Potter & McKean County Community Source | 8/31/21

AUGUST

31 2021

New covered bridge expected to enhance Kinzua Valley Trail in Westline

File photo A flag flies by Bradford Regional Medical Center.

Photo by Kate Day Sager The handicapped-accessible fishing dock, at left, is expected to be used to catch trout from the stocked Kinzua Creek in Westline.

BY KATE DAY SAGER For a number of years, when hikers, walkers, cyclists, equestrians and cross-country skiers wanted to cross the Kinzua Creek, they had to find a shallow area of the waterway to continue on with their trek.

It was with that in mind that members of the Kinzua Valley Trail Club coordinated efforts for the construction of the $223,000 classic covered bridge and handicapped-accessible fishing dock over Kinzua Creek which connects with the trail. Project work also included the stabilization of the stream bank.

On Wednesday, trail club members, Westline residents and area officials met at the new bridge for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This was a huge process and years in the making,” said Don Cummins,

president of the trail club, who spearheaded efforts to have the bridge and trail built. While the project began in 2019, the actual building of the bridge was delayed due to the pandemic and was completed this summer by Bob Cummins Construction.

Carolyn Stroup, a trail club board member, said she was pleased to see the completed bridge.

“I’m an equestrian and I ride horses,” Stroup said. “So from Route 219 to Westline you can ride horses (on the trail.) That’s why this bridge is designed with a higher railing.”

She said in the past equestrians rode their horses downcreek to find a shallow area to cross over to the other side. This method of crossing was used by hikers and others, as well.

In addition to funds raised by members of the trail club over the years,

financial support for the $223,000 bridge and adjoining trail was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Service, Tri-County Carpenters Union, Ken Stroup, McKean County Act 13 funds, the Hannah Hamlin Memorial Fund and John McCoy. Justin Woldt, natural resource specialist with the ANF, said much of the trail traverses through the national forest, therefore will be a welcomed addition.

“This has been a good partnership and provides recreational opportunities for foresters,” Woldt said.

“From this point, the trail is continuous from here all the way to Red Bridge campground and the reservoir” in the ANF. He and trail club officials said the ultimate goal is to have the trail continue on to Kinzua Bridge State Park, approximately 11

miles away.

“We’ll continue to partner and collaborate with the club to see if we can make that happen,” Woldt remarked.

Trail club board member Mike Angelo, who resides in Westline with his wife, Mary, said he, too, is very pleased with the bridge.

“It’s one of the nicest bridges I’ve ever seen and you can compare it to Lancaster” and its covered bridges, Angelo stated, noting he believes the improved trail will bring more visitors to the little community, as well.

Greg Davis, vice president of the trail club, said the bridge and trail now stand where the former Westline Road and bridge had been located.

“We’re actually following the old footprint of the old township road into Westline,” Davis said of

Westline Bridge continued on page 3

Citizens group to save rural healthcare gets political support

BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER

beds at the hospital were reduced to 10 — the minimum number for the facility to still be counted as a hospital.

While the goal of the Save Our Hospital group is to see those services restored at the hospital, a larger goal is to enhance rural healthcare for the good of the region.

And it seems that may be more attainable than restoring cut services to BRMC. Dennis McCarthy, spokeman for the hospitals, said, “(Upper Allegheny) health system will not be reversing the transition decision.

The factors which drove the transition have not changed. The former model was not and is not sustainable no matter who is running the hospital.”

The Save Our Hospital

BRADFORD — The group of concerned citizens hoping to restore full services to Bradford Regional Medical Center has obtained political support for its mission.

State Rep. Marty Causer, R-Turtlepoint, Bradford City Mayor James McDonald and McKean County Commissioner chairman Tom Kreiner have all voiced support for the group.

Earlier this year, BRMC’s parent company, Upper Allegheny Health System and its parent company, Kaleida Health, consolidated services between BRMC and Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.

In 2019, the maternity unit was moved to Olean.

This year, same-day surgery moved to Olean, as did the critical care unit.

The number of medical Rural Healthcare continued on page 3

New-look Otto-Eldred turns to linemen to lead in ’21

BY JEFF UVEINO DUKE CENTER — OttoEldred football box scores will read quite differently than in years past.

