Potter & McKean County Community Source | 5/11/21

MAY

11 2021

Photo provided Youth participation is a key element of KARE for Kane. The Kane Area School District allows students to leave school for the day to help with projects and instill pride for their community.

Students participate in KARE for Kane KANE — May 7 marked the 10th year of in-person community service projects for KARE for Kane.

Technically, this year is the 11th year but COVID-19 made any kind of largegroup event a no-go in 2020.

Therefore, this year is a time for celebration — and, of course, a continuation of the success of the event.

“One of the bigger projects this year is at the little league field. We are teaming up with the little league to get those three fields prepped for the season,” Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp said.

She explained that the to-do list includes mulching areas, the installation of new foul posts and other tasks for that goal.

“It’s taking a lot of manpower, and that’s exciting,” explained Kate Kennedy, executive director of Kane Area Development Center.

“It started simple, and we still try to keep it simple.

We just expand the projects we do and the people we get involved,” Schimp said. She noted that one year, a total of 600 volunteers teamed up to make Kane look better for the warmer season ahead.

Residents of all ages volunteer their time for

the event. Local businesses pay their employees for the day while allowing them to leave work to participate in KARE for Kane. Zook Motors and Northwest Bank are two such examples.

Kennedy noted, “One of the really cool things about KARE for Kane, is that it spans all ages, the school district is allowing students to be released for the day to do the project.”

She noted that around 30 National Honor Society members will be heading to the little league field to help wherever needed with that project.

“The School District is phenomenal about letting the kids participate,” Schimp said. “We have day care age through 12th grade participating this year, not every entire grade but they are represented in there somewhere, between student council and other groups. We do have a couple whole grades participating. It’s a good mix, the district is very supportive.

“One of the most rewarding things is to see kids come back. (KARE) is held when they are coming home from college, and they sign up again as young adults,”

KARE continued on .................... page 4

Snelick plans to keep region competitive with local workforce training WARREN — As a lifelong resident of Elk County, Susan Snelick has developed a love for the region and a goal to help it remain competitive.

Snelick said her previous leadership role with Workforce Solutions for North Central PA as well as other prominent positions with workforce development, provided her with the expertise for her recent appointment as president of Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. The publicly supported, not-forprofit college has headquarters in Warren and offers affordable and accessible

post-secondary education to residents in Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Venango and Warren counties.

Associate degrees, as well as workforce development, are offered in a number of professions and courses.

“I’ve been a resident of this region my entire life, so I’m very much dedicated to our region and making sure we’re getting our fair share and able to remain competitive with all the other regions across Pennsylvania, and across the country,” Snelick said. “That’s really

Workforce continued on .......... page 4

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MAY 04, 2021

FCI-McKean employees sue for hazard pay for COVID pandemic

BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER More than 200 employees of FCI-McKean have filed suit against the federal government, demanding back pay for overtime and hazardous duty for prison conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suit, filed in U.S. Court of Federal Claims, was brought by 235 current and former prison employees, from all around the region. The employees allege that the Bureau of Prisons hasn’t provided them with sufficient equipment and measures to effectively eradicate COVID from the prison, and should be paying them hazard pay and differentials for dealing with COVID inside the facility.

As of May 3, there was

no response filed by the federal defendants.

FCI-McKean is a medium security institution, with four main housing units inside the prison and a satellite prison camp with two housing units. There are more than 1,000 male inmates, according to the suit, “including violent offenders, drug dealers, rapists, murderers and gang members.”

The complaint alleged that the prison has had “an ongoing outbreak” of COVID-19 since October 2020. As of March 1, there had been more than 500 infections cumulative with inmates and staff.

Because of the nature of their jobs, staff cannot work remotely, the suit indicated.

Their jobs require them to

be in close proximity with other staff, and with inmates in indoor settings.

In October 2020, FCIMcKean set up unit C-A as a quarantine unit. The corrections officers assigned to the unit have close proximity and direct contact with the COVID-positive inmates on a regular basis.

And then the officers move around the rest of the prison on other shifts, potentially exposing other staff and inmates to the virus.

The virus has not been contained to the quarantine unit, and FCI McKean failed to segregate positive inmates. The suit alleged, “positive inmates regularly get out of their cells to use showers, phones and computers.”

And the quarantine unit

is not limited to inmates who are positive; FCIMcKean houses transferred inmates in the quarantine unit, too. Since January, about 200 inmates have been transferred in, and housed with the positive inmates, the suit alleged.

