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Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • Port Allegany Ridgway • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint
Era photo by Jeff Uveino Upgrades, to the tune of over $30 million, coming to the Bradford plant. The investment will fund new equipment to modernize the plant’s operations and replace some of the older equipment.
Georgia-Pacific investing more than $30 million in Bradford plant BY MARCIE SHELLHAMMER
More than $34 million in upgrades are coming to the GeorgiaPacific corrugated plant in Bradford. The investment will fund new equipment to modernize the plant’s operations and replace some of the older equipment. A release from the company stated, “The upgrades include a new corrugator and two new converting lines, as well as upgrades to the shipping
department, which will help the plant operate more efficiently. Newer converting equipment will give the plant improved throughput and print capability to better meet customer needs.” Earl Wright, area general manager, said this upgrade has been a work in progress for many years. “We wanted to be responsive to customer needs and provide the best long-term solution for Georgia-Pacific to allow us to grow as a
PennDOT to close Glen Hazel Road in Elk County Aug. 1 CLEARFIELD — The Pennsylvania Department of Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n announced that its Elk County Maintenance Division is closing Route 1001 (Glen Hazel Road) between Haney’s Hill and Bendigo Road and implementing a detour on Aug. 1. Maintenance crews are closing the road to replace a trio of stormwater drainage pipes and prepare the roadway for a future improvement project. PennDOT hopes to limit this closure to daylight hours for a period not to exceed two weeks, but all work is weather and schedule
dependent. While the closure is in place, traffic will follow a detour using Route 1002 (Taft Road), Route 255, Route 219, Route 1009 (Center Street) and Route 1004 (Glen Avenue). PennDOT will open Glen Hazel Road for the weekends. The detour will not be in place Saturdays or Sundays. Crews will finish work before the 202223 school year begins. School bus routes will be unaffected. PennDOT’s Elk County Maintenance Division will complete all work associated with this project.
preferred partner with our customers,” he said. “The equipment we selected will meet the needs of our customers across Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, western/ central New York, and eastern New Jersey for many years to come.” The plant team will begin preparing the facility for installation in the coming months, with the first equipment expected to be installed in the first quarter of 2023. “We have a great team here and
Georgia-Pacific’s Bradford plant is a solid performer,” said Joe Roulo Jr., director of operations. “Our employees have tremendous pride in the quality packaging they make for our customers and are excited for the opportunity to operate new state-ofthe-art machines that will improve service and delivery for our customers.” It will take approximately 12-14 months to complete all of the upgrades.
Kelly Ferguson, senior director of public affairs and communications for GP, answered a few additional questions. “The plant will continue to operate during most of the upgrades with only some minimal downtime for certain parts of the project,” she said. The upgrades will be made within the existing plant, so expansion of the building itself will not take place. While there
will be some temporary construction jobs while the project is underway, Ferguson said the project will not increase the number of employees at the plant. The Bradford plant has been in operation for 87 years, employs approximately 125 people and has been operated by GeorgiaPacific since 1990. The last major project at the plant was an upgrade of about $1 million in 2020.
Nittany MinitMart raises record amount for local volunteer fire companies Nittany MinitMart announced today it raised a record $117,549.70 through its “Help Us Help Them” campaign that benefits local volunteer fire companies. Hamlin Township Volunteer Fire Department, Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department, and Smethport Fire Company in McKean County will all directly receive funding assistance through this program. “We want to thank everyone who contributed to our third annual fundraiser,” said Jim Martin, Nittany MinitMart CEO. “We are pleased to be able to step up and help these organizations that we all depend on in so many ways especially during this time of high inflation. Nittany MinitMart
is a family-owned business, and we believe it is part of our responsibility to communities to help those who help us.” The funds went to 35 volunteer fire departments in 11 counties within Nittany MinitMart communities. The funding will go toward firefighter training, equipment and much needed supplies, Martin added. “We have great community support and I felt we could double last year’s total of $56,000, and the response was overwhelming,” said Nicole Masullo, Nittany MinitMart Division Manager. “The fundraiser beat all expectations and will make great things possible.” Pennsylvania ranks in
the top five states in the country with the highest percentage of volunteer fire departments. More communities throughout the state are served by volunteers than by career firefighters. Nittany MinitMart partnered once again with Pennsylvania Skill, operator of skill games, to help meet the challenges local volunteer fire companies face daily. Nittany Energy donated a penny per gallon of gas sold at Nittany MinitMart convenience stores, April 1 through the end of May, with Pennsylvania Skill matching Nittany Energy’s donation. “We are thrilled to be part of this great effort with Nittany MinitMart,” said Jeff Millay on behalf of Pennsylvania Skill.
“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our communities and deserve our financial support.” In the past, Nittany MinitMart held its “Help Us Help Them” fundraiser during May. This year it expanded the timeframe to April and May. Patrons of the stores could purchase paper firefighter helmets for $1 or fire trucks for $5 that were displayed in the stores. Other promotional merchandise was sold with profits going directly to fire companies. Donations also came from Nittany MinitMart vendors, including Pepsi Co., Coca Cola, Yuengling, McAneny, Hershey, Herrs, Mars, JTM, DelGrosso Foods and Patties Foods.
