SEPTEMBER
7 2021
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Jury deadlocked on homicide, assault charges in Oaks case BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
SBA Offers Loans To Victims Of Aug. 18 Flooding Those living in Potter and Tioga counties who were severely impacted by the historic flooding on Aug. 18 may qualify for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Knoxville Community Building, 301 East Main Street, on Wednesday, Sept. 8. Hours will be 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, Sept. 11. The final day of operation is Wednesday, Sept. 15. Residents, businesses and private non-profit
organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other assets. Interest rates are as low as 2.855 percent for businesses, 2 percent for non-profit organizations, and 1.563 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling 1-800-659-2955 or from the SBA website. Email inquiries should be sent to disasterloan@sba.org. Filing deadline is Nov. 1.
SMETHPORT — After about seven hours of deliberations, the jury in the case against Daniel Oaks II deadlocked on the most serious charges against him, including homicide by vehicle. The jury found Oaks, 34, of Bradford, guilty of five counts of recklessly endangering another person. There was no immediate word Thursday on whether District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer would retry Oaks on the more serious charges. Oaks, a former motorcycle racer, was the driver in a one-vehicle crash on Sept. 8, 2018 in Duke Center. He was tried on charges including homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault by vehicle. Oaks’ girlfriend, Alyssa Hawk, 28, was killed in the crash, and Oaks, along with three bystanders — Cody and Sam Pearce and Justin McDivitt — suffered serious injuries. Investigators alleged it was the speed of the car, which was estimated at 88 mph, that caused the injuries and damage. The jury — made up of seven men and five women — deliberated Wednesday from about 3:30 to about 9:30 p.m., and returned Thursday morning to continue. Shortly before noon, the court tip staff presented a note from the jury to President Judge John Pavlock. The note, which
the judge read into the re- charges where no agree- emotion. The families of the victims appeared stunned, confused and upset. Pavlock, who had warned against outbursts at the beginning of the proceeding, said, “The Commonwealth needs to make a decision on whether to retry on the charges they deadlocked on. I will give them more time to make that decision.” He set a status conference in four weeks for any motions that either side would have for consideration. The trial in the case began last week, with jury selection held Monday afternoon, all day Tuesday and Wednesday morning. According to police, on Sept. 8, 2018, a Subaru WRX — a sports car — driven by Oaks left the Y Bar in Duke Center, where Oaks was helping decorate for a fundraising event. The car went off the road near 610 Main St., struck a fullsize pickup truck, pushing Daniel Oaks II it into two side-by-side utility vehicles. The truck was pushed into McDivitt cord, stated, “We cannot ment was reached. and the Pearces, who were Calling the jury back to standing in the yard, and it agree on a unanimous (decision) on all the charges,” the courtroom, the judge struck a porch, destroying and indicated they were no asked, “If we stay longer, is it. Hawk was a passenger further along in their delib- it unlikely to change?” in Oaks’ car. “That’s correct sir,” the erations than they had been Police said alcohol was foreman said. the night before. not a factor in the crash. When the charges and The judge told the attorThe defense argued neys that he would instruct verdicts were read, Oaks there was a mechanical isthe jury to complete the stood silently next to his sue with the car at the time verdict slip on the charges attorneys, Anthony Clarke of the crash. where the verdict was and Casey Graffius. He Court records indicate unanimous, and to write wore a black face mask, that Oaks is free, having “deadlocked” next to the and showed no outward posted 5% of $100,000 bail.