On each shift, employees are required to carry equipment that has been touched by others, such as radios, keys and handcuffs, and touch objects and surfaces regularly touched by other staff and inmates, such as door handles, security gates, cell doors, work stations, log books, inmate effects and possessions, restroom surfaces and more.

The suit noted that in addition to the regular exposure, some of the staff who were members of the

Meet more area specters in ‘Ghosts Revisited 2’ Duke Center author William P. Robertson thought he’d have to scrounge to fill his follow-up to “Ghosts Revisited.” Turns out, there are more ghosts in the area than he realized.

Robertson just announced the publication of “Ghosts Revisited 2.”

He decided to put together another collection of ghost stories after seeing how popular the original was. After the book came out, people were approaching him with more local ghost stories.

“Everybody I talked to had a ghost story to tell me,” he said.

Robertson talked about his process for collecting stories for his ghost story book.

“I sort of have a recipe for these stories, you might say,” he said.

He explained that, if someone tells him a story, he does an interview to get the facts, then he goes online for further research on each one.

“After I find out as much information as I can about the story, the history behind them and the personal experiences, I visit the site myself, soak up the atmosphere of the place. That helps to bring the story to life,” Robertson noted.

He takes plenty of photographs, too, which he uses as illustrations. Only then does he write the stories, editing them “about 50 times” and double-checking his facts.

For Robertson, “The most interesting part is actually visiting the different places.”

No doubt that adds to the appeal for readers, who can visit the actual spots where these ghosts are said to haunt. McKean County residents can still visit the furthest location on a day trip.

One such spooky destination is Elmira (N.Y.) College, which he said “has a lot of gothic buildings and all these old trees.” One building in particular — Cowles Hall — is reputed to have “a good side and an evil side.”

Also included in the book are two ski-themed stories that inspired the cover artwork.

Artist David Cox designed the cover artwork with an image of a “phantom skier” using an

action shot that Robertson took at Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, N.Y. One of the ski-themed stories is about two ski slope groomers who were murdered after they stumbled upon a robbery — a crime which was never solved — and the other is of phantom skiers who still enjoy the party scene at Ski Wing.

Meanwhile, there is a cemetery called Hencoop Cemetery near Ellicottville that is also featured in the book. There are many children’s gravestones there, and “a lot of children’s ghosts apparently are seen there every night romping around the graveyard,” Robertson said.

He added, “Another one that I really enjoyed was “The Lady Behind Glass,” which he said comes from the Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown, N.Y.. Grace Galloway, daughter of an oil millionaire and budding opera singer, died of tuberculosis. Her father had a sculpture made of her, which was enclosed in glass and is located at the cemetery.

Robertson found multiple versions of Grace Galloway’s story, but he chose to focus on the version where she can still be heard coughing from the tuberculosis that took her singing voice.

To research another tale, Robertson’s friend Matt Boyer of the Kane Historic Preservation Society took him on a haunted tour of Kane, sharing the stories of several ghosts that haunt the borough.

Robertson explained that Boyer has a couple of devices he uses to communicate with ghosts: one is a ghost box used to check the level of paranormal activity, and the other is a phasmabox, which is used to “directly communicate with spirits.”

Boyer asked the phasmabox if Elizabeth Kane was present. Elizabether Kane is the wife of Gen. Thomas Kane, for whom Kane Borough was named.

“I heard as plain as day, ‘Yes, I’m here,’” Robertson said.

Boyer also introduced Robertson to Gen. Kane himself.

Gen. Kane organized the Bucktail Regiment during the Civil War — a topic on which Robertson has

Disturbance Control Team and Special Operations Response Team were required to travel to other areas during the pandemic.

In the fall of 2020, both teams were dispatched to FCI-Elkton in Ohio during its COVID outbreak in which numerous inmates were sent to hospitals and nine inmates died. In June 2020 and January 2021, both teams were sent to assist the National Guard in Washington, D.C., during protests, the suit stated.

Two members of the SORT team tested positive after returning from the January duty travel.

“FCI McKean has not been consistently quarantining or testing these plaintiffs when they return from duty travel, even though many have been exposed to COVID-19 during their travels or have tested positive upon their return,” the suit stated.

Staff are also at risk

when transporting prisoners between institutions, processing new inmates and escorting new inmates inside of the prison. Staff are not informed whether an inmate is positive when transporting them, the suit alleged.

