NEWS – Solomon's Words for the Wise (2024)

(McKean County, Pennsylvania: June 6, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer Reports that charges have been filed in the bank robbery and subsequent high-speed chase that occurred earlier today.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Sierra Rooke filed charges against Edwin McPeak of Olean, NY. According to the criminal complaint, PSP-Lewis Ron received a BOLO from Cattaraugus County for a vehicle stolen by gunpoint in Olean, New York.

Shortly thereafter, multiple calls were received regarding a bank robbery at Hamlin Bank in Eldred. Witnesses reported that the person who robbed the bank approached while wearing a mask and, with a firearm in his hand said, “No one‘s going to get hurt. Give me all of your money” before going to the next cashier and demanding money from each receiving over $18,000 of actual cash and bait money.

Witnesses reported that the bank had been robbed and the person was wearing a mask and brandished a firearm. The suspect fled in a dark color truck and the witnesses obtained the license plate.

Area police were on the lookout when Chief Warnick of Smethport located the vehicle traveling south on State Route 446 and onto State Route 46. Warnick activated his lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.

Additional officers from Port Allegany, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford City, Bradford Township, and Foster Township, as well as the City K9 Unit, joined in the effort to bring the suspect into custody.

The suspect crashed the stolen vehicle near Rew Hill and was treated by City of Bradford Ambulance before transport to BRMC for minor injuries.

The occupant of the vehicle was identified as Edwin J. MCPEAK of Olean, New York. US currency and a handgun were located in the vehicle. MCPEAK has been charged with two counts of Robbery (one of a financial institution; and one for placing a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury) – deadly weapon enhancement; Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer; Theft by Unlawful Taking (cash); 2 counts Terroristic Threats; Receiving Stolen Property (vehicle); Firearms Not to be Carried Without a License; and summary traffic violations.

MCPEAK was just arranged by Magisterial District Judge William Todd. Bail was set at $1 million. He will appear at central court next week.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®:https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/new-york-man-arraigned-bank-robbery-1-million-bail

This Saturday, June 8th, is the Turtlepoint Farmers Market, located at the Turtlepoint Community Park! This event will be running from 9-12! There is a large line up of vendors this month!

South Kendall Hydroponic Lettuce will be selling delicious varieties of lettuce. Messy Mountain Organics is returning with vegan hand-crafted soaps, shampoo bars, natural bug repellent, and wax melts. She also will be selling homemade breads and pickles. Really Rural Woodworks will be returning where you will be sure to find a handcrafted bowl or gift. Gloria French will be present to talk all things essential oils and holistic remedies. As always, we will have a variety of Amish baked goods including pies, cookies, donuts and bread.

New vendors coming to June’s market include Jenna-June! She will be coming with healing skin salves, body butters and body scrubs. D’s Queen Bees will also be making an appearance selling honey varieties and beeswax products. Rise Above Farms will be selling farm fresh eggs, fresh baked goods and homemade breads. And Mrs. Farmello will be around to talk all things Kombucha and Kefir!

Last month we had a great turnout, and we can’t wait to see what June has in store for us! As always, we welcome all vendors to come set up, as there is no official set up fee! We just take donations towards the upkeep of the park. We run the second Saturday of every month, now through October.

PAHS Artist Riley Painter’s drawing of Lynn Hall surrounded by Tiger Lilies and pine trees was chosen to be the logo for the spirit of Port Allegany’s “Heart & Soul” campaign.

According to the Port Allegany Heart & Soul website, “the Port Allegany Heart and Soul is a community-driven initiative aimed at uncovering the unique essence of Port Allegany and using it to shape a brighter future for the town.

It’s about engaging residents, listening to their stories and aspirations, and working together to create a more vibrant and connected community. Through collaboration and inclusivity, Port Allegany Heart and Soul seeks to empower residents to take an active role in determining the direction of their town’s development.” For more information visit the website atwww.portalleganyheartandsoul.com.

(McKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: June 6, 2024): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that an investigation into a bank robbery is in progress.

