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Rep. Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler) announced today the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is rescinding guidelines on its Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining Education (CR-SE) Standards following a successful lawsuit filed in 2023 by Scialabba, and Tom King and Tom Breth of Dillon McCandless King Coulter & Graham L.L.P. in Butler.

Mars High School, located in Scialabba’s legislative district, was one of several plaintiffs in this legal challenge through the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.

“This is a major victory for teachers, students and parents in our great Commonwealth,” said Scialabba. “It is a relief to know school entities no longer need to fear loss of funding over these standards. Today’s result is a win for the First Amendment and reaffirms the conservative commitment to providing students with a quality, no-nonsense, factual education that is free of ideology. I am overjoyed to see this result.”

According to the signed mediated settlement agreement, a portion of the win reads as follows:

Elk County, PA — At a recent St. Marys Area United Way board meeting, Jason Gabler, a board member and owner of Advantage Metal Powders, presented a generous corporate donation on behalf of the company. This donation was accepted by United Way President Jim Ryan, Vice-President Doug Bauer, and board members Rob Oleary, Erica Hayes, John Dippold, and Mark Saline.

Advantage Metal Powders, based at the intersection of Route 948 and 219, three miles south of Ridgway, PA, manufactures virgin and remill powder metal blends for both the automotive and non-automotive sectors. Through its corporate giving program, Advantage supports the St. Marys Area United Way, enabling employees to make monthly contributions via payroll deduction. In a further show of commitment, owner Jason Gabler matches 100% of all employee contributions to the United Way, underscoring the company’s dedication to local philanthropy.

Dec. 4 – Vocal Arts Ensemble Concert, noon, Harriett B. Wick Chapel, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. A selection of holiday favorites. Free.

The Ridgway Borough Charitable Fund, under the management of the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF), recently awarded $13,649 in grants to four non-profit organizations. The Ridgway Borough Charitable Fund, an endowed fund, was established from a gift received from the estate of Sara-Jane Stackpole. The purpose of the fund is to provide support to organizations that contribute to the quality of life of the residents of the Borough of Ridgway.

An advisory committee made up of Ridgway community leaders and residents is appointed by the Board of Directors of ECCF to review grant applications and distribute grants each year.

The following organizations received grants during the 2024 granting cycle: Dickinson Center to supplement the Elk County Prison Library’s non-fiction/reference/resource book selection; Ridgway Borough for an ADA compliant swing at O.B. Grant park; Square One for a safety railing at Ridgway House to Home store; and the Salvation Army for quarterly distribution of essential household items and personal care kits.

Join Penn State Extension as we host a Farmer Study Circle on Tuesday, November 19^th from 5:00 to 7:-00 pm at the Sweden Valley Grange, 4 miles east of Coudersport on Cherry Springs Road.

Farmer Study Circles offer an inviting space for new and beginning farmers—typically in their first 10 years of farming—to share experiences, address challenges, learn new strategies, and grow their skills alongside peers and seasoned experts. Guided by the interests and needs of participants, each gathering fosters a collaborative atmosphere where farmers actively shape the conversation, ensuring relevant and practical insights.

There is no charge for this event, and a meal is provided courtesy of PennWest University – Clarion SBDC  Sign up today: https://extension.psu.edu/new-and-beginning-farmer-study-circle.

MEGA BRIDAL BLOWOUT SALE!! Over 100 Bridal Gowns, many NWT. Racks of $50, $100 and $150.  Other 25% to 50% off.  Sizes 0-30.. Sale dates November 1- December 20.  Sew Much More 127 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA.  Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9-5; Wednesday 9-3.  Or by appointment.  814-335-8681    Hurry in for best selection.

Attention McKean County Community please Join Us for a Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner Hosted by: Disabled American Veterans Chapter #72 November 28th, 2024 Hilltop Firehall Cyclone PA 16726 12 PM to 3PM Doors close at 330pm. We warmly invite the Community and Veterans  to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal and Community fellowship. Join us for a wonderful gathering, featuring a basket auction with proceeds benefiting McKean County Veterans. Plus, veterans will receive a chance to win a special door prize! Homebound veterans and elderly individuals: Please call 814-558-2494 by November 25th to arrange for meal delivery. While donations are appreciated they are not expected. Thank you for your support and we look forward to celebrating with you.

Any local business or individual who would like to contribute to the basket raffle please call 814-558-2494.

The Holiday Book Gifting Program, running November 15 through December 14, is designed to put new books in the hands of young readers across Emporium – wrapped and ready to place under the tree!

• Community Donations: Local residents can support by purchasing donation ornaments at the library in increments of $2, $5, $10, and $20. All contributions will fund book purchases for children and teens, making it a true community-powered gift!
• Request a Book: Families can submit a Book Request Form for a child by dropping it off at the library or mailing it to:
  Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library
  27 West 4th Street, Emporium PA, 15834
  Forms are available at the library, Cameron County Chamber, or can be downloaded from the library’s website under the “Library Contests & Fundraisers” tab.

Important Deadlines: Book request forms are due by December 14, and donations will be accepted through December 21. Remember to include a phone number or email to arrange book pick-up.

Together, let’s create a season of joy, gratitude, and community spirit!

For more information, contact Librarian Yelena Kisler at 814-486-8011 or email info@barbaramoscatobrownlibrary.org.

Organizers of the annual Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run wanting to grow the event now adding the option for a team of three to compete in the 50k.  The event in 2025 will be held October 18 and continue to offer a short, mid and long distance trail run through the Elk State Forest. 

Trauma and Injury Prevention Coordinator, UPMC Williamsport

As the holiday season approaches, you probably have a lot on your to-do list – holiday parties and gatherings, shopping for gifts, and vacations – and all that hustle and bustle, good and bad, could come to a screeching stop by a fall injury.