Casey Announces Over $13.5 Million for I-80 Improvements

At Local Manufacturer, Casey Pushes for National Strategy to Create Manufacturing Jobs

Casey Statement On The June Unemployment Numbers

Turzai Legislation Gets Pennsylvania Out of The Alcohol Business

HARRISBURG – To move Pennsylvania out of the post-Prohibition era by allowing the private sector to sell wine and spirits, House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny County) will unveil legislation to privatize wine and liquor sales in the Commonwealth.

“Should Pennsylvania be in the business of selling alcohol? Is this a core government function? I don’t think so, and the large majority of Pennsylvanians agree,” Turzai said. “The current system is antiquated and out of touch. It’s time to end the statewide monopoly and give consumers better selection and more convenience.”

Currently only two states, Pennsylvania and Utah, have complete control over wholesale and retail operations. Turzai’s legislation would privatize the wholesale and retail operations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).

House Bill 11 will continue to generate annual revenues through a reformed tax structure, which includes elimination of the 18 percent Johnstown Flood tax and the 30 percent markup by the PLCB. These taxes and charges would be replaced with a fairer gallonage tax. The state will also receive tax revenues from the new retail and wholesale businesses that would be created.

In addition this legislation also strengthens law enforcement supervision of alcohol sales and enhances alcohol safety and awareness programs. The proposal enhances enforcement of liquor laws by providing concurrent jurisdiction for state and local police; requiring retail managers and employees to attend R.A.M.P. (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) training; mandating the use of I.D. scanners with age verification software; requiring retail operations to be maintained in a separate area dedicated to the sale of liquor and all retail store employees to be at least 21 years old; and subjecting retail licensees to “age compliance checks” to ensure against selling to minors. Licensees who fail to adhere to these standards will face heavy penalties and possible suspension or revocation of their licenses.

Under this proposal, the PLCB’s role will focus solely on regulation, enforcement and education, removing the conflict of interest that currently exists by having the same entity promote and regulate alcohol sales.

Current PLCB employees displaced by privatization will receive the following opportunites: hiring preference in other state jobs; tax credits for employers who would hire them full-time; and education grants to help retrain employees to perform other jobs.

The current monopoly system was created in 1933 by then-Gov. Gifford Pinchot, who said the PLCB’s mission was to make liquor sales “as inconvenient and expensive as possible.” Over the past few years, the PLCB has attempted to improve customer service with miserable results. In 2009, the PLCB paid $173,000 for an outside company to provide its employees with courtesy training. The organization also spent more than $4 million a year on advertising and millions of dollars on a “rebranding effort” – even though the PLCB has a monopoly on the market in Pennsylvania. Also, the wine kiosk program has fallen short of projected sales. As a result, Wegman’s has recently decided to decommission 10 wine kiosks in its Pennsylvania stores.

A June 14 Quinnipiac University statewide poll shows 69 percent of Pennsylvanians polled are in favor of selling the state liquor stores. Numerous newspapers from across the Commonwealth have also called for privatization of the PLCB.

“This is a proposal whose time has come,” Turzai said. “It’s time to put Pennsylvania in step with the rest of the country.”

CCMH To Use Appointment Reminder System

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital will initiate a new appointment reminder system for its office practices as a service to its patients.

The automated system, which will be activated over the next couple of weeks, will call to confirm patient appointments. After a brief introduction from Charles Cole, the message will update patients with the date, time and location of scheduled appointments. Patients will have the option to conveniently confirm or cancel their appointments via their phone’s key pad. Patients are encouraged to listen to the entire message as the system is designed to remind patients of all appointments including coordinated multiple appointments on one day.

“This new process is being implemented as a service to our patients. We hope that by offering a friendly reminder of scheduled appointments two days in advance, patients will be more likely to receive the healthcare they need. We hope our patients find this service beneficial in helping to manage busy schedules,” said Janice Walters, executive director, revenue systems and primary care services.

