23 2022
community
AUGUST
p o t t e r m c k e a n
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Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • Port Allegany Ridgway • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint
Era photo by Jeff Uveino Sheetz in Coudersport shows an array of gas prices for motorists who are filling up.
Gas prices continue to drop BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
Gas prices have fallen 12 cents per gallon in the last week in Western Pennsylvania to $4.317, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. In the state, prices have fallen 9.2 cents to an average of $4.28 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy. Prices
in Pennsylvania are 41.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.00 a gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 14.8 cents in the last week and stands at $5.27 per gallon. In Bradford, the average price of a gallon of unleaded
fuel is $4.40; in Brookville, $4.168; in DuBois, $4.295; in Erie, $4.260; and in Warren, $4.394. The national average for a gallon of regular gas fell 10 cents in the past week to $3.95, due primarily to stable oil prices and fewer drivers fueling up. Monday’s national average is 62 cents
Tops’ Totes for Change program expands to benefit local schools
WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – It’s hard to believe that a little over two years ago Tops launched its Tops Totes for Change program. This year’s program will introduce a new tote option. The program, which encourages shoppers to purchase a reusable bag with a special charity design for just $1.99 with $1 of the proceeds being donated back to local community organizations, is proud to add a new Tops in Education bag which will benefit local schools in the community. Tops Friendly Markets is committed to helping the communities they serve and schools are a big part of those communities. To date, Tops has donated more than $1.5 million dollars to local schools through the Tops in Education program (TIE). Tops has been
committed to their local educators and most importantly, their youth, helping provide much needed funds to their daily curriculum and extracurricular programs by way of TIE, and adding a TIE Tops Totes for Change bag will continue to help foster aid to the educational community. Since its inception, Tops is proud to say that $488,537 has been raised for area charities, at a time that these organizations need it most. The Tops in Education bag will join four other charitable bags which include support for United Way, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Feeding America and Children’s Miracle Network. Within those organizations the funds are benefitting area local chapters including Children’s Hospitals and area Food Banks.
In addition to its philanthropic mission, the program helps Tops stay true to its environmental commitment of reducing its carbon footprint. In 2021 alone Tops reduced its use of plastic bags and film by 490 tons. “Our consumers have a wide array of reusable bags to choose from that consist of cloth and recycled materials which can easily and economically be purchased at the store,” said Kathy Sautter, public and media relations manager for Tops. “To see consumers make the choice however, to give back to these charities by purchasing a Tops Totes for Change bag is truly heartwarming.” To learn more about Tops sustainability efforts visit their website at https:// w w w. t o p s m a r k e t s . com/Sustainability/
less than a month ago, but 77 cents more than a year ago. A c c o r d i n g to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Pennsylvania was priced at $3.69 per gallon on Sunday while the most expensive was $5.64 a gallon, a difference of $1.95 a gallon. “For the ninth week straight, gas prices have continued to fall, but the streak is at great risk of being broken this week with wholesale gasoline prices having bounced back up some 40 cents per gallon as oil prices have rebounded,”
said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “That means the decline in average prices could wrap up soon, with some price increases possible as early as this week, especially in areas of the Great Lakes. While the West Coast and some areas of the Rockies may see prices continue to drift lower, I do believe the national average could tick higher this week as the better than expected jobs report last week likely means less demand destruction than anticipated.” AAA has found
that drivers are making significant changes to cope with high pump prices. In a recent survey, almost two-thirds of U.S. adults have changed their driving habits or lifestyle since March. Drivers’ top two changes to offset high gas prices are driving less and combining errands. While gas demand rose from 8.54 million barrels per day to 9.12 million barrels per day last week, the rate is 307,000 barrels per day lower than last year. Also, total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 5 million barrels to 220.3 million barrels.
