June 2024

SMETHPORT, Pa. – Penn State Extension is honored to welcome Riley Thompson as the new Agriculture Assistant in the McKean Office.

Riley is currently wrapping up her first year at Oregon State University studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. “Although this a very broad degree, my focus is on agricultural conservation,” says Thompson.

Riley is not new to the agriculture community in the northern tier. She explains “In my spare time I can be found working with our herd of commercial beef cattle on our family farm in Potter County.” Prior to high school graduation she was very involved in Potter and McKean County 4-H, competing in both dairy and livestock shows. She is enthusiastic about connecting farmers, landowners, and other industry professionals in McKean and sharing Penn State’s resources.

When asked what she would say to the McKean public she stated, “I am excited to give back to the agricultural community of McKean County and I can’t wait to work with you!” She will be out in the community this summer, scouting crop fields and meeting with farms.

Riley Thompson can be reached by phone at the McKean County Extension Office at 814-887-5613 ext 101 or by email rst5310@psu.edu or in the office by appointment.

​Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to attend a public plan display for its Route 120 (East Fourth Street/Allegany Avenue) roadway reconstruction project on Monday, June 10. The purpose is to introduce the project, share the results of the current engineering studies, and gather public input related to the project.

Attendees will have the chance to review project displays and participate in discussions with project team members from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Emporium Borough office Building located at 421 North Broad Street, Emporium, PA 15834.

The Port Allegany High School Class of 2024 held commencement exercises May 31 in the school auditorium.  The Processional was played by the Commencement Band followed by the Welcome Address given by Miska Young, Class President. 

The introduction of speakers was made by Marc Budd, High School Principal. 

Theme for the Commencement Address was DAWN.  Peyton Stiles spoke on Dedication; Braylon Button spoke on Achievement; Saxon Palmer, Salutatorian, spoke on Willpower and Valedictorian, Levi Wilfong, spoke on New Beginnings. 

The Rowan Tree was played by the Commencement Band under the direction of Brad Stewart. 

Before Awarding the diplomas, PASD superintendent Gary Buchsen, addressed the audience. 

The graduating class of 2024 includes:  Drake Stanely Arthurs, Lily Jaylin Babcock, Dezmond Jay Baker, Isaac Jeffrey Barber, Olivia Lynnette Barth, Jennifer Lynn Baxter, Damien J. Bisher, Trenton J. Bunnell, Braylon James Button, Bren R. Carlson, Hanna Rose Carpenter, Erica Joyce Carr, Alana Marie Corey, Colton Cash Crowe, Paige N. Crum-Threadgill, Kayleigha Lynnzee Dowell, Luke Vincent Dunkle, Austin Michael Freer, Amber Lynn Funk, Hannah Jo Hanchett, Zien S. Herzog, Brianne Nichole Hosterman, Franklin Nelson Howard, Jr., Sheryl Melanie Kelley, Kole Andrew Kisko, Henry Jerome Kisler, Cole M. Lannager, Caiden J. Lathrop-Roller, Kendra Delanee McGarvey-Smoker, Jossalynn Kay Mereen, Lacy Jay Morris, Anthony Luis Ortiz, Saxon Austin Palmer, Jasmine Lynn Patterson, Brayden James Pearsall, Anastasia Sydnee Penick, Julia Ann Postlewait, Anastasia Dale Robbins, Aiden Patrick Smith, John Alexander Smith, Peyton J. Stiles, Collin R. Stuckey, Darren G. Tinder, Henry A. Troupe, Damian Michael VanGorder, Levi Patrick Wilfong, Lillian Jolee Wright, Alexander J. Yeager and Miska Andrew Young.  

Port Allegany High School recognizes a male and female athlete of the month each month September through May.  In September 2023, Henry Kisler, Class of 2024 and Isla Lehmier, Class of 2026 were selected followed by Aidan Clark (2025) and Kendra Meade (2026) for October; Juuso Young (2026) and Julie Smith (2025) for November and Austin Hamilton (2025) and Savannah Hart (2026) for December  In January 2024, Levi Wilfong (2024) and Brynn Evens (2026) were selected followed by Henry Troupe (2024) and Willow Sauers (2025) for February; Aiden Bliss (2026) and Madison Errick (2026) for March; Kole Kisko (2024) and Lily Lehmeir (2026) for April and Owen Kisler (2026) and Alayna Palmer (2027) for May.  The athletes are pictured (left to right) Isla Lehmier, Henry Kisler, Kendra Meade, Aidan Clark, Julie Smith, Austin Hamilton, Savannah Hart, Levi Wilfong, Brynn Evens, Willow Sauers, Lily Lehmier, Maddie Errick, Alayna Palmer and Owen Kisler.  

Two long time members of PAAS, Nancy Hardes and Jason Stake were honored as lifetime members of the group   They were recognized at the Open House held recently at PAAS.  The newest members of the group join Gib Allen, Darlene Abbey, Fran Williams, Larry Shelley, Sandy Glase, Rich McGarvery, Mary Mensch, Martin Causer, Cindy Knapp, Dawn Spencer, Larry Norton, Necia Wood, Julie Lathrop, Melissa Causer, Richard Taylor, Julie Barnett, Barry Daugherty and Clinton Jordan.  Making the presentation was Ellen Mosher.  

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in McKean County the week of June 3. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in McKean County for the coming week is as follows:

OLEAN, N.Y., June 4 – Four area seniors recently received the Daniel and Patrick McCarthy Scholarship, managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, to support their goals of pursuing careers in business.

Andrew Steighner of Portville, Bradley Bergstrom of Hinsdale, Heartly Phipps of Olean and Samuel Edwards of Ellicottville each received the Daniel and Patrick McCarthy Scholarship for various amounts.

Washington, DC, June 4, 2024 – Amy Kessler,Director of Community Development of North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, was recently elected to the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. Kessler represents the East Chapter on the 66-member Board.

Shivraj Goyal, M.D.
Internal Medicine, UPMC

We celebrate dads during the month of June for Father’s Day, but did you know that it’s also the month dedicated to men’s health awareness? Beyond just fathers, all men should take this opportunity to reflect on their health and wellness. An easy first step is to help get them started with an idea of what screenings to keep in mind per their stage in life. Being proactive in the maintenance of health will help keep your loved ones around with a high quality of life.

Any Age

Before delving into each stage and screenings to expect, it’s important to keep lifestyle factors and family history in mind. Things like diet, activity level, plus alcohol and tobacco intake can affect your physician’s suggestions on when to expect certain examinations down the line. Your family history is especially important, as it may mean that these examinations should occur earlier for you personally compared to the average male. For example, if your father has a history of colon cancer, you may start colorectal screenings at the age of 35 instead of the usual 45.

At any age, your mental well-being should be at the forefront of your health concerns. Keep in mind that if you’re experiencing any symptoms of anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issues, it is important to seek professional help sooner rather than later.

20s and 30s