Newly-elected Cameron County District Attorney Jeanne Miglicio participated in brief Return Day proceedings for February on Tuesday, but stated that the court calendar will not stay as slow in the future. “I have to give Paul (former District Attorney Malizia) credit for wrapping a lot of things up before he left office in […]
The founder of Adelphia Communications, who served as CEO when the corporation collapsed in 2002, has been granted a humanitarian release from prison. On Friday in Manhattan, United States District Judge Kimba Wood issued an order releasing John Rigas from Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex, a low-security prison near White Deer, Pennsylvania, where he […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor On Thursday, members of American Legion Post #194 in Emporium visited the Woodland Elementary School to present information on bullying to students. Approximately 80 third and fourth grade students attended the brief presentation in the afternoon; with discussion on what bullying looks like and what to do […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Cameron County School District (CCSD) has been able to reinvest some money after being forced to withdraw funds from investment accounts due to the lack of state funding caused by the budget impasse. Board Secretary Carl Mitchell reported that approximately $800,000 of the $1.1 million needed by […]
Cameron County is still economically dependent upon the manufacturing industry, but efforts to branch out and increase tourism are still ongoing. Throughout the year, Cameron County maintained a higher-than-average unemployment rate, coming in at 6.4% for the average for 2015. Cameron is one of only 11 counties in Pennsylvania with an unemployment rate […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Pennsylvania hospitals dependent upon funding from the state are feeling the uncertainty surrounding the state budget impasse. The two hospitals closest to Cameron County, Penn Highlands Elk and Cole Memorial, are both considered Critical Access Hospitals (CAH), meaning they receive special funding from the state in order […]
School Directors continue to deal with issues surrounding the ongoing state budget impasse, though a partial budget was approved more than a month ago. Cameron County School District (CCSD) Business Manager Carl Mitchell stated that the district has received all of what has been appropriated by the state so far, though he has […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor New representatives to the board of the Cameron County Ambulance Service (CCAS) are being appointed by municipalities across the county following a request for funding from the struggling ambulance service. At their regular monthly meeting held last Tuesday, supervisor Bill Hopwood was appointed to serve as the […]
Supervisors are researching construction of a new building to house equipment and operations for Shippen Township. “Something needs done with the building. We’re trying to figure out the best way to remedy the problem,” said Supervisor Phil Jones. The township is looking into different options, working with a nearby township in the Penfield […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County Commissioners rejected a repository bid placed on an Emporium property during their regular meeting held Thursday. The bid was placed for purchase of a parcel of land on East Fourth Street that includes the former Admit One building, an adjacent storefront and an apartment building […]
This week, county and municipal officials shared a report presented by the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) that lists statistics and other information on the department for 2015. EVFD Assistant Chief Adam Johnson attended the Cameron County Commissioners meeting and various municipal board meetings this week to present financial and statistical facts for […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Charges were bound over to the Cameron County Court of Common Pleas Thursday after a tax collector accused of failing to remit collected funds waived a preliminary hearing. Melinda Buchanan, age 39, of Driftwood, was charged last week with two felony counts of theft by failure to […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Ordinance enforcement issues continue to be the topic of conversation at meetings of Emporium’s Borough Council. Emporium Borough Police (EBP) Chief Dave Merritt stated that borough officials are still working with the solicitor to find a legal avenue to remove nuisance vehicles from borough streets. “Going through […]
The most recent statistics released by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry indicate that the statewide unemployment rate has continued to decline. The new rate, which reflects statistics from December of 2015, is calculated at 4.8%, although new unemployment compensation (UC) claims are up in the four-week average. But, the unemployment count […]
In celebration of the seventieth anniversary of the founding of VFW Post 6221 in Emporium, members will hold an open house on Sunday, March 6. The event will be held at the Vets Club on Third Street in Emporium from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., and the involvement of the community is being […]
