April 2025

Garrett Russell, PA-C
UPMC Wound Care and UPMC General Surgery

Each year, May is recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder to protect our skin and take sun safety seriously. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed annually. The most dangerous type, melanoma, accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. But the good news is that most cases are preventable and highly treatable when caught early.

PennDOT Announces Lane Closure of Route 322 Bridge

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it closed the left (passing) lane of a Route 322 bridge spanning Kishacoquillas Creek and West Railroad Street just east of the Reedsville-Belleville exit in Brown Township, Mifflin County, today.

This closure will allow PennDOT Mifflin County Maintenance forces to repair a fault in the concrete bridge decking, improving the ride quality, maintaining safety, and extending the structure’s service life.

PennDOT expects the lane closure to be in place for approximately three weeks while it completes the approximately 315 feet of concrete deck repair. It urges drivers to exercise caution in the work zone, obey posted speed limits, and always buckle up.

Severe thunderstorms, associated with strong wind gusts are moving through the state causing power outages across the Finger Lakes and Central New York Regions. Storm damage may prevent utility workers from making repairs quickly.

Widespread power outages exist in the Finger Lakes and Central New York Regions as a result of severe thunderstorms. During power outages, there are steps you can take to keep you, your family, and pets safe. Visit your utility services website for estimated times of restoration. 

• Do not use a gas stove or oven for heat.
• Keep generators outside, away from windows. 
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
• Disconnect appliances to prevent electrical surge. 

For more safety tips, go to: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/power-outage

Keep up to date with the latest weather information and forecast at: https://www.weather.gov/bgm/

Use the following links to your electrical distributor to monitor your electrical outages:

NYSEG Power Outages

National Grid Power Outages

Rochester Gas & Electric Power Outages

Steuben Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. Power Outages

Smith Packing, LLC, a Utica, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 18,792 pounds of various ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry products due to sodium nitrite levels that exceed the regulatory limit, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

A United East Championship three-peat. Five all-conference players, three of them on the first team. A three-time conference coach of the year. An Elite 20 honoree. The Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s golf team had it all this season.

And over the next week, the college’s men’s lacrosse, baseball and softball teams will be in a position for similar experiences when they step into postseason playoffs — lacrosse on Wednesday and baseball and softball on Friday. Previews will be forthcoming.

Men’s Golf

STRONG TO POTENTIALLY SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT MCKEAN,
ELK, CAMERON AND POTTER COUNTIES BETWEEN WARREN COUNTY BETWEEN 530
PM AND 7 PM EDT…

At 5 PM EDT. an area of strong thunderstorms extended from near Warren to Tidioute and Franklin, moving east northeast at 40 to
45 mph.

Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail are possible. The Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.

If outdoors, or in campgrounds, consider seeking shelter inside a sturdy building until this storm passes.

The storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather
Service.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1000 PM EDT for north central Pennsylvania.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued April 29 at 3:28PM EDT until April 29 at 10:00PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY

DESCRIPTION: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH
191 IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING
AREAS

IN NEW YORK THIS WATCH INCLUDES 16 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL NEW YORK

CAYUGA JEFFERSON LEWIS
OSWEGO

IN WESTERN NEW YORK

ALLEGANY CATTARAUGUS CHAUTAUQUA
ERIE GENESEE LIVINGSTON
MONROE NIAGARA ONTARIO
ORLEANS WAYNE WYOMING

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AUBURN, BATAVIA, BUFFALO,
CANANDAIGUA, FAIR HAVEN, GENESEO, JAMESTOWN, LOWVILLE, MEDINA,
NEWARK, NIAGARA FALLS, OLEAN, OSWEGO, ROCHESTER, WARSAW,
WATERTOWN, AND WELLSVILLE.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 191 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM EDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS



 PENNSYLVANIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEGHENY            ARMSTRONG           BEAVER
BEDFORD              BLAIR               BRADFORD
BUTLER               CAMBRIA             CAMERON
CENTRE               CLARION             CLEARFIELD
CLINTON              CRAWFORD            ELK
ERIE                 FAYETTE             FOREST
GREENE               INDIANA             JEFFERSON
LAWRENCE             LYCOMING            MCKEAN
MERCER               POTTER              SOMERSET
SULLIVAN             TIOGA               VENANGO
WARREN               WASHINGTON          WESTMORELAND
$$

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation has announced its upcoming Link and Learn Seminar “Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits” is scheduled for May 20 from 12 to 1 p.m. in The Hub, 301 North Union St., Olean, New York.

This enlightening session will be led by Dr. Anne Foerst, a distinguished professor of computer science at St. Bonaventure University. Dr. Foerst is renowned for her interdisciplinary work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, theology and human identity. Her research delves into the ethical and philosophical implications of AI, exploring how emerging technologies influence our understanding of personhood and community.

Coming off the winningest regular season in program history, Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s lacrosse coach Jordan Williams and his team could be satisfied with what they’ve already accomplished.

But they want more.The second-seeded Wildcats will get that chance when they host third-seeded Bryn Athyn College at 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the United East Conference semifinal. The winner of that match will square off against perennial champion and top-seeded St. Mary’s (Md.) College on Saturday for the championship.

ATTENTION WATER CUSTOMERS! The water leak has been fixed but due to the loss of positive pressure, we are under a BOIL WATER ADVISORY until further notice. The Township will be sampling water and once we receive the results we will be able to lift the advisory. Please continue to watch this page for updates. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

We are excited to recognize Carl Bryant, a senior from Coudersport,as our Student of the Week for his exceptional performance and commitment to the automotive program. Carl has consistently demonstrated a passion for automotive technology, excelling both in the classroom and in the shop.

Whether it’s diagnosing complex engine issues or working efficiently on vehicle repairs, Carl approaches every task with focus and precision. His ability to troubleshoot and solve problems has made him a valuable asset to the class, and his willingness to assist his peers further sets him apart as a leader in the program.

Carl’s dedication to mastering the skills required in the automotive field and his positive attitude toward challenges make him a role model for others. His hard work and determination show that he is on the fast track to success, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in the future.

Keep up the great work, Carl—your passion and skill are truly inspiring!

As phishing scams become increasingly sophisticated, FCCB is reminding customers to stay cautious when receiving emails, text messages, or phone calls requesting personal information.

Phishing scams often involve fraudsters impersonating trusted companies, such as banks or online retailers, in an attempt to steal sensitive data like passwords, Social Security numbers, and credit card details. These messages may look official and urgent, pressuring recipients to act quickly by clicking on links or providing login credentials.

“Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, making it more important than ever for consumers to remain alert,” said Wendy Southard, VP, Information Security Officer. “We want our customers to know that FCCB will never ask for personal or financial information through email, text, or phone calls.”

How to Spot a Phishing Attempt

Scammers often use the following tactics:

• Fake Urgency – Emails claiming your account is locked, compromised, or requires immediate action.
• Suspicious Links – Messages directing you to websites that look real but are designed to steal your credentials.
• Unusual Senders – Email addresses that resemble a company’s official domain but have slight misspellings or extra characters.
  
  

How to Stay Protected

FCCB encourages customers to follow these best practices to safeguard their information:

• Think Before You Click – Do not click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify Requests – If an email or text seems suspicious, contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website.
• Use Strong Security Measures – Enable two-factor authentication and regularly update passwords.
  
  

FCCB is committed to educating the community on cybersecurity and fraud prevention. Customers who receive suspicious messages claiming to be from the bank are encouraged to report them immediately by calling (800) 326-9486.

Based in Mansfield, Pennsylvania, FCCB operates 39 community offices strategically positioned across Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey. Whether you’re striving for financial milestones or seeking support for your endeavors, they’re ready for you. Contact FCCB at (800) 326-9486, explore myfccb.com, or engage with them on Facebook and LinkedIn to discover a different banking experience.

Mt. Jewett volunteer firefighter Dan “Beans” Gustafson was recognized for 54 years of dedicated service to the community at the company’s recognition dinner last weekend. Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) presented him with a citation from the PA House of Representatives in honor of his dedication to protecting public safety.