Thursday’s high, 35; Overnight low, 28; 1/2 inch snow
FRI-CLOUDY , HIGH 46
FRI NIGHT-SHOWERS, LOW 40
CHRISTMAS DAY-SHOWERS, HIGH 53
SAT NIGHT-SHOWERS, LOW 37
SUN-PARTLY CLOUDY, HIGH 41
Warrant issued for McKean County Convict…Force, PA woman arrested for shoplifting at Walmart….Elderly St.Marys driver unhurt in crash…State police remind pet owners of responsibilities…Reindeer cleared for tonight’s trip across Pennsylvania….
The McKean County Sheriff’s Office reports that a warrant has issued for the arrest of 27-year-old Matthew James Howard who was convicted in absentia by a Jury Monday of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Simple Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Possessing an Instrument of Crime, and Terroristic Threats. The charges stem from Howard stabbing another man with a knife in Bradford last July. Howard was free on bail and failed to appear for his trial and sentencing. Anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts should call the Sheriff’s Office.
Ridgway state police have arrested 33 year old Lauren Ashley Hicks for shoplifting at the St. Marys Walmart November 5. Troopers claim Hicks was observed removing $81.95 worth of merchandise from the store. Police did not reveal her name, but Black Forest Broadcasting has obtained the public information.
No injuries were reported for an elderly St. Marys man after a one-car accident Wednesday afternoon in Jay 
Township, Elk County. According to state police, 93 year old Robert Ginther was going north on Route 255 when his Chevrolet Silverado went off the road, struck an embankment, became airborne and collided with a utility pole.
A 69 year old Brockport woman has been cited for harassment and criminal mischief for an incident allegedly occurring Wednesday afternoon. Troopers did not release details but say a 64 year old Brockport woman was the victim.
State police at Ridgway investigated a criminal mischief taking place last Tuesday December 14 in Jones Township. Vandals damaged a black plastic mailbox owned by Macie Campell and Erick Nelson of Wilcox.
Troopers at Coudersport did not release the suspect’s name but report drug possession charges are pending. Authorities claim the driver of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado was found in possession of drugs and paraphernalia on Route 6 across from Denton Hill State Park.
Mansfield based state police arrested a 59 year old Coudersport man for DUI, combination of alcohol and drugs in Westfield last Friday. Authorities were called to Shifty’s Bar on East Main Street for a welfare check and subsequently charged.
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is reminding pet owners, including those who keep their pets outdoors, that they are required to provide the animals with basic needs, as defined by law, or face potential animal neglect and/or cruelty charges.
“Basic needs include the proper sustenance to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as clean, unfrozen water to avoid dehydration,” said Corporal Michael Spada, PSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation Animal Cruelty Officer. “It is important to note that animals need just as much water in the cold of winter as they do in the heat of summer.”
Animals must also have access to an appropriate-sized shelter that provides protection from the weather, keeps the animal dry, and allows it to retain its body heat. The shelter must also be clean and sanitary.
Veterinary care must be provided for pets in need of medical attention.
According to Title 18, Chapter 55, Subchapter BOpens In A New Window of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, there are certain requirements that must be met if tethering a dog outside.
With the holiday season upon us, animals are often given as gifts and sometimes surrendered to humane societies or rescues a few months later. To avoid this, consider the following: its breed and inherent behavioral traits; its size as an adult and its needs as it gets older; and the costs to care for the animal, including veterinary expenses. All too often, “cute and cuddly” pets are forgotten about as they grow and age.
Consider supporting your local shelters and rescues with donations and even adopting an older pet that needs a loving home.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov
Gov. Tom Wolf was joined by Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and State Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Brightbill to meet Santa and his nine reindeer at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane this week to announce that the reindeer have received a clean bill of health and are cleared for take-off tonight.
“I’m excited to announce that Santa’s reindeer are in good health–despite one’s very bright red nose–and ready to deliver toys to the good girls and boys of Pennsylvania tomorrow evening,” said Wolf.
“I’m grateful to the Department of Agriculture for coordinating to ensure not only a merry Christmas morning across the commonwealth but keep animals in Pennsylvania safe and healthy.
“All nine reindeer are physically fit and in good spirits, they’re ready to fly this holiday season.”
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph received clearance to fly to Pennsylvania from Dr. Robert F. Gerlach.
This Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and Permit to Ship certifies them to fly from rooftop to rooftop across the commonwealth for the purpose of toy delivery on Christmas Eve.
“Thanks to Dr. Brightbill and his counterpart in Alaska, we can certify Santa’s reindeer are healthy and can safely fly across state lines,” said Redding.
“Veterinary health inspections are a great preventative measure to ensure animals are healthy and able to travel. We greatly appreciate Santa taking these necessary steps to promote the wellbeing of his reindeer.”
Veterinary health certificates are required as an assurance to prevent contagious diseases from crossing state lines. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture veterinarians supply these certifications and inspections for animals residing in PA before they are transported across state lines.
Santa has entrusted Hersheypark Christmas Candylane to care for his reindeer for the past 25 years. The ZooAmerica team takes special care of Santa’s reindeer during the holiday season, providing the reindeer a healthy diet, exercise and a spacious barn to call home.
To learn more about the department’s efforts to protect animal health, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
The PA Department of Health has updated Covid-19 information for counties in the Black Forest Broadcasting Service Area.
CAMERON 424
ELK-2770
McKEAN-4914
POTTER-2272
TIOGA-4527
ALLEGANY (NY)- 6823
CATTARAUGUS (NY) 11,206