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With the situation facing emergency medical services (EMS) becoming more dire every day, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has introduced legislation to create a Pennsylvania Office of EMS Commissioner.

“EMS agencies across the state are struggling to keep their doors open, yet there’s little urgency from the state’s chief executive to address the problems,” Causer said. “A timely EMS response is critical and can mean the difference between life and death for countless patients across the Commonwealth. We can and must do better.”

Bridge Replacement Project Set to Begin Tomorrow in Orange Township, Columbia County

MONTOURSVILLE, PA – Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement project is set to begin tomorrow on Draketown Road (Route 1013) in Orange Township, Columbia County

Starting Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Draketown Road will be closed between Whitmire Road and Route 93, while a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) bridge crew begins work on the bridge over Stoney Brook. Work on the project includes removal the existing structure, installation of a box culvert, paving, line painting, and guide rail upgrade.

A detour using Route 93, Route 487, and Fowlersville Road (Route 1008) will be in place for the duration of the project.

Motorists should be alert, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution. Work on this project is anticipated to be completed in October 2025, weather permitting.

Closures: The library will be closed for the holiday on Friday, July 4th. Regular hours will resume on Saturday, July 5th.

Yard Sale & Book Sale: The library will be holding a yard sale and book sale on Friday, June 27th, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and on Saturday, June 28th, from 10:00 am – 2:00  pm.

Town-Wide Yard Sale: The library is organizing a town-wide yard sale on Friday, June 27th, and Saturday, June 28th! If you would like to be added to the map, please call board member Connie Serkleski at 814-698-2249. A list of sales will be available at the library by Wednesday, June 25th.

The COTS (Concerts on the Town Square) Series will begin Thursday, June 5 at 6 pm. on the Port Allegany Town Square.  The concerts, hosted by the Port Allegany Women’s Club, are free and open to the public. 

The concerts will be held each Thursday with the exception of July 3. Refreshments are available for purchase and a 50/50 raffle will be held. 

Money from the food sales will go to local groups and organizations and the proceeds from the raffles are donated to PACS.  The June 5 concert will feature the music of country singer Chris Eckert (pictured). 

The performing artist for June 12 will be Dan Roche.  

Yes, the ban on handheld mobile device use while driving in Pennsylvania, known as “Paul Miller’s Law,” will take effect on June 5, 2025. Drivers will be prohibited from holding any interactive device (like a phone) while operating a vehicle, even at stoplights or in traffic. 

Beacon Light Behavioral Health (BLBHS), an affiliate of Journey Health System, is proud to announce the launch of its new teen psychiatric rehabilitation program, Horizons. This program is designed to provide a fun, safe, and structured environment for teens to focus on their mental health care. The program is tailored specifically for youth in Forest & Warren Counties, ages 14 to 18-years old, to provide them with the opportunity to engage in meaningful care while they aim to address the growing mental health needs of Pennsylvania’s young people.

A 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey showed that 37.3% of 6^th to 12^th graders in Pennsylvania felt sad or depressed most days in the past 12 months. 16.1% have seriously considered suicide. This demonstrates the importance of accessible and effective mental health programs like Horizons.