1 2022
community
NOVEMBER
p o t t e r m c k e a n
county
Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett Port Allegany • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint
The Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS Republican Mehmet Oz, right, on a monitor in the media tent, next to a poster of Democrat John Fetterman, left, as the two U.S. Senate candidates hold their first and only debate, at the WHTMTV/abc27 Studio in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Fetterman struggles in Senate debate against Oz after stroke
HARRISBURG — More than five months after experiencing a stroke, Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman struggled at times to explain his positions and often spoke haltingly throughout a highly anticipated debate against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz as they vie for a critical Senate seat. In the opening minutes of the debate Tuesday, Fetterman addressed what he called the “elephant in the room.” “I had a stroke. He’s never let me forget that,” Fetterman said of Oz, who has persistently questioned his ability to serve in the Senate. “And I might miss some words during this debate, mush two words together, but it knocked me down and I’m going to keep coming back up.” When pressed to release his medical records later in the debate, he refused to commit. Oz, a celebrity heart surgeon, ignored Fetterman’s health challenges throughout the debate, instead focusing on his opponent’s policies on immigration and crime and his support for President Joe Biden. Democrats seized on a comment Oz made about abortion that seemed to suggest that the decision should be left to women, doctors and local politicians. The forum had many of the trappings of a traditional debate, complete with
heated exchanges and interruptions. But the impact of the stroke was apparent as Fetterman used closedcaptioning posted above the moderator to help him process the words he heard, leading to occasional awkward pauses. Going forward, the biggest question is whether the debate will have a lasting impact with less than two weeks until the election and more than 600,000 ballots already cast. The stakes of the race to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Pat Toomey are huge: It represents Democrats’ best chance to flip a Senate seat this year — and could determine party control of the chamber and the future of Biden’s agenda. But rather than watch the full hour as the candidates debated abortion, inflation and crime, many Pennsylvanians may only see clips of the event on social media. And both parties are preparing to flood the airwaves with television advertising in the final stretch, giving each campaign a final chance to reframe the terms of the race. Independent experts consulted by The Associated Press said Fetterman appears to be recovering remarkably well. “In my opinion, he did very well,” said Dr. Sonia Sheth, of Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in suburban Chicago, who watched
the debate. “He had his stroke less than one year ago and will continue to recover over the next year. He had some errors in his responses, but overall he was able to formulate fluent, thoughtful answers.” Brooke Hatfield, a Maryland speech pathologist who has worked with stroke patients and also watched the debate, described Fetterman’s speech errors as “common for people when they have a stroke.” “We know that for many stroke survivors the first year can bring rapid improvement, but the brain will continue to rewire itself throughout someone’s life,” she said. Oz, a longtime television personality, was more at home on the debate stage. He cast himself as a moderate Republican looking to unite a divided state, even as he committed to supporting former President Donald Trump should he run again in 2024. “I’m a surgeon, I’m not a politician,” Oz said. “We take big problems, we focus on them, and we fix them. We do it by uniting, by coming together, not dividing.” F e t t e r m a n similarly committed to supporting Biden should he run again in 2024. The Democratic president campaigned with Fetterman in Pittsburgh during the Labor Day parade and just last week
