Bail Lowered In DUI Vehicular Homicide Case

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A bail modification hearing held last week paved the way for a local woman to be released from jail after 19 months of incarceration while awaiting trial on charges including vehicular manslaughter. Kaitlin (Crosby) Wolfel, age 23, of Austin, appeared last week with her attorney, Gary Knaresboro, […]

Cameron County Christian Center Expanding Outreach Services

    A local church is expanding outreach services to help individuals in need this winter season. The Cameron County Christian Center will unveil the newly-added Country Attic to the list of services available to the community this Saturday, October 29. Country Attic will operate like a thrift store, and will have available $1.00 clothing […]

CCCD Projects Discussed at Commissioners Meeting

    Employees of the Cameron County Conservation District (CCCD) attended Thursday’s Cameron County Commissioners meeting to discuss several current projects. On Friday, November 4, CCCD employees will conduct their annual project tour. District Manager Todd Deluccia stated that the tour will begin at the Cameron County Courthouse at noon, and participants will travel to […]

County Hotel Tax Rate To Increase

    An ordinance passed last week by Cameron County Commissioners will increase the Hotel Room Tax paid by visitors across the county. Prior to the passage of House Bill 794 in April of 2016, hotels in most parts of Pennsylvania charged a 3% tax that was used by counties to fund tourism promotion in […]

CCOYA Holds First Junior Deer Hunt

    Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities (CCOYA) held their first sponsored youth deer hunt during the three day 2016 junior Pa. doe season. Participating in the hunt were licensed junior hunters Kaelee Bresslin, Renee Earle, Sarah Abriatis, Cassie Frey, Damien Erickson, Derek Duman and Nick Crisp. The junior hunters were paired up with experienced […]

Emmanuel Episcopal Church To Celebrate 150th This Sunday

    The members of Emporium’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church will celebrate 150 years of service to the community this Sunday, October 30. The Episcopal Church was the first to be established in Cameron County, with the current Parish Hall building being constructed in the late 1860s.  

District Raises Rate To Attract More Substitute Teachers

    by Amanda Jones  Echo News Editor The school bell that previously stood in front of the Woodland Elementary School will likely be back in its place of honor before the end of this school year. District Superintendent Dr. Keith Wolfe stated that the housing for the bell broke several years ago. Apparently, the […]

Operation Christmas Child Underway

    Donations are currently being accepted for Operation Christmas Child, whose volunteers collect shoeboxes packed with goodies for distribution to less fortunate children in more than 100 countries around the world. At Northwest Savings Bank, volunteers have set up a table with shoeboxes and information on how to pack them for Cameron County residents […]

Shippen Hears Issues From Several Residents

    Several residents attended a recent Shippen Township meeting to discuss issues within the municipality. One complaint heard by Shippen Township Supervisors concerns junk cars in several locations in the northeastern corner of the county, however, at least one of the noted problem areas is actually in Portage Township. Supervisor and Ordinance Officer Philip […]

Gorman Shatters Own Sinnemahone Record

    The Sinnemahone Ultra Marathon Trail Run was held this past Saturday in Emporium, with a larger crowd of runners than ever before. Runners leapt at a cannon-start at just after dawn on Saturday morning. The starting line at the intersection of the West Creek Rail Trail and South Broad Street was not wide […]

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Readying For 150th Anniversary Celebration

    by Amanda Jones  Echo News Editor The congregation of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Emporium will celebrate its 150th anniversary with Mass and a reception on Sunday, October 30. Services will begin in the church proper at 1 p.m. (rather than the traditional 11 a.m. start time), and will be officiated by the Right […]

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Preparing For 150th Celebration

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Over the next few weeks, the Echo will chronicle some of the history of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, the first congregation in the community to celebrate 150 years of service to the people of Cameron County. A 150th Anniversary Celebration is being planned for Sunday, October 30. […]

Grovanz Marching In PSU Blue Band

    Local Cameron County High School graduate, Elise Grovanz was selected to be a member of the esteemed 2016 Pennsylvania State University Marching Blue Band. She will be one of the 69 trumpets. Elise graduated CCHS in 2014 and is the daughter of Tana Funair and Ralph and Jessie Grovanz.    

