Tim Hemphill

$275,000. Cash 5 Lottery Winner Sold In Emporium

One of four winning tickets to split $1.1 million  sold in Emporium

One of  four jackpot-winning Cash 5 tickets worth $275,000 each from the Aug. 28 drawing was sold at Emporium Pharmacy, 105 E. Fourth St., in Emporium, Cameron County. 

The other 3 tickets were sold in Allegheny, Lehigh, and Northhampton counties.

Each ticket correctly matched all five balls, 11-14-19-37-41, to split a jackpot of $1.1 million and win individual prizes of $275,000, less 25 percent federal withholding.

Each retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling a winning ticket.

Lottery officials cannot confirm the identities of the winners until the prizes are claimed and the tickets are validated. Cash 5 winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.

The Lottery encourages each holder of a winning ticket to sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 717-702-8146 and file a claim at Lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County, or at any of Lottery's seven area offices.

Claims may be filed at headquarters Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at area offices.

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1m1qc)

GAME COMMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN AND HOST EVENTS PROMOTING WILDLIFE, HUNTING AND TRAPPING

GAME COMMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN AND HOST EVENTS PROMOTING WILDLIFE, HUNTING AND TRAPPING

HARRISBURG – Each year, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials, in September, participate in and host three outdoors events promoting wildlife, hunting and trapping.

“Hunting and trapping are deeply woven in the cultural fabric that defines Pennsylvania’s heritage, and both remain an important wildlife management tool and outdoor activity,” Roe said. “Hunters and trappers were – and remain - our nation’s first and most vocal conservationists. In the late 1800s, they were the leaders among the groups that pushed to have state and federal agencies create and enforce laws and regulations to protect and conserve wildlife and its habitat.

“The three upcoming events celebrate more than a century of conservation efforts, as well as the abundance of wildlife we have to enjoy that is a result of that work.”

In Crawford County, the 31st annual Pymatuning Ducks Unlimited Waterfowl and Outdoor Expo will be held Sept. 15-16 in and around Linesville, Crawford County. A highlight of the two-day event is the selection of the 31st Annual Pennsylvania Waterfowl Management Stamp from entries by many of the Commonwealth’s most accomplished wildlife artists. Judging will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Linesville High School, 302 West School Drive, Linesville.

At 10 a.m., on Sept. 15, the Game Commission will conduct its annual public drawing to select those who will be afforded an opportunity to use one of the blinds for waterfowl hunting at Pymatuning. The drawing will be held at the Game Commission’s Pymatuning Administration Building, 9552 Hartstown Rd., Hartstown.

At 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 15, Kevin Jacobs, Game Commission biologist, will hold a waterfowl information and banding program, with the opportunity for children to assist in the release of wild ducks, at the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center, 12590 Hartstown Rd., Linesville. The Learning Center also will be open on Saturday and Sunday for visitors.

Also on Sept. 15-16, the Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area will host the 26th Annual Middle Creek Wildfowl Show. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Visitor Center, which is along Hopeland Road, two miles south of Kleinfeltersville, on the Lebanon-Lancaster county line.

Admission is free, but donations are graciously accepted and will benefit the Wildlands Preservation Fund, which has helped to preserve more than 46,000 acres in an 18-county area in eastern Pennsylvania, including more than 1,200 acres at Middle Creek.

The show features wildfowl carvings, artwork, collectibles and hunting items from many vendors. Retriever demonstrations will be at 10 a.m. and noon on Saturday, Sept. 15, and at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. Two different retriever clubs will display their dogs' abilities. Demonstrations on Saturday will be performed by the Keystone Retriever Club, and on Sunday, by the Northern Piedmont Retriever Club.

Decoy competitions will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and winners will be announced at 4 p.m. Carvers may enter their creations into different categories to include decorative, working and shorebird gunning rigs. Each year, a different duck is chosen for the decorative competition. This year, the blue-winged teal was selected.

Pennsylvania State Duck and Goose Calling Championships will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The winner of the duck calling competition will likely go to the world duck calling championship in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and the winner of the goose calling competition will likely go to the world goose calling championship in Easton, Maryland.

On Sunday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Middle Creek will host a National Hunting and Fishing Day celebration. Planned events include hands-on activities for people of all ages.

Activities include exhibits/displays from local, state, and national sportsmen's organizations; archery shoot; muzzleloading rifles; and upland bird dog and trapping demonstrations.

There will be roasted venison for visitors to sample, courtesy of the Izaak Walton League. Additionally, Red Creek Rehabers will conduct live birds of prey demonstrations at noon and 3 p.m.

Another highlight will be the laser SHOT system, available for kids of all ages to try. The SHOT system is a simulated hunting experience to test an individual’s marksmanship and decision-making in hunting situations.

In 1970, the first to suggest an official “day of thanks” to sportsmen was Ira Joffe, owner of Joffe’s Gun Shop in Upper Darby, Delaware County. Gov. Raymond Shafer adopted Joffe’s idea and created “Outdoor Sportsman’s Day” in the state.

With determined prompting from various sportsmen, the concept soon emerged on the national level when, in early 1972, Congress unanimously passed legislation authorizing a National Hunting and Fishing Day. On May 2, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, and soon after, all 50 governors and more than 600 mayors had joined in by proclaiming state and local versions of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

Cowburn

8-25 Odin Grange's next Square Dance

Odin Grange's next Square Dance is this Saturday,

August 25th, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

Caller: Virginia Reed
Music provided by the Allegheny Mountainaires, with
Ernie Pagano playing Accordian, and other musicians.
- Casual dress.
- Dances are taught when they are called.
- Young, Old, Singles, Couples, Groups... everyone welcome.
$5 donation is requested. -- !! $2.50 for Students !!
Homemade pies, soup, and other refreshments.
!! Some locally-grown produce will also be available.
The Odin Grange hall is located in Odin, PA, just off of
Route 872, approximately five miles north of Austin, or
about 8.2 miles south from Route 6 and Coudersport.
Anyone may contact me with questions not answered above.

Conrad Kritzberger

814-647-9913

8-25 Chicken BBQ And Car Cruise Roulette Firehall

GAME COMMISSION TO HOLD EXTRA HTE CLASSES BEFORE FALL SEASONS

GAME COMMISSION TO HOLD EXTRA HTE CLASSES BEFORE FALL SEASONS
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe said the agency is scheduling more basic Hunter-Trapper Education (HTE) courses for September and October so all new hunters can complete this mandatory course to be eligible to participate in the upcoming fall hunting seasons.

“With the fall seasons fast approaching, time soon will run out for those who have not yet passed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course, which is mandatory for all first-time license buyers, regardless of age,” Roe said. “While we have been holding courses all summer, we have found that some people wait until autumn is officially here to begin making plans for the hunting seasons. To meet this need, we are scheduling additional courses throughout the state, so now is the time to register for a course.”

To register for a course in your area, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the “Hunter Education Classes” icon in the center of the homepage and then clicking on either “Hunter-Trapper Education” or “Hunter-Trapper Education Independent Study.” 

With the support of thousands of volunteers, HTE courses are being held throughout the state.  There is no fee for the basic HTE course.  Pre-registration is required and online registration is available for all courses offered by the agency.

Taught by dedicated teams of trained volunteers, most HTE classes last at least 10 hours over two or more days, and participants must attend all instruction before taking the test at the end of the course.  Youngsters must be at least 11 years old to receive HTE certification.

Successful completion of a basic Pennsylvania HTE class, or another state’s equivalent course, is required by state law to obtain a first-time hunting or furtaker license, regardless of age.

Registrations also are being accepted for the independent-study version of the basic HTE program, which is available for those 11 years of age or older.  The independent study course requires students to attend a two- to three-hour class to be tested and certified. Prior to this classroom test, however, students must study the entire course content on their own, which takes about eight to 10 hours to complete. Study guides are available online from the registration page or, to request a print version of “Today’s Hunter & Trapper in Pennsylvania,” call the Hunter-Trapper Education Division (717-787-7015) to request a study guide be mailed to you.  There is a $1.59 postage fee (plus sales tax) for mailed study guides.

In addition, registrations are being accepted for other educational programs offered by the Game Commission, including Successful Bowhunting, Successful Furtaking and Cable Restraint Certification.

The Successful Bowhunting course is a one-day voluntary training program for those seeking to expand their skills and knowledge of bowhunting.  While voluntary in Pennsylvania, certification for this course may be required by other states. There is an $20 course fee, which covers the cost of the online study course required before attending the class.

Successful Furtaking is a one-day training program that provides extensive hands-on training to new and experienced furtakers. The course promotes Best Management Practices and is designed for any person seeking to learn more about furtaking and to improve his or her skills and success.  The course includes the cable restraint certification that is required to participate in the cable restraint season for foxes and coyotes.  This course also fulfills the requirement that all first-time furtaker license buyers pass a basic trapper education course. A $15 course fee is charged.

The Cable Restraint Certification course is required for those trappers seeking to participate in the annual trapping season in which cable restraints are used to capture coyotes and foxes.  The course fee is $15, and students will get to keep various education materials and one legal cable restraint provided as part of the course.

The Successful Turkey Hunting course, which is designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in both spring and fall seasons, also is available to give first-time hunters a huge step toward bagging a bird.  Veterans will learn methods and techniques that will make them a better hunter, too.  Students will receive a 140-page student guide and a diaphragm turkey call as part of the program.  Classes will start next spring and continue through the summer and early fall.  A $15 fee is being charged to offset costs.

“We are planning to offer additional advanced courses in the future focusing on specific sporting arms and certain species-specific seasons, such as Successful Muzzleloading and Successful Deer Hunting,” Snyder said.  “We will be working with interested groups of sportsmen specializing in each of the areas to develop curriculum and solid hands-on training that will emphasize methods and techniques.”

In 1959, the Game Commission began offering a voluntary hunter safety program, and about 25,000 students participated in that program annually.  Beginning in 1969, the General Assembly required all first-time hunting license buyers under the age of 16 to successfully complete a four-hour hunter education course.  The course requirement was expanded to six hours in 1977. The program became mandatory for all first-time hunting license buyers regardless of age in 1982.

Finally, in 1986, the safety program was increased to 10 hours of class time and trapper training was included.  The name of the program also was changed to Hunter-Trapper Education, and was required for all first-time furtaker license buyers, too.

Since 1959, more than 1.8 million students have been certified through this course. 

HUGE CROWD WATCHES 39 FASTRAK CARS COMPETE DURING 107TH MCKEAN COUNTY FAIR

MAX BLAIR WINS MILESTONE 20TH CAREER FASTRAK NE LATE MODEL TOUR RACE IN SERIES 90TH RACE; HUGE CROWD WATCHES 39 CARS COMPETE DURING 107TH MCKEAN COUNTY FAIR

By Mike Leone
August 16, 2012

(East Smethport, PA)…The Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Pace Performance FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series returned for the second straight year to compete during the McKean County Fair on Thursday night. The 107th edition of the Fair brought out a great field of 39 competitors eclipsing last year's count by 10 cars. It was NE Tour Race #17 of 25 and the third of five races at McKean County Raceway in 2012. Tom Gleason, who was instrumental in bringing FASTRAK to the Fair, provided the racers with perfect track conditions as the surface was racy from top-to-bottom.

After roaring out of the gates with five Northeast Touring Series wins in the first six events, Max Blair hit a dry spell with only two victories over the past 10 races. In fact, the Series three-time champion had been shutout of victory lane in the past five events.

That all changed on Thursday night as Blair passed Ed Carley on lap 10 and drove a masterful race through lapped traffic for the $1,200 victory plus the $100 Genesis Shocks "Top Dog of the Night" certificate. Blair's record high eighth win of the season was his milestone 20th of his career, which came in the 90th race run in the six-year history of the Series!

"I'm tired," acknowledged the 22-year-old Centerville, Pa. standout. "The lapped cars were crazy tonight. We started the year off so strong, but had some problems in the middle of the year. The track was great tonight. I have to thank everyone that helps me and first and foremost my dad, who makes this all possible; McKean County Raceway, and Mike (Leone) and Vicki (Emig), who do a great job with the Series."

New York racers Bryce Davis and Ed Carley led the 26-car starting field to green for the 25-lap feature. Carley used the outside to drive into the lead. Blair started from fourth and passed Lauren Longbrake for third on lap one with sixth starting Chad Ruhlman following in fourth on lap two.

The 14-year-old Longbrake didn't go away though as she raced back under Ruhlman for third on lap three then made a bold move passing both Blair and Davis for second on a lap five restart following a spin by John Over. Longbrake had the fans on their feet as she went after Carley, but a pair of cautions with six laps completed wasn't what she needed.

The two consecutive cautions were the final stoppages of the event as the final 19 laps went green-to-checkered. Back under green, Blair was able to get by Longbrake for second. Meanwhile, Dan Angelicchio was on the move. Angelicchio passed Davis for fourth on the restart then got past Longbrake for third on lap eight.

Back up front, Blair caught Carley and pulled alongside on lap nine. The two continued to race side-by-side with Blair on the bottom and Carley on top. Carley pushed high in turn four on lap 10 and that was all Blair needed as he drove into the lead- one he'd never relinquish.

With eight consecutive green flag laps, Blair caught lapped traffic on lap 14. Ryan Montgomery, who won the first NE Tour race at McKean on June 16, was on the move from the 12th starting spot. Montgomery passed both Davis and Longbrake for fourth on lap 16, but five laps later Davis regained the spot.

It was now a four-car battle for second with Carley trying to fend off Angelicchio, Davis, and Montgomery. Angelicchio had caught Carley on lap 20, but it took until lap 24 with an inside move off turn four to make the pass stick for runner-up. By now, Blair had a comfortable lead of about a straightaway as he powered on to victory in his Specialty Products/Rohrer Trucking/Moody & Son Welding/Genesis Shocks-sponsored #111.

Angelicchio ironically also finished runner-up to Blair on July 5 at McKean for the Original Pizza Logs Speedweek event. It was Angelicchio's fifth runner-up of the season in 15 starts! Angelicchio, who has seven top 5s this season, is still looking for his first win of the season. "One of these days we'll get one," said the Greensburg, Pa. racer.

Davis, who just missed out on a victory last Saturday at Black Rock with a career best runner-up finish, came back to place third after getting by Carley on the last lap. Davis now has three top 10s in four Tour starts this season. "We'll take it," expressed the Hornell, NY driver, who is in his first full season of FASTRAK. "It feels really good to be able to come here and back up the second place finish. I had no idea it was the final lap!"

After leading the first 10 laps, Carley dropped to a disappointing fourth in his first Tour race since May 22 of last year at Canada's Humberstone Speedway. Montgomery recorded his fifth top five of the season with three of them now coming at McKean! Longbrake held on to sixth for her best finish of the season and third top 10 of the year. Completing the top 10 were Ruhlman, Mike Laughard, Jason Genco, and Kyle Zimmerman.

After suffering mechanical issues in both the heat and B main, Steve Dixon was added as a Track provisional and raced his way from the 26th starting spot to 11th, which earned him the $100 Precise Racing Products "Pedal Down" Hard Charger certificate. Ward Schell, who made his first Tour start, was 15th and earned the free Hoosier Tire presented by Utsinger's Towing for being the final car on the lead lap.

Mike Pegher, Jr. received The Brake Man "Tough Brake of the Night" award. The third place point man started 10th and was halfway to the front, but got bunched up on a restart that forced him pit side.

For the second straight event, Craig Dean picked up the Non-Qualifier victory. Dean led all eight laps for the $125 win and has vaulted into third place in the "Wheelman" Bonus Event Challenge Series Championship. "This is really cool to win here in my hometown," expressed the Smethport, Pa. driver. "We just started racing last year. This is awesome what FASTRAK does with these non-qualifiers. It gives everyone a chance to run more laps and make some more money. We're planning on running more FASTRAK shows in the future."