headlined a fundraiser for Fetterman in Philadelphia. There, Biden said the “rest of the world is looking” and suggested a Fetterman loss would imperil his agenda. While backing Biden, Fetterman also said, “he needs to do more about supporting and fighting about inflation.” Abortion was a major dividing line during the debate. Oz insists he supports three exceptions — for rape, for incest and to protect the life of the mother. When pressed Tuesday night, he suggested he opposes South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham’s bill to impose a nationwide ban on abortion after 15 weeks because it would allow the federal government to dictate the law to states. “I don’t want the federal government involved with that at all,” Oz said. “I want women, doctors, local political leaders letting the democracy that always allowed our nation to thrive, to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves.” Fetterman delivered a blunt message to women: “If you believe that the choice for abortion belongs with you and your doctor, that’s what I fight for.” D e m o c r a t i c strategist Paul Begala pointed to Oz’s statement as helping to highlight the party’s key issue this midterm season: abortion. “Debates are more
often lost than won, and Mehmet Oz lost this one with his line that abortion should be a decision between ‘a woman, her doctor and local elected officials,’” Begala tweeted. Fetterman is a star in progressive politics nationwide, having developed a loyal following thanks in part to his blunt working-class appeal, extraordinary height, tattoos and unapologetic progressive policies. On Tuesday, the 6-foot9-inch Democrat swapped his trademark hoodie and shorts for a dark suit and tie. But even before the debate, Democrats in Washington were concerned about Fetterman’s campaign given the stakes. For much of the year, it looked as if Fetterman was the clear favorite, especially as Republicans waged a nasty nomination battle that left the GOP divided and bitter. But as Election Day nears, the race has tightened. And now, just two weeks before the final votes are cast, even the White House is privately concerned that Fetterman’s candidacy is at risk. Fetterman’s speech challenges were apparent throughout the night. He often struggled to complete sentences. When pressed to explain his shifting position on fracking, a critical issue in a state where thousands of jobs are tied to natural gas production,
his answer was particularly awkward. “I do support fracking. And I don’t, I don’t. I support fracking, and I stand and I do support fracking,” Fetterman said. At another point, the moderator seemed to cut off Fetterman as he struggled to finish an answer defending Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness program. He also stumbled before finishing a key attack line: “We need to make sure that Dr. Oz and Republicans believe in cutting Medicare and Social Security ... .” Oz had pushed for more than a half-dozen debates, suggesting F e t t e r m a n ’ s unwillingness to agree to more than one was because the stroke had debilitated him. Fetterman insisted that one debate is typical — although two is more customary — and that Oz’s focus on debates was a cynical ploy to lie about his health. But Fetterman refused to commit to releasing his full health records when asked repeatedly Tuesday by the moderator. While it is customary for presidential candidates to release health records, there is no such custom in races for the U.S. Senate. Some senators have, in the past, released medical records when running for president. “My doctor believes that I’m fit to be serving,” Fetterman said. “And that’s what I believe is where I’m standing.”
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NOVEMBER 1, 2022
Commissioners approve Six properties funding application declared a nuisance for Bradford
at Board of Health meeting
BY DANIELLA LANGIANESE
Due to their capacity to attract vectors and vagrants, six properties within the City of Bradford were declared a public nuisance by the Board of Health at a meeting Tuesday evening. According to the City’s building inspector Mike Cleveland, all six properties qualified to meet the nuisance standards. He testified during the meeting Tuesday that five of the properties would require demolition while one could be saved. However due to the owners lack
of communication or response and its present condition, it too should be considered a nuisance to the city. The five properties deemed a public nuisance at Tuesday’s meeting which require demolition included structures at: 92 Summer Street, 82 Rockland Avenue, 21 Jefferson Street, 124 1/2 West Washington Street and 128 West Washington Street. The nuisance property at 44 North Center Street does not require demolition, however the structures of the front and rear porch need to be addressed
as well as the broken windows, noted Cleveland. Concerning old business, an update on previously declared nuisance properties stated that the structures at 108 State Street and 115 South Avenue have been successfully demolished, while the nuisance structure at 62 South Kendall Avenue is still under the demolition process due to a late start. Also, a notice to proceed has been issued to receive bids for demolition on structures at 50 High Street, 57 School Street and 10 Williams Street.