Causer to host Kane office Open House KANE — Rep. Martin Causer, R - Tu r t l e p o i n t , invites area residents to an open house at his local office in Kane on Thursday, Sept. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. Earlier this year, the office moved across the street from its prior location to the Northwest Savings Building at 54 Fraley St. The office is located in Suite 2 and the phone number remains the same at (814) 837-0880. “I encourage all of our Kane area residents to stop by to say hello, see
the new office and learn more about the services we provide,” Causer said. Services available at the office in Kane, as well as the locations in Bradford and Coudersport, include: P e n n D O T p a p e r w o r k , including driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals. Information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/ Rent Rebate and PA C E / PA C E N E T
prescription drug programs. Information and applications for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Help with securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required). Information about legislation. Assistance with resolving matters relating to state agencies. For more information about Causer’s other office locations or to contact him online, visit www. RepCauser.com.
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AUGUST 23, 2022
Sanitary Authority seeking grants BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
Photo provided A Bradford Sanitary crew cleans and flushes a storm main on North Street in preparation of conducting a full conditional assessment on the main, including a video recording of the subsurface assets.
Stormwater assessment underway in city BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
There are about 35 miles of stormwater mains and 1,225 catch basins in the City of Bradford, and the Bradford Sanitary Authority has been steadily working to clean and evaluate every bit of it. “The stormwater fee is being put to work,” said Steve Disney, executive director of the Bradford Sanitary Authority. “It’s going right back into the system.” This assessment work will show authority members where funds need to be directed for repairs within the system. “We want to be proactive and not wait for a sinkhole or other obvious situation to occur, we want to find the issue and get it addressed before it becomes a major issue,” Disney explained. The evaluation of the stormwater and sanitary systems began in early 2021. For the sanitary system, it had been 20 years since the last evaluation. For the stormwater system, it had never been fully evaluated. “These assessments consist of a thorough cleaning, flushing, vacuuming and removal of any debris,” Disney explained. “Once the mains, catch basins and manholes have been properly cleaned, the authority’s crew inserts a subsurface camera system into the main and records a video inspection of all subsurface assets.” He explained the authority’s crew has been certified through the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program utilizing NASSCO standards — the National Association of Sewer
Service Companies. This certification trains personnel on the proper methods and terminology needed to consistently and uniformly evaluate the condition of buried assets, he said. “Each asset — mains, catch basins, manholes, etc. — will receive an evaluation and conditional assessment ranging from excellent to very poor,” Disney continued. “Based on these ratings, the various assets are ranked and prioritized for future repairs or replacement if necessary. Those assets needing urgent attention are scheduled for repair/replacement immediately.” He gave a bit of history on the stormwater system as well. Since the incorporation of Bradford in 1879, the city along with various developers, industries, and landowners, installed stormwater infrastructure to collect stormwater runoff and convey it to discharge points along the Tunungwant Creek. “It is estimated that the average age of the current stormwater infrastructure within Bradford is at least 80 years old,” Disney said. “The makeup of the stormwater collection system is estimated to be comprised of 75% tile pipe, 20% concrete pipe, and 5% plastic pipe.” Nothing lasts forever, and many of the pipes, inlets, manholes and culverts are reaching the end of their usefulness. “It is anticipated that they will require repairs and in many cases, complete replacement over the next 25 years,” Disney explained. Quite a daunting task. However, the BSA staff have received
training and equipment to construct a complete digital map of the system and detail system features as part of its GIS asset management program, Disney said. “Asset management is a systematic approach to minimizing the cost of owning, operating, and maintaining infrastructure. It is about optimizing how the authority spends its budget dollars in order to make sure they are providing the largest possible return on investment,” he said. “Asset management programs assist in creating an inventory of all stormwater facilities and documenting their condition. Historically, crews have had to rely on paper maps (often dating back to the 1940s), and these maps were sometimes missing vital information. With the new digital maps, the sanitary authority will have a clear picture of where facilities are located and what condition they are in. This will allow them to determine what repairs are necessary, prioritize those repairs, direct resources where they’re needed most, track the work as it’s completed, and measure results, he added. Disney explained, “Properly maintaining any asset involves funding, without the funding we simply cannot adequately take care of such a large, aging system. I want everyone to understand we take this matter very seriously, our crews are doing an outstanding job performing the evaluations, assessments and repairs. They take great pride in our community and want to do the best job they can day in and day out.”
