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Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • Port Allegany Ridgway • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint
PennLive/TNS State Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks County, speaks at a rally Sunday addressing abortion rights in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.
Squatchfest Music Festival returns, bigger BY MANDY COLOSIMO
It has been two very long years since the area has heard the distinct call of the area Squatch-scream. Out of quarantine, the Squatchfest Music Festival will return, rain or shine, to the Kane Family Drive-In on Saturday, July 16. The gates will open at 2 p.m. and the live music begins at 3 p.m. Organizers are expecting the largest crowd ever. Over the years, the festival has drawn an impressive number of attendees, between 900 and 1,000, but this year could top 1,250, according to the
owner of the theater, Lowell Watts. What should one expect from a music festival themed by a sasquatch, some may be asking — More food than Bigfoot could consume, fireworks and fun for everyone in the family to enjoy, Straub brewery on the premises, and contests that even a Yeti could compete in — but, of course, most come for the musical line up. Five live bands are on the schedule this year. The following will each take the stage the day of the festival, JD Eicher, from Cleveland, Ohio; Handsome Jack, from Buffalo, N.
Y.; The Derek Woods Band, from Pittsburgh; Meet Loaf Rock & Roll Dreams, coming all the way from south Florida; and finally, local band, The Thunder Skulls, who hail from Kane. JD Eicher created the soundtrack for The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and has four albums to his credit. Handsome Jack is considered a fusion of boogie soul rock n’ roll, that’s powerful and emotional — with a similar style as The Black Crowes. The Derek Woods Band, known for their Americana/ Rock vibe, won a 2021 Hollywood Music in Media Award for their
song “Unforgiving Tree” and released a new album as well. Meet Loaf Rock & Roll Dreams, is a tribute to Meatloaf and performed by Benny Israel and powerhouse female counterpart Ariel Eva. All the greatest songs on the list will come crashing down, but he won’t do that. The Thunder Skulls have been playing together for nearly 15 years and consider themselves “rockers still learning about life.” They will light up the stage as the final band of the night at the festival. Nearing the end of the event, sometime between 10:30 and
11p.m. a theatrical event will be held. This involves calling out the beast himself, and, if successful in calling him in during the annual calling contest, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” and the best, most professional fireworks display in the area, according to the event website. This is a family friendly event and will offer children’s activities in the rear of the venue. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the grassy areas, but no outside food or beverages are allowed.
The event has plenty to offer and assures everyone that they will not go hungry — they announced it on their website. Tickets are available for presale now at $20 each, or on the day of the event, $25 each at the gate. For more information, visit www. squatchfest.org Squatchfest is sponsored by W.E. Swanson Agency, Erie Insurance; DuBois Harley Davidson; Straub Brewery; Greenman Trucking, Inc. in Kane; Roto-Rooter, Plumbing and Drain Service of Kane; Haberberger Disposal of Kane; and Pepsi.
