MONEYSAVER Smethport, East Smethport, Crosby, Gifford, Rew, Cyclone, Hazel Hurst, Mt. Jewett, Port A, Roulette, Duke Center, Eldred, Rixford, Turtlepoint
AUGUST 18, 2020
CAR. TR. MKTG MAIL US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 244 BRADFORD, PA Occupant Rural-Star Route P.O. Box Holder
NEWS
Kane native investigating major crimes in PSP assignment
Commissioners recognize Legion Bucktail Post 138
By RUTH BOGDAN
A Kane native is investigating major crimes as part of her new assignment in the Pennsylvania State Police. Sgt. Mary Gausman is now the criminal investigation section supervisor for PSP’s Troop C, which she explained is a troop-wide position in charge of seven stations. She started in the position April 18. Troop C includes the Clarion station in Clarion County, the Clearfield station in Clearfield County, Ridgway station in Elk County, Marienville station in Forest County, DuBois and Punxsutawney stations in Jefferson County and the Lewis Run station in McKean County. Gausman was previously station commander at the Kane barracks, then the Lewis Run barracks when the McKean County station moved. Gausman lives in Kane and works out of the Punxsutawney barracks. The hike to work means little as she’s often called to travel across the Troop C area for investigations. “You’re basically on call all the time,” she added. But the hard work she puts in has its rewards. She said a big part of her new job is “overseeing the Major Case Team,” which involves pulling resources from across Troop C to investigate major crimes such as homicides. “It increases the likelihood of solving large-scale crimes,” she explained. Gausman lists solving large scale crimes — along with helping victims — as reasons why she find her new position fulfilling. She said it was “a great experience” being station commander at the barracks in her hometown, but she is pleased to be out doing “actual police work” again by
Sgt. Mary Gausman
investigating crimes. Instead of investigating out in the field, her duties as station commander included scheduling troopers and being a liaison between her barracks, other agencies and state police headquarters. One plus of working at the local barracks is working with officers who are native to the area who understand the area in a way that new people don’t. “We’re all a team,” she said. When the criminal investigation section supervisor position opened up, Gausman’s investigative experience helped her be named to the position. “They knew I had an extensive background in criminal investigation,” she explained. In her new position, she enjoys working with the experienced law enforcement officials on the Major Case Team. “It’s nice to have such capable people underneath you,” she said. Aside from the travel, one of the big challenges she’s facing in her new job is adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has “been a challenge for everyone,” she added. Among the changes are new protocols at crime scenes. She noted the state police have received a lot of direction from Harrisburg on what to do to keep everyone as safe as possible during the health crisis. After Gausman graduated as valedictorian of Kane Area High School in 1992, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. She entered the police academy in November 2003 and became station commander in June 2018.
Photo provided From left are McKean County Commissioners Cliff Lane, Carol Duffy and Tom Kreiner; and Bart Barton, adjutant of Smethport American Legion Post #138. The commissioners made a proclamation at Tuesday’s meeting declaring August to be Smethport American Legion Bucktail Post #138 Centennial Month.
SMETHPORT — The McKean County Commissioners adopted a resolution Tuesday proclaiming August as Smethport Bucktail Post #138 Centennial Celebration Month commending the Legion, auxiliary and Sons of the Legion for their service to veterans, our country and community in addition to being stewards for future generations. Commissioner Carol Duffy read the proclamation that noted the post was officially chartered approximately four years after the chartering of the national American Legion by Congress. The document recognizes the role of the post’s auxiliary that is dedicated to serving veterans and their families, supporting education, Americanism
and Girls’ State and providing outreach to local children and youth. The proclamation, in part reads, “The Legion, having given rise to the sons of the American Legion, chartered in 1994, and paired with the American Legion Post #138 to provide cooperative efforts to maintain local cemeteries, support the McKean County American Legion Riders and the Hamlin Lake Park Vietnam War Memorial Marker, and participate in community efforts to assist families.” The proclamation continues, “Whereas the Smethport American Legion Bucktail Post #138, having become a place of patriotic ceremony, community socialization and solemn celebrations of life, we salute your
timeless efforts.” Adjutant Bart Barton represented the post for the signing of the proclamation. In other business, the commissioners announced several personnel matters. Daniel Golan is a law clerk in the court system, while Bob Veilleux is the economic development coordinator. Kim Woods has retired as first deputy in the prothonotary’s office, and Beth Monti has resigned at Bradford Township tax collector, effective Jan. 15, 2021. Three requests for tax exempt status in Kane Borough were OKd. They were 519 Haines St., 432 Greeves St. and 430 Greeves St., all of which were granted municipal government exemptions.
Otto-Eldred Regional Police to continue
By JIM MILLER
DUKE CENTER — Residents of Otto Township received some reassuring news at the monthly meeting of the township supervisors, when newly appointed chairman Eric Barton announced the results of the Eldred Borough vote on the future of the Otto-Eldred Police Department. The voting was closed on July 26, and although fewer than one hundred votes were cast, the borough residents voted decidedly (71 yes, 26 no) to continue the joint police force. Eldred Mayor Andy Lathrop and town officials will be meeting with the police commission and Otto’s supervisors to extend the agreement with some financial modifications. Both entities
are open to other local townships’ participation in exploring the possibility of expanding the coverage area and contributing to the funding. Police Chief Donald Nies reported that two local residents have been cited for non-compliance with the township’s new property appearance code and face possible fines if they do not respond and agree to the violations and solutions. Five property owners who were sent letters last month have taken steps to improve their properties. Committee members Marilyn Kahle and Donna Marshall presented a list of 25 more possible violations in the township. Nies will investigate each and issue letters of non -compliance to those in violation.
The committee is dedicated to improving the township’s appearance, not just for appearance sake, but a well-kept neighborhood is also a safer and more inviting one. Community pride and self respect are indicative of a happy and healthy population. Nies reported a slight uptick in police calls as Covid restrictions are being eased (or ignored). The recent incidents involving alleged sexual violations in the township park are continuing to be investigated by the local police force as well as the Pennsylvania State Police. Nies suggested closing the park earlier than the current 10 p.m. closing time. The supervisors agreed and will look to change the ordinance and the signage.
Family Forest Carbon program seeking landowners
CLEARFIELD — Landowners of 30 acres or more in McKean County may be eligible for the Family Forest Carbon program. The program was created by the American
Forest Foundation and the Nature Conservancy for landowners interested in maintaining a healthy forest. For landowners that qualify, a professional forester will meet with
you, teach you about funding and technical the unique aspects assistance, visit famiof your woods, and lyforestcarbon.org and discuss if the Family check your eligibility Forest Carbon Profor a forester visit. gram could be right for The program’s goals are your family. to increase forest stewTo learn more about See FOREST page 4...