University of Pittsburgh Trustees Set Tuition Rate For Pitt-Bradford

BRADFORD, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees has approved a 4 percent tuition increase for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and its other three regional campuses for the 2011-12 academic year.

Effective at the beginning of the fall 2011 semester, the list price for tuition at Pitt-Bradford will be $11,736 per year for Pennsylvania residents and $21,928 per year for out-of-state students. Tuition in the nursing program will be $15,034 for in-state residents and $27,964 per year for out-of-state residents.

Very few students, however, end up paying the list price. About 92 percent of Pitt-Bradford students receive some form of financial aid, and nearly 50 percent of new freshmen receive a merit scholarship ranging from $1,000 per year for in-state commuter students to $11,500 per year for out-of-state students living on campus.

“Even before the announcement of these relatively modest tuition increases, we had instituted a number of financial aid initiatives to help students and their families cover the cost of their education,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford.

“As we begin the next academic year, we will ensure that our students are well informed about all financial aid for which they might be eligible.”

During the last academic year, the average amount of financial aid each enrolled student received was about $16,490 for in-state students and about $19,250 for out-of-state students.

In addition to the merit scholarships, private donor scholarships help students complete their studies.
“Thanks to our kind and generous friends and supporters, students can receive as much as $1,200 each year to help cover college expenses,” Alexander said.

Since 2007, Pitt-Bradford has increased its total number of endowed scholarships from 122 to 164. The Agnes L. and Lewis Lyle Thomas $1 million Scholarship Challenge, which has stimulated more than $1 million in matching scholarship funds, is the major reason for the growth in scholarships.
The tuition increases were part of a $1.94 billion operating budget for the University of Pittsburgh for the fiscal year that formally began on July 1.

The increase will help to offset a 22 percent reduction in the Commonwealth’s appropriation to Pitt.

Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said: “In constructing this budget, our most fundamental goals were to maintain high levels of access for accomplished students of modest means through tuition rates that are as competitive as circumstances permit and through further investments in financial aid.”

Students can still apply for the 2011-12 academic year by contacting the Pitt-Bradford Office of Admissions at 1-800-872-1787 or admissions@upb.pitt.edu.

CCMH, Hospice To Host Lifetimes Retreat

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and Potter County Hospice will host a retreat for children 6-14 who are grieving due to death, divorce or other loss.

The third annual Lifetimes Retreat provides activities for children to express their feelings and work through the grieving process. Knowing that children grieve differently than adults, the retreat allows children to talk with other children who had similar experiences and to realize their feelings are normal.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., August 10 at the Patterson Cancer Care Center. There is no charge for the event and lunch is included. For more information, or to register, call 814/274-0384.

New Pitt-Bradford Scholarship Honors Rev. Cora and Tony Prantner

BRADFORD, Pa. – A new scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford honors the late Bradford residents the Rev. Cora and Tony Prantner.

The Prantners were well known in Bradford for spaghetti dinners hosted at their home, dancing wherever they found music, their political engagement, and the flower Cora Prantner always wore behind her ear.

The story of their love of life and generosity to the community goes much deeper, said their daughter, who endowed the Prantner Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will benefit a student who makes a difference in the world by taking part in an organization or special project that promotes humanitarian, animal or environmental causes.

Although they spent the last decades of their life in Bradford, the Prantners spent most of their lives in the Buffalo, N.Y., area, where Tony Prantner served as an auxiliary policeman. The couple also saved their money in a Christmas club account all year, then used the money to throw a Halloween party for children in their neighborhood.

Cora Prantner received the key to the city of Buffalo for her participation in civic life, which she continued in Bradford, becoming a common presence at public meetings.

When an expanding company wanted to buy the Prantner’s Buffalo home, they took the opportunity to fulfill Tony Prantner’s dream of living in the country and settled in Big Shanty, near Bradford.

“My parents always found opportunities to make a difference,” their daughter said. “My mom had weekly spaghetti dinners and invited anyone who she knew was going to be alone.”