Baskets of Hope Helping Local Cancer Patients

    Courthouse employees are continuing the “Baskets of Hope” fundraiser to help raise money for Cameron County residents undergoing cancer treatment. Tickets are $1.00 each and are available by visiting the Prothonotary’s office at the Cameron County Courthouse. The baskets are currently on display in the courthouse lobby. This year, nine “baskets” will be […]

Commissioners Discuss Homeland Security Program

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County Commissioners discussed progress on the proposed Homeland Security program, shared information from the recent tax claim bureau upset sale and reviewed bids for a repository property and local construction project. The Homeland Security training program, proposed for inclusion in available curriculum at the Seneca Highlands […]

Local Unemployment Rate at 8%

    Cameron County’s unemployment rate ticked up again last month to 8.0%. Pennsylvania’s rate has also increased, but not by nearly as much. Over the past two months, the state rate has been calculated at 5.6%, but was recorded at 5.7% for the month of August. Cameron County’s rate for June was 6.9%, showing […]

First Fork Festival Saturday

    by Amanda Jones  Echo News Editor The fourth annual First Fork Festival will be held this Saturday, October 8 at Sinnemahoning State Park, featuring local artists, authors, musicians and artisans against the backdrop of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ full autumnal splendor. “We’re just hoping for good weather for this event. There is a huge […]

Boro Officials Continue Work On Code Enforcement

    by Amanda Jones  Echo News Editor Emporium Borough officials continue to work on code enforcement violations through the Cameron County Courthouse. Ordinance violations have been filed on four properties owned by Matthew Grimone. Four summary offenses of Dangerous Structures were filed on September 14. On September 26, four additional summary charges of Violations […]

Three Properties Sold At County Upset Sale

    Last week, the Cameron County Tax Claim Bureau, with support from several other county offices, held the annual Upset Sale for properties with delinquent real estate taxes. “Perseverance, diligence and a positive ‘can do’ attitude achieves results,” said County Solicitor Tom Tompkins. “Due to the team-oriented collection efforts of the Cameron County Tax […]

Sinnemahone 50K Entrant Numbers Double Last Year’s Race

    Early registration for the Sinnemahone Ultra Marathon Trail Run has closed and already the number of runners from last year’s race has more than doubled. Interested participants can still register for the race, but will not be guaranteed a t-shirt in their race packet. Registrations will be taken until Friday, October 14 at […]

Voter Registration Deadline Next Week

    The last day to change registration or register to vote prior to the November General Election is Tuesday, October 11. In addition to casting a ballot for the next President and Vice President, citizens will also decide on a United States Senator and Congressional Representative, Attorney General, Auditor General, State Treasurer, State Senator […]

Former Boro Police Officer Pleads To Sex Offense

  by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A former Emporium Borough Police Department (EBPD) officer entered an open guilty plea to charges stemming from inappropriate communications with a minor. Francis Paul Johnson, age 51, of Weedville, entered an open guilty plea to one count of felony criminal solicitation to commit sexual abuse of children, related […]

Supreme Court Ruling Impacting Local DUI Cases

    by Amanda Jones  Echo News Editor A recent Supreme Court decision that is affecting court cases across the nation is also impacting cases in Cameron County. During Return Day proceedings last Tuesday in Emporium, District Attorney Jeanne Miglicio stated she would not prosecute a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) against an […]

Barton Sentenced In Sex Assault Case

    An Emporium man will serve a lengthy jail sentence on charges of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI) with a person under the age of 16. Thomas F. Barton, age 64 of Emporium, was sentenced Tuesday to serve at least four years of a 10-year prison sentence imposed by Cameron County President Judge Richard […]

Phartin’ Barts Takes People’s Choice Award at BBQ Competition

    Visitors packed the grassy lot on East Fourth Street in Emporium for this year’s All Fired Up and Kickin’ Ash BBQ Competition held this past Saturday in Cameron County. “It was crowded. We had a really great crowd,” said Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Director Tina Johns-Solak. “Having so much going on this […]

Smith Charged With Child Endangerment

    Criminal charges have been filed against an Emporium man for possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of children. Caleb Edward Smith, age 25, of West Sixth Street in the Emporium Borough, has been charged with four counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, one count possession of a small amount of marijuana […]

Trials Postponed For Two Defendants

    Two trials have been postponed in Cameron County following court actions that took place in recent weeks. Juries were dismissed just prior to trials set to begin for Kaitlyn Wolfel, age 23, of Austin, accused of homicide by vehicle and related counts, and Matthew Kriner, age 26, of Emporium, accused of involuntary deviate […]