HOME & GARDEN
Healing Home Design How to infuse living spaces with color that feeds the soul (Family Features) From experiences to surroundings, the past year has brought a renewed focus on feeding the soul. In an era of overstimulation and information overload, many are finding a new appreciation for living life minimally but with maximum experiences. That mentality is increasingly evident in all aspects of life, especially with home design and decor. After all, spending more time at home means more time to discover what truly evokes happiness. At the same time, as the focus on physical and mental wellness heightens, design experts see those trends reflected in a more considered approach to design inspired by color therapy, which makes it possible to create beautiful spaces filled with healing color. With an expertly coordinated color palette, like the Color Collections from HGTV Home by SherwinWilliams, colors work in perfect harmony in any combination. Thoughtful use of color is among the most effective design tools for reveal-worthy style in your home. Appliances In the past, appliances were meant to blend into the decor to be less obvious, albeit essential, elements of a kitchen. A more contemporary approach:
vibrant appliances that get noticed. You can find major appliances in a wide range of colors, but if you’re not sure about going that big and bold, many smaller countertop appliances, such as stand mixers and toasters, come in a range of colorful options, too. Furniture Whether you’re into project pieces you can transform into something new or simply shopping for furnishings that complement your space, be sure to consider how the furniture fits into the overall color scheme. A space isn’t defined by the color of its walls or floors alone. Selecting furniture that fits with the design brings a more cohesive and stylized feel to the room. For example, a desk and bookshelves in pale natural hues can lend warmth to an office with walls painted a cool dynamic blue. Cabinets Painted cabinets are ontrend, and if you’re bored with basic whites and
grays, you’re not alone. Designers are going bold in the kitchen and using cabinetry as a showpiece. These color palettes create inspiring spaces that invite you to get busy baking or simply pull up a chair and linger over a cup of coffee. If you’re concerned about how to bring a color palette together, consider using a collection that has been intentionally curated to mix and match shades for a perfect look no matter which hues you choose. You can easily achieve a new look with an option like the Delightfully Daring Color Collection from HGTV Home by SherwinWilliams. With earthy tones inspired by nature and a dose of vibrancy, the shades are simultaneously energizing and calming. The palette makes it easy to introduce statement colors in unexpected ways so you can feel confident in your selections. Textiles Elements like window treatments, blankets,
pillows and rugs lend important detail and character to a room, and they’re also a relatively affordable way to make noticeable changes. The key is to establish cohesion in the space so no one element is overpowering. Softer tones and natural textures can help bring balance to bold hues while vibrant shades create a colorful pop against a more neutral backdrop. To keep the balance, start with your color statement, whether it’s bold bedding in an otherwise neutral bedroom or softer shades in the accent pieces for a room with strong color applied to the decorative molding. Incorporate color like a pro Balance the boldness of red with soft whites and natural textures
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Rustic reds and natural wood elements add warmth to a cool backgrop An invigorating green hue pairs beautifally with brass, copper, and rich wood tones For a soft, monochromatic look that’s full of complexity and dimension, add layers of texture with furnishings in the same
color for a 3D color look Carry bold color only ceilings for a truly immersive experience. Explore color combinations and get inspired to bring healing design into your own home at hgtvhomesbysherwinwilliams.com.
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SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
Registration due for master gardener class SMETHPORT (EC) — Registration for the next basic training Master Gardener class offered by the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service closes Sept. 10. Contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service in Smethport at
814-887-5613x208. By completing this MG class, people are eligible to participate in work now going on at the Donald J. Comes Natural Resources Learning Center near Crosby, as well as other projects throughout the county.
