Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Bradford PA vs Fargo SD In Final Vote For America's Toughest Weather City
| | |
Bradford, Pa. and Fargo, N.D. steamrolled through their "Final Four" opponents in impressive fashion to set up a cold-weather championship showdown.
See results: Final 4 round
Championship Profiles: Bradford | Fargo
Voting for America's Toughest Weather City "National Champion" continues through early Friday morning. Scroll down to cast your vote.
We will reveal the "National Champion" Friday morning live on Your Weather Today (7-10am EDT).
Click on one of the regions in the bracket image below to see how each city got to the Final Four, with voting results of the Elite 8 round, and the previous 3 rounds.
See and print out the entire 64-city tournament bracket
| Bradford, PA 
| Fargo, ND
|
Temperature/precipitation climate graphs: Bradford | Fargo
Weather App: Compare Climates (Bradford vs. Fargo)
See more on Weather Channel Site
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
1ST ANNUAL PAFD SPORTMANS BASH
1ST ANNUAL PAFD SPORTMANS BASH
Saturday April 30th
Doors open at 12 PM
20 Gun Tickets for $ 20
Each ticket lets you into the dinner that day
Food and beverages included
21 and over at the bash
Need not be present to win
Guns need to be picked up at Potter County Outfitters
Will also have floor guns, 50/50s and other raffles throughout the day
See any fireman or contact
lucas.johnson@starhose.com or jeremy,barnard@starhose.com
to arrange for tickets
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Editor Of Bradford Era Asks "How Dare They?"
Featured Editorial
by Marty Robacker Wilder, Editor
Bradford Era
Published 3-17-2011
How dare they?
How could anything be more important to a community than public safety?
Three people were nearly killed in the Bradford area over the past few months by “mysterious explosions” and, reportedly, there have also been other gas-related incidents that never made it to the press.
And, yet, when this issue is brought to the table, it’s done at a meeting that is “by invitation only.”
Who was on the guest list? Bradford Township Supervisors, Foster Township Supervisors, McKean County Commissioners, State Police, state Department of Environmental Protection, Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, McKean County Emergency Management Agency, McKean County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia Gas and National Fuel Gas, an aide for U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Bradford City Fire Department, the state Public Utility Commission, Cline Oil, Howard Drilling, a representative from Travelers Insurance — and even an attorney for a personal injury law firm.
Did we miss anyone? Oh, yeah — you. Your invitation must be in the mail.
The Era, as you’ve probably read, was denied access to the meeting. As your representatives in these settings, we must ask: How dare they?
How dare they meet in private on an issue of such great public concern?
We honestly don’t care how they justify this secret meeting — we’ve heard every excuse in the book over the years — because nothing can forgive their behavior not just as a violation of the Sunshine law but as a violation of the public trust.
We would like to tell you, in detail, about what was discussed inside the meeting hall but all we received was a secondhand report about these “mysterious” explosions which occurred, one on Dec. 12 in which two people were injured, and a second Feb. 28 in which a lucky homeowner was out shoveling snow when his house exploded.
Sheriff Brad Mason was kind enough to speak to our reporters after the meeting but, in all honesty, he merely reiterated what’s already been said: Gas migration is being explored as a possible factor in the house explosions and similar incidents that have reportedly occurred in the Bradford area.
Since nobody seems to be able to pinpoint the exact source of these explosions, there has been broad speculation that ongoing oil drilling activity in the general vicinity may somehow be triggering gas to migrate into people’s homes.
As we all know, holes have been poked in this historic Bradford oilfield for more than 100 years and many abandoned and uncapped wells continue to make what’s been called “Swiss cheese” of our underground terrain.
Could this provide an explanation for the “mysterious” explosions? And could that, in turn, also be part of the reason for a closed-door meeting?
After all, nobody wants to point the finger at anyone or anything that revolves around the oil and gas industry. Some believe it’s the panacea for all the ills of our economically depressed region — regardless of any consequences.
Already, there is a nationwide debate simmering on the environmental concerns over how a new source of energy, the Marcellus Shale, is being extracted from the ground. A couple explosions here and there in a little town known as Bradford, Pa. — one of the birthplaces of the oil industry — could really stir the pot.
