Causer Co-Sponsors Welfare Reform Package

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today applauded the introduction of a package of bills aimed at bringing much-needed reform to the state’s public welfare system.

 

“Welfare spending is out of control, and that’s due in large part to people abusing the system,” Causer said. “While the Rendell administration was willing to overlook the significant evidence of waste and fraud uncovered over the last few years, House Republicans are not. The welfare system must be accountable to the taxpayers who fund it.”

 

The eight-bill package, known as WelFAIR (Fairness, Accountability, Integrity and Responsibility), would reform the welfare system by:
 

Causer said evidence of waste, fraud and abuse within the welfare system can be found both in audit reports from Democrat Auditor General Jack Wagner and media stories from across the Commonwealth.

 

According to audits released by Wagner, one Allegheny County resident was issued 99 different Access cards, the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used by welfare recipients. In Philadelphia, a father of five was paid more than $7,000 to babysit his own children, a feat he accomplished by using a fake name and Social Security number.

 

More recently, a daycare provider in Allegheny County was accused of selling drugs from her facility and accepting welfare EBT cards as collateral for drugs.

 

For more information about the WelFAIR initiative, visit www.RepCauser.com

 

Casey Votes to Protect PA Jobs, Clean Air

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement after the Senate took a series of votes on EPA regulation of greenhouse gas emissions:

“Greenhouse gas emissions pose threats to public health and the environment.  How this threat is addressed is important for a manufacturing state like Pennsylvania during an economic recovery.  That is why I voted today for legislation that would protect Pennsylvania jobs, Pennsylvania agriculture and allow steps to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Further, I have also pushed for small businesses to be exempted from any new regulations. 

“I remain concerned that regulatory action without sufficient safeguards and congressional action could harm industry and workers in manufacturing states like Pennsylvania.  At the same time, in the absence of congressional action on energy legislation, there should not be a prohibition on the development of plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  And new clean energy industry should be encouraged in order to continue the progress being made to create Pennsylvania jobs. 

“I will continue to work toward solutions that can protect public health while protecting Pennsylvania jobs.”

 

Protecting PA's Governor, Lt. Governor Costs $3M

HARRISBURG, PA (AP) — It costs at least $3 million a year to provide round-the-clock security for Pennsylvania's governor, lieutenant governor and their families, a newspaper reported Monday.

The cost includes salary, overtime and benefits for the Pennsylvania State Police's executive service section, The Patriot-News of Harrisburg said.

That figure does not include travel and other expenses for the troopers while they are doing their job.

Acting state police Commissioner Frank Noonan defended the cost as necessary, even while state government is facing cutbacks to address a projected multibillion-dollar deficit.

"The shooting of Rep. (Gabrielle) Giffords in Arizona just shows you that these things can happen at any time," Noonan told the newspaper.

Noonan said he has tried to reduce the detail's overtime costs through scheduling and by assigning fewer higher-paid ranking officers to it.

The detail's members guard the governor in public and drive him around. They plan travel routes and investigate locations where the executives are to appear. When the governor is at his official residence in Harrisburg, the troopers patrol the grounds and watch security monitors.

Most states provide such security to their governors. Officials in New Jersey and New York said they do not keep records that break down the cost of the security. An Ohio Department of Public Safety official said the cost is confidential.

The Giffords shooting prompted Texas to expand protection to the lieutenant governor, House speaker and state attorney general for a period of time.

In Florida, a proposal before that state's Senate would halve the $1.5 million cost to protect the governor.

 

Rapp Participates in 2011-12 Right to Work Rollout to End Compulsory Unionism Across Pennsylvania

State Representative Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) joined in a state Capitol press conference with House members, leading Right to Work advocates from across the state and several negatively impacted individuals committed to ending the practice of compulsory unionism on Tuesday to officially reintroduce the Pennsylvania Open Workforce Initiative (House Bills 50-53).   

Rapp’s Right to Work legislation, (House Bill 51) would repeal Pennsylvania’s School Employee “Agency Shop” Law (Act 84) to return the individual decision of whether or not to join or support a labor union to teachers and all other public education employees.  