It has been a long time since an event at the lodge at Ski Denton was filled to capacity, but it was standing room only for a meeting to discuss a feasibility study and future plans for the park and its operations. More than 150 people attended the meeting hosted by the Department […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Cameron County School District will begin the search for a new superintendent following a special meeting held on Thursday night. Board members voted not to renew a contract with current Superintendent Christine Holjencin, instead opting to begin advertising for a new individual to fill the position […]
A former municipality tax collector in Cameron County has been arrested following the filing of charges for allegedly not turning over tax money paid to her by residents. Melinda Marie Buchanan, age 39, of Driftwood, was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police on Tuesday after reports surfaced that Buchanan had failed to remit more […]
For over 40 years, board-certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist (OB/Gyn) Celso Backes, MD has provided health care to thousands of women and delivered over 7,000 babies in the north-central region of Pennsylvania. Sitting in his office at the Women’s Health Center at Cole Memorial, Dr. Backes said, “People have treated me so nice here. […]
by Amanda Jones, Echo News Editor United States Congressman Glenn Thompson (D-PA) visited the Aroma Café in Emporium for a meet and greet to announce his candidacy to represent the Fifth District of Pennsylvania for a subsequent term. Thompson has been elected four times to represent the largest congressional district in the state, […]
Cameron County Commissioners approved a payment from Act 13 funds for much-needed improvements to the county’s landfill. Funds of $4,377 were granted to the Cameron County Solid Waste Authority to pay half of the repairs deemed necessary through an engineering study. The solid waste authority will be responsible for the other half of […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Members of the Cameron County School District’s Board of Directors discussed shortfalls in the district’s cafeteria during their regular meeting held Thursday night. The cafeteria budget will be zeroed out through the transfer of $278,227 from the unassigned balance of the general fund in order to comply […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Funding has begun to trickle in to schools following the passage of a partial state budget at year’s end. Cameron County School District (CCSD) Board Secretary Carl Mitchell announced during Thursday’s school board meeting that about $3.1 million was received from the state on January 5.
The job numbers report for Pennsylvania was released late last month, showing the state rate now matching the rate across the United States at 5%. The U.S. average remained the same from October to November, with the most recent release reflecting November’s numbers. Numbers are based on seasonally-adjusted data. Pennsylvania’s rate dropped by […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Five individuals from Cameron and Potter counties were arrested this week by police following investigations involving a confidential informant and an undercover police officer. The incidents are alleged to have occurred over last summer and throughout the last month, and some were investigated by the Northcentral Strike […]
The Cameron County Cardboard Classic and Snow Fest have been scheduled for Saturday, January 23 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Emporium Country Club. Snow expected to fall in the next several days will hopefully remain on the ground thanks to colder projected temperatures. Another system coming behind it and expected […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A hearing held recently at the Magisterial District Judge’s office in Emporium was discussed along with movements on other ordinance violations during a meeting of borough council held last Monday night. Cameron County MDJ Barry Brown sided with the borough in a case against Fred Burkhouse concerning […]
Cameron County Commissioners discussed receipt of some funding following a partial budget passage in Harrisburg this week. Chief Clerk Brenda Munz stated that the county finally received about $191,000 yesterday, with most of that funding designated for Children and Youth Services. According to Commissioner Jim Thomas, all funding that is being disbursed is […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A historical movie hitting theatres will feature weaponry crafted by a Cameron County man. A flintlock rifle built by Ron Luckenbill of Recreating History in Rich Valley was used by Leonardo DiCaprio during filming of The Revenant, which recounts the tale of frontiersman and fur trapper, Hugh […]
The Emporium Borough Council voted unanimously to accept the Tax Levy Ordinance and 2016 Budget as presented during a special meeting held Monday night. Tax Levy Ordinance 492 was accepted unanimously, setting the millage rate at 16.91 mills. The rate has remained at that level since it was last increased in 2006.
