NEWS

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) alerts drivers that work will restart on Monday, March 31, on sidewalk installation along Route 4014 (Maple Avenue) and Route 4017 (Shaffer Road) in the City of DuBois and Sandy Township in Clearfield County. This will improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and motorists along these routes.

This project, which first got underway in summer of 2024, includes sidewalk and trail improvements on Maple Avenue between the intersection of 7th Street and Shaffer Road, and continues on Shaffer Road to the intersection of the Beaver Meadow Walkway. Curb installation, signing, placing of pavement markings, and drainage improvements will also be completed as part of the ongoing Maple Avenue improvement project opportunity 7800

Alternating lane closures will be utilized with flaggers providing traffic control during daylight hours. Motorists are asked to stay alert and watch for workers in the roadway.

John Nastase Construction of Snow Shoe, PA, is the contractor on this $896,000 project. PennDOT anticipates completion in May.

Motorists are advised that a bridge replacement project is set to begin next week on Canada Road (Route 2025) in Covington Township, Tioga County. The bridge was damaged beyond repair in August 2024, after excessive rain from Hurricane Debby caused flash flooding in the region. 

Starting on Monday, March 31, 2025, the contractor, L.C. Whitford Company, Inc., will begin construction of the new bridge over Marvin Creek. The bridge will be replaced with a pre-stressed concrete beam bridge.

A detour using Old State Road (Route 2022) and Williamson Road (Route 2005) is currently in place. 

L.C. Whitford Company, Inc., is the prime contractor for this $1.2 million bridge replacement project. Work on this project includes construction of a pre-stressed concrete beam bridge, approach work, paving, line painting, and guide rail upgrades. Work on this project is anticipated to be completed by September 2025, weather permitting.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution.

Congratulations to Aidan Homell, our Culinary Arts Student of the Week for the week of March 24, 2025! Aidan has come a long way in his three years in the program, consistently showing growth, dedication, and passion for the craft.

He is currently working in a restaurant in his hometown of Smethport, PA, where he continues to sharpen his skills. Aidan strives for perfection in the kitchen, always stays busy, and brings a great personality to every task.

We’re proud to share that Aidan has successfully passed both the NOCTI practical and written exams—a major accomplishment!

Way to go, Aidan! Keep cooking with heart and purpose!

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  The. Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) Upland Bird Hunt Chapter is proud to announce they will offer an individual, one-on-one, bird dog training clinic on Saturday, May 17, at the Rolfe Beagle Club in Johnsonburg, Pa.  This training clinic is for new bird dog handlers or experienced bird dog handlers that want additional help with training their dog.  This training is an extension of the Upland Bird Hunt Chapter’s popular Future Hunter and Handlers’ Clinic.  “We call this the Train the Trainer Clinic,” said Tom McPherson.

Each will receive two hours of one-on-one time with an experienced bird dog trainer.  All dogs must be of a pointing breed.  You must register your dog in advance so the proper training materials will be available at the Rolfe Beagle Club.  Register with Bethany Ford at bjmf989@gmail.com.

Registered dogs must be 8 months old as of mid-May, 2025.  Registration will be accepted via mail at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, Pa., 15845.  Registration must include your name, address, email, breed of dog and dog’s name, and any training needs you may want to work on.  You can sign up for the 8:00 a.m. or the 10:30 a.m. start time; reference your preferred time slot.

Cheers to 50 years

Happy 50th wedding Anniversary !! Fuzz and Gary Pesock

Most motorists, pedestrians and cyclists have strong opinions – and perhaps some nightmarish anecdotes — when it comes to highway safety issues. But relatively few of them take advantage of opportunities to speak out. A regional organization charged with collecting public input and presenting recommendations to the people who can make a difference is going the extra mile this year to change that.

North Central Rural Transportation Planning Organization is holding a series of public meetings across its six member counties. Next session will be held at 10 am on Friday, March 28, at the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building front conference room. In-person and online attendance will be available. To access by Microsoft Teams, Click here to join  To join by phone, dial 1-412-634-6334 and enter conference ID 862 092 217#

Purpose is to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders through targeted projects funded by PennDOT and the U.S. Dept. of Transportation. A $5 billion federal program, “Safe Streets for Roads and All,” includes similar planning activities across the nation. Agencies such as North Central are following the federal Safe System Approach for a structured decision-making framework. Once the Safety Action Plan is in place, local governments will be able to use it to support grant applications.

North Central kicked off the project in early 2024 with representatives from its six member counties, two PennDOT engineering district and other stakeholders. More information is available online by clicking here or by sending email to Amy Kessler at amy@northcentral.com.