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JULY 26, 2022
Bradford man facing hundreds of rape, sex assault charges held on $5 million bail BY MARCIE SHELLHAMMER
A Bradford man is in McKean County Jail on what is thought to be the highest bail ever set in the county — $5 million. Darvin Carpenter II, 51, of Park Street, is charged with 212 counts involving the rape and/or sexual assault of five juvenile victims, ranging in age from 5 to 17. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged incidents took place from 2000 to 2022 in residences throughout the county, including Mount Jewett Borough, Lafayette Township and Keating Township. The criminal complaint in the case alleged that the assaults came to light when one of the victims, approximately 13 years of age, was interviewed at the Children’s Advocacy Center of McKean County, and disclosed that Carpenter had touched her in a sexual manner several times, beginning when she was in 6th grade. A second victim told state police that when she was 12 to 15, Carpenter would buy her cigarettes and make her perform sex acts when she was a juvenile. She told police about a third victim who witnessed the assaults and was assaulted as well, the complaint alleged. The third victim
said that when she was 12 to 16, Carpenter would give her cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana and force her to perform sex acts, the complaint alleged. Police received information about two additional victims. The fourth victim told police Carpenter had raped her from when she was 5 until she was about 12, and estimated it happened more than 100 times, the complaint alleged. The fifth victim said Carpenter asked her multiple times when she was a juvenile, age 12 to 17, to perform sex acts on him. She did not do so. He also touched her inappropriately when she was a juvenile. When she was an adult, he forced her to perform a sex act on him, the complaint alleged. Carpenter was arraigned at 10 a.m. Friday before District Judge David Engman in Kane and remanded to jail in lieu of the $5 million bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday in Central Court. The charges against him are as follows: 10 counts rape of a child, 10 counts rape by forcible compulsion, 10 counts involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, 10 counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a victim less than 13, 20 counts
involuntary deviate sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion, one count of aggravated indecent assault of a child, and 25 counts of criminal solicitation of IDSI with a victim less than 16, all of which are first degree felonies; two counts of corruption of minors and one of indecent assault of a victim less than 13, all third-degree felonies. He is also charged with 20 counts of sexual assault, seconddegree felonies; 24 counts of indecent assault by forcible compulsion, 13 counts of indecent assault of a victim less than 13, all first-degree misdemeanors; 23 counts of indecent assault of a victim less than 16; and 18 counts of indecent assault without consent, all second-degree misdemeanors. Many of the charges against Carpenter have mandatory minimum sentences under the Pennsylvania S e n t e n c i n g Guidelines, and harsher sentences for crimes committed against children. With the mandatory sentences, should Carpenter be convicted of all counts, it would mean a sentence of more than 850 years imprisonment. Under the law, a suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
New law will help boost plugging of orphan wells, Causer says HARRISBURG — Legislation that will help increase the number of orphan wells being plugged in the Commonwealth is now law, said Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, prime sponsor of the measure. “Pennsylvania has at least 200,000 orphan wells, and some years the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is plugging as few as five,” Causer said. “This law gives us the chance to actually put a dent in this problem by using federal infrastructure money to accelerate our wellplugging efforts, benefitting both the environment and our communities.” According to the DEP, there are 2,585 known orphan wells in McKean County alone. There are 84 listed in Elk County, 82 in Potter County and four in Cameron County. Act 96 of 2022 requires DEP to use a portion of new federal funding to create a grant program to support experienced wellplugging companies
that work to maximize the volume of orphan wells being plugged in the Commonwealth. Grants of $10,000 will be awarded for plugging wells of 3,000 feet or less in depth, and grants of $20,000 will be awarded for plugging wells more than 3,000 feet deep. Under the law, DEP is required to list wells eligible for plugging under the program. A well plugger will be eligible for funding if he or she has drilled 10 or more wells or plugged 10 or more wells in the state in accordance with oil and gas laws, or can demonstrate access to the equipment, materials, resources
and services to plug wells in accordance with the law. The law also will provide predictability for conventional well bonding amounts and make clear only the General Assembly may adjust these amounts for a period of 10 years. The law takes effect immediately.