Southbound detour for Route 321 has been lifted
KANE — The P e n n s y l v a n i a Department of Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n (PennDOT) is alerting area motorists that a lane closure on Route 321 and southbound detour were removed on Monday, Aug. 15. These restrictions were needed for roadway improvement work near Kane from Wilson
Run to Spring Street. Southbound and northbound traffic are now able to travel on Route 321 through the work zone. Remaining work will be done during daylight hours and will take place under an alternating traffic pattern for both directions, controlled by roadway flagging. PennDOT expects
all work to be done by the end of August. All work is weather dependent. This work is part of a $6.4 million group contract to address various roadways in McKean County. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this job.
The Bradford Sanitary Authority is seeking Rescue Plan funding from McKean County government for two projects. After Tuesday’s meeting, Steve Disney, executive director, provided a summary of the authority’s actions. The first project the authority is asking for is a combined sanitary and stormwater related repair/rehabilitation project which would use CIPP — cured in-place-pipe technology, which is a safer and more economical way to repair existing pipelines without having to dig trenches. The second project would be the replacement of the street sweeper, the current one of which is 19 years old. “The focus of the grant program is not merely for revenue loss or operating expenses incurred during the pandemic,” explained Disney, “but to invest in programs and projects that can demonstrate m e a s u r a b l e , s u s t a i n a b l e , collaborative and lasting improvements for municipalities and eligible small businesses, as well as in the lives of McKean County residents.” Should a grant be awarded, the authority would be required to contribute a minimum 10% in matching funds. Disney explained the authority had received a request from Foster Township regarding a commercial property that would require a sanitary usage calculation of 13 EDUs — sewer hookups. However, any request for two or more EDUs
requires the applicant to go through the Department of Environmental Protection’s planning process. The DEP would determine if the project qualifies for a waiver, or if they will require planning modules. “BSA has notified Foster Township that the applicant must first pursue this process prior to BSA taking any action,” Disney explained. “The planning module application mailer was submitted to BSA on Tuesday and is under review by BSA and Gannett Fleming.” An update was given on account delinquencies, saying that the number had dropped during July while stormwater delinquencies remained flat. “Much of the drop in water and sanitary is due to multiple large accounts paying off their balances to satisfy the municipal liens that the Water and Sanitary Authorities had placed on the properties,” Disney explained. The authority is working with Insight Pipe regarding CIPP use on several capital repair projects in both the sanitary and stormwater systems. Insight Pipe offers COSTARS pricing — a cooperative purchasing program in Pennsylvania where public entities can secure competitive pricing at a state-negotiated rate —which includes camera and pipe cleaning. “Our approved 2022 budget included CIPP lining repairs to be conducted in September within both sanitary and storm systems,” Disney said. A company representative will be
on-site next week to finalize details. The authority has conducted streetsweeper demonstrations over the past few weeks, and more are planned. A new subsurface camera has malfunctioned, with a connection melting, Disney said. It is still under warranty and the manufacturer has given them a loaner while theirs is being repaired. Disney gave an update on the Elm Street Bridge project, explaining a workable plan has been agreed on to reconnect storm mains on the east side of the bridge. “Two new catch basins that were designed and included in the original project will be utilized,” he said. “New 15-inch storm main will be supplied by BSA and used to connect existing infrastructure to the new basins and eventual outfall to the creek.” An update was given on the NPDES permit, with Disney explaining the sampling has been collected and given to Gannett Fleming, which will be preparing the application. He explained, too, that wastewater treatment plant operators have been performing routine preventive maintenance, including caulking to seal the sidewalks on the SBR tanks. BSA received the lab accreditation audit report from the DEP and have been working to correct the deficiencies outlined. And assessments are still underway for both the sanitary and stormwater systems, with lines being cleaned, assessed and evaluated.
