On February 28 Coudersport Fire Department was dispatched to the High School On Dwight St. For an automatic fire alarm

Bats and Regulations in Forest Management, and Overview of PNHP

Kane, Pa. – The April 9, 2026 Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum is pleased to announce they will host two speakers from the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC).  Richard Novak from the USFWS will speak about bats and current regulations in forest management in Pennsylvania.  Mike Kuzemchak from the WPC will provide an overview of the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP).  In addition, Jonathan Geyer will provide additional market updates and industry comments from the PA Hardwoods Development Council. 

Richard Novak is a Fish and Wildlife Biologist within the Pennsylvania Ecological Services Field Office of the USFWS station in State College.  Richard works in the Endangered Species section of the Ecological Services program.  He conducts Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations, has key roles in species status assessments, works closely with agency partners in conservation, and shares conservation with the public through outreach. 

Richard holds a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science and M.S. in Ecology from The Pennsylvania State University, where his studies focused on aquatic animals such as fish and freshwater turtles.  During his time at Penn State, he worked for three years in a forestry research lab on dendrochronology studies, forest inventories, and invasive species management projects.  Richard has been working at the State College station since 2019.

Richard is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys all outdoor pursuits including hunting, trapping, archery, fishing, and other activities.  The appreciation for living things and our natural resources that he has developed through these lifelong passions led him to a career in natural resource science.  While his background in in aquatic conservation, his role at the USFWS has given him the opportunity to learn about bats and work to conserve them in his job.  He finds great satisfaction in helping partners in the public and agencies navigate the complexity of ESA regulations so that conservation is delivered for all.

Mike Kuzemchak, Associate Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the WPC has oversight of the Conservancy’s public policy work, conservation science and natural heritage programs, and provides direction for sustainability initiatives across WPC offices.  Mike previously worked as the director of operations at WPC’s Fallingwater, director of operation of land conservation, and in other land protection roles with WPC before accepting his current role.  Much of his land conservation work centered in the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania.

Mike holds a M.S. in Environmental Planning and a B.S. in secondary English Education, both from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

This Forum on bats, habitat, and the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program will be of interest to land managers, biologists, and conservationists. 

Society of American Foresters’ Continuing Forestry Education credits will be applied for this presentation. 

The Forum will be held at the Wilcox Community Building (also called the Jones Township Community Center) at 320 Faries St, downtown Wilcox, Pa. 15870.  Preceding the talk will be a no-host social hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and dinner at 5:30 p.m.  The program will start immediately after dinner.  Reservations are required!  No reservations will be accepted after Thursday, April 2.   For reservations, contact the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, PO Box 133, Kane, Pa., 16735, at 814-837-8550, or e-mail ashields@ahug.com.

Partnering with organizations has been the cornerstone of Cameron County Chamber of Commerce.  When the chamber purchased the former Cabin Kitchen restaurant the plan was to bring one stop shopping for residents and businesses.  Over the past few months two

Cameron County High School graduates took advantage of the opportunities at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Innovation Center.

Jesop Farabaugh and Ryan Reid recently completed a CDL Class A course through Northern Pennsylvania Regional College.  The training is paid for by a program administered by Pennsylvania CareerLink. The two organizations have offices inside the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Innovation Center.

Farabaugh and Reid say they were referred to the program by their employer DCNR and took the course while laid off.  They are seasonal employees in the Elk State Forestry department.  The pair agree that the four-week training program will enable them to pursue numerous job opportunities.  Cameron County Chamber of Commerce executive director Tina Solak says she witnesses the cooperation between staff of the two organizations which ensures communication and success to those enrolled in programs.  “The goal of the chamber was to provide convenient services in Emporium and it is working,” says Solak

Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries is proud to participate in this year’s Raise the Region, the area’s largest online giving event. From 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 12, make a donation to Second Chance at www.raisetheregion.org/organization/Second-Chance-Animal-Sanctuaries to help local animals in need.

According to the website, “Raise the Region® is a powerful 30-hour online giving campaign that unites community members in supporting local nonprofits. This initiative is designed to highlight and empower the vital work of these organizations, enabling them to address the growing needs of North Central Pennsylvania and create more vibrant communities.”

The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on local government in February. The day started at the Elk County Annex Building in Ridgway with a presentation by Attorney Rick Brown discussing how local government affects our daily lives.  Ridgway Borough Manager Mike Handley, Mayor Imhof, and Recording Secretary Cari Amacher conducted a mock Borough Council Meeting with the LEC participants. Lunch was generously sponsored by Meyer, Wagner, Brown and Kraus Attorneys. The participants then toured the Elk County Jail with Commissioner Gebauer and Warden Scott Atwell. Judge McMahon and District Court Administrator LeeAnn Covac met with the group in the Courtroom and discussed jury duty and the court system.