Interestingly, as public officials were gathered Tuesday at the Bradford Township Volunteer Firehall to discuss this important matter, the press is marking Sunshine Week. It’s a time when we point to the ongoing efforts to “shed light” on issues of public concern. The irony could not be greater.
We have talked about these explosions in the newsroom amazed, as always, about public officials’ reluctance to speak to these very serious concerns.
Our last comment, always, is, guess we’ll just have to wait for someone to get killed.
This editorial was republished in full with permission, courtesy of Marty Robacker Wilder and The Bradford Era.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Potter County Retirement Board Meeting Minutes for 1-27-2011
~ Minutes ~
POTTER COUNTY RETIREMENT BOARD MEETING
January 27, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL Members: Commissioner Doug Morley, Commissioner Paul Heimel, Commissioner Susan Kefover, Treasurer Krista Miller, all present; Recording Secretary Judy Snyder, present. Board member Kathleen Majot, Chief Clerk, absent.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES Dec. 31, 2010 and Jan. 4, 2011. Comm. Kefover moved to approve both sets of minutes as submitted; Comm Heimel seconded. Morley, yes; Heimel, yes; Kefover, yes; Miller, yes.
NEW BUSINESS
Jeff Davidek with C.S. McKee reported that balance of the county’s retirement fund is at an all-time high, standing at $10,220,656 at the end of 2010.
• The economic prospectus for 2011 estimates growth approaching 3.5%, which is a little more than one-half the pace of a typical post-recession rebound.
• List of 2011 concerns includes shadow inventory in real estate, high consumer debt burdens, state and local budget constraints, rising inflation and interest rates abroad. While these factors have the ability to damage short-term consumer and investor activity, none should materially slow the pace of growth over the next several quarters.
• Virtually all of the underperformance is attributable to stock selection within the energy sector. One of the portfolio’s bright spots was the technology sector.
• The International Equity Portfolio produced a return of 6.61% for the 4th quarter. For the year, the portfolio achieved a return of 7.54%.
• Fixed Income Commentary – The broad market lost 1.3% for the 4th quarter. Allocations in Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) have been modestly reduced, but these continue to be the largest positive exposure versus the benchmark.
• Summary – In short, McKee’s “bottom-up” approach makes sense for the 2011 environment, since any constant overweight to risk could be met with unacceptable volatility and inferior performance.
Mr. Davidek fielded several questions from Retirement Board members concerning the economic ramifications of shale gas development and was complimented by the board for C.S. McKee’s successful management of the fund to recover from considerable reductions in balance during 2008-09.
OTHER BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
Comm. Kefover moved to adjourn; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley, yes; Heimel, yes; Kefover, yes; Miller yes.
Prepared by Cheri Potter
Approved Minutes Potter County Commissioners Meeting February 24, 2011
~ Meeting ~
POTTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 24, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Comm. Doug Morley, Comm. Paul Heimel, Comm. Susan Kefover, Chief Clerk Kathleen Majot, Recording Secretary Cheri Potter; all present
PUBLIC COMMENT
Roy Hunt, a corrections officer at the Potter County Jail, asked about the bids for the catering at the jail. The issue of catering vs. replacing the jail’s cook will be reviewed by the commissioners in the next few weeks.
Harrison Township Tax Collector Janice Reynolds asked about staffing and operational issues with the Assessment Office and Tax Claim Bureau. Comm. Morley stated that Potter County is using McKean County’s Chief Assessor Angelia Tennies and a part-time field lister for updating tax records.
Guest Speaker Colleen Wilber from Potter County Human Services presented a summary on the drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs available through that agency. She reported that, in the last 10 years, her programs have had a decrease in government funding, but yet an increase in the number of people needing services within the county.
