by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Members of the Cameron County School District (CCSD) Board of Directors met prior to their regularly-scheduled business meeting on Thursday night to discuss the budget for next school year. While the initial $554,000 budget shortfall has been whittled down, the funding gap is still expected to be […]
Beautiful weather and cooperative wildlife combined to make the annual Salt Run Youth Fishing Derby held at Andrews’ Farm in Prospect Park a big success, according to Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities (CCOYA)Organizer Don Bickford. More than 170 youth registered and participated in Saturday afternoon’s event, which boasted sunny skies and temperatures in […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Several Act 14 Notifications were received by the Cameron County Commissioners concerning oil and gas activities within the county. A temporary water line will be constructed for Seneca Resources from their Clermont site to their Rich Valley site. The notice was received from Kleinfelder. Rettew submitted three […]
The trial for an Emporium resident accused of charges including rape of a child has been continued due to a mix up in the dates the events are alleged to have occurred. Arthur A. Helzel, age 36, formerly of 12361 Route 120 in Shippen Township, had been scheduled for a jury trial on […]
School District Energy Savings Exceeds Expectations Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Representatives of the McClure Company that completed the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program upgrades several years ago attended Thursday night’s Cameron County School District workshop meeting to present a report on savings realized by the district so far. Richard Skinner, an engineer who worked […]
Charges against Stephanie M. White, age 38, were dismissed at the beginning of her trial on Friday. White had been accused by Troy Cool, a former Emporium resident, of assaulting him. Charges in the trial were dropped because Cool failed to appear.
Uni-Tech Engineer Pat Ward presented recommendations on bids for the Tannery Heights project during Tuesday’s meeting of the Shippen Township Supervisors. Bison Construction, based in Fairmount City, entered the lowest qualified bid and was conditionally awarded the contract dependent upon the township securing necessary easements.
Police recently served a warrant at an apartment above the former Allegheny Pub on Emporium’s East End. Members of the Emporium Borough Police Department (EBPD) and other agencies conducted a trash pull at 500 East Allegany Avenue in Emporium following receipt of information of illicit activities from several sources.
Cameron County’s Ultimate All Stars Cheer Team has earned a bid to the United States Finals Competition to be held in Virginia Beach, Virginia in May. “Going on this trip is contingent on our raising enough money on short notice, stated Coach Kelly Doud. The cheer team, which consists of 17 girls and […]
The Dominion Foundation has awarded grants to local watershed associations in the amount of $5,100 at an awards ceremony held April 6 in Blairsville. Receiving grants were Frank Weeks, Upper Allegheny Watershed Assn. $1,200 for Promotion and Outreach. Darrell Davis, Genesee Headwaters Watershed Assn. $,1000 for Outreach and Operating Expenses. Jim Toth, Kettle […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Organizers for the 2015 Cameron County Canoe & Kayak Classic were forced to relocate the race to the lake at Stevenson’s Dam in Sinnemahoning State Park due to extremely high water levels. The forty-first annual Canoe Classic, traditionally held on a twelve-mile stretch of the Driftwood Branch […]
A mainstay of the community for more than six decades has announced that it will no longer be able to remain open. The Grove House, Inc., an assisted living facility that has quietly served the community for the past sixty-three years, will soon close its doors. Judd A. Schager, President of the Grove […]
A man visiting from out of state drowned this weekend after falling into the swollen Driftwood Branch following several days of rain storms and spring runoff. On Saturday morning, Michael Shawn Tarbet, age 53, of Canfield Street in Alliance, Ohio, fell into the icy, fast-moving water while walking across a railroad bridge and […]
The accolades just keep on coming for Nate Sestina, CCHS senior basketball standout. His latest honor, following being named Big 30 Player of the Year, North Tier League MVP, and D9Sports.com Co-Player of the Year, was being voted First Team Class A All-State by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers.
Cameron County Commissioners announced several efforts to assist with development of recreational areas within the county during their meeting held on Wednesday. Allocation of Act 13 funding to the West Creek Recreational Trail Association was approved, and $15,000 will be designated for partial funding of Phase III development of the Rails to Trails […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Members of Emporium’s Borough Council discussed a number of projects that could be paid for with grant funding if approval is received. Three projects are being applied for through a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Flood Protection grant program that could net funding between $50,000 and $500,000.
