by Rich Summers This is the week that all college basketball fans look forward to each year. The NCAA Division I Men’s basketball tournament, or The Big Dance as it has come to be known, will tip off this week and local fans will be able to watch a familiar face. Emporium resident […]
A husband and wife who reside in Cameron County have been charged with several counts of welfare fraud following an investigation into approximately five years of benefits collection by the pair. Jamie G. Haynes, age 35, and Scott A. Haynes, age 37, have each been charged with two felony counts and one misdemeanor […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A number of Shippen Township residents are upset over the condition of the dirt road used to reach their homes. Glenn Davis, a township resident living along Sizer Run Road, stated that in the 20 years he has owned property in the area, the roadway has never […]
Members of the Board of Directors of the Cameron County School District (CCSD) voted unanimously Thursday night to adopt Resolution 01-2017, which opposes current legislation to eliminate school property taxes. Board member Robert Lininger stated that members are not opposed to the elimination of property taxes, but that the suggested funding formula would […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Members of the Emporium Borough Council accepted the resignation of a member during their regular meeting held Monday evening. Robert Hostler, who was elected to a council position in 2015, tendered his letter of resignation from the board. He also resigned as the borough’s representative on the […]
Cameron County Commissioners heard a presentation from a representative of a company specializing in engineering and energy savings projects. The McClure Company has offered to conduct an in-depth audit to look at a number of different ways that the county can save money by making improvements at the Cameron County Courthouse. Representative Eric […]
Two residents of Elk County have been charged with several crimes after unlawfully entering a Shippen Township home and threatening several occupants. Police were called to investigate an alleged burglary on Old West Creek Road on February 15, wherein victims reported three men entered the home and threatened them with bodily harm. According […]
Cameron County officials expect to see a number of empty spots on the primary ballot this May. The deadline to file petitions and have a candidate’s name appear on the ballot during primary voting to be held on Tuesday, May 16, is fast approaching, and a number of slots will be empty due […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor End-of-the-year area data is now available from the Pennsylvania Center of Workforce Information and Analysis concerning local communities. In Cameron County, the December 2016 unemployment rate was calculated at 8.4%, with approximately 200 of the county’s 4,869 residents considered unemployed. Approximately 50 individuals had their unemployment compensation […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A former Emporium Borough Police officer was sentenced on charges related to inappropriate communication with a minor on Tuesday. Francis Paul Johnson, age 52, of Weedville, was sentenced to serve 10 to 24 months, less one day, in a county jail facility, followed by three years of […]
The Cameron County Little League will be holding four sign-up days this year at Memorial Hall: Friday, March 3rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 4th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday, March 10th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, March 11th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. […]
by Amanda Jones, Echo News Editor A group of Emporium residents are offering a series of workshops aimed at promoting healthy living habits. The Living Simply Nourished workshops will be held throughout the month of March and beginning of April, and are aimed at educating people to take control of their health through […]
An Emporium man was sentenced for breaking into a number of cars in the South Park neighborhood last spring. Dakota W. Berry, age 19, of Emporium, was sentenced to serve 30 to 60 months in a state correctional facility after entering a guilty plea on Tuesday at the Cameron County Courthouse. He was […]
An Emporium man was sentenced for his involvement in four separate criminal cases on Tuesday in Cameron County. Caleb Edward Smith, age 25, of Emporium, was placed into the custody of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to undergo an evaluation to determine his eligibility to participate in the State Intermediate Punishment Program (SIPP) […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County School District Board Members voted unanimously to expel four students during their regular meeting held Thursday night. The four students, who were identified only by ten-digit numbers, “shall be disciplined according to the provisions set forth in the Agreement(s) in Lieu of an Expulsion Hearing,” according to […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Shippen Township Supervisors discussed potential construction projects and heard a presentation by members of the Cameron County ATV/UTV Association during their regular meeting held Tuesday night. A representative of the Uni-Tec engineering firm presented information on a number of proposed projects, including necessary drainage repairs in Sylvan […]
The Emporium Borough and other municipalities served by the Advanced Disposal Greentree Landfill facility in the Kersey area are seeing a minor disruption in services following a fatal landslide at the facility last week. Emporium Borough Manager Don Reed stated that sanitation employees are now delivering household waste to a facility in McKean […]
Despite cancellation of a number of family-friendly events, indoor events aimed at catering to more grown-up tastes were enjoyed at My Place in Emporium as part of winter festival scheduling. The newly-added events planned for Friday night and Sunday afternoon were well-attended for their inaugural year. This is the second year in a […]
Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate decreased slightly from November’s rate, down to 5.6% according to data recently released by the PA Department of Labor & Industry. The rate last month was 5.7%, and 5.8% for the month of October. The state’s unemployment rate has been hovering near this mark for some time. Unemployment levels are […]
An appreciation dinner was held on Saturday evening at the Cameron County Vets Club to honor volunteers providing services for the Rides-for-Vets program of Elk and Cameron counties. This year’s annual dinner recognized more than 20 drivers for dedicating their time and energy to provide rides to medical appointments for veterans living in the two […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Potter County officials reiterate that the rumored closing of the Potter County Jail is just rumor, at least for the time being. Smart Justice initiatives aimed at reducing jail populations and recidivism sparked a conversation about the possibility of shuttering the Potter County Jail and creating a multi-county partnership […]
Officers of the Cameron County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) were chosen at the group’s quarterly meeting held last week at the Emporium Fire Hall. The officers were retained through a unanimous vote of members present at the meeting. Adam Johnson will continue to serve as LEPC Chair. Kevin Johnson will retain the position of […]
A lawsuit filed on behalf of several patients who died following treatment at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) hospitals indicates that the mold that caused the fatalities was transmitted by improperly-dried bedsheets provided by the Paris Healthcare Linen facility, of DuBois. According to the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review website, a report filed in the Allegheny County […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Emporium Borough is one of three communities to gain acceptance into the WalkWorks program through the state Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh this year. “The program is designed to promote healthy lifestyles and activities,” said Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Director Tina Johns-Solak. […]
Saturday’s Penn State DuBois Women’s basketball game against Lehigh University marked Pat Lewis’ 1,000th career game as a coach. Lewis coached for 30 years at Cameron County High School. He coached the Lady Raider junior varsity for six years and the varsity girls for 24 years. He also coached the Raider boys junior […]
Cameron County School District (CCSD) Board Members approved a bid entered by the Emporium Borough for purchase of a former residence slated for demolition. Approval has already been given by the borough and the Cameron County Commissioners, paving the way for the former Lundin Home located at 236 West Fifth Street to be […]
Cameron County School District (CCSD) board members are working to improve the playground areas at Woodland Elementary school. A bid of $7,410 from Losey Contracting was approved for removal of old mulch, excavation and installation of drainage pipe and a gravel base at the Kindergarten playground. Board members decided to set a deadline […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Pennsylvania’s Unemployment rate ticked back down for November 2016, as was indicated by preliminary data analyzed last month by the Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information and Analysis (CWIA). The rate for November 2016 has been calculated at 5.7% statewide, compared to the 5.8% rate recorded for October of […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Emporium’s Shade Tree Commission is working with the borough and contractors to remove a number of large trees that are unhealthy or are likely to become so in the near future. Shade Tree Commission member Don Caton stated that the commission is working to remove larger trees […]
Cameron County Commissioners approved a payment from Act 13 funds for a façade improvement program to benefit businesses in the Borough of Emporium. The $6,750 grant will be used by Sylvan Heritage Council (SHC) to help match funds applied for through a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) program. The borough has […]
An Emporium man has been charged with burglary after home surveillance video footage was turned over which showed him wearing the same clothes during the burglary as when he was interviewed by police. Victor Lee Elliott, age 35, of Emporium, faces felony charges of burglary and criminal trespass, along with misdemeanor counts of […]
Employees of the Emporium Borough removed a beaver dam constructed inside a six-foot diameter culvert pipe on the western outskirts of town recently. The beaver dam had three residents, which were removed from the dam with permission from the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Shippen Township Supervisors held reorganizational and regular meetings last Tuesday night to kick off the New Year. The township will operate under a budget of approximately $830,000 for 2017, without a tax increase. The property tax millage rate will remain at 5 mills for Shippen Township residents. […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor State employees were forced to organize a rescue just before Christmas to help a small elk stranded at the George B. Stevenson Dam. A small spike elk wandered across the icy spillway and was stranded on the afternoon of Thursday, December 22 near the dam at Sinnemahoning […]
Officials in Cameron County are looking forward to the new year, and will continue progress on a number of projects that have already gotten underway. County and municipal leaders in Cameron County are working to address blight, which has invaded many rural communities over the past several decades. “This is a constant project, […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Cameron County Commissioners approved a finalized budget of $7,772,539.85 with no tax increase for 2017. Commissioners stated that they were able to cut costs by $245,000 as compared to last year, and were able to fund the county for the coming year without upping the 20.5 […]
The Cameron County District Attorney announced that the Commonwealth does not intend to seek the death penalty against an Emporium man charged with murder and related counts. Michael Fuller Courtney, 34, will not face the death penalty for charges stemming from the murder of Deborah Gerlach, 45, which occurred on the evening of […]
A number of defendants appeared for sentencing and formal arraignment at Return Day hearings held in Cameron County just before Christmas. Michael James Hallowell, age 24, entered a guilty plea to one misdemeanor count each of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, stemming from an incident that occurred […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor An Emporium man accused of murder appeared at the Cameron County Courthouse for a hearing on Thursday. A preliminary hearing was held for Michael Fuller Courtney, age 34, of Emporium, who faces charges including murder in the first degree for an incident that occurred in late October […]
A new president of the Cameron County School District (CCSD) Board of Directors was chosen during Thursday’s regular meeting. Daryl Richardson was voted in unanimously to fill the top spot, and was the only individual nominated for the position. He succeeds Paul Abriatis, who was not nominated to run for president this term. […]
The Cameron County preliminary budget for 2017 has been advertised and is available for view at the commissioners’ office through December 22. The budget has total revenues and expenditures calculated at $7,729,662.72. County officials do not expect the tax rate to increase at this time. The rate remains 20.5 mills, or $0.025 per […]
This weekend’s Christmas in the Wilds event drew large crowds to downtown Emporium for street vendors, Santa and the annual parade. “The event was excellent. We had vendors sell out of their wares and just had a really good turnout,” said Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Director Tina Johns-Solak. “We had a lot […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Shippen Township Supervisors will hold a special meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28 to officially adopt the finalized budget for the coming year. The budget is available for public review, and notices of such will be placed in local newspapers to inform township residents wishing […]
Students from Cameron County and other school districts across the region recently returned from performing at the Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Parade and Ceremonies. This year marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks. The “Day that will Live in Infamy” threw the nation into World War II. More than 400,000 U.S. […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Demolition began on three blighted Emporium properties on Thursday morning. The three structures, two located on East Fourth Street and one on the same lot facing East Greenwood Street, have been vacant for a number of years and had become safety hazards of late. Last week, high […]
A Cameron County resident has entered a guilty plea to ordinance violations received on four rental properties he owns within the Emporium Borough. Matthew Grimone, age 59, entered guilty pleas to eight civil complaints filed against him. Four were issued by the Emporium Borough, and four by Building Code Inspector Russ Braun. Two […]
The tax rate for Emporium Borough residents will remain at 16.91 mills again this year. The budget was formally adopted during Monday night’s meeting following advertisement in newspapers and a public review period at the borough building. While one area of Emporium is being cleaned up, Emporium Borough officials are working to remedy […]
Reindeer, breakfast with Santa, crafters, vendors, sales, open houses are all set for Saturday, December 10 in Emporium. The annual Christmas in the Wilds begins at 9 a.m. with vendors selling food, gifts, Christmas caroling and Santa having breakfast. The parade will step off at noon and judging for the house decorating […]
Ten Cameron County High School (CCHS) students left Cameron County over the weekend to head to Hawaii to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremonies slated for later this week. The students are stand-out members of the CCHS Band and were selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Pearl Harbor Honors Band, which includes […]
Cameron County Commissioners spent several days at the recent County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) annual conference. All three commissioners attended sessions offered during the conference and offered reports on the event during Thursday’s meeting. Commissioner Phil Jones attended a Natural Gas Task Force meeting, which included discussion on new cracker plants erected […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editors A police report will be filed concerning vandalism perpetrated in Emporium over the Thanksgiving holiday. According to Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Director Tina Johns-Solak, vandals damaged several recycled-tire Christmas decorations, uprooted plants in flower pots and damaged a concrete bench in Emporium’s business district. “Disappointment does […]
The façade on an Emporium business came down due to high winds a week before tear-down of the structure was expected. Emporium Borough Manager Don Reed stated that a portion of the former Admit One building’s façade broke loose and fell part-way to the ground due to wind gusts of 40-60 miles per […]
Cameron County residents are gearing up for the Christmas in the Wilds celebration, set to take place Saturday, December 10. The event begins at 9 a.m. and features a parade, craft and gift vendors, hot foods and beverages and fun for the whole family. As part of the festivities this year, the Cameron […]
