March 2023
Port Allegany Music Department & Drama Club to present Bright Star
The Port Allegany Music Department and Drama Club will present Bright Star on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets for the event can be purchased online. Adult tickets are $10 and $6 for Senior Citizens and students. Visit the district website or Facebook page for ticket link. Tickets will also be sold at the door. Bright Star music, book and story are by Steve Martin; music, lyrics and story by Edie Brickell.
Shinglehouse Dispatched To Possible Structure Fire
At 12:27 PM on Wednesday, Shinglehouse Fire Dept. has been dispatched to 303 West Honeoye Street for a possible structure fire. Smoke alarms are sounding in a locked, unoccupied apartment. Report smoke in the structure.
Bolivar dispatched for standby at Shinglehouse.
NORTHWINDS 4-H CAMP
Potter County youth at the 2022 Northwinds 4-H Camp
Summer camps across the state are preparing for a season of hands-on and engaging programs designed for youth of all ages. The Potter County 4-H program is no different. Counselors and staff are currently working on creating and preparing for their busiest season of the year, which includes Northwinds residential camp.
Northwinds 4-H Camp provide a safe environment for building communication, self-esteem, and healthy habits while challenging 4-H members to grow in a variety of ways, push themselves to their full potential, and learn outside of their comfort zone daily. 4-H camp is an outstanding place for youth of all ages to continue to grow as an individual and have an engaging experience surrounded by caring adults who genuinely care about camper experience. Youth at Northwinds participate in a variety of hands-on activities, including food science, crafts, and swimming. While the camp experience for each participant is unique, the life skills, positive youth development opportunities, and friendships created will remain the same.
Registration for the 2023 Northwinds 4-H Camp will be opening soon on zSuites, the 4-H enrollment system. Camp will be taking place at Camp Penuel East in Eldred, PA from June 20-23, 2023. All youth between the ages of 8-13 as of January 1st are eligible to attend. Cost to participate is $200, with scholarships available to Potter County 4-H members at the Extension Office.
If you are interested in learning more about Northwinds 4-H Camp, call the Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or email Spencer Gee, 4-H Educator, at sqg5901@psu.edu. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
PENN STATE EXTENSION TO HOST PESTICIDE APPLICATOR EXAM ON APRIL 5TH
To become a certified pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania, passing a written exam is required. This exam will be offered at the Penn State Extension office at 7 Water Street in Coudersport on Wednesday, April 5th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Anyone interested in either a private applicator license or a commercial/public applicator license should:
Step 1: Obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification Study packet online at https://extension.psu.edu/certification-exam-study-materials or call Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691.
Step 2: Register to take the exam at the PaPlants Certification Exam search page https://www.paplants.pa.gov/PesticideApplicator/ExamSearch.aspx.
All exams require pre-registration through the PA Department of Agriculture. This can be done on the above website, or you can call the PDA regional office and ask for Jay Bagley (717-731-2463).
Step 3: On the day of the exam, make sure you bring the following:
- Government issued photo identification, i.e., driver’s license or two other forms of identification, such as a government issued document with signature (social security card, green card) or a document with name and address (utility bill, tax statement, personal check).
- #2 pencil and paper
- Private applicator packet – (private applicators have open book exams. Exam proctors have the right to review and reject all materials brought into the exam.)
- A simple calculator for math questions – phones are not allowed in the exam room
- Payment (there is only a fee for commercial and public applicator exams)
- Business license numbers if business is currently licensed
Examinees have three hours to take the exam which consists of 75 multiple choice questions. Exam results are received within 30 days.
NPRC Named Candidate for Accreditation by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
On March 9, 2023, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was granted the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is a voluntary, non-governmental, institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) that accredits higher educational institutions.
NPRC’s Accreditation Readiness Report was acknowledged and accepted at the March 2023 Commission Meeting after MSCHE representatives completed site visits in November 2022. With this announcement, NPRC is invited to begin the self-study process based on continuous improvement of the College’s compliance; assessment; and integration of the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation, Requirements of Affiliation, MSCHE policies and procedures, and all applicable federal regulatory requirements.