“It is unconscionable for any level of government to allow union leaders to profit or maintain their existence by leeching off the earnings of another,” said Rapp, the 2008 recipient of the Pennsylvanians for Right to Work Statesmen of the Year Award.  “Approximately 75 percent of Pennsylvania school districts operate under forced union contracts, which means that 75 percent of all public school teachers must join or pay union dues in order to keep their jobs.   With nearly 85 percent of teacher strikes occurring in districts with forced union dues contracts, clearly Act 84 or Pennsylvania’s Agency Shop Law has done absolutely nothing to improve labor relations in our public schools.” 

Designed to protect the individual freedoms of Pennsylvania’s working citizens, schools and the economy by ending the practice of compulsory unionism, other specific legislation and bill sponsors comprising the Pennsylvania Open Workforce Initiative are as follows:   

House Bill 50 Freedom of Employment Act—Representative Metcalfe

During the past decade, real personal income rose 28.3 percent in America’s 22 Right to Work states as compared to 14.7 percent in forced unionism states, such as Pennsylvania.   During the same time frame, the number of welfare recipients per 1,000 residents was 17.3 in forced unionism states, compared to just 7.6 in Right to Work states. 

Under Metcalfe’s free-standing Right to Work legislation, employment will no longer be conditional upon paying dues to a union.    

House Bill 52 Repeal of Act 84—(State Employee “Agency Shop” Law)—Representative Tom Creighton (R-Lancaster)

Since 1988, nearly 20,000 non-union state employees have lost their individual freedom to decide whether or not to join and support a union.   As a result, millions of dollars are collected annually by the state from non-union members in the form of compulsory union fees and sent directly to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and other state employee union coffers at the expense of Pennsylvania taxpayers. 

House Bill 53 Repeal of Act 15—(Local Employee “Agency Shop” Law)—Representative Jim Cox (R-Berks)

This Right to Work protection bill would return the individual freedom of choice to all local, municipal, county and township employees to decide for themselves which private organizations they wish to support and prevent the collection of compulsory union dues. 

“As the power of labor leaders grows through the collection of forced union dues, students, parents and citizens from all walks of life are held hostage to their demands and almost always end up paying the ransom through even higher taxes,” said Rapp.   “Each of the Right to Work bills we’re introducing here today has the potential to provide all working Pennsylvania citizens with the freedom to join and support only those organizations that promote and share their values.” 

Governor Tom Corbett has recently indicated that he would sign into law, Rapp’s and all other Right to Work legislation that is sent to his desk    For the latest legislative updates, visit RepRapp.com.

 

Casey Highlights Economic Benefits of Early Childhood Education

HARRISBURG, PA— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today met with government and business leaders to stress the economic benefits of early childhood education at the PA Early Learning Investment Commission’s (ELIC) 2011 Economic Summit on Early Education.

“Investing in children is not only the right thing to do to ensure children reach their full potential, it will also pay huge dividends for the economy and build a workforce for the future,” said Senator Casey.  “That is why I was pleased to join Pennsylvania business leaders and other officials to talk about my proposals to provide access to quality early learning opportunities for all children to prepare them for success in school and beyond.”

As the new Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), Senator Casey today reached out to business leaders to identify ways to raise the profile of the payoffs of investing in early learning. Noted economists agree that investing in early childhood education is fiscally responsible because it yields a return of investment of between $3 and $17 for every dollar invested, with benefits like reduced need for special education, lower juvenile justice rates, increased high school graduation and college matriculation rates and increased productivity among families.

Last month, Senator Casey introduced legislation to create an early learning challenge fund to encourage states to invest in early learning. The Supporting State Systems of Early Learning Act (S. 470) is modeled after Pennsylvania’s experience with early learning and will help to ensure that more low-income children have access to quality learning and development opportunities.

The bill will award competitive grants to states to help them build systems of early learning and require states to develop a tiered program rating and improvement system like Keystone STARS to help parents identify quality early learning providers.

Senator Casey has attended PA ELIC’s annual summit every year since its formation in 2008.

 

Sen. Toomey Pleased with Decision to Try KSM in Military Court

Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement following news that the Justice Department has decided to try 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in a military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay.

“I was pleased to hear that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed will finally be brought to justice and that President Obama has decided to try him in a military tribunal at Guantanamo Bay,” Sen. Toomey said. “The military tribunal is the proper place for a fair trial that will safeguard American national security interests. Unlike a civilian trial, a military tribunal will avoid the dangerous disclosure of sensitive national secrets that would empower our enemies.”

 

University Students/Staff Meet With Causer - Representative Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) recently met with a variety of people from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.  Pictured left to right are student Eric Austin, a member of the Student Government Association; Jill Ballard, Executive Director and Managing Director of the Bradford Educational Foundation; Lindsay Retchless, Director of Alumni Relations; Christina Graham, Director of Student Activities; student Alicia Hooks, a member of the Blue and Gold Society; Danielle Munksgard, a 2008 alumna; and Rep. Matt Gabler.

 

Causer Discusses State Budget Cuts - Rep. Martin Causer met with students and officials from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Tuesday to discuss state funding for the university.  The group expressed its concern over Gov. Tom Corbett's proposal to cut 50 percent of the University of Pittsburgh's state funding and the impact it would have on the local campus. Causer said he is working with fellow lawmakers to restore a portion of the cut; however, he also indicated that the difficult economic times require cuts across every part of the state budget.  Pictured left to right are student Eric Austin, a member of the Student Government Association; Jill Ballard, Executive Director and Managing Director of the Bradford Educational Foundation; Lindsay Retchless, Director of Alumni Relations; Christina Graham, Director of Student Activities; student Alicia Hooks, a member of the Blue and Gold Society; Danielle Munksgard, a 2008 alumna; and Rep. Matt Gabler.

 

Causer Announces Town Hall Meeting April 19

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today announced he has scheduled a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Smethport Fire Hall, 109 S. Nelson St.

The town hall meeting is in addition to four “Coffee and Conversation” sessions scheduled in Emporium, Coudersport, Bradford and Port Allegany this month.

“Many people have contacted me saying they’d like to attend one of the morning sessions but they are unable to due to their work schedules,” Causer said. “In the past, I have had far better attendance at morning meetings than evening, but with so many people expressing an interest this time, I am looking forward to a good turnout.”

The meeting is open to anyone in the 67th Legislative District, and light refreshments will be served. No RSVP is required for the evening town hall meeting. 

Seating is limited for the morning coffee sessions, so Causer is requesting that people who wish to attend be sure to RSVP by calling 814-362-4400, 814-274-9769 or emailing rrace@pahousegop.com at least one week prior to the event they plan to attend.

The “Coffee and Conversation” meetings begin at 8 a.m. and are scheduled as follows:

• Thursday, April 14 – Emporium Volunteer Fire Department, 419 N. Broad St., Emporium.

• Friday, April 15 – Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Wellness Center, 1001 E. Second St., Coudersport.

• Tuesday, April 19 – University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Commons Building, University Room, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford.

• Thursday, April 28 – Port Allegany Borough Office, 45 W. Maple St., Port Allegany.

 

Protho No Longer Provides Passport Apps

SMETHPORT—Passport applications are no longer issued by the McKean County Prothonotary’s Office.

Applications are available at post offices, or they can be downloaded from www.travel.state.gov. Click “passport,” then click “apply.”

The prothonotary’s office discontinued the passport service on March 1.

 

Plants Will Replace Plant, PC Exec Says
By Martha Knight

Plant 5 died at age 51, when owner Pittsburgh Corning Corporation had it razed in late March. Still standing is much senior Plant 1, built in 1937. Plant 2 (the former foamglass facility) and the Products Building (onetime research and development location) and a storage building on Pearl Street were other victims of demolition projects in recent years.

But for now, no more demolitions are planned, according to Don Tanner, PCC’s vice-president for global human resources. The former site of Plant 5 will become a “green space,” featuring trees and grass and other landscaping “to enhance the property and the neighborhood.”

In e-mail answers to questions by a reporter, Tanner said Plant 5 was razed as part of an ongoing effort to consolidate the company’s manufacturing process.

The assembly work that had been done in Plant 5 and the equipment associated with assembly have been relocated to another part of the Port Allegany facility. The assembly projects had to do with creating large windows and panels used in “the commercial building area of the business.”

Tanner also emphasized that no jobs had been affected by the most recent physical downsizing of the business.

Not mentioned in the exchange with Tanner was another benefit of the elimination of some of the structures owned by PC in Port Allegany: reduction of real estate taxes. After each earlier demolition, the company has requested and been granted changes in its tax assessment.