Senate sends governor significant health care reform measure
HARRISBURG — The Senate of Pennsylvania sent Gov. Tom Wolf a measure that would standardize and streamline the process of prior authorization and step therapy for medical services, according to Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville. The legislation would create standards and timely feedback for commercial health insurance plans, as well as Medicaid plans, when health care providers seek prior authorization approval from insurers. The bill also reforms step therapy protocols. P r i o r
authorization is the process in which health care providers obtain advance approval for purposes of payment coverage and reimbursement from an insurer before a specific procedure or service is delivered to the patient. Step therapy allows insurers to recommend different drug treatment option(s) to patients to address costs. Senate Bill 225 would create specific timelines for approval of health care services between physicians and insurers before services and treatment plans are rendered to
the patient. The measure would also create guidelines for step therapy for prescription drugs. According to a recent survey of physicians by the American Medical Association, 91% of doctors found prior authorization delays can lead to negative clinical impacts on patients, and 78% of doctors said that prior authorization delays can lead to their patients abandoning treatment plans. The governor has ten days to sign, veto or allow the bill to become law without his signature
United Way Soup Lunch slated for November 18 The United Way of the Bradford Area (UWBA), Inc. will be hosting its annual Soup Lunch, sponsored by First Energy, on Friday, Nov. 18 at the First Presbyterian Church. This year, the UWBA will be offering the soup options of: Broccoli Cheese, Stuffed Pepper and Italian Wedding. Each soup choice will be available for pick-up or delivery between the hours of 11 a.m.
and 1:30 p.m. at a cost of $7 for a 12 oz bowl or $10 for a 16 oz bowl. Each order of soup will also include crackers, utensils and a dessert prepared by the Zonta Club and Bradford Senior Center. All proceeds from the annual Soup Lunch will benefit the UWBA. Soup orders must be placed no later than Friday, Nov. 11. To place a soup order, contact the UWBA office by calling
(814) 368-6181, emailing sarah. lonzi@uwbanews. org, sending a fax to (814) 368-5300 or by mailing an order to PO Box 504, Bradford, PA 16701. Individuals interested in volunteering at the event, are asked to contact UWBA Executive Director Sarah Lonzi, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, for more information.
BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
At Tuesday’s meeting, the McKean County Commissioners approved a grant application that could help low-to-moderate income residents of the City of Bradford. Shane Oschman, executive director of the Bradford Office of Economic and Community Development, explained to the commissioners that the application was for $100,000 from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. “We want to use that money for people who have immediate needs,” Oschman said. “We get calls on a weekly basis for people who are looking for a new furnace, a new roof, particularly this time of year.” However, there is a waiting list with 50 people on it, he said. “When we move into a home to do that work, we are required to bring that home completely up to the standards for lead-based paints,” Oschman said. With the aging housing stock in Bradford, many of the homes are older and lead-based paint is an expensive problem to remedy, which “eats up our budget really quickly.” “What we’re hoping for with the PHARE grant, are people who need just a little bit of a leg up, that they are able to get these funds more quickly,” Oschman said. “It’s a major need. It’s something that needs to happen … to be able to escalate that list to meet immediate needs.”
Commissioner Cliff Lane made the motion to authorize filing the application, Commissioner Carol Duffy seconded the motion, and then asked about the program’s parameters. “You’ll get approval from them on the program?” she asked. Yes, Oschman said, “We will write our guidelines for what it is, then we have to submit our application. We’re asking for more than we have in the past, but I’m very confident that we’d go through that money quickly.” He added, “We’ll show you the guidelines and the application.” All three commissioners, including Chairman Tom Kreiner, approved the measure. Also at the meeting, the commissioners approved a resolution and proclamation regarding Operation Green Light. From Nov. 7 to 13, the McKean County Courthouse will be lit with green lights “to let veterans know they are seen, appreciated and supported,” Kreiner said, reading the resolution. Duffy read a proclamation on Operation Green Light for veterans, which encouraged people to place a green light in their windows to show unwavering support for veterans and in recognition of their contributions. Kreiner said there will not be another commissioners’ meeting prior to Veterans Day, and he wanted to express his and the commissioners’ thanks and gratitude to the sacrifices servicemen
and women have made for the country, the state and the county. Oschman spoke up on a related matter, inviting the commissioners to the dedication of the Veterans Square project and gazebo, which will be held at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Of the ceremony, he said, “We anticipate it being very short. We want it to be impactful. Sometimes if things draw on too long, they lose their impact.” Also at the meeting, the commissioners approved a HAVA — Help America Vote Act — Security grant for $3,125.41 for SUREVote system or election security to be expended from March 16, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023. Also approved was a $2,500 request to PA Route 6 for partnership and match funding to apply to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for funding for bicycle amenities in the PA Wilds region of the Route 6 corridor, in McKean, Potter, Warren and Tioga counties. Kreiner explained the grant application for $100,000 requires a $20,000 match, which PA Route 6 was asking the counties to help fund. “What they want to do is put bike racks and bike repair stations along their route,” Lane said, adding the route is popular with cyclists. Because the next commissioners’ meeting would normally be held Nov. 8, which is election day, that meeting has been canceled. Therefore, the next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23.
