2010-11-17T22:53:26-05:00 Drupal http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/886 2010-11-17T22:53:26-05:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 886 article en 14 1 2010-11-17T22:53:26-05:00 2010-11-17T22:53:26-05:00 2 886 14 Less than midway through the current fiscal year, Kane School District Business Manager Steve Perry already is looking ahead to preparing the next school budget. It isn’t a pretty sight. From all indications, deceases in state revenue and the end of federal “stimulus” money will result in lower subsidies for local school districts, including Kane. “This is the most drastic prediction for a reduction in state revenue that I’ve ever seen,” Perry said Wednesday. He has worked in the Kane school business office for 31 years and has been the business manager for the past 19 years. Perry said he and other school business mangers in the state took part in a “webcast” Tuesday. The purpose of the internet-based program was to share information, data, projections and strategies “to cope with the budget dilemma” looming for the 2011-12 fiscal year that begins July 1, Perry said. “There will be a reduction in state funding,” Perry said. He said the state will be “looking at all programs” in an attempt to make cuts to balance the budget. “It’s not a question of ‘if’ there will be cuts,” Perry said. “It’s how deep they will be. Some tough decisions are going to have to be made.” State “Act 1,” now in its fifth year, limits the amount school districts can raise their budgets without seeking voter approval at the polls. The state uses formulas and calculations to set the “index” for the limits on boosts in school budgets. The index for Kane for the next budget period is 2.1 percent—2.3 percent below the current figure of 4.4 percent. The Kane School Board each year under “Act 1” has adopted legislation to agree to keep the subsequent budget under the index set by the state. With this legislation in place, Perry normally doesn’t need to have a proposed budget completed before late March or April. The school budget then adopts a tentative budget in May and a final budget in June. If the school board again agrees to limit a budget increase to the maximum-- the 2.1 percent index, the next spending plan most likely won’t be unveiled before April. But it’s a whole new ball game if the school board declines to endorse a budget limit like it has done in the past. The board could file for an “exception” to bypass the state-set index for a school budget. However, this request would require approval from the state Department of Education after a review of Kane school figures. The board also could seek a court-approved “exception.” But Perry said the district probably couldn’t meet the criteria for this type of “exception.” See full article by purchasing the Nov. 18 edition of The Kane Republican. Less than midway through the current fiscal year, Kane School District Business Manager Steve Perry already is looking ahead to preparing the next school budget. It isn’t a pretty sight. From all indications, deceases in state revenue and the end of federal “stimulus” money will result in lower subsidies for local school districts, including Kane. “This is the most drastic prediction for a reduction in state revenue that I’ve ever seen,” Perry said Wednesday. He has worked in the Kane school business office for 31 years and has been the business manager for the past 19 years. 1290052406 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/state-revenue-decease-clouds-next-school-budget 1 1 1 1 1 1 1290052406 100 Ted Lutz 686 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:282:"Photo by Ted Lutz – Steve Perry, business manager for the Kane Area School District, looks over documents as he ponders his options for preparing the next school budget. A decrease in state revenue is expected to result in lower state aid for school budgets in 2010-11 and beyond.";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 11.18 steve perry.JPG sites/default/files/11.18 steve perry.JPG image/jpeg 462898 1 1290052405 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/11.18 steve perry.JPG Copyright 2010 Kane Republican Less than midway through the current fiscal year, Kane School District Business Manager Steve Perry already is looking ahead to preparing the next school budget. Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/690 2010-09-30T16:16:26-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 690 article en 14 1 2010-09-30T15:59:35-04:00 2010-09-30T16:16:26-04:00 2 690 14 MARIENVILLE – The company preparing a feasibility study for a four-county “Rails to Trails” system is seeking public participation and input. “We want to hear what the people have to say,” Andrew Mears said Wednesday at the “kickoff meeting” for 15-member Steering Committee for the project. Mears is a senior associate for Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT), the consulting firm hired to complete the feasibility study. Speaking at the meeting at the U.S. Forest Service office near Marienville, Mears said the development of the study will be “geared around public participation.” “There will be a number of public meetings,” Mears said. “We want to get as many people as possible to attend the public meetings.” The study will focus on possible uses for the right-of-way for the defunct Knox and Kane Railroad. The 69.9-mile railroad corridor extends from Knox in Clarion County to the Kinzua Bridge State Park near Mt. Jewett in McKean County. For several years, a tourist train operated on the rails with stops in Marienville and Kane. The Knox and Kane Railroad about two years ago sold its rolling stock at a public auction. The tracks and certain other pieces of property have been sold to the Kovalchick Corporation, a large scrap dealer from Indiana, Pa. According to Debbie Lunden, the McKean County planning director and a member of the “Rails to Trails” Steering Committee, the Kovalchick Family Trust is participating in a “rail bank” program under the federal Surface Transportation Board (STB). The federal STB administers the “rail bank” program. The federal law allows public agencies to acquire the railroad right-of-way and “bank” it until future rail use is sought from the STB. Public agencies would hold all the property rights held by the railroad, including easements. Under the “rail bank” program, the rail corridor is not officially “abandoned” by the railroad and could be used as a rail line in the future. The Steering Committee includes representatives from McKean, Elk, Forest and Clarion counties. The rail corridor runs through parts of these counties. JMT has been selected to conduct the “Rails To Trails” feasibility study at a cost of $68,000. A state grant of $34,400 will cover about half of the cost. The four counties with railroad rights-of-way will share the balance of the cost, Lunden said. The counties will share with “in-kind” professional services as well as “cash,” Lunden said. Some “matching” funds already have been received from the counties, Lunden said Wednesday. JMT is expected to complete the feasibility study by next May, Lunden said. During the two-hour meeting Wednesday, members of the Steering Committee broke into small groups to come up with responses to questions posed by JMT. Area residents who attended the meeting also had a chance to take part in the group discussions. A spokesman for each group gave a report on the discussions. According to these group reports, some of “most important” aspects that should be covered by feasibility study include: *Public involvement and education. *Funding to implement the plan. *Maintenance of the trails. *Building a relationship with landowners within the rail corridor.
*Developing a link with existing trails. *Marketing of the trail to bring in tourists. *The need for support facilities such as restrooms. *Taking a look at legal issues. *Consider safety issues. *Coming up with more diversity of recreation groups for the Steering Committee. The groups also identified several “obstacles” for the plan, including: *Public opposition. *Problems with rail crossings on roads and driveways. *Problems with structures such as railroad trestles. *The challenge to find funding to implement the plan. *Ongoing maintenance costs. *Liability issues. *Developing a response plan for emergencies. *Concerns that the development of Marcellus Shale gas wells may mean the re-opening of railroad service on the right-of-way. *Concerns with the trail’s close proximity to some residences. *Concerns about “unsavory characters” using the trails. *Conflicts among different groups wishing to use the trail. The discussion also brought out the comment that “if done properly,” the four-county trail system would create “an economic growth opportunity” by bringing more visitors to the area. Mears said the responses from the small groups “give us a good perspective with what we’re going to deal with.” During the course of the study, JMT plans to form “focus groups” to discuss a particular activity such as hiking or cross-country skiing. Andrew Schwartz, the managing principal of Environmental Planning & Design of Pittsburgh, said there also would be “one-on-one interviews with key people” such as large landowners and trail opponents. “We’ll try to build some bridges,” Schwartz said. His firm is assisting JMT with the study. A series of three public meetings is tentatively planned for Oct. 26-28. The meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 27 is tentatively set for the Kane Area Community Center at 6 p.m. Other meetings are planned in Marienville and Clarion County at sites and times to be announced.Mears said JMT now is making plans to survey the rail corridor as it begins work on the “Rails to Trails” study. MARIENVILLE – The company preparing a feasibility study for a four-county “Rails to Trails” system is seeking public participation and input. “We want to hear what the people have to say,” Andrew Mears said Wednesday at the “kickoff meeting” for 15-member Steering Committee for the project. Mears is a senior associate for Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT), the consulting firm hired to complete the feasibility study. Speaking at the meeting at the U.S. Forest Service office near Marienville, Mears said the development of the study will be “geared around public participation.” 1285877786 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/public-input-sought-‘rails-trails’-study 1 1 1 1 1 1 1285876775 100 Ted Lutz 520 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:185:"Photo by Ted Lutz – From left to right: Andrew Schwartz, Andrew Mears, Mirmiran & Thompson, David Morris, Melanie Clabaugh, Debbie Lunden, Neil Beach (back row), and Matthew Marusiak.";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 9.30-trails-talk.jpg sites/default/files/9.30-trails-talk.jpg image/jpeg 23347 1 1285877785 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/9.30-trails-talk.jpg Copyright 2010 Kane Republican MARIENVILLE – The company preparing a feasibility study for a four-county “Rails to Trails” system is seeking public participation and input. Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/676 2010-09-24T15:26:37-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 676 article en 14 1 2010-09-24T15:26:37-04:00 2010-09-24T15:26:37-04:00 2 676 14 BENEZETTE – On Thursday afternoon the Dominion Foundation made a $50,000 donation to the Elk Country Visitor Center to fulfill part of a five-year, $250,000 commitment they made in 2008. According to Rawley Cogan, Elk Country Visitor Center CEO, the funding will be used strictly for the visitor center for exhibits, displays and other items needed for the building. Cogan noted that the Dominion Foundation has been a long-standing partner with the elk conservation effort in the state. "This isn't something they did only because of the visitor center. I'm going to say if you were to add everything up it would probably be close to another $200,000 for habitat work over the last 20 years," Cogan said. Dominion Foundation is the charitable arm of Dominion, an energy company that is one of the country's largest producers and transporters of electric and natural gas energy. The foundation provides funding annually to charities and other organizations in locations where it has business interests or operations. Bob Orndorff, director of government affairs for Dominion, discussed the changes that have taken place over the past 18 years that the organization has been involved with the effort to preserve Pa.'s elk herd. "Fifteen years ago, we came up here and we looked at possible economic development associated with doing something with the elk tours. We couldn't get money to have a porta potty in this area. This is what happens when you dream. I think it is a credit to all of the foresight everyone had knowing what can happen in this region," Orndorff said of the new visitor center. Orndorff added that he appreciated all of the effort from the volunteers who helped make the new center a reality. "Dominion considers itself a good corporate neighbor and a good corporate partner," he added regarding the company's fulfillment of the third year of its five-year financial obligation. Orndorff also congratulated Cogan and everyone involved with the center on what they have accomplished and expressed the desire to continue to be involved with the region. "We applaud you for what you've done. We want you to continue what you've done in support of this area," Orndorff said. BENEZETTE – On Thursday afternoon the Dominion Foundation made a $50,000 donation to the Elk Country Visitor Center to fulfill part of a five-year, $250,000 commitment they made in 2008. According to Rawley Cogan, Elk Country Visitor Center CEO, the funding will be used strictly for the visitor center for exhibits, displays and other items needed for the building. Cogan noted that the Dominion Foundation has been a long-standing partner with the elk conservation effort in the state. 1285356397 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/dominion-foundation-presents-50000-visitor-center 1 1 1 1 1 1 1285356397 100 Becky Polaski 498 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:0:"";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 9-24 Dominion check presentation.jpg sites/default/files/9-24 Dominion check presentation.jpg image/jpeg 821230 1 1285356396 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/9-24 Dominion check presentation.jpg Copyright 2010 Kane Republican Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/689 2010-09-30T16:15:47-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 689 article en 14 1 2010-09-30T15:57:26-04:00 2010-09-30T16:15:47-04:00 2 689 14 The seventh annual “Pink Power Day” will be observed Friday in Kane to mark the start of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Many businesses will be decked out in pink to call attention to the fight against breast cancer, which affects one out of every eight women at some point in their lives. About 9,500 women in Pennsylvania will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. More than 103,000 women in Pennsylvania are living with breast cancer. About 2,200 Pennsylvania women with breast cancer will die this year. “The ‘Pink Power Day' is a collaboration of dedicated people and businesses in the area,” Susan Coulter of Kane said in explaining the purpose of the day and month to make more aware of breast cancer. According to Coulter, there are many activities in Kane to mark “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” She said some of the events include: *The Kane Senior Center has a display in its window along Fraley Street. *Pink ribbons will be tied on the historic lampposts along Fraley Street. *Customers wearing pink can register to win a basket of gifts and information at the Save-A-Lot supermarket along North Fraley Street. *Avon representatives will be selling items at the Hamlin Bank and Trust, the Northwest Savings Bank and CNB bank to raise money to fight breast cancer. *Information on the prevention of breast cancer is available at The Natural Store along Fraley Street. *Tops Friendly Markets personnel will wear pink. The store will have a drop-off box for lids from Yoplait yogurt to benefit the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. *Under the direction of Autumn Banks, Junior Girl Scout Troop 20033 of Kane has made pink ribbons. Breast cancer survivors will distribute the ribbons at the Homecoming football game Friday at Kane High School. *Kane cheerleaders will wear pink ribbons at the game. Kane football players will have pink stickers on their helmets for the game. *Local Girl Scouts are putting posters in storefronts in Uptown Kane. *Flickerwood Wine Cellars will host “Wine Down” from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday. “Uncorked Acoustics” will perform. Band members will be dressed in pink and Pink