Quarterback Cole Sebastian is gone. The Terrors’ top three rushers, top four receivers and top six tacklers are gone.

But with an experienced offensive line, formidable defensive front and a spirited group of up-andcomers, Troy Cook’s team is ready to compete in the District 9 Small School North division.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back on our offensive and defensive lines, but as far as the skill positions, a lot of new faces,” said Cook, who enters his fourth season as O-E head coach. “But the guys are here and they’re eager to work, eager to learn. Can’t ask for much more than that.”

Nine freshmen and seven sophomores populate O-E’s 33-man roster, and some will be counted on to fill the team’s gaps at skill positions.

“We lost some talented guys,” Cook said. “But our junior high coaching staff really did a good job

File photo Thirteen letter winners return to an Otto-Eldred football team that will lean on many new starters in 2021. Pictured are, front row (from left): Andrew Schenfield, Blaze Maholic, Abram Austin, Wade Daniels, Max Splain, Brendan Magee. Back row: Isaac Shaw, Braxton Caldwell, Cohen Walker, Gavin Jimerson, Jacob Coffman, Brett Taggart, Chance Palmer.

of getting these freshmen prepared to come up and work. Their enthusiasm (has stood out).”

Cook complimented the observed work ethic of his young players at early

practices, stressing their willingness to learn.

“It was so hot during heat acclimation,” Cook said. “It could have been easy for them to make excuses and take a break, but

they haven’t so far. They’ve been a great group to work with.”

The quarterback position continues to be a question mark for the Terrors as the season approaches.

Brendan Magee, a junior, and Andrew Schenfield, a sophomore, have jockeyed for the position through the preseason. Neither saw significant playing time at QB a year ago.

“Two young guys that have played quarterback for us in the past, at the JV level, but not a lot of varsity snaps,” Cook said.

“Definitely will have some learning curve and/or growning pains there, but they’re smart kids and I think they’ll do a good job.”

Cook and his staff have not yet made a decision on a starter, and may not do so until the season has already begun.

“They each kind of bring their own skills to the table,” Cook said. “Where one might lack a little bit, the other excels, and vica versa. There might be a chance that we go into the season with both seeing playing time. We haven’t made that decision yet.”

O-E’s strength, both offensively and defensively, will be its group of linemen.

Left tackle/defensive tackle Jacob Coffman will lead that unit. The 6-5, 250-pound senior tallied 27 tackles on defense last season while protecting

Sebastian’s blind side on offense.

“He’s really taken control for us this year, leading all sorts of stuff throughout the summer and leading drills and warmups at practice,” Cook said. “He’s been another coach for us on the field this year.”

O-E will turn to returning guard/linebacker Isaac Shaw to fill the void left by a host of graduated difference makers on the defensive side of the ball.

Shaw, who made 11 tackles last year, will be thrusted into the middle linebacker role once held by TJ VanScoter. The 5-10, 195-pound junior has utilized the offseason in preparation. “(Shaw) probably put in the most work for us this offseason in the weight room, watching film and things like that,” Cook said.

“You can really tell that he’s made a jump. We’re hoping that that transitions well on the field.”

O-E finds itself somewhere in the middle of its division in a year that, as is the norm with high school football, will see a lot of turnover. Despite O-E’s

Otto-Eldred continued on page 3

2

AUGUST 31, 2021

Troubling Census Results

State Sen. Cris Dush

Dush to push forward with 2020 election review State Sen. Cris Dush is moving forward with a review of the 2020 presidential election results in Pennsylvania after being put in charge of the effort by the state’s top Republican.

Dush, R-Brookville, said earlier this month that, contrary to speculation that he was placed in charge of the review “for the purpose of killing it,” the opposite is true.

“We should have been having hearings and moving toward a more formalized plan to conduct an investigation weeks ago,” Dush said in a statement.

“My team and I are in the process of getting things organized and will work with Senate leadership to get it done.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman of Centre County rebuked fellow GOP state Sen. Doug Mastriano of Franklin County, a top proponent of the review. Corman said Mastriano failed to get the job done and that he would tap Dush to take over the matter.

Corman’s move came a day after Mastriano said on Facebook that “the powers that be” had stopped him from pursuing an investigation. And Mastriano told the pro-Trump outlet OAN last week that Republican leaders in Harrisburg have “done nothing but stonewall me.”

Mastriano, a likely candidate for governor, sent letters to three counties last month demanding they turn over election-related equipment and ballots. Each refused, and Mastriano planned to issue subpoenas through the committee he chairs. But weeks went by without a committee hearing, and the fight within the GOP was made public.

Dush said the purpose of the review of the election — Pennsylvania was a key electoral win for President Joe Biden over former President Donald Trump — is to detail information the state legislature might use “to take future legislative action.”

Dush cited his experience collecting evidence and conducting criminal and civil investigations during his career in the Air National Guard and as an insurance investigator.

“I look forward to putting my years of experience with legal cases, court proceedings and evidence

collection to good use in restoring faith in our elections,” he said.

Dush also took a swipe at Mastriano, who has been accused of using the election integrity probe to raise his own profile.

“I want to make it clear to the public that I will be treating evidence as evidence and not as a means of obtaining publicity,” said Dush, who had been aligned with Mastriano on the issue — they traveled to Arizona in late May to observe the Arizona election audit that was orchestrated by Republicans.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported last week that Jason Thompson, a spokesperson for Corman, said Mastriano’s “story about the committee room drama is little more than a contrived fairy tale.”

Thompson said Mastriano’s Capitol staff “has been temporarily reassigned since Mastriano is more concerned with grandstanding than actually getting things done.”

On Friday, Corman said it was “deeply disappointing that Senator Mastriano has retreated from conducting a forensic investigation of the election in Pennsylvania, and it is discouraging to realize that he was only ever interested in politics and showmanship and not actually getting things done.”

Dush has said that the outcome of the presidential election in Pennsylvania is not in question — Biden won the state by more than 80,000 votes. But he believes there were enough concerns raised about changes in procedures and deadlines — many of them due to the coronavirus pandemic — that a thorough review is warranted.

Gov. Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro, both Democrats, have opposed efforts by the state GOP to review the election and its procedures.

“To the Attorney General, Governor Wolf and the Secretary of State I want to convey this message: I will not stand idly by if you threaten county and other officials and stand in the way of transparency and legislative oversight of our elections,” Dush said. “The Senate has the authority to conduct this investigation and we will do so in a responsible manner.”

POTTER COUNTY— Long-awaited results from the 2020 U.S. Census were released last week, documenting a troubling trend that has challenged elected officials, community leaders, employers and educators for some time. Entering the new decade, Potter County was losing population while its median age continued to rise. Population fell by more than six percent between 2010 (17,457) and 2020 (16,396). The 65-andolder population grew by 33 percent, while the proportion of those under 18 fell by nine percent.

Average Potter County resident was 47.3 years old in 2020; the figure was 45.0 in 2010. Pennsylvania’s statewide median age is 40.6.

Outmigration by younger segments of the population, coupled with death rates surpassing birth rates, are driving the numbers.

About five people die for every four babies born in the county.

Population loss has a ripple effect on the economy. Not only do the tax base and local spending decline, the Census Bureau estimates that for every person who’s lost, a county receives $10,000 less in federal and state funds through more than 50 grant programs, including support for education, transportation, health and

human services, housing, Documentation will not Pennsylvania State Data criminal justice, employ- be available until the Center issue their next popment services and environ- U.S. Census Bureau and ulation estimates mental protection.

There are signs of a potential turnaround, according to reports presented at recent meetings of the Potter County Tourism and Recreation Work Group.

The housing market in Potter County came to life in 2020, due at least in part to people leaving more populated areas in the early stages of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Another notable trend is the increased number of “telecommuters” who have moved to Potter County, where they can work at home through a highspeed internet connection.

PennDOT places speed display board in McKean County KANE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation placed a radar-controlled speed display board on Route 321 at the border between Kane Borough and Wetmore Township in McKean County to remind drivers to obey the posted speed limit.

The board will aid in curbing speeding, a common type of aggressive driving behavior.

The board faces southbound traffic between Biddle Street and Hemlock Avenue.

The board utilizes radar to determine the speeds of oncoming traffic and posts them

to the lighted section of the sign.

The speed limit on this segment of Route 321 is 35 miles per hour. The board will remain in this location for up to four weeks.

Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania.

