2006 was a year of major changes in Potter County. These local stories affected us most and we believe they'll continue to impact our lives this year and beyond.

1

Adelphia sells/Time Warner bolts Hundreds of local families continue to be affected by the demise of Adelphia Communications Corp., once the region's leading employer with about 1,800 jobs in Coudersport. Time Warner Cable acquired Adelphia's Coudersport assets and announced in early December that it would shut down two major customer service centers, putting more than 500 more people out of work by February. At the same time, more than 100 people still clinging to jobs in Coudersport with the Adelphia Estate will soon be out of work, as well. Fate of the massive Operations Center on South Main Street, owned by the Adelphia Estate, as well as the Time Warner-owned former elementary school and other properties remains uncertain. Local leaders are working on plans to persuade employers to locate in the Coudersport area and take advantage of a trained workforce, reasonably priced real estate, a robust technological infrastructure and a pleasant quality of life.

2

Hospital hangs on In an era when economic, governmental and social trends are all working against rural health care facilities, Charles Cole Memorial Hospital was able to navigate the choppy waters and grow. Among the highlights: expansion of the region's only comprehensive cancer care center, with the addition of radiation oncology and IMRT (a specialized type of radiation therapy); the addition of a new Wound Care Center and Sleep Center; recruitment of seven new physicians and other medical professionals. Cole was also honored for a large reduction in the number hospital-acquired infections.

3

Adelphia President Ron Cooper broke the news to Coudersport employees that the company was being sold.

Wind farm If a large energy corporation and some landowners in the Ulysses area have their way, a "wind farm" will be built. Many people have spoken out against the location of dozens of the massive turbines in that area, citing aesthetics, the potential impact on wildlife, tourism, dark skies and other implications. AES Corporation of Arlington, Va., is seeking approval from state and federal agencies to build the wind farm in 2008.

 

 

 

4

TelCove sold

In May, officials at TelCove -- the former Adelphia Business Solutions and, before that, Hyperion Telecommunications -- announced the sale of the company to Level (3) for $1.24 billion. Impact of the sale on the 300-plus TelCove workforce in Coudersport remains difficult to forecast as Level (3) continues to incorporate TelCove into its operations. Some accounting and financial management jobs are leaving Coudersport. Technical positions at the North Main Street operations center may also be eliminated, while some jobs are being added at a customer service/administrative center in the Coudersport Industrial Park.

5

State parks improved

Construction of a new dam at Lyman Run State Park and further development of nearby Cherry Springs State Park as "dark sky" headquarters for astronomers and star-gazing hobbyists will boost their appeal to tourists. The state is investing millions of dollars in each park. The new dam will allow for the re-establishment of Lyman Lake, a popular spot for anglers, boaters, swimmers and picnickers. Meanwhile, the state unveiled plans to build a major $2.5 million visitors center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Not only will the structure make the park more attractive to visitors and boost wildlife and conservation education, it will also help to establish that park on the Cameron/Potter County border as a key component of the massive "Pennsylvania Wilds" tourist promotion area. That park

The state is investing heavily in area state parks, including a new dam at Lyman Run (top) and ,a Visitors . Center at Sinnemahoning State Park.

also hosted its first-ever sled dog races.

6

Morgan AM&T to expand

Late in the year, Morgan AM&T confirmed plans to expand its plant along Route 6 east of Coudersport Borough. The former Pure Carbon factory has been phasing out its carbon production while at the same time stepping up its manufacturing of armor for military and private sector clients.

7

Jail in compliance

Potter County Sheriff Ken Sauley and other officials were pleased to report that, for the first time since state inspections began, the Potter County Jail was found to be in 100 percent compliance with state regulations covering security, inmate services, operational standards, conditions and morale.

Meanwhile, inmate count at the jail continued to spike upward, stressing county finances for security, a c c o m - m o d a t i o n s , medical and mental health care services.

8

Rigas family travails

John Rigas and son Timothy argued that they should be granted a new trial for the fraud convictions that led to lengthy prison sentences. The court has not yet ruled on their request. Another son, Michael Rigas, entered a guilty plea to signing a false document and was sentenced to home detention for an offense the judge described as a technicality. A third son, James Rigas, heads Zito Media, which took over the cable television and Internet service from Adelphia in Coudersport, Emporium and Port Allegany. He was not charged in the case.

9

Tax increases, not yet reform

For some property owners, tax reform can't come fast enough. However, despite plans to increase payments in lieu of taxes for state-owned land and to give school districts other options, the real estate tax continued to take a rising roll throughout Potter County. School districts and many municipalities increase taxes while, at the county level, the commissioners approved a 14-percent real estate tax increase.

 

10

Adelphia was at the height of its growth with corporate headquarters in Coudersport burgeoning when this photo of its founder John Rigas and sons Tim, James and Michael was taken. It all came crashing down in 2002 and the repercussions are still being felt.

Reinventing our heritage

Potter County was once the state's most popular deer-hunting grounds, attracting generations of downstate residents and thousands of visitors from Ohio, New Jersey, other states and Canada. Changes in deer management have resulted in fewer whitetails in the county -- albeit a larger proportion of bigger bucks -- and improved hunting opportunities in other counties. Potter County has been tweaking its pitch to potential tourists, emphasizing other outdoor recreational opportunities and signing on for the growing promotion of heritage tourism. The statewide "Pennsylvania Wilds" pitch and a cooperative effort involving all of the counties along U.S. Rt. 6 are beginning to pay dividends, as Potter County's leaders see the economic foundation created by Adelphia continue to erode.

Honorable Mention

State environmental officials confirmed an increase in the number of oil and natural gas drilling permits issued for Potter County. High prices and new technology have explorers taking a second look at the county's underground resources.

Development of the Austin Dam Memorial Park continued, with the Pa. Conservation Corps moving in to make improvements as its "signature project" of 2006. In downtown Austin, the E. O. Austin home replica and museum opened to excellent reviews.