Meanwhile, county, borough and school district taxes are part of the debt load listed by the company, which has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy since 2000. Port Allegany borough manager Richard Kallenborn says the borough hopes to receive some of what is owed it, through the bankruptcy process, but has no assurances. “Those dollars will have to come from other taxpayers,” he said, noting that repeated cuts in the PC workforce
have hit the local economy hard.

“I was looking at some records and noticed that a few years ago there were more than 350 employees there,” Kallenborn observed recently. “So many people we can think of (from PC’s local history) could not have imagined this happening to the company.” The current workforce is a fraction of the number who worked there in the “glory days,” when Port Allegany was the glass block capital of North America, and possibly of the world.

Tanner said Plant 5 was 48,000 square feet in size. Some asbestos abatement was performed prior to the gross demolition, when some Transite (asbestos-cement material) was removed from the exterior and “properly disposed of prior to the bulk of the demolition.”

Demolition permits were received from the borough of Port Allegany, Tanner said. Other permits came from McKean County Soil Conservation Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP was also notified 10 days before any asbestos abatement work, Tanner added.

Currently, the company awaits a bankruptcy court ruling concerning its latest plan of reorganization.

 

Northern Tier Marcellus Business to Business Expo

The 2011 Northern Tier Marcellus Shale Business to Business Expo is being held on Saturday June 25th at Alparon Park in Troy, PA and is now taking reservations for booth spaces, sponsorships and advertising.

With major sponsors such as Talisman this event promises to provide businesses and entrepreneurs with the unique opportunity to network among some of the natural gas industry’s most important contacts and supporting industries. Introduce your business and technology to the people who are making decisions in the hottest shale play in the country.

Take the opportunity to be part of this business to business expo located in one of the hot spots of drilling activity in Troy, Pennsylvania is a must if you and your business is interested in becoming part of this emerging industry. Check our site at www.ntmarcellusexpo.com for more information.

Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us June 25th at the Northern Tier Marcellus Shale Business to Business Expo in Troy, Pennsylvania!"

 

Confirmation Ceremony Held - The sacrament of confirmation was given to the 2011 class Sunday evening at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church in Port Allegany by Bishop Donald Trautman of the Erie Diocese.  Candidates were from St. Bibiana, St. Eulalia, and St. Gabriels.  They are (front row, left to right) Katelyn Valenti, Amanda Morey, Angela Smoulder, Skyler Marshall, Anthony Cowburn; (row 2) Kitty Patton, Sierra Blake, Rhiannon Riley, Jennifer Kane, Caitlin Easton, Alex Furman, Tye Dynda, Bishop Donald Trautman; (third row) Father James Campbell, Justine Kinney, Sophia Riley; (fourth row) Jacob Stehle, Charlie Buchanan, Garrett Drabert, Tim McCusker and Coty Causer.  Following the service, a reception was held in the Parish Hall.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

 

 

Bookmobile Day Proclaimed, Vehicle Seeks Support

By Martha Knight

Next week is National Library Week all across the land, but many communities do not celebrate National Bookmobile Day, which is April 13. That’s because many communities do not have bookmobiles. Even in Pennsylvania there are few extant.

Port Allegany Mayor Don Carley paid tribute to the familiar, colorfully lettered white vehicle Monday night by reading aloud to the Borough Council and others present an official proclamation with seven Whereas’s and a final Be It Resolved.

The S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library and Bookmobile’s well-used bookmobile service has enabled the local library system to serve the two boroughs and four townships of its sprawling service area by taking books and media to the population. The service has many enthusiastic and faithful users.

The official proclamation says:

“Whereas, libraries everywhere play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in their communities; and

“Whereas, librarians are trained professionals, helping  people of all ages and backgrounds find and interpret the information they need to love, learn and work in a challenging economy; and

“Whereas, for over 100 years, bookmobiles and direct-delivery outreach services have played a vital role in fulfilling the mission of libraries, bringing the resources of libraries and the expertise of librarians directly to all kinds of communities—rural, urban and suburban; and

“Whereas, bookmobiles are modern, changing and dynamic mobile information centers for the 21st century, providing not just books, but DVDs, music, resources for job searches and more; and

Whereas, as an extension of libraries, bookmobiles are part of the American Dream—places of opportunity, education, self-help and lifelong learning; and

“Whereas, bookmobile use is up nationwide among all types of library users; and

“Whereas libraries, librarians, library workers and library supporters across America and beyond are celebrating National Bookmobile Day during National Library Week;

“Now, therefore be it resolved that I, Donald G. Carley, Mayor of Port Allegany, proclaim National Bookmobile Day, April 13, 2011, in Port Allegany, and encourage all residents to visit the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library and Bookmobile that day to take advantage of the wonderful library resources available at your library, or brought directly to you by bookmobiles.”

