2011

Note: Newest reports are listed first and continue chronologically in the order they were submitted. Any ideas can be submitted to Public Information Officer Jeff Greenburg at jgreenburg@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us.

The newest agency to assist Mercer County emergency service providers will focus its efforts on four-legged, rather than two-legged, victims. The Mercer County Animal Response Team (MCART) is an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Animal Response Team (PASART). We are a non-profit, volunteer organization. Our organization is a coordinated effort between federal, state, county and local government agencies, corporate and private entities and individuals that support the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery for emergencies affecting companion animals and livestock.

1. To facilitate a rapid, coordinated, and effective response to any emergency affecting animals

4. To prevent or decrease the spread of disease during emergencies affecting animals.

The Mercer County Animal Response Team (MCART) will be deployed by the Mercer County Emergency Management Agency 911 Center. It will respond to fires, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters and any man-made or natural animal emergency.

It's Web site is pasart.us or contact the MCART Co-coordinators for more information.

A list of candidates whose names will appear on ballot this fall have been posted on the Mercer County Government Web site at www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us. Click on “Voter Registration & Elections” then “Official List of Candidates on November 2011 Ballot.” Candidates are strongly encouraged to check their races for accuracy. Please call Director of Elections Jeff Greenburg at 724-622-7542 with any questions or concerns.

Harrisburg , PA --In celebration of the 125^th anniversary of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), the Association has teamed up with the Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) for a special series. “ Pennsylvania ’s Historic Courthouses” and “The Many Services of Pennsylvania’s Counties,” will give viewers a glimpse inside some of the state’s historic courthouses and the services that are offered by counties to state residents.

On Thursday, September 15, PCN will feature the first episode of the two special half-hour programs. “ Pennsylvania ’s Historic Courthouses” will begin at 6 p.m. followed by “The Many Services of Pennsylvania’s Counties” at 6:30 p.m. All premieres will air on Thursdays.

The schedule is as follows. Encore presentations of the courthouse feature will start Saturdays at 3 p.m. followed by the county service re-air at 3:30 p.m.

“The Many Services of Pennsylvania ’s Counties” - Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

CCAP is the voice of county government, a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan Association representing all of Pennsylvania ’s 67 counties. CCAP membership includes the county commissioners, council members, county executives, administrators, chief clerks and solicitors. CCAP strengthens the counties’ abilities to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life for every Pennsylvania resident. It advocates for favorable state and federal legislation, programs and policies on behalf of counties. CCAP is committed to service excellence through education, information, insurance, technology and other programs that support effective county government.

Mercer County District Attorney Robert G. Kochems has ruled as justified the July 26 shooting of Jeffrey A. Anderson Jr. by the Mercer County Critical Incident Response Team. In a press release, Kochems said CIRT officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for armed robbery on Anderson and execute search warrants for his car and apartment. When CIRT members began to surround his car, Anderson revved the engine, put the car in reverse and backed toward them.

“ Anderson ’s actions made the car a deadly weapon and placed the four CIRT officers who were less than 10 feet behind the car in fear for their lives,” Kochems said.

He stated that the vehicle backing toward the officers was the type of force that could have caused death or serious bodily injury to them. Anderson was being arrested for the forcible felony of robbery with a deadly weapon -- a shotgun -- and appeared to be attempting to flee the scene when police ordered him to stop, he said.

Kochems said a review of the report prepared by Pennsylvania State Police, which investigates all shootings involving a police officer, stated that CIRT team members approaching the car shouted “Police!” “Shut off the car!” and “Put your hands on the wheel.” CIRT uniforms clearly have “POLICE” or “SHERIFF” printed on their fronts, he added. According to the reports, CIRT members saw the brake lights go out, the backup lights go on, heard the engine revving and heard tires beginning to spin for traction.