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A number of defendants have chosen to go to trial over the next few months in the Cameron County Court of Common Pleas, and are scheduled for Jury Selection on Tuesday. Of the seven defendants who appeared for Jury Call during Return Day last week, only two […]
Paddlers from near and far are gearing up for the 41st Annual Cameron County Canoe & Kayak Classic, scheduled for Saturday, April 4. The theme for the 2015 event is “Go with the Flow, Find a Great Adventure,” and is planned for the normal route along the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. […]
Clifford Justin Reed, age 36, who recently moved to the Emporium area but formerly lived in Clarksville, Tennessee, appeared for bail reduction and plea hearings during Return Day proceedings held on Tuesday. Reed is charged with a felony for failure to comply with registration of sexual offender requirements stemming from a license plate check […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County Commissioners have created a map to be viewed on the Pennsylvania Land Tax Fairness Coalition website illustrating the need for an increase in revenue for lands held by state entities. Commissioner Phil Jones is a member of the coalition, along with commissioners from Potter, Clinton […]
Progress is being made on the Tannery Heights road re-construction project by the Shippen Township Board of Supervisors, with bids being opened at their regular meeting held Tuesday night. Typically, township meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, but the one scheduled for early March had to be postponed due to […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Charges were filed Monday against an Emporium woman stemming from an investigation into a vehicular homicide case that occurred just before Christmas. Kaitlyn Nicole Crosby-Wolfel, age 21, of Austin, was arrested on Monday and charged with felony counts of homicide by vehicle while under the influence and […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor During Thursday night’s meeting, members of the Cameron County School District (CCSD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept a bid for demolition of a building adjacent to the high school pending the results of a recently completed asbestos study. A […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor During Thursday night’s meeting, members of the Cameron County School District (CCSD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to accept a bid for demolition of a building adjacent to the high school pending the results of a recently completed asbestos study. A home located at 427 Woodland Avenue […]
Former Resident Sentenced On Child Porn Charges A former Cameron County resident was sentenced to serve five to ten years in prison following his entrance of guilty pleas to nearly thirty counts of child pornography and dissemination of photos or film depicting child sex acts. Ronald Gregory Dill, age 59, most recently of 207 North […]
The primary election for three seats on the Cameron County Board of Commissioners is heating up, with twelve candidates having submitted their petitions prior to the deadline on Tuesday. All but three of the candidates will appear on the Republican ticket, with the only Democrats throwing their hats into the ring being incumbents […]
An Emporium woman was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation, with local police assisted by members of the Department of Homeland Security. Morgan B. Stuart, age 26, of 359 East Fifth Street in the Emporium Borough, has been charged with felony counts of conspiracy to manufacture, deliver or possess a controlled substance, […]
Staci Stuart Brown announces her candidacy for re-election to her sixth term as Cameron County Treasurer. As County Treasurer, Staci serves as treasurer of the Cameron County Public Library, is a member of the County Retirement and Salary Boards and a member of the Pennsylvania County Treasurer’s Association. She is the secretary of […]
Jim Thomas would like to announce his candidacy for re-election as Cameron County Commissioner, on the Democratic Ballot. He was born and raised in Cameron County and graduated from Cameron County High School in 1965. He attended Penn State University studying Accounting and Business Administration.
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Emporium Borough Maintenance Crew has been kept pretty busy this year with all the snow, ice and freezing cold temperatures. In addition to caring for roadways, the borough also clears snow from between meters in the business district and has to care for sections of sidewalks […]
Several defendants entered guilty pleas during return day proceedings at the Cameron County Courthouse held on Tuesday. Lee A. Pontzer, of Ridgway, pled guilty to a charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of a controlled substance, possession of a-PVP (Bath Salts) and driving with a suspended license for an incident that occurred […]
An interested buyer was given until Friday to comply with directives from the Cameron County Commissioners but will not be permitted to purchase the former Jasper Harris & Son building on East Fourth Street in the Emporium Borough. “He has the final proposal and wants to see if he can meet the conditions—we’ll […]
Bill Bogart would like to announce his candidacy for the office of Cameron County Commissioner. Bill is a longtime resident and native of Cameron County and is a graduate of Cameron County High School. He holds a BBA from St. Bonaventure University, and has a Master’s Degree in Community Services Administration from Alfred […]
Hampton To Seek Commissioners Post First and foremost, I love this county. I, Jan Hampton, am joining the ranks of those who desire to become a Cameron County Commissioner. I have spent more than half my life in service to my beloved home county. I worked within the Cameron County School District for over […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County Commissioners have been dealing with several issues involving real estate in recent weeks. Several meetings have been held with a prospective buyer concerning an Emporium building currently owned by the county, while work is readying to begin on the former Furniture for Less building in […]
It’s time to Think Spring! Little League sign-ups for boys and girls ages 5 to 16 will be held at Memorial Hall on Thursday, Feb. 26 and Friday, Feb. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be additional sign-ups on […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has granted a rate increase to the Emporium Water Company (EWC), though not as high as originally requested. “The rates have already gone into effect,” stated EWC employee Jerry Crosby. “The higher rates will be reflected on the next cycle of […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Members of the Cameron County School District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to advertise for bids for demolition of a district-owned house at 427 Woodland Avenue. The move authorized administration to work with the solicitor to draft the necessary bid packet. Initially, the board had intended to […]
Members of the Pennsylvania State Land Tax Fairness Coalition have been working hard to get the message out to legislators and urban counties on the difficulties facing rural areas with high percentages of state-owned land. The coalition is being led by County Commissioners from several local counties including Cameron County’s Phil Jones, Paul […]
I, Adam Johnson, would like to announce my intention to run for the Office of Cameron County Commissioner on the Republican ballot. I believe the challenges facing Cameron County are addressable through continued infrastructure development, business retention and community engagement. I have been a member of the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department […]
Glen is pleased to announce his candidacy for your County Commissioner on the Republican ballot. Glen has proudly and successfully held this office for the past 16 years and would love to continue serving those in our county. His primary concern has been and always will be protecting our county and the citizens […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The former Furniture for Less building in Prospect Park is one step closer to demolition following acceptance of a contractor bid at Thursday’s meeting of the Cameron County Commissioners. Commissioners chose to go with Option A, the lower cost of two options included in bidding. Work will […]
You Can’t Take It With You CCHS Drama Club will present George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s “You Can’t Take It With You” on Friday, Feb. 13th and Saturday, Feb. 14th at 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 students.
Philip Brown has announced his intention to run for Cameron County Commissioner. Mr. Brown is running on the Republican ticket. Phil has served as Chairman of the Shippen Township Board of Supervisors for the past 12 years and has earned the respect of his colleagues and fellow supervisors. Mr. Brown has fulfilled his […]
Lori J. Reed (R) is pleased to announce her intention to run for the position of Cameron County Commissioner. Lori, a Republican, is excited to bring her 21 years of Courthouse experience to the office. Ms. Reed is currently the President of Pennsylvania Title and Abstract Company. She has performed title work in […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Members of the Cameron County High School (CCHS) Band presented information and photographs to school board members from their recent trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, where they participated in the Pearl Harbor Day Parade as representatives of the state of Pennsylvania. “We got to honor true American heroes […]
Shippen Township Supervisors voted in an interim supervisor to fill the vacant position created when former supervisor Jerry Crosby tendered his resignation, effective on January 31. Bill Hopwood will fill the position through the end of this year, and a new supervisor will be elected in this year’s municipal election being held in […]
Members of the Emporium Borough Council discussed ongoing ordinance violation issues at Monday night’s regular meeting. Four properties that have received numerous resident complaints and are considered blighted were referred to the Code Enforcement Officer, Russ Braun, who is employed by townships in Elk County but works with the borough under contract.