The suspect has been taken into custody and there is no danger to the community.

Earlier today, officers were alerted to be on the lookout for a stolen vehicle out of NY. Subsequently, they were notified that an Eldred bank had been robbed and the vehicle description given by witnesses matched the description of the stolen vehicle earlier reported.

An Officer observed the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop and led police on a high-speed chase before crashing the vehicle near Rew Hill.

Officers with Smethport, Port Allegany, Pennsylvania State Police, Bradford City Police, Foster Township Police, and Bradford Township Police responded along with City of Bradford Fire and Ambulance crew and the City K9. The investigation is ongoing by the Pennsylvania State Police.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®:https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/mckean-county-bank-robbery-suspect-custody

The Underclass Award winners at the PAHS annual Awards Assembly are pictured (front row, left to right) Lily Madison, Alayna Palmer, Svea Ayers; (middle) Ella Moses, Steffi Buchsen, Raelin Meacham; (back) Austin Hamilton and Levi Howard. (Missing from the photo is Juuso Young.)

Steffi Buchsen received the 7th grade Geography Award; Svea Ayers received the Student Handbook Cover Design for 2023 – 2024; Alayna Palmer received the Biology Award; Ella Moses received the Alfred University Out of the Ordinary Award; Levi Howard and Austin Hamilton received the Bonnie Scholar Award from St. Bonaventure $20,000 a year for 4 years; The Science Award from Bausch & Lomb went to Juuso Young; Frederick Douglas & Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences from the University of Rochester went to Lily Madison; and the Horatio Alger Scholarship – PA State Winner was Raelin Meacham;

Once Upon A Crime, The Trial of Goldilocks, by Robert Chauls and Joseph Robinette opens on Thursday, June 13th at 7:00pm at The Warehouse Theatre in Wellsboro. Directed by Titus Himmelberger, the story is a family-friendly romp through the aftermath of Goldilocks’intrusion into the bears’ home as told in the classic tale,Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In the show, Goldilocks is prosecuted for breaking and entering, and the fairytale testimonytakes the audience on hysterical twists and turns with all of our favoritecharacters offering their version of the story.

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Pictured: 1. The graduating class did their traditional cap toss following the graduation ceremony.

2. School Superintendent Gary Buchsen is pictured awarding Brieanne Hosterman with her diploma. Henry

3. Troupe is pictured with his mother, Terrie Austin during the reception following the graduation ceremony.

4. Kayleigha Dowell, Colton Crowe, Brayden Pearsall, and Kole Kisko line up in the gym before taking their final

walk down the halls of PAHS on the way to the auditorium and their graduation ceremony.

5. Class president Miska Young and classmate Anastasia Penick celebrate after leaving the doors of the school as

PAHS graduates.

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SMETHPORT, Pa. – Penn State Extension is honored to welcome Riley Thompson as the new Agriculture Assistant in the McKean Office.

Riley is currently wrapping up her first year at Oregon State University studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. “Although this a very broad degree, my focus is on agricultural conservation,” says Thompson.

Riley is not new to the agriculture community in the northern tier. She explains “In my spare time I can be found working with our herd of commercial beef cattle on our family farm in Potter County.” Prior to high school graduation she was very involved in Potter and McKean County 4-H, competing in both dairy and livestock shows. She is enthusiastic about connecting farmers, landowners, and other industry professionals in McKean and sharing Penn State’s resources.

When asked what she would say to the McKean public she stated, “I am excited to give back to the agricultural community of McKean County and I can’t wait to work with you!” She will be out in the community this summer, scouting crop fields and meeting with farms.

Riley Thompson can be reached by phone at the McKean County Extension Office at 814-887-5613 ext 101 or by email rst5310@psu.edu or in the office by appointment.

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​Clearfield, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to attend a public plan display for its Route 120 (East Fourth Street/Allegany Avenue) roadway reconstruction project on Monday, June 10. The purpose is to introduce the project, share the results of the current engineering studies, and gather public input related to the project.

Attendees will have the chance to review project displays and participate in discussions with project team members from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Emporium Borough office Building located at 421 North Broad Street, Emporium, PA 15834.

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The Port Allegany High School Class of 2024 held commencement exercises May 31 in the school auditorium. The Processional was played by the Commencement Band followed by the Welcome Address given by Miska Young, Class President.

The introduction of speakers was made by Marc Budd, High School Principal.

Theme for the Commencement Address was DAWN. Peyton Stiles spoke on Dedication; Braylon Button spoke on Achievement; Saxon Palmer, Salutatorian, spoke on Willpower and Valedictorian, Levi Wilfong, spoke on New Beginnings.

The Rowan Tree was played by the Commencement Band under the direction of Brad Stewart.

Before Awarding the diplomas, PASD superintendent Gary Buchsen, addressed the audience.

The graduating class of 2024 includes: Drake StanelyArthurs, Lily Jaylin Babco*ck, Dezmond Jay Baker, Isaac Jeffrey Barber, Olivia Lynnette Barth, Jennifer Lynn Baxter, Damien J. Bisher, Trenton J. Bunnell, Braylon James Button, Bren R. Carlson, Hanna Rose Carpenter, Erica Joyce Carr, Alana Marie Corey, Colton Cash Crowe, Paige N. Crum-Threadgill, Kayleigha Lynnzee Dowell, Luke Vincent Dunkle, Austin Michael Freer, Amber Lynn Funk, Hannah Jo Hanchett, Zien S. Herzog, Brianne Nichole Hosterman, Franklin Nelson Howard, Jr., Sheryl Melanie Kelley, Kole Andrew Kisko, Henry Jerome Kisler, Cole M. Lannager, Caiden J. Lathrop-Roller, Kendra Delanee McGarvey-Smoker, Jossalynn Kay Mereen, Lacy Jay Morris, Anthony Luis Ortiz, Saxon Austin Palmer, Jasmine Lynn Patterson, Brayden James Pearsall, Anastasia Sydnee Penick, Julia Ann Postlewait, Anastasia Dale Robbins, Aiden Patrick Smith, John Alexander Smith, Peyton J. Stiles, Collin R. Stuckey, Darren G. Tinder, Henry A. Troupe, Damian Michael VanGorder, Levi Patrick Wilfong, Lillian Jolee Wright, Alexander J. Yeager and Miska Andrew Young.

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Port Allegany High School recognizes a male and female athlete of the month each month September through May. In September 2023, Henry Kisler, Class of 2024 and Isla Lehmier, Class of 2026 were selected followed by Aidan Clark (2025) and Kendra Meade (2026) for October; Juuso Young (2026) and Julie Smith (2025) for November and Austin Hamilton (2025) and Savannah Hart (2026) for December In January 2024, Levi Wilfong (2024) and Brynn Evens (2026) were selected followed by Henry Troupe (2024) and Willow Sauers (2025) for February; Aiden Bliss (2026) and Madison Errick (2026) for March; Kole Kisko (2024) and Lily Lehmeir (2026) for April and Owen Kisler (2026) and Alayna Palmer (2027) for May. The athletes are pictured (left to right) Isla Lehmier, Henry Kisler, Kendra Meade, Aidan Clark, Julie Smith, Austin Hamilton, Savannah Hart, Levi Wilfong, Brynn Evens, Willow Sauers, Lily Lehmier, Maddie Errick, Alayna Palmer and Owen Kisler.

Two long time members of PAAS, Nancy Hardes and Jason Stake were honored as lifetime members of the group They were recognized at the Open House held recently at PAAS. The newest members of the groupjoin Gib Allen, Darlene Abbey, Fran Williams, Larry Shelley, Sandy Glase, Rich McGarvery, Mary Mensch, Martin Causer, Cindy Knapp, Dawn Spencer, Larry Norton, Necia Wood, Julie Lathrop, Melissa Causer, Richard Taylor, Julie Barnett, Barry Daugherty and Clinton Jordan. Making the presentation was Ellen Mosher.

Clearfield, PA –The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of June 3. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:

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