According to the suit, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has a schedule of differential pay, including a 25% differential when “employees perform work with or in close proximity to ‘virulent biologicals.’” Other differentials come into play regarding working in close proximity to a pathogen when safety devices do not eliminate the potential for personal injury.

The employees are asking for backpay, damages and attorneys’ fees.

The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Sara Faulman of McGillivary Steele Elkin LLP of Washington, D.C.

doing the personal appearwritten extensively.

Robertson got another ances and book signings at story from Elk County events like re-enactments

Rainee Wright wins Miss Liberty Bell’s Outstanding Teen “Ghosts Revisited 2”

author Jim Baumgratz.

Baumgratz writes about local murder stories, and he came across a ghost story that he thought would fit better in Robertson’s book than his.

“Ghosts Revisited 2” includes tales from Allegany State Park, too.

Ghost stories are a relatively new topic for Robertson, who is known for his books about the local Bucktail Regiment.

“I consider myself a historic fiction guy. That’s really my genre,” he said.

However, the pandemic has prevented him from

and vendor fairs. That’s when he decided to branch out into ghost stories. He is hopeful things will return to normal by next summer.

The next project that Robertson is planning is a collection of battle stories — including local stories — from the War of 1812 called “More War.” “Ghosts Revisited 2” is available now at the Main Street Mercantile in Bradford, the Penn Brad Oil Museum in Custer City and the Paper Factory in Olean, N.Y. Learn more about Robertson’s work at his website, bucktailsandbroomsticks.com.

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PHILADELPHIA — Rainee Wright, 18, of Kane, was crowned Miss Liberty Bell’s Outstanding Teen on May 2 at the CEG Performing Arts Academy in Philadelphia.

Rainee is currently a senior at Kane Area High School. For her talent, Wright performed a jump rope routine.

Wright’s “Jump for Joy” platform focuses on jump roping to bring joy to school aged-children and to educate youth about mental illness.

In the upcoming year, Wright will make appearances throughout the state on behalf of charitable organizations and as an ambassador for the Miss America Organization during its 100th year.

She will also compete in the Miss Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Teen competition in June in York.

Wright plans to attend college in southeastern Pennsylvania and major in marketing with a minor in art.

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MAY 04, 2021

Potter County exploring ‘Broadband for All’ options POTTER COUNTY — High-speed internet service has been evolving from a lifestyle option to a necessity across Pennsylvania.

The Revitalize Potter County Steering Committee has made the expansion of broadband service one of its highest priorities. It offers opportunities for economic development, expansion of health care and education and many other public benefits, according to Potter County Planning/ GIS Director Will Hunt.

Many Potter County households and businesses have no high-speed internet service or lack sufficient capacity to meet today’s demands. Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative’s (REC) high-speed internet project, which has already connected hundreds of Potter County customers, is filling many of the gaps. The Revitalize Potter County Steering Committee is focusing on areas that are not serviced by Tri-Co Connections.

Hunt is joined on the committee by Community Development

Director Ellen Russell and Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Paul Heimel and Barry Hayman.

County leaders learned through extensive public surveying related to the 2020-29 Countywide Comprehensive Plan that expansion of broadband service is a high priority.

“We are now taking steps to identify gaps in broadband service in and around Potter County, and to help identify potential partners and funding sources to fill the gaps,” Hunt explained. He added that the committee will be reaching out to a half-dozen or more service providers, as well as school districts, townships and boroughs, to forge partnerships.

The committee has compiled an assessment as follows: OPPORTUNITIES Improve the quality of life for Potter County residents by closing the gap of the “digital divide.”

Ability to close the gaps and provide services to residents who currently do

Photo provided Potter County Planning/GIS Director Will Hunt (right) is shown discussing the county’s broadband initiatives with U.S. Senator Robert Casey at the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building in Coudersport.

not have access to internet service of 25mb or greater speed, but download and upload; More funds have been made available from the federal and state governments

HOME & GARDEN

to support the build-out in underserved areas.

CHALLENGES Identify the homes and businesses not serviced by existing internet service providers.

Identify potential providers to fill the service gaps.

Investigate partnerships and/or incentives to attract service providers.

STEPS FORWARD

Conduct a feasibility study for development of expanded broadband service.

Identify public and private partners to serve on, or advise, the committee.

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Tips to keep pests out of crawl spaces

Crawl spaces tend to be no-go zones in many homes. With little room to maneuver and no heating or cooling, it’s no wonder people avoid crawl spaces. But pests may see crawl spaces in a wholly different light.