Other aggressive driving behaviors include running stop signs or red lights, passing illegally and tailgating.

Aggressive driving behaviors were a contributing factor in 52 percent of McKean County crashes in 2020.

County Takes Steps To Tighten ‘Cybersecurity’ POTTER COUNTY— Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel have launched a county employees’ training initiative on “cybersecurity.” Bill Solomon and Dan Baker from the county’s Information Technology Department were charged

with implementing the plan in conjunction with the County Commissioners Assn. of Pa. The county has also taken multiple steps to enhance the security of its technological resources.

“We have been advised of an increase in cybersecurity risks as malicious actors — both domestic and

abroad — seek to exploit local governments’ vulnerability,” the commissioners said in a communication to employees. “Given the sensitive and confidential nature of many aspects of county business and the potential for malware, identity theft and/or other intrusions, the county’s

IT Department has been working with consultants to assess our technology infrastructure and address any vulnerabilities.”

Employees will be able to access a fully automated selection of online instructional courses beginning in early September.

Regional College Town Hall Spotlights Academic/Vocational Options POTTER COUNTY – Another semester has kicked off at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC), which is delivering on its promise to provide low-cost, quality courses in Potter, Cameron and several other counties. During a “town hall” session held this week at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport, the focus was on the future. Administrators from NCPR gathered input on how NPRC can support ongoing efforts to reverse the population loss and youth migration while improving the quality of life.

One message came through loud and clear – the need for expanded technical and vocational training to complement NCPR’s broad array of academic offerings.

Susie Snelick, who was appointed NPRC president earlier this year, led the discussion. She emphasized that the college can be an “economic driver” and make the county more attractive to younger adults and recent high school graduates. Many area residents, from high school students to older residents, have already tapped into NPRC to earn two-year degrees, earn credits toward more advanced educational levels and/or acquire specific skills. Among NPRC’s remote campus settings are the Coudersport and Port Allegany offices of the Potter County Education Council, Austin Area School and Cameron

County High School.

Of particular interest locally is the college’s interest in establishing a vocational and technical training facility in Potter County to support local employers and provide options for local job-seekers who might otherwise leave the area to find gainful employment. NCPR currently offers vocational training in commercial truck driving, powdered metal manufacturing, emergency response and communication linework. How those services might be expanded in Potter County was a primary topic during Wednesday’s town hall.

NPRC representatives Regina Russell (left, instructional support coordinator), and Abigail Petrosky (marketing and public relations), gave an overview of the college’s offerings and its hands-on approach to serving its students. “Student success specialists” are available to work with enrollees one-on-one to meet their educational and/or training objectives. NPRC was launched in 2017 to bring higher education to rural, underserved populations and to help revitalize the workforce and the economy of the region. It’s geared toward recent high school graduates, mid-career adults seeking to advance in their career or begin a new one, and high school students who want to earn college credits. For the traditional college courses,

residents with a high school diploma or GED pay $185 per credit. Current high school students pay $60 per credit. Financial aid

and scholarship opportunities are available. More information is available at regionalcollegepa.org or by calling 814-603-1229.

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AUGUST 31, 2021

Graham Packaging employees stand up for abused pup

BY JOELLEN WANKEL BRADFORD — A story that starts out sad will hopefully have a happy ending for a dog that was rescued from an abusive situation.

Jeremy Baird, Graham Packaging Plant Manager, explained that on Tuesday, the plant’s warehouse manager observed a truck driver waiting to deliver a load drag a small dog out from under the truck and mistreat it. At that time, the driver was asked to

OttoEldred continued from 1 youth, Cook knows that other area schools are dealing with similar situations.

“Every year, there is a lot of turnover,” Cook said.

“Everyone is kind of in the same boat with us, having a lot of guys that play offense and defense. It’s tough to tell how things are going to play out. I know that people voted Smethport and Coudersport at the top (of the division), kind of the same deal that they’re at the top until someone knocks them off.

“If we’re middle of the pack and improving as weeks go on, that’s kind of what we’re looking for.

Maybe we can challenge those guys when we play them.”

O-E will learn a lot about itself after two immediate tests. The Terrors host Port Allegany, which was picked by local coaches to finish third in the D9 Small School North, in Week 0 before traveling to perennial

Rural Healthcare continued from 1 group and local officials have mentioned seeking other providers to open same-day surgical facilities in Bradford, or to offer other services that have been moved from BRMC to Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.