Officers first fired two “bean bag” rounds into the car, and then when the car did not stop they fired two bullets and another “bean bag.” All five rounds fired were from officers on the passenger side of the car. One of the “bean bags,” which are shotgun-size shells containing bags filled with pellets, broke out the window on the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Two bags were found in the rear seat area.

The autopsy on Anderson by Dr. Eric Vey of the Erie County Coroner’s Office determined that Anderson ’s cause of death was from a single bullet wound to the head. The autopsy also found six pellets from the bean bag shots on the right side of Anderson ’s head, face and neck. The bullet that caused Anderson ’s death hit near the base of his skull at the right rear about halfway between his ear and spinal column. This bullet fragmented and killed him. The other bullet was found lodged in the door post above the driver’s seat.

Two other CIRT members who were directly in the vehicle’s path were preparing to fire their weapons through the rear window of the car at Anderson if the car hadn’t changed direction in time to prevent striking them, Kochems said. He said there was no evidence and only conjecture as to why Anderson put the car in reverse when being surrounded by the CIRT officers, and also why after the shots were fired the car went into a forward gear and traveled over an embankment in front of the parking area. He said there also is no evidence to suggest that shooting at the vehicle’s tires or body would have stopped the threat to the police officers.

Anderson’s death was ruled a homicide by Assistant Mercer County Coroner Robert Snyder.

“That term means his death was not the result of a medical condition, a suicide or an accident,” Kochems said. “I have ruled the homicide justified, which means it was not criminal and the shooter will not be charged with a crime. I have closed the investigation.”

The Coroner’s Office toxicology report is not available at this time, and Kochems noted that a finding that Anderson was voluntarily intoxicated from alcohol or drugs would not have a legal effect on his decision. Such a finding is not expected, he said. He said the autopsy’s only other finding of note was the large number of tattoos on Anderson ’s body. Those helped identify him as the robber with the shotgun in the July 23 robbery of the Circle K in West Middlesex . He also was identified as the robber by his co-defendant in a statement given to the police.

Kochems stated he will not release the names or number of CIRT members who fired the five rounds into Anderson ’s car.

“CIRT works as a team and trains as a team and as long as all members act as part of the team there is no reason to single out any members for doing their job,” he said. “The attempted arrest and the execution of the search warrants were done properly with the highest fidelity to CIRT’s standards and extensive training.”

Kochems said he had been to the scene of the attempted arrest three times -- once before and twice after reviewing the state police reports. He had discussed the reports with the investigators on two occasions and listened to five CDs of interviews. He also met with Anderson ’s father and stepmother after receiving the reports. In addition, he said he had reviewed all of Anderson ’s files of prior contacts with the District Attorney’s Office and attended the hearings for his co-defendant Arthur Novell on Aug. 9 and 11, 2011.

A reduced force at the state police barracks in Mercer delayed the state police’s full investigative team from assembling at the scene for more than three hours, which in turn delayed the removal of Mr. Anderson’s body and the vehicle for another three hours.

“Six hours, not eight as reported, is not a long time to clear a crime scene despite our expectations from CSI of police doing it in less than 10 minutes,” Kochems said. He thanked PSP for “dropping everything” and finishing their investigation quickly and thoroughly.

On Monday, July 25, detectives from Southwest Regional Police Department met with those from Hermitage Police Department concerning robberies on July 22, 23, and 24 in Mercer and Trumbull Counties . Hermitage police were able to isolate a variety of pictures from the surveillance videotape from the Circle K in West Middlesex . These pictures were distributed by Hermitage police over an internet law enforcement information system and later that same day, Anderson was identified as one of the robbers, the one holding a shotgun.

On Tuesday, July 26, Southwest police confirmed his identity and his residence and the type of car he drove. The same car was also on surveillance footage from other robberies.

Detectives called Kochems on Tuesday afternoon to confirm the adequacy of their probable cause for an arrest warrant for Anderson and the search warrants for his car and apartment in Greenville . Magisterial District Judge Lorinda Hinch issued the warrants later that afternoon. Detectives then contacted Greenville Police Chief Dennis Stephens and CIRT Commander Gary Hartman. They agreed to activate CIRT members to serve the warrants because of Anderson's history of violent crime.