Dean's win in his TSL Inc./Duffy Inc./Mountain Top Excavating/Big Dog Henry Hauling/CRS Racing Supply/GTS Welco-sponsored #21 ironically came over his teammate Justin Smith. Smith started fourth and passed Zack Carley and Dave Norton, Jr. on the opening lap for second and trailed Dean to the finish in the non-stop event. Carley, who finished second in the Non-Qualifier at Black Rock, was third over Norton and Eric Andrus.

Heat winners were Over, Genco, Angelicchio, and Pegher, while Bobby Rohrer and Dereck Frank won the B mains. Kyle Zimmerman won his first K&N "Cold Air Induction" Dash of the season and picked up the $100 K&N certificate. Schell was second and received a $50 K&N certificate, while Doug Ricotta and Jamie Brown received $25 cash.

Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Pace Performance FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series Race #17 (25 laps, $1,200 to-win): 1. MAX BAIR (111) 2. Dan Angelicchio (14) 3. Bryce Davis (94) 4. Ed Carley (28) 5. Ryan Montgomery (12) 6. Lauren Longbrake (27) 7. Chad Ruhlman (Suppa 4s) 8. Mike Laughard (38L) 9. Jason Genco (29J) 10. Kyle Zimmerman (z17) 11. Steve Dixon (50) 12. Bobby Rohrer (11) 13. Doug Ricotta (01) 14. John Over (K2) 15. Ward Schell (Baker 74) 16. Damian Bidwell (17) 17. Cody Mason (MR1) 18. Jamie Brown (135) 19. Dereck Frank (16) 20. Junior Peters (00) 21. Matt Harvey (4) 22. Garrett Mott (43x) 23. Shane Weaver (Ruffner 325x) 24. Justin Tatlow (Kratts 81) 25. Mike Pegher, Jr. (Geisler 1c) 26. Brad Kling (Powell 100). Note: Brad Kling took a Series provisional and Steve Dixon took a Track provisional).

Non-Qualifier (8 laps, $125 to-win): 1. Craig Dean (21) 2. Justin Smith (22) 3. Zack Carley (8) 4. Dave Norton, Jr. (24x) 5. Eric Andrus (Craig 62) 6. Scott Fitch (28) 7. Brad Mesler (24B) 8. Lou Jacoby, Jr. (88)-DNS 9. Ed Coast (43)-DNS 10. Jon Lichy (35)-DNS 11. Scott Grigsby (14)-DNS 12. Jason Stetson (69s)-DNS 13. Tim Schram (1s)-DNS.

Heat Winners: Over, Genco, Angelicchio & Pegher
K&N Cold Air Induction Dash: 1. Kyle Zimmerman 2. Ward Schell 3. Doug Ricotta 4. Jamie Brown
B Main Winners: Rohrer & Frank
Feature Lap Leaders: E.Carley (1-10), Blair (11-25)
Car Count: 39

Genesis Shocks "Top Dog of the Night": Max Blair
Precise Racing Products "Pedal Down" Hard Charger: Steve Dixon (+15)
Utsinger's Towing Hoosier Tire Giveaway: Ward Schell
Brake Man "Tough Brake of the Night": Mike Pegher, Jr.

2012 Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series Results
Date/Track/State/Winner/# of Wins/To-Win Amount/Car Count
April 1 Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex (PA)/Max Blair (1)/$3,000/47
April 20 Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex (PA)/Mike Pegher, Jr. (1)/$1,200/42
May 13 Eriez Speedway (PA)/Max Blair (2)/$1,200/32
May 20 Humberstone Speedway (ON)/Max Blair (3)/$2,000/26
May 26 Sharon Speedway (OH)/Max Blair (4)/$1,500/34
May 27 Sharon Speedway (OH)/Feature to be made up 8/18/12/$1,500/31
June 8 Dog Hollow Speedway (PA) /Max Blair (5)/$1,200/32 (41 between the 2 nights)
June 16 McKean County Raceway (PA)/Ryan Montgomery (1)/$1,200/24
June 23 Sharon Speedway (OH)/Joe Martin (1)/$2,000/35
July 4 Expo Speedway (OH)/Will Thomas III (1)/$2,000/30
July 5 McKean County Raceway (PA)/Max Blair (6)/$1,200/49
July 6 Raceway 7 (OH)/Max Blair (7)/$1,200/33
July 7 Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway (PA)/Chad Ruhlman (1)/41
July 8 Eriez Speedway (PA)/Matt Latta (1)/22
July 14 Mercer Raceway Park (PA)/Will Thomas III (2)/24
July 21 Sharon Speedway (OH)/Sammy Stile (1)/42
Aug 11 Black Rock Speedway (NY)/Wayne Robertson (1)/32
Aug 18 McKean County Raceway (PA)/Max Blair (8)/39

The next race for the Sweeney Chevrolet FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series will be this Saturday (August 18) at Sharon Speedway for the $1,500 to-win Bill Emig Memorial "Wild Card Weekend" make-up feature plus a complete new show paying $1,500 to-win. It'll be "Manufacturers Night" with over $28,000 in prizes to be given away.

2012 FASTRAK Northeast marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tires, Original Pizza Logs, K&N Filters, The Brake Man, Utsinger's Towing, Precise Racing Products, Genesis Shocks, VP Fuels, Beyea Custom Headers, H&H Racing Equipment, High Gear Speed Shop, Hyperco, Jake's Golf Carts, Lincoln Electric, Wrisco Aluminum, and Wylie Race Cars.

You can reach co-directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone at the FASTRAK Northeast office at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. The office is open daily late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. For more information, check out the FASTRAK Northeast website at www.fastraknortheast.com. Become our fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
fastraknortheast.

GAME COMMISSION OFFERS ADVICE TO HUNTERS HEADED OUT OF STATE

GAME COMMISSION OFFERS ADVICE TO HUNTERS HEADED OUT OF STATE

Iowa and Texas added to list of states impacted by Pennsylvania’s parts ban

HARRISBURG – With thousands of Pennsylvania hunters heading off to hunt big game in other states and Canadian provinces, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe reminds hunters that, in an effort to prevent the introduction of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) into the Commonwealth, the agency prohibits hunters from importing specific carcass parts from members of the deer family – including mule deer, elk and moose – from 21 states and two Canadian provinces. 

Roe noted that this importation ban is outlined in a recently revised executive order, and affects hunters heading to: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland (only from CWD Management Area), Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York (only from Madison and Oneida counties), North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia (only from CWD Containment Area), West Virginia (only from CWD Containment Area, which now includes parts of three counties), Wisconsin and Wyoming; as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

The executive order prohibits hunters from bringing back certain parts from any cervid from the listed states or provinces, whether the animal was taken from the wild or from a captive, high-fence operation. The specific carcass parts that cannot be brought back to Pennsylvania by hunters are the ones where the CWD prions (the causative agent) concentrate in cervids, and they are: the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes); spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and brain-tanned hides.

“Pennsylvania hunters who hunt in neighboring states should be most aware of how Pennsylvania’s parts ban would impact those hunting in Maryland and West Virginia due to the detection of CWD in these adjacent states,” Roe said. “For those Pennsylvania hunters heading to Maryland, they should become familiar with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ CWD Management Area, which includes a portion of Allegany County noted as Private Land Code 233 in Maryland’s annual Guide to Hunting and Trapping. This section, which includes Maryland’s Green Ridge State Forest east of Flintstone and Oldtown, is directly south of Pennsylvania’s Bedford and Fulton counties.

“In West Virginia, the CWD Containment Area also has been expanded as the disease has moved outside of Hampshire County. The new CWD Containment Area now includes all of Hampshire County and portions of Hardy and Morgan counties.” 

For details, hunters should contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Roe noted that the prohibition does not limit the importation of: meat, without the backbone; cleaned skull plate with attached antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; tanned hide or raw hide with no visible brain or spinal cord tissue present; cape, if no visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft tissue is present; and finished taxidermy mounts.

Pennsylvania hunters heading to a state with a history of CWD should become familiar with that state’s wildlife regulations and guidelines for the transportation of harvested game animals.  Wildlife officials have suggested hunters in areas where CWD is known to exist follow these usual recommendations to prevent the possible spread of disease:

- Do not shoot, handle or consume any animal that appears sick; contact the state wildlife agency if you see or harvest an animal that appears sick.

- Wear rubber or latex gloves when field-dressing carcasses.

- Bone out the meat from your animal.

- Minimize the handling of brain and spinal tissues.

- Wash hands and instruments thoroughly after field-dressing is completed.

- Request that your animal is processed individually, without meat from other animals being added to meat from your animal, or process your own meat if you have the tools and ability to do so.

- Have your animal processed in the endemic area of the state where it was harvested, so that high-risk body parts can be properly disposed of there.  Only bring permitted materials back to Pennsylvania.

- Don’t consume the brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils or lymph nodes of harvested animals. (Normal field-dressing, coupled with boning out a carcass, will remove most, if not all, of these body parts. Cutting away all fatty tissue will help remove remaining lymph nodes.)

- Consider not consuming the meat from any animal that tests positive for the disease.

Roe said hunters who harvest a deer, elk or moose in a state or province where CWD is known to exist should follow that state’s wildlife agency’s instructions on how and where to submit the appropriate samples to have their animal tested.  If, after returning to Pennsylvania, a hunter is notified that his or her game tested positive for CWD, the hunter is encouraged to immediately contact the Game Commission region office that serves the county in which they reside for disposal recommendations and assistance.

A list of region offices and contact information appears on page 5 of the 2012-13 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is presented to each Pennsylvania license buyer.  The contact information also is available on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by putting your cursor on “About Us” in the menu bar under the banner, then selecting “Regional Information” in the drop-down menu and then clicking on the region of choice in the map.

The Game Commission, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of Agriculture, has conducted tests on more than 35,000 Pennsylvania deer and elk that have either died of unknown illnesses, were exhibiting abnormal behavior, or were killed by hunters.  No evidence of CWD has been found in any of these samples.

The Game Commission will continue to monitor this disease and collect samples from deer and elk that appear sick or behave abnormally.  The agency plans to test all hunter-killed elk for CWD and a sample of hunter-harvested wild deer again this year.  

First identified in 1967, CWD is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects cervids, including all species of deer, elk and moose. It is a progressive and always fatal disease of the nervous system.  Scientists believe CWD is caused by an unknown agent capable of transforming normal brain proteins into an abnormal form.

There currently is no practical way to test live animals for CWD, nor is there a vaccine.  Clinical signs include poor posture, lowered head and ears, uncoordinated movement, rough-hair coat, weight loss, increased thirst, excessive drooling, and, ultimately, death.  There is currently no scientific evidence that CWD has or can spread to humans, either through contact with infected animals or by eating meat of infected animals. The Center for Disease Control has investigated any connection between CWD and the human forms of TSEs and stated “the risk of infection with the CWD agent among hunters is extremely small, if it exists at all” and “it is extremely unlikely that CWD would be a food-borne hazard.”

“Hunters spend a lot of time in the woods, and are a valuable source of information to wildlife agencies across the United States,” Roe said.  “If a hunter sees a deer or elk behaving abnormally, or dying from unknown causes, contact us and provide as much specific information as possible about where the animal was seen.”

In 2005, Pennsylvania CWD task force members completed the state’s response plan, which outlines ways to prevent CWD from entering our borders and, in the event CWD is found in Pennsylvania, how to detect it and manage it.  The task force was comprised of representatives from several state and federal agencies, including the Game Commission, the state departments of Agriculture, Health and Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as well as representatives from stakeholder groups including hunters, deer farmers, deer processors and taxidermists.  The plan is updated annually, and the current plan can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by putting your cursor on “Wildlife” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then put your cursor on “Wildlife Diseases” from the drop-down menu, and then clicking on “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).”  This page also includes links to tips for taxidermists and meat processors, as well as the CWD Alliance’s website (www.cwd-info.org). Information on CWD also is published on page 52 of the agency’s 2012-13 Digest.

“We know that Pennsylvania hunters are just as concerned about keeping CWD out of Pennsylvania as we are, and we are confident that they will do all they can to protect the Commonwealth’s whitetail and elk populations,” Roe said.

Rescue Operations Course

GAME COMMISSION ANNOUNCES STOCKING PLANS FOR 200,000 PHEASANTS

GAME COMMISSION ANNOUNCES STOCKING PLANS FOR 200,000 PHEASANTS

Thanks to Marcellus Shale revenues, agency returns to pre-2005 pheasant stocking level

HARRISBURG – Thanks to a series of Marcellus Shale leases approved by the Board of Game Commissioners in 2011, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced that hunters will see the agency’s pheasant stocking efforts increase to 200,000 birds for the upcoming small game seasons for the first time since 2004.

The 110,090 males and 89,910 female pheasants to be stocked this year includes 15,000 birds for the junior-only season (Oct. 6-13) and 1,500 pheasants allocated for those clubs sponsoring mentored pheasant hunts for juniors on Oct. 6.

“Back in the 2004-05 fiscal year, the Game Commission was forced to make many difficult financial decisions as license revenues failed to keep pace with the increasing costs of doing business,” Roe said. “While the agency’s last license fee increase took effect in the 1999-2000 license year, many operational line-items, such as the price of gasoline and other habitat improvement materials, increased at a faster pace.  The pheasant propagation program was one budget item we were forced to cut, resulting in the closure of one game farm and a 50 percent reduction in the pheasant production level from 200,000 to 100,000.

“During the intervening years, we said that it would take another license fee increase for us to be able to restore the cuts in pheasant production, as well as the other cuts that were made, since reducing the pheasant program was saving the agency more than $500,000 annually.  However, thanks to monies from recent Marcellus Shale-related gas leases on State Game Lands, we have been able to return to the 200,000-bird level this year, which is consistent with the Game Commission’s Strategic Plan and Pheasant Management Plan.”

Going back to full production is a significant accomplishment, according to Robert C. Boyd, Bureau of Wildlife Management Wildlife Services Division chief, who oversees the pheasant propagation program.

“There were some very focused and concerted efforts that went into getting the repairs and upgrades made to the game farm facilities, particularly the two game farms in Lycoming County,” Boyd said. “The dedication and perseverance was above and beyond commendable from the staff of the game farms, the Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management’s Engineering Division and the Northcentral Region’s local land managers.”

Roe noted that the pheasant stocking efforts will begin Oct. 5, when the agency will release 15,000 birds (7,580 males and 7,700 females) for the junior pheasant hunt scheduled for Oct. 6-13.  A listing of stocking locations for the youth hunt can be found on pages 25-27 of the 2012-13 Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest, which is provided to each license buyer.  

Opening day of the general pheasant hunting season is Oct. 20, and closes on Nov. 24.  Pre-season stocking of pheasants will take place in each region prior to Oct. 20, followed by four in-season stockings, as well as a late season stocking. 

Only male pheasants are legal game in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2A, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B.  Male and female pheasants are legal game in all other WMUs.

During the regular fall season, the agency focuses pheasant stocking on State Game Lands and select state parks and federal lands.  Birds also are stocked on properties enrolled in the Game Commission’s Hunter Access Program.

The Game Commission has an updated publication titled “Pheasant Management Program,” which identifies State Game Lands, and those state parks and federal lands with suitable habitat that receive pheasant stockings.  This publication can be found on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and can be viewed by putting your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, clicking on “Hunting,” clicking on “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing and then choosing “Pheasant Management Program” in the “Programs” listing.

As part of the agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan, the Game Commission is taking steps to restore self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats called “Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas” (WPRAs). For the 2012-13 seasons, WPRAs are defined as the Somerset, Central Susquehanna, Hegins-Gratz Valley and Franklin County WPRAs.  