Elk County Democrats to host headquarters Grand Opening
ST. MARYS — The Elk County D e m o c r a t i c Committee will host a Grand Opening celebration at their 2022 Victory Headquarters located at 210 Brusselles Street in downtown Saint Marys at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19. Democrats from across Elk County and the surrounding area are invited to join in on the celebration which will feature a visit by Erica Vogt, candidate for Representative in the General Assembly, 75th District (Elk and Clearfield Counties) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. In addition to meeting with candidate Vogt, visitors will be able to pick up yard signs for John Fetterman for U.S. Senate as well as Josh Shapiro for Pennsylvania Governor. The Committee also has literature for all of their candidates including Mike Molesevich, candidate for Representative
in US Congress, 15th District. After the Grand Opening, the committee plans to have their headquarters open limited hours during the rest of August and then plans full, regular hours from after Labor Day until the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022. “It is important that Democrats are out there, visible and vocal in their communities talking about the tremendous l e g i s l a t i v e accomplishments of the 117th United States Congress and the bold leadership by President Joe Biden in the areas of Covid remediation,
preserving the environment, improving health care access, protecting seniors and holding m i l l i o n a i re s and billionaires responsible for their fair share of our tax burden,” said Committee Chair Rich Schweikart. “That is why we felt it so important to have our headquarters open earlier than ever before right here in downtown Saint Marys”. For more information on the Elk County Democratic Committee or to volunteer to help staff at the headquarters, voters can text (814) 636-1030 or e-mail elkcountydemocrats@ gmail.com.
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AUGUST 23, 2022
PennDOT submits plan to install 150 charging stations for electric vehicles
PITTSBURGH (TNS) — By this time next year, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expects to see construction beginning on the first 27 charging stations for electric vehicles that are part of the Biden administration’s economic stimulus program. Those stations, which will fill in gaps along interstate highways so there are stations at least every 50 miles, will be part of about 150 built in the next three years under the state’s fiveyear, $171.5 million allocation. The U.S. Department of Transportation has committed $7.5 billion over five years to install 500,000 charging stations across the country and encourage electric vehicles to be half of new car sales by 2030 to reduce air pollution and create jobs in clean energy. Pennsylvania joined all states last week in submitting plans under the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program to build the charging network. ”We appreciate the thought and time that states have put into these EV infrastructure plans, which will help create a national charging network where finding a charge is as easy as locating a gas station,” Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release. “We will continue to work closely with all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico to ensure EV chargers across the country are convenient, affordable,
reliable and accessible for all Americans.” U n d e r Pennsylvania’s 121page plan, the state expects to receive approval by the end of September to begin spending the $25.4 million it has available the first year. PennDOT will ask for proposals from private developers to install the stations and expects to award contracts early next year, said Natasha Fackler, the department’s infrastructure implementation coordinator. Federal guidelines announced in June require states to identify alternative fuel corridors — usually interstate highways and major roads — and make sure those corridors have stations every 50 miles before stations are built in other areas. Those stations must be either along the interstate or easily accessible within a mile of the highway. Pennsylvania has designated all 15 interstate highways and a portion of Route 30 in the central part of the state as alternative fuel corridors. Those roads have 27 gaps where the distance between charging stations is more than 50 miles. Ms. Fackler said the state is still preparing guidelines for how it will seek proposals to fill those gaps at locations proposed by the developer. It could ask developers to submit one bid for all of the sites or seek bids for groups of sites on a regional basis. }The federal program requires a 20% match to receive funds. Pennsylvania’s
goal is to have the developer and/or host of the charging station pay that fee. The expectation is that installing each fast-charging station would cost $1 million to $1.5 million. ”The bids will identify areas that have gaps that need to be filled,” Ms. Fackler said. “They won’t say it has to be at an exit or this particular location.” Once the gaps are filled, the state will seek proposals for other locations with an emphasis on making sure charging service is available in lowincome and rural areas. Those stations don’t necessarily have to provide fast-charging service. The state also will encourage additional charging stations in busy areas so that drivers don’t have to wait. That could include mobile chargers that could be deployed at onetime events, such as festivals, county fairs and other events, that could draw crowds occasionally in areas that don’t always have high demand. The program should have a big impact on the state’s 1,870 miles of interstates and help stimulate the electric vehicle market. Right now, federal officials estimate that 80% of charging is done either at home or at work, but adding stations would allow electric vehicle owners to take longer trips without fear of being stranded because their charge expires. Ms. Fackler said the state is working with electricity suppliers across the state to do what it can to make
North Central receives Excellence in Regional Transportation Award