Catawba wine will be available. Coulter said the “Pink Power Day” in Kane is supported by Adagio Health of Bradford. For more information, call Coulter at 837-6295 or 366-0083. The seventh annual “Pink Power Day” will be observed Friday in Kane to mark the start of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Many businesses will be decked out in pink to call attention to the fight against breast cancer, which affects one out of every eight women at some point in their lives. About 9,500 women in Pennsylvania will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. More than 103,000 women in Pennsylvania are living with breast cancer. About 2,200 Pennsylvania women with breast cancer will die this year. 1285877747 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/‘pink-power-day’-friday-kane 1 1 1 1 1 1 1285876646 100 Ted Lutz 519 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:229:"Photo by Ted Lutz – Susan Coulter places pink ribbons on a lamppost along Fraley Street for the seventh annual "Pink Power Day" to be observed Friday in Kane. "Pink Power Day" marks the start of "Breast Cancer Awareness Month."";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 9.30-sue-coulter.jpg sites/default/files/9.30-sue-coulter.jpg image/jpeg 31854 1 1285877746 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/9.30-sue-coulter.jpg Copyright 2010 Kane Republican The seventh annual “Pink Power Day” will be observed Friday in Kane to mark the start of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/678 2010-09-24T15:27:07-04:00 Kane Republican smeditor@zitomedia.net Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 678 article en 14 1 2010-09-24T15:27:07-04:00 2010-09-24T15:27:07-04:00 2 678 14 The isostatic press has finally arrived at Mersen. It is the world's largest isostatic press and can be used for a variety of new applications. The isostatic press has finally arrived at Mersen. It is the world's largest isostatic press and can be used for a variety of new applications. 1285356427 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/mersen-isostatic-press-finally-place 1 1 1 1 1 1 1286929140 2 100 Victoria Stanish 499 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:58:"The long-awaited isostatic press has arrived at Mersen. ";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 make some noise - BW.jpg sites/default/files/make some noise - BW.jpg image/jpeg 436903 1 1285356426 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/make some noise - BW.jpg smeditor@zitomedia.net Copyright 2010 Kane Republican Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/708 2010-10-01T22:30:31-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 708 article en 14 1 2010-10-01T22:30:31-04:00 2010-10-01T22:30:31-04:00 2 708 14 The annual Kane Area United Fund campaign is underway with a goal of $35,000—the same as last year. Jennifer Macey, president of the volunteer board for the United Fund, said the goal is “reasonable” to attain because the 2009 figure was achieved during poor economic times. “We’ve had the same goal for several years,” Macey pointed out. “Current economic conditions have been tough for everyone in the Kane area. But the financial needs of the agencies we serve have not decreased.” The United Fund drive benefits 18 area community-service agencies for children, adults and animals. The agencies served by the United Fund include: *Boy Scouts. *Girl Scouts. *4-H Club. *Kane Area Recreation and Cultural Commission (KARCC). *Kane Area Little League. *American Red Cross. *Kane Senior Center. *McKean County CARE. *Futures. *Guidance Center. *Victim’s Resource Center. *Visiting Nurses Association. *Kane Home Health. *Friends’ Memorial Public Library. *Kane Family Center. *Kane Community Center. *Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). *Kane Area Soccer Association. Macey said all the money raised by the Kane Area United Fund is “focused” on serving Kane area residents. “Every dollar we raise goes right back into our local community,” she said. “Our United Fund agencies touch the lives of many people of all ages,” Macey said. “The services provided by the agencies we assist make the Kane area a wonderful place to live.” Macey pointed out that the Kane Area United Fund has “very low” administrative costs, primarily for postage. This means that virtually all money donated to the United Fund will benefit the local community-service agencies. She said the 18 agencies served by the United Fund are “counting on the generosity” of the community to “continue to provides services and activities” for Kane area residents. Donations may be mailed to the United Fund office in the Chamber of Commerce building at 54 Fraley St., Kane. Contributors also can be dropped off at the office. The fundraising campaign is set to end Dec. 31, Macey said. In addition to Macey, the volunteer United Fund Board of Directors includes David Walters, vice president; Karen Carty, secretary; Stacy Lindquist, treasurer; and Kathy Gibson, Jayne Peterson, Joanne Perry and Jay Israel. “We have a board that represents the many facets of the Kane area,” Macey said. “Our board members represent a cross-section of people.” The progress of the United Fund campaign is marked on a giant “thermometer” that, in the past, has been located near the entrance to the Kane Post Office on Fraley Street. The location for the thermometer this year is expected to be discussed at a board meeting next Thursday, Macey said. The annual Kane Area United Fund campaign is underway with a goal of $35,000—the same as last year. Jennifer Macey, president of the volunteer board for the United Fund, said the goal is “reasonable” to attain because the 2009 figure was achieved during poor economic times. “We’ve had the same goal for several years,” Macey pointed out. “Current economic conditions have been tough for everyone in the Kane area. But the financial needs of the agencies we serve have not decreased.” The United Fund drive benefits 18 area community-service agencies for children, adults and animals. 1285986631 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/kane-area-united-fund-campaign-begins 1 1 1 1 1 1 1285986631 100 Ted Lutz 528 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:280:"United Fund drive begins Photo by Ted Lutz – Jennifer Macey, president of the board for the Kane Area United Fund, updates the "thermometer" for the 2009 campaign. The 2010 United Fund drive now is under way with the same goal of $35,000 to serve 18 community-service agencies.";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 10.2 united fund.JPG sites/default/files/10.2 united fund.JPG image/jpeg 208184 1 1285986630 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/10.2 united fund.JPG Copyright 2010 Kane Republican The annual Kane Area United Fund campaign is underway with a goal of $35,000—the same as last year. Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/718 2010-10-05T23:15:32-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 718 article en 14 1 2010-10-05T23:15:32-04:00 2010-10-05T23:15:32-04:00 2 718 14 The American Red Cross Blood Drive in Kane has exceeded its goal. The target for the drive Monday at the First United Methodist Church on Greeves Street was 28 units of blood. Donors gave “29 productive units,” according to Judith M. Haight of Ludlow. She is the volunteer chairman of the Blood Drive that is held the first Monday every other month at Barlett Hall at the church. The Blood Drive was a significant milestone for Jim McCloskey of Kane. With his blood donation Monday, he now has given 15 gallons of blood in his career as a donor. The Blood Drive welcomed Sabrina Wittenburg of Kane as a first-time donor. Other Blood Drive volunteers include: Registrars: Judy Lockwood, Mary Thompson, Natalie Dewalt and Martha Kulka. Canteen/kitchen workers: Betty Gilmore, Kay Keyser, Marion Larson, Dortha Wilt, Karen Ryding and Josephine Lauer. Custodians: Jack Ryding, Ray Maze, John Dewalt, Wayne Chapman, John Odonish, Dennis Peterson and Tom Anderson. The First United Methodist Women provided sandwich spreads for the donors. The next Red Cross Blood Drive is Monday, Dec. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the church in Kane. The American Red Cross Blood Drive in Kane has exceeded its goal. The target for the drive Monday at the First United Methodist Church on Greeves Street was 28 units of blood. Donors gave “29 productive units,” according to Judith M. Haight of Ludlow. She is the volunteer chairman of the Blood Drive that is held the first Monday every other month at Barlett Hall at the church. The Blood Drive was a significant milestone for Jim McCloskey of Kane. With his blood donation Monday, he now has given 15 gallons of blood in his career as a donor. 1286334932 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/blood-drive-kane-exceeds-goal 1 1 1 1 1 1 1286334932 100 Ted Lutz 539 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:279:"Photo by Ted Lutz – Jennifer Wilson (left) of Kane is preparing to donate a pint of blood Monday at the American Red Cross Blood Drive at the First United Methodist Church in Kane. Kari Morris (right) is a donor specialist with the Red Cross. The Blood Drive exceeded its goal.";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 10.6 blood.JPG sites/default/files/10.6 blood.JPG image/jpeg 542952 1 1286334932 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/10.6 blood.JPG Copyright 2010 Kane Republican The American Red Cross Blood Drive in Kane has exceeded its goal. The target for the drive Monday at the First United Methodist Church on Greeves Street was 28 units of blood. Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/719 2010-10-05T23:18:16-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 719 article en 14 1 2010-10-05T23:18:16-04:00 2010-10-05T23:18:16-04:00 2 719 14 The upcoming North Central Marcellus Gas Expo will provide a valuable opportunity for area residents, local business owners, representatives from energy companies and support services and government officials to gather in a central location to discuss the multi-faceted impact of developing the Marcellus Shale. Approximately 130 vendors are currently registered to participate in the upcoming North Central Marcellus Gas Expo taking place on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. inside the former Wal-Mart building in St. Marys, located at 1005 S. St. Marys Street. “We think it’s important to take time and attend the expo. We will have people there who support the industry. This is a valuable opportunity to make a connection,” said expo chairman Jody Foster, Community and Economic Development Coordinator for the Elk County Planning Department. “The general public is welcome to come and learn about the industry, the types of businesses involved, economic benefits and possible connections they can make. Maybe someone will create a business to support the industry.” The event is a collaboration between the Elk County Marcellus Shale Gas Task Force and Elk, Cameron, Clearfield and Jefferson counties. Organizers have been working on planning the expo since April. “The expo is an opportunity for us to highlight our area in north central Pa. We saw how successful other expos have been and wanted to do something for Elk