April 2023
PA Dept. of Agriculture Weekly Roundup
Governor Josh Shapiro Joins Senator Scott Martin & Pennsylvania Farmers to Highlight Commonwealth’s Action and Proposed Investments to Address Avian Flu Crisis |
S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library is celebrating
The S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library in Port Allegany is celebrating National Library Week the entire month of April!
April 6, 6pm: E-Reader Class
Learn how to access the library’s free ebooks, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, and videos on your e-reader device (Kindle, iPad, tablet, smartphone, laptop, computer, etc). The Seneca Library District OverDrive platform and Libby App is available to McKean County residents who live in a municipality that supports a state-aided library. This class will be taught by Library Director, Mary Grace Collier-Kisler. Bring your e-reader device!
April 12: DEAR Day
Find a quiet spot in the library to Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)! DEAR Day is a national celebration of reading designed to remind families to make reading a priority activity in their lives.
Anna English Youth Area dedication ceremony at library
Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library will be unveiling the pictured signage for the “Anna English Youth Area” on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 5 pm. All members of the community are welcome to attend.
C&N Promotes Bowen, Zeyn and Welcomes Grissinger to Human Resources Team
WELLSBORO, PA – C&N, a leading financial services company, is pleased to announce the promotions of Cody Bowen and Dusty Zeyn, as well as the addition of Jonathan Grissinger to the Human Resources team. These structural adjustments go to highlight the teams increased ability to acquire and retain talented teammates who excel in their fields. This also underscores the important role the Human Resources team plays in the continued success and growth of C&N.
Shinglehouse Ambulance to Rt. 44 South
At 12:22 PM on Tuesday, Shinglehouse ambulance has been dispatched to Rt. 44 South for altered mental status.
PennDOT Reminds Residents that Proper Stormwater Drainage is a Shared Responsibility
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 2 is reminding residents that proper roadway drainage is a partnership between the department, municipalities, and property owners.
GAME COMMISSION RELEASES DEER HARVEST ESTIMATES
The Pennsylvania Game Commission today reported results from the 2022-23 deer seasons, which ended in January.
Hunters harvested an estimated 422,960 white-tailed deer. The statewide buck harvest was estimated at 164,190 and the antlerless harvest at 258,770.
All told, that’s a 12% increase over 2021-22’s estimated take, which was 376,810. Longer-term, though, it’s very much in line with recent trends, with the buck harvest in particular only 2% higher than the most-recent three-year average.
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Join the Conversation
Online Public Forum Registration Now Open
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that registration has opened for its upcoming 12-Year Program (TYP) update, which will be held on Wednesday, April 12, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The Online Public Forum will be broadcast live via PAcast and PennDOT social media channels.
Bridge Replacement has begun on Jackson Center Road in Jackson Township, Tioga County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement project is set to begin in April on Route 1013 (Jackson Center Road) in Jackson Township, Tioga County.
On Monday, April 3, 2023, Jackson Center Road was closed at the intersection with Tower Hill Road (T-668) and Lake Road (T-669), while a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance crew begins a bridge replacement project over Hammond Creek.
A detour using Route 1011 (Bailey Creek Road), Route 549, and Route 1018 (Pony Hill Road) will be in place. Work on the project is expected to be completed by the end of June, weather permitting.
Work includes removal of the existing bridge and replacement with a new pre-cast box culvert. Additional work includes paving, line painting, and new guide rail.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect travel delays, and drive with caution.
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.
PA Permit Violations Issued
PA Permit Violation Issued to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga County |
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 3/21/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. 78a66(b)1 – REPORTING AND REMEDIATING SPILLS AND RELEASES – Reporting releases – Operator or other responsible party failed to report spills and releases of regulated substances to the Department. |
Incident Date/Time: 2023-03-21 00:00:00 |
Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
No-Till Demo Day to Kick Off Rental Program
he McKean County Conservation District will be holding a Free No-Till Demo Day on May 2, 2023 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the McKean County 911 Center, 17175 Route 6 in Smethport. The field day will give participants a demonstration of the District’s recently purchased Great Plains 10’ No-Till Drill. Participants will also learn more about the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Farm Bill related programs on grazing and pasture practices that are available. Please contact our office at 814-887-4002 to register for the Demo Day.
This field day will serve as the kick-off for the District’s No-Till Drill Rental Program for landowners within McKean County. The following rates have been established:
¨ $12.00 per acre or $24.00 per acre if used on conventional tilled ground.
¨ Free use of the drill up to 30 acres if planting a non-harvested cover crop.
The District will transport the drill; however, landowners leasing the drill will pay a $25.00 delivery fee within McKean County. When completed with the drill, all seed and fertilizer must be cleaned from the machine. Failure to clean the drill will result in a $25 clean out fee.
No-till farming is an agricultural technique for growing crops or pasture without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till farming decreases the amount of soil erosion tillage causes in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils on sloping terrain. Other possible benefits include an increase in the amount of water that infiltrates into the soil, soil retention of organic matter, and nutrient cycling. These methods may increase the amount and variety of life in and on the soil. While conventional no-tillage systems use herbicides to control weeds, organic systems use a combination of strategies, such as planting cover crops as mulch to suppress weeds.
Landowners can utilize a no‐till drill to establish a cover crop after harvesting corn silage. Rotate or convert annual crop land to hay or pasture. Improve their hay or pasture and/or establish legumes (i.e. soybeans) or cereal grains without primary tillage.
Rental is FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, contact Adam Causer, Watershed Specialist at 814-887-4003 or accauser@mckeancountypa.org to schedule your anticipated use TODAY!
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContact Capitol Update You are welcome to contact me through this link. Preparing for Emergencies Our emergency responders are constantly training to be prepared for any emergency situation. I had the opportunity to stop by the Bradford City Central Fire Station Thursday to observe a simulated training session with a high-tech manikin used by EMS, law enforcement and the military for training purposes. This equipment can be used to simulate medical emergencies as well as traumatic injuries. Thank you to Bradford City Firefighters and their medical director, Dr. Brian Walters, for showing me this equipment. Your life-saving work is very much appreciated! Veterans Services Available Area veterans are invited to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need. Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet. Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule is as follows: • Coudersport office: Thursday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Coudersport office is located at 107 S. Main St. Please call 814-274-9769 to schedule an appointment. • Bradford office: Wednesday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment. • Kane office: Wednesday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment. Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate. Outreach Hours Set for April 6 To help ensure access to state government information and services, I will host outreach office hours at the Emporium Borough Office on Thursday, April 6, from 9-10 a.m. Services available include assistance with any state-related issues or concerns, driver license and vehicle registration applications, and applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug assistance programs. EMT Training Opportunity If you are looking for an opportunity to serve our communities, consider becoming an emergency medical technician (EMT). EMTs save lives, and we need more of them! Check out this upcoming training opportunity available through IUP, EMS West and Mt. Jewett Area Ambulance. Preregistration is required at ems-emt@iup.eduPreregistration. Respecting the Taxpayers Who Foot the Bill With respect to the individuals, families and business owners who foot the bill for the annual state budget, the House Appropriations Committee continued its examination of the governor’s $45.8 billion spending proposal during budget hearings this week. In the area of public safety, members talked about proposed funding for the Pennsylvania State Police and how the agency will meet recruitment challenges for the next generation of state troopers. With regard to public health, the committee questioned the heads of both the Department of Health and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs about efforts to meet the needs of the state’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly when it comes to the continuing crisis of opioid abuse and overdose deaths. Members questioned the Department of Aging about its support for senior centers, and the proposed expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for seniors and people with disabilities. Additional hearings featured the Department of State, Department of Corrections and Board of Probation and Parole, and the Department of Transportation. No hearings are scheduled next week. They will resume on Tuesday, April 11. All hearings are streamed live at www.PAHouseGOP.com. For a schedule of upcoming hearings and video of completed hearings, click here. Financial Tips for Higher Education Seekers The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will once again offer a series of financial aid webinars to assist students seeking a higher education and their families. With the May 1 deadline for filing the Federal Free Application for Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, just around the corner, PHEAA will hold a “FAFSA Overview/Line by Line” webinar on the following dates: • Wednesday, April 5, from 6-7 p.m. • Wednesday, April 19, from 6-7 p.m. Other sessions include: • Paying for College and Options for Balances: Tuesday, April 4, at noon, and Thursday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. • Financial Aid and Planning Q&A: Thursday, April 6, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, April 18, at noon. Registration is required. Visit www.PHEAA.org/virtual. Apply for Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebates The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is offering rebates to Pennsylvania agricultural producers for energy efficiency projects. Rebates are offered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available, through June 30. Interested applicants should apply to secure a rebate voucher prior to installing their equipment. Rebates are available for LED lighting, dairy equipment and ventilation equipment. For additional information, or to apply, click here. PennDOT Offers Free Motorcycle Safety Training The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds residents that free Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) training opportunities are available to riders across the state. Prospective, experienced and new Pennsylvania riders who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license can develop and refresh operator proficiency through these free training sessions. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center for those over the age of 18 and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Motorcycle permit holders who complete a three-wheel basic course will earn a motorcycle license with a restriction prohibiting the operation of a two-wheel motorcycle. Click here for more information. Trout Season Opens April 1! Good luck to all the anglers heading out this weekend for the opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 1. For everything you need to know about fishing in the Commonwealth, including licensing and stocking information, visit www.fishandboat.com or check out the FishBoatPA mobile app. Celebrating Women’s History Month with Hannah Penn As the month of March, also Women’s History Month, draws to a close, we remember and honor the first and only woman to have ever governed Pennsylvania – Hannah Callowhill Penn. Hannah was wife of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn. Watch to learn more about her! |
Spring Story Hour Continues Tuesdays
Coudersport Public Library’s Preschool Story Hour series, with the theme “Hello Spring!” will begin Tuesday, April 4!
Participants will learn about and celebrate Spring and all the fun and new beginnings it brings. Sessions will be led by retired educators Brenda Bonczar and Lisa Bretz. Sessions will run on Tuesdays, April 4-May 9, at 10:00 a.m. These are geared for children ages three through five and their parents, and include stories, a craft and snacks.
Advance registration is required to ensure sufficient materials. Stop in at the Library, call 814-274-9382 or email coudersportlibrary@gmail.com to register your child.
Hope is an Egg!
“When we express the beauty inside of us, it can help us see the hope.”– Olga Snyder
Olga Snyder, a Potter County, Pennsylvania resident and Ukrainian native, moved to the United States 25 years ago. Although Olga spent her whole childhood into her young adulthood studying and creating art in Ukraine, it was not until just a month before immigrating to the United States that she learned about pysanky also known as Ukrainian Easter eggs for the first time. She was walking down her favorite street in Kyiv with her fiancé, now husband, John, when she spotted a little box full of the most colorful, beautiful round shapes she had ever seen. Olga approached the man standing behind the box, asking him about its contents, and he was shocked by her lack of knowledge.
Wellsville Dispatched For Crash with Wires Down
At 11:08 AM on Tuesday, Wellsville Fire Dept. has been dispatched to Truax Road for a dump truck into a utility pole with wires down.
I-86 Reopened
I-86 WB – Tractor Trailer Rollover – Mile Marker 114 – Near Exit 32 at 5:46 AM
I-86 WB – All Lanes Open – West Almond 9:30 AM
Mansfield Dispatched For Vehicle Fire
At 11:02 AM on Tuesday, Mansfield Fire Dept. has been dispatched to Mansfield University near Butler Music Center for a vehicle fire.
Wellsville Police Blotter
Wellsville N.Y. Police Department
Monday, April 3, 2023
Wellsville Police arrested Amanda N. Allman, age 36 of Wellsville, charging her with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. The charges stem from an incident that took place on West State Street in the Village. Allman was processed, issued an appearance ticket and released. Allman is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court on April 18th at 4:30 pm.
Kane Dispatched For Possible House Fire
At 9:51 AM on Tuesday, Kane Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a possible house fire in the 300 block of West Hemlock Avenue.
Vote Kevin Siska Potter County Sheriff
- 28 Years Total Law Enforcement Experience
- 21 months experience in a Maximum Security State Prison
- Almost 7 Years experience at Potter County Sheriff’s Department
- Knows the Responsibilities and Duties of the Sheriff’s Department
- Knows the Procedures of the Sheriff’s Department
- 14 years Law Enforcement Supervision Experience
- Graduated from Southwest Law Enforcement Institute, Management College
- Currently a Certified Deputy with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
- Currently certified by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission as a Firearms Instructor
- Volunteer Assistant Coach for State Champion Black Forest Youth Trap Team
Paid For By The Candidate
Rep. Causer Looks Over Roulette Water Project
PA State Rep. Martin Causer
Had the opportunity today to meet with Roulette Township, Potter County officials to discuss and take a look at their water system infrastructure. The township has a plan for infrastructure upgrades and is working hard to maintain clean drinking water for the community. Glad to work with them and support state assistance for their project.