That history included: Unauthorized use of an automobile in 1999; sentenced to state prison; Felony Burglary in 1999; sentenced to state prison; Criminal mischief in 2004, when he smashed an acquaintance’s car multiple times with a piece of concrete, causing thousands of dollars in damage; Disorderly conduct and theft charge in 2005, where he forcibly took money from an acquaintance’s hand; and Felony Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon enhancement, firearms not to be carried without a license and simple assault from 2005, sentenced Aug. 3, 2006 , to 27 to 54 months in state prison followed by five years’ probation, which he was serving on July 26, 2011 . This incident, which happened in the city of Sharon , involved Anderson pointing a stolen handgun at a Sharon police officer and then running into Buhl Park and shooting himself in the chest. He once alleged that the officer had shot him; but later admitted to attempting suicide by police and to shooting himself.

CIRT leaders reported to the Greenville location at 6:30 p.m. , Kochems said. Hartman and others did a reconnaissance of Anderson ’s triplex apartment building and surrounding the area located at 17 College Ave. As members were assembling at a parking lot off Shenango Street at about 8 p.m. to execute the warrants, it was learned that an individual believed to be Anderson was in a white Neon with the engine running. CIRT members lined up in the parking lot and turned left into the alley. When they reached the telephone pole on the right side of the alley, the police were able to positively identify Anderson, who looked in their direction.

“The team closed the distance, identifying themselves and shouting for Anderson to surrender and that is when the tragic events transpired,” Kochems said.

CIRT was established in 2005 to handle high risk arrests, warrant services and extractions. Anderson ’s death is the first officer-involved death in its history. Kochems said the investigation is complete and no further comments will be issued.

Front row, from left, are: Mercer County Commissioner Ken Ammann, Mercer student Cheyanne Crevar, Lakeview student Emily Redfoot, Mercer High School Principal Dr. Hendley D. Hoge, Mercer student Gen Brandes and Deborah Plant, administrative assistant for Mercer County Commissioner John Lechner. Back row, from left, are: Lakeview teacher Michael Rodriguez, Lakeview teacher Jason Sample, Lakeview High School Principal Elizabeth Auer, Jack Wingard of Wingard Clocks and Mercer teacher Gregory Acre. Missing were representatives from Farrell School District and Perry Township-based Technical Precision Inc.

The following story was aired by WKBN-TV 27 in Youngstown, Ohio:

            Student power is helping move the hands of time once again for a historical clock in Mercer County. On Wednesday, students from three school districts presented a check to Mercer County Commissioners to pay for the repairs to get the courthouse clock working again. Reporter Damon Maloney climbed several stories to go inside the tower where the four clock faces rest. It's a rare look inside the building, but one courthouse officials were happy to grant, especially since the clock is running again.

            "You'd look forward to it. It was just part of the growing up around here to hear the chimes," said Eva Palmer. The chimes Palmer remembers so vividly are ringing strong once again on top of Mercer's courthouse.

            "The clock hasn't been working for a year, but we finally got it working," said Mercer County Commissioner Ken Ammann.

            The hands of time are moving minute by minute thanks to the $1,200 raised by students in the Mercer, Lakeview and Farrell school districts.

            "People don't always think of young people as stepping up to help with stuff like this. So it's to show that we care about the community just as much as everyone else," said Lakeview student Cheyanne Crebar.

            The students' act didn't go unnoticed. Repairs were estimated at $35,000, but a local clock craftsman wouldn't let that stand.

            "Oh the customers were telling me that the clock was broken in our town, and the students were raising money for it and I came down and looked at it and seen that we could handle the problem," said businessman Jack Wingard.