Though two individuals were sentenced Tuesday for possession of alpha-PVP, also known as bath salts, law enforcement officials are optimistic that the worst of the epidemic has passed in Cameron County. “The Commonwealth believes we’re nearing the end of a terrible epidemic of Bath Salts,” stated Cameron County District Attorney Paul Malizia. “The […]
An Emporium man has opted to head to trial on charges including aggravated indecent assault of an individual under the age of 18 discovered through the investigation of an Emporium Borough Police Officer on similar charges. Thomas F. Barton, age 63, of Emporium, was charged in September with felony counts of involuntary deviate […]
Cameron County Commissioners presided over a reorganizational meeting on Monday as their first action as a new board. Following the swearing-in ceremony held on Monday morning by Judge Richard Masson, commissioners must hold the brief reorganizational meeting to appoint a commissioners’ chairperson and reappoint several positions, board representatives and department heads as dictated […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Several defendants appeared in court on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and marijuana charges at December Return Day proceedings in Cameron County. Melinda Buchanan, age 39, of Driftwood, entered an open guilty plea to one misdemeanor count of corruption of minors stemming from incidents that […]
Two board members were appointed to serve on the Cameron County School District (CCSD) Board of Directors following an election that saw only two candidates for four open seats in this year’s municipal general election. Of the four seats up for election, two were filled by Kristine Umble, who has served on the board […]
The state budget impasse is beginning to cause problems for local agencies that depend upon state funding in order to deliver necessary services. Cameron County School District Business Manager Carl Mitchell stated during Thursday’s regular meeting that the school may have to look into borrowing money to stay open if the state budget impasse […]
High temperatures brought in droves of visitors for the annual Christmas in the Wilds event held in downtown Emporium on Saturday. With weather in the fifties on Saturday, record crowds flocked to the street festival and related events held on Fourth Street. Though it was rainy in the morning, the weather cleared up a […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Cameron County Commissioners have compiled a preliminary operating budget for 2016 and it is currently available for review at the courthouse in Emporium. Chief Clerk Brenda Munz stated that the $7,940,819.58 budget will be adopted at the regular meeting this Thursday, December 17 with “a few minor […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Two parents attended Thursday’s meeting of the Cameron County School District Board of Directors to voice concerns over incidents involving their children. One parent stated her child has experienced bullying at school, but it did not come from a student. Instead, the parent claims that her child […]
Services were held on Wednesday to commemorate veterans in Cameron County and honor those who served our country in wartime. At 9 a.m., a Veterans Day program was performed at the Cameron County High School, with students, veterans and community members participating.
A police report has been filed concerning theft from a Shippen Township worksite. On November 9, township employees discovered that four six-volt batteries had been cut from a rented road grader parked along Four Mile Road. Shippen does not own a grader at this time, and must rent one in order to maintain […]
An effort is being made to raise money to purchase a van to transport veterans to medical appointments outside of the area. Through the Disabled American Vets (DAV) program, Cameron County residents are looking to raise $27,000 to purchase a new van that will be used to take veterans to their Veterans Affairs […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The race for Cameron County District Attorney is too close to call and will not be determined until after absentee ballots are tallied on Friday. Tuesday night’s preliminary election results show Republican Jeanne Miglicio leading the race for District Attorney by twenty votes over incumbent Paul Malizia, […]
Members of the Emporium Borough Council discussed storm damages, police concerns and ordinance enforcement and changes at November’s regular meeting held on Monday. The borough’s storm damage totals are in from a rainstorm last month that dumped upwards of six inches on parts of the county in a few hours. The borough alone is claiming […]
A Veterans Day program will be held at the Cameron County High School at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11. This program will be open to the public and will be followed by memorial services at the Big Flag Memorial and at the WWI monument at the Cameron County Courthouse. In the evening, […]
The Cameron County unemployment rate has increased to 7.0%, up more than half a percentage from September of 2014. Approximately 200 people are currently unemployed according to seasonally-adjusted numbers released by Pennsylvania Work Stats with the Department of Labor and Industry. Of the county’s 2,100 employed workers, approximately 1,000 work in the manufacturing […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Pennsylvania’s state budget impasse is entering its fifth month and is now having a greater effect on county services and school budgets. Across the state, pre-kindergarten programs, domestic violence agencies and public schools are feeling the crunch, along with other county-run agencies that depend on state funding. […]
An Emporium man has been charged with a number of offenses related to endangering a minor after offering a child a handgun and encouraging him to shoot himself. David John Akins, Jr., age 25, of West Sixth Street in the Emporium Borough, has been charged with misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The third annual Sinnemahone 50K Ultra Marathon Trail Run was held this past Saturday and boasted an increase in registered participants over last year’s event. The trail run included three separate races, a 50K (33 miles), a 25K (16 miles) and, new this year, a 10K (7 […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County Commissioners have held several meetings with local agencies to discuss issues surrounding the state budget impasse and its effects on operations. Commissioners met with staff from the Cameron County Family Center, Children and Youth Services and other local service providers over the past week. According […]
