Morris Dispatched For Wildfire
At 10:23 AM on Thursday, Morris Fire Dept. has been dispatched to a wildfire at the intersection of Cogan House Road & Buck Horn Road in Cogan House Twp.
July 2023
Artisan Center Schedules July Classes
The Potter County Artisan Center in Coudersport is planning several classes over the next few weeks.
Artist, Laurie Angood is offering “Young Artisans” painting class on July 20 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. Cost is $20. All materials are provided.
Laurie Angood is also offering an Adult Watercolor class on July 27 from 6:30-8:30. Cost is $35. Subject is a watercolor dragonfly. All materials are provided.
To register for these classes, please call the center at 814-274-8165 or email: pottercountyartisancenter@gmail.com. The co-op cannot guarantee registration via Facebook or Messenger. The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street and is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday.
June Dunn Scholarship Awarded
Isaac Fessenden and Chloe Cramer, both 2023 graduates of Port Allegany High School, were presented with the June Dunn Memorial Scholarships awarded through the Port Allegany Women’s Club. The presentation was made during a recent Concert on the Town Square hosted by PAWC. June Dunn was a long-time music educator at Port Allegany High School. The first scholarship was awarded to Maria Mantz, Class of 2000. Isaac will be attending Mansfield University and majoring in Music Technology. Chloe will be attending Ithaca College and majoring in Music Education.
Pictured: The $500 scholarships are being presented to Issac and Chloe by PAWC President, Joyce Stehle.
Roulette Township OFFICE IS CLOSED TODAY
Roulette Township
DUE TO THE MONTHLY MEETING THE OFFICE IS CLOSED TODAY BUT WILL BE OPEN TOMORROW, FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023 FOR THE USUAL HOURS. I APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING.
‘Storyteller’s Live’ planned for July 29
Open Arms Church will host Storyteller’s Live, an evening of stories, prayers, and music around a fire, on Saturday, July 29.
The event will start at 6 pm and take place in the lower parking lot at 1289 E. Main St., Foster Township, about a mile past Walmart. Storyteller’s Live will follow the Thrive Children’s Ministry’s Super Summer Bash, which will run from 3 to 6 pm.
Storyteller’s Live is an opportunity for individuals to share their personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Worship team members will also play instruments around the fire.
“Storyteller’s Live is an opportunity to worship God through song and to hear what Jesus is doing in each of our lives through our testimonials,” said Worship Pastor Rich Dennison.
For more information about Storyteller’s Live, visit www.oachurch.com.
Cake Making Summer Camp Success at the Seneca Highlands Career & Technical Center
One of several summer camps offered by the Education Council was the Cake Baking Challenge held at the Seneca Highlands CTC Culinary Arts Classroom with instructor Chef Paul Farmelo. Students each baked their own cake and decorated it as well. Chef Paul assisted participants with the making and baking of the cakes and participants used their creativity for decorating. The camp was open for students entering grades 5 – 8. Chef Paul was assisted by former CTC Culinary Arts graduate, Makayla Alcorn.
Pictured are the Cake Camp kids with Chef Paul and his assistant.
Other camps offered this summer included Minecraft, Video Gamers and Gaming Design, Intro to Drones and Video Games, Exploring Careers in Healthcare and Dungeons and Dragons. For information on future opportunities offered by the Education Council serving Potter and McKean Counties go to their website at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org.
Local Benefit Raises $ for CASA of Mckean County
No Fooling, It Was Ladies Day Out on Saturday April 1st, at Eddie’s ON MAIN in Port Allegany, PA. Seventy plus women gathered in an effort to raise funds in support of CASA… McKean County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates For Children. Curated by Kimball Nelson of Howard Hanna Professionals and hosted by Ed Vicic of Eddie’s ON MAIN this delightful afternoon proved to be profitable as well as enjoyable. The presentation of the proceeds was done recently in Port Allegany.
Shown in the picture above are CASA Advocate Jennifer Tanner, CASA Advocate Supervisor Margaret “Peggy” Luck, Kimball Nelson and Ed Vicic.
The event featured music by local guitarist John Meade, wine tasting by the Little Mountain Winery, appetizer stations by Eddie’s on MAIN, all part of a Treat Yourself Day for the ladies. Jewelry, Glassware, Artwork, Gift Baskets, and Raffles merchandised raising $1500.00, shown donated by the presentation check in the photo.