Gangsters, Ness, and the rest; a preview of what’s to come BY MANDY COLOSIMO
Coudersport’s third annual Eliot Ness Fest, slated for the July 15-17 weekend, is attracting national attention with new events and notable guests. This year’s theme is, “The Siege of Coudersport.” Eliot Ness Fest recalls the famous crimefighter who spent his final years as a businessman in Coudersport. The time of prohibition was a time of indulgence and undercover, of course. Music was jazzy and the booze flowed, even though it was outlawed by the 18th Amendment during the early part of the 20th century. There were those who found success in running illegal spirits across state lines and under the noses of the law. “Thousands of people will converge on the small northcentral Pennsylvania town, which will be transformed into a lively Roaring ‘20s setting,” a press release from Ness Fest organizers states. “Attendees are encouraged to dress in period costumes.” The Potter County Historical Society is sponsoring a weekend that mixes the period with fascinating history programs, dozens of vintage cars and trucks, law enforcement displays and many other attractions spread out over three days. “We’ve had reservations and ticket orders pouring
in from as far away as California, Florida and two Canadian provinces,” said David Castano, Historical Society president and chair of the festival committee. Beginning Friday, July 15, and running through the afternoon of Sunday, July 17, the Eliot Ness Fest will take over the Coudersport downtown area. Those familiar with the stories and those who are not will enjoy seeing all the entertainment and street scenes throughout the weekend. Several of this year’s events have been creating a buzz. There will be a dramatic re-enactment of the trial that sent Capone to prison; an entertaining “Recruitment of the Untouchables” stage play; and six dramatic “street theater” scenes, including raids of gangster outposts and a showdown between rival mobsters. Topping the more than 100 vintage cars and trucks that will take Coudersport back in time is the famous 1924 RollsRoyce Roadster once owned by a prominent Chicago publisher Col. Robert McCormick, whose investigative reporter was assassinated by gangsters. Fearing that he was next, McCormick had his car bullet-proofed, according to the press release. The adventure begins on Gangster Day, where Capone and his mob take over
the town. Along the way, Capone, Johnny Torrio, and the rest of the gang are sure to meet up with their rivals, Bugs Moran, Hymie Weiss, and Dean O’Banion, along with the rest of the Irish mob. Beer gardens and “brothels” are among the places the gangsters will be meeting up. Three street performances are planned for Friday, along with music, food, and various vendors. But by Saturday, July 16, the law steps in to take back the streets. On Eliot Ness Day, historical figures appear as Ness and the Untouchables retake the town through a variety of street performances. Additionally, a Law Tent will be set up to meet real law enforcement personnel from agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and partners such as the Cleveland Police Historical Society. “A veteran federal lawman will present an eye-opening program, ‘Gangsters, Guns and Honest G-men,’” organizers stated in the press release. “A noted producer will examine how Eliot Ness’s time in Coudersport was tied to famous entertainers Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball.” Other subject matter will include separating Ness’ accomplishments from fictionalized characters portrayed
by Hollywood stars Robert Stack and Kevin Costner in a TV series and blockbuster movie, respectively, both titled “The Untouchables.”” By Sunday, July 17, the town will be ready to get to church with the Ness family, and if one listens carefully to the chatter before or after the message, there is talk of a ruckus later in the day. Among notables coming to speak are Scott Sroka, an Assistant U.S. Attorney and grandson of “Untouchable” Joe Leeson; A. Brad Schwartz, co-author of a critically acclaimed book shedding light on Ness’ battle against Capone’s outfit; and officials from the U.S. Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, where Ness got his start in law enforcement. Several local businesses are getting in on the act, including the historic Hotel Crittenden. Ness and author Oscar Fraley met at the Crittenden to write the manuscript for the book, “The Untouchables,” an embellished account of Ness’ battles with the Chicago underworld that spawned the TV series and film. A schedule of events and summaries of attractions competing for festival attendees’ time continues to be updated on the website, eliotnessfest. com, and on the festival’s Facebook page.
Time to replace illegible license plates HARRISBURG — What do you do with a license plate that’s hard to read? “A registration plate is considered illegible when one or more numbers or letters cannot be recognized from 50 feet or if the registration plate shows any blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity,” said state Rep. Mike Armanini, R-DuBois. “I’m hosting a pair of opportunities this month for constituents to replace those plates.” Armanini is working with local authorities in Ridgway and DuBois to hold the following events that will start the replacement process: Partnering with the Ridgway Police and Fire departments, Monday,
July 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ridgway Volunteer Fire Department’s carnival lot on North Broad St. Partnering with the DuBois City and Sandy Township Police departments, Wednesday, July 20, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the DuBois Area Plaza, 1221 East DuBois Ave. “There is no cost to replace the license plates and no requirement to register in advance for anyone planning to attend,” Armanini added. Questions about this or any legislative issue may be directed to Armanini’s DuBois office at (814) 375-4688 or his St. Marys office at (814) 781-6301.
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JULY 12, 2022
State official visits Summer Manufacturing Camp in St. Marys
ST. MARYS — On Friday, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Acting Secretary Neil Weaver highlighted the Wolf Administration’s continued investments in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry during a visit with teens learning hands-on skills at a Summer Manufacturing Camp in St. Marys, Elk County. The camp was funded in part through a Manufacturing PA Trainingto-Career Program (MTTC) grant received by Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT), a charitable foundation of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International. “It’s wonderful to see the excitement these students have for manufacturing,” said Weaver. “Manufacturing is one of Pennsylvania’s key industries, and it is vital that we find ways to foster interest in the field so the next generation can continue the commonwealth’s legacy. Providing students the opportunity to explore the many different ways they can work in manufacturing has been a key part of the Wolf Administration’s support of the industry.” Last month, Governor Tom Wolf announced
$79,050 in MTTC funding for NBT to hold six Summer Manufacturing Camps in 2022 and 12 camps in 2023. Each summer camp is designed to increase public awareness of manufacturing careers in its region and provide a fun and enriching setting for students to engage in manufacturing. “Workforce Solutions for North Central PA appreciates the support from DCED, Labor and Industry and NBT for our career camps,” said Pam Streich, executive director of Workforce Solutions for North Central PA. “As a workforce development board serving the North Central Pennsylvania region, we strive to ensure that local employers have access to a skilled workforce. Part of this work is awareness and career exploration. The career camps and other business education partnership activities that we implement year-round help youth to understand and get excited about the great career opportunities available to them in North Central Pennsylvania. Watching local employers and students interact during these events is exciting and makes our work relevant and rewarding. The commitment of
our local employers to these initiatives is overwhelming!” Gov. Wolf’s Manufacturing PA initiative was launched in October 2017 and since then has funded 77 projects and invested more than $16.6 million through the MTTC program. Tr a i n i n g - t o - C a r e e r grants support projects that result in short-term workreadiness, job placement or the advancement of manufacturing. The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program works collaboratively with The Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Pavilion. local manufacturers to identify and teach missing essential skills for entry-level applicants seeking manufacturing employment, engage youth or those with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing and/ or advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers. For more information about the Wolf Administration’s commitment to manufacturing, visit the DCED at https://dced. pa.gov/ and be sure to BY MARCIE SHELLHAMMER floor of the facility and have stay up-to-date with all filled in spaces elsewhere Staffing shortages at in the home. their agency news via their Facebook.com/PADCED Bradford Regional Medical Fuglewicz said the and Twitter. Center are impacting the hospital system is working Pavilion and the hospital’s on training nursing psychiatric unit. assistants. Joe Fuglewicz, the “We currently have a director of marketing for high volume of candidates Upper Allegheny Health going through our System, parent company of paid Certified Nursing BRMC, explained. Assistants (CNA) training “Our main focus is program which will always quality care of our alleviate the current patients,” he said. “There staffing shortage and allow is a national shortage of the Pavilion to operate at clinical and non-clinical a 100% capacity,” he said. professionals that is “Our efforts are focused on Care on Bolivar affecting healthcare and doing everything we can care systems to maximize our training Drive will hold their long-term nationwide. programs and get our new own ribbon cutting “Similar to other candidates started.” ceremony. long-term care facilities Interest has been high WellNow plans to in the area, the Pavilion in the community. offer tours from noon is no exception to that “Our current July until 2 p.m. for local current shortage. In order CNA training course is provide adequate at full capacity and we’re human resource and to care, we made a already recruiting for business professionals quality temporary consolidation our September class,” of the area. accommodating our They will officially current census of patients,” he added. “If anyone is interested becoming part open the next day, on he said. of our team and wants Patients have been to join our paid CNA Wednesday, July 20, confirmed Passmore. moved out of the fourth training program, visit us
Staffing shortages lead to temporary changes at BRMC
Two new businesses to open their doors in Bradford The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) will host a ribbon cutting for their new location at the Bradford Mall at noon on Thursday, July 14. According to the Executive Director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, Heidi Scrivo-Passmore,
UPMC plans to open their doors officially to the public one to two weeks after their scheduled ribbon cutting ceremony. More decisive details about their impending opening will be revealed at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Then in Bradford at noon on Tuesday, July 19 WellNow Urgent
Era file photo
at https://www.brmc-ogh. org/careers/. “ Fuglewicz said similar staffing problems are impacting the hospital’s psychiatric unit, where the law requires a certain ratio of staff to patients. “Due to regulatory compliance on staffing for a psychiatric unit, we are unable to accommodate our typical census,” he explained. Again, the hospital system is looking to hire more people with a goal of resolving the issue. “We’re actively recruiting mental health therapists and nurses, but we have made some recent additional hires which will allow us to resume full psychiatric services shortly,” he added. And, he explained, “Not all psychiatric services have been impacted due to this temporary staffing shortage and the majority of the services remain open at full capacity.”
ELIOT NESS FEST JULY 15 - 17, 2022 Coudersport Courthouse Square Coudersport, PA 16915
This one-of-a-kind festival celebrates the life and career of the famous lawman, who spent the final two years of his life in Coudersport. It is designed to both entertain and educate the public, while spotlighting the law enforcement community, reliving the Roaring ‘20s with captivating activities and attractions, and drawing visitors to Potter County to join in on the fun.
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Meanwhile, the Eliot Ness Museum in downtown Coudersport is open by appointment. Call 814-647-8508, or call or text 607-423-6902. Details about this fascinating attraction are posted on the museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and online at eliotnessmuseum.org.
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JULY 12, 2022
Bauer’s attorney asks for her release BY MARCIE SHELLHAMMER
The Pittsburgh attorney representing Capitol riot defendant Pauline Bauer is asking the U.S. District Judge in Washington, D.C., to consider releasing her from incarceration. Bauer, 54, of Kane, has been incarcerated since Sept. 17 for alleged violations of the conditions of her pretrial release. Through her stand-by attorney, Carmen Hernandez, and acting as her own counsel, Bauer had filed two prior motions for reconsideration of her detention, both of which were denied. Her current attorney, Komron Jon Maknoon, filed this motion last week, along with a series of responses to motions by the prosecution. In general, his responses made the argument that he needs more time to meet
with Bauer, since visits at the D.C. Correctional Treatment Facility are limited to video meetings on Fridays, which may be canceled because of COVID-19. Along with the motion for release, Maknoon included letters from Bauer and her sisters. The letters explain that Bauer’s father has fallen ill and that her assistance is needed both to help care for him and to take back over the running of her businesses, Bob’s Trading Post and Graybill Marina. A letter from Bauer was included, expressing regret for “the avenue I took because I did not have funds for an attorney.” She stated that the conditions for her release were explained, and she agreed to abide by them. Maknoon stated that he believed her willingness to comply
with the court’s terms is “sincere and forthright.” He noted, too, that he had spoken to the prosecution, who objected to Bauer’s release. As of Tuesday, there was no response filed by the prosecution, according to the online docket. Prosecutors have said video footage from the Jan. 6, 2021, riot shows Bauer calling for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to be hanged. Bauer is charged with entering any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting.
Era photo by Daniella Langianese The volunteers of the Friendship Table were hard at work on Tuesday afternoon prepping the evening’s meals. Assistant Cook Pat Durolek stood to the left of Head Cook Tracey VanGorder while Board Member Debbie Reynolds and Vice President Lee Beckes stock bags in the background.
Friendship Table running low on food BY MARCIE SHELLHAMMER
With the pandemic closely followed by rising inflation, it’s getting harder for people from all walks of life to put nutritious meals on the table. The Friendship Table, Bradford’s community soup kitchen, is serving more meals than ever before, and “the cupboards are running a little low,” said Manager Joe Doriguzzi. “The last four weeks, it’s been up about 50 percent since inflation hit back in February,” he said. “We have so far this year served 32,000 meals. That’s what we did in 2017, 2018 in a year.” Doriguzzi said they still have food, and are holding their own, but they aren’t getting as much food in. “It’s really touchy right now,” he said. “When the pandemic hit, we were up to 180 (meals a day). Now, we’ve been constantly at 250 to 280. It’s new people every day. Inflation is hurting everybody. Everybody
is suffering.” The Bradford Area Lions Club reached out, and are holding an emergency nonperishable food collection drive at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Bradford Township Community Club at Irving Lane. Dan McCarthy explained his daughter volunteers at the Friendship Table, and told him about the dwindling resources. “The Bradford Area Lions Club has pitched in,” he said, and added that he hopes other clubs will do the same. They will collect the food at the community club and deliver it to the Friendship Table. They will make a monetary donation, too. Doriguzzi, who started volunteering when the Friendship Table was only one month old, said the 25th anniversary of the soup kitchen will be celebrated in October. “We’ve served over 750,000 meals since 1997.” With serving 250
meals a night, there isn’t capacity in the building for people to eat dinner at the facility. Instead, the Table has stayed with the pandemic style of serving meals take-out style. “We’re handing out meals in bags. The best way to do it is take-outs only. From 3 to 5 p.m. It’s a lot of work. We’re serving the people, so that’s good,” Doriguzzi added. When asked what the facility could use the most, he said Number 10 cans of mixed vegetables, tomato sauce — any sort of canned goods. He said they serve a lot of pasta and spaghetti, too. Doriguzzi said, “We thank everybody in the Bradford community who have been really generous through everything. We just can’t thank people enough. We can’t do it without the community.”
Small predator, missing from Pa. for more than a century, might be brought back
HARRISBURG (TNS) — The return of the American marten, a larger relative of the weasel and mink, will be up for consideration by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners when it meets this weekend at the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters. The marten, a treeclimbing predator about 24 to 30 inches long, including the tail, was extirpated from Pennsylvania in the early 1900s by deforestation and unregulated harvest. While the marten preys heavily on members of the squirrel family, like chipmunks and red squirrels, it also eats a wide range of insects, fruits and berries in season. As prescribed in the Commission’s Strategic Plan 202023, the Bureau of Wildlife Management did an assessment of the feasibility of reintroducing the native species to Pennsylvania and concluded that the marten “would
likely be successful and would be an appropriate next step in the commission’s history of species restoration.” P r e v i o u s reintroductions with species like the bald eagle and the fisher have been widely acknowledged successes for the commission. The Bureau of Wildlife Management is requesting that commissioners approve the concept of reintroducing American marten to Pennsylvania and authorize staff develop a reintroduction and management plan. Also on the agenda for the upcoming commissioner meeting will be creation of a bobwhite quail recovery area around Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County to protect birds released as part of the recovery effort from harvest by hunters and genetic contamination from any quail not released as part of the effort. Commissioners also will consider the
agency’s definition of “private land” to allow for Deer Management Assistance Program permits to be available to more properties across the state. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. Friday with commissioners hearing reports from staff. It will resume at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with public comment, which will be heard on first-to-register, first-to-speak basis. Reagistration to speak begins when doors to the Harrisburg headquarters open at 7:45 a.m. The agenda for the meeting is available at the Pennsylvania Game Commission website. Under “About Us,” on the right side of the homepage, select “Events & Board Meetings,” then click the “July 9, 2022 Draft Agenda” link. The meeting is scheduled to be live-streamed Friday and again on Saturday, following the conclusion of public comments. The livestream can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel.
Kinzua Bridge State Park to host free children’s day camp programs
MOUNT JEWETT — Children will enjoy an adventure in nature during one of three separate DiscoverE! day camp programs this July at the Kinzua Bridge State Park DiscoverE! encourages children to learn more about the world in which they live by getting outdoors to explore, experience and enjoy the opportunities in the area’s state parks. Activities will vary by program, and are designed to engage different age groups, but most will include games, crafts, guided hikes and habitat explorations. The Kinzua Bridge State Park DiscoverE! programs are as follows: Hike ‘n Seekers, 4-5 year olds, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 19. The program is designed to send a young learner on an adventure into the world of plants and flowers in this engaging half day program. Through stories, and crafts they will learn about how plants work and why they are important to
the environment. This program also includes a plant investigation in the native gardens with park educators. Outdoor Explorers, 6-8 year olds, will be held from 9 a.m. until noon Wednesday, July 20 and Friday, July 22. Join park staff as they take off into the high flying world of things with wings and learn about how birds, bats and insects are uniquely adapted to rule the air. This program includes crafts, games and guided exploration of the park. P e n n ’ s Adventurers, 9-12 year olds, will be held from 9 a.m. until noon Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27. Dive into the watershed at Kinzua Bridge State Park! Through hands-on activities, and games participants will discover what animals may be found in the Kinzua Bridge State Park’s surrounding streams
and rivers, and how water has the power to change the land. This program includes a hike to the bottom of the valley on the Kinzua Creek Trail, which is rated most difficult. Registration is required as DiscoverE! Programs are limited to ten campers only, and their guardians. A parent or guardian is required to attend with their children. To register, call Kinzua Bridge State Park at (814) 778-5467 or email kinzuabridgesp@pa.gov. For more information, contact the Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center and Park Office at (814) 778-5467 or e-mail kinzuabridgesp@pa.gov. Visit DCNR’s website directly at www.dcnr. state.pa.us or individuals may also visit the DCNR through the PA homepage at www. state.pa.us.
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JULY 12, 2022
Southbound detour for Route 321 extended through July KANE — The P e n n s y l v a n i a Department of Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n (PennDOT) is alerting area motorists that a lane closure on Route 321 and southbound detour has been extended through July as improvement work near Kane continues. Pipe replacement issues underneath the roadway have added to the work schedule, making extension of the southbound detour necessary. The work zone stretches southeast of Kane from Wilson Run to Spring Street. The southbound detour uses U.S. Route 6 in McKean County, U.S. Route 219 in McKean and Elk counties, and Route 321 in Elk and McKean counties. As work continues, northbound traffic will still be able to move
through the work zone under a lane restriction pattern. Should work remain after the detour is lifted, it will be done under an alternating traffic pattern for both directions, controlled by roadway flagging. This work is part of a $6.4 million group contract to address various roadways in McKean County. Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College is the contractor on this job. All work is weather dependent. PennDOT reminds drivers to use caution in work zones, follow official detour signs, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA. com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides
traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-11, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties at www.penndot.gov/District2. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot. gov. Follow PennDOT on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Fetterman calls for ban on ‘military-grade assault weapons’
HARRISBURG (TNS) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman called for a ban on “militarygrade assault weapons” following a July 4 holiday with more gun-related carnage across the country. “There is a sad irony about our country experiencing multiple mass shootings on a day that is meant to celebrate its greatness and our freedom,” Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor, said in a statement released by his campaign. Fetterman’s comments came after a sniper on a rooftop, using what police described as a highpowered rifle, killed seven people and injured dozens more at a Fourth of July parade
in Highland Park, Ill., near Chicago, and two officers were shot and wounded as a holiday event in Philadelphia was ending. In his statement, Fetterman said he and wife, Gisele, were “heartbroken” at the violence and wished a speedy recovery to the two Philadelphia officers. R e p u b l i c a n Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz did not post anything about the Philadelphia or Chicago-area shootings on his social media accounts. “The unfortunate reality is that (Monday’s) shooting was not an outlier,” Fetterman said, noting that three people were killed and 12 wounded in another Philadelphiashooting last month “in one of the city’s most vibrant
areas.” He called that incident “a stark reminder that no one and nowhere is immune to gun violence.” Fetterman called on Senate Democrats to abolish the filibuster that has prevented advancement of many bills in the evenlydivided Senate, to not only enact a ban on assault weapons and “high-capacity magazines,” but also implement universal background checks on all gun sales. The Senate is split 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the deciding vote for Democrats, but Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona oppose abolishing the filibuster.
Era file photo Spotted laternflies are an invasive insect — check belongings for “hitchhikers” before traveling this summer.
Agriculture Secretary reminds Pennsylvanians of Spotted Lanternfly quarantines MONGAHELA — In Washington County Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was joined by Penn State Extension Area Master Gardener Coordinator Valerie Sesler, Washington County Conservation District Manager Matthew Golden and other state and local leaders to discuss the threat that the spotted lanternfly poses and share information and resources to help Pennsylvanians limit the spread of the detrimental, invasive insect. “Research, publicprivate partnerships and
boots-on-the-ground efforts have allowed us to learn more about this pest and develop best management practices to help farmers, transporters, homeowners and communities combat spotted lanternfly. What we’ve learned is strengthening how we respond as the pest continues to move,” said Redding. “Everyone has a role to play, especially as Pennsylvanians travel for vacations. We ask you to remain vigilant and continue to look before you leave.” Those who find spotted
lanternflies on their property can reduce the population and its impact by trapping and squishing them. Penn State Extension’s website includes instructions for making your own circle trap using easily obtainable items including plastic milk jugs, duct tape, screen wire, twine, hot glue and gallonsized food-storage bags. Traps can also be purchased through agriculture and nursery supply stores. For more information visit https://extension.psu. edu/.
Community Blood Bank to hold blood drive PORT ALLEGANY — The Community Blood Bank will be hosting a blood drive from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library, 201 East Maple Street. The Community Blood Bank of NWPA and WNY is currently the exclusive blood supplier to 19 hospitals and seven Stat MedEvac bases throughout the region. Over the past several weeks, the number of donors showing up each day has drastically reduced, creating a struggle to meet the needs of local hospitals. Community Blood
Bank warns they are operating at less than a one-day supply, and with the increase in demand that they typically see during the summer months, they are truly in need of increasing the current supply back to an 8 to 10-day supply. Donating blood is a free, impactful way to give back to the community — in less than one hour. The blood bank wants their donors to enjoy summer which is why they are having a vacation giveaway each week in the month of July. Winners receive the opportunity to pick a vacation to one of four locations: Finger Lakes
wine tour, Hershey Park, Poconos hiking trip and Jamestown National Comedy Center. Summer months are impacted by a 25% reduction in donations that are provided by local high school and college blood drives. Instead, the blood bank must rely on donors attending community drives throughout the region. Call (814) 456-4206 to schedule an appointment to donate. Appointments are encouraged to reduce wait time, but are not required. Walk-ins will be taken as space allows.
How to approach a basement remodel A fully finished and functional basement is a dream for many homeowners. Such a space, when completed, can serve as an entertainment space, a man cave, an artist’s studio, or any number of additional functions. Despite their usefulness, finished basements are something of a rarity. In an analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, the National Association of Home Builders® found that only around 24 percent of single-family homes built in 2018 have basements. Homeowners who do not currently have a finished basement but are considering such a project can approach the remodel with a few key factors in mind. Careful consideration of these factors can ensure the project is budgetfriendly and worthy of homeowners’ investments. • Investment value: Conventional wisdom among home renovation and real estate experts suggests that a basement remodel is best if done to satisfy current inhabitants and not necessarily to appeal to prospective buyers once the home is put up for sale. Remodeling magazine reports that a midrange
basement remodel costing around $70,000 will provide a return of around $49,000 (or 70 percent) at resale. Though that’s not a poor return on investment, homeowners who are remodeling a basement solely for the potential ROI at resale can find other projects that provide a greater return. • Foundation: The foundation of the home must garner ample consideration before beginning a basement remodel. Certain foundation issues, such as soft concrete, cracked or curved outside walls and cracks in the flooring, are indicative of significant issues with the foundation. These issues can be costly to address, and they must be remedied before the basement remodel can begin. • Existing space: Some homeowners may have bought their homes with partially finished basements or even finished areas that they simply want to remodel. In such instances, a pre-remodel inspection from a licensed home inspector can save homeowners lots of money and heartache over the long haul. Partially finished or even aging finished basements might not have
been renovated in adherence to codes, which could lead to costly violations down the road. An inspection in advance of a remodel can give homeowners an idea of what they will need to do to bring the basement up to code. Local officials also can provide a list of necessary
permits and a detailed description of requirements to ensure the remodeled basement adheres to code. • Soil: Soil surrounding the home should be tested prior to beginning the project. Radon is an odorless gas found in soil that the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency notes can increase individuals’ risk for lung cancer. Radon can seep into basements and increase that risk even further if it is present at elevated levels in the soil surrounding a home. Radon tests are simple and inexpensive, and no basement remodel project
should begin without first conducting such a test. Finished basements are valuable spaces. Homeowners who want to finish or remodel their basements should consider a host of factors before beginning the renovation.