Storm Team Commended On Great Season Though the Cameron County Storm Football Pony Team was defeated during the second round of playoffs, players were commended for great sportsmanship and their dedication and hard work throughout the season. On Saturday, Storm hosted the Smethport Little Hubbers in the Pennsylvania Divisional Championship Game at the Cameron […]
The Cameron County Conservation District will host the 2015 Project Tour this Friday, October 23. The tour will highlight the conservation district’s ongoing conservation efforts within the county, including an acid mine reclamation site, streambank stabilization efforts, pool habitat creation and environmental education work. The public is welcome to attend by meeting at […]
Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A number of “Baskets of Hope” are being raffled off at the Cameron County Courthouse to benefit a local individual “Fighting the Fight” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Seven themed Baskets of Hope were readied by the employees of various offices at the courthouse, and throughout the month […]
Due to an overwhelming number of requests and the incredible success of our original program, the Sylvan Heritage Council has embarked upon Round 2 of our Military Banner Program. SHC will be accepting photos and applications from now until January 15, 2016 for banners that will hang from light poles on various […]
The Pennsylvania State Police, Trooper Katherine Pettis, with the cooperation of Cameron County District Attorney Paul Malizia and Emporium Borough Police Chief David Merritt, have scheduled a sexting program for parents on Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m. at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Firehall. Sexting, or the sending of lewd photographs via cell phones, […]
The 6th annual Senior (Old Geezer) Pheasant Hunt is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 28th. Seniors age 70 and older and who have a Pennsylvania hunting license are eligible. The event will take place 1 ¼ miles north of Emporium just off Rt. 155 at the Andrews farm at the bottom of Salt Run. […]
It’s back! The Haunted Trail and All Hallows Eve Celebration returns to Sinnemahoning State Park on Saturday, October 24, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. With new activities for younger kids and new frights for the adults and older kids, this popular Halloween event is bigger and scarier than before. Cost is $10.00 […]
Dance for the animals. Join the Empo Zumba crew at the Cameron County Rec. Center (Memorial Hall) for a special Halloween benefit class for the Cameron County SPCA. Costumes are encouraged. The party will start Wednesday, October 28th at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $5.00.
The Felt Manor/Felt Living Auxiliary is conducting its annual membership drive. The auxiliary is open to anyone in the community who wishes to promote a positive lifestyle for the residents of Guy and Mary Felt Manor and Felt Manor Living.
Sinnamahoning United Methodist Church will hold a Halloween Party on Saturday, October 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church. The children will parade in their costumes and prizes will be awarded. Refreshments will be served
A membership meeting of the Bucktail Rod and Gun Club will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21st at 7 p.m. at the clubhouse on Sizer Run Road. On the agenda will be election of officers and other club news. There will be a representative from the game commission there to relay information and answer […]
The Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York is asking all eligible blood donors to help alleviate a sudden blood shortage of all types, after a series of traumas depleted the blood supply to partner hospitals over the last few days. “Hospitals are using blood faster than donations are coming […]
Heavy rains the last days of September caused serious damage to the Hicks Run Maintenance Division’s Road system on the Elk State Forest, including Hicks Run and Dents Run roads. The heavy rains were localized, which limited the damage area but caused about $330,000 damage; this is in addition to the staff time […]
The November regular meeting of the VFW Auxiliary has been changed to Wednesday, November 4th at 6 p.m. due to Veterans’ Day.
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Cameron County would like to invite the community to their 95th Annual Dinner to be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 6 p.m. at the Emporium Firehall. The meal will be buffet style. This year’s guest speaker will be Randy Flament, amateur birder and photographer. He will […]
Don’t miss Cameron County Historical Society’s Fall Dinner and the presentation by John Eastlake, retired forester from Tiadaghton Forest District and Civilian Conservation Corp historian, who will present a look at the history of the CCC camps in Pennsylvania. The event will be held at the Emporium VFW Thursday, October 29 from […]
A chicken and biscuit benefit dinner for Cole Artman, given by Emporium Fire Department, will be held October 24th at the Emporium Firehall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cost is $8.00 for children and under 8, $4.00.
The American Red Cross Blood Drive was held at the Emporium VFW Club Rooms on Thursday, October 15th, with 42 productive donations. Thirty-seven donors were presented but there was one deferral. The goal for the day was 40 pints, so the drive went very well. Pins were awarded to the following […]
The Cole Memorial Medical Group is pleased to announce that Osama E. A. Essa, M.D., has joined general surgeons Frank Horn, III, M.D. and Moheb Mohareb, M.D. at the Surgical Services office located at 1001 East Second Street in Coudersport. Dr. Essa is accepting new patients at 814-274-7474. Dr. Essa has a degree […]
Felt Manor/Felt Living Auxiliary is sponsoring a “Blessing Tree” for the Thanksgiving season to benefit the residents of its facilities. For a minimum donation of $5.00, your loved one will be remembered with a special angel ornament that will be placed on a lighted tree in the atrium of Guy and Mary Felt […]