftop unit itself, and amounts to some $300 to $500. Mansfield based state police are looking for the thief who took a pick up truck belonging to Dorr Perkins of Westfield Friday night. The truck was removed from the garage and was abandoned after being wrecked about a half mile from the Mill Street residence.
02/23/07 No information was available at news time regarding a collision this morning near the Potter/McKean County line. According to reports the collision involved a PennDot truck and at least one person was hurt. An Oswayo woman suffered moderate injuries Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash on Route 44 just south of the Whitney Creek Road in Hebron Township. State Police said Bonnie Bachard lost control of her Chevy Blazer while headed south on the snow covered road. The unit crossed to the other side and struck an embankment. She was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by a passerby. A Warren driver and his passenger received minor injuries in a one-vehicle mishap Wednesday morning on the East Fork Road near Cherry Springs. Troopers said James Bugbee was headed south when the Ford 150 owned by Waste Treatment Corporation failed to negotiate a sharp left turn on the slippery road and slid off the road into a culvert. Bugbee and his passenger, Bradley Pfendler, also of Warren, were both taken to Charles Cole Hospital by Austin Volunteer Ambulance. A couple of Port Allegany men are awaiting preliminary hearings on March 5 for separate incidents. Garrett Ford, 27, is charged with corruption of minors, two counts of selling or furnishing alcohol to minors, and making false reports to authorities plus various summary traffic violations. He was arrested during the early morning hours of January 22 when police found his vehicle stopped along the road and he and two girls, ages 19 and 15 were found in the back seat, allegedly consuming alcohol. Ford was released after arraignment on $5,000 unsecured bail. Kevin Fuller, 48, was committed to the McKean County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail after being arraigned on charges of unlawful contact with a minor, indecent assault and corruption of minors Authorities claim Fuller inappropriately touched a nine year old boy and had the youth touch him. A Philadelphia man will spend ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to stealing some 160 guns from Ackley Sporting Goods in Westfield in January of 2005. John Malloy was sentenced in Middle District Court yesterday, and judge who sentenced him imposed the ten-year sentence once he took into account Malloy’s previous criminal record. Four other Philadelphia men are charged in the case, two of them have entered guilty pleas while the other two have decided to face a trial. Out of the 160 guns that were stolen from the dealer and then sold, only 30 or so have been recovered. 02/22/107 A frontal system moved quickly through the region mid-day today bringing snow squalls with it, resulting in a quick inch or two of snow. While the snowfall amount was not all that much, the high water content of the snow, landing on roads warmed by moderate temperatures Wednesday made area streets and highways extremely treacherous for a time. Visibility was close to zero some of the time in various locations. Sweden Township Police Chief Bryan Phelps ordered Route 6 at Denton Hill to be closed for about an hour due to the conditions and the fact that several tractor trailers had become stuck on the hill. Yesterday we reported the death of 84 year old Joseph Berberian of Wellsboro in a one-vehicle crash on Route 6 in Tioga County. Today, a spokesperson for Charles Cole Hospital confirms that Dr. Berberian was the pathologist at the hospital. A Friedens, PA truck driver received minor injures Wednesday when his rig wrecked on snow and ice covered Route 449 about three miles north of Route 6 in Ulysses Township. State police said Gregory Walker was hauling a Fruehauf tanker containing about 4600 gallons of liquid nitrogen which slid out of control on a left banked curve and rolled onto its side. None of the load spilled but the road was shut down for about 6 hours as EMA, Penn Dot and Portville Truck personnel worked to remove the rig from the scene. State police here have charged 49year old Doyle Cleveland of 1714 Route 6 West, Roulette with violating Megan’s Law. Authorities say when Cleveland arrived at the barracks Wednesday to register his new address and new place of employment, it was discovered that he had failed to register with state police within the required time frame. After being arraigned before District Judge Barbara Easton on one felony county and one misdemeanor charge for failing to comply with the law’s requirements, Cleveland was remanded to the Potter County jail in lieu of $5,000 bail. Troopers at Kane are probing the theft of some $7500 worth of tools from various PennDot sheds around McKean County over the past month or so. Thieves have taken four Stihl chain saws, a Stihl weedeater, Sthil concrete saw, water pump, gas powered jack hammer and a gas powered stamper. Anyone with information is asked to call the Kane Barracks at 778-5555/.