NOVEMBER 1, 2022
$1,000-a-pill Sovaldi jolts US health care system WASHINGTON (AP) — Your money or your life? Sovaldi, a new pill for hepatitis C, cures the liver-wasting disease in 9 of 10 patients, but treatment can cost more than $90,000. Leading medical societies recommend the drug as a first-line treatment, and patients are clamoring for it. But insurance companies and state Medicaid programs are gagging on the price. In Oregon, officials propose to limit how many low-income patients can get Sovaldi. Yet if Sovaldi didn’t exist, insurers would still be paying in the mid-tohigh five figures to treat the most common kind of hepatitis C, a new pricing survey indicates. Some of the older alternatives involve more side effects, and are less likely to provide cures. So what’s a fair price? The cost of this breakthrough drug is highlighting cracks in the U.S. health care system at a time of heightened budget concerns. The Obama administration has a huge political stake in controlling treatment costs, but its critics may cry rationing. “People are going to want to try to dodge this hot potato,” says economist Douglas Holtz-Eakin. For insurers, there’s a frustrating twist: For each middle-aged person they pay to cure with Sovaldi, any financial benefits from preventing liver failure are likely to accrue to Medicare, not to them. More than 3 million Americans carry the hepatitis C virus, and many don’t realize it. It’s a public health concern since the disease can be transmitted by contact with infected blood, and sometimes through sexual activity. Health officials advise all baby boomers to get tested. The illness is complex, with distinct virus types requiring different treatments. While it progresses gradually, it can ultimately destroy the liver, and transplants average $577,000. An estimated 15,000 people died from hepatitis C in the U.S. in 2007, when it surpassed AIDS as a cause of death. “If it’s going to get me the medicine, I’ll put my hand out there with a tin cup,” said Stuart Rose, a hepatitis C patient in New York City. His insurance would pay only $4,000 a year for medications, but Rose was able to get assistance from charitable foundations. He recently started taking Sovaldi.
