Black Forest Broadcasting

Weedville man scammed by promise of a prize…Brookville resident charged with harassment by communications….Johnsonburg shoplifting investigated….Car/deer accidents reported across region…bill clarifying license plate obstruction now law…

Elk County

A 66 year old Weedville man  is the victim of theft by deception. Troopers say the victim provided his social security number and bank information to claim a prize. State police advise anyone encountering someone attempting to solicit information in return for a prize is advised to immediately stop due to the likelihood of a scam.

A 45 year old Brookville man has been charged with harassment by communications. State police did not release details nor the suspect’s name but say the crime was committed against a 28 year old Kersey man Saturday morning on Main Street in Fox Township.

State police at Ridgway are investigating a shop lifting case at Elk County Foods in Johnsonburg Saturday morning. No details were released.

A St. Marys woman and her passenger escaped injury in a car/deer collision last Wednesday in Shippen Township. State police report Renee Reigle was going west on Route 120 after a few minutes afternoon when the whitetail entered the road from the south side and Reigle  could not avoid the collision. Reigle and her passenger Jesse Reid, also of St. Marys were using seatbelts.

Tioga County

Troopers at Mansfield have just released details about a car/deer collision earlier this month in Liberty Township. Stephanie Martin of Alexandria Bay NY was unable to avoid a deer on Route 15 just after 6:00 am November 2. Her Nissan Altima came to a stop in her lane of travel after impact. She and her passenger Alexis Colyer also of Alexander Bay were using seatbelts.

Statewide

A bill clarifying license plate obstruction violations became law last week to prevent criminalizing thousands of drivers overnight, according to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Scott Martin (R-13).The lawmaker says “You can look around any parking lot and you will see many vehicles with custom frames surrounding their license plates, often issued by their car dealers or of their favorite sports team,. “That decision meant that any one of those drivers could be pulled over with probable cause. That wasn’t the intent of lawmakers, and certainly wasn’t fair to our motorists or our police departments, adding  I’m pleased this law now fixes that for all parties involved. ”Martin’s comments reference a recent Superior Court decision in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Derrick Ruffin, in which a panel of three judges ruled that a Philadelphia police officer’s decision to pull over a vehicle because a custom license plate frame blocked the state’s tourism website from view was justified. As a result, Martin sponsored Senate Bill 1357 that stipulates plate obstructions only apply to important identifiable information. It was amended into House Bill 1486 last month and became Act 112 after it became law with the Governor’s signature.

Upcoming Events

November 22:Child safety seat check-—Mansfield

State police will conduct a child safety seat check from noon to 7:00p.at the Mansfield barracks. Anyone who would like to make an appointment can call PSP Mansfield at 570-662-2151.

November 24: Turkey Trot 5K run—Galeton

The Galeton Public Library is holding a Turkey Trot 5K run with registration from 7:30 to 8:45 am. Race begins at 9a. Pre- registration: $20; Race-day registration: $25. (non-refundable). Will be  held rain, shine or snow. Awards will be presented immediately after race. The course is paved with hills.

November 24: Thanksgiving Dinner—Austin United Methodist Church

From 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Dine in or take-out. Donations accepted.

November 26: 9a-3p Craft Show—Emporium

The show is being held by the Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Vendor spots available: call 814.594.8809. A spaghetti dinner will also be available for dine in