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has banned the release of any artificially propagated pheasants, including Game Commission-raised pheasants, in these areas, and pheasant hunting is closed in these WPRAs.  Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner and small game hunting, except for groundhog, crows and waterfowl, will be prohibited in these WPRAs from the first Sunday in February through July 31 each year.

“Working with major partners, such as Pheasants Forever, the University of California and local landowners, we already have a jump start on creating WPRAs,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.  “These groups have invested in creating pheasant habitat in four areas of the state. To make the best use of the agency’s resources, and with the support of these partners, we have established these areas as the first WPRAs in the state.”

A regional breakdown for the junior, regular and late season stockings are as follows:  Northwest Region, 13,050 males and 25,380 females; Southwest Region, 29,010 males and 15,470 females; Northcentral Region, 6,980 males and 14,090 females; Southcentral Region, 19,020 and 9,920 females; Northeast Region, 14,770 males and 16,910 females; and Southeast Region 27,260 males and 8,140 females.  Regional allocations are based on the amount of suitable pheasant habitat open to public hunting and pheasant hunting pressure.

To offer hunters better information about the stocking schedule, the Game Commission has posted on its website charts for each of its six regions outlining the number of birds to be stocked in each county, the public properties slated to be stocked and a two- to three-day window in which stockings will take place within the counties.  To view the charts, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting,” click on “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing and then choose “Pheasant Allocation” and click on the map for the county or region of interest.

Roe reminded hunters that, several years ago, the agency enacted a regulation aimed at improving safety for agency employees and vehicles involved in pheasant stocking. 

“Each year, when Game Commission personnel are releasing pheasants from the stocking trucks, employees and trucks are shot at by unsuspecting hunters in the field.  To prevent this, the agency approved a regulation that prohibits hunters from discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a Game Commission vehicle releasing pheasants.  As we provide better information about when and where stockings will be conducted, we remind hunters that they have an obligation to ensure that no stocking trucks or personnel are in the vicinity.”

This year, the late season is scheduled for Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 2, for Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B, 2B, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4D, 5C and 5D.  During the late season, male and female pheasants are legal game in these WMUs.  All other WMUs are closed during these dates. 

For details on the pheasant seasons, please see pages 21-27 of the 2012-13 Digest.  For more information about the clubs that sponsor junior pheasant hunts, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting,” click on “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing and then look under the “Junior Youth Pheasant Hunt” category.

To augment the Game Commission’s pheasant stocking program, Roe noted that each January sportsmen’s clubs are invited to enroll in the agency’s “Pheasant Chick Program.” As part of the program, clubs are required to erect appropriate facilities, purchase feed and cover other expenses, and then they can receive, at no charge, pheasant chicks to raise and release for hunting and dog training purposes on lands open to public hunting in their local community. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for sportsmen to get kids involved in raising pheasants and to learn more about wildlife and habitat requirements,” Roe said.  “Kids can be involved in raising the birds, assist in developing habitat in their community, and help release the pheasants into the wild.  Our game farm superintendents can assist sportsmen’s clubs by providing technical advice and training to get a facility started.

“So, even as the Game Commission increases its stocking efforts back to 200,000 and looks for ways to grow the program to 250,000 birds, sportsmen’s clubs can be part of the solution by raising pheasants, too.”

Also, Richard Palmer, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection director, reminded hunters that an executive order remains in effect that bans dog training on State Game Lands from the Monday prior to the start of the youth pheasant season until the close of the youth pheasant season, which, for this coming season, translates to Oct. 1-13. The order does not, in any manner, prohibit dog handlers from using dogs as part of a junior-only pheasant hunt activity or for dog training activities on any lands other than State Game Lands.  He also noted that this order does not impact dog training activities statewide during the remainder of the year, including general small game seasons.

sspr state park

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

Pennsylvania has been a prime beneficiary of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act

By Joe Kosack

It’s hard to imagine how wild Pennsylvania – in fact, America – would be today without the annual funds provided by 1937’s Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act.

“This landmark legislation, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, redirected the use of a federal excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition to help restore America’s wildlife,” explained Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director. “Now known as the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, it is recognized as one of the most important and lasting commitments America has made to wildlife and its conservation.”

The maneuvering in Washington, D.C., to redirect this excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition – 10 percent on most taxable items – came as the Great Depression was winding down and before the United States plunged into World War II. Sandwiched between these two defining periods in American history, the new Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (P-R Act) had time to get off the ground and running. In fact, had the P-R Act – and subsequent state companion legislation – been introduced five years earlier or later, this extraordinary wildlife partnership would not have had a chance, given the country’s pressing needs.

The P-R Act is named after U.S. Rep. A. Willis Robertson, of Virginia, and U.S. Senator Key Pittman, of Nevada, who were instrumental in securing the bill’s passage in their respective chambers. The bill itself was written by Carl D. Shoemaker, who was a special investigator for the Special Committee on Conservation of Wildlife Resources in the U.S. Senate.

The bill was adopted by Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who wasn’t quite as “bully” for wildlife as his distant “rough-riding” cousin, President Teddy Roosevelt, who was the country’s 26th president and incredibly instrumental in forging America’s then budding conservation movement. At that time, the Pennsylvania Game Commission was living off the revenues – $1.3 million in 1937 – obtained from a $2 resident hunting license and a $15 nonresident license. It wasn’t enough to adequately manage the more than 450 species of wild birds and mammals the agency was mandated to conserve. That’s why the new P-R funding immediately became so important to the agency. It didn’t hurt that the Commonwealth benefitted greatly from the formula the U.S. Biological Survey – became the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1940 – used annually to disburse P-R funds.

The hefty P-R allocations Pennsylvania receives annually have been and continue to be influenced mostly by the state’s large number of hunters. The USFWS’s formula uses a state’s geographic size – Pennsylvania ranks 33rd – and hunting license sales – Pennsylvania is usually one of the top three states – to establish each state’s funding level.

During the 1940s, hunter numbers dropped as Pennsylvanians enlisted for and fought in World War II. It would have been harder for the Game Commission to fulfill its duties had it not been for P-R funding. Those annual allocations helped keep the agency’s programs on course. Then, after the war, the state’s hunter numbers grew every decade – particularly after the baby-boomers became of hunting age – until they plateaued in the early 1980s.

“Pennsylvania continues to sell 900,000 to one million hunting licenses annually, and that keeps the Game Commission in an enviable position for P-R funding,” explained Roe. “Pennsylvania is grateful for all the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program has done for the Commonwealth. Wildlife conservation in this state wouldn’t be the same without it.”

Pennsylvania currently is surpassed only by Texas in hunter numbers, based on the a statistical analysis of all states conducted by the USFWS in the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation, the latest report from which statistical information can be obtained. There wasn’t a close third place among the remaining 48 states.

“What makes the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act so remarkable is the lasting ecological good it has fostered across America,” said Roe. “Since P-R began giving grant money to states in 1939, it has provided an amazing $7 billion – including more than $275 million to Pennsylvania – for wildlife conservation. P-R money has helped the Game Commission buy more than 185,000 acres of State Game Lands, fund important wildlife surveys and research and improve habitat on State Game Lands. It also helps finance hunter education and was instrumental in the reintroduction of bald eagles.”

The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act also has helped ensure that every dollar raised through state hunting license sales is spent on wildlife management. This came about through a late adjustment in the bill’s development crafted by Rep. Robertson. His amendment created a mandate requiring all participating states to enact laws prohibiting the use of hunting license revenues for any purpose other than operating their state wildlife management agency. Compliance among the states came quickly, but not necessarily enthusiastically.

In the first two years of P-R funding, 48 states split $2.29 million. Two of our now 50 states didn’t receive federal aid, Alaska and Hawaii. Although Alaska began receiving P-R funding in 1942 and Hawaii in 1946, they received their aid because they were United States territories. Neither became states until 1959.

When the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act became law, the country had about 6.8 million hunters and Pennsylvania had about 606,600 licensed hunters. That meant 8.9 percent of America’s hunters resided in the Commonwealth. Today, Pennsylvania’s one million hunters comprise 8.3 percent of the national total, according to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation.

“Our hunter numbers over time reflect a strong hunting heritage that can be traced back to our forefathers,” Roe explained. “Hunting has always been important to many Pennsylvanians, and P-R funding has helped strengthen our state’s and nation’s commitment to hunters, the people who silently have financed wildlife management in this state for nearly a century.”

Pennsylvania hunters began purchasing hunting licenses in 1913 to pay for the management of the state’s wildlife. The first year, the Commonwealth sold 305,028 resident licenses at a cost of $1 each. It would take the state until 1967 to sell one million general hunting licenses. Today, hunters continue to finance the management of wild birds and mammals in the Commonwealth. It is a legacy they honor and a responsibility they shoulder with pride.

The USFWS’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program’s vision is to provide “healthy, diverse, and accessible fish and wildlife populations that offer recreation, economic activity and other societal benefits, in addition to sustainable ecological functions.” P-R funding – coupled with state contributions – helps to support this far-reaching and balanced course in natural resource management. It’s a direction that is green, clear and reasonable. Just the way conservationists prefer natural resources be managed.

“The Service is proud to join our partners in recognizing more than seven decades of wildlife conservation and quality outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Dan Ashe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director. “With our nation’s support and our partnership’s renewed commitment, WSFR will help more Americans enjoy wildlife and our great outdoors for many years to come.”

For more information on the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, visit USFWS’s P-R 75th Anniversary website – www.wsfr75.com – and watch in the September issue of Pennsylvania Game News magazine for an article on Pittman-Robertson’s 75th anniversary by Gary Camus, Federal Aid Coordinator with the Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management.

To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following:

Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PAGameComm
YouTube: www.youtube.com/pagamecommission
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission

Celtic Revival At Northern Potter High School On Sunday, September 9

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

PRESS RELEASE

Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging is still distributing Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks for Potter County senior citizens. These checks are through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Each senior citizen receives one set of (4) $5 checks per year.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides eligible senior citizens with checks to use at approved farmers markets to purchase qualifying fresh fruits and vegetables through November 30, 2012. The checks will be issued through September 30, 2012, at Potter County Senior Centers and the Potter County Human Services AAA.

Select fruits and vegetables approved for purchase must be grown in Pennsylvania or purchased directly from a farmer in a neighboring state. Neighboring states include Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and West Virginia. Some of the produce that qualifies under the program includes beans, berries, corn, cucumbers, peppers, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, apples, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, grapes, onions, potatoes, pumpkins and zucchini. No citrus fruits or tropical fruits are eligible under the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Processed foods, such as jam, honey, cider and baked goods are also ineligible to be purchased through this program.

Potter County senior citizens, age sixty or older, whose income is $20,665 or less for a single person or $27,991 or less for a couple, or $35,317 or less for 3 people or $42,643 or less for four people are eligible for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Income is based on the total income for 2011. These guidelines are subject to change. The federal guidelines that are in place the day of distribution will be those that are used. Proof of income is not required. However, the senior citizen must sign a register verifying that their income meets the income guidelines. You must show proof of age and address. Driver’s license will work for proof of both. They will be issued four (4), $5.00 checks.

IN ORDER FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO PICK UP CHECKS FOR ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL, YOU MUST PICK UP A PROXY FORM THAT IS TO BE COMPLETED BY BOTH INDIVIDUALS AND THEN RETURNED TO THE DISTRIBUTION SPOT. THIS IS ALSO THE PROCEDURE FOR HUSBAND/WIFE AND WIFE/HUSBAND. ALL DISTRIBUTION SITES HAVE THESE FORMS AVAILABLE NOW.

Seniors who reside in nursing homes, personal care homes or other residential facilities where meals are provided are not eligible for this program.

Vendors that are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for this program display a sign indicating that the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks are accepted. A list of local farmers markets can be obtained at check distribution sites.

According to the Potter County Area Agency on Aging, this is a very beneficial program that will benefit eligible seniors in Potter County by providing fresh, nutritious home grown produce. This program also benefits the farmers who raise these items. It is hoped that seniors will take full advantage of this program.” If you know anyone who is eligible, please have them contact us at the numbers below.

Senior citizens will be able to sign up for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks at the following locations:

ULYSSES SENIOR CENTER MON - WED
ULYSSES COMM. BLDG 9 A.M. – 1 P.M
MAIN STREET
ULYSSES, PA 16948
848-9880

OSWAYO VALLEY SENIOR CENTER MON - WED
OSWAYO STREET 9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
SHINGLEHOUSE, PA 16748
697-7178

GALETON SENIOR CENTER WED - FRI
ST. BIBIANA PARISH HALL 9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
111 GERMANIA STREET
GALETON, PA 16922
435-2864

COUDERSPORT SENIOR CENTER WED - FRI
1004 SOUTH MAIN STREET 9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
COUDERSPORT, PA 16915
274-7887

POTTER COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AAA
62 NORTH ST.
ROULETTE, PA 16746
814-544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560
ASK FOR BARB KIEL – APPT. ONLY

For more information, please contact Barb Kiel, Potter County Area Agency on Aging, at 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.

GAME COMMISSION TO CONDUCT GAME FARM TOURS

GAME COMMISSION TO CONDUCT GAME FARM TOURS

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission will offer public tours of its four game farms on Sunday, Sept. 30. Guided tours are scheduled to begin at noon and conclude by 3 p.m., rain or shine, at the game farms in Armstrong, Crawford and Lycoming (two farms) counties.

“The tours are designed to provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the Game Commission’s game farms and our pheasant propagation program,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “While pheasants are not a native species to Pennsylvania, or the United States for that matter, the Game Commission’s pheasant-stocking program continues to be a service in high demand, provides a tangible product for the license buyer, and adds diversity to today’s hunting experience at a time when wild pheasant populations are low.

“Also, as we continue to work to recruit and retain hunters, pheasant hunting seems to be one thing that our senior license holders enjoy, as it reminds them of their youth, and our newer junior license holders enjoy, as it provides them with an exciting hunt.”

Tour stops will include hatcheries, brooder houses, and rearing, “grow-out” and over-wintering pens. Workshop discussions will focus on objectives in propagation management, including sportsmen’s organizations participating in raising day-old chicks provided by the farms to increase local hunting opportunities and surplus day-old hen chicks that are sold to the public. Also, after registration and before taking the tour, visitors may view a brief DVD highlighting farm operations throughout the year.

When visitors arrive on tour dates, they will be asked to register before game farm personnel take them on a guided tour. In order to maintain biosecurity and minimize human contact with the birds, visitors will be asked to remain with tour groups.

Since budget cuts in 2005, the agency reduced the production of ring-necked pheasants from 200,000 birds to 100,000 birds annually at the Game Commission’s game farms, and the agency temporarily closed one of the game farms.

“Thanks to recent revenues from Marcellus Shale-related gas leases on State Game Lands, the agency has increased its production level to distribute 200,000 birds for the 2012-13 hunting seasons, and we reopened the fourth game farm in 2010 to reach that production level,” Roe said. “Also, in recent years, the Game Commission has invested in many long overdue game farm infrastructure improvements.”

With the increase to 200,000 pheasants being stocked for the 2012-13 seasons, Roe said he hopes hunters have an even better pheasant hunting experience in the upcoming seasons.

“We’re expecting hunters will see more pheasants in the field, because the Game Commission will be stocking pheasants during the first four weeks of the seasons, which is two weeks more than in recent years,” Roe said. “Because of these improvements and expanded production, we encourage pheasant hunters, as well as other interested individuals, to participate in our public tours of the four game farms.”

Goals for the pheasant propagation program are found in the agency’s pheasant management plan, which can be viewed on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by putting your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the page, then clicking on “Hunting” and then choosing “Pheasant” from the “Small Game” listing.