NPRC’s President, Susan Snelick, noted, “This is a significant milestone and one of the most important days in the young history of Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. I am proud of the entire NPRC team, legislative advocates, students, and our community and location partners. We look forward to continuing to work closely alongside the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as we strive to meet NPRC’s mission and service the region’s residents and employers.”
Institutions with Candidacy status are required to achieve accreditation affirmation within five years. While pursuing accreditation, Candidate institutions are eligible to complete the application process to award Title IV Financial Aid. This aid includes programs associated with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®). Upon successful Title IV application completion, the College will be eligible to award aid such as Pell grants and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) funding in addition to the institutional aid the institution currently awards our enrollees.
NPRC will continue to provide further updates on the institution’s status for accreditation and status of being awarded Title IV aid as they become available.
About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the residents of northern Pennsylvania. NPRC brings affordable education to a nine-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. NPRC is actively pursuing accreditation. https://regionalcollegepa.org.
Galeton Dispatched For Barn Fire on Pike Summit Road
At 3:23 AM on Wednesday, Galeton Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a barn fire across from 67 Pike Summit Road. Westfield, Harrison & Germania tankers requested to scene. Reporting barn fully involved with 2 or 3 vehicles also involved. Coudersport & Ulysses also dispatched to assist. Ambulance from Wellsboro.
4:10 AM–Structure on ground.
St. Marys fire dept. dispatched to a structure fire
On March 14 at 8:30 pm. St. Marys fire dept. dispatched to a structure fire at 446 W. Creek Rd.. Homeowner has reported he possibly has the fire under control. Chief one has reported the fire is out
Gerald D. “Jerry” Lanphere, 73, a longtime resident of Roulette, PA.
Gerald D. “Jerry” Lanphere, 73, a longtime resident of Roulette, passed away in his home on Monday, March 13, 2023, after a long illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
McKean County Man Convicted of More Than 200 Sex Offenses Against Minors Over 20 Years
McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Darvin Carpenter, of Bradford, was convicted of 251 counts related to sex crimes against children, providing marijuana to juveniles and other crimes. He was found not guilty of 11 additional counts.
CARPENTER was charged with committing crimes against 7 juvenile victims between the years 2000 and 2022.
The crimes were discovered in 2022 after a juvenile female reported to her mother that CARPENTER had touched her in her “bad spot” and the mother reported it to the Childline child abuse hotline. The report was referred to Children and Youth Services and law enforcement.
Trooper Eric Thompson of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks was assigned the criminal investigation.
Through his investigation, he identified six other victims who reported numerous instances of rape from the age of 5, forced oral sex on victims under age 13, unlawful touching of children under age 16, providing marijuana to juveniles and numerous other crimes.
Six of the victims – all now adults – testified before the jury and described the acts committed by the defendant through the last two decades and at various locations in McKean County – including various places he resided, his vehicle, and some of the victims’ own residences. Some of the victims described not only the crimes he committed against them, but other crimes they witnessed against other children.
The jury convicted CARPTENTER of 10 Counts of Rape Of A Child Under 13 (Felony 1); 10 Counts of Rape By Forcible Compulsion (Felony 1); 55 Counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1); 6 Counts of Criminal Solicitation To Commit Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse On A Person Less Than 16 ( Felony 1); 3 Counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Statutory Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 112 Counts of Indecent Assault – (Felony 3, Misdemeanor 1 & Misdemeanor 2); 11 Counts of Distribution Of Small Amount Of Marijuana (Not For Sale) (Misdemeanor); 3 Counts of Corruption Of Minors, and 1 Count of Indecent Exposure (Misdemeanor 2).
Trooper Thompson filed a criminal complaint against the defendant on July 14, 2022. He has remained incarcerated at the McKean County Jail since the time of his arrest.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Following conviction, DA Vettenburg-Shaffer asked to increase CARPENTER’S bail and it was increased to $1 million.
Because the defendant has been convicted on sexual offenses, the law requires that he undergo an assessment with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board. Sentencing will be scheduled by the Court.