            Wingard and a company called Technical Precision decided to donate their time, labor and parts. To see how the problem was fixed, Damon climbed through the old courthouse and a journey some 10 stories high to the clock tower. Along the way, he stopped to look at the rotunda from the top down and he finally reached the top. He saw the gearbox for the clocks. Essentially the dowels had no compensation room to allow for expanding and contracting during temperature changes, which in turn jammed the gear box.

            Wingard and Technical Precision retooled the dowels, hopefully solving the issue that once froze time and giving Palmer and others the opportunity to once again hear the chimes and know what time it is.

(Harrisburg, PA)--The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) has announced that the Mercer County Courthouse has been selected for inclusion in a special television series which will begin airing statewide this fall on the PCN. The series is part of CCAP’s celebration of the organization’s 125^th Anniversary. The six-part series will feature courthouses in six different counties. The Anniversary series is designed to highlight the architecture, anecdotes and history of Pennsylvania’s county courthouses.

Mark Hamilton, Tioga county commissioner and CCAP president said, “Across the commonwealth, there are many beautiful county courthouses rich in history and. tradition and many of which display unusual and unique architecture. Many residents have never been to a courthouse and we hope this series will encourage residents to look at the history of their own courthouse and make a visit. This series is the perfect way to honor CCAP on its 125th Anniversary of service to counties by showcasing the structures that serve as the hub of county business.”

Counties across the commonwealth were invited to nominate their courthouse for inclusion in the series. A panel of commissioners and CCAP staff reviewed the submissions and supporting documentation and made the selections.

Mercer County Historical Society Executive Director Bill Philson, Mercer County Commissioner Ken Ammann and county Public Information Officer Jeff Greenburg collaborated on the county's application process. Making the selection even more special is the fact that this is the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the courthouse.

"I knew we were one of the six nicest courthouses in the state, but I just didn't know if the larger counties would be able to exert some influence," Ammann said.

"As a former trooper I've been to a lot of courthouses and I wouldn't hesitate to call ours the crown jewel," he said.

The Mercer County Bureau of Elections online feature that allows voters to see what their iVotronic touch screen ballots will look like in their precinct for the May 17, 2011, primary election is now accessible.

“We’ve made these specimen ballots available at no cost to voters in our office in the past, but this feature added in 2010 allows them to access the same information without having to leave home,” Director of Elections Jeff Greenburg said. “Our ultimate goal is to help voters better educate themselves as to what will be on their ballots each election.”

Voters can go to www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us, click on “Voter Registration/Elections” and then “Preview Your Election Ballot.” Voters can then find their precinct and click on “View Ballot” under Democrat or Republican, depending on their party registration, to see their ballot.

Because there are ballot questions this spring in Farrell (charter amendments) and Lackawannock Township (liquor referendum), independent and minor party voters in those municipalities will also get to vote, but just on the questions. Those ballots, featuring only the questions, are also available at the same site.

Mercer County Conservation District will be hosting its 12^th Annual Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon on April 30. Participants will assist with the vegetative establishment of four “ Rain Gardens ” at Munnell Run Farm by planting more than 3,000 deep rooted live plugs of native grasses and flowering plants.

The program will also include a brief description of the construction and benefits of rain gardens. Lunch will be provided free to all attendees. There is no fee for this program, however, registration is required by April 21. Register online at mercerccd@verizon.net or by calling 724.662.2242. Space is limited so please register early.

Agenda includes mandate relief, state/local partnerships and tax fairness issues

Harrisburg, Pa. — County leaders from throughout Pennsylvania this week unveiled a list of 10 key county government priorities for 2011 that call on state lawmakers to partner with counties for efficient delivery of important services to state residents. County leaders were in Harrisburg at the state capitol to not only unveil the list of priorities, but to also acknowledge that counties understand it will be another difficult budget year for all levels of government.

“Our goals are ambitious, as we do recognize that this will be another difficult budget year at all levels,” Mark Hamilton, Tioga County commissioner and 2011 president of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) said. “However, we must emphasize the key message central to all of our priorities: Funding cuts at the state level do not automatically equate to cost savings for local taxpayers.”