Library board member Lynn Farber noted that the bookmobile is currently in need of new tires and a fuel pump, prior to inspection. Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, Lantz Corners, services the diesel-powered vehicle, which is expected to resume its regular circuits soon.

The current bookmobile newsletter solicits recollections from community members, asking how many generations of bookmobile use current users recall in their families, and how many bookmobile drivers and librarians they can name.

To mark National Bookmobile Day there will be a coffee hour in Eldred, an open house at the bookmobile with bookmobile cookies, a photo display, and other proclamations by officials in other municipalities served by the “roving library annex.”

Duke Center supporters of the bookmobile program can contribute at the Duke Center Superette, using the “railroad bank.” Other patrons and the public at large can contribute at the bookmobile, or at the library, or by mailing marked contributions to the library.  Photo Submitted

 

Now You See It!! - Pittsburgh Corning's Plant 5 looked like this on the sunny summer day when Ron Tyson took this photo from across Main Street. It is part of his massive collection of area structures and scenes.  Photo Submitted
Now you Don't! - Plant 5 had become rubble in just days last week.  Martha Knight Photo

 

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church Holds Benefit For Star Hose Company - St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Port Allegany held a soup supper on March 26 to benefit local firefighters.  The Rev. JoAnn Piatko and Connie Benson of St. Joseph’s presented a check for $626.50 to Star Hose Fire Chief Fred Roys, Deputy Chief Kevin Ernst (pictured left), and President Mark Errick (pictured far right).  “This money is greatly appreciated,” said Chief Roys. “Every donation helps, and we will be able to put this money to good use.  “The generosity of The Rev. Piatko and her congregation is amazing, and we can’t thank them enough for their support,” Roys said.  According to Rev. Piatko, this soup supper was the first held at St. Joseph’s this year.  Three more are planned, with each one benefiting another local non-profit group.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

IU9 Band Festival - Students selected to participate in the Intermediate Unit Nine Band Festival include Junior High students (#1 - front row, left to right) Andrew Rosenswie, Adam Koehler; (back row) Malari Lapp, Hannah Ernst and Jefferson Stehle; and Senior High students (#2 front row, left to right) Dylan Bowers, Ryan Michelitsch; (second row) Mary Rosenswie, Tyler Smith; (third row) Zachary Sigafoes and Jacob Stehle.  Also selected, but not   pictured, is Megan Bishel.  The festival will be held Friday, April 8 at Northern Potter High School.  Guest conductors for the event are Dr. Adam Brennan from Mansfield University for Senior High and Kevin Roessner from Northern Potter High School for Junior High.  A public concert featuring the Junior High, Senior High and Combined Bands will be presented at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.  Tickets are available at the door.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

Rotary Report - The Port Allegany Rotary Club held their regular monthly meeting at the Moose Family Center.  There were 22 Rotarians present for a reportable attendance of 76 percent.  The club had one guest, Troy Herzog, a visiting Rotarian from the Smethport Club.  Ki Bayline (pictured)  gave a short talk on his visit to a Rotary Club in Florida and programs which they are involved like Vital Flight, Shelter in a Box and Children's Dream Fund.  The club will meet at the Career Technical Center (SHAVTS) on April 7 at the 12:15 time.  Ki Bayline will be the program chair of the day on April 14 followed by Joe Lashway on April 21.  There will be no noon meeting on April 28 due to the first Road Cleanup of the year.  Winner of the 50/50 raffle was Frank Rackish.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

Family Affair - Sean Lathrop and his family were honored during the 2011 Wrestling Banquet held Sunday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Building.  Coach Lathrop has been a part of Port Allegany Wrestling for 25 years.  He's worked with all ages of wrestlers from the elementary-aged Junior Wrestlers to the Varsity Level.  Former PAHS Wrestler, Dr. Isaac Greeley and senior Zach Manning presented him with a plaque with thanks for his 25 years of dedication. Coach Lathrop is pictured here with his family - daughters Allison, Rebecca, Hannah and wife, Laurie.  More photos from this event will appear on this week's picture page.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

Undefeated Lady Gators - The PAHS Junior High Lady Gator Basketball team completed an undefeated season with a record of 14-0. In fact, the Junior High Lady Gators have only lost one game in the past three seasons.  The 2011 team includes (front row, left to right) Lizzie Moses, Hannah Ernst, Lynae Delacour, Somer Buchsenschutz, McKaila Daniels, Shania Jones, Farrah Fischer; (row 2) Rikki Rennells, Monica Johnson, Allison Lathrop, Caitlyn Harvey, Brianna Bell, Mia Snyder, Kendra Pelchy; (back row) Coach Mike Nasto, Samantha Metzger, Brooke Roys, Vanessa Harvey, Kayla Causer and Brittany Stoddard.  Missing from the photo are assistant coaches Tony Edgell and Jeff Schultz.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

Lady Gator Track Returning Letter-winners - There are sixteen returning letterwinners for the Port Allegany High School Lady Gator Track team.  They are pictured (front row, left to right) Kayla Ford, Hannah Wise, Haleigh McClelland, Caryne Healy; (row 2) Bryanna Evens, Michelle Armendaris, Rhiannon Riley, Jillian Edgreen, Renee Edgell; (row 3) Jordan Edgell, Carli Johnston, Sara Borro, Ashley Woodruff; (row 4) Becca Culver, Breanna Foster and Kelsey Payne.  Head coach for the Lady Gators is George Riley.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

Gator Wrestling Banquet - The Port Allegany High School Wrestling Banquet was held Sunday, April 3 at the Veterans Memorial Building.  Master of Ceremonies was Keith Delacour.  Senior wrestlers were honored including (pictured, front row, left to right) Bryan Lacher, Marcus Borowsky, Chester Tanner; (back) Karissa Neal, Zachary Manning, Brad Goodreau, Ryan Kio, Cole Caulkins and (not pictured) Dalton Warnick.

Also honored were senior managers (left to right) Brittany Reinard, Nikki Andrus, Jorden Austin and Ashley Bernard; and senior cheerleaders Caryne Healy and Breanna Foster with advisor Debbie Bachman.  Pam Fischer Photos

 

 

Also speaking were JH Coach Ryan Johnson who with his assistant coaches Mark Goodreau and Aaron Vollmer presented the Junior High Wrestlers with their awards; and Varsity Coach Sean Lathrop and his assistants Alan Lovell and BJ Greenman.  Varsity Awards were presented as follows:  Most Improved Wrestler was Trent Neal; Wrestler with the highest GPA was Nick Budd; Rookie of the Year was Dalton Caden; Coaches Awards went to Ryan Kio and Zach Manning; Unsung Hero went to Brad Goodreau; and Outstanding Wrestler went to Chester Tanner.

Former PAHS Wrestler Isaac Greeley and senior Zach Manning made a special presentation to Sean Lathrop who is retiring from coaching after 25 years of service to the wrestling program in Port Allegany beginning with Junior Wrestlers and ending as Varsity Head Coach.  Lathrop thanked everyone for their support throughout his coaching career.  A special thanks was given to his family - wife, Laurie, and daughters Rebecca, Allison and Hannah.  Pam Fischer Photos

 

Gator Track Returning Letterman - Head Coach George Riley has eleven returning lettermen for the 2011 Gator Track season.  They are (pictured front row, left to right) Wes Caulkins, Sam Shaffer, Ben Osani; (back row) Tyce Miller, Nick Conway, Max Morris, James Coxen, Seth Lowery, Brock Taylor, Camrin Stuckey and Jacob Stehle.  Pam Fischer Photo

 

Returning Letterman For Gator Baseball - Returning lettermen for the 2011 Gator Baseball Team are pictured (front row, left to right) Zach Sigafoes, Sam Kysor, Seth Lowery, Charlie Buchanan, Camrin Stuckey; (back row) Matt Bodamer, Rickie Bova and Garrett Drabert.  Head coach for the Gator team is Nate Zitnik.  Pam Fischer Photo