Rodents and insects that find their way into crawl spaces can do significant damage. According to the pest control experts at Terminix®, pests can destroy insulation, gnaw through wiring and air ducts and damage the wooden substructures of a home. Though many homeowners may go months if not years between trips to their crawl spaces, periodic visits to inspect for the presence of pests can help uncover any issues before they escalate into significant problems.

The discovery of pest problems in a crawl space can be unsettling. Some homeowners may wonder how long they’ve been hosting these uninvited guests, while others may wonder what they can do to evict them once and for all.

Fortunately, homeowners can employ various strategies to keep pests from taking over their crawl spaces.

• Seal cracks and openings. Pests may enter a crawl space through small cracks or openings, much like cold or warm air can enter through similar cracks around windows and doors.

Terminix® notes that homeowners can apply caulk or foam insulation around cracks or openings in their crawl spaces. No crack is too small to seal, as small insects like termites and ants

don’t need much room to maneuver their way into a home.

• Encapsulate the crawl space. Crawl spaces are dark and damp. Wet, humid conditions attract

rodents and insects, increasing the risk of infestation.

Encapsulation closes and secures a crawl space with a thick vapor barrier that lines the floor and walls of the crawl space. Vapor

barriers can keep moisture from condensing on wood, making the area less likely to attract pests.

• Run a dehumidifier in the crawl space.

Dehumidifiers can help homeowners control moisture in a crawl space. In fact, many companies that install vapor barriers recommend running dehumidifiers after a barrier has been installed.

• Examine the perimeter of your home, particularly the exterior walls. Periodic examinations of a home’s exterior may reveal brush that can make for ideal shelters for pests. Pests sheltering along the exterior walls of a home will eventually try to enter the home, likely through the crawl space. Remove piles of brush during routine walkarounds of the home and trim any bushes or shrubs that also may be providing shelter to pests.

• Keep an eye on the crawl space. Though crawl spaces can be difficult to access, homeowners should visit these spaces periodically. Inspections can help homeowners determine if dehumidifiers are still running and allow them to check for pests or other issues, such as cracks, that may be inviting unwanted

guests into their homes.

Crawl spaces can become homes and breeding grounds for pests if homeowners don’t take measures to prevent such issues.

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MAY 04, 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

KARE continued from 1

The important role of nursing assistants Health professionals are often unsung heroes.

However, since the arrival of COVID-19, millions of people have had their eyes opened to the crucial role medical providers play in regard to helping patients and their families.

Nursing assistants are tireless health care workers who perform their tasks with professionalism and patience. Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, help patients with their basic daily care, and may assist with: Making beds and changing bedding; Helping patients use toilets and tending to catheters; Helping patients to get dressed; Monitoring vital signs and reporting on patients’ health; Handling feeding and helping the patient drink; Turning bedridden patients according to schedule.

CNAs work in various settings, notably long-term

care facilities, doctors’ offices, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics. Nursing assistants often are the first responders when a patient calls for help. They traditionally work under the guidance of registered nurses, and the work of CNAs frees up nurses to provide care that requires a greater level of training, such as administering IV medication or alerting doctors to significant changes in health.

Nursing assistants must possess certain qualities, as the job requires caregiving above all. The nursing resource All Nursing Schools says CNAs must be able to listen to patients’ concerns and develop personal relationships. The care CNAs provide requires a certain level of intimacy, and CNAs must have demeanors that help patients feel comfortable. Some tasks may involve lifting or helping to move a patient, so some measure of physical strength also is needed. Most importantly, CNAs often provide companionship and friendship, especially in home care settings. Providing comfort for patients who are scared, lonely or upset also is part of a CNA’s job.

Nursing assistants are important health care professionals and often part of a team of caregivers that help patients enjoy improved quality of life.

Workforce continued from 1

PA Route 6 Alliance accepting nominations for ‘Do 6’ awards GALETON — The PA Route 6 Alliance is requesting nominations for its annual “Do 6” Awards recognizing individuals, groups, projects and communities that exemplify and advance the Alliance’s mission of protecting, preserving and promoting the scenic, cultural, historic and recreational resources across PA Route 6.

With public health regulations causing the Alliance’s 2020 event to be postponed, this year’s “Do 6” Awards Ceremony — during the 2021 PA Route 6 Educational Summit & Annual Meeting on Sept.