Tony Prantner created an organic garden on a quarter of an acre and became known for the homegrown garlic he gave away.

For fun, the Pranters danced at the Italian Festival or Moose Club or wherever else Cora Prantner heard there was a dance. She would get dressed up – flower and all -- and bring her tambourine.

The Prantner scholarship was one of the last created through a match from the Agnes L. and Lewis Lyle Thomas Scholarship Challenge, which matched the amount of any gift between $5,000 and $50,000 given for scholarships.

For more information on endowed scholarships at Pitt-Bradford, contact Jill Ballard, executive director of institutional advancement at jballard@pitt.edu or (814)362-5091.

It Isn't Loaded - Pete Nunn, co-curator of the Canoe Place Historical Society of Port Allegany, and Judy Church, Smethport, of the McKean County Historical Society, talked to the Port Allegany group about re-enactments Thursday night. Church described re-enactments of historic events such as a notorious murder in Kane and the ensuing trial, and advised the group concerning how it could present a re-enactment of the 1924 Fetterly murder. Nunn displayed his reproduction Civil War musket and bayonet and actual musket bullets and ball from the Battle of Gettysburg.  Martha Knight Photo

P A O

Re-enactment Program Features Crime, Battle

By Martha Knight

Kane’s famous murder in the 1920s resulted in a trial, in which Beatrice Sullivan stood accused of murdering her husband.

But no one was ever charged in connection with the 1924 murder of E.J. Fetterly, at what was then the Maple Shade Inn, which he owned, and now is the Benton Mansion, still in residential use.

Stories about the event have not been limited to the official account that appeared in newspapers. But Judy Church, a McKean County Historical Society member who has been involved in that group’s re-enactments, says that should not deter a group of history enthusiasts and thespians from staging a re-enactment of the event.

Church addressed the Canoe Place Historical Society of Port Allegany on the topic Thursday night.

Research is essential to such a project, Church said. One approach would be to hew closely to the facts as they were ascertained at the time and preserved in documents and the press. Old newspaper issues in whatever form they can be accessed would be important sources. Also, alternative theories of an event could be presented.

Costumes and sets should be authentic, and that would require research, Church said. She mentioned the Kane Republican and the McKean County Miner as sources the county group has relied on, and said several members of that society would be very helpful in gathering the necessary information.

If a re-enactment entails a trial by jury, a random drawing of tickets of attendees could serve as jury selection, Church said.

Church showed a brochure that was used by the county society in its production depicting the Sullivan trial.

Telling about another kind of re-enactment, the Civil War battle kind, was the local society’s curator, Pete Nunn. He displayed his reproduction musket of the kind the Confederate troops carried, along with a bayonet and some other gear. He also had genuine Battle of Gettysburg musket bullets and one musket ball he had obtained at that site, back when those artifacts still were being sold.

Ron Tyson, a member of both societies, also told about some of the practices and difficulties faced by Civil War soldiers.

During the Civil war Union forces became equipped with rifles, it was pointed out, which were lighter than muskets, and more accurate, and deadly even at a great distance.

The group discussed the famous Bucktail Regiment which drew its members from this region.

Nunn participates in battle re-enactments and is acquainted with a number of individuals and groups in the area who re-enact battles. This year and the next three will be important centennial years for many Civil War campaigns and battles.

Church announced the release of the McKean County Historical Society’s first official commemorative coin. There will be three more in the series. The Society is selling the collectibles for $15.

Visiting The USA - Marta Mena Gallego of Malaga, Spain, is pictured with Port Allegany's ReBecca Culver.  These teenagers are participating in the short-term Rotary Exchange program.   Marta arrived in Port Allegany on June 28th.  Since her arrival, Marta and Becca have visited Washington, DC and Niagara Falls.  When Marta returns to Spain on July 21,  Becca will travel with her.  They plan to visit Granda and Sevilla.  Marta's comes from a city filled with 600,000 people, a little different from Port Allegany.  It is reported that Marta's favorite US foods include mac and cheese and cheeseburgers.  Becca will return to the United States on August 17.  Rotary Youth Exchange students can spend up to a year living with host families and attending school in a different country. Participation can be in Rotary’s long-term or short-term Youth Exchange programs, Students learn a new way of living, a great deal about themselves and maybe even a new language.  They are also ambassadors, teaching people they meet about their country, culture, and ideas. They help bring the world closer – and make some good friends in the process.  For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange.  More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.  Marta and ReBecca visited with the local Rotary Club at their weekly meeting on July 7.  Pam Fischer Photo

State Dog Wardens To Canvas McKean County

County Treasurer Nancy Evans has announced that wardens from the State Office of Dog Law Enforcement will be canvassing McKean County Monday July 18 through Friday July 22 to inspect for licenses. State law requires that all dogs age three months or older must be licensed. The cost of a regular annual license is $8.45. If the dog is neutered or spayed, the cost is only $6.45. Senior citizens age 65 or older and disabled persons receive a $2 discount. The 2011 license tags are blue. If a dog does not have a current license, fines can range from $50.00 to $300.00 plus court costs.

Avoid a fine and buy online. Dog licenses are now easier than ever to buy. Go to the county’s web site at www.mckeancountypa.org. Go to “Departments” then “Treasurer” and follow the links. There is a $2 convenience fee for online purchases. Licenses may also be bought at the McKean County treasurer’s office in the courthouse at 500 West Main Street in Smethport. The McKean County SPCA located on Glenwood Avenue in Bradford also sells dog licenses. An additional 50 cents will be charged for licenses purchased at the SPCA. For any questions, please call the county treasurer’s office at 887-3220.

Catholic Heart Workshop - Father James Campbell, along with six adults and twenty students from St. Eulalia and St. Gabriel parishes traveled to Knoxville, TN to participate in a week-long Catholic HEART Workcamp.  During the week, the participants were assigned to projects which included painting, repair work, work at daycare centers for low-income families, work at homeless shelters, food distribution centers and outreach centers.  Students from Port Allegany who attended the workcamp were (pictured front, left to right) Charlie Buchanan, Rhiannon Riley, Logan Hutton and Jacob Undercofler.  Adult participants and chaperones were  (pictured back, left to right) Scott Undercofler and Greg Buchanan.  Photo Submitted

Gator Memories - Bill Burleson is pictured with some of the Gator Memorabilia that was displayed during Saturday's Gator Alumni Football Game including his father's Gator Jacket and a Gator helmet from the 1930's.  More photos from the Alumni Game, with the Gators defeating the Falcons 47-6, will be featured on this week's picture page.  Pam Fischer Photo

Old Home Week - Port Allegany Star Hose Company #1 is once again sponsoring Old Home Week.  The midway opens on July 18 at 6 p.m.  The Kiddie Parade will be held Tuesday with line-up at 5:30 and the parade beginning at 6 p.m.  There will be quarter bingo each night beginning at 7 p.m.  Wednesday and Friday matinees will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. with wrist bands available at a cost of $13.  Autumn Haggard and her grandma, Karen, are pictured at the 2010 Old Home Week Carnival.  Pam Fischer Photo

Murder She Wrote

Judy Church, Smethport, discusses some of the fine points of dramatic re-enactments of historical groups, with the Canoe Place Historical Society last Thursday night. Shown at left is Dorothy Strait, vice-president of the local group.  Martha Knight Photo

What On Earth? - It didn't come from outer space, but it was an invader.  Darrel and Donna VanSickles noticed this large, fuzzy-leafed plant that seemed intent on dominating their flower bed in the front yard of their Pearl Street property.  They knew they had not planted it.  Sure enough, it turned out to be an invasive plant known as Common Mullein.  The flower stem silhouetted against the car was budded but the yellow flowers had not opened when this photo was taken.  Common mullein can spread rapidly and aggressively by seeding. This one was dealt with before it could take over the area! Common mullein does have medicinal properties, when harvested and prepared by those who know how.  Otherwise, its best removed.  Martha Knight Photo