AUTO
When should you replace rotors and brake pads? The ability to accelerate and steer freely is vital to vehicle performance. Equally crucial is being able to stop the car to avoid collisions and obstacles. Brake pads and rotors are vital components of braking mechanisms that need to be maintained and serviced. Drivers may wonder how frequently they have to replace brake parts. Car and Driver magazine states brake pads are among the most crucial braking components. Brake pads create the friction that helps stop a car when they are pressed against the brake rotor, also known as the brake disc. It’s in drivers’ best interests to ensure that brake pads, as well as rotors, always function properly and are replaced before their effectiveness is compromised. Replacing brake pads Brake pads are made from different materials, but all will wear down over time, losing a portion of material every time the brakes are used. Eventually brake pads will not be able to generate enough friction to stop the vehicle quickly. Industry experts generally recommend brakes be replaced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. Since that is a wide mileage range, drivers can listen for squealing noises or grinding sounds or feel for vibrations when deploying the brakes. Each of those signs may indicate
brakes need to be replaced. Replacing rotors Like brake pads, rotors also will wear out over time. Brake rotors must meet a certain thickness to be considered safe. If they are below that thickness, then they must be fully replaced. Some drivers opt to have their rotors resurfaced. This means removing any grooves, hotspots or anomalies on the rotors that can cause uneven wear of the brake pads. However, if the rotors are too thin, they cannot be resurfaced, as this removes some additional rotor material. Rotors can only be resurfaced once before replacement. Some vehicles have rotors that cannot be resurfaced at all. Rotors can go thousands of miles before they need to be replaced, but vibrations while braking and squeaking noises are usually indicative that rotors need to be checked and/ or replaced. Even though brake pads and rotors may wear out at different intervals, many automotive professionals advise replacing rotors when brake pads are changed for optimal performance and safety. Brakes are an essential safety component. Work with a qualified mechanic to have brake pads and rotors serviced before wear and tear adversely affects driver safety and vehicle performance.
Headlines from around the globe the day after 9/11 The terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001 shook the world. People across the globe, including men, women and children from all walks of life, reacted to the attacks with sadness, horror, shock, and anger. Newspaper front pages throughout the United States and the world reflected those emotions on September 12. • The New York Times: U.S. Attacked: Hijacked Jets Destroy Twin Towers And Hit Pentagon In Day Of Terror • New York Post: Act of War: World Trade Center destroyed; many dead • New York Daily
News: It’s War • Pittsburgh PostGazette: Horror Mounts • The Washington Post: Terrorists Hijack 4 Airliners, Destroy World Trade Center, Hit Pentagon; Hundreds Dead • The Boston Globe: New day of infamy: Thousands feared dead after planes hit towers, Pentagon • Chicago Tribune: ‘Our nation saw evil’: Hijacked jets destroy World Trade Center, hit Pentagon; Thousands feared dead in nation’s worst terrorist attack • The Dallas Morning News: War at home: Shaken nation awaits tally from
The beluga sturgeon in Russia is the largest freshwater fish in the world. This massive fish can reach over 15 feet long and weigh upwards of 2,500 pounds. The largest recorded beluga sturgeon was almost 20 feet long and over 7,000 pounds.
• Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia): America Attacked • The Sydney Morning Herald: Terror war on US: World Trade Center Razed; 10,000 feared dead in suicide attacks • The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, Australia): World Terror: Hijacked Jets Hit Trade Centre; 10,000 Dead • The Age (Melbourne, Australia): War on America • The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Australia): US Attacked • The Daily Telegraph (London): War on America TF219279
Pitt-Bradford professors receive grant for reading study Two associate professors in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s education program have received a University of Pittsburgh Seed Grant for research they will perform this academic year in the Bradford Area School District. Dr. Wayne Brinda and Dr. Jonathan Chitiyo, whose area of expertise is special education, received the $24,800 grant, which will allow them to study the effectiveness of a reading technique they call “Pop Rocks and Punctuation.” Brinda developed the technique to help teachers instruct their students who have reading challenges. Before he was a college education professor, Brinda was a radio announcer, actor, director and English teacher. For years, he has been using the skills he learned in these other areas to help struggling readers improve the fluency of their reading. “Pop Rocks and Punctuation” has looked promising as student teachers under Brinda’s tutelage have had informal success with their own students. “Reading is a major problem for 80% of students with learning disabilities,” Chitiyo said. “This has been an ongoing project, and we really just decided to put it into practice. Wayne had a student who had used the intervention method with her student, and it turned out to be very successful. We have been trying to use this method, but we haven’t had the chance or the resources.”