A combination of dry and breezy conditions this afternoon will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across all of Central Pennsylvania, including the Northern and Western Mountains and Susquehanna Valley. Minimum relative humidity today will range from 20 to 25 percent across much of the Central Ridge and Valley Region of the state with some places across South Central PA dipping into the upper teens (%).

Across the Northern and Western Mountains of the state, Min RHs will be in the upper 20s to around 30 percent. Westerly wind will increase and gust between 20 and 25 mph this afternoon. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly.

For more information about wildfire danger and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at http://dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire.

State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) will hold his satellite office hours on Thursday, April 3, 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.

The Allegany County Board of Legislators has appointed Charles Bessette of Wirt to fill a vacancy in its Third Legislative District. On March 26, 2025, after passing Board Resolution No. 138-25, Bessette was sworn into office by the Honorable Thomas P. Brown.

Bessette is a 30-year resident of the Town of Wirt and served 35 years with the United States Postal Service, including 6 years as managing Postmaster for Allentown, Alma, Richburg, and Little Genesse. He also served as President of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus-Allegany Postmaster Association from 2011 to 2015 and as Adverse Action Representative for United Postmasters and Managers from 2012 to 2023.

Yesterday at 1549 hours, Station 7 was dispatched for a grass fire with exposure. Chief 7 (Dickerson) arrived and reported the grass fire had extended to the shed and was threatening a garage. The incident was upgraded to a box alarm which brought station 2, station 8, and station 15 to the scene and station 11 and station 21 on stand-by. The fire was contained to the debris and the shed. The garage was not damaged by the fire. Station 15 was released and back in quarters at 1712 hrs.

Now Hiring: Seasonal Museum Visitor Services Assistant

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates (PALMA) are seeking a seasonal Museum Visitor Services Assistant (MVSA) to work with other museum staff and volunteers in providing a high-quality, entertaining, and educational experience to our audience. The MVSA will help with tours and events, process admissions, and represent the museum at off-site outreach activities. This is a seasonal, part-time, hourly position, scheduled for a maximum of 28 hours/week from May through October. The preferred work schedule for the MVSA will be: Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a half-hour unpaid lunch break each day. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, starting at no less than $17.00/ hour. A full job description is available HERE.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter by March 28, 2025, to:

Roger Hetrick, President

Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Associates (PALMA)

P.O. Box 239

Galeton, PA 16922

or,

Email (with ‘MVSA Application’ in the subject line) to:

palumbermuseum@gmail.com

Please call the museum at 814-435-2652 with any questions.

The Port Allegany Rotary Club will once again host A Night at the Races, Saturday, April 5 at the Port Allegany Moose Lodge located at 35 Pearl Street.  Doors will open at 5 p.m. and races begin at 6 p.m.  The night will feature 11 high definition DVD horse races projected on a big screen – 10 horses in each race.  Action race 11 – attendees can bid to buy a horse for this race at the end of race 10.  There will be a best hat contest.  There will be $2 (cash only) bests on each race, games of chance, 50/50 tickets, door prizes, a cash bar and food for purchase.  The horses and jockeys will be sold in advance and randomly placed in races after all 100 are sold.  To purchase, text 814-598-1942 for details.  Tickets for the event are available from any Rotarian, at Karen’s Styling Salon, Davenport Port Beverage and JVB bank at a cost of $20. Tickets will also be available at the door.   Race caller is “Racin’ Jason Christopher.  You must be 21 to attend.  No outside alcohol is permitted. 

After months of cold weather, many people are eager to get outside and be active again. Whether it’s walking, running, biking, or playing sports, spring is the perfect time to shake off winter stiffness. But jumping back into activity too quickly can lead to injuries, especially for those who have been less active in the colder months.

Ease Into Exercise

It’s tempting to pick up right where you left off last fall, but your body may need time to adjust. Start with lower-impact activities like walking or cycling before progressing to higher-intensity workouts. Warming up before activity and cooling down afterward with gentle stretching can help prevent stiffness and strain. If you haven’t been active in a while, consider starting with 10–15 minutes of movement and gradually increasing your duration and intensity.

Protect Your Joints and Muscles

Wearing the right footwear is key to preventing injuries. If your shoes are worn out, it may be time for a new pair with good support. Strengthening the muscles around your joints can also help reduce stress on them. Exercises like squats, lunges, and core work improve stability and reduce injury risk. Pay attention to how your body feels – mild soreness is normal, but sharp or persistent pain could signal a problem that needs attention.