On Location Photgraphy - PAHS Grad, Lacey Barber, is now offering on location photography through Lacey Barber Photography.  Barber graduated from Edinboro University with a BFA in Applied Media Art, Photography.  She has been shooting wedding and various forms of portraiture for five years.  As an "on location" photographer, she is willing to travel to make her customer's photos as individual as they are.  For more information, or to schedule a photo shoot, contact Barber at lacey.l.barber@gmail.com.  Samples of her work can be found on her Facebook page under Lacey Barber Photography.  Pam Fischer Photo

Funds Growing - Kari Stake, a member of the S. W. Smith Memorial Public Library Board of Directors, is pictured with Marg Healy who serves as Director of the library's Capital Fund Campaign as they color in another book on the bookshelf sign located on the Port Allegany Town Square.  Stake came up with an idea to raise money for the library through a 5K Fun Run/Walk.  She organized the event which was held in May.  Through those efforts, $5,200 was added to the fund.  Pam Fischer Photo

Spaghetti Dinner To Benefit Margie Weaver

PORT ALLEGANY--There will be a spaghetti dinner to benefit Margie Daugherty Weaver this Sunday afternoon at the Veterans' Memorial Home, on Route 155 just south of Port Allegany.

Dinners will be served from 1 to 5 p.m. Also, there will be a bake sale and several fundraising games.

Weaver is undergoing treatment for metastatic lung cancer, and travels to DuBois three times a week for treatments. The proceeds of the dinner and related activities will help cover costs of the trips to and from treatment, and other medical and care expenses.

Summer Reading - Retired Port Allegany Elementary School teacher, Bernice Ralph, is pictured with Alex Bridges and Mason Bridges  as they take their AR tests in the school's library.  Mrs. Ralph volunteers throughout the school year for the AR (Accelerated Reading) program.  During the summer, Mrs. Ralph also volunteers to open the library for students who wish to continue taking AR tests.  The PAES Library will be open Fridays - July 15, 22, 29 and August 5 and 9 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.  The prize room is closed, but students are able to increase career points.  Pam Fischer Photo

Rotary Report - Cathy Mulcahey is pictured with Rotarian Charlie Cox following Thursday's Rotary meeting held at the Moose Family Center.  Mrs. Mulcahey is going on a mission trip to Costa Rica and presented a program to the Rotarians concerning that trip and her upcoming fundraiser.  A Chicken BBQ will be held Saturday, July 23.  Also visiting were ReBecca Culver and Marta Mena from Spain.  The Culver family from Port Allegany are hosing Marty and next month Rebecca will travel to Spain and stay with Marta's family.  It was the first meeting for new President Dave Fair.

2011 Alumni Football Game Food Drive - Members of the 2011 Alumni Football Team are pictured with representatives of local businesses who supported the event's food drive.  Those businesses include Jubilee, Fox's, J and J Service, Johnston's Ace Hardware, Everyday Happy-nings, Port Pharmacy, First National Bank, Moe's Bar and Grill, Seneca Inn, PC Credit Union, Verallia, Pittsburgh Corning, Port Beverage and Burleson's True Value and Just Ask Rental, and NAPA.  Following the game, two truckloads of food were delivered to PACS (Port Allegany Community Services).  The Gator Alumni defeated the Falcon Alumni 47-6.  More photos from this event will be featured on this week's picture page.  Pam Fischer Photo

Alumni Football Game Action -  The Port Allegany Gator Alumni Team defeated the Coudersport Falcon Alumni Team with a score of 47 - 6.  Going up for an interception is Kyle Bachman (#26), also pictured is team-mate Cliff Fillhart (#3).  In the second photo, Nate Zitnik (#7) heads for a touchdown.  Photo number three has quarterback Willie Bova (#9) and team-mate Levi Perry.  Pam Fischer Photo