“The Journey Matters” grief support class will be held Saturday, April 1st from 10-11:00am at the Thomas Fickinger Funeral Home, 210 N. East St., Coudersport. We are so excited to provide our community with the opportunity to support one another through the stages of grief. To reserve your seat please call Lisa Brennan @ 570-712-7418 or the Fickinger Funeral Home @ 814-274-8888 to reserve your seat for this free event.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a start date of Monday, March 27, for a bridge replacement project along Route 153 in Horton Township, Elk County. Replacing the bridge will improve the structure’s rating from “poor” to “good.”
The contractor will place long-term signage for the project and start clearing trees near the existing structure on Monday. Traffic control will consist of lane closures with flaggers in the roadway providing traffic control during daylight hours. Drivers should expect some delays during daylight hours. Once the contractor clears the trees, they will start work on a temporary roadway, which traffic will use to pass through the work zone for the project duration.
Overall work includes the removal of the existing bridge, building its replacement, concrete repairs, approach paving, drainage improvements, pavement markings, and miscellaneous items. Francis J. Palo, Inc. of Clarion, PA, is the contractor on this $2.5 million project. PennDOT anticipates completion in late October, but all work is weather dependent. PennDOT will issue project updates as work progresses.
Built in 1961, the bridge spans Toby Creek in Horton Township about 500 feet south of the intersection with Route 219. It is 105 feet long and carries an average of 2,467 vehicles daily.
The Potter County Artisan Co-op in Coudersport is offering a two-part beginner knitting class. The first session will be held April 8 and the second part will be held April 22, . Both will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at the co-op, 227 N. Main Street. Cost is $40.00 total. Supplies not included. In session 1, Fiber Artist Lee Trayer will teach basics and what to buy and where—yarn and needles, reading the label, slip knot, easy cast-on and the knit stitch.
The second class will include instruction on knitting, purling and easy bind-off. Students who are “stuck” on a project are invited to take it to the class. To register, contact the co-op at 814-274-8165 and speak to a volunteer or email pottercountyartisancenter@gmail.com. Registration cannot be guaranteed through Facebook or Messenger.
The Value of Large Woody Debris in Streams
Kane, Pa. – April 6 is the last date to register for the Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum to take place April 13 at the Wilcox Community Center in Wilcox, Pa. Registrations are required and you must register with the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, PO Box 133, Kane, Pa., 16735. You may also call 814-837-8550, or e-mail bcarson@ahug.com. The Wilcox Community Center is also called the Jones Township Community Center, and is located at 320 Faries St.
Preceding the talk will be a no-host social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The program will start immediately after dinner.
Montoursville, PA – In an effort to improve our environment and clean up our local roadways, PennDOT maintenance crews in Lycoming County will continue picking up litter next week along Interstate 180 and Routes 220 and 15, weather permitting.
Crews will be picking up litter on beginning Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31, during daylight hours.
There will be no impacts to traffic during litter cleanup activities. Motorists are reminded to slow down, drive with caution, be alert for stopped or slow-moving vehicle, and watch for workers near the roadway, along interchanges and entrance/exit ramps.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
Montoursville, PA – In an effort to improve our environment and clean up our local roadways, PennDOT maintenance crews in Tioga County will pick up litter next week on Route 15.
Crews will be picking up litter beginning Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31, during daylight hours, weather permitting.
There will be no impacts to traffic during litter cleanup activities. Motorists are reminded to slow down, drive with caution, be alert for stopped or slow-moving vehicle, and watch for workers near the roadway, along interchanges and entrance/exit ramps.
Marjorie Werner Conrad, age 97, of 254 George Street, St. Marys, Pennsylvania died peacefully on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at Laurelbrook Personal Care Home in Brookville, Pa.
She was born May 5th, 1925 in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Edith Kaul Werner of St. Marys, and she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
On April 3, 1948 in Erie, Pennsylvania, she married Harry S. Conrad Jr. of St. Mary’s who predeceased her death on April 2, 2006. They were both lifelong residents of St. Mary’s and enjoyed traveling together throughout the U.S. during their 58 years of marriage. She and her husband wintered in Miami Beach for 18 years after her husband’s early retirement.
Raymond Woodward, 67, of South Michael Street, St. Marys, PA died peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Rotary Club of Bradford President, Steve Morgan, presented a check for $1710.00 to the McKean County Special Olympics on Thursday to help sponsor the Special Olympics Swimming Invitational held on March 4th.
Over 50 athletes from McKean, Warren, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties competed at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sport and Fitness Center pool. The invitational is the culmination of the swimming season for most of the athletes, who trained for several months.