County, specifically introducing local businesses to people who work in the industry,” Foster said. “We wanted to get the expo in this year, as other counties have had similar events and will be going into their second year of such events.” Organizers said they are hoping each county will host their own expo in the future. Foster said she has been in frequent contact with the owners of the former Wal-Mart building, who leased the space to the group for $1. She began working on preparing the space for over a month ago. “Events like this have been so large that we need adequate space. We were limited to choices in the area which would house this many people,” Foster explained of why the site was chosen for the event. According to Foster, organizers found out that Nancy Mix of the DuBois Chamber of Commerce was planning an expo. “We approached her and we all decided to work together,” Foster said. “We also have a strong partnership with Cameron County.” She emphasized that it was important to schedule the expo during the week so vendors may participate in the event as part of a regular work-week schedule, rather than tying up their weekend. According to expo event planner Amy Thompson of Thompson Design, Inc. in Coudersport, who has planned two or three of these types of events, organizers are trying to attract at least 150 vendors. Foster said a majority of the vendors are from outside the area, but hoped that local businesses would want to participate. “We are trying to get the word out to local businesses, to encourage them to attend and see what type of businesses are supporting the industry,” Foster said. She added that any service businesses, such as hotels, banks, car dealerships, building supply stores and machine shops, will be of interest to the industry . Foster explained that such businesses are being utilized because companies are buying blocks of rooms for their workers, some local machine shops are doing work for drill sites by making specialized parts and building supply stores are furnishing them with needed items. “We’re not doing this as a promotion for the industry, but for promoting local business in our area,” Foster said. She explained that if a vendor purchases a booth space, they are invited to the business-to-business dinner the evening before the expo at the Red Fern. The dinner’s keynote speaker is from the American Petroleum Institute (API). “This is a big opportunity for local people to talk to others in the industry,” Foster said. The expo is open to the general public, with crowds expected to range from 3,000 to 5,000. Numerous seminars are scheduled throughout the day. Kris Kronenwetter and Donna Kilhoffer of the Community Education Council organized the seminar’s speakers. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 to 3 p.m., Robert Garland, senior technical advisor at Universal Well Services, Inc., will present a seminar titled, “Marcellus Shale: Pennsylvania’s Home-Grown Energy Source.” Danielle Boston, director of public outreach from the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIGOA), will present a seminar on “Natural Gas Careers and Future Needs” from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. Forest Resource Educator Scott Weikert of the Forest County Penn State Cooperative Extension is scheduled to present information about “Marcellus Shale Basics for Landowners” from 1 to 2 p.m. and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. A seminar titled “Introductory Marketing and Working with the Gas Industry” will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. and is being presented by Robert Veilleux, community and economic development educator from the Potter County Penn State Cooperative Extension. A Water Test Interpretative Workshop is being held from 3 to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this event and may be completed by contacting James A. Clark at 814-887-5613 or via e-mail at jac20@psu.edu. Clark is a PSU cooperative extension educator and is being joined by Bryan Swistock, Penn State Water Resources Extension Associate. In addition to Foster, the expo’s committee consists of expo co-chairman and Elk County Commissioner June Sorg; Michelle Bogacki, Ridgway Main Street Manager; Kris Kronenwetter and Donna Kilhoffer of the Community Education Council; Danielle Boston of PIOGA; Fritz Lecker of State Rep. Matt Gabler’s office; Jodi Brennan of Clearfield County Planning and Development; Nancy Micks of DuBois Chamber of Commerce; Cliff Clark of Cameron County Industrial Development Authority; Kate Morgan and Jan Hampton of Cameron County Conservation District; Tina Gradizzi, St. Marys Community and Economic Development Coordinator; Daniel Hepner, St. Marys City Councilman; Jim Nelson, North Central Workforce Investment Board; Deborah Pontzer of Congressman Glenn Thompson’s office; Sally Wilson, St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce; Kristin Hullihen from Jefferson County; and Amy Thompson and Stephanie Furman of Thompson Design, Inc. “A majority of the shale activity is going to be now and within the next five to six years when the industry is getting established,” Foster said. “The expo will hopefully inform everyone of the potential out there. If we can do that, we feel we are a success.” The upcoming North Central Marcellus Gas Expo will provide a valuable opportunity for area residents, local business owners, representatives from energy companies and support services and government officials to gather in a central location to discuss the multi-faceted impact of developing the Marcellus Shale. Approximately 130 vendors are currently registered to participate in the upcoming North Central Marcellus Gas Expo taking place on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. inside the former Wal-Mart building in St. Marys, located at 1005 S. St. Marys Street. 1286335096 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/business-owners-industry-personnel-are-focus-upcoming-gas-expo 1 1 1 1 1 1 1286411640 1 100 Amy Cherry 540 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:289:"Photo by Amy Cherry – Gas Expo chairman Jody Foster, Community and Economic Development Coordinator for the Elk County Planning Department, is joined by a co-worker in cleaning the former Wal-Mart building to prepare the site for the upcoming North Central Marcellus Gas Expo on Oct. 14.";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 10-6 Gas expo.JPG sites/default/files/10-6 Gas expo.JPG image/jpeg 6006301 1 1286335095 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/10-6 Gas expo.JPG Copyright 2010 Kane Republican The upcoming North Central Marcellus Gas Expo will provide a valuable opportunity for area residents, local business owners, representatives from energy companies and support services and government officials to gather in a central location to discuss the multi-faceted impact of developing the Marcellus Shale. Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/721 2010-10-06T22:46:07-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 721 article en 14 1 2010-10-06T22:46:07-04:00 2010-10-06T22:46:07-04:00 2 721 14 The best is yet to come for the Pennsylvania Wilds now that the Elk Country Visitor Center is officially open for business, according to Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell. He expressed this sentiment to the hundreds of people who filled the center on Wednesday morning for the center's grand opening ceremony. Rendell noted that tourism in the Pennsylvania Wilds has seen an uptick during the recent recession, while visits to national parks have remained stagnant. "Our 29 state parks that are in the 12 counties that make up the Pennsylvania Wilds have seen an increase in visitation at a time when national park visitation has been flat because of the recession. Every economic indicator, you just have to look at the Benezette Hotel and at different stores, they've come alive and the area has come alive economically and I think the best is yet to come. With this visitor center I think people are going to flock here," Rendell said. According to Rendell, the vision for the project had a twofold purpose. Part of the reason for the venture was to help the economy of the counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds by spurring tourism. "Tourism is a viable part of Pennsylvania's economy. Tourism is the second-biggest job producer, second only to agriculture, in Pennsylvania. We wanted to do that and we had a vision for doing it and it centered around Route 6 and elk watching and the beautiful natural wonders that the Lord has given Pennsylvania. That initiative, with the help of so many people here, has worked," Rendell said. The other reason that motivated Rendell to support the construction of the center stemmed from the fact that he is not originally from the area. He explained that sometimes an outsider sees things differently than the people who live in the area. "I thought, 'People have to come here. People have to experience this. People have to see it,'" Rendell said. "For you, it's routine. For you, it's part of your daily lives. But for us, people who grow up and walk on cement, it's amazing." Rendell added that he wished the state had more money to advertise in other markets, such as New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. "This can be a huge economic magnet for us. We've got to do it right. We don't want to overwhelm the tourists. We don't want development that's ugly. We've got to do it right," Rendell said. Rendell also described a visit that he made to the area in 2003 when he was first presented with the idea for the project. He noted that one of the most memorable experiences from that trip was standing near the tree line at the Elk Mountain Homestead in Benezette and listening to the elk bugle. "I wanted people for generations and generations to come and be able to experience it. Now that I actually see the center, it reminds me [of the famous slogan from the movie "Field of Dreams"]. The famous slogan was, 'If you build it, they will come.' Well, we built it and they will come," Rendell said. The best is yet to come for the Pennsylvania Wilds now that the Elk Country Visitor Center is officially open for business, according to Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell. He expressed this sentiment to the hundreds of people who filled the center on Wednesday morning for the center's grand opening ceremony. Rendell noted that tourism in the Pennsylvania Wilds has seen an uptick during the recent recession, while visits to national parks have remained stagnant. 1286419567 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/rendell-best-yet-come 1 1 1 1 1 1 1286419567 100 Becky Polaski 541 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:187:"Photo by Becky Polaski – Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell was the keynote speaker at the grand opening ceremony for the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette on Wednesday morning.";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 10-7 Rendell.jpg sites/default/files/10-7 Rendell.jpg image/jpeg 987928 1 1286419567 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/10-7 Rendell.jpg Copyright 2010 Kane Republican The best is yet to come for the Pennsylvania Wilds now that the Elk Country Visitor Center is officially open for business, according to Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell. He expressed this sentiment to the hundreds of people who filled the center on Wednesday morning for the center's grand opening ceremony. Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72 http://www.kanerepublican.com/node/722 2010-10-06T22:48:44-04:00 Kane Republican Copyright 2010 Kane Republican 722 article en 14 1 2010-10-06T22:48:44-04:00 2010-10-06T22:48:44-04:00 2 722 14 Without partnerships between a number of organizations, the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette would not be a reality, said the state Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at the grand opening ceremony Wednesday morning. DCNR Secretary John Quigley remarked that the day was all about the results, power and potential of partnerships. "This is a culmination of years of vision, years of partnership and years of hard work in the commitment, vision and belief in this region and the citizens of this region," Quigley said. While Quigley credited the effort to establish the center as beginning with Pa. Gov. Edward Rendell, he also recognized a number of other individuals who had a hand in the project. Among those in attendance at the ceremony were Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-Howard); Fritz Lecker on behalf of state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk); county commissioners from Elk, Forest, Cameron, Jefferson and Potter counties; the Benezette Township Supervisors; representatives from the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation; representatives of several local businesses and tourist promotion agencies; and area artisans. In particular, Quigley recognized the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the effort they put into both the project and restoring Pennsylvania's elk herd over the years. "The elk wouldn't be here without the Game Commission, and we intend to work very closely with the commission on programming and education and outreach," Quigley said. He also spoke highly of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, DCNR's main partner in the endeavor, and Rawley Cogan, president and CEO of the alliance. "The Keystone Elk Country Alliance was formed not too many months ago when the previous partner withdrew from this project and we were in a situation with DCNR that we had to finish this building, get it open, get it staffed and we needed help," Quigley said. While the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation stepped in and handled some of the monetary aspects of the project, a group of dedicated people came together and formed the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. "One of the best moves they made, other than being the people that they are who are passionately committed to natural resources and conservation and this magnificent setting, is that they hired Rawley Cogan to be the president and CEO of the KCEA. Rawley is the glue that holds this project together. Rawley is the driver that is going to make it a success. We are excited about the opportunity to work with Rawley and the vision and the energy and the passion he brings to this work," Quigley said. Cogan, for his part, remarked that he was convinced that the project would not have happened without Rendell's support, and he credited Quigley for his leadership in helping to move the project along. "We had some rough times. We had to pick up some pieces and get this project back together, and with the leadership of secretary Quigley and his staff, we were able to do that. We met the challenges. We put this thing together and here it is today," Cogan said. Cogan explained that the alliance's mission is to conserve and enhance Pennsylvania's elk country for future generations, and to continue to present conservation messages. "We are pleased to partner with DCNR to do that," Cogan said. He also noted that the project would not have been possible without numerous donors and countless volunteers. Without partnerships between a number of organizations, the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette would not be a reality, said the state Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at the grand opening ceremony Wednesday morning. DCNR Secretary John Quigley remarked that the day was all about the results, power and potential of partnerships. "This is a culmination of years of vision, years of partnership and years of hard work in the commitment, vision and belief in this region and the citizens of this region," Quigley said. 1286419724 2 editor a:1:{s:13:"form_build_id";s:37:"form-6d779c1a1b426a0713d269ad5d4f8a01";} content/partnerships-helped-make-elk-visitor-center-reality 1 1 1 1 1 1 1286419724 100 Becky Polaski 543 1 a:2:{s:5:"title";s:253:"Photo by Becky Polaski – Rawley Cogan, president and CEO of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, discussed the efforts that various partners made to establish the Elk Country Visitor Center during the facility's grand opening ceremony Wednesday morning.";s:3:"alt";s:0:"";} 14 10-7 Rawley Cogan.jpg sites/default/files/10-7 Rawley Cogan.jpg image/jpeg 904328 1 1286419723 http://www.kanerepublican.com/sites/default/files/10-7 Rawley Cogan.jpg Copyright 2010 Kane Republican Without partnerships between a number of organizations, the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette would not be a reality, said the state Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at the grand opening ceremony Wednesday morning. Kane, PA Staff Writer Kane Republican f55440c1c89d242b776bd5b0ba71bd72