02/21/07 The rain which came with last night’s warmer temperatures helped to slicken up snow covered roads and state police locally report responding to a couple of crashes this morning in the area. It’s not known if road conditions were a factor in a fatal crash this morning on Route 6 in Tioga County. Joseph Berberian, 84, of Wellsboro was killed instantly when his 1973 Mercedes Benz Coupe veered off the road, traveled into a ravine, struck a tree and overturned. He was pronounced dead a half hour after the 8:15 a.m. crash by Tioga County Chief Deputy Coroner James Daughtery. An elderly Mount Jewett driver was hurt Tuesday around noontime in a three-vehicle pile-up on Route 219 just north of the Westline Road in Lafayette Township, McKean County. Troopers said Clarence Clawson, 73, was traveling south when his Dodge Van swerved into the opposite lane, and came back into the southbound lane where it struck the rear of a 2006 Ford F-150 driven by Bruce Smith of Mahaffey which had stopped for traffic. The impact forced the pick-up into the back of a 2006 Dodge Ram driven by Gary Rounsville of Smethport. Clawson was flown by helicopter to Altoona Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries while the other drivers were unhurt. An electrical fire caused minimal damage in a Coudersport apartment Tuesday afternoon. According to Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Phelps, a bathroom ceiling light/fan combination in a first floor apartment at 312 N. Main Street occupied by Jon Wilson malfunctioned and filled the apartment with smoke. Wilson and building owner, John Wright, were able to extinguish the fire and shut off the power. Firefighters pulled the ceilings and further quelled the fire. Damage was said to be in the range of $150 to $200. There were no injuries and all units were back in service in less than an hour. Coudersport Borough Police re-routed traffic on North Main Street while emergency crews were on the scene. A Genesee man will be sentenced on March 7 after pleading guilty recently to disorderly conduct and public drunkenness for an incident taking place last June 18.. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, 31 year old Jason Bundy entered the Genesee Environmental Center during a folk music concert and passed out. When he awoke, he tripped the alarm as he tried to leave the building. In regional news. Gerald Morrow, 30, of Corning, NY charged with shooting his wife and a Tioga County couple waived a preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon before Wellsboro District Judge Phillip Sweet, Morrow was returned to the Tioga County Prison following the hearing where he’s held at the jail after failing to post $750,000 bail. Before the hearing, state police and District Attorney John F. Cowley changed the charges against Morrow. Police dropped one of the attempted murder charges and added single counts of criminal trespass, simple assault and terroristic threats.
02/20/07 It’s been just over two weeks since the Time Warner Call Center closed in Coudersport, eliminating about 500 jobs, and today there’s the glimmer of light on the horizon with the confirmation by AP Wagner that it will be opening a call center here within the next few weeks. In an exclusive interview, company president Mike Magnan told WFRM that initially 25 people will be hired, but he’s hopeful the number will grow over the next few months. Magnan says he believes all of the initial hires will be former Time Warner employees, adding interviews should be finished within the next couple of weeks; training should be completed by the third week of March and the center will be fully operational by the first of May, the beginning of the company’s busy season. The center will be located in the former Job Center office, next to the Ag offices in the Industrial Park. Magnan says the jobs are currently filled in a foreign country. AP Wagner is an appliance parts distributor based in Buffalo which began operations in 1928. It call centers respond to consumers who have questions or problems with their appliances. Magnan told WFRM that the main reason for locating here is the workforce. Community leaders are optimistic AP Wagner will be the first of several companies locating here. In fact, Doug Morley, chairman of the Potter County Redevelopment Authority told members of the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce today, there are three or four viable companies who are in serious negotiations with the various government entities which can facilitate a move here. In fact, Morley said, the authority found, primarily because of the trained work force and its work ethic, “we’re in the catbird seat. Companies are coming to us, not the other way around.”