Pictured left to right: Special Olympians and Rotarians joined Pat Ryan from McKean County Special Olympics who accepted the check from Rotary. Front Row: Eric Lasher, Linda Porter, Kari Johnston, Nan Nelson, Patti Price, Ashley Peterson, Sheridan Phillips. Back Row: Rotarian, Ben Kirsch, Rochelle Thompson, Aaron Briggs, Jay Furman, Margie Kibby, Anthony Clancy, Ryan, and Rotarians, Brandi Buck, Heidi Scrivo, and Morgan.
Several Rotarians volunteered at the Swim Meet by opening the event, presenting medals, and helping medalists on and off the podium. Club members also volunteered at the Special Olympics Basketball Skills Clinic held on March 9th.
As President Elect Ben Kirsch stated in the opening ceremony of the Swim Meet. “The Rotary is honored to support an organization that values diversity, inclusivity, and the power of sports to transform lives. As Rotarians, we are committed to serving our communities and making a positive impact in the world.”
The Rotary Club’s sponsorship was made possible by its annual golf outing and a matching grant from Rotary District 7280.
On March 23 at 5:25 Port Allegany ambulance was dispatched to Benson Hollow Rd. for difficulty breathing
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center Launches Emergency Services Program for Four Counties in North Central Pennsylvania
In January 2016, Fire Chief Dana Spitler contacted James Young, Director of Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center (SHCTC), to discuss the formation of an emergency service program. Partnering with Carol Duffy, County Commissioner, this led to the establishment of an occupational advisory committee that worked tirelessly to support the development of a high school program that would serve four counties in North Central Pennsylvania. Today, we are proud to announce that the program has been successfully launched and is currently in operation.
The program, which was launched for the 2018-19 school year, has been a successful endeavor thanks to the unique process and tenacity of the committee members. The committee sought funding from municipalities, foundations, and community organizations, resulting in enough funds to launch the program. Currently, 23 municipalities have made financial commitments to support the program, while fire departments, non-profits, foundations, and companies have committed to five years of financial support to pilot the program.
In addition to serving 44 students on a rotating yearly basis for 3 consecutive years, the emergency service program has also set a goal to recruit 75 potential trained volunteers over a 5-year period to serve in McKean, Potter, and Cameron Counties.
The program has already achieved significant outcomes, including the development of a permanent training and certification program at the Seneca Highlands Career Technology Center, serving four counties. The program has a strong focus on providing students with the necessary skills and certifications to pursue a career in emergency services. Over the first five years of the program, there will be 75 students who will graduate from the program, prepared for career paths in fields such as Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services, Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics, First-Line Supervisors, Protective Service Workers, Police & Sheriff’s Patrol Officers, Security & Crossing Guards, Lifeguards, Ski Patrol & Other Recreational Protective Service Workers, Transportation Security Screeners, and Protective Service Workers.
The success of the program is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the occupational advisory committee, the Essential Emergency Support Training committee, and the leadership of Mr. James Young, Director of the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. The program’s focus on developing a sustainable and long-term approach to emergency service training and certification has ensured that students have the necessary skills to serve their communities in times of need. With continued community support and funding, the program is poised for continued success, producing graduates who will be prepared for a range of careers in the emergency services sector.
Under the current direction of Mr. Young beginning in 2012, there have been a number of program changes/additions that have proven to be successful endeavors. When Alex Johnson was hired to instruct the Homeland Security program in 2018, he brought with him the majority of certifications required to teach the program of study and high valued industry recognized certifications. His knowledge and skill set has been an asset to the program and has contributed to its success.
The program’s success has been made possible through the hard work and collaboration of various entities, including 23 municipalities, fire departments, non-profits, foundations, and companies. The program has brought together individuals interested in helping local rural emergency services be better prepared to serve communities. The committee has secured funding and launched the program with long-term goals to ensure sustainability. As the program progresses, it will continue to seek funding to provide the best opportunities for students and ensure longevity. With the support of the community, the program will continue to serve as a valuable resource for emergency services in North Central Pennsylvania.
Moving out towards the fifth year, there is an expectation that the ten districts who own the career and technical center will develop a budget that will include delivery of the Homeland Security Program of Study. SHCTC, which has delivered quality technical programs since 1979, will continue to deliver this program and others with the required certified staff.
The program has been developed to ensure longevity, and the outcomes are impressive. As the program progresses beyond the fundamentals, higher level certifications will be earned, requiring additional funds.
FNN Article © Thursday, March 23, 2023.
ELKLAND, PA – Elkland police continue their investigation and search for an alleged suspect that is responsible for breaking into a home in Elkland Borough.
According to police, the incident occurred on Monday, March 20, 2023. Police noted that a man around 5’5″ wearing black pants, a black shirt, as well as a black mask allegedly broke into a home and attacked the owner. The suspect then demanded money from the owner. The homeowner was able to escape from the man.
Police are asking anyone with any information or surveillance footage/trail cam footage of the incident to call (814) 258-5419.