Bear hunters in Cameron County harvested 66 bears during the first three days of the 2016 hunting season. Northcentral Pennsylvania again led the state in bear hunting. Cameron County had one of the lower counts for Northcentral PA counties, but still had more bear harvested than most counties outside of the region. Over […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A preliminary hearing for an Emporium man accused of homicide has been postponed until December. The preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday was cancelled in the case of Michael Fuller Courtney, age 34, of Emporium, accused of murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, murder […]
Ceremonies to honor Veterans Day were held on Friday at several locations around Emporium. Beginning at 9 a.m., an assembly was held at the school, organized by the Miller-Raffaele Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6221 and the Olkosky-Jessop American Legion Post 194 in Cameron County. The speaker for this year’s ceremony was […]
Superintendent of the Cameron County School District (CCSD) Dr. Keith Wolfe announced a safety drill performed in cooperation with a number of local agencies last week. Wolfe released the statement following the successfully-completed drill, which was held on Thursday, November 10. Participating in the drill with CCSD staff were the Emporium Borough Police […]
Cameron County Commissioners hosted several visitors during Thursday’s meeting, as part of an effort to highlight more county programs. Commissioner Lori Reed stated that they are working to bring in more speakers from across county operations to showcase the positive efforts being undertaken by county employees and residents. Prothonotary Mary Grace Olay discussed […]
The national results of last Tuesday’s General Election for President of the United States and down-ticket offices matched closely to Cameron County’s voting outcomes. In the Presidential election, Republican businessman Donald Trump beat out Democrat and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to take the nation’s top seat. The two candidates have waged […]
Pennsylvania unemployment rate remained stagnant since last month, coming in at 5.7% September, the most recent data available. For the same period, the national unemployment rate was calculated at 4.9%. Initial jobless claims (Unemployment Compensation) were also down slightly this month to 13,778. Seasonally-adjusted nonfarm jobs decreased, despite three consecutive months of gains, […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A search warrant has been filed concerning an Emporium man charged with homicide in late October. Michael Fuller Courtney, age 34, has been charged with murder in the first degree and related counts following an incident alleged to have occurred on Wednesday night, October 26th, in the […]
Several projects will commence to fortify flood protection in and around the Emporium Borough following announcements of coming funding received over the past several weeks. Emporium Borough Manager Don Reed stated that an application for money to fund a levee study was declined by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). However, […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Shippen Township Supervisors shared information on free cinders available at the township shed for residents. Only Shippen Township residents are permitted to take cinders free-of-charge from township stocks. If the cinders are being utilized at a resident’s home by a contractor, they should not be charged for […]
Cole Memorial Hospital will partner with several organizations to bring high-tech breastfeeding support services to rural patients. The study launched in late September of this year through Pacify Health, Inc., “the leading mobile health platform for new mothers and newborns.” Additional partners include the RAND Corporation, University of Pittsburgh and the Health Resources […]
The Cameron County Conservation District hosted their annual project tour on Friday to highlight some of the many projects district employees and partners have completed. Several stops showcased projects in the Sterling Run area where acid mine drainage and erosion along creek banks have caused a number of problems. A number of projects […]
The traditional Veterans’ Day Ceremony will be held in the Cameron County High School Auditorium beginning at 9 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public. The names of soldiers who died while serving their country during each war will be read. Current Cameron County Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6221 Quartermaster […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor An Emporium man was jailed without rights to bail following his arrest for a Wednesday-evening homicide. Michael Fuller Courtney, age 34, has been charged with murder in the first degree and related counts following an incident alleged to have occurred on Wednesday night in the Emporium Borough. […]
Two residents of Emporium are facing multiple charges related to theft, while one of the defendants faces additional counts for drug possession when arrested. Co-defendants Caleb Smith, age 25, and Jenna Rockey, age 24, have both been charged with counts related to theft of movable property. Smith faces felony counts of dealing in […]
by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A hearing was held on a post sentence relief motion filed by a former Emporium resident convicted of charges including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (IDSI) with a child during October Return Day proceedings in Cameron County. Joseph William Chapman, age 33, was found guilty by a jury […]
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (ADAS) will sponsor a week-long Workshop for the Arts this summer for school-age residents of Cameron County. The workshop will take place in June and will feature sessions with local artists. Painting-on-canvas courses will be taught by Michelle Rodich; Gloria McIsaac will offer jewelry-making activities; and sessions are […]