Brinda explains how the technique developed: “In elementary school, I was a reader. But in fourth grade, I became aliterate. As a sophomore in college, I was cast in ‘The Merchant of Venice.’ The director said, ‘You don’t know how to read.’” The director taught Brinda how to read for meaning by marking and emphasizing words in the text. “All of a sudden and as I slowed down my reading, things began to make sense. I was reading something, and it was making sense to me a lot more quickly.” As a radio announcer, he learned another method used by broadcasters to make news reports from a teleprinter quickly more readable by using slashes to mark pauses of various lengths. Sometimes the slashes mirrored standard punctuation, but sometimes it didn’t. Instead, it identified places for natural pauses and emphasis, bringing out the meaning of the words, which radio announcers did not have long to reflect on before reading them on air. “I began using both of these techniques with students when I was an English teacher,” he said. Brinda said he has used it with students of various ages and reading abilities, and although he has seen its effectiveness, he has not been able to quantify it before. The two professors will teach the method, which is compatible with other
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WORLD’S LARGEST FRESHWATER FISH
Pentagon, Trade Center attacks; Bush vows to track down terrorists and ‘bring them to justice’ • Houston Chronicle: Terror Hits Home • Los Angeles Times: Terrorists Attack New York, Pentagon • San Francisco Examiner: Bastards! A Changed America • Seattle PostIntelligencer: ‘None of us will ever forget’ • USA Today: ‘Act of war’: Terrorists strike; death toll ‘horrendous’ • The Australian: War Of Terror: Bush vows to hunt down perpetrators of world’s worst terrorist attacks
reading methods, to teachers in Bradford area schools whose students lack fluency in reading. After teaching teachers the technique, Brinda and Chitiyo will have a chance to observe whether it is working and use fluency test scores to measure its effectiveness. If the technique is successful, Pitt-Bradford faculty can add it to what education students are taught in reading methods courses. The prevalence of reading testing in schools will also allow students to serve
as their own test group. Their scores from before the intervention will be compared to their scores following the intervention. Brinda and Chitiyo plan to present their findings at education conferences. Chitiyo said, “These results are going to have implications for future research,” which PittBradford education students can play a part in. “This has been an ongoing project, and we’re glad that we got the resources to get it into full motion.”
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SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
How communities can commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 I
t’s been 20 years since the terrorist group Al-Qaeda coordinated a series of four terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. The attacks claimed the lives of more than 2,900 individuals, making them the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history. Despite the tragic loss of life on 9/11, millions of people also drew inspiration from the efforts of heroic first responders who did anything they could to get people to safety. Many of those first responders perished while saving countless lives, and
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thousands more have suffered long-term health problems related to the attacks. This fall, communities can come together to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in recognition of both the lives lost and the sacrifices made by first responders and their families. Read the names of locals who lost their lives due to 9/11. The terrorists behind 9/11 hijacked four planes on the morning of that fateful day. Those planes departed from airports on the east coast of t h e United States, b u t commun i t i e s across the country and even the globe were affected by the attacks and their aftermath. Communities can commemorate their fallen heroes by reading aloud the names of those who lost their lives in relation to
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9/11. That can include community members who lost their lives during the attacks and first responders who perished during the immediate response to the attacks or due to longterm health complications resulting from their participation in the response.
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Honor local military personnel. The War in Afghanistan began shortly after September 11 as a joint effort on the part of the United States and its allies to drive the Taliban from power and deny the terrorists responsible for 9/11 a place to safely operate. The war is ongoing and is the longest war in U.S. history. As of May 2021, the U.S. Defense Department reported more than 2,300 American troops had lost their lives and nearly 21,000 had been wounded during the war. Communities can acknowledge these losses when commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and make a concerted effort
to thank military members and their families for their sacrifices in the 20 years since the war began.
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Honor current first responders. Many men and women who continue to work as policemen, firemen, EMTs, nurses, and doctors participated in the response to 9/11 20 years ago. A walk of honor or another type of public recognition of their efforts can be incorporated into local events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Communities also can invite first responders who were not part of the 9/11 response to participate in these events, as their efforts to keep their communities safe are worthy of recognition as well. The terrorists attacks on 9/11 took place 20 years ago. Communities can commemorate that anniversary by honoring the fallen heroes and the men and women who continue to work to make their towns and cities safe.
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POTTER COUNTY– Potter County Tourism & Recreation Work Group members had a full agenda for their August meeting. Among highlights was a report on trends in the local real estate market. Members attending were Colleen Hanson, Josh Roth, Chris Nicholas, Candace Hillyard, Steve Green and Curt Weinhold. County Attendees: Will Hunt, Ellen Russell, Paul Heimel, Barry Hayman. Guests attending: Nicole Faraguna (DCNR Policy/Planning Director); Brian Thompson (Trail’s End Realty). Here’s a summary of this month’s meeting: Real Estate Trends in Potter County– Brian Thompson from Trail’s End Realty presented a summary of trends he has observed in Potter County. These reflect a heightened interest in both tourism and real estate acquisition in Potter County since early 2020. He said people from many states and foreign countries are “discovering” the region, causing increased demand for seasonal residences and permanent homes. One major factor is the ability of those in the workforce to telecommute, retaining their employment after relocating. The influx of new residents is gradually expanding the diversity of Potter County’s population. Maryland Air Force National Guard Low-Level
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
Uptick In People Buying Property, Moving To Potter Co.
POTTER COUNTY Training Flights– DCNR’s Nicole Faraguna reported on continuing research into the proposal. DCNR and others are still calling for a comprehensive environmental impact statement to be prepared prior to any decisions being reached on allowing the flights. There have also been calls for the Maryland ANG to be more transparent in its planning process. Nicole suggested that those who are concerned about the impact of the flights consider options for educating the public on their potential impact. She has available multiple background and
informational documents. For details, send email to nfaraguna@pa.gov. State Parks Update– There were no bids from prospective partners/concessionaires to develop and operate Denton Hill State Park as a four-season attraction. Another solicitation will be scheduled by DCNR. Members held a general discussion on the long-term dormancy of what was once a major tourist attraction and agreed that there is a need for strong, concerted local advocacy for revitalization of Denton Hill State Park and implementation
of the state’s “Denton Hill Adventure Center” concept. State Forest Update– District Forester Chris Nicholas reported that the number of state forest visitors is down this year when compared to 2020, when there was a surge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forest use is still higher than it was in the years prior to 2020. Chris also discussed the pilot ATV trail connector project. One issue that has arisen is the lack of enforcement on township and PennDOT roads. Visit Potter-Tioga Overview/Update– Colleen Hanson said that more visitors are making day trips to the region this year. Campgrounds have enjoyed a solid year so far, but some traditional lodging facilities have not. VPT has launched its fall advertising campaign, emphasizing family fun in the outdoors and the fall foliage viewing opportunities. The number of requests for information about the region continues to rise, indicating strong interest in the two counties by prospective tourists. A new visitors guide will be published in early October. VPT has grants available to members to assist with certain marketing/advertising activities. Colleen can be reached at colleen@visitpottertioga.com for details. Potter County
Planning/GIS Department– Planning/GIS Director Will Hunt reported that there is growing concern about lack of compliance by lodging facilities – Airbnbs and residential short-term rentals – with the “room tax” ordinance. Work group members are interested in hearing from county treasurers on steps they are taking to ensure compliance. Will noted that camps that are converted to short-term rentals might no longer qualify for building code exemptions. He also shared that DCNR and Penn State University are partnering on a study of the ATV trail connector
project underway in Potter County and a section of western Tioga County. Also, Will presented an update on the Potter County Commissioners’ broadband expansion initiative. Pennsylvania Lumber Museum– Josh Roth (administrator) said attendance has been excellent since the museum’s reopening. A full-time educator position will be filled. Plans are coming together for the popular annual Antique/ Collectible Show Oct. 9-10. The year’s one and only run of the museum’s steam-powered sawmill will take place on Oct. 9.