Until the drug’s approval late last year, standard treatment for the most common type of the disease required daily pills and extended use of interferon, an injection that can produce debilitating flulike symptoms. “Brain fog,” said Rose. Taken once a day for 12 weeks, Sovaldi greatly reduces the length of interferon treatment, making things more tolerable for patients. Now, many more people might want to try the cure. A similar drug, Olysio, also approved last year, is priced a bit lower. The nation’s largest care provider for chronic hepatitis C, the federal Veterans Administration, sees promise. With 175,000 patients, the VA has started more than 1,850 of them on Sovaldi. “After 20 years in infectious diseases, I never thought we would be in a position to cure this disease,” said Dr. David Ross, head of the VA’s program. By law, the VA gets drug discounts of over 40 percent. Will the agency break even by avoiding the disease’s worst complications? Not necessarily, said Ross. “If it leads to cost benefits in the long run, that’s gravy.” Private insurers will probably introduce Sovaldi gradually. “Not everybody is going to get this all at once,” said former Medicare administrator Mark McClellan. Drug maker Gilead Sciences, Inc., reported Sovaldi sales of $2.3 billion worldwide in just the first three months of this year. Gilead will not disclose its pricing methods, but vice president Gregg Alton said the drug’s high cure rate makes it “a real huge value.” In many countries, the government sets drug prices. In the US, insurers negotiate with drug companies. Medicare is forbidden from bargaining, a situation that critics say saddles U.S. patients with high costs while subsidizing the rest of the world. The Associated Press asked DRX, a technology company that researches drug prices for major insurers and government programs, to look at Sovaldi. The findings: — There aren’t many deep discounts: The midpoint — or median— discount that private payers are securing is about 14 percent off the average wholesale price of $1,200 a pill, bringing it down
to $1,037. The biggest discount DRX found was nearly 36 percent, approaching the VA rate, and bringing the cost to $773. DRX surveyed more than 300 payers. — How do other drugs compare? DRX compared the total drug cost of treating the most common type of hepatitis C with Sovaldi and three alternatives. The regimen included pills, interferon and an antiviral called ribavirin. Treatment with Sovaldi had the highest cost, a median of $97,376. The lowest was $48,084 for Victrelis, a somewhat older drug with a lower cure rate. Two others were about $8,000 less than Sovaldi. The total median cost with Incivek was $89,178. With Olyisio, it was $89,319. “While Sovaldi still is the most expensive, all of these are five-figure regimens,” said Jim Yocum, DRX executive vice president. “Sovaldi is an advance ... and it doesn’t seem to be priced completely out of whack.” But Dr. Sharon Levine, a top official working on drug policy with insurer Kaiser Permanente, disagrees. “There was never any question that we would cover and prescribe this drug,” said Levine. But she firmly believes the price is out of line. Countries where the government sets drug prices are paying much less, she noted. U.S. insurers aren’t interested in price controls, said Levine, but “eventually the American public is going to start getting very uncomfortable” with high prices. Drug costs have moderated in recent years, but new medications in the pipeline for cancer and other diseases are expected to push spending up. The California Technology Assessment Forum, a private group that reviews medical treatments, recently voted Sovaldi a “low value,” because it would be cost-prohibitive to treat the high number of potentially eligible patients. But after their own assessment, the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases issued clinical guidelines recommending that doctors use Sovaldi as a primary treatment. Meanwhile, Gilead has a new hepatitis C pill close to approval that will not require interferon use. There’s no word on how it will be priced.
Bradford High School students perform during YMCA 21st Century Program
The BAHS YMCA 21st Century Program will present the 2022 Fall Showcase at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4 in the Bradford Area High School (BAHS) auditorium. The showcase
will feature many students performing the music of various artists and shows like Alec Benjamin, Billy Joel and Hamilton. Admission for the performance is
free or a financial donation of your choice to benefit the music department. Come enjoy the musical talents of the BAHS students as they continue their year of music performances.
Bradford City Water Authority: Remembering Luther, project updates and delays BY MANDY COLOSIMO
The Bradford City Water Authority began its meeting with an observed moment of silence in honor of the late Richard W. Luther who had been a board member and was committed to its service for 40 years. The Board of Directors stated in a proclamation that Luther “was instrumental in $63 million of capital improvements during those four decades…(He) could always be counted on for his dedication, his devotion to the Authority, his wisdom, guidance, business approach, and extreme wit and character… we wish to extend to the family our sincere condolences and appreciation for allowing us to be the benefactors of working with and knowing such a remarkable man.” As the business part of the meeting began, updates for the Lead Abatement Project were delivered. M o r t i m e r ’ s Excavating continues to make progress along East Main Street, having completed 3,500 feet of the new 8-inch main installation. Additionally, they have begun individual service installations between East Avenue and Oxford Street. Tieins with the existing
system are beginning at Fisher Avenue and will continue at York Street and East Avenue this week. Concrete and some final paving restoration will begin on East Main Street next week. East Main Street will receive final paving and restoration to the affected areas prior to Winter. The current paving in the trench is only temporary. C h i v e r s Construction continues with the replacement of lead service lines in the areas of East Corydon, State and Barbour streets. The lead numbers are still holding true, they are discovering 67% of the original lead lines identified in records research are in fact lead, with 33% found to have been replaced with copper. The Authority was awarded a grant of $8,520,000 on July 23 for the Lead Abatement Project funded through PENNVEST utilizing Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act (WIFTA) funds. Due to material supply chain issues, the Marilla Brook Crossing Project has been rescheduled for 2023. According to the Authority, there will be no effect on easements and the permit from the Department of Environmental Protection does not expire until March 31,
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2024. Another project moved to 2023 is the Harrisburg Run Bridge Water Main Relocation. The proposed “ P E N N D O T Specified” guiderail posts are in conflict with BCWA water mains on each side of the bridge. Foster Township will be asked to secure and provide the Authority with right-of-ways for water mains to be relocated prior to the Authority approving the relocations. Foster Township has moved this project to 2023. Something new and fun is in development. Marilla Reservoir is one of the most photographed locations in the entire region. Executive Director Steve Disney said, “We are blessed with this beautiful location.” The Water Authority would like to conduct a digital photo contest called “We Love Marilla.” Contest details are being developed and will be published soon. As the 2023 budget preparations are underway, Disney noted Water and Sanitary Sewer delinquencies increased slightly during the month of September. Much of the increase was due to residential delinquencies increasing.
District Attorney, Drug Task Force present K9 Officers at local schools SMETHPORT — Students in Smethport and Eldred recently enjoyed a visit from McKean County’s K9 Officers during a program on Saying “No” to drugs. District Attorney Stephanie VettenburgShaffer, Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling, Officer Dakota Eaton and K9 Officers Bob and Vicki Rinfrette were invited to present to the 4th grade class of Smethport Elementary and grades kindergarten through 6th at Otto-Eldred Elementary. On Tuesday, Smethport hosted DA Shaffer, Chief Yingling and the Rinfrettes who were joined by K9 Officers LG and Nico. LG is a drug-detecting dog and Nico is an explosivedetecting dog. Both dogs are handled by Bob Rinfrette. Then on Wednesday, Otto-Eldred Elementary hosted DA Shaffer, City of Bradford Police Officer Eaton and the Rinfrettes who were joined by LG and Nico, as well as the newest member of the County Detective K9 Unit, Rigby. Officer Eaton is Rigby’s handler. “The program is designed to help children say “no” to drugs as well
as how to safely handle medication,” said DA Shaffer. “The K9s were invited by the schools as part of the respective districts’ participation in Red Ribbon Week 2022 — a national campaign whose mission is to keep children drugfree. The children were most excited to meet the K9s, who also loved the attention from the children. Thank you to the teachers and staff at both schools for inviting us into your school.” The DA and Officers spoke to the students about how to stay away from drugs. They encouraged them to say “No,” walk away, and call an adult if they are offered drugs. They talked to them about medication — only to take medication that their doctor has prescribed for them, only take it from their caregiver, and to
not share medication. The groups also spoke about how police officers keep them safe and that police officers are their friends. In both presentations, the children learned how the dogs use their nose to find drugs. The District Attorney gave the children pledge cards where they can promise to remain drug-free. If you would like to request a K9 visit at your school or facility for a presentation or a search, please contact the Detective Bureau at the District Attorney’s Office by calling (814) 8873312 or emailing da@ mckeancountypa.org. For more information, visit McKeanDA.org. To donate to the K9 fund, send checks payable to McKean K9 Unit, District Attorney’s Office, Courthouse, Smethport, PA 16749.
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NOVEMBER 1, 2022
4 men charged with sexually abusing 19 kids in Pa. Jehovah Witnesses’ congregations
Photo provided Joshua Ramos
No trials set in 2020 murder of Joshua Ramos in Potter County BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
It’s been more than 2½ years since Joshua Ramos, 19, was beaten, tortured and left for dead in the woods of Potter County. The three suspects in the case — Felicia Cary, 36, of Galeton, Kyle Moore, 31, of Galeton, and Krysten Crosby, 23, of Tioga — have each been incarcerated since their arrest in July of 2020. In Cary’s case, jury selection is scheduled for Jan. 5 in Potter County Court. There is no word on when a trial would be held. No trials have been set, and the cases are slowly winding through the legal system. Potter County District Attorney Andy Watson, while not available on Thursday, has told media there is a tremendous amount of discovery in the case, which is time consuming to review, copy and provide to the defense attorneys. He indicated last year that the death penalty is still on the table in all three cases. The three defendants are charged with murder of the first, second and third degrees, conspiracy, kidnapping and tampering with evidence. All have been appointed counsel, with the cost of the defense borne by the county. In 2021, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency provided a $60,000 grant to cover the cost of experts for each of the defendants. Because Watson can seek the death penalty in the cases, each defendant must have two attorneys, one of which is certified by Pennsylvania to
handle capital cases. Crosby is represented by Joseph Ryan of Reynoldsville and Eric Gurney of Wellsboro. Moore is represented by Edward Rymsza of Williamsport and Thomas Walrath of Wellsboro. Cary is represented by Chris Pentz of Clearfield and Walter Stenhach, Potter County public defender. All three defendants have outstanding pretrial motions yet to be heard. Those motions were not released Thursday by the Potter County Clerk of Courts office when The Era asked for copies, even though the docket did not indicate the motions had been sealed. According to testimony at the preliminary hearing, and to the criminal complaints in the cases, Ramos, who grew up in foster homes in New Jersey, had been dating Crosby. They, along with several other people, were living at a residence in Galeton. In late March 2020, Crosby and Ramos had some sort of disagreement, and he allegedly pushed her. According to the complaints, Crosby, Cary, Moore, Ramos and a fifth person — whose name was redacted — were at a home in Galeton. The fifth person, who eventually came forward to tell police about the alleged murder, told police that Cary and Crosby were smashing dishes, with Cary using a bat for smashing. A short time later, Moore punched Ramos, knocking him to the floor, and began kicking him in the ribs; soon all three were striking and swearing
at him, the complaint stated. Court records indicate they beat him for about an hour, then began humiliating him. The complaint stated that they then all got into a van and told Ramos to lie down in the third-row seat. They drove to Ole Bull State Park in Stewardson Township, but, concerned they would be spotted on a trail camera, they started driving to Whitman Road in Harrison Township. On the way there, the van was pulled over by a Westfield Borough Police officer — with Ramos lying in the third seat under a blanket — for a loud exhaust, according to court records. They were issued a verbal warning and sent on their way. When they arrived at Whitman Road, Crosby, Cary and Moore allegedly took Ramos into the woods. They were gone for about two hours, and came back without Ramos, the witness told police. On the way back, the three told the witness they had left Ramos in the woods, and began to brag about their actions. The witness told police he heard the three talking about “how tough the victim was and that he wouldn’t die,” the complaint stated. On July 6, after the alleged crime was reported to state police by the fifth person, Ramos’ body was found in a wooded area near the intersection of Harrison Rooks Road and Whitman Road in Harrison Township. The defendants were quickly arrested, and have been held without bail ever since.