Shippen Secures Permit To Address Sylvan Heights Drainage Issues

    Shippen Township Supervisors secured a permit last week to begin work on a problem section of roadway in the Sylvan Heights neighborhood. Representatives of Uni-Tec engineering firm announced they put together a proposal on behalf of the supervisors to address drainage issues down the steep hill that residents must travel to access their […]

Cameron County Remembers 9/11

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Memorial services were held Saturday and Sunday in Cameron County to commemorate the fifteenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. Ceremonies were held at Memorial Park, just west of Emporium on Route 120, and dedicated to First Responders, as they were the first to run […]

Council To Advertise For Street Paving Bids

    The Emporium Borough Council voted to advertise for bids to pave a number of streets throughout town, with work to be completed this year. Small sections of a number of streets are included in the bid package. Borough Manager Don Reed stated that three paving companies, two currently working in Cameron County and […]

Decrease In Local Unemployment Numbers

      Local unemployment numbers continue to decrease despite slight increases or stagnation across the rest of the state. The Commonwealth’s unemployment rate ticked up by one-tenth of a percent to 5.6% for the month of June, 2016, and recently-released county numbers show that Cameron County’s unemployment rate decreased during that period, from 7.1% […]

Cameron County ATV Association Seeks To Connect County Trails

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Residents of Cameron County were informed of efforts to organize an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) trail that seeks to connect a number of counties within the Pennsylvania Wilds. More than eighty people attended the Cameron County ATV/UTV Association meeting held at the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) on […]

Expect Delays On Route 46

    Work is set to commence on State Route 46 between Emporium and Smethport in the near future. Construction is to include full-depth reclamation of the roadway. Initial announcements from PennDOT stated that the road would be closed to traffic throughout the work period from the Cameron County line to the U.S. Route 6 […]

ECC Student Hit By Car at Bus Stop

    A Cameron County woman is accused of hitting a student at a bus stop with her car last week in St. Marys. Deborah Gerlach, age 45, of Emporium, has not yet been charged in the investigation into an accident that occurred on the Bucktail Highway in Elk County Thursday. Gerlach is implicated as […]

9-11 Memorial Saturday

    On September 10th at 10 a.m., the VFW Memorial Detail along with the Cameron County High School Band will be at the Big Flag (Route 120 across the bridge going to St. Marys) for a 9-11 Memorial Remembrance ceremony. The remembrance ceremony is for all those who died or were injured either physically […]

Commissioners Report On Upgrades at Rec Center

    Cameron County Commissioners presented information on upgrades at the recreation center and efforts to mitigate damages suffered in the building’s basement during flooding last month. Commissioners stated that overall Memorial Hall was not severely damaged when downtown storm drains were unable to carry away the inch-plus of rain per hour that fell in […]

Free Karate Classes Offered In Response To Student Survey

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Karate classes will be offered to students in fifth through twelfth grade later this month at no cost to parents. The classes will be sponsored by Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services (ADAS) in response to answers submitted by Cameron County School District (CCSD) students on the Pennsylvania […]

Annual St. Mark Festival Saturday

    The St. Mark Festival is nearly here! The festival will take place this weekend, August 26-27, at St. Mark in Emporium. The festivities begin this Friday, August 26th, with a spaghetti dinner at O’Connell Hall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased ahead of time at the […]

Defendants Appear In Cameron County Court For Return Day

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor One defendant was sentenced on a charge of possession of paraphernalia during last week’s Return Day proceedings, despite the statute of limitations having expired on that charge. Shawn Daniel Armstrong, age 43, of Reynoldsville, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and […]

Two Investigations Lead To Search Warrant

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Police investigations into two reports from separate addresses in the Borough of Emporium led police to execute a search warrant at a local residence. In late July, Julie Elizabeth Johnson, age 35, of 55 Sycamore Street in Emporium, was arrested on felony charges of possession with intent […]

Emporium Man Sentenced On Bath Salts Charges

    An Emporium man was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the use and sale of bath salts. Craig James Hostler, age 28 of Emporium, was sentenced to serve four to 24 months in a county jail after entering a guilty plea to charges in two separate cases stemming from his […]

Emergency Food, Shelter Funds Available

    Applications are being accepted by Northern Tier Community Action Corporation (NTCAC) to distribute funds received to help individuals in need of emergency food or housing assistance. Cameron County has been awarded $5,500 through a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program Congressionally-appropriated to help expand the capacity of emergency food […]