Jack S. Keifer, Candidate for Potter County Commissioner
Jack S. Keifer has announced his candidacy for a seat on the 2024-27 Potter County Board of Commissioners. He’s seeking a nomination in the May 16 Democratic Primary Election.
Keifer cites his qualifications as a military veteran, a small business owner, the county’s technology consultant for seven years, and as an active member of Coudersport Borough Council.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, he has operated multiple internet-based businesses, ranging from product creation to retail commerce during his 24 years as a resident of Potter County. He also served for 13 years as information technology director for the Coudersport Area School District.
“My approach has always been based on good planning, hard work and careful financial management,” Keifer said. “That is the same way I would approach my leadership role in county government. I am the only Democratic candidate who is familiar with our county government through first-hand experience, and I do see some areas for improvement.”
If elected, he would work to increase county efficiencies and transparency through more effective deployment of technology. He would also spearhead a comprehensive review of staffing and employee compensation, improve county communications, and pull together stakeholders from across the county to explore strategies for community and economic development.
“County commissioners have an impact on many people across the county,” Keifer said. “A commissioner should be proactive in communicating with the public and seeking input from the citizens.”
If elected, he would be actively engaged with the county’s Human Services Department.
“Thousands of people, especially the underprivileged and others in need, rely on Human Services,” Keifer said.
He would take a similar approach with the Department of Emergency Services.
“The county needs to be an active partner with our volunteer fire and ambulance services, communicating regularly with them and standing up for them in Harrisburg,” he added.
Also on his task list is hands-on support for the county’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
“As a veteran myself, I’m well aware of the challenges these men and women can face when they return home and find themselves caught in a maze of red tape when it comes to accessing the benefits and services they have earned.”
Economic development will also be a priority.
“We need to be marketing the best of what Potter County has to offer, which is our rural lifestyle and outdoor assets, to people who are looking to relocate,” Keifer noted. “With expansion of high-speed internet service, people can move here and still keep their jobs as telecommuters. I know that first hand.”
The candidate added that, through his service on Borough Council, he has gained a great understanding of conservative fiscal management, contract negotiations, personnel management, and engaging members of the public in the decision-making process.
Keifer chairs the borough’s Streets/Utilities committee, spearheading improvements such as the Ross Glen stormwater management that recently qualified for a state grant.
“I believe the county government can also do a better job of securing state and federal grants that can support our communities while keeping taxes down,” he said. “The current board of commissioners has been able to freeze the county taxes for five years and I would work hard to continue that trend but still not reduce needed services. You can do a lot with greater efficiency and better use of technology.”
Lockdown Drill – April 4 At Smethport Schools; Early Dismissal Wednesday
I want to make you aware that we have coordinated with local law enforcement to conduct an announced lockdown drill at both schools on Tuesday morning, April 4, as part of our routine school safety procedures at Smethport Area School District.
These drills typically last no more than 15 minutes.
Our administration, faculty, and staff members will be reviewing safety protocols with our students both before and after the drill. Working in conjunction with the Smethport Borrough Police Department, we use these brief drills to emphasize a quick response to any threat to school safety. These safety drills are educational as we constantly work to promote a safe and secure learning environment.
For more information, please read Superintendent Benson’s entire lockdown drill letter.
Smethport Area School District will be having an Early Dismissal on Wednesday, April 5th, prior to Easter break. The Elementary School will dismiss at 12 PM. The Junior-Senior High School will dismiss at 12:10 PM. Regular Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. School will resume after Easter break on Wednesday, April 12th.
Carol L. REES, 73, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Roulette
Carol L. REES, 73, of Port Allegany, PA, formerly of Roulette, died Saturday, April 1, 2023 in Williamsport Hospital.
Born December 25, 1949, in Olean, NY, she was the daughter of Richard S. and Wilma A. Carlson Klein.
A graduate of Port Allegany High School, she devoted her life to raising her family. She was a Buffalo Bills fan.
Surviving are: three children, Wendy (Tom) Rees Manning of Port Allegany, Justin (Tina) Rees of Roulette, and Travis Gaines of Port Allegany; five grandchildren, Josh, Jake, Steven, Rikki, and Trevor; and four great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her longtime companion, Gordon Gaines; a daughter, Laurie Rees; and a sister, Janice Rennells.
Services will be private. Memorials may be made to the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA. Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfoust.com.