Injury Prevention and Recovery

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers that Mentored Youth Trout Day will happen on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.  This is a statewide event open to youth anglers ages 15 and under and their licensed adult mentors on hundreds of waters in all 67 counties

“This is a special day where our youngest anglers have a chance to have fun and learn fishing skills they can carry with them for a lifetime,” said Richard Kauffman, PFBC District 8 Commissioner. 

The purpose of Mentored Youth Trout Day, created in 2013, is to provide an opportunity for young anglers to have fun while learning fishing skills a week before the large crowds arrive for the busy Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season on April 5. 

“On this special day, the focus of every adult mentor should be on helping kids to fish, including teaching them how to bait a hook, cast a line, and hopefully, help them to safely reel in a few trout.” added Kauffman.  “Remember, mentoring is most effective when just one adult accompanies each child, and the main goal should be to provide a positive experience for the kids, so they’ll want to keep fishing for many seasons to come.”

March 29, 10am-2:30pm–Spring Basket Making Class: Spring into the season by joining local basket artist Cathy Snyder for a basket making class hosted at the PA Lumber Museum.  Learn how to make your own colorful handmade original Spring basket.  Choose from a variety of hand-dyed reeds to create a custom look.  Class size is limited, and reservations are required. $60 non-member/$55 museum member. Bring a snack, a drink, and a friend for this enjoyable day of handcrafting fun!

[Bradford, PA] – The Bradford Area Alliance’s Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) Business Accelerator program is now accepting applications for its 2025-26 program. The ELM Business Accelerator program aims to help existing business owners realize increased business and life success.

The program includes a 2-day Business Owner Renewal Retreat at Beaver Hollow Conference Center. This event kicks off the 9-month journey where participants will be paired with a mentor, benefit from subject matter expertise on key topics, and formulate strategic plans to pursue new opportunities or overcome specific business challenges.

The program is designed to bring about lasting change for entrepreneurs of existing businesses in McKean County. The cohort convenes two times per month from September 2025 to May 2026 on Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (excluding December).

Last year, the program graduated 9 business owner participants. Individual participants experienced 157% increase in monthly sales, 11% increase in owners’ wealth, and 3 new jobs created (and counting).

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Vocal Arts Ensemble concert originally scheduled for March 30 has been rescheduled.

The concert will now take place at noon April 16 in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall. Student vocalists, directed by Regina Gabriel, instructor of music, will perform a variety of music ranging from traditional hymns to present day songs.

                The event is free and open to the public

Penn College golfers focused

Ready to go for the spring.

That was the goal of Pennsylvania College of Technology golf coach Rob Lytle last September going into what he described as the program’s “most aggressive fall tournament schedule” as it prepared for another run at the United East Conference championship and a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Championship.

Led by senior standout Peyton Mussina of Montoursville, the Wildcats are poised to pick up where they left off after eight fall outings — including winning the United East Fall Preview for the third year in a row where Mussina medaled for the third straight time — when they take to the links on Saturday and Sunday in the Pennsylvania Classic hosted by Penn State Altoona on the Penn State Blue Course.

This weekend’s event will be the first of four two-day tournaments for players to hone their games leading to the conference championship on April 25-26.

Jaiden is a student at Smethport High School. At the Seneca Highlands CTC, he has achieved his OSHA 10, Stop the Bleed, BLS, and Nurse Aide registry. After school and weekends, he works at Lakeview Senior Care. Jaiden can also be found volunteering in various community activities. He has a love of music, which is shown through his high school band and guitar lessons he takes outside of school. 

Jaiden is an inspiration in the classroom. He is always willing to try new things, such as participating in the health assistant’s first annual wellness challenge. He has a positive and helpful attitude that has helped his fellow classmates to push beyond their comfort levels. Jaiden is well liked by his classmates for his sense of humor and nonjudgmental attitude. 

Academically, Jaiden is an excellent student who aspires to become a doctor in the future. He has begun his higher education by taking dual enrollment credits in medical terminology and anatomy and physiology through Penn Cole. He also attended the Northern PA Regional College over the summer to complete a class in sociology. He is currently seeking scholarship opportunities to fund classwork at the University of Pennsylvania this summer.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will hold its 15th Empty Bowls and Baskets Dinner on Thursday, March 27.

The event, which raises awareness and money and awareness about hunger in the Bradford area, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. A requested donation of $10 for the public and $5 for Pitt-Bradford students and children will be accepted at the door.

The tasting will include an array of homemade soups, bread and baked goods along with beverages. Diners may take home a handcrafted basket, ceramic bowl or napkin set as a reminder that someone else’s bowl might be empty.

 The event is a community-wide effort. Pitt-Bradford students, faculty and staff wove baskets, local school students made artwork, and local artisans and students contributed bowls.