Ridgway Man Charged In Connection With Drug Bust
November 15, 2016
Charges were filed Monday against the other Ridgway man involved in an Elk County drug bust last month which netted more than 1,000 bags of heroin for resale.
Brandon “Pinky” Ecklund, 25, 4236 Grant Rd., Ridgway, is charged by Ridgway police with felony counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, conspiracy, and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities. (Courier Express)
Accident On Montmorenci Road
November 15, 2016
State Police investigated a one vehicle accident that occurred on November 7th at approximately 4:39 p.m. on Montmorenci Road. According to police, Susan Papa of Florence Street, was traveling south in a 2008 Dodge Nitro. An unknown vehicle was traveling north, Papa swerved her vehicle to the right side to avoid a collision with the unknown vehicle, which was traveling too close to the center line. Papa's vehicle flipped onto its roof, coming to rest. Papa was extricated from her vehicle by members of the Ridgway Fire Department, then transported to Penn Highlands Elk by members of the Ridgway Ambulance Service.
Kersey Man Injured In Accident In Huston Township
December 01, 2016
State Police reported that a Jeep driven by Kyle J. Wilson, 23, of Kersey, was traveling south on Route 153, when it wen tout of control while rounding a curve. The vehicle slid on the wet road, went off the west side of the road, hit a wooden sign post, continued south along the shoulder of the road, struck two trees with its passenger side and sheared off another street. The vehicle continued south bound and came to rest 30 feet off the southbound lane, facing west.
Wilson, who suffered minor injuries, will be cited for failing to drive at a safe speed.
Hunter Found Dead In Highland Township
November 30, 2016
State Police were called to a wooded area on Forest route 134B off of Maple Run Road in Highland Township on Tuesday at approximately 4:50 p.m. Upon arrival, members of the Highland Township Volunteer Fire Department and EMS were on the scene where a 51 year old male was found deceased. The man was identified as James Stephen Bacho Jr., 51, of Alexandria, KY. He was hunting in the area. According to police, Bacho died of natural causes while hunting.
Court Will Not Hear Martin Murder Appeal
November 30, 2016
According to a report in the Bradford Era, the State Supreme Court this week declined to hear an appeal from Nicholas Martin, convicted in Elk County in 2015 for the murder of Alyssa Forsyth. Martin is currently incarcerated in the State Correctional Institution at retreat in Luzerene County and is serving a life sentence for the March 2013 incident.
Traffic Accident On Wilcox Road
November 27, 2016
State Police reported investigating an accident on the Wilcox Road in Jones Township. According to police, Hannah Lampman, 23, of Ridgway, was following a 2014 Ford F-150, traveling north on Route 219. The F-150 stopped in the northbound lane in an attempt to make a left turn into a retail store parking lot. While waiting for on-coming traffic to clear, The Lampman vehicle, was unable to stop, and struck the back of the F-150. The truck received minor damage. The 2011 Honda, operated by Lapman, suffered disabling damaged and was towed from the scene. State Police were assisted by the Ridgway Fire Department. No injuries were reported.
Share The Harvest Program
November 27, 2016
By donating venison through Hunters Sharing the Harvest — a program that works through a network of meat processors to channel venison donations to local food banks, soup kitchens and hungry families — hunters extend their helping hands to those in need. Each year, the generosity of Pennsylvania’s hunters results in about 200,000 meals for the state’s hungry.
For the second straight year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and other partners are making it easy for hunters to help out. Once again this year, the Game Commission donated $20,000 to the program — money that enables Hunters Sharing the Harvest to accept venison donations without charging hunters. In prior years, hunters who donated venison needed to pay a $15 tax-deductible fee to cover deer-processing costs.
All deer donated through Hunters Sharing the Harvest must be processed professionally by a participating butcher. For information on where to take deer to be donated, or to learn more about the program in general, visit Hunters Sharing the Harvest’s website, www.sharedeer.org.
Man Charged As A Result Of Crash In October
November 24, 2016
City Police report that as a result of an accident that occurred on October 30th, Shane Krise, of Kersey, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and aggravated assault by a vehicle. The incident occurred on South St. Marys Street.
K9 Nando Visits Boy Scouts
January 16, 2017
K9 Nando, a member of the City Police Department, recently paid a visit to a local Boy Scout Troop. Lot's of fun for the scouts and for Nando too.
Traffic Accident On Sizerville Road
January 16, 2017
State Police in Emporium investigated A one-vehicle accident on the Sizerville Road. A vehicle driven by Thomas Buttery, 48, of Coudersport, was traveling north when he lost control. The vehicle traveled off the right side and struck a tree with the left bumper before coming to rest. Disabling damage was done to the vehicle. No injuries were reported.
Changes To Beer Sales In Pennsylvania Take Effect
January 16, 2017
Big changes in beer sales in Pennsylvania.
Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation in November that permits the state's more than 1,000 beer distributors to sell beer in any quantity. That includes individual 32-ounce bottles, four-packs, six-packs and growlers.
Beer distributors had long sought to loosen restrictions on the beer quantities they could sell. The law takes effect today.
Elkland Search And Rescue Release 2016 Report
January 15, 2017
It was definitely an interesting year for the Elkland Search and Rescue of St. Marys.
In a report released Friday, officials shared that last year was the first time the search and rescue put a drone into use in a search.
“Families or companions of the missing persons are requesting help for a search party much sooner than Elkland SAR has seen in the past years, which lead to a faster find and quicker care for the missing person,” Elkland Search and Rescue Chief John Feldbauer said. “Some hikers and hunters seem to be carrying some sort of survival gear and more individuals are better equipped if they become disoriented in the outdoors than in the past years.” (Bradford Era)
Ridgway Man Charged After Domestic Violence Incident
January 14, 2017
Ridgway Police investigated an act of domestic violence that occurred on January 10th. Police received a report of a domestic disturbance at 45 Freemont Avenue. Police spoke with a known female who reported that she had been assaulted by her fiance, James Bennett, 33, of Freemont Avenue. Police observed injures to the female and Bennett had already fled the scene. He was located a short time later and taken into custody on charges of simple assault and harassment. Bennett was committed to elk County Prison on an arrest warrant issued by the Elk County Probation Department. Criminal charges have been filed.
Ridgway Man Charged With Public Drunkenness
January 14, 2017
Ridgway Police issued a citation for public drunkenness against Robert Lanese, 41, of Ridgway. The charges stem from an incident on January 13th at the Sheetz store in Ridgway. Police report that at about 3 a.m., they observed Lanese in the parking lot at Sheetz, where he was intoxicated to a degree that he was a danger to himself. Lanese was taken into custody and transported to the Ridgway Police department where charges were filed.
Two Arrested For Possession
January 14, 2017
City Police reported that charges were filed against Thomas Doan, 47, of St. Marys and Danielle Himes, 35, of St. Marys, after they were found to be in possession of a controlled substance in the parking lot of Taco Bell. Both were charged and placed in Elk County Prison
The Incredible Salt Cave In Pennsylvania That Completely Relaxes You
January 27, 2017
Sit back and relax in the warm glow of Himalayan salt lamps, sinking your feet into the soft salt that covers the floor of the salt rooms, each promising guests a unique experience in relaxation and healing. SaltEfx, an incredible salt cave in Pennsylvania, welcomes guests for private, family, or group salt therapy sessions six days a week. (Read More)
Winter! Women In The Wilds January 27th - 29th
January 27, 2017
Ladies, don't let the winter blues get you down! Do you find yourself sitting in front of the television waiting for warmer weather? Well, here’s the perfect opportunity to break out of your routine and try something new!
Friday, January 27, to Sunday, January 29, 2017, Sinnemahoning State Park is offering a weekend filled with opportunities for women to learn new outdoor skills.
Programs will include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, birding, yoga, seasonal crafts, camp cooking, animal tracking, and many others. Participants may choose up to eight different sessions over the three days of the event.
Pre-registration is required by Friday, January14, 2017 . The program fee of $100.00 per person includes eight classes, lodging, two lunches and one dinner. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to register early.
Lodging will be provided at the Brooks Run Cabin, participants will need to provide their own linens. Participants will also need to bring along their own breakfast items as they will not be provided.
For more information on 2017 classes, event registration, and nearby lodging, please contact the Sinnemahoning State Park Office and Wildlife Center at 814-647-8401 or SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov
Elk County ABATE Donates To Humane Society
January 26, 2017
The Elk County ABATE recently presented the Elk County Humane Society a check for $500. The donation was made as part of our continued effort to support local organizations that help better our community. If you'd like to help please contact The Elk County Humane Society at 834-3427.
Elk County Chapter President Jeff Mohney presenting check to June Glass of the Humane Society. Also pictured from left to right, Rich Smith- Vice President ABATE, Kevin Upperman-Assistant Membership, Joe Lorenzo- Membership Officer, Marty Sorg- Master Sargent Of Arms, Brett Sorg- Legislative Coordinator and Mike Hababerger- Sargent of Arms.
DaCanal Scores 1,000th Point At ECC
January 26, 2017
Crusader Nate DaCanal became just the seventh player in school history to score 1,000 career points. The senior guard finished with 12 on the night (1,001 for his career) to lead five Elk Catholic players in double figures, as ECC Topped Bradford, 78-38 on Wednesday
Benefit Spaghetti Dinner For Tim Greenthaner January 28th
January 26, 2017
Tim "Greenie" Greenthaner was unfortunately recently diagnosed with cancer. To offset financial burdens, family and friends are hosting this benefit Spaghetti dinner with proceeds going directly to Greenie.
There will be a Chinese Auction as well.
Spaghetti dinners will be $8.00 each.
The benefit will be held at the Ridgway Moose Lodge, starts at 3:00PM and will run until sold out.
Elk County Catholic Middle School Information Night February 1st
January 26, 2017
St. Marys Catholic Middle School will host Information Night on Wednesday, February 1 from 6 - 8 p.m. One-on-one visitations for new-to-the-school and transfer families will be held.
Know someone who might be interested? Let them know! We would love to have them as part of our school community!
Gov. Wolf Announces Upgrades To Domtar
January 25, 2017
Domtar Corporation is a company dedicated to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of pulp, paper and personal care products.
Wolf said significant infrastructure and equipment upgrades will be made at its facilities in Johnsonburg, Elk County and DuBois, Clearfield County.
To remain globally competitive, Domtar plans to convert the energy supply at its paper mill at 100 Center Street, Johnsonburg, Elk County, from coal to natural gas to improve the mill’s energy and water reduction, and to upgrade the facility’s boilers, turn up devices, causticizers, liquor retention tank, and threading equipment.
Upgrades for the Domtar facility at 377 Satterlee Road, Sandy Township, Clearfield County, include incorporating folio palletizer controls, shrink-wrapped ream packaging, and rewinder shipping dock levelers.
The company plans to invest $25.3 million in projects at the two facilities.
Suspicious Deer Discoverd In Elk County
July 29, 2017
Two free-ranging deer were euthanized on the evening of July 26 in Ridgway Township, Elk County. The deer were discovered about 20 miles north of Disease Management Area 3, within the Commonwealth’s Elk Management Area.
Both deer had identification tags in their ears, indicating they were at one time part of a captive-deer herd. The Department of Agriculture manages deer farming operations in the Commonwealth.
The Commission has launched an investigation and will work with the state Department of Agriculture to determine ownership of these deer and to ascertain whether they escaped a facility or were intentionally released into the wild.
“The deer are currently being examined by the Commission’s wildlife veterinarian, who will conduct an initial test to determine whether either deer was infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD),” said Wayne Laroche, the Commission’s Special Assistant for CWD Response.
The discovery of deer from a captive herd in the wild raises significant concerns as the Commission attempts to combat the expansion of CWD.
“This is disturbing news following the discovery a CWD-positive wild deer earlier this month in DMA 3,” Laroche said. “With the Department of Agriculture’s assistance, we will do all in our power to sort out what happened quickly and take appropriate action.”
If you have seen these deer in recent days, or know from where they might have originated, please contact the Game Commission’s Northcentral Office at 570-398-4744, or 570-398-4745.
Theft Reported On Sizerville Road
July 25, 2017
State Police reported investigating the theft of two bicycles that were stolen from the residence of Lisa Brown, of Sizerville Road in Emporium. Both bikes were recovered in Emporium Borough. anyone with information regarding this incident should contact State Police.
Safety Of St. Marys Servicmen's Burial Detail Discussed
July 29, 2017
The safety of the members of the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail was discussed between members of the Detail and SMPD following the addressing of their concerns before City council on July 17th. The Burial Detail related incidents of vehicles endangering their members while they were assembled during a funeral and waiting to honor a veteran.
As a result of these discussions, the road guards for the Burial Detail have acquired bright traffic safety vests and soon will purchase handheld flashing lights. With this equipment the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail’s road guards fall under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code statute titled Obedience to Authorized Persons Directing Traffic. This statute requires the operators of vehicles to comply with their lawful direction during a funeral procession. The Detail has been instructed by SMPD on the necessary information required to report violations of this statute for further investigation by police so that they may file a traffic citation where appropriate.
SMPD requests all drivers to always be aware of their surroundings as a matter of safe driving every day for everyone on and around our roadways.
Vehcile Fire Ruled Accidental
July 27, 2017
The PA State Police Fire Marshal and the Crystal Fire Department investigated the origin and cause of a fire that destroyed a 1995 Ford F-150 Pick up truck, owned by Robert Geiser, 56, of St. Marys. The vehicle was parked with the ignition off when the fire was discovered. There were no injuries. Damage is estimated at $8,000.00. The fire was determined to have originated in the engine compartment at the speed control deactivation switch located on the master cylinder. A recall was issued form Ford in 2005 for a problem with the switch. The recall indicated the switch may overheat, smoke or burn even if the vehicle is parked ant the ignition is off.
Johnsonburg Fire Ruled Arson
July 27, 2017
The PA State Police Fire Marshal along with Johnsonburg Police and Fire Department investigated the origin and cause of a fire that damaged a 2-story home at 205 Glen Mayo Road in Johnsonburg on July 25th. The cause o the fire was determined to be the result of arson. Previous fires have occurred at the same property. Damage to the home was significant however monetary loss was minimal. There were no injuries. Anyone with information regarding this fire or any of the previous fires is asked to contact Johnsonburg Police at 965-2816, or the PA State Fire Marshal at 776-6136.
Agency Creates New Position To FIght CWD In Wild Deer
July 25, 2017
The Game Commission has created a new executive-level position to direct its ongoing and intensifying efforts to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease in wild white-tailed deer and neutralize its threat to wild elk.
Wayne A. Laroche, who has served as the agency’s Bureau of Wildlife Management director for the past two years, will be appointed Aug. 1 to Special Assistant for CWD Response, a new position. In his new capacity, Laroche will lead the Game Commission’s efforts to slow CWD’s spread and minimize its impacts on whitetails and elk.
Efforts will begin immediately to hire a new director for the Bureau of Wildlife Management, which is responsible for managing the state’s 480 species of wild birds and mammals, including 60 game animals and furbearers. (Read More)
Check Out Our New "NetPix" Photo Page!
July 10, 2017
Our new "Netpix" Photo page features photo's from all around the region, along with information on upcoming events. CLICK HERE
ECCHS Girls Cross Country Team . . . PIAA State Champions
PIAA STATE CHAMPIONS!
he Elk County Catholic Lady Crusader cross country team won the PIAA 1A Girls' Cross Country team championship on Saturday in Hershey. We recently had the opportunity to talk with the team and Head Coach, Wee J. Furnan