RIDGWAY — The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, based in Ridgway, announced Wednesday that it is among the list of recipients to receive the 2022 Excellence in Regional Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for its Interactive Bridge Condition Dashboard. Announced by NADO, North Central received the award in recognition of its work on a regional Bridge Condition Dashboard. The dashboard provides an overview of regional bridge conditions across the six-county region and is being used as part of its LongRange Transportation Planning Process. “The Excellence in Regional Transportation Awards highlight advances in transportation services and creative initiatives that improve accessibility, mobility, safety, and quality of life,” said NADO President
Misty Crosby, executive director of the Buckeye Hills Regional Commission in Marietta, Ohio. “Programs and projects like the Interactive Bridge Dashboard are central to fostering community c o n n e c t i o n s , facilitating economic vitality and promoting effective transportation planning and networks.” The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development C o m m i s s i o n serves the public and private sector through planning and implementation of community, economic and transportation d e v e l o p m e n t throughout the sixcounty region of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter Counties. NADO is a Washington, D.C.based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies to strengthen local governments, communities and economies through
regional cooperation, program delivery and comprehensive strategies. The Excellence in Regional Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n Award showcases organizations for noteworthy projects and practices in rural and small metropolitan transportation planning, program delivery and special initiatives. The association’s Innovation Awards program recognizes regional development organizations and their partners for improving the economic and community competitiveness of the nation’s regions and local communities.
Bradford Area Alliance hosting free info session for aspiring entrepreneurs at BAPL The Bradford Area Alliance is partnering with the Bradford Area Public Library to host an information session from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, August 25, for anyone interested in starting their own business. Bradford Area Alliance’s Economic Development Specialist, Christian Smith, will host an information session to help anyone thinking about starting a new business. Smith states “taking the first step is easy and there are many resources and many people available to help at no charge. We are excited to have partnered with the
library to make it easy for those interested to stop by.” The meeting will include information and resources available through the Alliance’s local PREP partners, the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bradford’s Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD), and others. In addition, details on the upcoming Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition will also be available. The competition affords an aspiring entrepreneur a chance to win $20,000 in seed
money towards a new business venture and an existing entrepreneur can compete to expand their business with a new venture. Many people in the area have an entrepreneurial spirit and really good ideas. Perhaps someone has driven by a store front and thought about a new business for that space, or has an idea for building a new product or new technology, that’s who this information session is for. The idea of pursuing a passion can be daunting, but it does not have to be.
PennDOT, Safety Partners stress dangers of aggressive driving CLEARFIELD — The Pennsylvania Department of Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n (PennDOT), the Lawrence Township Police Department and the Highway Safety Network stressed the dangers of aggressive driving in Clearfield Wednesday. Law enforcement statewide is cracking down on aggressive drivers exhibiting behaviors like speeding, red light running and tailgating during an enforcement wave that began Tuesday, July 5, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 21. “Traffic laws are in place to prevent crashes and save lives,” said Sergeant Julie Curry of the Lawrence Township Police Department. “When we write tickets, we do it hoping it changes a driver’s behavior and makes the roadways safer for everyone.” Curry explained that although aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading
contributing factors in crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania, many don’t recognize they are aggressive drivers. She said if an individual speeds excessively, tailgates slower vehicles, races to beat red lights or runs stop signs, weaves in and out of traffic, passes illegally on the right or fails to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles, that is aggressive driving. Aggressive drivers put themselves, their passengers, and others on the road at increased risk of a crash, which is why municipal law enforcement agencies and the Pennsylvania State Police partner with PennDOT to conduct several high-visibility enforcement details every year to deter these behaviors. Josh Woods, Community Traffic Safety Project coordinator with the Highway Safety Network, said every driver is likely to encounter an aggressive driver at some point. He offered the following
tips for what to do when that happens: Get out of their way and don’t challenge them; Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures; Don’t block the passing lane if driving slower than most traffic; Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle. The driver or a passenger may call the police. But if using a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. Woods said many people mistakenly associate aggressive driving with road rage but that they are different behaviors. Road rage is a criminal offense and is often the result of aggressive driving behavior that escalates into an assault with a vehicle or other dangerous weapon. According to PennDOT data, there were 6,206 aggressive driving crashes in 2021, resulting in 126 fatalities. For more information on aggressive driving, visit www.PennDOT. pa.gov/Safety.
