Bradford Era reporters are working on these stories and more for Saturday’s edition: The state Department of Public Works indicates that there was an unprecedented increase in 2012 in calls reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the state’s reporting hotline. The department notes that this might not represent an actual increase of child abuse in the state, but rather a surge in awareness and education. In McKean County, there were 195 reports of suspected child abuse of which 24 were substantiated, according to the DPW. The agency states that Potter County saw 50 reports of which 13 were substantiated; four of the 10 reports in Cameron County were substantiated; and four of 49 reports in Elk County were substantiated. “This can be seen as good or bad,” said Duane Wolfe, administrator of McKean County Department of Human Services. “Bad in the sense that it would appear that abuse occurring at a higher rate ... (but) higher numbers can mean that our mandated reporters and other individuals are making the call on any concern that they have.” Planning is under way for a new $6 million senior housing complex in Ridgway, pending approval for funding through a federal tax credit program and Marcellus Shale fee money to retain affordable housing in shale development areas. Ridgmont Senior Cottages, an independent and affordable living facility, would comprise six single-story buildings and would house between 40 and 50 residents, according TREK Development Group Project Manager Trey Barbour. Barbour said five buildings would house a total of 20 units — 10 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units — and the sixth building would be a community building with a laundry facility, community room and computer lab. An Era correspondent will be covering graduation ceremonies tonight at Kane Area High School. Look for a full report in Saturday’s Era.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:03:09 +0000
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