If you suspect child abuse, please call 911 and Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
Maryellen A. Bateski, 86, formerly of 29 Clark Drive, Bradford, PA.
Maryellen A. Bateski, 86, formerly of 29 Clark Drive, Bradford, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023, surrounded by her family at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born on June 26, 1936, in Bronx, NY, she was a daughter of the late John and Agnes(Monihan) Cooley.
She was a graduate of Pauline High School in the Bronx. After high school she enrolled in the Elaine Powers Modeling School in New York.
On July 29, 1978, in Portville, NY, she married James L. Bateski, who passed away April 20, 2016.
She worked for IBM as a keypunch operator, in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Maryellen was a PTA president, the Variety Club Telethon Chair, she was an avid golfer, bowler, and gardener. She was a Lady Powder Puff Stock Car driver and enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and blackjack, camping at Rainbow Lake and boating on Lake Chautauqua, with family and friends.
Surviving are three daughters, Vanessa (David) Hammond, of Portville, NY,
Kathy (the late Kevin) McBride, of West Seneca, NY, Robin (Matthew) Ridenour, of Bradford, one son, Timothy (Tammy) Ortung, of South Carolina, one sister, Catherine (Robert) Powell, of Spring Hill, FL, one brother, John (Carol) Cooley, of MI, eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim of 37 years, one daughter, Lori Petty, three sisters, Joan Ruvola, Jeanette Schunk, and Agnes Cooley, and one brother, Edmund Cooley.
Friends will be received on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 33 South Avenue, where funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor of St. Bernard Church, officiating. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the McKean County SPCA, PO Box 113, Bradford PA, 16701 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Annbeth Margaret Resotko, 84, of Wellsboro, PA.
Annbeth Margaret Resotko (nee Kurtzo) passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 26, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born in Hackensack NJ on February 16, 1939, to Lawrence and Kathryn (Marolf) Kurtzo.
She graduated from Fairlawn High School in New Jersey in 1957 and became an office manager for an insurance company. She married John Resotko in October 1961, and they were together 41 years until his death in March 2002.
They relocated from New Jersey to Pennsylvania to become the owners of The Great Valley House Restaurant in Ansonia from 1971 to 1981, raising their family in a small apartment attached to the kitchen. Annbeth also worked for the Wellsboro Area School District in the high school cafeteria and as a custodian at Don Gill Elementary for almost 30 years. After her husband’s death, she also became a Hospice volunteer.
Besides her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, and her two brothers, Robert A. Kurtzo in 1957 and Lawrence E. Kurtzo in 2019.
She is survived by her daughter, Terry Resotko Galler (Julius) of Goodyear, AZ and son, John Resotko (Christine) of Holt, MI along with her three beloved grandchildren: Kate Calles (Esai), Hannah Weir (Dylan Garcia) and Connor Resotko.
Annbeth was deeply devoted to her faith and was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church for over 40 years. She enjoyed working church dinners and thrift sales.
Cooking truly was her love language. She made fantastic meals and was a professional-level baker. She made holiday dinners single-handedly until her stroke in 2021 and then under exacting supervision! They were never as good as hers.
There are so many others that called her “mom” and she never turned away anyone in need. She was a safe and accepting harbor, being there without question or fail, guiding us through life’s toughest challenges with compassion, humor, wisdom, and cookies.
She was an avid reader. She loved family history and stories. She called nightly Jeopardy her “college.” In 2012, she moved to Arizona to enjoy warmer weather and be closer to her family. In the last 11 years, she became an enthusiastic Arizona Cardinals fan and loved cheering her team with her son-in-law Julius every Sunday!
Visitation with the family will be at Tussey Mosher Funeral Home 139 Main Street Wellsboro, PA on March 24, 2023, from 6-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Wellsboro Pa on March 25 at 12pm with burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Pearl Street, Wellsboro.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank in her honor. To share a memory or condolence with her family visit www.tusseymosher.com.
Charles L. Sisler, Sr., 74, of Bradford, PA.
Charles L. Sisler, Sr., 74, of Bradford, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 at his home.
He was born on October 15, 1948 in Susquehanna.
In 1969 he married Lena Wailes; who preceded him in death.