MINUTES – February 10, 2011
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
NEW BUSINESS
Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant – Received $5,600 toward a $7,000 Commodity Flow Study. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Adoption of Potter County Sexual Harassment Policy. Comm. Morley stated the board still plans to scheduled CCAP training on sexual harassment. Comm. Heimel noted that the policy is the result of exhaustive research and review of numerous other policies, and that it has been approved by the County Solicitor. Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Grant-In-Aids Funds Amendment Two – Amendment to a current agreement dated July 1, 2007, between the Pa. Board of Probation and Parole and the Potter County Board of Commissioners/County Executive. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
POTTER COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
EARLY INTERVENTION 09/10 10/11
Care For Children
Physical Therapy
New rates established 1/1/11 by State ($31.45/unit) $31.76/unit
1/1/11 to 6/30/11
Mary Buzard
Nursing
New rates established 1/1/11 by State ($27.55/unit) $27.99/unit
1/1/11 to 6/30/11
Guidance Center, Inc.
New rates established 1/1/11 by State
Special Instruction ($27.71/unit) $27.99/unit
Speech Therapy ($31.45/unit) $31.76/unit
Occupational Therapy ($31.45/unit) $31.76/unit
1/1/11 to 6/30/11
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
TRAINING REQUESTS
John Hetrick, Glenn Dunn for North Central Task Force Retreat, Union City – Feb. 23-24, 2011; meals, mileage and lodging
Colleen Wilber, PACDAA Quarterly, State College – March 16 -17, 2011, State College, Pa.; registration fee, meals, mileage and lodging
Joy Glassmire, PA. Children & Youth Administrators Meeting, March 30-31, 2011, State College, Pa.; registration fee, meals mileage and lodging
Crystal Thomas, Family Issues and Intervention in HIV, Feb. 24, 2011; State College, Pa.; meals and mileage
William Wright, Basic Training – Corrections Officer, March 14 – April 8, 2011; Elizabethtown, Pa.; mileage, meals and lodging
Sandra Lewis, 2011 Western Pa. Election Personnel Association, March 25, 2011; mileage and meals
Nancy Hurt & Deanna Dow, Advanced Financials: Financial Processed Workshop, March 22, 2011; mileage and meals
Comm. Kefover moved to approve all trainings as presented; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
PERSONNEL
Appointment – Dave Foil to the Potter County Solid Waste Authority Advisory Board. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Reappointment – Wanda Shirk and Rance Baxter to the Planning Commission, retroactive to January 1, 2011. Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Reclassification – PCHS – County Caseworker Supervisor to County Social Services Aide 2; salary range of $17,687 to $21,567. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
New Position - PCHS - Mental Health Forensic Caseworker – Temporary full-time position based on a time period of a grant obtained; salary range of $11.32 - $12.61/hr.
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Kefover talked with Susan Hartman, itinerant archivist/project coordinator with Pa. Historical and Museum Commission and she reported that she is scheduled to come in June.
Comm. Heimel handed out information explaining the school tax “Homestead Exemption,” which has an application deadline of March 1, 2011.
Comm. Morley reported the office for the Chief Clerk, Fiscal and Executive Secretary will be moved next week to the first office on the right in the Gunzburger Building.
Comm. Heimel reminded everyone that the next Potter County Natural Gas Task Force Meeting will be Tuesday, March 8, at 7 pm in the Gunzburger Building. A panel from Tioga County will be present.
BILLS
Potter County Human Services
PAYROLL CHECKS - Check #'s 3480-3487 5833.86
PAYROLL AUTOMATIC DEPOSITS 49,351.94
PAYROLL CHRISTMAS CLUB DEPOSITS 1,785.00
PAYROLL TAX TRANSFERS(EFTPS) 19,168.36
STATE TAX WITHHOLDINGS (ETIDES) 2,496.00
PASCDU
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECKS - Check # 37406 – 2/24 205,467.07
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECKS – Check #
Benefits transfer (2/16, 2/22 ) 4,932.78
Total Checks Written 289,035.01
Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Potter County Courthouse
Fund # Fund Description Check #'s Voided Check #'s Voided Check Amt Total
10 General Fund - Payroll-Checks 81611-81646 26,535.05
10 General Fund - Payroll-Direct Deposit 9006691-9006756 54,451.25
10 General Fund - Accounts Payable 101224-101328 101,180 943.30 282,171.68
10 General Fund – manual checks Accounts Payable 902251116-902251120 112,587.19
11 Local Emergency Planning (LEPC) 1732-1735 476.98
12 911 Wired 3660-3667 3,294.51
16 911 Wireless 1640-1645 12,695.95
17 Saulter Preserve 101320 15.25
18 Automation Fund 202 1,330.00
28 Domestic Relations 647 315.00
34 V.O.J.O. 101322-101325 101219 540.00 1,149.14
35 Victim Services RASA 101326-101328
1,420.00
52 Operational Reserve Fund 101329 130,000.00
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Potter County Fiscal Summary First of the Month - Dated 03/01/2011
Fund # Fund Description Check #'s Voided Check #'s Voided Check Amt Total
10 General Fund – Accounts Payable 101330-101341 56,151.79
10 General Fund – A/P Manual Checks 999034 20.00
12 911 Wired 3668 366.50
16 911 Wireless 1646 250.50
35 Victim Services/RASA 101342 400.00
Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Next Meeting: March 10, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
Comm. Heimel moved to adjourn; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Prepared by Cheri Potter
Potter County Commissioners Meeting Minutes February 24, 2011
~ Approved Meeting Minutes~
POTTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 24, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Comm. Doug Morley, Comm. Paul Heimel, Comm. Susan Kefover, Chief Clerk Kathleen Majot, Recording Secretary Cheri Potter; all present
PUBLIC COMMENT
Roy Hunt, a corrections officer at the Potter County Jail, asked about the bids for the catering at the jail. The issue of catering vs. replacing the jail’s cook will be reviewed by the commissioners in the next few weeks.
Harrison Township Tax Collector Janice Reynolds asked about staffing and operational issues with the Assessment Office and Tax Claim Bureau. Comm. Morley stated that Potter County is using McKean County’s Chief Assessor Angelia Tennies and a part-time field lister for updating tax records.
Guest Speaker Colleen Wilber from Potter County Human Services presented a summary on the drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs available through that agency. She reported that, in the last 10 years, her programs have had a decrease in government funding, but yet an increase in the number of people needing services within the county.
MINUTES – February 10, 2011
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
NEW BUSINESS
Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant – Received $5,600 toward a $7,000 Commodity Flow Study. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Adoption of Potter County Sexual Harassment Policy. Comm. Morley stated the board still plans to scheduled CCAP training on sexual harassment. Comm. Heimel noted that the policy is the result of exhaustive research and review of numerous other policies, and that it has been approved by the County Solicitor. Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
Grant-In-Aids Funds Amendment Two – Amendment to a current agreement dated July 1, 2007, between the Pa. Board of Probation and Parole and the Potter County Board of Commissioners/County Executive. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
POTTER COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES
CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS
EARLY INTERVENTION 09/10 10/11
Care For Children
Physical Therapy
New rates established 1/1/11 by State ($31.45/unit) $31.76/unit
1/1/11 to 6/30/11
Mary Buzard
Nursing
New rates established 1/1/11 by State ($27.55/unit) $27.99/unit
1/1/11 to 6/30/11
Guidance Center, Inc.
New rates established 1/1/11 by State
Special Instruction ($27.71/unit) $27.99/unit
Speech Therapy ($31.45/unit) $31.76/unit
Occupational Therapy ($31.45/unit) $31.76/unit
1/1/11 to 6/30/11
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
TRAINING REQUESTS
John Hetrick, Glenn Dunn for North Central Task Force Retreat, Union City – Feb. 23-24, 2011; meals, mileage and lodging
Colleen Wilber, PACDAA Quarterly, State College – March 16 -17, 2011, State College, Pa.; registration fee, meals, mileage and lodging
Joy Glassmire, PA. Children & Youth Administrators Meeting, March 30-31, 2011, State College, Pa.; registration fee, meals mileage and lodging
Crystal Thomas, Family Issues and Intervention in HIV, Feb. 24, 2011; State College, Pa.; meals and mileage
William Wright, Basic Training – Corrections Officer, March 14 – April 8, 2011; Elizabethtown, Pa.; mileage, meals and lodging
Sandra Lewis, 2011 Western Pa. Election Personnel Association, March 25, 2011; mileage and meals
Nancy Hurt & Deanna Dow, Advanced Financials: Financial Processed Workshop, March 22, 2011; mileage and meals
Comm. Kefover moved to approve all trainings as presented; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
PERSONNEL
Appointment – Dave Foil to the Potter County Solid Waste Authority Advisory Board. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Reappointment – Wanda Shirk and Rance Baxter to the Planning Commission, retroactive to January 1, 2011. Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Reclassification – PCHS – County Caseworker Supervisor to County Social Services Aide 2; salary range of $17,687 to $21,567. Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
New Position - PCHS - Mental Health Forensic Caseworker – Temporary full-time position based on a time period of a grant obtained; salary range of $11.32 - $12.61/hr.
