The historic Potter County Courthouse just might see the beginning stages of expansion plans in 2005. Commissioner’s say they plan to build a courthouse annex on the vacant lot where the Potter County Texaco once stood. The Property was purchased for $200,000 from Adelphia Communications this year. The new building would save the county money on rent costs at other office locations.

Potter County Senior Citizens will soon be able to rest easy, without fear of catching influenza. Flu Shot clinics will be held next month at the County’s Senior Centers. County residents 60 years or older are eligible, with Potter County Area Agency on Aging Clients getting priority. The schedule for Flu Vaccine Clinics is as follows.

January 11 Oswayo Valley Senior Center
January 12 Coudersport Senior Center
January 14 Galeton Senior Center
January 19 Ulysses Senior Center

Flu vaccines cost $19 each.

Jobless rates in McKean County have improved. Unemployment was down one tenth of a percent. Potter County’s unemployment rate was reported at 6.9 percent, and Cameron County topped off the list with a jobless rate of 10.2 percent.

An Austin woman has been charged with scattering rubbish after a Roulette man called State Police. 71 year old John Herbert Gregg of Burleson Avenue in Roulette called police after discovering a bag of trash on his property. A State Police investigation led to charges filed agains 27 year old Yvette Lynn Meyer of Austin.



*** Editor's Note: The most exciting thing abou tthis story to me, is that I know that John Gregg's middle name is Herbert.

29-Year old Kenneth Lannager from Port Allegany was sentenced to six months in jail as well as $2,000 in fines to be paid for his D.U.I. His drivers license is suspended for one year, and he has to perform seven hours of community service by picking up litter on the highway. Lannager has prior offenses against him.

An Erie man involved in a traffic crash in August is now facing charges from State Police. 29 year old Raymond Crawford was involved in a traffic accident in Sylvania Township in August. Poliec found what they beleived to be marijuana in the vehicle. The susbstance was sent to the Erie Crime Lab. The results have returned, and Crawford is not charged with Poessession of Mariuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

A Shinglehouse woman was injured in a Hebron Township accident Monday. State Police say 47-year-old Georgia Finster was transported to Cole Memorial Hospital after she lost control of her Ford Escort and went over an embankment and came to rest against a cluster of trees.

St. Mary’s resident Doug Esker was a contestant on Jeopardy last night Esker was in the lead going into Final Jeopardy, but finished the game in second place
The final question? Who was the first Vice President to not cast a tie-breaking vote? The answer was: John Tyler.

With New Years only a few days away, PennDot is reminding us to be responsible while celebrating. Motorists are reminded to use a designated driver if alcohol is a part of your new years celebration plans. Alcohol-related deaths make up 35% of total traffic deaths.

State Police in Coudersport have released the identity of a suspect involved in a 5-mile pursuit. 18 year old William Ens of Wellsboro was arrested and placed in Potter County Jail on charges of receiving stolen property, fleeing from police, and drug charges. State Police were able to stop Ens’ flight in a stolen vehicle by deploying a tire deflation device.

A Bolivar man was uninjured when he crashed in Ulysses Township yesterday afternoon. 57-year-old William Ingalls was blinded by sunlight, and went through an intersection, striking a road sign and an embankment. Galeton Fire Department responded to the scene to assist State Troopers. Police cited Ingals for failure to stop at a stop sign.

A Georgia woman was injured in Potter County yesterday afternoon. 22-year-old Ashlie Conway was traveling too fast for conditions when she lost control on a curve, striking an embankment twice. Conway received minor injuries. Her passenger, Zydeco Motos was uninjured.

An accident Friday night resulted in the death of a Smethport man near Hamlin Township. 43 year-old Howard Frey, was walking along State Route 146 around 6pm, when he was struck by moving vehicle operated by 32 year-old Heather Smith of Smethport. Frey was transported by Mt. Jewett ambulance to Kane Hospital, where he was treated, but passed away an hour later.

Two Shinglehouse residents and one Portville resident were injured in a crash on Portville Olean Road last week. 17 year old Shane Hood or Portville pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by 26 year old Kristy Atherholt. Atherholt suffered a fractured wrist, and her 1-year-old daughter suffered lip lacerations. Hood received shoulder injuries. All three were transported to Olean General, treated, and released.

State Police report and hit and run in Austin Thursday. An unknown motorist left the roadway on Railroad Street in Austin, and crashed into a garage belonging to John Rotello. State Police continue to search for the motorist.

An Olean man is accused of criminal trespass in Shinglehouse. 50-year-old Jason McLane called State Police to report 25-year-old Justin Smith had been trespassing at his residence. Charges have been filed.

Harassment charges have been filed against a Smethport man. 44-year-old Joel Johnson is accused of harassment. State Police say Johnson engaged in a course of conduct with no legitimate purpose, and annoyed 48-year-old Joan Helms of Smethport.

The Old Paths Country Store in Eldred was the scene of a minor retail theft last week. Police say 28 year old Jessica Jarret of Smethport is accused of stealing 35 worth of merchandise last Monday.