BRADFORD – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) made the following statement regarding LECOM Health’s planned acquisition of the Bradford hospital building and The Pavilion nursing facility:

“This is fantastic news for Bradford and our entire region. I’m glad to see this positive outcome from our negotiations, and I’m confident it will lead to enhanced access to health care services here. This critical first step enables our community to work with a Pennsylvania health care system as a partner to strengthen services in the region.

“I want to stress that we still have hurdles ahead. Our focus now is finding a solution to keep the emergency department open. It’s imperative for our community to continue having quick access to lifesaving emergency care.

“I want to welcome LECOM Health to our community. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with LECOM officials, community leaders, our dedicated health care professionals and fellow elected officials to strengthen access to the health care services our citizens need and deserve.”

BRADFORD, Pa. — This St. Patrick’s Day, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will treat the community to a free Celtic harp performance by local musician and artist Ellen Paquette from noon to 1 p.m. March 17 in the Harriett B. Wick Chapel.

A reception featuring shamrock cookies will follow.

A native of Warren, Paquette is known for her expressive playing and gift for musical storytelling. She will draw audiences into the landscapes, legends and spirit of Celtic cultures through a program blending traditional and contemporary Celtic music. Her performance is open to the public and designed to offer a peaceful, immersive experience for music lovers of all ages.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ellen to Pitt-Bradford Arts,” said Courtney Mealy, director of arts programming. “She brings something truly special to our stage. Her ability to transport listeners through music makes this the perfect St. Patrick’s Day event for our campus and the broader community.”

The Harriett B. Wick Chapel is located on the Pitt-Bradford campus at 300 Campus Drive. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

For more information, visit upb.pitt.edu/theArts.

On Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m., the Wellsboro Community Concert Association is presenting a special bonus concert that is open to the public in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. This show is not part of the association’s regular six-concert series. 

Performing their signature Irish music and dance on March 11 will be the supergroup, Cherish The Ladies, formed in 1985 in New York City.  They are currently on tour with performances scheduled throughout the United States, particularly in the Northeast in February and March. 

Members of Cherish The Ladies are: All-Ireland flute and tin whistle champion Joanie Madden, Mary Coogan (guitar), Mirella Murray (accordion), Kathleen Boyle (piano), Nollaig Casey (fiddle), and Kate Purcell (lead vocals, guitar). 

Traveling with them are the finest Irish dancers. Together they create a spectacular blend of virtuoso instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements and energetic step-dancing. 

Cherish The Ladies has toured the world, played the White House and at the Olympics, and recorded 17 outstanding albums and a live DVD, “An Irish Homecoming,” which recently won an Emmy. 

The group has collaborated with such musicians as The Boston Pops, The Clancy Brothers, the Chieftains, Vince Gill, Nanci Griffith, Pete Seeger, Don Henley, Arlo Guthrie and Maura O’Connell.

The last two concerts of WCCA’s 2025-2026 season are: the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band on Saturday April 11 and Greg Piccolo and Heavy Juice on Saturday, April 25, both at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre.

For more information about any of these concerts and for tickets, visit wellsborocca.org, email wellsborocca@gmail.com or call 570-404-0411.

Sayre, PA — On June 4–5, 2026, nonprofits across Northeastern Pennsylvania have the opportunity to be part of something historic during NEPA Gives, a powerful 24-hour regional giving event that unites individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations in a shared mission to uplift our communities.

Locally led by the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers in partnership with SACF and fellow community foundations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a movement fueled by generosity, collaboration, and community pride.

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Jim Pennington, Jr. announces the final results from Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap in February.  “We appreciate the hunters who attend and help reduce predator populations,” said Jim.

Joe Fremer harvested the largest coyote in week 1 at 44.8#.

Paul Costanzo harvested the largest coyote in week 2 at 48.6#, which was also the largest coyote harvested in the hunt or trap.

Isaac Dellaquella harvested the largest fox overall at 11.4#.

Ron Holly harvested the largest female coyote at 37.6#.

Josh Bizzak harvested the largest female fox at 11.0#.

The most coyotes (three) were harvested by Joe Fremer and Ron Holly.

Josh Bizzak harvested the most foxes at seven.

And without a doubt, the prettiest coyote, a blond one, was harvested by Terry Murphy.

Hunters are reminded that Rolfe’s next predator hunt for coyotes and crows will be ten days bracketing the Labor Day Weekend in September of 2026.

TROY – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is inviting area sportsmen and sportswomen to his upcoming Game Commission Night featuring a discussion of the state’s elk herd.

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Peppers Auction Barn, located east of Canton at 13580 State Route 414. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The presentation will be led by Jeremy Banfield, elk biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. A question-and-answer session will be held at the end of the presentation.

“Our annual Game Commission nights have become a favorite event for me and so many outdoor enthusiasts of all ages,” Owlett said. “I am happy to work with the Leroy Sportsman’s Association to bring this event to Bradford County again and look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces!”

Admission is free, but registration is required to attend. To sign up, visit Owlett’s website at www.RepOwlett.com/events or call the Wellsboro office at 570-724-1390 or Troy office at 570-297-3045.

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Paul dropped the tailgate on his truck and I jokingly said, “You went to Canada and shot a wolf.”  Paul laughed and said, “I just came from Mosquito Creek and I had to take a lie detector test; first time ever.”

Paul Costanzo brought in a large male coyote he harvested out of the Little Mill Creek drainage in Elk County.  Paul was hunting Friday evening with a .243 rifle and a thermal scope when the brute stepped out into the field.  It only took one shot from the .243 to harvest the coyote.  The male coyote weighed 48.6# at the Rolfe Weigh Station. 

Roulette Township Supervisors have rescheduled the Monthly meeting for March.

 it will be held at the Firehall on Tuesday March 3^rd 2026 at 6pm.

On February 28th Port Allegany Ambulance was dispatched to N. Main st for difficulty breathing

Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is in the midst of a revolutionary upgrade to their linear accelerator, a key piece of equipment in the treatment of cancer.

This new piece of technology means a lot for the local community – safer, quicker therapies, higher precision and transformative care that enables more patients to stay at home for the advanced treatments they need. 

005-2026, Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Recalls Chicken Fried Rice Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination 

Mike Welsh specializes in metal inlay designs in native hardwood furniture and art. His shop is in a small barn behind his Jersey Shore home in Lycoming County.

On Saturday, Feb, 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., he will be displaying his work and talking about it at Nessmuk’s Sporting Goods at 91 Main Street during Wellsboro’s Crafts and Cuisine Winter Weekend Feb. 27-March 1. 

“I will have samples to use to explain the various stages of the inlay process and be displaying benches, wall pieces, a few hall stands and a coffee table at Nessmuk’s. All will be for sale.

“My furniture style is mid-century modern and my inlay medium is primarily copper. For custom pieces I also use brass or other soft metals,” Welsh said.

“Being an avid fisherman, my inlays have included trout and dragon flies. Last year, I designed a Celtic knot bench. I have replicated other images to fit the style of a customer’s home or cabin,” said Welsh.
 
“I primarily make benches, coffee tables, end stands, and night stands. I have built custom-sized pieces for specific areas of a home and can also inlay an existing piece like a dining table that a customer may already have.”

For more information, call Nessmuk’s at 570-724-0717.

The Elk County Community Fund has been awarding grants to enhance projects and programs in our community since the Elk County Community Foundation’s first granting year 25 years ago. During its latest granting cycle, the Elk County Community Fund awarded a total of $18,000 to four local organizations.

Organizations receiving grants are: Community Education Center received $2,500 for transportation for students who participate in their afterschool program, from school to the CEC, and from the CEC back to their hometown; the City of St. Marys was granted $4,000 for the removal of an underground storage tank at the St. Marys Airport; the Supporters of Boy Scout Troop 95 received $4000 for their annual rechartering fee; and the St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club received $7,500 for a Utility Terrain Vehicle to aid in efficient transportation for older members and transporting gear and equipment across the property.

The Elk County Community Fund looks to support community development initiatives that will enhance the economic and community wellbeing of Elk County. Distribution from the grants can be used to meet special project or program needs of organizations serving the people of the county. Grants are distributed during two grant cycles each year, the first with a deadline of January 15 for submitting application, and the second with a deadline of July 15.

The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grant making as it collaborates with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals.

On February 27th Cuba Fire and Ambulance were dispatched to i- 86 for a one vehicle crash with possible head injuries. Driver reports a wheel fell of causing them to go off road

Roulette Township Supervisors have rescheduled the Monthly meeting for March.

 It will be held at the Firehall on Tuesday, March 3rd 2026, at 6pm.

Patti Jackson-Gehris, market president, UPMC North Central Pa., recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she joined other rural health leaders and advocacy groups along with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania to meet with federal lawmakers — including U.S. Rep. John Joyce, MD, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, U.S. Rep. GT Thompson, U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick — about protecting access and funding to care in rural communities.

During the visit, leaders discussed the importance of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and how it helps hospitals stretch limited resources to support services such as cancer care, emergency treatment, and other critical local programs, all at no cost to taxpayers.

“For those of us who live and work in these communities, this is personal,” said Jackson-Gehris. “We are not just hospital workers, we are neighbors caring for friends and family. Programs like 340B help us ensure patients can access high-quality care close to home, and it is our serious responsibility to advocate for the resources that make that possible.”

Rural providers face ongoing challenges, including workforce shortages, growing health challenges, longer travel distances for patients, and tighter operating margins. Hospital leaders shared firsthand perspectives with policymakers on how federal decisions directly affect their ability to maintain services and meet the needs of the communities they serve.