HARRISBURG (TNS) — The Pennsylvania Attorney General on Thursday announced criminal charges against four men in connection with reported sexual assaults and exploitation of 19 children who were members of Jehovah’s Witness congregations. The charges from a grand jury stem from assaults in Berks, Lancaster, Butler and Cambria counties, according to a news release from Josh Shapiro’s office. The defendants also were members of Jehovah’s Witness congregations, the release said. The men are accused of sexually abusing and exploiting 19 minors with whom they had close contact, in some cases their own relatives. One of the men killed himself when officers went to his home to arrest him, according to the attorney general’s office. Those charged and the allegations against them were outlined in the news release: Jose Serrano, 69, of Lancaster County, is accused of molesting six young
girls, including a close relative, in 2011. He confessed to committing many of these criminal offenses to the Grand Jury, and admitted to a life-long struggle with deviant impulses, according to the news release. He has been charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Endangering the Welfare of Children. Jesse Hill, 52, formerly of Berks County and now a resident of the state of Georgia, is accused of using his milling business to attract young boys from his Jehovah’s Witness congregation, with promises of alcohol, marijuana, and pornography to his property for parties in the 1990s. Prosecutors say Hill would later expose himself to the children, grope them and force them to perform oral sex. The investigation revealed at least 10 victims. Hill was charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, and corruption of minors. Robert Ostrander, 56, formerly of Cambria County, now
a resident of New York state, is accused of sexually abusing at least two minors, including a close relative and her friend. He was charged with indecent assault, endangering welfare of children, and corruption of minors. Eric Eleam, 61, of Butler County was accused of sexually abusing a close relative and using sexual molestation as a form of discipline when she was a child. He was charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. When agents from the Office of Attorney General and police from Butler County attempted to arrest him, he retreated into his bathroom and killed himself behind closed doors. The news release did not provide the date of Eleam’s death. “These children deserved to be protected and grow up in peace, not to be preyed upon,” Shapiro said, according to the news release.
Fishermen plead not guilty to charges in tournament scandal CLEVELAND (AP) — Two men accused of stuffing five walleye with lead weights and fish fillets during a lucrative fishing tournament on Lake Erie pleaded not guilty to cheating and other charges on Wednesday. Jacob Runyan, 42, of Broadview Heights, Ohio, and Chase Cominsky, 35, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, made no comments during their brief court appearances in Cleveland. Their attorneys declined to comment about the case after the hearing. Assistant Cuyahoga
County Prosecutor James Gutierrez also declined to comment, referring questions to a spokesperson. The cheating allegations surfaced Sept. 30 when Lake Erie Walleye Trail tournament director Jason Fischer became suspicious because Runyan and Cominsky’s fish were significantly heavier than walleye of that length typically are. An angry crowd at Gordon Park in Cleveland watched Fischer cut the walleye open and announce there were weights and fish fillets
stuffed inside them. An officer from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources confiscated the fish as evidence. Runyan and Cominsky were indicted earlier this month on felony charges of cheating, attempted grand theft, possessing criminal tools and misdemeanor charges of unlawfully owning wild animals. Both were released Wednesday on personal bonds of $2,500. The first place prize in the tournament totaled around $28,000.
Felony burglary results from DUI crash
COUDERSPORT — The Coudersport based Pennsylvania State Police were dispatched to the scene of a Protection From Abuse violation and motor vehicle accident at 7:04 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 in Sharon Township, Potter County. During the troopers’ investigation, it was determined that Roberto Diaz, 66, of Harrison Valley had entered the victim’s home, while she was sleeping, through an unlocked garage door and proceeded to the bedroom, according to the police report. After grabbing some
of his belongings and her cell phone, he left in his truck, causing damage to the yard as he took off. Upon entering the road, the report read, Diaz lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a small stream. He then left the scene on foot and was located about a mile away from the wreck, walking in the woods. Police report that Diaz was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and other controlled substances. Diaz was charged through District Judge Kari McCleaft on the following: burglary, felony; criminal trespass,
felony; theft by unlawful taking, misdemeanor; receiving stolen property, misdemeanor; DUI/Unsafe driving, misdemeanor; two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol/controlled substance combination, misdemeanors; h a r a s s m e n t , misdemeanor; accidents involving damage to unattended property, summary; careless driving, summary; failure to keep right, summary; driving at a safe speed, summary; failed to use a safety belt, summary; and criminal mischief, summary.