He is survived by one son, James (Lori) Sisler of Bradford; three grandchildren, Kristen Sisler, Lucas Sisler and Chad Sisler all of Bradford and five great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of 34 years, Lena Sisler he was also preceded in death by one son, Charles Sisler, Jr. and one daughter, Cherri Heffner.
Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.
Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.
POTTER COUNTY 4-H PROGRAMS
Figure 1: Teen Council members share their leadership style at a club meeting
While historically 4-H clubs have engaged participants in programs focusing on agricultural interests, such as growing crops, caring for livestock, and preparing nutritious meals, the Pennsylvania 4-H program has expanded to include a wide variety of other topics in recent years. These program topics vary greatly, but all work to develop communication, problem-solving, and personal development in youth across the state.
A recent highlight in 4-H programming is science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By connecting these technical skills with 4-H, participants can relate their interests to future career opportunities in these fields, find passions solving complex problems in their lives, and work as a team to design and create a better world. In Pennsylvania, 4-H members can engage in STEM topics at all ages of the program, through Engineering Design Challenges, Animal Science Camps, 4-H STEM Labs, and more!
Another popular area of programming in Pennsylvania is leadership. Youth across the commonwealth are encouraged to engage with their club, community, country, and world through programs that provide opportunities for youth to connect with their roles as young leaders of Pennsylvania. The state offers 4-H members opportunities to enhance their understanding of civic engagement and the role they play as active members of their community by providing opportunities to hold office positions in clubs, organize community events, and participate in events such as State Leadership Conference.
These are only some of the opportunities 4-H offers participants throughout the state. Youth members participate in activities ranging from shooting sports and rocketry to sewing and gardening. Other members may find an interest in horses or showing rabbits, while still more members may find their passion lies in leadership projects or public speaking. With such a wide variety of opportunities, 4-H members can work to improve and develop their passions with the guidance of a trusted adult no matter where their interests lie. For more information on 4-H programming or how to get involved, contact the Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or email Spencer at sqg5901@psu.edu.
Port Allegany Ambulance to Seneca Drive
At 3:58 PM on Tuesday, Port Allegany Ambulance has been called to Seneca Drive for a 54 Year old male fall victim with an upper arm fracture.
Bucktail Council Receives Grant Award
Elk County- The St. Marys Area United Way Board President Doug Gaffey presented a $11,500 grant to Gregg Bennett, Scout Executive with the Bucktail Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This grant award was as a result of the United Way’s 2022 campaign. Gregg Bennett, Scout Executive, reports that the funding will be used to further the camping program at Camp Mountain Run where hundreds of youth attend each year. The United Way funding will be used to train and hire a portion of the camp staff for summer camp, support the maintenance cost for Camp Mountain Run, and purchase program materials.
Scouts BSA is designed for boys and girls ages 11-18, Scouts learn responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities and educational programs. For over 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Today, these values are just as relevant in helping youth grow to their full potential as they were in 1910. Scouting helps youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.
The Boy Scouts are one of the many partnering organizations that have sought grant money from the St. Marys Area United Way. Over the next couple of weeks, the United Way will continue to notify the public of all the grant recipients and award amounts. The grant funding disseminated in 2023 is as a result of the donations raised during the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. Funding raised in 2023 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2024.
The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. If you would like to become one of these individuals or corporate donors, please call 781-6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857
Wolfinger Family Fund supports projects, opportunities at area schools
OLEAN, N.Y., March 14, 2023 — Four area school districts and one New Jersey school recently received grants supporting new projects and education opportunities, together totaling $4,633, from the Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund.
Harold “Sandy” and Connie Wolfinger established the Wolfinger Family Fund in 2019 and designed the fund to provide annual support for educational programming and enrichment opportunities for area students in schools.
The Smethport Area School District received three grants, totaling $1,187, for three projects in the district schools.
PENELEC PLANNED OUTAGE for Borough of Galeton
Borough of Galeton
PENELEC PLANNED OUTAGE
Day/Date Tuesday, March 28th
Time/Duration 08:30 until 15:00
Alternate Date N/A
Town/Street In Galeton, West St., Germania St.,1st St., West Branch Ave., Penn Ave., Division Ave., 5th St., Poplar Ave., Second St.
Reason for Outage Upgrade our facilities for enhanced circuit reliability for our customers.
# of Custs. 195
Borough of Galeton Council Meeting March 8, 2023
The regular meeting of the Galeton Borough Council was held this date in the Municipal Building with the following members present: Joe Petrencsik; Doug Droppa; Darrell Jackson; DJ Fuller, and Denny Dean. Not present was Ron Tarabori.
Others present were: Mayor-Garrote; Foreman-Joe Cimino; Secy-Andrea Caracciolo; Office Asst-Eleanor Boyd and Borough Crew-Joe Cimino Jr.
President Petrencsik called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Followed by the Pledge to the Flag.
MINUTES
The 2/8/23 minutes were reviewed, Joe Petrencsik pointed out that they needed to state that both sides of Germania Street is to have restricted parking for the week of the 4th of July. A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller to approving the minutes with the change. All were in favor, motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller approving the treasurer’s report for Feb/March 2023 as reported. All were in favor, motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Committee toured the Chattanooga Bldg. and agreed to proceed with the first study.
BOROUGH FOREMAN
Orchard Ave and Adams Street sewer issues. There are 8 customers on the list where they are having sewer issues. The sewer is continuously being plugged up with wipes and paper towels. The customers in this area will be sent letters.
Test Wells were drilled and the following were found: The one that was drilled at the Right Branch produced approx. 70 gallons per minute and the water was good. The one on the Left Branch wasn’t successful as well as the one drilled on the Holly Smith property. They are going to drill another one at the Main Branch next.
DJ reported that two culverts on Pine Street have concrete blocks that are caving in and need repaired.
ORDINANCES
A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Darrell Jackson to advertise Ordnance #377 of 2023 to amend Parking on Germania Street during the week of the 4th of July. All were in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Darrell Jackson appointing the mayor as designee to exercise the parking on Germania Street for the 4th of July week. All were in favor, motion carried.
****At this Time, 7:52PM, AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS CALLED TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL ISSUE
***AT THIS TIME 8:35 PM, THE MEETING RECONVENED.
The executive session was held for Joey Cimino to make a presentation. The proposal was for Joey to attend the Mansfield Act 120 academy to become a police officer at his own expense. After graduating from the course the Borough will hire him as an officer. Joey will remain an employee on the Borough crew also in the process of getting his water and sewer licenses. There will be a probation period of a year to see if this works out.
A motion was made by Darrell Jackson, seconded by DJ Fuller to accept the proposal. All were in favor, motion carried. Further details will be discussed at a later date.
BILLS
A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Denny Dean to pay the bills for March 2023. All were in favor, motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Denny Dean, seconded by Doug Droppa to Adjourn. All were in favor, motion caried. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
ATTENTION PATRONS OF THE S.W. SMITH MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY:
The Seneca Library District that includes the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library will be migrating data into a new inter-library system over the next month. Patrons will be able to easily access more library materials and services after this transition! This is an exciting process that will have a very beneficial end, but sometimes getting to the end of the road can be bumpy. As the library transitions, there will be a few “pauses” in library service:
- From March 26-April 5 the library will not be able to create new library patron accounts. If you have been thinking about getting a library account, please come in before March 26 or after April 11.
- The library will be running in an “offline” circulation mode so checking out library materials, checking in library materials, updating patron accounts, and placing holds on books will take a little longer to process. Please give yourself some extra time in the library for us to complete these circulation tasks for you.
- The library will not be able to catalog new materials beginning March 26 until after the migration is complete. The library may have the new book you have been waiting for but getting it out on the shelf for you to borrow might take a little longer. Please be patient or ask the circulation staff to get a copy for you via AccessPA inter-library loan.
- All library due dates for materials checked out beginning March 13 have been changed to the extended date of April 11 to accommodate this migration period.
- If you have questions or concerns, please contact the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library Director, Mary Grace, at 814-642-9210 or swsmith@swsmithlibrary.org.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!