The State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze which resulted in an estimated $25,000 in damage to a mobile home on Keesler Avenue in Mt. Jewett Monday evening. The fire in the 16 x 80 trailer owned by Robert Mix was discovered just after 6:00 pm. A Shinglehouse man has been ordered to spend a year on probation, pay a $200 fine along with all court costs and fees and to perform 25 hours of community service after being found guilty of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, 24 year old Seth Moffitt was arrested on July 21, 2005 after being found in possession of a plastic baggie containing several “hits” of LSD. Gerald Morrow, 30, of Corning, NY was scheduled to appear before Wellsboro District Judge Phillip Sweet. for a hearing on three felony counts each of attempted murder and aggravated assault. The hearing was set initially for Feb. 15 but was postponed to allow newly acquired legal counsel to review the case. Mansfield based state police have charged Morrow with shooting his wife, Darlene Morrow, 30, and Frederick Douglas, 33, and his wife Rebecca Douglas, on Feb. 2 at the Douglas home along Southard Road, about 10 miles north of Wellsboro. The victims were all flown by helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center. Mrs. Morrow was released from the hospital a few days later. Mr. Douglas was released yesterday while Mrs. Douglas remains at Geisinger in fair condition. 02/20/07 It’s been just over two weeks since the Time Warner Call Center closed in Coudersport, eliminating about 500 jobs, and today there’s the glimmer of light on the horizon with the confirmation by AP Wagner that it will be opening a call center here within the next few weeks. In an exclusive interview, company president Mike Magnan told WFRM that initially 25 people will be hired, but he’s hopeful the number will grow over the next few months. Magnan says he believes all of the initial hires will be former Time Warner employees, adding interviews should be finished within the next couple of weeks; training should be completed by the third week of March and the center will be fully operational by the first of May, the beginning of the company’s busy season. The center will be located in the former Job Center office, next to the Ag offices in the Industrial Park. Magnan says the jobs are currently filled in a foreign country. AP Wagner is an appliance parts distributor based in Buffalo which began operations in 1928. It call centers respond to consumers who have questions or problems with their appliances. Magnan told WFRM that the main reason for locating here is the workforce. Community leaders are optimistic AP Wagner will be the first of several companies locating here. In fact, Doug Morley, chairman of the Potter County Redevelopment Authority told members of the Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce today, there are three or four viable companies who are in serious negotiations with the various government entities which can facilitate a move here. In fact, Morley said, the authority found, primarily because of the trained work force and its work ethic, “we’re in the catbird seat. Companies are coming to us, not the other way around.”
The State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of a blaze which resulted in an estimated $25,000 in damage to a mobile home on Keesler Avenue in Mt. Jewett Monday evening. The fire in the 16 x 80 trailer owned by Robert Mix was discovered just after 6:00 pm. A Shinglehouse man has been ordered to spend a year on probation, pay a $200 fine along with all court costs and fees and to perform 25 hours of community service after being found guilty of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, 24 year old Seth Moffitt was arrested on July 21, 2005 after being found in possession of a plastic baggie containing several “hits” of LSD.
02/19/07 DUI charges are being filed against two motorists following mishaps and a snowmobiler. Patrick Chastain, 42, of Bremerton, Washington escaped injury early Sunday morning when his Ford Club Wagon traveled off of Route 6 near the ABC Motel in Burtville and struck a snowbank State police allege Chastain was driving under the influence at the time. Troopers at Emporium have charged 35 year old Michael Moscato of that town with DUI after he backed his Eagle Vision over a descending embankment on the South Mountain Road in Shippen Township early Saturday morning while trying to turn around. He and his passenger, Michael Hollowell also of Emporium both escaped injury. State police here pulled 43 year old Richard Tobias of Shoemakerville over early Saturday morning on near the Loucks Mills Road in Pike Township when they saw him drive his Polaris snowmobile eastbound on the berm of Route 6. And, authorities claim Tobias appeared to have been drinking. A 17 year old Coudersport area youth has been cited for terroristic threats and drug offenses for an incident taking place last Wednesday at the home of Susan Lieberman on Hillcrest Drive in Hebron Township. The youth is accused of threatening to do bodily harm to Lieberman with a gun and a small amount of marijuana and smoking pipes belonging to the teen were turned over to the investigating officer. The theft of some logs from a location in Oswayo Township last February 8 or 9 is being probed by troopers here. Authorities say 74 logs, soft and hard maple, ash and birch were loaded on a log landing to be transported to a receiving yard in Bradford but never made it to the destination. They are valued at some $1200 to $1800 and belonged to Bradford Forest Products. Roy Weidler, representing the IUE CWA union, advised WFRM earlier today that the members had ratified a three year with Morgan AM & T, formerly Pure Carbon, Saturday. The vote was 111 in favor to 107 against.
02/16/07 Gov. Edward Rendell has declared a disaster emergency in Pennsylvania in the wake of the storm that dumped heavy snow across virtually the state. The Governor transferred up to $1 million to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for disaster-related expenses incurred by state agencies and departments. The proclamation also allows for the activation of Pennsylvania National Guard troops to help with the towing of stranded vehicles and other tasks. Motorists were stranded on several interstates across Pennsylvania following the storm. Closer to home, Coudersport Borough Manager Marlin Moore is asking resident s to help clear the area around fire hydrants. He says the snow piles prevent the fire department from locating them in an emergency. Moore also reminds property owners that snow removal from sidewalks is their responsibility. It is unlawful to shovel or plow or blow snow onto the street or highway. We may have been spoiled with the mild weather up til now, but Moore also reminds motorists that Odd Even Parking is in effect on all streets beginning at noon each day and continues until noon the following day. Vehicles are to be parked on the even house numbered side of the street on even days and the odd side of the street on the odd house numbered side of the street on odd days of the week. For instance, since today is the 16th, cars should be parked on the even side of the street now until noon tomorrow, then be moved to the other side of the street to help snowplows remove snow. During Friday’s meeting of the Potter County Commissioners Joe Pagano from the Redevelopment authority responded to a question from WFRM about the progress in recruiting employers to locate in Coudersport following the closure of the Time Warner Call Center. Pagano said there are three or four large companies looking at the “Tennis Center” as well as several small companies. Pagano says the rural lifestyle we enjoy here is being accurately described to the prospects. In recent Potter County court news, James Williams, 24, of Coudersport was ordered to spend 9 to 60 months in jail and pay a $1525 fine for DUI. Williams was also ordered to pay all fees and costs, attend DUI Alcohol Safe Driving School, and attend the Victim Impact Panel Presentation. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, Williams was arrested this past June 28 by Sweden Township police when he was found behind the wheel of his car, stopped in the middle of the road, facing the wrong direction. His blood alcohol content was found to be .34%, more than four times the legal limit. Walter Gutshall of Shinglehouse will be sentenced on March 7 after pleading guilty last month to simple assault. The DA said Gutshall grabbed Verna Sowers by the neck during an argument last July 9. A Port Allegany man will be sentenced March 1 after pleading guilty Thursday in McKean County Court to possession of a firearm without a license and using the gun to recklessly endanger other people. Glenn Gallup, 50, was charged in connection to an incident taking place December 15 at the home of Norma Ostrander and Steven Hardwar on the Upper Portage Road. Gallup went into the home during the early morning hours and waved the load gun around until the gun could be taken from him.
02/15/07 The official snowfall for the Valentine’s Storm in the Coudersport area, according to EMA weather observer Tony Pierotti was 14 inches, though more may have fallen in some locations. Sub-zero temperatures and snow-covered roads forced a two-hour delay in the start of classes at the Oswayo Valley Schools and Potter County Senior Centers remained closed for the second day in a row but most other schools and organizations returned to regular schedules. THE BRADFORD ERA is reporting today that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has denied a request for a new trial from convicted cop-killer Timothy Williams, a former Coudersport resident. According to the report, the court upheld a post conviction ruling that alleged admissions by another person were not enough to give him another trial. In recent years, allegations had been made that Becky Lucrezi-Olson, of Coudersport was overheard bragging that she fired the shot on February 20, 1999 that killed Kane Borough Police Officer Steve Jerman, not Williams. Lucrezi-Olsen and Matt Seeley were backseat passengers in a car driven by Williams which was pulled over by the veteran police officer for erratic movement. Williams, who was found guilty by a jury of killing Jerman, said he was too drunk that night to know what actually happened. He’s serving a 22 to 47 year sentence in state prison after being found guilty of third degree murder later that year. In recent Potter County Court action, 22 year old Jonathan Haun of Eldred pleaded guilty to writing a bad check. According to Potter County DA Dawn Fink, Haun wrote a check for $654 to Larry’s Sport Center in Pike Township in May of 2004 which was returned due to insufficient funds and Haun failed to make it good. He’ll be sentenced on March 7. In other action, 19 year old Charity Safford of Ceres, NY was ordered to spend 9 months on probation and pay all costs and fees for a charge of unsworn falsification. According to DA Fink, this past July 20, Safford told authorities she had been raped by an acquaintance and the charge turned out to be unfounded. State police at Kane are continuing their investigation into a scam which victimized an elderly Kane couple earlier this month. Authorities say someone phoned the couple and told them they had won a lottery and would receive the cash prize once they paid the taxes on the winnings. After sending the money for the “taxes,” the couple failed to receive their prize and troopers used the occasion to remind residents to be cautious before sending money to strangers. Authorities say these types of scams are common and popular especially over the internet.