Kane Resigns As PA Attorney General

    The highest-ranking law enforcement official in the state has resigned her position after being found guilty of nine criminal charges including obstruction of justice, conspiracy and felony perjury following her trial last week. Kathleen Granahan Kane, age 50, of Clarks Summit, was found guilty by a jury of felony perjury and misdemeanor counts […]

Demolition Imminent For Downtown

  Eyesore Properties   by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County Commissioners held a special meeting Friday to open bids for demolition of three buildings. A company similar to A to Z Demolition services in Sydney will be needed to carry out the demolition. Three bids were received for demolition of the former Admit […]

Traffic Pattern Changes In School Parking Lot

by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Cameron County School District officials are advising parents of traffic pattern changes following resurfacing of both parking lots over the summer. When it comes to parking lot damage, wear and tear over the years is an inevitable fact and so, for the business or organization by which it is […]

Great Week at the Fair Despite Heavy Rains Canceling Thursday Events

    Cameron County Fair officials chose to cancel Thursday’s scheduled activities due to heavy rains and flooding across the area. While the fairgrounds itself did not suffer any damage from the torrential downpour that occurred on Thursday afternoon, areas of downtown Emporium filled up with water and required a response from emergency services agencies […]

Area Job Numbers

    Unemployment is up across the Commonwealth according to the July releases from the Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information and Analysis. While the unemployment rate increased slightly to 5.6%, the statewide job count also increased over the same period to 5,893,400. Total non-farm jobs were up 20,000, with increases in nine of the 11 […]

Sylvan Heights Residents Question Township Over Road Conditions

    Work to secure a section of levee in Prospect Park is moving forward, according to information provided during last week’s Shippen Township meeting. The necessary repairs are being completed through inter-governmental cooperation and a public-private partnership with the adjacent railroad property owner. Work was scheduled to begin last Monday but had to be […]

Changes Made To Boro Garbage Pickup Rules

    Emporium Borough officials are working to fix problems that have arisen with special garbage pickups, a service traditionally offered to residents free-of-charge. Each resident paying a garbage bill has been entitled to one additional pick-up per year at their residence. The pick-up was intended to help residents who are performing spring cleaning or […]

County Under Drought Watch; Driftwood Restricts Water Use

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Last week, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a drought watch for 34 counties in north central Pennsylvania and beyond, including Cameron County. Members evaluated recently collected data that indicates water supply levels continue to drop. Low stream flows, declining groundwater levels and below-average rainfall […]

Fugitives Arraigned on Burglary Charges

    Two men who were wanted by state parole appeared in court Thursday following their arrest near a Wykoff Run camp over the weekend. Elijah Jacob Conser, age 21, of Kayla Lane in Punxsutawney, and Austin Obrien Eckert, age 22, of Green Springs Road in York, were both picked up by Pennsylvania State Police […]

County Fair Kicks-Off Sunday

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor The Cameron County Fair is set to kick off on Sunday, August 7 and run through Saturday, August 13 at the Cameron County Fairgrounds just north of Emporium on Route 46. This year’s fair theme is “We Have Good Things Growing,” and will include a number of […]

Two Arrested After Chase

    Two fugitives were arrested on state parole warrants following a foot chase by police in southern Cameron County. Elijah Jacob Conser, age 21, of Kayla Lane in Punxsutawney, and Austin Obrien Eckert, age 21, of Green Springs Road in York, were arrested on the morning of Saturday, July 30, after a foot pursuit. […]

Playgrounds in the Wilds

    The 2nd Playground in the Wilds program of the summer was held last week. Hosted by Cameron County Recreation Center and Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities (CCOYA), about 20 young people showed up to learn more about the wonders of nature.  This event was held at the Woodland School playground, taking advantage of […]

Little Rainfall Still A Problem For Residents

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor Recent rains are likely to have saved the region from a drought declaration after lower-than-average late spring and early summer rainfall totals dropped water levels in local streams and aquifers. EMA Deputy Director Laura Narby stated that her agency had not yet received word of any private […]

Formal Ordinance Violation Process Has Begun On Boro Property Owner

    A number of initiatives aimed at cleaning up the Emporium Borough were discussed during Monday night’s council meeting. Two residents of South Broad Street attended the meeting to learn the outcome of a complaint they lodged at the June meeting concerning a blighted structure in their neighborhood. The apartment building is one of […]

