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Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • Port Allegany Ridgway • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint
Photo Provided The Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center recently held an installation ceremony for the National Technical Honor Society.
Seneca Highlands CTS holds induction for honor society PORT ALLEGANY ceremony for the National — The Seneca Highlands Technical Honor Society. Career and Technical School The following were recently held an installation inducted: Dale Morris of
Kane, Kyle Worthington of Northern Potter, Faith Miller of Smethport, Aleczander Kiser of Port
Allegany and from Oswayo Valley, Aanastasia Licht, Camerynn Stambaugh, Mikya Stake, Sierria Peters, Maya Kephart and Blaine Moses. Returning members, receiving two-year pins and assisting with the ceremony, were from Cameron County, Brennan Bure; Coudersport, Karlie Benson; Galeton, Dannielle Miller; Kane, Ashton Oakes; Northern Potter,
Jazzmyne Kessinger and Benjamin Torrey; from OttoEldred, Wyatt Farr; from Port Allegany, Abrianna Dowell, Bryn Easton and Isaiah DeBockler; and from Smethport, Hayley Durphy and Alexandria Norris. The guest speaker was Andrew Johnson, health and safety manager at the Ardagh Group. The purpose of the National Technical Honor Society is to celebrate the accomplishments of
today’s career and technical education students, empowering them to know the value and impact of their career paths and trades. Since 1984, NTHS has been honoring outstanding student achievement, providing scholarships and career development opportunities. New inductees were presented with pins, certificates, and honor cords.
Fall ’22 freshman class largest at St. Bonaventure in two decades
United Way utilizes grant monies
The Bradford area United Way recently awarded quarterly Community Impact funding to C.A.R.E. for Children to actively encourage referrals to the McKean County Birth to Three, Early Intervention Program. The McKean County Child Find Committee, which is comprised of county officials, service coordinators and service providers like C.A.R.E. for Children, work
together to promote Early Intervention. The committee met on Monday to assemble Early Intervention bags to give to families with babies and toddlers at community events. The grant funding was used to purchase the bags and include a child safety item, safe sleep board book, toothbrushes and materials on the Early Intervention program and developmental milestones. The grant
also funded marketing initiatives. Pictured (left to right) are Sarah Lonzi, executive director, United Way of the Bradford Area; Ashley Carlson, MOT, OTR/L, pediatric therapy services director, C.A.R.E. for Children; Karen Abbott, Developmental Disabilities Program, McKean County Department of Human Services; and Rhonda Austin, supervisor of Early Intervention, The Guidance Center.
Methodist Women’s Thrift Store opens in Eldred ELDRED — The Eldred Methodist Women are opening their Thrift Store at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 6. The store will remain open until 2 p.m. with many items for
sale. In the future, the store will be open each Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Eldred Methodist Women’s Thrift Store
will be located behind the United Methodist Church, located at 24 S. Main St. Donations will be accepted only on days whe
ST. BONAVENTURE — Freshman confirmations are running at a 20-year high at St. Bonaventure University, up 22% over fall 2021 and more than 53% higher than fall 2015. As of Monday morning, 576 freshmen had committed to the university for fall 2022, the most on this date since 2002. The previous four freshman classes at SBU — 2018 through 2021 — were the four largest in the last 13 years. The university has seen increases in nearly all of its recruitment territories, with significant increases in its Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and local New York and Pennsylvania markets. Out-of-state students come from 26 states and eight countries, making up more than 24 percent of the freshman confirmations. “This was a collective and collaborative effort across all divisions of the university, from Academics, Athletics and Enrollment, to Marketing and Communications,
Ministries and Student Affairs,” said Bernie Valento, vice president for Enrollment. May 1 is the unofficial College Decision Day, but almost all institutions continue enrolling students through the summer. “These outcomes were guided by our institutional strategic plan, which builds on our transformational collegiate experience — delivering academic programs that students desire and a robust extracurricular experience that remains rooted in our Franciscan tradition,” said Dr. Joseph Zimmer, acting president. Initiatives such as the five-year-old DePerro School of Health Professions and the addition of 24 new academic programs since 2015 have helped fuel the success. For fall 2022, all five of the university’s academic schools have seen an increase in freshman confirmations with the Jandoli School of Communication leading the way with a 46%
increase. “Our success was guided by our strong strategic enrollment plan, which was critical in the development of our marketing, communication and recruitment plans,” said Megan Perkins, associate vice president for Enrollment and director of Admissions. “Our Admissions team and the Marketing and Communications staff played key roles in the implementation and execution of many new or enhanced recruitment and programming strategies, tactics and initiatives.” Since 2015, overall student enrollment has increased at the institution by 30% to 2,604 undergraduate and graduate students. The university expanded its online graduate programs over the last several years, attracting students from all over the country. Last fall, overall graduate enrollment reached a record high of more than 800 students.
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MAY 17, 2022
Forest Service accepting comments on fishing dock MARIENVILLE — The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is accepting public comments on a proposal by the Elk County Conservation District to improve fishing accessibility at Sandy Beach Park near Ridgway. The project includes installing an accessible fishing dock to improve angler access and installing fish habitat structures to complement the dock. Fish habitat structures would be placed along both sides of and within Big Mill Creek. One side of Big Mill Creek is Ridgway Township’s Sandy Beach Park, the other side is the Allegheny National Forest. The fish habitat structures would have footer logs and cross vane logs pushed into the banks on the Forest Service side of Big Mill Creek and would be armored with rock. The proposal includes felling five to ten eastern hemlock trees, on National Forest land, that are leaning
toward the proposed fishing dock location and using the trees for the construction of the fish habitat structures. Equipment access would be from the Sandy Beach Park side of Big Mill Creek. The cutting and placing of logs and other materials would be done by working in the stream channel during low flow conditions. All required permits would be obtained before implementation. This project is located in the Clarion River Inventoried Roadless Area (Management Area 7.2 – Remote Recreation) in Warrant 4869, Ridgway Township, Elk County. For maps and more information, a scoping document is available for download on the Allegheny National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=62138. Printed copies are available upon request. Comments may be submitted at any time but would be most helpful if
received by June 9, 2022. The input received will help the Forest Service refine the proposed action. Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be available for public inspection as part of the project record. Comments may be submitted to the responsible official in the following ways: Email: commentseastern-alleghenym a r i e n v i l l e @ u s d a . g o v. Please include Sandy Beach Fishing Dock on the subject line, your name, and your physical mailing address with your comments. Mail: Robert Fallon, District Ranger, Marienville Ranger District, 131 Smokey Lane, Marienville, PA 16239 Phone (814) 927-5700 during normal business hours or fax (814) 927-2285. For more information, please contact District Ranger Rob Fallon at (814) 927-5799 or rob.fallon@ usda.gov.
Photo by Jerry Trass/Olean Times Herald In this Dec. 7, 2019 file photo, Bob Lanier speaks during a celebration of the 1969-70 St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team as teammate Billy Kalbaugh looks on Saturday at the Reilly Center.
St. Bonaventure, NBA basketball legend Bob Lanier passes away ALLEGANY, N.Y. — Bob Lanier, the greatest basketball player in St. Bonaventure University history, died early today surrounded by family in Arizona. He was 73. Lanier’s death was announced this morning by St. Bonaventure. The Reilly Center Arena court where the Bonnies have played since 1966 was named after Lanier in 2007. “The spirit of St. Bonaventure is bigger than any one man, but no singular soul in 164 years has ever brought more honor, dignity, glory and love to bear at Bona’s than Bob Lanier,” said Mike Vaccaro, St. Bonaventure class of 1989, New York Post columnist and the foremost historian on Bonnies basketball. “Bob transcended race, united a campus and, by the way, was one of the best basketball players who ever lived. He will be synonymous with St. Bonaventure eternally.” The No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick by the Detroit Pistons in 1970, Lanier led the Bonnies to an undefeated regular season in 1968 (23-0) and the NCAA Final Four in 1970. But the All-American center suffered a serious knee injury in the 1970 East Regional title win over Villanova and the game but short-handed Bonnies couldn’t overcome his absence in a 91-83 loss to Jacksonville in the national semifinal. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called the Hall of Fame player among the most talented centers in the history of the NBA, but that his impact on the league went far beyond what he accomplished on the court. “For more than 30 years, Bob served as our global ambassador and as a special assistant to David Stern and then me, traveling the world to teach the game’s values and make a positive impact on young people everywhere,” Silver said in a statement this morning. “It was a labor of love for Bob, who was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever been around. His enormous influence on the NBA was also seen during his time as President of the National Basketball Players Association, where he played a key role in the negotiation of a game-changing collective bargaining agreement. “I learned so much from Bob by simply watching how he connected with people,” Silver said. “He was a close friend who I will miss dearly, as will so many of his colleagues across the NBA who were inspired by his generosity. We send our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends.” Lanier was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater in 1985 and the Gaudete Medal, the
university’s highest service award, in 2004. In an interview on the day of the Reilly Center Arena floor dedication in 2007, Lanier wept recalling how devastated he was not being able to play in the Final Four. “We were kind of warriors … in this trench together, and we had one focus: to win an NCAA title. I don’t mean this to be trite: We honestly loved each other and would go through the wall for each other,” Lanier said, recalling the preseason goal the team had set for itself over beers and burgers at The Burton. “We get to the tournament and we were just rolling through people. And then the worst thing in the world that could happen (vs. Villanova) — Billy’s (Kalbaugh) going down on a break, I turn around, and boom, a guy falls into my knee. I didn’t even know at the time I tore my knee up. But when I ran back down the court and tried to pivot, my leg collapsed. I didn’t know at the time I had torn my MCL. “It hurt me to my heart that my guys were going (to the tourney) without me,” Lanier said, wiping tears from his cheek. “It’s just that you’re not there to help them. I was in a hospital bed and I watched them bust their butts against Artis (Gilmore) and Pembrook (Burrows) and I know that I could have helped them overcome that. They made me so proud. “I think about the lasting memories and the lasting friendships I have to this day because of those guys I was in a trench with for so long.” Years later, Lanier was instrumental in bringing the Final Four team back to campus every few years for an under-the-radar reunion few people knew was happening. Recruited out of Buffalo’s Bennett High School by Coach Larry Weise, Lanier grew as a freshman into his legendary size-22 sneakers, leading St. Bonaventure back into the national spotlight during his sophomore season in 1967-68. In his first varsity season, the 6-11 Lanier and his teammates — the legendary Iron Man Five of Lanier, Bill Butler, Billy Kalbaugh, John Hayes and Jim Satalin — put together an undefeated regular season and a No. 3 national ranking before losing to North Carolina in the second round of the NCAA tourney. Lanier averaged 26.2 points and 15.6 rebounds per game. A silky-smooth lefthander with a lethal hook shot and mid-range jumper, Lanier averaged 27.2 points and 15.5 rebounds a game his junior year and 29.1 points and 16 rebounds his senior season. He was a consensus All-American each season.
Era photo by Daniella Langianese The M and B Group, out of Clarion, purchased Bisett Building Center & True Value in September 2021, since the purchase the business has seen a few noticeable changes.
Lanier finished his 75-game career as the St. Bonaventure record holder in seven categories: career scoring (2,067 points); career points per game (27.6); career rebounding (1,180); single-game scoring (51 points vs. Seton Hall); single-game rebounding (27 vs. Loyola, Md.); singleseason rebounding (416); and average rebounds in one season (16) in 1969-1970. In 52 years, only his career points record has been surpassed — by three men who played 29, 37 and 48 more games than Lanier did, when freshmen were allowed to play varsity (after 1972) and schedules grew larger. An eight-time NBA AllStar and member of the 1970-71 All-Rookie team, Lanier scored more than 19,000 points over his 14year career with Detroit and Milwaukee, averaging 20.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals while shooting 51.4 percent from the field. The MVP of the 1974 NBA All-Star game, Lanier had his No. 16 jersey retired by the Pistons and Bucks, to whom Lanier was traded in 1980. Lanier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. Since 2005, Lanier had been the NBA Cares Global Ambassador, routinely working with youth-serving programs that support education, youth, family development and healthrelated causes. Lanier was a longtime spokesperson and chairman of the NBA’s “Stay in School” program, later renamed “Read to Achieve,” a year-round initiative supported by all 30 NBA teams, 13 WNBA teams, and 6 NBDL teams that promotes the value of reading and online literacy and encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children. The Bob Lanier Center for Educational, Physical and Cultural Development is a children’s and youth service in Buffalo, founded in 1994. Lanier was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater in 1985 and the Gaudete Medal, the university’s highest service award, in 2004.
Port Allegany
townwide Yard Sale
M and B Group acquisition of Bisett brings new concrete products to area BY DANIELLA LANGIANESE Bisett Building Center & True Value may have retained its name and most employees when the M and B Group purchased the business in September of last year, however some of their products and services have undergone changes. In September 2021, Bisett Building Center was sold to the M and B Group, based out of Clarion. The M and B Group is the parent company to DuBrook, who currently operate the ready-mix plant at Bisett, and M and B Services. M and B Services is a full-service concrete construction company which specializes in large-scale commercial and industrial concrete projects; stamped and colorful concrete; and exposed aggregate and traditional concrete finishes for sidewalks, patios and driveways. The M and B Group is owned by Braun Gourley and Mike Hindman. Gourley’s great grandfather, Charles Lawrence, began the Clarion branch of the business in 1919. The Lawrence family owned and operated the business until it was sold to the Glenn family in 1984. For their first acquisition into ready mix concrete production, the M and B Group purchased both the Glenn Redi-Mix plant in April of 2014, restoring, in-part, the Lawrence family ownership. Then, in 2018 the M and B Group expanded again with the purchase of DuBrook from Rosemary Ogorchock Barber of Brookville.
Saturday st may 21 8:00am - ?
Local Restaurants will be serving, stop by and see them! Sponsored by the Port Allegany Rotary Club
The acquisition of Bisett Building Center in Bradford in 2021 was another phase of expansion for the company, accounting for their sixth ready mix concrete plant as well as a store-front offering concrete finishing and construction related supplies under their umbrella. The company currently has locations in St. Marys, Meadville, DuBois, Clarion, Butler and Evans City and operates over 50 concrete trucks to cover their seven plants. Within the Bisett store front at 142 Davis Street not too much has changed, according to M and B Group President Hindman. “While the selection of lumber is much smaller, the selection of concrete and masonry has grown exponentially,” said Hindman. “And our inhouse professional engineer is available to create our own mix designs based on the specific needs of each customer. There is also any color mix available.” Beyond the stamped and colorful concrete, a vast selection of masonry supplies and tools are
available as well as precast concrete. “Customers may have noticed we decreased the selection of the general home goods store and used the free space for products and merchandise geared specifically towards concrete, decorative concrete and concrete construction,” relayed Hindman. Residents of the area may remember the DuBrook name from company trucks parked in Bradford only a few years ago, as DuBrook was one of the contractors who made streetscape improvements on Bradford’s Main Street. “We were more than interested in the Bradford location because we had previously done work in the area and felt familiar with the community,” said Hindman. For a full list of products and services or for more information about the entire M and B Group’s family of businesses call (814) 764-3007, visit https:// mandbservices.com/ or https://dubrookinc.com/.
You can make a difference in a child’s life CONCERN has a need for foster homes in Potter County. Thanks to the guidance, love and support of foster families, children are experiencing a healthy, happy childhood. Learn how you can make a difference. For more information visit www.concern4kids.org 570-523-1297
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MAY 17, 2022
COVID cases down, but not gone in region BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER While COVID-19 cases are down throughout the region, the virus isn’t gone. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, McKean County has had a total of 1,886 new cases so far this year. As of Thursday, there were three new cases of COVID for a total of 8,245. In the past week, there were 22 new cases, in the past month, 70 new cases. According to the health department, 57.7% of people in McKean County have had at least one vaccine dose, 10.9% have been partially vaccinated, 46.8% have been fully vaccinated. Further, 19.8% of the county’s residents have had the first booster dose, while 1.7% have had
the second as well. There were three new cases of COVID-19 in Elk County as of Thursday for a total of 7,156. In the past week, there were 12 new cases; in the past month, 27 new cases; and since the beginning of the year, 1,770. According to the health department, 64.4% of county residents have at least one vaccine dose, 6.1% are partially vaccinated, 58.3% are fully vaccinated. Further, 29% of residents have had their first dose of the booster, while 1.8% have had their second dose. In Potter County, there was one new case of COVID for a total of 3,222. In the past week, there were five new cases; in the past month, 45 new cases; and since the beginning of
the year, 632 cases. According to the health department, 46.8% of county residents have Photo by Mandy Colosimo had at least one vaccine dose, 7.8% are partially This new sign will serve as a bridge marker for the newly dedicated bridge in Eldred on vaccinated, 39% are fully Barnum Road. vaccinated, 17.6% have had the first booster dose, and 2.1% had the second booster dose. There were no new cases in Cameron County as of Thursday for a total of 816; two in the past month, and 166 since the beginning of the year. The health department reported that 63% of county residents have had at least one vaccine dose, 5.5% are partially vaccinated, 57.5% are fully vaccinated, 30% have had the first booster dose and 3% have had the second booster dose. brave soldiers like Kenny returned to the podium, BY MANDY COLOSIMO Dorrion.” clearly moved by the ELDRED — “Every day Causer said that he is ceremony and a story he is Memorial Day,” said reminded of what President had to tell. Tears began to Steve Appleby, curator Ronald Reagan once said: trickle and his voice started of the Eldred World War “Freedom is never more to tremble as he told of his II Museum and a retired than one generation away son, driving on U.S. Route U.S. Army sergeant, as he from extinction. We didn’t 219, stopping and turning thanked those who turned senior high chorus and the out Saturday to remember pass it to our children in around to read a name on Otto-Eldred Show Choir. the bloodstream. It must be the bridge over the Kinzua Admission will be $3 for a local veteran who gave fought for, protected, and Creek, for whom that his life in service during the adults and $2 for students. handed on for them to do bridge was dedicated. Korean War. the same, or one day we {span}U.S. Air Force Neil Kenneth Dorrion, will spend our sunset years Staff Sgt. Carl Enis was a who grew up in the Eldred telling our children and our pararescueman who was area, was honored Saturday children’s children what it killed in Iraq — and he had by having the Route 1011 was once like in the United served {/span}with Tush’s (Barnum Road) bridge States where men were son. Later, his son went to over Mix Creek in Eldred free.” introduce himself to the Township, dedicated in his SET IN MOTION Enis family and make peace name — the Sgt. Neil K. Causer also explained with what had happened Dorrion Memorial Bridge. the naming of the bridge — all due to memories the Dorrion served in the to honor Dorrion was set in memorial sign recalled. U.S. Army during World motion several years ago, Dush noted, specifically War II, and some say he and how it took an act of the to the National Guard EITC funds and is reenlisted in April 1949 so State Legislature and had to recruits, how important it scheduled for June 20 another soldier would not be signed off on by veterans is to remember comrades through June 23 at the have to see what he saw in groups and Gov. Tom Wolf and show support for each Seneca Highlands CTC combat. Dorrion served in before the lengthy process other, not least because Networking Classroom. Korea as a medic. could be finalized. of the difficulties many The large audience Camp will be held from After about three years, veterans have when 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and in attendance included a “it is an honor and privilege returning to to civilian life. is for students entering group of recruits on their to be here,” Causer said. He cited the suicide rate way to basic training for grades 5 through 9. “Now, every time anyone among veterans as being The cost is $40 per the Army National Guard. drives across the bridge on far too high. person, and students Concerning becoming a Barnum Road/Haymaker The director of veterans medic, as one of the recruits should plan to bring a Road, they can think about affairs for McKean County, was on her way for this bagged lunch each day. particular job, Appleby the life that was given up to Alvin Loveless, a veteran For more information explained that there is give the freedom you have of the National Guard, emphasized how young or to register for either no greater asset on the today.” Causer then welcomed Dorrion was when he of these camps, call the battlefield. James “Jim” Pries to say a enlisted, “He was five days Education Council’s Dorrion was killed in past his 18th birthday,” and Port Allegany office at action on Nov. 4, 1950, few words. Pries is Dorrion’s that “he was part of the (814) 545-1333 or visit at Kunu-ri, North Korea, their website at www. while tending to wounded second cousin. He recalled Greatest Generation.” going to his grandfather’s Dorrion was a true pottercountyedcouncil. comrades. house as a child and American hero, Loveless org. As Appleby finished seeing Dorrion’s three said, while quoting Winston introductions, the chaplain brothers, but when he was Churchill, “Never in the from the Smethport VFW 8 years old, he asked his field of human conflict was Post 2497, Frank Eppley, grandfather why “Kenny” so much owed by so many led the invocation, stressing was never around when to so few.” that the dedication, this his brothers were. Pries’ County commissioners ceremony, is a “visible link grandfather asked him if he Cliff Lane, Carol Duffy and from past to present.” would be able to handle it Tom Kreiner also addressed Sen. Cris Dush, if he knew the truth. Pries the audience. R-Brookville, asked those recalled thinking for quite Duffy, whose father was in attendance who could to awhile before telling his a WWII veteran, relayed stand and say the Pledge girlfriend was arrested for grandfather that he could. a personal story about petit larceny in Tennessee, of Allegiance, with a detail and police were able to that there is not a comma Preis’ grandfather then told being on a train in Berlin, determine that Gould after “one nation under him about how “Kenny’’ Germany. She was standing was still with her, and God” and to not pause as if had died in North Korea and a gentleman virtually demanded that she accept the two were staying at a there were. Katie Barrett led during the war. Years later, Pries reached his seat because, as she city mission. Police noted the group in the national out to Causer to see if a learned, the U.S. military the U.S. Marshal’s service anthem. bridge could be named in had saved his family from was assisting with the Appleby returned to starvation. There had been apprehension of Gould, the the podium and expressed Dorrion’s honor. Causer and Pries others on the train who criminal complaint stated. concern about what history Gould was apprehended mentioned the many laughed at the scene, and is being taught in schools and arraigned before awards Dorrion earned, the gentleman yelled at District Judge Dom today, that he had been to some of which were them, but told Duffy, “They Cercone in Bradford on a few schools recently and awarded posthumously. won’t remember.” Monday. He was remanded was dismayed that many Dorrion was awarded the Duffy stated, “We will to jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. students don’t know much Silver Star, Purple Heart, remember, because of days about American history. A preliminary hearing in Bronze Star with “V” and events like this one. .. “They don’t know what the case is scheduled for for Valor, Good Conduct They will remember and the red stripes in our flag May 18. Badge, Combat Medical share the stories of those have come to represent, Badge, Korean Service who have served, like Sgt. they don’t know that the Medal, United Nations Dorrion, and they will not red stripes represent the Service Medal, National be forgotten.” blood of those who have Defense Service Medal, After the 21-gun salute died so that we have the Korean Presidential Unit and after “Taps” was played freedom we have — those Citation, Republic of Korea by the Eldred American like Sgt. Dorrion,” Appleby War Service Medal, Pacific Legion Post 887, Eppley firefighters as the highest said. Theater Ribbon with Star closed the dedication with priority. Prescribed fires are State Rep. Martin implemented only when and the World War II a prayer where he asked, R-Turtlepoint, the prescribed parameters, Causer, Victory Medal. “remember not only the including wind speed and echoed Appleby’s words R E M E M B E R I N G MIA and POW but all the direction, relative humidity, in his remarks. “Our peacekeepers around the temperature, seasonal lives would not be what COMRADES Dush, a retired U.S. world as well.” restrictions and mitigation they are today without Air Force master sergeant, of potential smoke impacts are met. For maps and additional information please visit https://inciweb.nwcg. gov/. For convenience, the direct link to the Fenced Burns is https://inciweb. nwcg.gov/incident/8098/.
Spring choir concert at Otto-Eldred High School DUKE CENTER — The Otto-Eldred Music Department presents the 2022 spring choir concert at 7 p.m. May 19.
The concert, to be held in the Otto-Eldred High School Auditorium, will feature the elementary chorus, the junior high chorus, the
Potter County Education Council offers two camps for students PORT ALLEGANY — Student bakers will attempt to recreate cakes and cupcakes in a friendly food competition. Chef Paul Farmelo will assist participants with the making and baking of the cakes and cupcakes, and participants will use their creativity for decorating. This camp is made possible by generous donations through EITC funds and is scheduled for June 15, 2022 at the Seneca Highlands CTC Culinary Arts Classroom. Camp will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and is for
students entering grades 5 through 9. The cost is $15 per person, and students should plan to bring a bagged lunch. The Education Council will also host a four-day program, Minecraft camp, where participants will learn to program blocks with the Minecraft environment, construct inworld structures as part of daily competitions and of course play a lot of Minecraft with other campers. This camp is also made possible by generous donations through
Bradford man arraigned after two years on the lam BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER A Bradford man is in McKean County Jail following a Monday arraignment on a two-yearold charge of flight to avoid apprehension. Richard L. Gould III, 32, who court records say is homeless, is charged with one third-degree felony count of flight to avoid apprehension. According to court records, in 2019, Gould was charged with numerous drug offenses and with escape. He attended a preliminary hearing with an attorney, Dawn Fink,
and waived the hearing. Police Chief Mike Ward had spoken to Gould and his attorney about bail conditions and about the need to show up for court. He was scheduled for McKean County Court on Feb. 20, but failed to show. A bench warrant was issued. In late January 2020, a sheriff’s deputy saw Gould and his girlfriend getting on a bus with tickets to New Orleans, and took notice knowing there were open cases against Gould in McKean County. In February 2020, Gould’s
ANF spring prescribed fire update WARREN — This week, the U.S. Forest Service plans to conduct five prescribed burns within fenced units in the Bradford Ranger District on Allegheny National Forest. In total, 140 acres will be treated with prescribed fire in Warren and Forest Counties, Pennsylvania. Ignitions are planned to begin mid-morning and rising columns of smoke may be visible throughout each day. Fire management staff in collaboration with Forest resource specialists have identified forest health, wildlife and ecosystem management resource objectives to accomplish by using prescribed fire as a tool. The burns are taking place in areas enclosed with eight-foot-tall deer exclusion fences. Stands of trees within the fences are dominated by desirable oak species but have a high amount of undesirable American beech saplings in the understory. These
prescribed fires will restore and maintain fire-adapted ecosystems and help to regenerate oak trees by reducing the number of shade-tolerant trees in the understory. The burns will reduce the amount of dead and down fuels, recycle soil nutrients and stimulate increased production of acorns and other mast crops that are the favorite food of many forest animals. Prescribed fires are conducted with the safety of the public and
Eldred Twp. bridge dedicated in memory of WWII veteran killed in Korea
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MAY 17, 2022
Pa. investigating cases of unusual hepatitis in children PITTSBURGH (TNS) — The Pennsylvania Department of Health said it is investigating “multiple” reported cases of unexplained hepatitis infection in previously healthy young children. A spokesman for the department told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that no cases have been confirmed yet. Pennsylvania is one of 25 states and territories that have reported possible cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Pittsburgh, UPMC Children’s Hospital has had a “handful of children that meet [CDC’s] reporting requirement but none of these cases have been confirmed as of this time,” according to a spokeswoman for the hospital. The infections date back to October 2021, and there are no current hospitalizations. Allegheny Health Network has not had any such cases in children, a representative said. Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, is most often caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B and C, but these viruses have not been found in any of these cases. Hepatitis is often associated with adults because it can be spread through needle sharing or sex, but it can also be transmitted through contaminated food and water. Symptoms of hepatitis that parents should look for abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools and jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes. ”Although rare, children can have serious hepatitis, and it’s not uncommon for the cause to be unknown,” said Dr. Jay Butler, the CDC’s deputy director for infectious diseases, during a news conference on Friday. The agency is investigating 109 U.S. cases of hepatitis of unknown
cause in children over the past seven months, including five reported deaths. More than 90% of these patients were hospitalized and 14% received liver transplants, according to the CDC. Cases have also been reported in the United Kingdom, Israel and several European countries. ”That’s obviously very alarming if these children are getting so sick that they require transplantation as a treatment,” said Dr. James Squires, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital. Dr. Squires said none of the hepatitis patients at Children’s have needed liver transplants. The CDC first issued a health alert on April 21, notifying health care providers of a cluster of nine children in Alabama with hepatitis and liver injury from October to February. Two of the children required liver transplants, and three developed liver failure. Most of the children who have developed hepatitis have since recovered. None of the nine children had COVID-19 infection during their hospitalization or a documented history of COVID-19. They also had not received the COVID-19 vaccine before being hospitalized for hepatitis. The cause of the outbreak is still unknown, but health officials have identified a type of virus called adenovirus in many of the 109 U.S. children with unusual hepatitis. Specifically, many have tested positive for adenovirus 41, which typically causes mild gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms and is not known to be a cause of hepatitis in otherwise healthy children. ”Adenoviruses have not historically been known to cause much in the way of liver disease,” Dr. Squires said. “Even though this adenovirus 41 has been linked or discovered in association with some of these children
who have hepatitis, it has not been found in the liver itself. When they’ve actually tested the liver tissue, the adenovirus 41 isn’t there. It’s actually picked up mostly in the stool.” He cautioned that more information is needed to determine if adenovirus 41 is truly the cause. The CDC is also looking into other potential causes, such as medications, environmental exposures or other pathogens. Among the nine initial patients in Alabama, all were previously healthy with no underlying conditions and ranged in age from about 1 to 6 years old. Before being hospitalized, most of the children had vomiting and diarrhea and some experienced upper respiratory symptoms. While in the hospital, most had an enlarged liver and jaundice — that is, yellowing of the eyes and skin. While the number of cases being investigated may seem alarming, Dr. Squires said not all of them may end up being linked to the current outbreak. The CDC’s Dr. Butler reiterated that these cases are rare, even with the potential increase in recently reported infections. ”We encourage parents and caregivers to be aware of the symptoms of hepatitis. These can include vomiting, dark urine, light-colored stools, and yellowing of the skin, also known as jaundice,” Dr. Butler said. Parents and caregivers should contact their child’s health care provider with any concerns. He recommended that children and their parents and caregivers be up to date on all their vaccinations and practice the same everyday actions for preventing infections, including washing hands often and avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
Backyard tour shows off tourism highlights of region
BY KYLIE SHUMAN
A Backyard Tour event held on Friday by the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau was successful in bringing in a full bus of tourists. It was one of the first tours to be held by the organization since COVID-19 impacted tourism in McKean County. The motorcoach traveled throughout McKean County and stopped at Penn Brad Oil Museum, Marilyn Horne Museum, Zippo Case Museum, Eldred World War Two Museum, Old Town Smethport, Allegheny National Forest, Kinzua Sky Walk, and Kinzua Bridge Visitors Center. A wine tasting was included at Flickerwood Wine Cellars in Kane and a lunch served at Cottage House Restaurant in Smethport. A highlight of this tour was to see Wilds Sonshine Factory Inc. located in Kane. The building has yet to be open to the public. The location will be used as a distillery and events center. “Limited distillery and agriculture education will be the core of our company mission,” said project manager Taylor Holt. “We work with local farmers and businesses when we swap through sunflowers to corn in a yearly cycle. “We do this to prepare our soil fields for nutrients. We donate the corn to local wildlife projects,” said Holt to the engaged tourists. “I think a lot of us have no idea what is in our county. McKean County has a lot of tourism,” said
ANFVB volunteer Shirley Evers. Tourism has risen this year despite the loss during the pandemic. “One in twenty workers in the tourism industry brings in approximately $855.00 of tax revenue which helps their families in McKean. Pennsylvania brought in $29 Billion in revenue and 152 million tourists in 2020” said Evers. The statistics shared taught the tour participants how McKean County is impacted by the travel industry. Local businesses and museums were happy to receive the motorcoach tour. On the bus prizes donated by the museums were given away by Turina Martin. Guests learned of upcoming events and news from the locations.
They also had the chance to quickly shop. People rushed to purchase spirits at Flickerwood Wine Cellars. The company sells 43 varieties of wine. “We try to get wine from Pennsylvania but also resort to other methods importing from California. We have 300 competitors across the state, and as a business we thrive,” said Rick Zampogna. As the tour came to a close after 5 p.m. the organizers thanked the guests, “Hopefully many of you will return to some of these places visited. And when families travel here you can show them around McKean destinations,” said Evers. The tourists departed saying how grand the event was.
Bradford woman jailed on stalking allegations BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER A Bradford woman is in McKean County Jail, facing charges of stalking the couple who had courtordered custody of her grandchildren. Doreather L. Skaggs, 50, of 25 E. Main St., is charged with three counts of stalking with intent to cause emotional distress, first-degree misdemeanors; and one count of making false reports of child abuse, a second-degree misdemeanor. On Feb. 23, Bradford City Police took a complaint from the birth mother and the person who had court-ordered custody of the children that while they were cooperating
with Children and Youth Services, Skaggs had been continuously harassing them, according to the criminal complaint. Skaggs made several calls to ChildLine and McKean County CYS alleging that the children were being abused. While a total of 23 calls were made, none were accurate, yet all had to be investigated, the complaint stated. From October to December of 2021, the people with custody of the children were allowing Skaggs to visit, but told her she would only be allowed to visit if she refrained from drug use. On Dec. 5, Skaggs left the residence allegedly to obtain methamphetamine,
and was subsequently banned from returning, the complaint stated. Skaggs continued making false allegations against the family, causing one family member to be suspended from her job pending an investigation into the complaint, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Skaggs called in to the CYS office multiple times, demanding to be given custody of the children, the complaint stated. Skaggs was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Dom Cercone and remanded to jail in lieu of $3,000 bail. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for May 18.
Clarion SBDC presents QuickBooks course in Coudersport COUDERSPORT — Clarion SBDC is offering a QuickBooks 2021 course, and individuals can attend the in-person workshop or via Webinar. Level I: For individuals who have recently purchased QuickBooks or plan to in the near future, this course can help them learn the basics. Learn to create, use and maintain books with ease. Keep track of payables and receivables. The Level I course
will meet Tuesday, June 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $199 per person. Level II: For individuals who may be familiar with the basics, come and see what else this amazing accounting program can do. Learn how to run professional looking reports, personalize forms, send letters through Microsoft Word, export to Excel, and more. The Level
II course will meet Wednesday, June 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $199 per person. There will be a discount rate for those registering for both Level I and II, which is $360, a savings for $38. Class size is limited, so register today. For more information or to register, call (814) 393-2060 or visit www. clarion.ede/sbdc.