January 2025

Slippery sidewalks, icy driveways, and physically demanding tasks like shoveling snow can lead to sprains, fractures, and more serious conditions. By understanding common injuries and how to prevent them, you can safely enjoy the winter.

Common Winter Injuries

Falls on ice and snow are among the most frequent causes of winter injuries, often resulting in fractures. For older adults, hip fractures are a major concern, while younger individuals tend to experience injuries to the wrists, shoulders, and ankles. Head injuries from falls can be especially dangerous, as slipping on ice may cause a person to lose consciousness.

Snow shoveling also poses significant risks. Heavy, wet snow can strain the back, leading to muscle pulls, herniated discs, and shoulder injuries. Without proper technique, repetitive motions may result in painful and avoidable orthopaedic problems.

Winter sports like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding add to the seasonal risk of injuries. High speeds and slippery conditions can lead to broken bones, sprains, and concussions, especially if protective gear is not used.

Prevention is Key

Preventing an injury, especially one that is the result of an accident, is easier said than done. Factors like unpredictable weather create the perfect recipe for something to happen. One of the biggest tips for avoiding injury is to use common sense and avoid situations that will put you at added risk. Additional tips to help enjoy the season are below:

Subject: School Closed Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians,

School will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to extreme temperatures that are not expected to improve throughout the day.

We are closely monitoring the weather conditions for Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and will notify families of our school status by 2:00 PM tomorrow.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Stay safe and warm!

Hebron Center Christian School will be on a 2 hr delay Tuesday, January 21st.

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Jim Pennington, Jr., President of the Rolfe Beagle Club, announces that the Rolfe Beagle Club will extend its popular Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap by a third weekend in February.  The 9^th Annual event will take place from February 7-9 and then again on the following two weekends of February 14-16, and 21-23.

The Port Allegany Chapter of the National Honor Society is pictured following the 2025 Induction Ceremony held at PAHS.  Pictured:  NHS Officers – Juuso Young, President; Lily Madison, Vice-President; Willow Sauers, Secretary; and Aidan Clark, Treasurer; (row 2, seated) Lily Lehmier, Isla Lehmier, Jarrod Funk, Brynn Evens, Kendra Meade’ (row 3) Raelin Meacham, Maddie Errick, Ethan Tarbox, Alex Schott, Aiden Bliss, Journey Wilmoth, Owen Kisler, Nicholas Wilfong, Micah Emerick, Madison Fillhart, Grace Finn; (back row) Derek Smith, Tyler FIllhart, Joshua Veilleux, Ella Moses, Austin Hamilton and Levi Howard.  

Smethport Area School District will operate on a 2 hour delay schedule for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to forecasted cold weather. 

UPDATE: Route 147 SB Closed in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County

2:00 PM UPDATE:  Route 147 southbound is open in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Route 147 southbound is closed between Brush Valley Road (Route 4018) and Fish Commission Road in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County, due to a crash with downed utilities.

A detour using local roads is in place. Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution.

The Port Allegany Rotary Club welcomed their first seniors of the new year. They were Juuso Young and Josh Veilleux.  Juuso was introduced by Rotarian Jim Kazimer.  He is the son of Andrew and Ink Young and an older brother named Miska.   His school activities include being a member of the football and wrestling teams and a member of the Peer Helpers.  He also serves as the Senior Class President, is a member and serves as president of the National Honor Society, and also a member and president of the Varsity Club. Juuso’s future plans are to attend the United States Military Academy to study law.  

Josh is the son of Bob and Andrea Veilleux and also has an older brother, Brock.  Josh is a member of the track and field team, National Honor Society, French Club, Varsity Club and Peer Helpers.  Josh also performs in the fall plays and spring musicals, is a member of the Senior High Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers.  He was also selected to represent PAHS at District Chorus.    Josh was introduced to the club by Rotarian Tony Flint.    

Austin Area School is hosting a fun and arts-filled event, free to the public, at 6 pm on Saturday, Jan. 25. It’s the latest project of the Potter County Creative Council (PC3).

Focus will be on trivia fun, with questions based on local themes. Gift cards will be presented as prizes.

Among the musical performers will be Austin Area School students Brennan Ogden, Lillian Clinger and Kellie Crumrine, as well as Coudersport Area High School’s Ronan Bray. Former faculty member Katie Sasala will be the emcee.

A supervised craft activity will be provided for those ages 5 to 12. They’ll be creating novelty guitars and percussion instruments.

Locally sourced food from God’s Country Creamery and Sons of Dunn Farm/God’s Country Kettle Corn will be available.

PC3, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, was formed in 2022 as a successor to the Potter County Council on the Arts. That followed Potter County’s selection as one of just six applicants nationwide for the Creative Communities Placemaking Challenge, a project of the Americans for the Arts. Focus was on using arts and culture to support community and economic development.

Later, PC3 was one of eight organizations picked from a field of nearly 200 for the Pa. Council on the Arts’ Creative Communities Initiative. A multi-year grant has been approved by the state agency to support the ongoing work.

Last May, PC3 sponsored a well-attended free concert at the Presbyterian Church in Coudersport featuring the chamber music group, Felix Piano Trio, joined by student musicians Elizabeth Crawford (Northern Potter) and Ty Woodard-Furman (Coudersport).

Most recently, PC3 presented a free concert at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum by the nationally renowned California Guitar Trio. Also performing were student musicians Lillian Vought from Northern Potter and Ronan Bray from Coudersport. The audience was a broad cross-section of county residents as well as visitors to the area.

Details on PC3 activities are being shared on the organization’s Facebook page.

Grace Pollock is the Student of the Week for the week of January 13th, 2025.  She is a senior at Northern Potter High School. Grace Pollock stands out as an exceptional student in the Culinary Arts program. Known for her dedication and strong work ethic, Grace ensures that all lab work is meticulously organized and completed to the highest standard. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen, as she consistently finishes her bookwork ahead of schedule.

What makes Grace’s achievement even more impressive is her accelerated path—she is on track to complete the rigorous three-year culinary program in just two years. Grace’s attention to detail, responsibility, and passion for culinary arts make her a role model for her peers and a deserving recipient of Student of the Month.