Potter & McKean County Community Source 3/5/22

22 2022

community

FEBRUARY

p o t t e r m c k e a n

county

Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • Port Allegany Ridgway • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint

Photo provided

Photo provided Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (center), Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks with a supporter Saturday during a campaign event at the Smethport Fire Department.

Fetterman ‘blown away’ by Democratic turnout for Smethport event

BY JIM ECKSTROM SMETHPORT — In a campaign swing through Northern Pennsylvania, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman said one thing struck him the most.

“I can’t get over how grateful you are that we’re here,” he told a crowd of 100 people who turned out Feb. 12 for Fetterman’s U.S. Senate campaign stop at the Smethport Fire

Department.

Fetterman, seeking the Democratic nomination to run for the seat held by Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican who is retiring after 2022, said he was “blown away”

by the turnout in Smethport. He mentioned what a thrill it was for him and his wife Giselle to visit the Kinzua Bridge State

Blown Away continued on .......... page 3

Otto-Eldred police disbanded; township supervisor appointed DUKE CENTER — At their February meeting the Otto Township supervisors informed the handful of guests that the Otto-Eldred Joint Police Force is no longer an entity.

Chairman Eric Barton, who is on the police committee, stated that due to the two parties’ inability to reach an agreement, the force will be disbanded.

Barton did state, however, that, as long as he is in position to do so, he will ensure

that Otto Township will have a police force. This was met with applause and approval from attendees. “Taxes may have to be raised,” Barton cautioned, “but Otto Township will have a police department.”

Police chief Don Nies explained that, beginning March 1st, an officer will be on duty ten hours per week and he will continue to be

Otto-Eldred continued on ........... page 2

Best methods to repair damaged driveways Asphalt and concrete driveways are common throughout suburban neighborhoods.

They are as much a part of a home as l a w n s , decks and other exterior elements.

Regardless of how they’re utilized, driveways need to be cared for and maintained to retain their appearance and function.

Even the most durable driveways can suffer from cracks and pits over time. As cracks form, they pave the way for more deterioration if they are not addressed. Water infiltration can break down the integrity of the driveway during freeze and thaw periods, and any little hole or crack can promote weed growth. Driveway repair can be a do-it-yourself project, but pay attention to the details to ensure the job is done right.

Asphalt The home improvement resource The Family Handyman says it is key to first repair cracks and pits in an asphalt driveway before planning to topcoat it, which is generally done every year or so to maintain its appearance and durability. A variety of topcoat products are available at various price points.

Experts recommend investing in a quality product that

will not shrink and crack. A melt-in material that is similar to products used by highway crews can be purchased for

around $100. This product also will require use of a propane torch. Caulk-style crack repair products may not require as many tools, and are much easier to apply. They may not last as long, however.

Homeowners must weigh the pros and cons to each before beginning.

The experts at Popular Mechanics say that there also

are other asphalt patch mixes with a coarse-aggregate filler available at home supply re- commonly referred to as cold tailers. Serious holes, rather patch.

After cracks and holes are than cracks, can be addressed

filled, use a sealer to lock everything in place and create a smooth topcoat appearance.

Speak with a store employee if you are unsure which product is needed for your application.

Concrete The process is similar with concrete driveways, yet the products differ. Small driveway cracks can be repaired by scrubbing out the crack to remove debris and then filling using a mortar repair compound, suggests the repair advice site Home Guides. Larger cracks and potholes should be cleaned. Once that’s done, apply a painted-in bonder to the

crack or hole, followed by a dry concrete patching product mixed with water. The material can be worked into the damaged area with a trowel, and then leveled using a wood board. Afterward, a liquid concrete sealer can be applied to help prevent future cracks and holes.

Homeowners who are hesitant to fix their driveways can contact masons or asphalt specialists to perform the job.

Keeping up on driveway repair can prolong the life of the surface and help delay a complete driveway replacement for several years.

2

FEBRUARY 22, 2022

COVID testing, free test kits available

Olean native joins orthopedic team at OGH, BRMC Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital announce the appointment of Steven Pancio, MD, orthopedic surgeon, to Upper Allegheny Health System’s physician network, Bradford Regional Medical Services. He joins the orthopedic practice of Aubrey Ashie, DO.After graduating from Olean High School, Pancio went to SUNY at Buffalo where he earned a medical degree. He completed an internship and residency at the Mayo Clinic and a sports medicine fellowship at Tahoe Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Before returning to the area, he worked at Bone and Joint Specialists of Winchester (Va.), PC.“My wife, Brooke, and I wanted to move back to Olean because we know that this is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We have had the opportunity to live in various parts of the country, but we always missed the people here and the sense

of community that this area Dr. Pancio home and to our provides,” Pancio said.“I hospital family. He will be want to treat patients like a major asset in broadening our orthopedic scope and allowing even more patients to be cared for right at home in our region,” said Jill Owens, MD, chief medical officer, UAHS.In addition to general orthopedic and sports medicine care, he is experienced in a variety of orthopedic procedures including, shoulder and knee arthroscopy (rotator cuff, labral, ACL, meniscus, ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, minimally invasive procedures), anatomic and reverse total shoulder rethey are my family. By placement, partial and total providing knowledgeable, knee replacement, antedown-to-earth, person- rior total hip replacement, alized orthopedic care to trauma surgery (upper and each patient, I believe that lower extremity fractures, I can help make this hospi- adult/pediatric fractures), tal a destination orthopedic and hand surgery (carpal/ center,” he said.“We’re for- cubital tunnel).Pancio is tunate when we can bring currently accepting new physicians back to their patients at 116 Interstate hometown to care for pa- Pkwy., Suite 32, Bradford, tients who are friends and Pa., and 2420 Constitution neighbors in our commu- Ave., Olean, N.Y. nity. I’m proud to welcome

Free COVID drivethrough testing sites are set up in McKean County, and the county’s state health office is handing out free testing kits.

Testing will then be available from Feb. 22 through Feb. 26 at the county Department of Emergency Services

OttoEldred continued from 1 School Resource Officer for both the Duke Center high school and the Eldred elementary school. He will work with the supervisors to increase the hours per week, with the intention of this leading to a full-time officer.

Local businessman CJ Kaluza was appointed to the third supervisor’s position, completing the twoyear term which became vacant following Mark Palmer’s resignation and Chairman Eric Barton’s accepting the six-year term. Kaluza has attended meetings regularly and has been involved in the township for several years. He, Barton and Mike Ogilvie will represent the township going forth and encourage residents to attend meetings and become involved.

Gerard Rettger, Emergency Management Coordinator for both

building, 17175 Route 6, Smethport. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 26.

The testing will be done

by AMI through the Wolf administration.

At the same time, free COVID home testing kits will be available at the

McKean County office of the State Health Center, 8490 Boylston St., in Bradford.

Each individual will receive four test kits. Masks must be worn at the facility.

Kits will be available Feb. 22-23 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., or until all are given out.

McKean County and Otto Township, voiced concern over the number of houses in the township that are in violation of the 9-1-1 mandate of a uniform and properly placed house number sign. He strongly urged the supervisors to have this corrected. Forms to obtain the signs are available at the township office and assistance in placing the signs is available if necessary.

Rettger also informed the supervisors and attendees that, starting in March, testing of a storm warning alert signal will begin.

This will be one continuous sound, to differentiate from the fire/ambulance signal.

A back-and-forth discussion and a retraction from Barton resulted in possible reincarnation of the Otto Park Committee.

Due to its recent dormancy, the committee was dissolved, with the supervisors being self-appointed curators of the park. After residents stated that the park committee is important, it was authorized by the supervisors, pending, of course on five or more residents’ willingness to serve. Anyone interested should call 558-7666 or attend next month’s meeting, 6 p.m. on March 9th.

The two, semi-connected annual events will be held again in June. Otto Garage Sale Day will be Saturday the 11th. And, what isn’t sold, can conveniently be put out curbside the following Monday, the 13th, for the township’s “Junk” Day. Details of both are available at the township office.

3

FEBRUARY 22, 2022

Blown Away continued from 1 Park and see the famous railroad bridge earlier in the day.

Fetterman, lieutenant governor since 2019, said he understands the political makeup of McKean County, which leans heavily Republican, but he believes it’s important to connect with rural Pennsylvanians to show that both Republicans and Democrats can find common ground at a time “when there’s a real hunger” to get past the divisive politics.

“Life in public service means you are going to work for everyone and make sure they aren’t left behind or forgotten,” he told the enthusiastic crowd.

“I don’t want to be thanked for showing up,” he said.

A former mayor of Braddock, which saw major job and population losses as steel production and other manufacturing melted from the Pittsburgh area in past decades, Fetterman said he has more in common with the people of McKean County than many might realize.

He lives “literally across the street” from the last operating steel mill in the Pittsburgh area, a fact that he notes with regret and a sense of loss. Braddock, he said, struggled economically for years and saw access to services erode — not unlike, Fetterman pointed out, the concern Bradford area residents have about the future of their hospital.

“Wherever people might feel they’ve been forgotten and marginalized ... that’s where someone like me needs to be,” he said. “Someplace like Smethport, Pa. ... these are places that should matter as much as anywhere.”

Fetterman, pointing out that earlier in the day he had difficulty sending a text, said it was important that broadband and other communications

tech is improved for rural Pennsylvanians. He also said that ensuring access to healthcare, improving wages for all Americans and addressing failing infrastructure would be among his priorities as a U.S. senator.

He spoke about the need for more politicians to put aside their differences and work together for the benefit of the nation.

Tall and even somewhat imposing at first glance, and dressed in a dark blue Carhart hoodie, basketball-style shorts and New Balance running shoes, Fetterman joked, “To look at me, no one would assume that I am a politician.”

His style has resonated with many Pennsylvanians in the form of small donations to his campaign.

Fetterman takes pride in the volume of small donations he has received both through online giving and through old-fashioned mailed-in checks — The Philadelphia Inquirer reported earlier this month that he’s received about $2.1 million in unitemized, direct donations that weren’t made online.

Overall, Fetterman leads the fundraising race with two other candidates in the Democratic primary field — Rep. Conor Lamb and state Sen. Malcolm Kenyatta.

A correspondent for National Public Radio and an Associated Press writer were shadowing Fetterman on his campaign trip.

Marty Wilder, the Democratic party chair for McKean County, made it clear Saturday that she’s all in on Fetterman’s campaign, pointing out that’s her personal preference — she wasn’t speaking for the county party as a whole.

“He’s been in contact with us from the very beginning, and he has the energy that we need,” Wilder, who was delighted by Saturday’s turnout, said.

“Rural issues are going to be huge in this race — roads, internet, economic development — and he’s taken notice of the situation with (Bradford Regional Medical Center losing services.)”

In his comments to the crowd, Fetterman referenced Bradford hospital

and said that access to health care is a fundamental right for all Americans.

Asked later if he would support a movement toward universal health care coverage, Fetterman said it was too soon to be that specific but that he would support anything that ensures access to care.

On industry and economic development, Fetterman said he simply wants to see “more stuff made here,” which would lead to more job opportunities and better wages for Pennsylvanians. He lamented that the state’s minimum wage remained at $7.25 per hour — the same as the federal minimum wage.

“Can anyone honestly live on $7.25 an hour?” he asked the crowd, with the loud response being, “No!” On energy, Fetterman said he agreed that the transition from fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to cleaner renewables has to be done in a way that makes sense and is affordable for consumers.

“I have never opposed fracking in Pennsylvania ... and I never supported the Green New Deal,” Fetterman said, noting that calls for the immediate end of fossil fuel use without specific plans and infrastructure to provide for the state and nation’s energy needs are not realistic.

As the event was winding down, Wilder presented both Fetterman and his wife with PA Wilds t-shirts — both were adorned with a figure of a bull elk peddling a bicycle. She also presented Fetterman with a Zippo lighter, engraved with “Sen. John Fetterman.”

The lieutenant governor, while quickly noting that the Zippo was made in nearby Bradford, was compelled to say that candidates are not allowed to accept gifts.

“But I am allowed to accept gifts!” his wife, Giselle, interjected, bringing laughter from the crowd.

Both Fetterman and his wife, while they were scheduled for another event in Warren later Saturday, spent several more minutes in the firehall, talking with people and posing for numerous pictures.

United Way emergency food and shelter program applications available McKean County has been awarded grants in direct federal funding for an amount of $17,034 under Phase 39 and $52,649 under ARPA-R of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). Each phase requires a separate application and will be voted on separately.

The National Board is comprised of representatives from health and human service agencies across the country. The United States Congress appropriates funds annually to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas nationally.

The local board, made up of representatives from McKean County, will determine how the funds will be distributed. Local agency representation includes The Salvation Army, McKean/Potter Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of the Bradford Area, Catholic Charities, Ministerial Association, local government, the McKean County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the YWCA of Bradford. These representative will determine how the funds awarded

to McKean County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1). Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2). Be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3). Have an accounting system, 4). Practice nondiscrimination, 5). Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and 6). If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Local Board Chair Sarah Lonzi c/o United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. PO Box 504, Bradford, PA 16701 or

email sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org or call at (814) 368-6181. Funds will be allocated to one local recipient organization per program/service; organizations which are able to meet spending and document submission requirements; and those which have electronic communication capabilities.

The deadline for applications is March 10 at 2 p.m.

CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified ad, call 814-368-3173 or email classified@bradfordera.com H E L P WA N T E D

TO PLACE AN AD Call 814-368-3173 or email classified@ bradfordera.com

H E L P WA N T E D

The Oswayo Valley Memorial Library is looking for an outreach-focused individual to join our team as an Assistant Librarian. Duties include assisting patrons with accessing library collections, services, and technology, and assisting with the development of library events and collections. This part-time position is regularly scheduled for 14-21 hours per week, including weekends.

If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Bradford Water Authority reports on projects, DEP requirement

BY JOELLEN WANKEL Bradford Water Authority discussed a change to the Lead Abatement Project, which will be funded through PENNVEST, utilizing Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act (WIFTA) funds, during its Wednesday meeting.

Bradford Water Authority Executive Director Steve Disney explained that, due to rising materials costs, the scope of the project had to be adjusted. Initial bids came in $1.7 million above what was expected. As a result, PENNVEST approved a reduction in scope for the project, which involves the main lines. Disney explained that all lead service lines on the authority side and the customer side will still be replaced.

The authority was awarded $8,520,000 in July of 2021 to fund the project.

Disney also reported on the Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation progress for Filter #3, which was taken out of service Nov. 29, 2021. The filter has recently had the filter media reinstalled, along with air scour laterals and associated equipment. Water samples have been taken for bacteria and VOC’s testing, and provided the results are negative, the filter may be put back into service by the end of next week.

A new requirement from the Department of Environmental Protection is that each water system has absolutely no loss of water service to any customer during an electrical

power outage. Known as the Uninterrupted System Service Plan (USSP), a corrective action plan schedule is needed. The Bradford Water Authority system includes a large area covered by a gravity system. Most areas outside of the gravity system have independent pressure systems whereby a pump station fills a water storage tank and then provides the necessary pressure to the area when pumps are off, the immediate need is addressed. For

the long term, the Water Authority will continue a plan over the next several years to install standby generators at other pumping stations on a prioritized basis.

The board also approved preliminary discussions with the Rew Water Association regarding the possibility of supplying the Rew community with potable drinking water sometime in the future.

The March board meeting will be held March 16.

4

FEBRUARY 22, 2022

Nuzzo homicide-by-vehicle case delayed again SMETHPORT — The criminal case is still pending against the former attorney charged with taking the life of Guy Austin in a car crash in 2018.

The case against Marc Nuzzo, 45, of Wilkes Barre, was filed in McKean County Court on March 28, 2019. Since that time, defense counsel James P. Miller has filed numerous motions asking for extensions of time, a motion to disqualify McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer from prosecuting the case, two appeals to the Superior Court and a request for an appeal to the state Supreme Court, as well as other motions filed under seal.

At the same time, the docket noted that the prosecution has attempted to schedule the case on several occasions for hearings or status conferences and to identify trial dates. At two points, Shaffer has sought sanctions against Miller for delays in the case.

Most recently, the case had been scheduled for a competency hearing on

Jan. 28. However, that was rescheduled because Nuzzo was hospitalized, according to a Jan. 28 order from Senior Judge John Leete. Proceedings were rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 24, with Nuzzo to appear either in person or by an approved electronic means.

The order noted that should Nuzzo fail to appear, “the Court will deem that he has waived his right to be present and will issue a bench warrant for his arrest with remand to McKean County Jail.”

Nuzzo has been out on bail since his arrest on March 29, 2019, after posting 5% of $100,000.

A prior order from Leete noted that he planned to sanction defense counsel for “ongoing dilatory conduct.” As of Monday, no sanctions were noted on the docket.

Currently before the court is a motion to determine Nuzzo’s competency to answer to the charges against him. That has been ongoing since at least May of 2021.

Nuzzo, 45, of Wilkes Barre, formerly of Kane, is

facing charges including homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter for the Sept. 5, t2018, head-on collision on U.S. Route 219 near Mead Run Road.

According to police, at 8:37 p.m. Sept. 5, 2018, a Jeep Compass driven

by Nuzzo was traveling south on Route 219 when it crossed the double-yellow line and accelerated, attempting to pass a tractor-trailer that was also traveling south.

When Nuzzo’s Jeep was in the northbound lane, it struck head-on a northbound Ford Escape driven

by Stanley “Guy” Austin and containing five passengers. After the impact, the Escape caught fire. Passing motorists stopped to help the people from the burning SUV, according to the criminal complaint.

Austin, 53, died 15 days later from injuries sustained in the crash. Several of his passengers at the time of the crash suffered serious injuries, the complaint noted.

Provided This Leadership McKean session, held Friday, Feb. 11 in Kane, was for the 9 Month Core program and focused on Workforce, Industry and Entrepreneurship.

Leadership McKean to offer professional development workshop Leadership McKean is offering a professional development workshop for anyone interested in personal and professional growth.

The workshop is entitled, “Appreciating Differences in Style and Personality,” and interested individuals can choose to attend the session being held Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. or Wednesday, Feb. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Both sessions will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 54 East Corydon St., Bradford, which is an accessible venue.

Prior to the workshop, which is open to the public, attendees will take a free Myers-Briggs Assessment to learn more about their own personality and style.

Certified Myers-Briggs Instructor Terry Hinton of Workforce Solutions will teach the class.

During the workshop Hinton will present an overview of personality preferences according to the theory presented

by Myers Briggs and the DISC® Profiles. The session will begin with background surrounding the theory and evolution of type development. The attendees previously completed MyersBriggs Assessment will identify individual style preferences which Hinton

will utilize during application exercises. Application exercises will engage the participants to apply further knowledge and enhance their skills to manage situations and people in the most effective ways.

“With over 100 participants, last year’s workshop series was a huge success,” according to Executive Director of Leadership McKean Kristin Asinger.

Gaining further understanding of individual tendencies in managing personal and professional relationships is the primary outcome of the session. For more information and to register visit http://leadershipmckean.weebly.com.

Hinton currently works for the North Central PA Workforce Development Board as the Business Engagement Coordinator.

Serving six counties (McKean, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, and Clearfield), the workforce board staff supports the vision and mission to promote partnerships that meet the workforce needs of job seekers and employers in the region.

Prior to her role in business engagement with Workforce Solutions, Hinton worked as a Workforce Development Specialist for the Northern PA Regional College. In

that role she developed and designed non-credit workforce training programs for business, including co-development and implementation of a supervisory training series for businesses and employers across the region.

As a counselor and workforce educator, Hinton has extensive experience in presenting the Myers Briggs® and Disc® to several audiences over the years.

“This year, we are excited to offer brand new topics and aim to reach over 150 participants,” explained Asinger. “These new topics for our two hour workshops include Appreciating Differences in Style and Personality, Strategies for Your Next Phase in Work or Life, Dare to Lead: Essentials for Courageous Leadership and How to Be an Impact Player and Get Noticed.”

The next Leadership McKean workshop’s topic is “Strategies for Your Next Phase in Work or Life.” This workshop is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29 or from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30. For more information about upcoming workshops visit LeadershipMcKean.com.

Weber joins staff at CARE for Children Janel Weber, M.S., CCCSLP, has joined the CARE for Children staff as a fulltime Speech Language Pathologist.

Weber began working at CARE in July 2021 and provides speech and language therapy for the Early Intervention Birth to Three program in Potter and McKean counties and for students receiving schoolbased services.

CARE has been able to expand speech-language services throughout Potter County.

A native of Coudersport, she noted, “I am happy to be back home, working with families in both Potter

and McKean Counties. It is exciting to be part of a team of professionals who focus on the whole child including what the child and family need for success. I feel blessed to meet so many families who allow me into their lives and to be part of their child’s growth.”

Weber previously worked for Frederick County Public Schools in Frederick, Md., where she provided speech and language therapy for middle school students. Most recently, Weber worked at Help Me Speak, a private practice in Marriottsville, Md., where she worked

with pediatric and adult clients.

Weber graduated with a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from California University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

She resides in Coudersport.

CARE for Children is a non-profit organization which provides pediatric therapy services, early learning programs, child safety and injury prevention initiatives, and community outreach services for children of all abilities.