TCAC upcoming gallery show
OLEAN, N.Y. — The Tri Arts Council, located at 110 West State St. in Olean, N.Y., has updated and reorganized their Artist Market and is open to the public. Days and hours are Tuesday through Friday, from noon to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. 14760 Beginning this Friday, Aug. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the Tri County Arts Council gallery will be holding an opening reception for Coloured Pots (Izinkamba kwamaKhaladi) by Fileve Tlaloc, which is an example of pottery inspired by the izinkamba style of the amaZula ethnic group.
The work uses family photographs and snippets of history, culture, and identity of creole people in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (known as “Couloureds”). The work connects the past and the present. The gallery show will run until September 24. Also, on September 24, will be the first Lincoln Park Evening Art Market from 4 to 9 p.m. This event features artists like Mikel Wintermantel,
Sean Huntington, John Balacki, Marcia Merrins, Lisa Conn, Marshall Burns, Reno Pottery, A Stone’s Throw Pottery and many more. Finally, here at the Tri-County Arts Council, some fabulous classes are coming together for every level of creativity and skill. TCAC is here to help participants have fun and explore the arts. For more information, h t t p s : / / w w w. tricountyartscouncil. org/classes/
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AUGUST 23, 2022
James City woman jailed for theft charges
BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
A James City woman was sent to McKean County Jail following arraignment Tuesday on allegations that she repeatedly stole from her employer, the Subway store in Kane. Rosealie Darlene Clemente-Crosson, 21, of Virginia Avenue, is charged with one count of theft by unlawful taking as a first-degree misdemeanor and nine counts as second-degree misdemeanors, as well
as three counts of retail theft, also second-degree misdemeanors. According to the criminal complaint, between Nov. 7 and Dec. 8, Crosson was working at the Kane Subway. Her boss contacted police and said her cash register drawer was always coming up short by a significant amount, and he had a video from in-store surveillance that showed she had taken cash out of the register and put it in her purse. Police asked him to
review other camera footage to see if it happened more than once. Upon review, they found that she had taken about $1,500 total in cash, eight subs, 23 cookies and 10 bottles of soda without permission, the complaint stated. Crosson was arraigned Tuesday before District Judge David Engman and remanded to jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Central Court on Aug. 25.
Study: Pa. one of the least affordable states for college students HARRISBURG (TNS) — As college starts up again, many a student is undoubtedly looking to live off campus this year. Some states, however, are far more expensive for student renters than others, Pennsylvania being one of them. Porch is a moving service that’s dedicated to making “moving, insurance, and improving your home simple.” In looking at the college student demographic specifically, the brand was curious as to which cities were the most and least affordable for undergrad renters in the nation. To figure this out, Porch researchers first
took a look at information from the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Regional Price Parties. The weighted average cost of off-campus room and board (not including students living with their families) for the 2021-21 academic year was then calculated for metro areas with at least 100,000 residents. The researchers, for good measure, left out universities that mostly conduct remote learning. The resulting study found that students in Pennsylvania cough up about $12,157 a year for
off-campus renters, positioning the Keystone State as the sixth least affordable for them in the nation. The bottom five states that did worse than Pennsylvania on the study were Maryland, New Jersey, Hawaii, New York, and California in dead last. The top five best states for college renters were, in ascending order, Illinois, South Dakota, Maine, Utah, and Idaho. On the bright side, though, one Pennsylvanian city came out in the number two spot when looking at just the best metro areas for college renters: Gettysburg.
