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Port Allegany fire caused by careless smoking….Game Commission diesel fuel stolen…..two kayaks stolen in Norwich Township…Ceres Township woman arrested for assaulting Kill Buck man….Coudersport woman scammed out of $78…Legislation to make it easier for disabled vets to get fishing license approved by senate committee…

McKean County

The state police fire marshal has determined a fire on May 14 on West Mill Street in Port Allegany was accidental caused by careless smoking. Damage was estimated to be $300,000 but there were no injuries. The victims were listed as two women, one age 76 and the other 40 years old.

State police at Lewis Run are investigating a theft last Thursday on the Lindholm Road in Hamlin Township. Thieves stole 60 gallons of diesel fuel belonging to the state Game Commission. No value was provided.

The theft of two kayaks from a spot on Route 46 in Norwich Township between April 21

and May 6 is being probed by state police at Lewis Run. The kayaks belong to Kayla Szymezak of Glen Burnie Maryland. They are described as being “Army Green” Sundolphins , Covert 10.4 models. The most recent registration, was PMAP9ZJC through the PA Fish and Boat Commission in 2022. Anyone with information is asked to call the Lewis Run barracks at 814-368-9230.

Injuries were reported for a truck driver on the morning of May 10 in Hamlin Township. State police report Brian Burham was headed east on Route 6 when he applied the brakes on his 2023 Mack Truck too hard  causing the load to shift and roll onto its side. Burham was taken to UPMC Kane for treatment of minor injuries.

A 35 year old Mt. Jewett man was arrested for physical harassment in connection to an incident last Saturday night on West Main Street in that town. The victims were identified as two 25 year old Mt. Jewett women.

State police at Lewis Run arrested 26 year Ceres Township woman for physical harassment for  an assault taking place last Friday on Route 44 in Ceres Township. Sarah Norton was issued a non-traffic violation. The victim was identified as a 38 year old Kill Buck, NY man.

Drug possession charges are pending against a 66 year old Smethport man who was stopped last Friday night on Route 46 in Keating Township. Troopers claim the suspect was in possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia.

A Bradford woman was arrested for drug possession May 14 after the 2011 Dodge Caravan she was a riding in was stopped for a traffic violation on South Avenue in Lewis Run. Troopers claim 34 year old Amanda Nolf was in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Potter County

An ID theft victimizing a 55 year old Coudersport woman is being investigated by state police at Coudersport. An unknown cyber thief scammed $78.22 from the victim on May 4.

Elk County

DUI charges are pending against a 51 year old Ridgway man following a collision last Wednesday evening on Grant Road in Ridgway Township. Charges are pending blood test results.

Drug possession charges are pending against a 47 year old Dudalk, MD woman who was pulled over on Boot Jack Road in Ridgway Township last Saturday night. State police claim the suspect admitted ingesting illegal drugs as well as being in possession of them. The drugs were seized and the driver allegedly failed a field sobriety test.

Statewide

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to make it easier for disabled veterans to obtain free Pennsylvania fishing licenses was unanimously approved by the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee this week.Currently, veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis.

Senate Bill 411 would remove the annual fee and application requirements and allow all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination – whether or not it is a permanent determination – to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses.

This bill also implements changes to Title 30 to combine annual license provisions covering Pennsylvanians serving in a reserve component of the armed forces with those serving in the PA National Guard, streamlining the statute. The measure also removes the overseas requirement for a National Guard or reservist member to qualify for a reduced fee license.

The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.