Box Culvert Replacement to Begin in Potter County
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a start date of Thursday, July 27, for a box culvert replacement project in Potter County. The box spans Tyler Hollow Run along Route 244 approximately two miles east of Oswayo and replacing it will improve the structure’s overall condition from “poor” to “good.”
Starting Thursday, PennDOT Potter County Maintenance crews will close Route 244 between the intersections of Route 4025 (Brizzie Hollow Road) and Route 4011 (Peet Brook Road). They will implement a detour that will see drivers use Route 44, Route 49, and Peet Brook Road to reconnect with Route 244.
PennDOT Potter County Maintenance will complete all work associated with this project and anticipates wrapping up the project in mid-August. All work is weather and schedule dependent.
McCABE LEAPS INTO NEW GENRE WITH ‘VAULTING THROUGH TIME’
Dr. Nancy McCabe is entering fresh territory with her seventh and newest book, “Vaulting Through Time,” a young adult novel that will be published July 25, when the Bradford Area Public Library will host a book launch party.
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford professor of writing found success with five of her books authoring autobiographical stories. In 2016, she published her first novel, “Following Disasters.” Now she’s tackling young adult fiction and time travel simultaneously.
“I wrote fiction for many years – often very autobiographical stories, McCabe said about her leap into a new genre. “Then, I started writing nonfiction because I realized that those stories were already dramatic enough and gained power from the fact that they were true. But there’s also something freeing about telling stories in which you can make things up, too, and some essential truths that are easier to get at in fiction, so I’ve gradually come back to fiction, too.”
She said her college students were one of her inspirations for exploring time travel.
“I have been inspired by and learned from many students over the years who are interested in speculative work. And I’ve always been fascinated by time travel as it occurs across genres, its potential for social and cultural commentary and historical recreation, the way it can explore the effect of the past on the present and the present on the future.”
McCabe was teaching a class on time travel fiction when her daughter was a teenager competing on the YMCA gymnastics team, the Bradford Flames.
“So, I thought, what if I brought all these things together and wrote a YA novel about a time traveling gymnast?”
The protagonist of McCabe’s new book for young people aged 13 to 18 is Elizabeth Arlington, a 16-year-old competitive gymnast with fear issues when it comes to throwing herself over a vault table. But then Elizabeth finds that she has much bigger problems when she discovers a mystery surrounding her birth.
With the help of a watch that turns out to be a time machine, she catapults into the past —through her family history and great moments in gymnastics history — to solve that mystery and stop a fellow time traveler whose actions may prevent her from being born at all. Her quest takes her to the 1988 Olympic Trials, where she’ll have to perform the vault of her life to save her loved ones — and herself.
“There’s really not much difference in complexity and sophistication in YA novels versus adult novels,” McCabe said. “It’s just that YA novels deal with younger characters and are more likely to focus on issues related to identity and independence, which is also true of ‘Vaulting through Time.’”
Publisher CamCat Books will release “Vaulting through Time” July 25 in hardcover, large print and digital formats as well as in an audiobook narrated by voiceover actress Sura Siu.
The Bradford Area Public Library will hold a launch party that day at 6 p.m. The party is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available at the library. Additionally, McCabe will be at the Good Neighbors Bookstore in Lakewood, N.Y., from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 26.
McCabe noted that much of the story takes place in Bradford in 1929, 1972 and 2018.
McCabe’s next two books are already in the works. “The Pamela Papers,” a comic novel with speculative elements about a small college campus during the pandemic, will be out from Outpost 19 next year.
“Fires Burning Underground” is a contemporary middle-grades novel with supernatural elements that will be published by Fitzroy/Regal House in 2025.
In addition to her books, McCabe has published essays in numerous magazines, received a Pushcart Prize and been selected for annual lists of the most notable American essays nine times by Best American anthologies.
To learn more about McCabe or her writing, visit www.nancymccabe.net.
PITT-BRADFORD HONORED FOR EASE OF TRANSFERRING
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is one of 208 colleges and universities in the nation named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Transfer Honor Roll in honor of the pathways it has created to support transfer students.
The Transfer Honor Roll is decided by 40 key metrics related to the support and success of transfer students, including college cost and financial aid, campus life for transfer students, admission practices, and bachelor’s degree completion.
The Transfer Honor Roll was based on analysis from the National Student Clearinghouseand on data submitted through the four-year institution’s profile on PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool designed to help students find their best-fit colleges and career pathways.