Hamilton said the priorities reflect a consensus of Pennsylvania’s county governments on issues of highest significance and greatest potential impact to counties and their taxpayers.

“Counties’ legislative priorities for 2011 represent our proactive agenda that we will work to advance. They clearly demonstrate county officials’ commitment to improve tax equity for local residents and our desire to improve government efficiency. Counties seek real cost savings and will work to assure that funding decisions made at the state level do not adversely impact local taxpayers,” Hamilton said.

The counties’ top priority is mandate relief, designed to seek reprieve from state mandates that are unnecessary or outdated.

“Outdated and unnecessary mandates and statutory provisions create additional costs and divert taxpayer dollars from their most effective use,” Hamilton explained. “Our mandate relief priority list is about finding more cost-effective ways to do business and to maximize the use of today’s very limited public dollars for programs and services to our residents. Counties very much understand the taxpayers’ desire to assure tax dollars are used judiciously and in the best manner possible.”

The 2011 CCAP priorities also address the need for adequate funding for core government services, and cover a range of topics that acknowledge the changes in leadership in Harrisburg and counties’ commitment to working with legislators and the administration to strengthen their partnership with counties, including: funding for transportation infrastructure, strengthening the partnership for human services delivery, supporting new revenue opportunities and increasing tax fairness, restoring the ability to assess oil and gas as real property, capping inmate medical charges, strengthening conservation districts’ relationship with DEP, maintaining and improving 911 services, increasing oil and gas pipeline safety and continuing investments in farmland preservation.

Hamilton also discussed counties’ sensitivity to the ongoing effects of the recession and concerns related to the commonwealth budget for fiscal year 2011-2012. Hamilton noted that county officials are actively engaged in the public debate on a broad range of issues and seek to be part of the solutions that will ensure limited resources are being used effectively and best address the needs of local communities.

“We are extending a hand in partnership. County governments stand ready to work with the General Assembly and the Corbett administration to empower county officials to maintain programs and services in the face of budget cuts and identify areas where cost savings can be achieved,” Hamilton concluded.

More information about is available at www.pacounties.org by clicking on “2011 Legislative Priorities,” or by calling (717) 232-7554.

In April, 2011, the five Magisterial District Judge offices in Mercer County will upgrade their automated case management and records system to the new state-wide computer system. All MDJ Courts across the Commonwealth have either already made the change, or will in the near future.

Part of the process involves each Magisterial District Court to be closed for a period of one week as trainers work with the staff to assure a smooth transition. During the training sessions, the individual office will not be able to conduct any business and will be closed to the public and all other The “go-live” date for all five MDJ offices is May 2, 2011.

District Court 35-3-02 ( 574 Barkeyville Road , Grove City ): April 25-29, 2011.

Please note two offices are closed during the week of 4/25 -4/29. During the week each office is closed, a neighboring MDJ office is directed to provide coverage for matters that require immediate action. Contact your local MDJ office to find out where you can go to conduct any transactions during normal business hours. This activity will not interfere with the mandated 24 hour-per-day, seven day-per-week on-call coverage provided by the Magisterial District Judges of Mercer County. The public's patience is appreciated during this time.

The 2011 Seedling Sale is now accepting orders. The Mercer County Conservation Districts Seedling Sale is an annual fundraiser for education programs and district activities. There are no restrictions on this program; you do not have to be a resident of Mercer County to purchase the seedlings.

Offered this year are Colorado Blue Spruce , Norway Spruce, Eastern White Pine, Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, Canadian Hemlock, and new this year is Balsam Fir, sold in bundles of ten each species for $6.25. Being sold in bundles of five each species, also at $6.25, is Old Fashioned Lilac, American Elder (Elderberry) and new this year we have added Easter Red Cedar. All species offered are three year old seedlings with the exception of the Lilac and Elderberry, which are two year seedlings.