by Amanda Jones, Echo News Editor Monday marked the Grand Reopening of the Aroma Café in Emporium, which is now under new management. The successful breakfast, lunch and dinner stop will now be run by Cameron County natives Josh and Lindsey Zucal. While a number of changes are in the works, many of […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor An Early Learning Team has been established to address issues surrounding the need for early childhood education. A number of agencies, including local school districts, the IU (Intermediate Unit), Early Intervention, Human Services, the Potter County Education Council (PCEC) and other agencies are working to push a […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Six more weeks of winter has been predicted by the prognosticator of prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, on Monday morning in nearby Jefferson County. Phil saw his shadow this year, heralding that winter will last well into April or beyond. This ancient tradition began celebration in the United States […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A preliminary hearing for a former Cameron County High School (CCHS) substitute teacher on charges including child pornography was waived on Thursday in Emporium. Jon Raymond Serianni, age 41, of Mountain View Lane in Shippen Township, chose to waive his preliminary hearing on the advice of his […]
An Emporium man entered guilty pleas and was sentenced in five separate cases, including two involving driving under the influence (DUI) and three burglaries, at the Cameron County Courthouse on Tuesday. Brendyn M. Chmelar, age 26, of Mountain View Road in Emporium, entered guilty pleas in all five of the cases held against […]
A hearing Tuesday at the Cameron County Courthouse was originally scheduled to reveal the results of an assessment by the Sex Offenders Assessment Board, but instead saw the defendant request a new attorney. Joseph William Chapman, age 31, formerly of Emporium, Coudersport and New York State, appeared in front of Judge Richard Masson […]
An arraignment was waived for Kenneth Jackson, age 32, of Emporium, accused of felony burglary and criminal trespass. Jackson has had several court dates continued due to a lengthy hospital stay for health issues. Bail was also set during the hearing, with Attorney Jeanne Miglicio requesting unsecured bail. All of Jackson’s family lives […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County School District Superintendent Christine Holjencin discussed a letter written to district parents concerning the cancellation of schools for inclement weather during Thursday night’s meeting of the district’s board of directors. Within the letter, signed by Holjencin, it is stated that the decision to call a […]
Bids were opened for demolition of the former Furniture for Less building in Prospect Park, Shippen Township at Thursday’s meeting of the Cameron County Commissioners. The building went unsold in last year’s Judicial Tax Sale, but was later purchased from the repository by the county and was slated for demolition. Three bids were […]
An Emporium man’s motion to withdraw a guilty plea to one count of Indecent Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI) with a Child was granted on Tuesday at Return Day proceedings at the Cameron County Courthouse. Arthur A. Helzel, age 35, formerly of 12361 Route 120 in Shippen Township, chose to withdraw his plea, saying, […]
The eagle cam is back, and better than ever. After a successful pilot run in 2014, the Pennsylvania Game Commission today launched its new live stream from a bald-eagle nest, hopefully just in time for viewers to see the laying of the nesting pair’s first egg. The 2015 live stream differs from last […]
Decisions have been handed down in two cases involving appeals on assessed real estate values within Emporium’s business district. Judge Richard Masson issued the orders on December 31 concerning a building owned by Peter F. Grimone located at 37 East Fourth Street (location of the former Big G) and the Masonic Building located […]
A decision on rate increases submitted to the Public Utility Commission (PUC) by the Emporium Water Company (EWC) is likely to be finalized in the next several weeks, following a release of the binding poll taken by a five-member panel. The panel voted 5-0 in favor of a joint motion by PUC Chairman […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Attorney General’s Office has declined to press charges in a case involving a theft of money from the evidence locker at the Emporium Borough Police Station. The theft was reported in October of last year, and was immediately referred to Emporium-based Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) for […]
The Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties (CEC) has launched a re-branding campaign as the Community Education “Center.” This name change is part of a larger campaign to expand and develop new marketing strategies. “There are still too many individuals, families and businesses in the immediate area that do not know […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor At last Wednesday’s workshop meeting of the Cameron County School District’s Board of Directors, member Sandy Shields reiterated concerns that the Cell Phone Policy should be reviewed in light of recent incidents. Superintendent Christine Holjencin stated at a previous board meeting that “it is a good policy,” […]
An Emporium man injured in a fatal car accident on the Old West Creek Road in Shippen Township is still in the hospital several weeks after the incident. The family of Patrick Hornung, age 25, has set up a GoFundMe page to take donations to help with medical expenses associated with Hornung’s stay […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County Commissioners approved a services agreement with the West Creek Recreational Trail Association to provide assistance with grant applications and administrative services for the burgeoning trail system which begins in Emporium and is planned to eventually run to St. Marys along the old rail line. The […]
Support for efforts by the State Land Tax Fairness Coalition is increasing, with a number of associations, counties and representatives now on board. Municipalities and school districts in rural Pennsylvania suffer from dwindling tax bases and revenue shortfalls annually, in part due to the large percentage of state-owned or preferentially-taxed land within their […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A four-unit apartment building on West Fourth Street in the Emporium Borough is likely a complete loss following an early morning fire last Tuesday. Members of the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) were called to a structure fire at 234 West Fourth Street just before 3 a.m., […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Concerned citizens visited the first Emporium Borough Council meeting of the new year to inquire again about ordinance enforcement in town. Two residents commented on ordinance violations that are detrimental to the health and safety of the community, or the maintenance of the business district. […]
A fire that destroyed a former Elk County furniture store on Friday morning has been deemed arson by investigators. The fire was discovered at the former Suzy’s Furniture Store at 590 South St. Marys Street in St. Marys at approximately 2:45 a.m.