15–16 in Kane— will include awards for 2020 and 2021 for the categories of Heritage Partnership, Heritage Tourism, and Leadership. Combination 2020–21 awards will be presented for the categories of Lifetime Achievement, Artisan of the Year, and Heritage Community of the Year. The Artisan of the Year receives the honor of being featured on the 2022 Artisan Trail Poster and the Heritage Community of the Year the honor of hosting the Alliance’s 2022 event.

Alliance Executive Director Candace Hillyard explained, “We are looking forward to coming together in-person, following proper safety protocols, of course, with our partners from across the region at our educational summit & annual meeting this year in Kane. Our work across the PA Route 6 Heritage Region could not be done without the dedication and passion of thousands of people, organizations, businesses, and communities. Our ‘Do 6’ Awards are a small way to recognize some of the best.”

Past award winners include the Good Growing Gardens of Smethport (Heritage Partnership) and Kane Borough in McKean County (Heritage Community of the Year).

Nominations may be submitted until June 1, by any individual or group through the online or printable form at https://paroute6.com/ do-6-awards-nomination. Award winners will be notified upon selection and invited to the Awards Ceremony which will be held on Sept. 16th in Kane.

what drew me to the college. With all of the work I’ve done in workforce development over the past 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with a lot of employers, from the CEO down to human resources and training coordinators. I really have a sense of what they need and desire.”

Snelick said local employers have also voiced concerns over the years about retaining a skilled workforce.

“Without the skilled workforce, they can’t compete,” she explained. “You can buy equipment and you can buy buildings and put in all the bells and whistles, but basically it comes down to the people and workforce. If you don’t have that, then it affects the business and that affects our community.”

That said, Snelick noted the college provides workforce training and opportunities for students to stay in the region and find good jobs. She said the classes have been offered online due to pandemic guidelines.

“We were able to seamlessly transition all of our classes online,” she added.

“But our model is providing education through video conferencing, so our students are in classrooms with other students. Our faculty is on the television screens teaching to multiply students across nine counties.”

In addition, there are student support specialists available to help individuals with issues in the classrooms, studies or training.

This is provided in a variety of ways.

“They can meet students in the classrooms or anywhere for those conversations,” Snelick said, explaining other methods of help are provided by email, texts or telephone.

Snelick said she and

Schimp continued. “It is pretty exciting to see them interested, and that it’s not just a day out of school for them. They care, they come back and give their time.”

The day begins early, with the Kane Fire Department hosing off the winter debris from area streets around 5:30 a.m.

Donations of money and equipment are provided by area businesses that are unable to provide volunteers.

“So many donations in that in-kind type of way is what makes it possible to do everything we do,” Kennedy said.

Then, any number of projects can be on tap.

“One of the past projects we are really happy with is Southover Park, where the Officer Steve Jerman Memorial Trail is. Several years ago, several groups including Kane Borough police and Pennsylvania State Police, and students, worked to clear a trail that

connects from the park to elementary/middle school.

They have kept up maintenance down there as well.

There has been work at the gazebo at the park, cleanup of ditches and drainage in the park to alleviate issues.”

Kennedy explained that painting projects are an item commonly on the list for KARE for Kane.

“Personally, I know that the Chamber office needed painted, and we had adults there a couple of years ago to do that,” she said.

Schimp explained that there are also projects to be done indoors, including helping out the library and various churches if they are in need.

Litter pickup is a task that is necessary every year, and this is accomplished with donations of gloves, garbage bags and orange vests from Keep PA Beautiful.

“Donations come from all over; private individuals, businesses. One donation that occurs year after year is that the Kane Rotary pays for lunch for all volunteers,” Schimp said. “We typically do a community

lunch at the community center. This year, we are delivering to sites, so we can maintain social distance and keep people outdoors.”

Kennedy added, “We are trying to use all precautions that we can,” She noted that this year’s ability to get out and tackle some projects is a welcome change from last year.

“We are really hopeful next year can be a lot more social again,” Kennedy said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can still sign up to help, including as a walk-in the day of the event. For those who find they have time free on May 7, they can call the Chamber office, where the event is based this year, at 837-6565 or stop in.

“I feel this is one thing that makes Kane really special — the annual whole community effort for people to pitch in and make our town look great. It’s wonderful that so many people care that much to get involved. There is not one group driving it; the community has owned it and is excited about being part of it,” Kennedy said.