Former Tax Collector Sentenced to Probation

    by Amanda Jones  Echo News Editor A former Cameron County tax collector was sentenced Tuesday on charges related to her failure to deposit payments made by her constituents. Melinda Buchanan, age 38, of Driftwood, will serve three years on probation following her entry of a guilty plea to one misdemeanor count of theft […]

Shippen Man Threatens Teenage Fishermen

    A search warrant was executed at a Shippen Township residence following reports of a man threatening two teenage fishermen with a gun. At shortly after 5 p.m. on July 11, two juvenile males reported to Pennsylvania State Police that they were fishing in North Creek just off of Route 46 in Shippen Township. […]

Sexual Misconduct Charges Consume Court Return Day

    by Amanda Jones  Echo News Editor Several defendants facing charges involving sexual misconduct appeared for court hearings during Tuesday’s Return Day proceedings at the Cameron County Courthouse. Former Emporium Borough Police Department (EBPD) Sergeant Francis Johnson, age 51, of Weedville, had been scheduled for jury call prior to trial, but had his hearings […]

Shippen Twp. Notifies County of Plans To Remedy Levee Issues

    Notification has been received from Shippen Township of plans to remedy issues on the flood control levee in Prospect Park. Issues were discovered by the owners of Reid and Reed Auto, located between the levee and Route 155 north of Emporium last year. The flood protection levee system which protects the Emporium Borough […]

Woman Charged In Homicide

  Rejects Plea Deal   A woman charged with Homicide by Vehicle will stand trial on charges in the Cameron County Court. Kaitlyn N. (Crosby) Wolfel, age 23, of Austin, turned down a plea deal negotiated by Deputy Attorney General George Zaiser and her defense attorney, Gary Knaresboro, Esquire, during jury call proceedings held Tuesday […]

South Broad Street Residents Complain Of Blighted Property

    Emporium’s Borough Manager gave an update on the ongoing issues surrounding the large number of blighted properties in town after several residents of the South Broad Street area attended Monday night’s meeting to speak on the issues of living near one of the mostly abandoned homes. Borough Manager Don Reed stated that he […]

Voluntary Water Rationing In Driftwood

  by Amanda Jones, Echo News Editor A Cameron County public water system has instituted voluntary rationing of its water due to drought conditions across the Commonwealth. Residents of the Driftwood Borough who are served by the Driftwood Water Authority are being asked to conserve water through a number of measures. “Nanty Run is holding […]

Changes Made To High School Class Schedule

    Cameron County High School students will adjust to a new schedule next year following changes made by the District Principal and recently-hired Superintendent. Dr. Keith Wolfe participated in the first full regular board meeting following his hiring last month to a three-year contract. The district opted not to renew a contract with Christine […]

Annual St. Mark Festival Set For August

    The fourth annual St. Mark’s Festival will be held the weekend of August 26 and 27 at St. Mark Catholic Church in downtown Emporium. “The festival is a great way to celebrate summer’s closing and to kick off fall festivities,” said committee member Jessie Grovanz. The first get-together in a long list of […]

County Sued By Former Airport Head

    Long-time Bradford Airport Director Tom Frungillo has filed a federal lawsuit against the Bradford Regional Airport, the counties it serves and other entities after he alleges he was wrongfully terminated from his position. According to the Bradford Era, Frungillo alleges that the airport terminated his employment in retaliation for his health problems. Frungillo’s […]

Weekend in the Wilds Draws Record Crowds

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor This year’s Weekend in the Wilds event was a huge success and drew record crowds for a number of events. The annual festival held in downtown Emporium drew thousands throughout Friday evening and Saturday leading up to a packed set of grandstands at the football field for […]

Vacant House Fire Sunday Evening

    A house on East Fifth Street Extension in the Emporium Borough was damaged in a late-night fire over the holiday weekend. Crews were dispatched to the blaze at 12:29 a.m., in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. Emporium Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) Chief Butch Housler stated that the fire started on the rear […]

County, School To Receive Additional PILT Revenue

    by Amanda Jones Echo News Editor A partial increase to the Payments-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) made on state-held lands will bring additional revenue to cash-strapped counties, school districts and municipalities in rural Pennsylvania, so long as the state legislature and governor can pass the budget and fiscal code. “This measure will go a long way […]

Sestina Commissioned in U.S. Marine Corps

    Andrew R. Sestina, son of Don and Ricki Sestina, of Emporium, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Marine Corps on July 1st at 3 p.m. in the Cameron County Courthouse. Candidate Sestina had completed the two requirements to become a commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps: Completion […]