Directions to the game farms are as follows:

Loyalsock Game Farm: Lycoming County, 136 Game Farm Rd., Montoursville, PA 17754. The game farm is five miles north of Montoursville on Route 87, but the Route 973 bridge over the Loyalsock Creek still is out due to last year’s flood. The game farm is 1.5 miles east of Warrensville on Route 973. Follow Warrensville Road 5.7 miles north to Warrensville from the Warrensville Road exit (Exit 23) of Interstate 80. Tour starts at the hatchery.

Northcentral Game Farm: Lycoming County, 1609 Proctor Rd., Williamsport, PA 17701. The game farm is 18 miles north of Montoursville off of Route 87. Tour starts at the hatchery of the Proctor (northern) farm.

Western Game Farm: Crawford County, 25761 Highway 408, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403. The game farm is 3.5 miles east of Cambridge Springs on Route 408. Tour starts at the office/hatchery.

Southwest Game Farm: Armstrong County, 217 Pheasant Farm Rd., New Bethlehem, PA 16242. The game farm is two miles south of New Bethlehem off Routes 66/28. Tour starts at the office/hatchery.

Roe noted that information regarding pheasant stocking plans will be announced in September.

Comprehenive Blood Analysis

Public Drunkenness at Kiasutha Boat Launch

At 6:00 pm on 8-4, Tpr. McCloskey investigated an incident of Public Drunkenness which occurred at the Kiasutha Boat Launch, Hamilton Twp, Pa. Jordan R. Bradybaugh of Grandview Rd., Kane, Pa was in a public place under the influence of alcohol to the degree that he endangered himself and others; and was an annoyance to the park staff and public at the boat launch. Bradybaugh will be cited in District Court 48-3-04 for one summary violation of PA/CC Section 5505; Public Drunkenness.

Public Drunkenness on Sidewalk

On 2:50 am on 7-31, Tpr. Smith was called to the scene of a sidewalk on 4th St., Emporium, Pa.

Gary Yates, 33, of Simpson, Pa was under the influence of alcohol to a degree that he annoyed people in the vicinity. Yates was charged with Public Drunkenness.

Attempted Burglary at the Sterling Run Tavern

A Burglary(attempt) is being investigated by Tpr. Homan. Sometime between 11:00 pm on 7-30 and 1:25 pm on 7-31 unknown actor(s) attempted to break into the Sterling Run Tavern, in Lumber Township, by compromising a side door but were unsuccessful and fled the scene.

Criminal Mischeif

Trooper Fausey is continuing an investigation of Criminal Mischief that occurred sometime between 7:00 pm on 7-29 and 3:00 pm on 7-30 to a Silver 2008 Pontiac G6 sedan owned by Dustin G. Wheeler of East Tannery St, Harrison Valley, Pa. The car received a long scratch on the right front fender; possibly caused by a bicycle handle/ brake lever by an unknown actor(s). Anyone with info regarding this investigation is asked to call PSP Couderspot at 814-274-8690.

Disorderly Conduct in Emporium

Trooper Petti cited James Patrick Roberto of Old West Creek Rd, Emporium, Pa with Disorderly Conduct through District Court 59-3-01 after Roberto smashed a TV on Allegany Ave in the Emporium Boro. The incident happened at 4:30 am on 7-29.

Burglary at Fulton's General Store

Trooper Michael Smith is continuing an investigation of Burglary at Fulton's General Store in Driftwood, Pa. Sometime between 8:30 pm on 7-29 and 8:00 am on 7-30, Actor(s) entered through the front door. Once inside the actor(s) removed approx. $366 in cash and change, a container of Wild Bill's Beef Jerky, numerous folding knives, assorted flavors of Gatorade, Fulton General Store lighters and approx. 40 packs of Marlboro and USA Gold cigarettes. Actor(s) then fled the scene.

Theft by Unlawful Taking

An incident of Theft by Unlawful Taking occurred on July 28th at the Otto Township Old Home Days. Tara Kraft of Bradford, Pa had her cell phone stolen. Through electronic means, she was able to obtain the approximate location of the phone in Warren, Pa. She was able to retrieve her phone and declined prosecution. Trooper Leslie E. Barr is the investigator.

Access Device Fraud

Trooper McCloskey is investigating an Access Device Fraud which occurred on 7-4 and 7-6. The victim Linda Wright of Rt. 155, Port Allegany, Pa was reviewing her credit card statement and observed unknown charges on her account totaling $565.63. The investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Kane at 814-778-5555.

Loitering and Prowling at Night

Trooper VanVolkenburg is investigating an incident of Loitering and Prowling at night at the residence of Richard Alan Watson, Little Phoenix Rd, Sabinsville, Pa on 7-26 at 10:50 pm. Unknown actor(s) trespassed on the victim's property and were seen walking around barn area. It is unknown what the actors were doing there. Anyone with information on the actors or their activities are encouraged to contact PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690.

Harrassment/ Disorderly Conduct in Eldred Borough

Trooper Leslie E. Barr has cited two men with Harassment and Disorderly Conduct. The incident occurred on 7-25 at 10 pm, when both men; Joseph Rivera, 37,  of Eldred, Pa and Christopher Campbell, 23,  of Smethport, Pa were engaged in a fight outside a residence on Mechanic Street, Eldred, Pa.

Domestic violence harassment/ Criminal Mischief

An incident of Domestic violence harassment/ criminal mischief occurred in Harrison Township, Pa on 7-24 at 10:45 pm. A known male became involved in a physical altercation with another male- 21,  in a yard on Iva Jen Rd. Then as Linda Smith of Whites Corners Rd, Westfield, Pa began to drive away in her 1999 Ford Crown Victoria the Actor jumped onto the hood causing damage to a windshield wiper and exterior mirror. Tpr. Kocher is continuing the investigation.

Burglary at Rod and Gun Club

Trooper Fausey is investigating a burglary at the Genesse Rod and Gun Club in Genesse, Pa. Sometime between Friday, 7-20 and Sunday, 7-29 unknown actor(s) appeared to kick in the rear entry door to the building. Anyone with info is asked to contact PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690.

Burglary in Genesee, Pa

Trooper Kocher is investigating a burglary; sometime between 12 am on 7-18 and 12 pm on 7-28 an unknown actor(s) entered the garage of Georgia Ransom- 61 of Shongo Street, Genesee, Pa causing damage to a generator and removing a gas can. Anyone with info is asked to call PSP Coudersport at 814-274-8690.

Burglary on Emmel Rd, Ulysses Pa

State Police investigated a Burglary which occurred between 7:00 am on 7-14 and 4:00 pm on 7-22, on Emmel Rd, Ulysses Township, owned by Lawrence W. Rohrer- 66 of Manheim, Pa. The incident occurred as actor(s) forcibly entered the above location. Tpr. Gerg says the investigation is on-going. Anyone with info is asked to contact Coudersport PSP at 814-274-8690.

Credit Card Theft

Trooper Timothy Mix investigated an incident of Theft that occurred on July 4th. On this date an unknown actor charged $70 to a credit card belonging to Shelly Lorraine Jones of Genesee, Pa. Anyone with information regarding this theft is asked to contact Tpr. Mix at 814-274-8690.

8-12 thru 8-16 Vacation Bible School Port Allegany

Awesome Adventure

Birch Grove Mennonite Church, Two Mile Road, Port Allegany, will have Vacation Bible School,

August 12th thru 16th 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, 

for Kindergarten to 5th grade. 

We will have lots of fun with Lenny the Lion, Rip Sky and Montana Mabel. There will be story telling, snacks, music, songs and skits. “BRING A FRIEND”

Call Doris Galetine @ 642-2365 for more information.

8-10/11 Cherry Springs

8-13 thru17 Vacation Bible School Calvery Baptist Church

Rescheduled Pool Party

Corn Roast At The Hogan

August Events For Charles Cole Memorial Hospital

Shale Gas Industry Puts Workers at Risk in Rush to Frack

Shale Gas Industry Puts Workers at Risk in Rush to Frack

(Philadelphia) Labor leaders and health professionals, along with a broad coalition of citizen groups committed to halting shale gas development, assert that risks to workers in the shale gas industry, "from stem to stern," are being overlooked in the rush to frack. This is the first in a series of Bulletins in advance of the Shale Gas Outrage demonstration planned for Philadelphia, 12 - 2 pm on September 20th, 2012 (press conference 10 AM), outside the Convention Center where the Marcellus Shale industry conference will be underway. 

Five critical issues are:

Ø  Silicosis caused by exposure to crystalline silica sand, a"proppant" used in fracking, which is inhaled by workers during mining, transportation and transfer

Ø  Hydrogen sulfide, a potentially deadly gas which occurs in fracked gas processing operations. Deadly levels have been measured but covered up, and an exemption bars federal oversight.

Ø  Chemical exposures on the job producing skin lesions, severe headaches, gastrointestinal pain, respiratory distress and other symptoms, with inadequate treatment and reporting

Ø  A culture of fear discourages workers from asking for protective gear; workers are also actively directed to participate in environmental cover-ups. Because most shale gas jobs are transient, non-union jobs, workers don’t feel safe speaking up.

Ø  Dangerously explosive methane puts utility workers, residents and rescue responders at risk on the distribution end. Pipeline explosions kill.

1. Silicosis: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently released a Hazard Alert warning workers about silica presence and exposure during fracking. According to the alert, "Hydraulic fracturing sand contains up to 99% silica. Breathing silica can cause silicosis, […] a lung disease where lung tissue around trapped silica particles reacts, causing inflammation and scarring and reducing the lungs' ability to take in oxygen." A photo shows workers surrounded by clouds of the extremely fine, dangerous dust. (3)

2. Hydrogen Sulfide is implicated in the death of Jose Lara, who was told to clean waste water tanks without knowledge of their contents or protective gear. His story, and the gas industry’s deadly cover up, was revealed by Channel 5 in Grand Junction, Colorado last year. (4), (5)

"'If I would have known the damage those tanks would do to me, I would never have cleaned them,' an emotional Lara said through a Spanish translator in front of a camera and room full of attorneys.

Dying from pancreatic and liver cancer, Lara described his job with Rain for Rent, a California-based company with a branch in Rifle, Colorado.

His job was to power-wash waste water tanks for natural gas drilling companies. For years, Lara said he was not supplied with a respirator, protective gear, or any warning of what he could be exposed to.

‘The chemicals, the smell was so bad,'  Lara said. 'Once I got out, I couldn’t stop throwing up. I couldn’t even talk.'

Lara said he had no idea what he was being exposed to.

Lara passed away three months after recording his deposition. OSHA would later cite and fine Rain for Rent with nine violations, six of them serious, for exposing Lara to a cyanide-like gas called hydrogen sulfide."

The same report quotes Ryan Beaver, who worked with the same kinds of tanks and repeatedly found hydrogen sulfide gas levels triple the lethal level and wasn’t allowed to tell anyone. Once, he found levels so high they maxed out his device. He resorted to cracking open his mask to warn nearby workers and inhaled a near-lethal dose himself.

BREATHE ACT: One of the demands made by Protecting Our Waters and allies is to pass the BREATHE Act, to close a loophole in the Clean Air Act which allows hydrogen sulfide gas in oil and gas operations to be unregulated (6). 

Congressmen Jared Polis (D-CO), Representatives Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), and Rush Holt (D-NJ) have introduced H.R.1204, the Bringing Reductions to Energy's Airborne Toxic Health Effects (BREATHE) Act, which would finally subject hydrogen sulfide gas to monitoring and regulation. 

3. Chemical exposure on the job appears to be rampant in the shale gas industry. The health impacts do not appear to be prevented, monitored, reported, well understood or adequately treated. "The very first time I spoke in public about fracking, in January 2010, a union organizer from Erie demanded to know why his workers were getting skin lesions," said Iris Marie Bloom, founder of Protecting Our Waters, which is organizing and hosting Shale Gas Outrage 2012. "Now we have heard of skin lesions, headaches, gastrointestinal pain and respiratory distress from workers and residents alike in counties across Pennsylvania, but workers, and even doctors, are afraid to speak out because this industry is so powerful."

Poune Saberi, MD, MPH, said, "In Pennsylvania workers have reported contact with chemicals without appropriate protective equipment, inhalation of sand without masks,  and repeated emergency visits for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, yet many of the medical encounters go unreported."

4. Culture of fear. Workers in the shale gas extraction industry repeatedly report that they are laughed at or threatened when they request protective gear. One such whistleblower speaks out here, describing what he calls a "culture of fear": (7).

In 2011, Scott Ely of Dimock, PA told the Times Tribune that he was directed by, a Cabot Oil and Gas subsidiary to deceive environmental regulators in Pennsylvania by sampling uncontaminated soil instead of soil that had been contaminated by a Cabot diesel spill. He only reported the incident after he stopped working for Cabot:

“Cabot tried to hide, minimize or ignore at least five diesel spills or their impacts between 2008 and 2009. After an 800-gallon diesel spill in June 2008, a drilling supervisor instructed him to move a reference point hay bale away from a spot where lab tests showed persistently contaminated soil after treatment.

“I said, ‘So you want them to test where there’s no hot dirt?’” he recalled. “He said, ‘That’s the idea.’” (8)

5. Methane kills. "It's a very, very dangerous fuel once it gets into distribution," said Stewart Acuff, a longtime labor organizer for utility workers. "Philadelphia lost a 19 year old worker with only six months on the job just 18 months ago because of a natural gas explosion in the distribution line. Every member of his crew had burns all over their bodies, and a firefighter was killed as well. San Bruno lost eight people when an entire block exploded." (13)

Acuff concluded, "It's really ridiculous that we're given this free power -- wind and solar -- which is abundant, all we have to do is harness it. Instead, we're blowing up our earth, endangering workers and putting our groundwater at risk."

For further information  Shale Gas Outrage Communications Committee: Berks Gas Truth, Clean Air Council, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Food and Water Watch, Marcellus Outreach Butler, Protecting Our Waters.

References: Science and News

1. Michelle Bamberger, Robert E. Oswald “Impacts Of Gas Drilling On Human And Animal Health” New Solutions, Vol. 22(1) 51-77, 2012 Scientific Solutions

2. Lisa M. McKenzie, Roxana Z. Witter, Lee S. Newman, John L. Adgate “Human health risk assessment of air emissions from development of unconventional natural gas resources” Science of the Total Environment, 2012 Mar 21

3. OSHA-NIOSH Hazard Alert for Worker Exposure to Silica During Hydraulic Fracturing: Available at: http://www.osha.gov/dts/hazardalerts/hydraulic_frac_hazard_alert.html 

4. "Hydrogen Sulfide May Have Killed Gas Drilling Worker," http://dallasdrilling.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/hydrogen-sulfide-may-have-killed-gas-drilling-worker/

 5. "Deadly Gas Cover-up Revealed," http://www.krextv.com/news/around-the-region/NC5-INVESTIGATION-Deadly-Gas-Cover-Up-Revealed-126869973.html

6. Fact Sheet on the BREATHE Act, created by National Stop the Frack Attack mobilization http://www.stopthefrackattack.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/STFA-BREATHE_Fact-Sheet1.pdf

7. Whistle-blowing truck driver speaks out (Arkansas), describes culture of fear: http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/07/18/whistle-blowing-truck-driver-on-law-flouting-fracking-companies/  

8. Gas Company Worker Details Spills, Errors http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-company-whistle-blower-details-spills-errors-1.1234817

9. Colburn, T. et al., Natural Gas Operations from a Public Health Perspective. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal. Vol. 17, Iss. 5, 2011

10. Toxicological Profiles are peer-reviewed summaries for more than 300 compounds, published by ATSDR: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp. 


11. Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals 
http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/pdf/FourthReport.pdf 


12. Frank AL (2000). "Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Approach to the patient with an occupational or environmental illness." Primary Care; Clinics in Office Practice 27 (4).

13. Acuff, Stewart, “Dying to Work.” Huffington Post, January 2011 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stewart-acuff/dying-to-work_b_812520.html