02/14/07 While the snowfall was a little less than originally feared, some 7 to 9 inches of snow did fall overnight in the Coudersport area prompting the cancellation of classes in most area schools. Classes will meet on Friday which had been a planned holiday. The Potter County Courthouse and Human Services offices all closed for the day and mail delivery from the Coudersport Post Office was affected by the wreck of a mail truck outside the borough early in the morning. The Post Office itself was open and deliveries were made within the borough. The Northern Potter vs. Port Allegany boys basketball game scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for Thursday night at the same time. The Coudersport at Otto-Eldred boys basketball game also scheduled for tonight has been postponed and no new date has been set. The Otto-Eldred Show Choir’s Soups On fundraiser has been postponed until 5:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria prior to the start of the basketball game The Potter County Fine Arts Council has announced that the concert by acoustic guitarist Eric Bibb will be held as scheduled tonight at the Coudersport Area School. Curtain time is 7:00 p.m. Forecasters say as the storm moves out of the area, gusty winds are moving in behind it and severe drifting and whiteouts may occur. Caution is advised motorists and Potter County EMA Director John Hetrick is advising against any unnecessary travel. Weather conditions factored into a number of traffic mishaps. A 15 year old female passenger received minor injuries in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on Route 872 about 5 miles south of Route 6 in Homer Township. State police said Terry Setzer’s GMC truck slid off the road, hit an embankment and overturned. He and a 6 year old girl escaped injury. The teen was taken to Charles Cole Hospital for treatment. Troopers say charges are pending against Setzer. Paul Kimes Jr. of Kane received minor injuries this morning when his Jeep Cherokee struck an embankment on Route 219 just south of the Lantz Corners intersection in Lafayette Township, McKean County. The jeep went out of control when Kimes tried to miss another vehicle and charges are being filed in district court. DUI charges are pending against 26 year old John Ensworth of Coudersport following a one vehicle crash early Tuesday morning on Route 6 West in Roulette Township. His eastbound Chevrolet Blazer crossed the road, became airborne for about 70 yards and struck the northwest corner of the John Hackett house, causing structural damage to the home. No one was hurt. Denise Windsor, 29, of Smethport who is charged with
having sex with a teenage boy in Shinglehouse waived her preliminary hearing
Tuesday before District Judge Barbara Easton, sending the case to Potter
County's Court of Common Pleas. State police at Coudersport have charged Windsor
with felony counts of soliciting a minor to traffic in drugs, providing obscene
materials to a minor, unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a
communication device, plus one misdemeanor count of corrupting the morals of a
minor. Authorities claim Windsor had sex with the boy and sent him
sexually-oriented items via the internet last spring. She remains free on
percentage bail 02/1307 The WFRM listening area remains under a “Heavy Snow Warning” through Wednesday afternoon. Forecasters now say northern tier counties may see 16 to 22 inches of snow and as much as 2 feet are possible to the east of Coudersport. There is still also a possibility that snow will mix with sleet and/or freezing rain in some locations, especially to our south but it is believed the storm will be mainly a snow event in the listening area. In a conference call with the National Weather Service this morning, Potter County EMA learned that Potter County is in a “sweet spot” along with Clinton/Northern Lycoming/Sullivan counties to receive the heaviest amount of snowfall. The heaviest snow is expected to blanket the area between 5:00 p.m. today and 2:00 a.m. Wednesday and may fall at the rate of 2-3 inches per hour. PennDot advises that crews are anticipating the bad weather and have been pre-treating major highways ahead of the snowfall. Crews will remain out as weather conditions require but officials are asking motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel and if you must be on the road, allow for extra travel time. Potter County EMA Coordinator John Hetrick is discouraging travel tonight and suggests being prepared for power outages. Cancellations and postponements we have received so far are as follows: All Potter County Senior Centers will be closed Wednesday. Seniors receiving Home Delivered Meals are advised to use their “Blizzard Boxes.” All IU9 Pre-School classes scheduled for Wednesday in Potter, McKean, Cameron and Elk Counties have been cancelled. The Bradford at Coudersport wrestling match scheduled for tonight has been postponed until a date to be determined. The Coudersport at Port Allegany girls’ basketball game scheduled for tonight will start earlier at 6:45 p.m. The Potter County EMS Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled. In Potter County Court News, 21 year old Tara Knapp of Coudersport was sentenced to a jail term of 10 days to 23-1/2 months on four counts of theft. Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink told WFRM that Knapp and a co-defendant, Shauna Covert, last June stole a large sum of money from Knapp’s father and used it to buy drugs Judge John Leete also ordered Knapp to pay all court costs and fees, to make restitution and to perform 50 hours of community service. She must also follow all treatment recommendations and including AA and NA meetings. Larae Lynn White,25, of Galeton has been cited for harassment following incidents allegedly taking place Sunday. State police claim White made numerous phone calls to Sandy Ayers and sat outside Ayers’s apartment and blew the horn on her vehicle with the goal of annoying Ayers.