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Comm. Kefover talked with Susan Hartman, itinerant archivist/project coordinator with Pa. Historical and Museum Commission and she reported that she is scheduled to come in June.
Comm. Heimel handed out information explaining the school tax “Homestead Exemption,” which has an application deadline of March 1, 2011.
Comm. Morley reported the office for the Chief Clerk, Fiscal and Executive Secretary will be moved next week to the first office on the right in the Gunzburger Building.
Comm. Heimel reminded everyone that the next Potter County Natural Gas Task Force Meeting will be Tuesday, March 8, at 7 pm in the Gunzburger Building. A panel from Tioga County will be present.
BILLS
Potter County Human Services
| PAYROLL CHECKS - Check #'s 3480-3487 | 5833.86 |
| PAYROLL AUTOMATIC DEPOSITS | 49,351.94 |
| PAYROLL CHRISTMAS CLUB DEPOSITS | 1,785.00 |
| PAYROLL TAX TRANSFERS(EFTPS) | 19,168.36 |
| STATE TAX WITHHOLDINGS (ETIDES) | 2,496.00 |
| PASCDU | |
| ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECKS - Check # 37406 – 2/24 | 205,467.07 |
| ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CHECKS – Check # |
|
| Benefits transfer (2/16, 2/22 ) | 4,932.78 |
| Total Checks Written | 289,035.01 |
Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Potter County Courthouse
| Fund # | Fund Description | Check #'s | Voided Check #'s | Voided Check Amt | Total |
| 10 | General Fund - Payroll-Checks | 81611-81646 | 26,535.05 | ||
| 10 | General Fund - Payroll-Direct Deposit | 9006691-9006756 | 54,451.25 | ||
| 10 | General Fund - Accounts Payable | 101224-101328 | 101,180 | 943.30 | 282,171.68 |
| 10 | General Fund – manual checks Accounts Payable | 902251116-902251120 | 112,587.19 | ||
| 11 | Local Emergency Planning (LEPC) | 1732-1735 | 476.98 | ||
| 12 | 911 Wired | 3660-3667 | 3,294.51 | ||
| 16 | 911 Wireless | 1640-1645 | 12,695.95 | ||
| 17 | Saulter Preserve | 101320 | 15.25 | ||
| 18 | Automation Fund | 202 | 1,330.00 | ||
| 28 | Domestic Relations | 647 | 315.00 | ||
| 34 | V.O.J.O. | 101322-101325 | 101219 | 540.00 | 1,149.14 |
| 35 | Victim Services RASA | 101326-101328 |
1,420.00 | ||
| 52 | Operational Reserve Fund | 101329 | 130,000.00 |
Comm. Heimel moved to approve; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Potter County Fiscal Summary First of the Month - Dated 03/01/2011
| Fund # | Fund Description | Check #'s | Voided Check #'s | Voided Check Amt | Total |
| 10 | General Fund – Accounts Payable | 101330-101341 | 56,151.79 | ||
| 10 | General Fund – A/P Manual Checks | 999034 | 20.00 | ||
| 12 | 911 Wired | 3668 | 366.50 | ||
| 16 | 911 Wireless | 1646 | 250.50 | ||
| 35 | Victim Services/RASA | 101342 | 400.00 |
Comm. Kefover moved to approve; Comm. Heimel seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Next Meeting: March 10, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
Comm. Heimel moved to adjourn; Comm. Kefover seconded. Morley yes; Heimel yes; Kefover, yes.
Prepared by Cheri Potter
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