Photo provided Raymond, Tristan and Evan Erway
Fairs in Potter, Allegany counties remember teens lost in April fire When three young members of the Potter County Fair family were among five young people to lose their lives in a tragic fire in April, the board of directors wanted to do something in their memory. The board was approached by a 15-yearold 4-H/FFA member asking about donating one of her lambs for a fund, and the idea for a scholarship in the memory of brothers Raymond, Tristan and Evan Erway of Genesee grew from there. The base funding of the scholarship will be provided from the sale of a lamb, pig, goat, meat pen of rabbits, feeder steer and registered dairy calf to be sold at the Junior Livestock Sale held Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. Anyone can donate at one of the drop off containers during fair week or at the fair office. Donations can also be sent to Potter County Fair Association, c/o Marsha Prince, treasurer, 1151 Eleven Mile Road, Shinglehouse, Pa., 16748. The 86th Potter County Fair is set for July 31-Aug. 6 at the fairgrounds in Millport. All three boys were
active in FFA and 4-H with projects ranging from goats and rabbits to chickens and cavy (Guinea pigs). Raymond and Tristan each showed their animals at the Allegany and Potter County fairs each summer and had earned many awards. They also showed animals several times at the New York State Fair and both had taken part in FFA national conventions. The Erway brothers, who were students of Northern Potter High School, were also remembered by the Allegany County (N.Y.) Fair board of directors on Sunday during the annual vesper service to open fair week in Angelica. Each year the board selects individuals or couples to dedicate the fair to and presents them with specially made wooden benches with the honorees’ names inscribed on them. The benches are then installed on the fairgrounds during fair week and then stored until the next fair. On Sunday, board president Harry Hurd took the microphone and
said, “This is probably the hardest thing this fair has ever gone through. Earlier this year we lost five 4-H children all of whom participated in this fair. Now they have a bench that honors them and will be a memorial to them on the fairgrounds for years to come.” The 4-H’rs, the Erway brothers and Mikalah Roulo, their cousin, and friend Krysta Kane, were staying at the Charles and Michele Erway home in Genesee on April 11 when the home caught fire early in the morning. The Erways attempted to save the children, who were in the basement of the home, and suffered life-threatening injuries as a result. The children could not escape. Michele Erway, who was hospitalized in critical condition for several weeks, and Charles Erway, who was also hospitalized with his injuries, attended the vesper service, holding each other as the bench was revealed. Following the dedication, the Genesee Valley Chorus sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
Thompson Funeral home announces closure RIDGWAY — The Krise Funeral Homes. pre-arranged contracts Thompson Funeral Krise Funeral Homes from Thompson Home will be closing, will be assuming all Funeral Home. after the retirement of owner Dave HUTCH’S CHIMNEY Thompson. Thompson, along & STOVE SERVICE with his wife Nancy, 814-274-8899 and their children 585-466-7962 have run the Ridgway based funeral home ■ Custom Fireplace Glass Doors/Screens for approximately 33 years. ■ Reline or Liner Repair The business has ■ Waterproofing and Flash Seals been sold to Roy and Michelle Krise, from ■ Dampers and Spark Arrestors ■ Chimney Removal/Reconstruction ■ Sweeping and Repairs ■ Video Inspections ■ Repointing and Crowns ■ Stucco
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Stitt Innovation Grant to provide writing interns for local business
The Pavilion at BRMC earns fivestar quality rating The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center recently earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s Nursing Home Compare. The Pavilion received five stars in overall quality as well as quality measures and four stars in health inspections. Nursing homes with five stars are considered to have above average quality care. “Providing the finest, quality care to our residents is the top priority for our staff at the Pavilion. Every day, they go above and beyond to make our residents’ stay the best it can be, which is reflected in the recent CMS ratings,” said Jill Owens, MD, interim president, BRMC, Olean General Hospital, Upper Allegheny Health
System. “This significant achievement is especially noteworthy given the challenges healthcare has experienced recently. One significant challenge for healthcare has been staffing. The Pavilion took that challenge head-on by developing state-approved nursing assistant courses which continue to show great success in adding staff to our team. For those who may be considering a healthcare career and want to learn more, visit our website at brmc-ogh. org/careers,” she said. The publicly reported data helps consumers compare more than 15,000 nursing homes certified by Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S., based on categories including overall rating, quality measures and health inspections.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services developed Nursing Home Compare and the star rating system to provide the public with a means to search nursing home facilities and view the quality each provides. The data comes from CMS’s health inspection database, a national database of resident clinical data known as the minimum data set and Medicare claims data. The Pavilion is a 95-bed skilled nursing facility that provides short term rehabilitation and post-surgery care as well as long term care for patients, including those with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other illnesses that require 24hour nursing care.
ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — A Stitt Innovation Grant will provide English majors at St. Bonaventure University the opportunity to boost the region’s economy and enhance their resume. The project is titled “Classroom to Commerce in Cattaraugus County: Promoting Southern Tier Industry through St. Bonaventure University Professional Writing Expertise.” The grant provides money for five semester-long student internships at $1,500 per internship. “Classroom to Commerce seeks to marry the business expertise of Olean-area industries and nonprofit organizations with the professional writing expertise of St. Bonaventure students trained in technical and professional writing,” said Dr. Jeremy Smyczek, assistant professor of English. Smyczek wrote the grant proposal and will serve as internship coordinator.
The project addresses the need for professional writing expertise among local business leaders and entrepreneurs and provides experiential learning opportunities for St. Bonaventure students, Smyczek said. “We want to impact local economic development by creating stronger ties between the university and its English majors and the local commercial and nonprofit sector,” Smyczek said. “I also hope this will create avenues for our graduates to seek continued business opportunities in the region as they begin their professional careers.” Concrete deliverables for businesses and organizations could include everything from posters and podcasts to training manuals, oral presentations and social media communications. “Understanding efficient methods of outreach and communication will
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