Eldred student inducted into honor society at Canisius BUFFALO — Sarah Batt, of Eldred, Pa., was one of 31 Canisius College students inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu. The honor society of Jesuit colleges and universities recognizes students who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service, and encourages its members

the staff are currently excited about a workforce education and training center they plan to open in Erie this week.

“They’re moving things in this week into the office,” Snelick said. “That’s where individuals will go to get hands-on training.”

The college hopes to eventually open a mini training center in the eastern portion of the counties covered, as well.

As for financial aid, scholarships and other opportunities are available to students considering enrollment in the college.

“We definitely are affordable, and that’s the mission of the college,” she added.

On a personal note, Snelick, a resident of St. Marys, said her husband, Bill, is a supervisor in a tool and die shop in the powdered metal industry. Their daughter, Courtney, is enrolled in college to become a school psychologist, and their son, Zachary, has a degree in computer science and works for a Pittsburgh company.

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College offers associate degrees in liberal studies, social sciences, criminal justice, business administration, early childhood education, and applied technology with a specialization in industrial maintenance technology.

The college also offers workforce development training for commercial truck driving, emergency medical services, child development associate credential prep, supervision and leadership and quality systems and continuous improvement. Tourism and hospitality management, and wastewater treatment programs, are also offered.

For more information, visit the college website at https://regionalcollegepa. org right in Smethport.

Leet pointed out, “Now, for McKean to be successful, we have to rely on cars coming from other tracks. We

to a lifetime pursuit of intellectual development, deepening Ignatian spirituality, service to others and a commitment to the core principles of Jesuit education.

Batt, a biology major, is a member of the Canisius College Class of 2021.

need to run on Thursdays when no one else is racing because we need cars that normally run at Bradford (Rew, Pa.), Freedom (Delevan), Woodhull, Batavia, Stateline (Busti) and Erie.”

SMITH, who owns Eldred’s Close Racing Supply, offered one reason for the optimism over McKean’s return.

“What prompted me (to do this) is that I’ve seen how successful race tracks have become because of Covid (restrictions),” he said. “Race tracks got successful because it was one of the few things you could do … there weren’t concerts or many sports. I felt this was something people could do (outdoors) and a lot of race tracks got successful over the past year because of it.

This Covid thing is still going to impact us all and people want that kind of entertainment.”

As for the reduced presence of stock car racing – Bradford and Freedom are the only other tracks in the TH coverage region – Smith pointed out, “It’s definitely an area thing ... not every place in the country is successful, it’s hit and miss.

“What’s happened throughout the years, in general, is No. 1, it’s costing racers more money and, No. 2, it’s more work for the racers and today’s generation obviously doesn’t want to do more work. Old-school racers spent every nickel they had and worked hard knowing that’s what gave them success. It’s almost too much work and too much money for the younger generation.”

He added, “That’s why some (racing) has gone away over time. Some local tracks like McKean have been unstable, open then closed. Little Valley was really good at one time but hasn’t been racing in four or five years.

“When you lose that local race track and local racers, you also lose people, they find something else to do … ‘I bought a boat, it’s a lot of fun, less work and less

money than racing and I can enjoy it with my family.’”

LEET ADMITTED, “Everybody’s chomping at the bit to get there … I think people have really missed going to McKean. When we practiced last Saturday people I didn’t even know came up and said, “Thank you for getting this place back open.”

And that was literally true as Leet was part of a four-person group that ran the track for eight years until two seasons of horrendous weather ended their stewardship in 2013. “(Rain) was the biggest thing the last time we did this … you can have the most perfectly laid plans imaginable, 100% to perfection, and the one thing you can’t control ruins you,” he said.

BESIDES the ULMS division, McKean will host the RUSH Late Models, RUSH Pro Mods, Pure Stocks and Mini-stocks.

“There’s some really talented regional drivers in the ULMS series racing at a high professional-type level that will be competing at a lot or our events,” Leet said.

“The series is pretty much known up and down the East Coast so people know what it is.

“In some people’s opinion you can have too many (divisions) but everybody wants to run at McKean and you’ve got to give them the opportunity. We’re doing this to support local racing and try to give it a shot in the arm. You’re not going to get results from that by telling people, ‘You can’t come here and race.’”

He added, “We’re racing the classes and rules that the other tracks in the area are running. If a car races at Freedom, Bradford, Batavia or Woodhull they’re legal here.

“We hope people will come out and support McKean and make it a viable entertainment facility.

They’ve missed it over the years and if it closes again, who knows what’s going to happen.”