Roach-Bauer forum to meet in Wilcox on spotted lanternfly KANE — The Oct. 13, Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum has announced that Brian Walsh, PSU Extension Educator from Berks County, will present an update on the latest developments in industry regulations and biology of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. This presentation is particularly relevant now that Spotted Lanternfly was found north of Interstate-80 in Cameron County. Walsh is a Penn State Extension Horticulture Educator who was hired in 2019 to specifically focus on Spotted Lanternfly research including lifecycle traits, identifying and testing control tactics and techniques, and working with industry stakeholders to mitigate impacts. As a commercial pesticide applicator with 20-plus years of experience in the green industry based near the original Spotted Lanternfly introduction into Pennsylvania, Walsh has six years of experience studying and treating Spotted Lanternfly. Walsh works with a team of researchers at Penn State, research partners in the commercial insecticide industry, and many
stakeholders throughout Pennsylvania, the Northeast U.S., and Canada. He is a 1995 graduate of Paul Smith’s College with an A.S. in Ecology and Environmental Technology, and has worked to apply practical problem-solving skills to the Spotted Lanternfly invasion and subsequent response. His presentation will be of interest to campers, hikers, forest managers, foresters, biologists, conservationists, loggers, and all recreationists using the forests. The Spotted Lanternfly is a planthopper native to Asia, but found in Pennsylvania in 2014. It has since spread to over a third of the Commonwealth. The Spotted Lanternfly causes plant damage to trees, shrubs, vines, and crops. Symptoms of damage include oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback in trees. Spotted Lanternflies also excrete a ‘honeydew’ which creates a black sooty mold on trees, decks, outdoor equipment, and vehicles. Society of American Foresters’ Continuing Forestry Education credits will be applied for this presentation. The Forum will be held at the Wilcox
Community Building (also called the Jones Township Community Center) at 320 Faries St, downtown Wilcox, Pa. 15870. Preceding the talk will be a no-host social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The program will start immediately after dinner. Reservations are required. No reservations will be accepted after Oct. 6. For reservations, contact the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, PO Box 133, Kane, Pa., 16735, at 814-837-8550, or e-mail bcarson@ahug.com.
Photo Provided The Best in Show went to Lenny Olson of Sheffield with his 1950 ZR5 Studebaker.
Photo Provided Second place went to Dave Peterson of Kane in his 1931 Ford Town Sedan.
Thirty cars turn out for car show at Swedish Festival MOUNT JEWETT — The Patrick Moffett Memorial Car Show at the Mount Jewett Swedish Festival saw 30 cars and six motorcycles turn out. The show was held in the Mount Jewett Fire Hall lower parking lot. The Best in Show went to Lenny Olson of Sheffield with his 1950 ZR5 Studebaker. Second place went to
Dave Peterson of Kane in his 1931 Ford Town Sedan. Third place went to Jim Pistner of St. Marys with a 1951 Chevy truck. The Best in Show for bikes went to Garrett Baker of Smethport with a 1966 Triumph T120. The second place in bikes went to Chris Crandall of Mount Jewett, who was unavailable for a photo. The Sponsors Choice
went to Boo Ruffner of Smethport with a 1972 Ford Mustang. Royalties Choice went to Jim Grosch of Warren with an AC Cobra Replica. The Patrick Eaton Memorial Award went to Les Weaver of Kane with a 1967 Chevy Camaro. Photos of the winners are available at www. bradfordera.com
2 Pennsylvania nursing homes accused of health care fraud
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Managers at two skilled nursing facilities in western Pennsylvania fabricated records of staff time and residents’ conditions to defraud state and federal agencies, prosecutors alleged Tuesday in announcing criminal charges. B r i g h t o n Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver and Mt. Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Allegheny County were accused of health care
fraud, along with five people who managed their operations. A grand jury indictment alleges nurses were told to clock in for shifts they did not work and timecards were provided to the state, and that assessments of residents’ conditions were changed to qualify for higher government reimbursement. Among the defendants are Sam Halper, 39, of Miami, chief executive and partial owner of the
homes. He was charged with conspiracy and falsifying health care records. Charges had been filed and made public more than a year ago against Susan Gilbert, 61, of Lawrence, the Mt. Lebanon facility’s former administrator. Messages seeking comment were left for attorneys for Halper and Gilbert. The docket did not list lawyers for the facilities and the three other defendants.