Colleges completing the PTK Connect profile are given a Transfer Friendliness Rating. The Honor Roll is chosen from among the top 25 percent highest-rated colleges.
This is the third time Pitt-Bradford has been recognized. It was the only campus in the Pitt system and only one of two public universities in Pennsylvania that was recognized.
“We are proud to recognize exceptional colleges and universities that go above and beyond to create accessible pathways to bachelor’s degree completion for community college transfer students,” said Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.
Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for students at two-year colleges and universities. It recognizes four-year colleges and universities considered most friendly to transfer students.
Pitt-Bradford provides an extensive database of courses at other universities for students to find potential transfer credits. It also has specific transfer agreements with 15 other universities and offers merit scholarship for transfer students.
“We do our very best to be transfer-friendly, knowing that students are looking to us to help them earn a Pitt degree without losing out on credits they have already earned at other colleges,” said Bob Dilks, director of transfer and nontraditional student recruitment. “Our goal is to make the transfer process as seamless as possible.”
For more information on transferring to Pitt-Bradford, contact Dilks at dilks@pitt.edu.
Democrats Welcome Candidates and Guests to Allegany County Fair
The Allegany County Democratic Committee invites you visit its booth at the Alegany County Fair. Volunteers will be on hand to greet you from 10:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. each day of the fair, which runs July 20-26, 2023.
Stop by to chat or to register to vote. Get information on local candidates, on becoming an Elections Inspector, and on early voting for the November election. For fun, you’re invited to play a game of “Citizen Bingo”– every player wins!
“We are deeply committed to community service and outreach,” said committee Vice Chair Martha Sabato, “and so our theme this year is “Serving Our Community.” The booth design features framed photos of county Democrats engaged in activities that benefit our community.
Special guests this year include:
- Bill Cox (Alma Town Council) Monday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Cindy Appleton (Western Region Vice Chair, Democratic Rural Conference) Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
- Quinn Bushen, Bonnie Kane Lockwood, and Karen Mahony (Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, WNY Region) Wednesday between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Linda Cash (Angelica Village Trustee) Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
** Other invited guests had not confirmed at the time of this publication. Learn more on our website at www.alleganycountydemocrats.org, or contact us on FB, Twitter or at info@alleganycountydemocrats.org.
Four area graduates receive Burt Scholarship
Four recent area graduates received awards this year from the Burt Scholarship Fund, managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
Allegany-Limestone Central School’s Karly Bruton, Francisca Childs of Hinsdale Central School, Nathaniel Martinelli of Olean High School and Portville Central School’s Malachi Galmer each received the Burt Scholarship for $1,250.
Established by the Burt Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Olean in memory of Dr. Rudy Burt, the scholarship is given each year to one student each from Olean High School and Portville, Allegany-Limestone and Hinsdale Central Schools.
Bruton plans to study nursing at Mercyhurst University. Childs will attend Washington & Lee University to study biology/economics.
Martinelli will study political science at Chatham University. Galmer will attend Alfred State College to study digital media and animation.
The Burt Scholarship Fund has supported over $70,000 in scholarship awards to area students since it was established at CRCF in 2004.
Donations can be made to the Burt Scholarship at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203 or online at cattfoundation.org.
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
Dush and Thompson Announce Cameron County Satellite Office Hours
Get Your State and Federal Government Questions Answered on Wednesday, July 26
Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-15) are pleased to announce their upcoming Cameron County area satellite office hours for July 2023.
On Wednesday, July 26, field representatives from both offices will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, 34 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA 15834.
Dush’s staff will be available to assist with any state government-related issues and available legislative services. These include helping Cameron County area residents deal with problems involving state laws, state government or state agencies; assisting residents with PennDOT paperwork, driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals; handicap placards and dead tags (plates); information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs; state tax forms; and many others.
Thompson’s staff will be available to meet with residents who need assistance from federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IRS.
No appointments are necessary. For further information, Dush’s Smethport district office can be reached by calling (814)-734-2785. Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch).
The Master Watershed Steward tree sale information webinar
The webinar being held on July 26th will discuss the trees sold, some facts/hints/suggestions on offered species, and how the sale is going to work. Karen Reed, one of our Jefferson County MWS & MGs, will be a speaker.
Space is limited, register at the link below—A separate event will be created for the actual sale. A list of the species being sold this year is available.