Pennsylvania State Sales Tax is not included in the price. Orders will be taken until March 31. Prepayment is also required. Pickup is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20,8:30 AM to 5:30 PMat the Munnell Run Farm Country Store located behind the Conservation District office. To place an order call 724.662.2242, or email us at mercerccd@verizon.net or visit our website at mercercountycd.com. Proceeds from this sale help support the education programs held at the Munnell Run Farm. MCCD office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays and on weekends, as scheduled, for special events.

Mercer County's 27^th annual Vigil for the POW/MIAs has been scheduled for January 29 from daybreak through late evening on the east side of the Mercer County Courthouse, next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There will be a short ceremony at 7 p.m. when the 94 names of those Pennsylvania Servicemen still missing in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia will be recited. The public is invited throughout the day and at the 7 p.m. ceremony. The main speakers at the Vigil will include Mercer County Veterans Affairs Director, Col. U.S. Army (Ret.) Gary Solander and American Legion, Dept. of PA, POW-MIA Committee Chairman Patrick Kelley. Other officials and distinguished guests will also be recognized.

January 2011 marks the 38th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. It was not only to mark the end of American ground force involvement in Vietnam, but was also to begin the exchange of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. Although the United States has more than complied to the best of its ability, there is ongoing evidence that the Communist Vietnamese have not lived up to their side of the agreement for more than three decades. As many as 2,000 Americans are still unaccounted for from that war, some of which were known to be alive at the time of capture. Information is still being monitored related to these cases.

America's modern history must include the fate of many of our Service People involved in our conflicts. Not only is there about 2,000 missing in Southeast Asia, there are approximately 78,000 missing from WWII, approximately 8,100 missing from the Korean War, over 30 unrecovered from “ Desert Storm” and 2 known MIAs from our present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the past three decades, there have been many "live sighting” reports coming out of Southeast Asia.

The Government reports, there are over 100 unresolved cases that are strong enough to have active, ongoing investigation as well as monitoring. There is ongoing work presently that is geared toward the recovery of MIAs from the Korean War and there is even a dialog on those who were known alive after the truce was signed. We are also recovering many remains from WWII. We are still reading of South Korean soldiers from the Korean War escaping from North Korea. This amazes many families of our POW-MIAs that their loved ones may also be capable of doing the same thing.

Mercer County Treasurer Virginia Richardson has announced that the PA Department of Agriculture has increased the cost of the 2011 dog licenses by 45 cents. Sales of 2011 licenses are scheduled to begin on Monday (Dec. 6) at 16 different locations across the county or on line at www.mcc.co.mercer.pa.us.

The regular rates will be $8.45 for males or females; $6.45 for neutered males or spayed females. The rates for senior citizens/owners on disability are: $6.45 for males or females; $ 4.45 for neutered males or spayed females. Seniors must be 65 years of age at the time of purchase in order to be eligible for the discount. Lifetime licenses are also available. The dog must be permanently identified with a microchip or tattoo. The regular rates are $ 51.45 for males or females; $ 31.45 for neutered males or spayed females. The rates for senior citizens/owners on disability are: $ 31.45 for males or females; $ 21.45 for neutered males or spayed females.

Mrs. Richardson, with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture, has mailed out a Dog License Application flyer to residents of Mercer County. This application can be completed and mailed to the Mercer County Treasurer at 104 Courthouse, Mercer, PA 16137. If your pet gets lost, a license is the easiest way to identify the owner and return the dog home safely.

Pennsylvania dog owners are reminded to apply for the required 2011 dog licenses before the January 1 deadline. Commonwealth law requires all dogs aged three months or older to be licensed. Failure to license a dog could result in a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog. The minimum fine is $ 50 plus court costs.

Fees collected through the sale of dog licenses are used by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement to protect the safety, health and welfare of dogs. Following are locations to buy licenses: