20 2022
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SEPTEMBER
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Austin • BRADFORD • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • GALETON • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • OSwayo Port Allegany • Roulette • SHINGLEHOUSE • Smethport • Turtlepoint • Ulysses
Era photo by Daniella Langianese BTU employees Bart Nichols, Duddley Griswold and Jessica Morton took a quick break from their hectic work day Wednesday afternoon to join business owner David Reed and his son Parker (center) outside a company vehicle for this photo — in recognition of BTU’s 25th anniversary.
BTU celebrates 25 years BY DANIELLA LANGIANESE
David (Fred) Reed has been working in the trade industry for an impressive 33 years — the last 25 of which
have been utilized to own and operate BTU in Bradford, on Bank Street. For those individuals who may
not be aware, BTU has been providing installation and repair services for a large majority of Bradford’s commercial
Pa. lawmaker challenges proposed increase in fishing license fee
PITTSBURGH (TNS) —State Fish and Boat Commissioners waited 17 years to reel in a funding increase, and even then it was only because lawmakers agreed to let the agency set its own license fees. The reauthorization hit a snag this week when a state representative moved to stop the plan. Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, warned that giving Fish and Boat the power to control license fees could have a “dire impact” on anglers and boaters. He filed a resolution that would negate that authority. In August, the agency proposed its first fishing license fee increase since 2005. Pending legislative approval, Fish and Boat would add $2.50 to the cost of a resident adult license, raising the fee to $25.47 in the 2023 license year. ”This move would equate to a shortterm cash infusion with long-term consequences,” said Mr. Conklin in a statement. The Fish and Boat Commission protects and manages aquatic wildlife, snakes, reptiles and amphibians, and regulates recreational fishing and boating in the Commonwealth. It works with other state and federal authorities to protect water resources and aquatic habitats.
A semia u t o n o m o u s extension of the governor’s office, the commission was established in 1866 to operate as a userpay agency with no financial support from Pennsylvania taxpayers. Its current $55 million annual budget is funded by license and permit fees, leases on Fish and Boat properties and a federal program that taxes fishing gear, boat motors and fuel. For nearly 140 years, commissioners responded to rising costs and increased responsibility by petitioning the lawmakers for license fee increases. Since 2005, a legislative logjam has prevented the agency from receiving a funding increase. In 2020, the General Assembly voted to give Fish and Boat the authority to set its own license fees while retaining legislative oversight. A committee would approve or deny changes in license fees, and a fiveyear sunset clause would automatically remove self-licensing authority unless overruled by the Legislature. C o n k l i n ’ s resolution would prevent legislators from approving any fee increases proposed by Fish and Boat. Despite having license fee authority since 2020, the agency
did not move to raise prices until the sale of 2023 licenses begins in December 2022. Announcement of the $2.50 fee increase drew overwhelming support from Pennsylvania anglers. The same increase would be applied to most other license categories, as well as trout permits and combination trout/ Lake Erie permits. Boating fees would also increase, with titles going up $15 to $58 and commercial fishing licenses increasing by $80 to $100. Conklin said the recent approval of a historic state budget made the fishing license fee increase unnecessary. ”Lifelong anglers and boaters might be willing to pay a bit more to enjoy their favorite pastime, but I am deeply concerned that increasing the fishing and boating permits will scare off families and casual outdoor enthusiasts, u l t i m a t e l y undercutting the very funding this is supposed to raise.” C o n k l i n ’ s resolution has not advanced to the status of a House bill. A Fish and Boat spokesman said the agency had no comment, as the resolution is considered to be a legislative response to its license fee proposal.
and residential plumbing, heating and air conditioning needs over the past 25 years, opening their doors to the Bradford community in 1997. Reed, a certified master plumber, operates BTU with a tight-knit four person crew, with his nineyear-old son Parker even lending a hand from time to time.
BTU’s employees include Duddley Griswold, Bart Nichols and Jessica Morton. “One thing that has reignited my passion for the trade, I was grateful to be able to learn, are these new backflow preventers,” explained Reed while gesturing to a product box on his office shelves. “These preventers are really
nice — keeping the water running one way in the line and clean.” Reed is also certified to work with air conditioning and back flow units. All of BTU’s utilized products are state of the art and top-line, confirmed Reed. BTU is known to design their own systems, as well.
Penn State takes first step in approving alcohol sales for football games
STATE COLLEGE (TNS) — Penn State took a step toward enacting its plan to sell alcohol at Beaver Stadium. The Board of Trustees’ Committee on Legal and Compliance approved the university’s plan Monday evening with six yes votes, one no from Donald Cairns and two absent committee members. With the committee’s approval, the plan will move to a full board vote at the Sept. 23 meeting. The key points of the plan the committee approved are: — Wrist bands will track those who purchase alcohol. — 300 staff members will be added for oversight, rule enforcement and operation of the sale of alcohol. — Beer stations will be placed throughout Beaver Stadium to prioritize guest experience and
discourage easy access to the student section. — Sales will end at the conclusion of the third quarter of the game. — Secret Shoppers will be used to ensure all sales are made properly. Multiple sources previously told the Centre Daily Times that sales would expand to the Bryce Jordan Center if all goes well at Beaver Stadium. Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft presented the plan to the committee, which included the reasoning for the decision. Kraft cited multiple universities — including West Virginia, Ohio State and Texas — that have seen a decrease in alcohol-related issues after the introduction of alcohol sales. “I’ve spoken to my peers across the country,” Kraft said while presenting the plan. “This is the trend.
The data shows this. There are more people in the building looking at alcohol-related issues when you are serving, beer, wine, etc.” Kraft added that revenue from sales would go back into the building and said that they were ready to begin the plan after it’s approved, but added that he and his staff were not assuming approval would occur. “We were not going to move forward at all, or if, you all want to move forward,” he said. “I will say this, this is not something you take lightly. ... We stand ready. We have not invested in anything that we cannot and are not using. Candidly, whenever you say go we can go, and if not we’re good.” Penn State would be the ninth school in the Big Ten to sell alcohol at sporting events.