Only 2 locations this year, so the October pickups will be at the McKean County Extension office and the Larson Ag Research Center
I was only allowed 2 locations this year, so the October pickups will be at the McKean County Extension office and the Larson Ag Research Center
https://extension.psu.edu/master-watershed-steward-q-a-for-native-tree-and-shrub-sale
Super Summer Bash being planned at Open Arms on July 29
Children can participate in fun-filled activities, engaging learning opportunities and delicious treats during the Super Summer Bash on Saturday, July 29, at Open Arms Church in Bradford.
The free event, from 3-6 pm, for children aged toddlers to 14 years old will offer a wide array of activities, including interactive games and outdoor play.
“We are excited to host this event for children in our community,” said Annette Dennison, who is the next-generation coordinator at Open Arms Church. “We want to provide a fun and safe environment where children can learn, play, and make new friends.”
Face painting and a dunk tank are expected to be on site. Frozen treats and dinner will be served.
To cap off the event, a campfire gathering called Storyteller’s Live will offer children and their families the chance to enjoy storytelling and bonding with new friends.
The deadline to sign up is July 24.To sign up or for more information, see oachurch.com/super-summer-bash or call the church office at (814) 368-8846.
SENECA HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE UNIT 9 PARTNERS WITH ZITO BUSINESS TO IMPROVE BROADBAND ACCESS IN SCHOOLS
New contract increases Internet bandwidth 22% while cutting costs 8%.
Smethport, PA, July 10, 2023 –The Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9 (IU9) has reached an agreement with Zito Business to improve technology access to regional schools. The new five-year contracts increase available bandwidth for teaching and learning by 3 Gigabits per second to 21 local schools while saving local taxpayers $110,000.
“Inflation is squeezing school budgets across the region,” said Brock Benson, Executive Director of IU9. “That’s why we are especially pleased to announce this long-term agreement that actually reduces technology costs for local schools.”
The contracts with Zito Business were awarded after a competitive procurement process conducted by Dellicker Strategies, a Lehigh Valley based technology services company. IU9 has been working with Dellicker for 18 years to improve their technology infrastructure.
Zito Business is a Coudersport-based company that has become a national leader in delivering high-speed broadband access in rural areas. “This project proves that private companies investing their own capital can effectively bridge the digital divide,” said James Rigas, Zito Media’s President. “If we can serve northern Pennsylvania, we can serve anywhere.”
IU9 has been providing Internet access and services to regional schools for more than two decades. In 2005, IU9 organized local districts in a purchasing consortium for Internet access. One of the first initiatives of its kind in Pennsylvania, the project combined the buying power of regional districts to incentivize broadband investment and reduce costs.
“It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” said Ed Bell, Director of Technology at IU9. Mr. Bell has been a part of this since 2009. Before the consortium, regional districts paid an average of $970 per month for 2.5 Megabits per second (Mbps) of Internet access. Today, they pay $938 per month for 1,063 Mbps. That’s 425 times the bandwidth for eight percent less money. “Not a bad deal,” said Mr. Bell.
Some of those cost reductions are due to changing market conditions, explained Mr. Bell. But IU9 has achieved remarkable success in the most rural parts of Pennsylvania negotiating pricing and service levels that are comparable to the best deals in the biggest cities. Mr. Bell credits the cohesiveness of the consortium, “This is an example of what can happen when our 14 regional school districts serviced by IU9 work together to solve the challenge of needing reliable internet at a competitive price.”
Districts aren’t required to cooperate on technology purchases, explained Mr. Bell. They can negotiate their own agreements or conduct their own procurements. But they work together with IU9 because it promotes technology investment while benefiting students and taxpayers alike. “The schools work together because it produces results,” said Mr. Bell.
The districts began taking delivery of the new service on July 1, 2023.
Fire & EMS Dispatched For Crash Reports on Route 15 Southbound
At 10:29 PM on Wednesday, Mansfield & Blossburg Fire & EMS have been dispatched to a vehicle crash on the southbound Route 15 near MM 174. (Nothing found on this one)
At 10:30 PM on Wednesday, Liberty & Blossburg have been dispatched to a second crash on the southbound lane just past the Sebring Interchange. 3 occupants with possible injuries.