However, McCarthy indicated, the same problems that BRMC had would be a big hurdle for any provider.

“No surgical program can be sustained with a handful of surgeries each week and no maternity program can be sustained with full staff waiting for a birth every three or four days,” he said. “Population loss, volume decline over years and people leaving Bradford to go to other hospitals for services were all contributing factors. As we have said for years, issues in Bradford are the same as rural hospitals across the region and the nation.”

McCarthy added that there are no plans to reduce services further, and Upper Allegheny Health System officials are in the beginning stages of developing plans for the Bradford campus.

“We are actively recruiting specialists and will have a major announcement forthcoming regarding the signing of a specialist for Bradford,” he said.

The Save Our Hospital group, organized by Marty

leave and told he wouldn’t be unloaded that evening.

The incident was reported to Baird, who reviewed surveillance footage Wednesday morning and then contacted City of Bradford Police. Baird said an officer came to the plant, took a statement, watched the video and took a copy for evidence.

At that time, the driver had returned to the warehouse to be unloaded, so officers contacted the McKean County SPCA and responded, Baird

explained. The driver was confronted by the officers and given a couple of options. The driver was from out of state and opted to surrender the dog to the officers, who then turned him over to the SPCA. Bradford City Police Chief Mike Ward explained the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“The dog was seized from the owner by police and the SPCA took possession and provided any necessary care,” Ward said.

“The owner is a North

Carolina resident who was a truck driver picking up goods. The dog will not be returned to the owner.”

Baird, a dog lover with two canine family members at home, expressed interest in adopting the pup.

He filled out adoption papers and is waiting to hear from the SPCA. He noted that his employees at the plant are hopeful they will accept his application.

“I told them we will call him Graham for Graham Packaging,” Baird said. “I have a bunch of dog lovers

power Redbank Valley the following Friday.

“We have a lot of confidence in the offensive line,” Cook said. “But those guys in the backfield, how quickly they improve and get up to speed is going to tell the tale of our season.”

THE RETURNING starters: Jacob Coffman, senior, 6-5, 250, left tackle/defensive tackle Isaac Shaw, junior, 5-10, 195, guard/inside linebacker Brett Taggart, senior, 5-9, 310, defensive tackle Brendan Magee, junior, 5-10, 150, quarterback/defensive back Cohen Walker, senior, 6-2, 225, guard/defensive end Wade Daniels, senior, 5-10, 150, wide receiver/ defensive back Gavin Pearce, senior, 6-2, 185, wide receiver/defensive back ALSO LETTERING were: Andrew Schenfield, sophomore, 6-1, 200, quarterback/defensive end Chance Palmer, senior, 6-1, 205, running back/defensive end Max Splain, junior, 5-10, 170, running back/inside linebacker Abram Austin, sophomore, 5-10, 185, guard/

inside linebacker Braxton Caldwell, sophomore, 6-4, 165, wide receiver/defensive back Blaze Maholic, junior, 5-8, 135, wide receiver/defensive back Gavin Jimerson, senior, 6-3, 185, wide receiver/defensive back THE PLAYERS, by position: Offense Quarterbacks: Magee, A. Schenfield Running backs: Palmer, Max Splain, Ryan Love (sr., 5-11, 175), Hunter App (fr., 5-7, 145) Receivers/Ends: Daniels, Pearce, Caldwell, Maholic, Jimerson, Manning Splain (fr., 5-11, 165), Davey Schenfield (fr., 5-10, 180), Ray’Shene Thomas (fr., 6-2, 145), Alek Harmon (jr., 5-7, 125), Jaden Prince (fr., 5-7, 140), Ryan Schimp (so., 6-1, 180) G u a r d s / Ta c k l e s : Coffman, Shaw, Walker, Austin, Chris Rounsville (jr., 5-11, 185), Calley Raught (fr., 5-10, 180), Dayton Kimball (so., 5-8, 200), Jakob Hernandez (fr., 5-10, 240), Dominic Lawton (so., 5-7, 235), Jeremiah Ford (fr., 5-9, 185), Tony Mebane (sr., 5-10, 220), Allen Payne (jr., 5-8, 250) Centers: Korrie Turek (so., 5-8, 205), Tyler

McElhattan (so., 5-10, 225), Charlie Minard (fr., 5-10, 230) Defense Ends: Pearce, A. Schenfield, Palmer, R. Schimp, Mebane, Minard G u a r d s / Ta c k l e s : Coffman, Rounsville, Raught, Kimball, Hernandez, Lawton, Payne, Turek, McElhattan Linebackers: Shaw, Max Splain, Austin, Love, App, Prince, Ford Defensive backs: Magee, Daniels, Caldwell, Maholic, Jimerson, Man. Splain, D. Schenfield, Thomas, Harmon Kickers: N/A THE SCHEDULE: August 27 — Port Allegany, 7 p.m.

September 3 — at Redbank Valley, 7 p.m.

10 — Cameron County, 7 p.m.

17 — Union/AC Valley, 7 p.m.

24 — at Smethport, 7 p.m.

October 1 — Brockway, 7 p.m.

8 — at Coudersport, 7 p.m.

15 — Bucktail, 7 p.m.

23 — at Sheffield, 1:30 p.m.

29 — at Cowanesque Valley, 7 p.m.

up of Mary LaRowe, interim president and CEO of Upper Allegheny; Jeff Belt, chairman, president of SolEpoxy Inc. in Olean, N.Y.; Dr. Muhammed Javed, vice chairman, physician at BRMC and Olean hospital; Jeannine Schoenecker, secretary, former American Refining Group president; Paul Ridley, treasurer, Sundahl Insurance of Bradford; Dr. Shabir Bhayani, physician at BRMC and Olean General; Marc Boutillette, Oracle Inc., Olean; Daniel DeRose, Mazza Mechanical Services, Olean; David Ferguson, LabelPack Automation, Bradford; Lisa Fiorentino, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford; Julie Marasco, Northwest, Bradford; Dr. Zafar Mirza, physician, Olean; Douglas Pisano, St. Bonaventure; Dr. Anil Pradhan, Bradford; David Prince, Databranch, Olean; Melissa Scholl, OSF, Franciscan Sisters of Allegany; and Dr. Gilbert Witte, Olean.

Learning that the decision about the consolidation had been made without the community’s knowledge or input, and without that of local officials, has been a red flag for community members concerned about the future of the hospital.

“They weren’t forthright with the community at all,” said Kreiner. The commissioners had been told last November that the Bradford facility was “going through a review,” but no indication was given about the enormity of the changes that were already underway.

According to Wilder, “When officials were ultimately told of the decision, it was presented as a fait accompli — a done deal with no hope of change or negotiation. In years prior, the hospital had always presented a rosy picture of the hospital’s status, the commissioners stated.”

McDonald told The Era he had learned a few things

Wilder, Harriet Nevil and Betsy Costello, has been researching the steps taken

by Upper Allegheny officials to get to this point.

What they’ve found is that local officials were in the dark about the consolidation plans until they were a done deal.

“Our meetings with local politicians unearthed a surprising and important fact: Kaleida’s original plan would have closed all of Bradford’s in-patient beds,” Wilder said. “Kaleida and UAHS officials had intended to eliminate every bed, as is permitted in New York state.”

Speaking to The Era, Causer said, “It was obvious hospital officials had already met with the Pennsylvania Department of Health before I knew anything about it.”

In meetings with hospital officials, Causer was repeatedly told the curtailment of services was “the best” Bradford could expect and, further, that complete closure was still possible.

Bradford City Mayor James McDonald gave The Era some background on the city’s meetings with hospital officials, including former CEO Jeff Zewe and his team.

McDonald said he, council members and city administrator Chris Lucco “did voice our concerns very strongly but the decision was already made by the board of directors, which is in fact comprised of many well-known Bradford community members.”

The board is made

here.”

The dog is currently in a 14-day quarantine, after a visit to the veterinarian following the incident.

Baird, who checked on the dog yesterday, said to his knowledge the dog does not have any broken bones and is doing fine. Once quarantine is over, the SPCA can move forward with future plans for the

pup.

“I’m hopeful I get considered to adopt him, but the main thing is to get him a better home,” Baird said.

The incident was also reported to the carrier that employs the driver, and officials there offered to cover the adoption fee if Baird is able to make the dog a part of his family.

Port Allegany library requiring masks for patrons PORT ALLEGANY — As McKean County enters the second week of substantial COVID-19 Transmission, all S.W. Smith library staff and patrons age 3 and up inside the library are required to wear an appropriate nose and mouth covering mask regardless

of vaccination status.

If a patron cannot or will not wear a mask, the library staff is happy to assist that patron at the Library-To-Go Window facing the parking lot.

Ring the wireless doorbell for service.

the small community near the bridge that was called Olivedale in bygone days.

Stroup said the trail club has done work on the path that included the laying of crushed limestone and the installation of signs along the way to nearby Route 219, approximately one-half mile away. She

said the trail in that area is a shared-use path in that it can be used by hikers, walkers, runners, equestrians and bicyclists.

Those who would like to become a trail club member or help with the continuation of the trail may send inquiries or donations to the Kinzua Valley Trail Club, 31 CCC Road, Westline, Pa. 16740, or visit the website wwwkinzuavalleytrail.org. To purchase a Moon Dance fundraiser ticket, slated to be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 28 in Westline, send emails to kinzuavalleytrail@gmail. com.

along the way: “Our current hospital situation took root as soon as UAHS took over the hospital. Government (the city) cannot compel private entities or companies to do what we wish or think that they should.

“No one can buy a hospital from a group that doesn’t wish to sell it.

“It appears as though UAHS developed a plan that was 100% financially motivated and that it actually came to fruition,” the mayor said.

He added, “I want to thank the concerned citizens, community leaders and the Save Our Hospital group for keeping the fight going to try to save our hospital. The City absolutely supports new ideas and conversations that could spark new ideas on how to reverse a decision

by Kaleida and UAHS that seems to be final.”

Kreiner said the commissioners have kept in touch with Causer’s office and the office of state Sen. Cris Dush in hopes of some good news. “We haven’t heard anything.”

Since the consolidation, many have contacted Causer’s office about the state of local health care.

“I have talked to a lot of people — nurses, EMS providers — about concerns they have with local health care, and with staffing levels both at Bradford and over in Olean,” Causer told The Era. The Save Our Hospital group is planning a town hall meeting — for which hospital officials have already declined an invitation — for next month. More details will be forthcoming.

Westline Bridge continued from 1

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AUGUST 31, 2021

True costs of poaching? Study includes Pa. HARRISBURG (TNS) — Surveys and interviews of hunters, landowners, conservation officers and persons convicted of wildlife crime in eight states, including Pennsylvania, are underway for an effort to quantify how often wildlife violations go undetected and the costs of that crime.

The Wildlife Management Institute and the Boone & Crockett Club launched the Poach & Pay Project in December to develop the first comprehensive estimate of wildlife crimes and their impact on natural resource agencies, which they are referring to as the “dark figure” of wildlife crime in America.

They will work with at least eight state fish and wildlife agencies. In addition to Pennsylvania, states involved are Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Oregon.

According to WMI, those states were selected “to maximize variability in location, urban/rural makeup, percent of public vs. private lands, species composition, and accessibility and quality of data.

Wildlife crimes jeopardize the Public Trust Doctrine, which is the foundation of North American wildlife law that establishes a trustee relationship where the government manages wildlife for the benefit of the resources and the public.

While much research has been done into the impacts of wildlife crimes globally — billions of dollars in illegal income annually — only recently have researchers turned their

File photo Pennsylvania is part of study meant to quantify the effects of poaching. attention to wildlife crime in North America.

Few studies have examined the impacts of wildlife crime to conservation and the financial consequences resulting from violations of state fish and wildlife laws.

The Poach & Pay Project is the first research effort designed to: • A s s e s s the levels of detection and conservation impacts associated with wildlife crime.

• Describe the motivational factors and potential deterrents that influence poachers.

• Determine the judicial and prosecutorial barriers to enforcing wildlife laws.

• P r o v i d e solutions to improve prosecution and conviction rates of poachers, including an

objective, defensible and proportional framework for poaching penalties and restitution.

Data from the 80,000 surveys will be categorized into four groupings: crimes detected and successfully prosecuted, crimes detected but not successfully prosecuted, crimes detected but not prosecuted, and crimes not detected.

CWD UPDATE Regulations prohibiting the movement of high-risk body parts from deer, elk and related species have been expanded for the 2021-22 hunting seasons to combat the spread of chronic wasting disease, an always fatal neurological disease in those species.

As the disease continues to spread in the state, and beyond, the Pennsylvania

Game Commission has made two changes in its regulations.

First, hunters are prohibited from importing high-risk parts or materials from cervids harvested, taken or killed in any state or country outside Pennsylvania. The prohibition previously applied only to those parts from animals taken in states and provinces known to have CWD. Second, hunters are prohibited from moving high-risk parts outside of what is called the Established Area, which is a subsection of Disease Management Area 2 — all or parts of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon,

HOME & GARDEN 5 ways to make homes safer

Injuries that occur around the home contribute to millions of medical visits and tens of thousands of fatalities each year. Falls account for the largest percentage of home accidents, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that around 30,000 fall-related fatalities occur each year in the United States.

Many home accidents are entirely preventable when proper caution is exercised.

As homeowners prepare for home-improvement projects, improving safety inside and outside the home should be a priority.

1. Improve lighting One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of falls is to improve lighting around the home. The National Institutes of Health state that adequate lighting is important at entrances to the home, stairways, hallways, and other frequently traversed areas. Make sure lighting fixtures are using the highest wattage light bulb allowed. Artificial lighting sources become even more vital in fall and autumn, when natural light is less abundant in a home.

In addition, install lighting outdoors by the front door, over the garage and where garbage pails are stored to facilitate safe passage.

2.

Eliminate slick

surfaces Improving traction around the house also can minimize falls. Throw rugs and runners can be made more secure with nonslip rubber backings. Bath rugs can reduce slipping on wet surfaces in the bathroom.

Also, nonslip mats can be used inside of showers and bathtubs.

Use shoe trays to reduce puddling from melting snow or rain runoff in entryways. Mop up spills quickly, and consider the use of matte- or textured-finished flooring to improve stability underfoot.

Promptly remove snow and ice from driveways and walkways. For those who live in cold climates, heated concrete can help melt precipitation before it accumulates.

3. Make needed repairs Repair loose floorboards and pull carpet taut if it has started to stretch out. Address cracks outdoors and ensure that patio stones, bricks and pavers are secure and level to reduce tripping hazards.

Fix areas of the landscape where water may pool and freeze, creating potential hazards.

4. Declutter all spaces Remove unnecessary items and furniture from rooms to free up more space to get around. Be sure

there are no obstructions in walkways, entryways and near doors. Keep staircases clear at all times.

5. Invest in assistive devices Handrails, grab bars, nonslip stair treads, and many other devices can make homes safer for people of all ages and abilities.

Outfit cabinets and closets with organizers that put frequently used items within easy reach. A sturdy step stool can reduce the risk of injury while reaching for items stored on high shelves.

Taking measures to reduce the risk of falling around the home is a worthwhile home improvement project.

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Indiana, Juniata, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Somerset, Union, and Westmoreland counties.

That includes moving those parts even into the surrounding DMA. High-risk parts include the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes); spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and brain-tanned hides.

In addition to hunter-harvested deer, both changes also apply to deer killed in vehicle collisions that are picked up for consumption.

According to Andrea Korman, the commission’s CWD biologist, “The movement of high-risk carcass parts is a potential avenue through which CWD could be spread and one that can be prevented.”

Expanding the regulation banning the importation of high-risk parts into Pennsylvania from any state or province, regardless of whether CWD is known to exist there, takes into account the wide range of testing and surveillance in other states. Not all states monitor the disease the same way. The change in regulations simplifies things for hunters, who no longer need to remember different rules for different areas.

“The answer is always ‘Don’t bring high-risk parts home with you,’” Korman said.

The regulation change specific to the EA reflects the state of the disease there. The EA has produced more than 90 percent of the 727 cases of CWD found in Pennsylvania to date.

“CWD is difficult to manage and moving highrisk parts from a known area of infection has the potential to spread the disease to new areas,” said Jeannine Fleegle, a biologist in the commission’s Deer and Elk Section. “We need to do everything we can to prevent that.”