02/10/07 National Weather Service forecasters say it may not be a “historic storm” but a “major”: storm is headed toward the WFRM listening area. A Winter Storm Watch has been cancelled and a Heavy Snow Warning has been posted for all of the Pennsylvania portion of the WFRM listening area.. Meteorologists say the storm will start in the Southwestern part of the state and take aim on Northwestern counties. Snow will likely arrive in the listening area Tuesday afternoon and could drop an inch to two inches per hour before sunset with most of the snow falling through the nighttime hours into Wednesday. A foot or more of snow is likely. The snowfall will begin to taper off by Wednesday afternoon. Even though the snow will wind down, winds will pick up through Thursday driving the windchill to temperatures 15 below zero or greater. Listen to WFRM for further updates. Friday’s snow shower caused slippery roads throughout the region, resulting in a number of vehicle crashes. Kelley Herzog of Smethport received minor injuries in a three-vehicle crash just before 8:00 a.m. on Cemetery Curve, west of Coudersport. Her eastbound Buick slid out of control and struck a pickup driven by Samuel Duell of Coudersport. The Herzog’s car bounced off the truck and hit an Chevy Silverado driven by Mary Keglovits also of Coudersport. Police say Herzog will be cited for failing to drive at a safe speed. An elderly Austin resident received minor injuries around noon time when the car in which she was a passenger hit an embankment on the Dutch Hill Road, south of Coudersport. Ruth Jacobs, 71, a passenger in a car driven by Judith David of Austin, was taken to Charles Cole Hospital by the local ambulance. Matthew Finkele of Harrison Valley received minor injuries later in the afternoon when his Ford Escort zig zagged across East Main Street in that town, became airborne, struck two trees and the side of a garage owned by Lee LaBarr. Two vehicles parked inside the garage were damaged in the crash. He’s being cited for traffic violations. The passenger on a snowmobile suffered moderate right ankle injuries in a mishap taking place early Friday evening on the Rausch Road in Abbott Township. State police said 18 year old Tyler Light had stuck his right foot out beyond the vehicle body line and it hit a reflector pole as the Yamaha operated by Mark Eisehour passed it. Both the operator and passenger are from Jonestown, Pennsylvania. A Troupsburg, New York man was arrested by State Police locally recently on charges of theft by deception for writing a worthless check to Connie’s Market in Harrison Township on January 14. Jason Meise, 31, was remanded to the Potter County jail in lieu of $20,000 bail after being arraigned before on-call District Judge Barbara Easton. Meise and Simon Gigee, 35 of Westfield, and 26 year old Thomas Rosenbalm of Hickory, NY were apprehended by state police last week and charged with numerous burglaries taking place in the northern part of the county over the past couple of months.
02/09/07 Snow showers during the Friday morning commute caused area streets and highways to become snow-covered and extremely slippery. Just before 8:00 a.m. Coudersport volunteer emergency services personnel responded to the scene of a three-vehicle collision on “Cemetery Curve” just west of the borough. Injuries were reported for at least four people, though some reportedly declined treatment. Both lanes of the narrow highway were blocked for a time. Another one-vehicle crash occurred at about the same time a little further west on Route 6 between Coudersport and Roulette. Then, a few minutes later, Route 6 East between the Park Avenue entrance and Route 872 was blocked due to another crash. PennDot told WFRM that a one-vehicle crash on Route 49. Injuries were reported for two people involved in a noon-time crash on Dutch Hill. Specific details were not available from state police as of news time. In other news, a Port Allegany man was sentenced Thursday in McKean County Court to 18 to 36 months in a state prison on a burglary charge. The sentence is to be served concurrently with the sentence 27 year old Kevin Barber is already serving on similar charges. In the most recent case, Barber admitted stealing $500 worth of DVDs and Playstation 2 games from the home of Eric Culver in Liberty Township last summer. Assistant McKean County DA Scott Klein told WFRM that Barber is eligible for boot camp on both sentences. Terrance Carr, 19 of Elkland has been charged with terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and violating laws regarding persons not permitted |