UPMC to Host “Find Your Fit” Hiring Event
Coudersport, Pa., July 6, 2023 – UPMC in North Central Pa. is hosting an in-person Find Your Fit event on Tuesday, July 18, for those interested in beginning a career at UPMC. The event is open to anyone who is looking for a position within UPMC, including current employees. The Find Your Fit event will take place at the Wellness Center at UPMC Cole, 1001 E. 2nd St., Coudersport, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The career focused event will feature:
- Opportunities to interview in-person and potential to receive a same-day job offer.
- Find your fit at UPMC and learn about opportunities eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $15,000.
- Explore Total Rewards packages for employees, designed to support total well-being – physically, financially, and emotionally.
- Connect with leaders to learn more about UPMC in North Central Pa. and jobs available.
- Meet with current employees to hear about their UPMC experience.
- Review resumes with UPMC’s Human Resources team or receive assistance creating one.
Those interested in attending can RSVP by emailing ta.ncpa@UPMC.edu.
Visit careers.UPMC.com for additional information on the Find Your Fit event as well as to explore current opportunities with UPMC in North Central Pa.
Man Struck By Vehicle on SR 19 Near Scio
At 9:25 PM on Wednesday, Scio & Wellsville have been dispatched to a report of a male struck by a vehicle on SR 19 near the Kwik Fill. Air medical requested. Serious injury reported.
CHERRY SPRINGS STATE PARK OFFERS FREE IN-PERSON PROGRAMS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JULY 14 & 15
Free in-person programs are this Friday and Saturday July 14 and 15 at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44.
Star gazing programs are all held in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Park in the gravel lot and follow the walkway next to the restrooms to the seating area. Since seating is limited and nights can be chilly, those attending may want to bring a chair and/or blanket. Programs will be cancelled in the event of rain or thunder. Telescopes will not be available if there is significant cloud-cover. Check the Clear Sky Chart or Astrospheric for 48-hour forecasts of cloud cover and viewing conditions.
All visitors should arrive before dark, including those who plan to observe the night sky on their own and are asked to leave pets at home.
Registration is encouraged but not required for free in-person programs. People who choose to register will receive an email if a program is cancelled or modified due to weather, etc.
Park Welcome & Walking Tour is This Friday, July 14 from 8pm to 8:45pm
Coming to a Night Sky Program this Friday, July 14 but arriving early? Meet park staff at the kiosk by the Night Sky Public Viewing Area to go on a short, guided walk of park facilities, learning about their past, present and future. The kiosk is next to the restrooms near the gravel lot. All ages are welcome. Expect to walk less than a mile on mostly level terrain.
Launch Into Space – Yard Games are This Saturday, July 15 from 7pm to 7:45pm
Launch into space by joining park staff for astronomy-themed educational yard games. These fun, family-friendly, free games will provide an intro to astronomy and are a great way to ease into the Night Sky Tour program.
Nature at Night is This Saturday, July 15 from 8pm to 8:45pm
Coming to a Night Sky Program this Saturday, July 15, but arriving early? Join park staff for a family-friendly Nature at Night Program that features fascinating creatures. Possible topics are: fireflies, owls bats, black bears and more.
Night Sky Tour – Intro to the Summer Sky is This Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15 from 9:15pm to 10pm
Experience the wonder of a starry night at Cherry Springs State Park during a laser-guided tour conducted by park staff that is great for beginners. Learn how to find the Big Dipper and the North Star and a few key summer constellations. Listen as staff recounts the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious patterns in the sky. Learn about park history, current use, and the importance of dark night skies.
Through Our Telescopes: Hidden in Plain Sight is This Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15 from 10:15pm to 11pm
Under the guidance of park volunteers and staff, embark on an amazing telescope tour of the night sky. Look through park telescopes at some of the hidden wonders of the night sky, searching for double-stars and other features tucked into well-known constellations. In July, we may even bring out a large telescope. Telescopes are available on a first-come, first-served basis for the time listed subject to staff and volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations.
Register at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park for park programs. Questions? Call 1-814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.
HILLS CREEK STATE PARK IS HOLDING FREE IN-PERSON PROGRAM THIS SATURDAY, JULY 15
Coming up at Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901-9676 is a free in-person program about bats and a survey of park bats this Saturday, July 15. The park is seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Charleston Township via Charleston Street and Hills Creek Lake Road.
From 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. this Saturday, July 15 in the park’s Nature Center, learn about the many benefits of bats, the very real threat they face today, and what you can do to help. A Game Commission survey of bats in the park will also be held.
For more information, call the Hills Creek State Park office at 570-724-4246 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays.