2025

In 2024, more than $143,000 in scholarships were awarded to 63 local students across the five counties we serve: Bradford, Potter, Sullivan, and Tioga County in Pennsylvania, as well as Tioga County in New York. CFTT currently administers over 90 scholarship funds—and we’re growing.

Scholarships are available to high school seniors with plans to continue their post-secondary education by attending a four-year college or university, community college, or two-year trade or technical school.   Because scholarship funds are established by individuals, families or organizations, each has specific criteria and requirements reflective of the donor’s standards and interests. 

Scholarships play a vital role in supporting graduating seniors by providing them with the financial resources needed to pursue higher education and achieve their career goals. For many students, the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses can be a significant barrier, limiting their ability to attend college or vocational training programs. Scholarships help bridge this gap, making education more accessible and reducing the burden of student debt.

Beyond financial aid, scholarships also recognize and reward students for their hard work, dedication, and achievements, inspiring them to continue striving for excellence.   By investing in the education of young people, scholarships strengthen the community, fostering a future workforce that is skilled, empowered, and equipped to give back.

Natural Dior LLC Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Vitafer-L Gold Liquid Due to Presence of Undeclared Tadalafil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Natural Dior LLC (USA) – February 25, 2025 – Natural Dior LLC, is voluntarily recalling the affected lots of Vitafer-L Gold Liquid, a dietary supplement with iron and vitamins, to the consumer level. The product has been found to contain undeclared tadalafil, an ingredient in FDA approved products for treatment of male erectile dysfunction in the family of drugs known as phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors. Products containing tadalafil cannot be marketed as dietary supplements. Vitafer-L Gold Liquid is an unapproved new drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall.

Risk Statement: Consumption of products with undeclared tadalafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may cause a significant drop in blood pressure that may be life threatening. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Among the adult male population, who are most likely to use this product, adult males who use nitrates for cardiac conditions are most at risk. To date, Natural Dior LLC has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

View Full Recall 

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students will be on spring break March 1 through 9.

The university will close administrative offices on March 7 for a spring holiday.

Offices will reopen and classes will resume March 10.

Hanley Library will be closed March 1, 2, 7 and 8. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3-7 and 6-10 p.m. March 9. Regular hours resume March 10 when the library reopens.

The Marilyn Horne Museum will be closed March 3 and 4. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Café in Marilyn Horne Hall will be open for regular hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May, held in the Riley Gallery, next to the Crittenden, on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (NEW HOURS). The next market will be this Saturday, March 1st. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

[NOTICES: 

*  STARTING JANUARY 4TH,  NEW WINTER MARKET HOURS ARE 11AM TO 2PM. 

*  Beginning in January the winter Farmers Market will be the first Saturday of each month until May. The Saturday dates are January 4, February 1, March 1, and April 5.  In May, the market will again be on the square

*  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-598-0649 netrabaker2@gmail.com]

WOOLEYLOT FARMS will be at the market with French fingerlings potatoes, white potatoes, and garlic. Cash is preferred but checks are acceptable.

MILL CREEK MARKET will be attending this week with a variety of sustainably grown mushrooms and hydroponic greens.  ~nurturing people and the planet~   We offer fresh and dried selections as well as ‘At Home Mushroom Grow Kits’,  mycology supplies, and free education.  Accepting cash, check, and Venmo for in-person sales. Our farm is registered with the Department of Agriculture and the facility is inspected by the Bureau of Food Safety. Proud members of the PA Wilds Cooperative.  For more information on our farm, products, and mission visit our online shops and social media.  Find us at:  www.papreferred.com. https://www.instagram.com/millcreekmarketpa. millcreekmarketpa.etsy.com  

ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Saturday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products that include soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, lotion bars, bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information contact us at meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.

CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at tge market this Saturday with requested breads, sweets, jams and jellies. Please contact me any time for requests.  netrabaker2@gmail.com  Cell 814-598-0649 or text. Winter market times are 11 to 2. Hope to see you there.

JULIE BENNETT is planning to be there. I will have a variety of things. There will be crochet stuffies, dish cloths and scrubbies. We will have earrings. We also have some hand sewn items. If you are looking ahead to Easter and need something special for a basket, just ask. I will do special orders if I am able. We accept cash. Thank you!

President Jim Pennington, Jr., is proud to announce the key highlights of its 9^th Annual, Statewide, Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap.  “We thank all the predator hunters that entered this event and helped reduce an excess population of predators.  Predator hunting is hard and it takes a special hunter to be successful,” said Jim.  Predator hunter Josh Bizzak chimes in, “I thank all the private landowners that allowed predator hunting on their properties.  It is greatly appreciated.”

Fifty-eight hunters harvested 25 coyotes and 21 foxes over the three weekends in five counties.  Josh Bizzak was the fox wizard and harvested nine foxes total.  Team “Big Dog” and the Dellaquilla Father/Son Team each harvested six coyotes. 

The largest foxes at 12.4# were harvested by John Dellaquilla and Josh Bizzak.  The largest female foxes at 10.0# were harvested by Zach Geyer and Paul Costanzo.

The largest coyote overall at 39.4# and the largest coyote for the first weekend was harvested by Team “Big Dog”.  Bryan Uhl harvested a 35.0# coyote to win the second weekend.  Heath Goodyear harvested the largest coyote the third weekend also at 35.0#.  The largest female coyote weighed 36.2# and was harvested the first weekend by Jim Miller.

Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) issued the following statement regarding a meeting with UPMC officials about their plans to eliminate labor and delivery services at UPMC Cole. The meeting involved state officials; county commissioners from Potter, Cameron and McKean counties; and representatives of federal lawmakers, along with several UPMC officials.

“Despite the strong case we laid out for keeping labor and delivery services in here in Coudersport, and the deep concerns we shared about the risks to expectant mothers and their babies, UPMC will not reverse course on its decision.

“Their actions cause a significant maternity care desert with no labor and delivery services in multiple counties in our region. UPMC insists the reason for the decision is their inability to recruit an OB/Gyn physician to Coudersport, along with a shortage of labor and delivery Registered Nurses. UPMC is adamant this is not a financial decision; however, I question that premise because I have heard from area nurses that UPMC Cole pays some of the lowest rates in our region. We have so many exceptionally skilled and talented health care professionals in our region who should be compensated appropriately for their life-saving skills.

“I specifically raised concerns about the risk this action poses for our expectant mothers and babies with long travel times to another facility, transportation accessibility challenges and the burden placed on our already fragile EMS system. In response, we were told UPMC was committed to providing 24/7 ambulance transportation for inter facility transport of patients; personalized coordination of transportation services; and overnight accommodations for expectant mothers and family members, including fuel subsidies.

“Legislators have focused a great deal of resources on rural health care over the last several years but what has become clear to me is our supposedly not-for-profit huge health care companies are failing to live up to their commitment to providing affordable, accessible care in rural communities like ours. We deserve better and I will continue to fight for rural health care.”

On February 18th at approximately 8:45 p.m. a Search Warrant was conducted at 905 W. Henley St. by members of the Olean Police Department. This Search warrant was obtained by the Street Crimes Unit. Investigators located a safe in the residence and after gaining entry they found three handguns, approximately 15 ounces of Cocaine, approximately 1 ounce of Fentanyl, cash and some other drug related items. The resident, Janine Heitzinger was not present at the time of this Warrant. Charges are pending and this investigation is ongoing. The Street Crimes Unit was assisted by the Southern Tier regional drug task force.

This course is designed to help you harness the potential of Microsoft Teams, making remote collaboration smoother and more effective than ever. You will be able to streamline communication, boost productivity, and make the most of the tools at your disposal.

Learn all about the other virtual conferencing app and its benefits over using Zoom. Learn all the features you can use with Microsoft Teams including setting up Teams, creating a Team fileshare and linking with OneDrive, scheduling and managing meetings, screen-sharing, file-sharing, and setting audio and video settings. using the Chat feature, using the phone call feature where you can make ad-hoc one-on-one or conference calls, reactions (raise hand, etc.), embedding meetings within your Outlook calendar, recording sessions, changing views, add-on apps, and more. 

This class, taught by Ron Keeney, Professor in the Computer Science Department at Alfred State College of Technology, is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s office at 5 Water Street, Coudersport. The cost is $65 per person. Register today! Visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.

Driven

By

B.J. Knefley

Are you driven? Driven in the sense that you’re on a mission and nothing can deter you from accomplishing said mission?

As I drove over the mountain the other day, I was amazed at the cloud formation that awaited me. It was stunning and beautiful all at the same time. Sadly, I was too much of a hurry to stop and take a picture. What’s wrong with me? Why do I have to be so driven? When did I start being that way or have I always been that way?

Some will be able to relate. I tend to make it a game to beat the GPS time. I don’t like to stop for the bathroom unless I need gas and to buy food. My idea of visiting sights is to slow up as I’m driving by and maybe a quick picture without stopping. I’m almost obsessed with overcoming the car in front of me. Do you need more examples? Is it me or is it a guy thing? Was I born this way or was it developed over time? The answer to those questions and more are elusive and yet I ask anyway. You see, I don’t like to be driven. I like taking the time to look and explore and sometimes I’m good at it. But not always.

The Apostle Paul said in Colossians 3:15 “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts”. I try to practice this, but it doesn’t come naturally. When you’re driven, peace isn’t there until all that is before you is completed. But is that really peace or is it only satisfaction in the moment until some other project or mission is identified and a new goal is perceived? What is peace anyway?

Peace defined is “freedom from disturbance”.  It’s related to calmness, restfulness and quiet. It sounds simple enough so why is it so elusive? Why must it be tied to the end of a task and not before? Why can’t it be part and parcel to the task so that you have peace during the execution of the task? Is it all about competition and winning? The answers allude me, but I’m not giving up. I want the peace that Paul talks about, so I press on to accomplish that which is before me, peace. Think about it.

• A Wet Felting Workshop with Elaine Baney will be held on March 1 from 10-2pm.  The price of the class is $40.00.  All supplies included to Create a Vessel. 

• The Ladies’ Tea has returned.  Join us Sunday, March 16 at 2:00 pm for a fun afternoon with tea tastings, scones, finger sandwiches, and sweets. Enjoy planting a succulent arrangement to take home.  Bring your daughter, your mom, your sister, your aunt, niece or friend.  Aged 10 and up.  Registration required.

• Oil and Acrylic Painter Gary Perkins will be hosting a ‘Painting Night’ on the first and third Thursday of the month starting at 6:30pm.  Bring your in-process paintings and supplies to enjoy an evening of creativity with other painters from the area.   Price is $10,00.

• An Adult Watercolor Class, taught by painter, Laurie Angood, will be held on Friday, March 28, from 6:00-8:00pm.  Price of the class is $35.00 and includes supplies, materials and a gift bag of painting materials.    

• Cathy Snyder will be offering a Mushroomer Basket Workshop on March 8 from 9am to 1:30pm.  The price of the class is $50.00 or $55.00 depending on the choice of strap.  Students are encouraged to bring water and a snack. 

• Join us on March 29, from 1-3 for a presentation by authors, Bill Robertson and James Baumgratz.  Enjoy an afternoon discussion about their most recent publications. The authors will sign copies of their books, for sale at the Artisan Co-op, after the presentation. 

To register for these classes or events, please call the Potter County Artisan Co-op on 814-274-8165.  The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street.  The co-op’s winter hours are Monday through Friday 12 to 4:00 pm and Saturday 9-5pm. 

Events and classes are supported in part by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Elk County Council on the Arts, state agencies funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.   

Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) is inviting area sportsmen and sportswomen to his upcoming Game Commission Night featuring a discussion of the state’s white-tailed deer population and habitat.

The event will be held on Tuesday, March 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Peppers Auction Barn, located east of Canton at 13580 State Route 414. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The presentation will be led by Pennsylvania Game Commission Whitetail Deer Biologist Maureen Staats, along with forester Chad Barclay, who will talk about how people can make their property good for deer.

A question-and-answer session will be held at the end of the presentation.

K-Leigh Oshia Hill-Nelson, 28, of Port Allegany, passed away Sunday (February 23, 2025).

She was born December 17, 1996 in Coudersport, the daughter of Robert and the late Angel (Nelson) Hill.

K-Leigh was a graduate of Port Allegany High School Class of 2015 and worked as a CNA at Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Ctr., Smethport.

She loved spending time with her son and family. She was extremely loved by her family, friends and her co-workers and residents at Lakeview Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center and Sweden Valley Manor.  She was a kind and caring soul that will deeply be missed.

She is survived by:

her son: Levy Theodore Hill at home

her father: Robert Hill of Port Allegany

one brother: Michael S. (Kayleen) Hill of Port Allegany

three sisters: Keiya M. (Gavin) Rupert of Port Allegany, Brittany N. (Damian) Andreano of Elkland, PA, and Mickalie A. Hill-Nelson of Port Allegany

along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, Aunts and Uncles.

K-Leigh was preceded in death by her mother, Angel Hill, and her maternal grandmother, Gloria A. Lamont.

A celebration of K-Leigh’s life will be held on April 12, 2025 at 3PM in the Port Allegany VFW/Veteran’s Memorial Home, Route 155, Port Allegany, PA.

Memorials may be made to Laurel Mountain Federal Credit Union, 22 Church St., Port Allegany, PA 16743, or to Michael Hill Nelson, to help her family and son in expenses and for a trust for Levy, or the Bradford YWCA for domestic violence. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) will hold his satellite office hours on Thursday, March 6, at the following locations:

• Emporium Borough Office – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon.

Services available include assisting constituents with state-related issues or concerns, assistance with driver license and vehicle registration applications, and help in filling out applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE prescription drug assistance programs.

People who cannot make the satellite sessions may contact Causer’s offices in Bradford at 78 Main St., first floor, telephone 814-362-4400; or Coudersport, 107 S. Main St., Room 1, telephone 814-274-9769; or Kane, 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, telephone 814-837-0880. Information is also available at www.RepCauser.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepCauser.