NEWS

It is an unfortunate fact that fraud happens everywhere. Property and Mortgage Fraud is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes, according to the FBI.

Monitoring the recording of documents/instruments in your name can help alert you to something that is fraudulent and could cost you one of your most valuable assets, your property.

The Recorder of Deeds office is required to record any document that is presented into their office when all required data is properly executed and payment is received with said document. There is no way for the Recorder of Deeds office to know if the document is fraudulent or not if all the required data is executed properly. Once a fraudulent document is recorded, the criminal may use your name as collateral on a mortgage or even attempt to sell your home to an unsuspecting buyer.

The Women’s Giving Circle of McKean County (WGC) granted a total of $9,100 to five nonprofit organizations at their annual business meeting on November 6th held at The Wilds Sonshine Factory in Kane. Along with the grant presentations, voting, and awarding of grants, the women enjoyed appetizers, raffles, and a visit to the gift shop. Eddie’s on Main catered the appetizers.

Carrie Drummond–Otto-Eldred; 12th grade NTL MVP

Emilee Atherhold–Coudersport; 12th grade

Makenna Manning–Oswayo Valley; 12th grade

Ella Moses–Port Allegany; 12th grade

Emilee Ruter–Coudersport; 12th grade

Eva West–Oswayo Valley; 12th grade

Isla Lehmier–Port Allegany; 11th grade

Emma Button–Otto-Eldred; 10th grade

Isabella Rees–Austin; 12th grade

Olivia Fink–Coudersport; 12th grade

Coach of the Year: Dan Drummond–Otto-Eldred

Thank you, Criminal Justice Club of Pitt-Bradford! The Criminal Justice Club organized a First Responders’ Basketball Tournament on November 10th.  All proceeds benefited the County Detectives’ K9 Unit and the City of Bradford K9 Unit.  First Responders from several area municipal police departments, the State Police, volunteer fire departments, FCI-McKean Federal Prison, and many of their family members were joined by Pitt-Bradford students for the tournament. 

The event was held at the University’s gymnasium. K9s Rigby and Duke and trainee Coal were on-hand with handlers Officer Dakota Eaton, Sgt. Seth Shephard and Bob and Vicki Rinfrette.   District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and City of Bradford Police Chief Mike Ward were present as well and accepted the generous donation of the proceeds from Gracie Dixon, President of the Criminal Justice Club, who organized the event. 

During a break, spectators participated in a pie-throwing event.  Both K9 Units work for the benefit of all of McKean County and strive to operate on donations as much as possible.   On behalf of both K9 Units, we extend our gratitude to Gracie and the Criminal Justice Club, Pitt-Bradford, all tournament participants, K9s and K9 handlers, and spectators.  Thank you

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.

November 14 – The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is gearing up for its annual day of giving, Cattaraugus Gives, with a prize pool exceeding $21,000.

Scheduled for December 3, Cattaraugus Gives has become a vital initiative to encourage community-wide support for local nonprofits. This year’s  prize pool is expected to drive even greater participation and amplify the impact for nonprofits serving Cattaraugus County.

Last year, participating nonprofits raised over $305,000 for their respective causes during the day.

Confirmed prizes for Cattaraugus Gives to date are as follows:

Volunteers at Christmas House are already at work to help Potter County families celebrate the Christmas season. Christmas House has a long tradition of helping those in need throughout the county by providing Christmas gifts to children and teenagers.

 “ Our letters have gone out to school nurses, caseworkers, clergy and others who have provided us with the names of Potter County individuals and families in need in past years,” says Dawn Newton who coordinates the effort. Individuals are also welcome to submit their names by calling Christmas House at (814) 274) 0825 and leaving a detailed message with your contact information or by stopping in our headquarters between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday. 

“We’ve extended our deadline to November 22 as the last date to register but want to make every effort to register families for the program so if you know of a family who might benefit, please let them know about our efforts,” Newton says.

An all-volunteer non-profit organization, Christmas House is supported by the generosity of people who recognize the great need in our community. Support comes from monetary donations as well as toys, books, gift cards, hats, mittens – all of which find their way under Christmas trees across the county. “We know funds are tight for many people this season, but we also know the generous hearts of our community. We thank you in advance for your support in keeping a Christmas tradition alive,” says a spokesperson.

This year there is a special need for toys and other gifts that would be welcomed by teens of both genders.

Christmas House is located in the basement of the Presbyterian Church at 402 N. Main Street in Coudersport. Mailing address is PO Box 716, Coudersport PA 16915.

As a Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator at UPMC Williamsport, I see firsthand the impact that preventable injuries have on our community. National Injury Prevention Day, observed each November 18^th, is a critical reminder of the importance of safety in our daily lives. At UPMC, we are dedicated not only to treating injuries but also to educating the public on ways to prevent them.

Unintentional injuries are among the leading causes of emergency room visits and hospitalizations, particularly among children, teens, and older adults. These include injuries from motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports, and even firearm incidents. Many of these injuries could be avoided with simple, proactive steps.

Just Because You Can

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should. If the thought comes into your mind, it doesn’t mean it should come out of your mouth.

Several years ago I coined the phrase, “You’re the most dangerous to the Kingdom of God when you’re right.” It came about during a period in my life when I thought I knew everything there was to know about God, the Scriptures, theology, and doctrine. Although I thought I was right, I was far from it. During those days I was trying to persuade everyone to my way of thinking. If they didn’t get on board, in my lofty opinion, they were wrong, and I would proceed to let them know that. Instead of serving God I was serving myself. I was a huge obstacle to His plan and purpose. In my ignorance in the quest of being right, I was wrong, and I hurt many people. Sadly, many can follow a path that seems right, but it ends in destruction.

Social media plays a big part in society. News programs run 24/7. If a person thinks it, they seem to think they have a need to say it. There was a time then people had filters. Those filters were part of our moral upbringing, social restraints, and etiquette. One doesn’t need to have evidence that supports an opinion, they just must believe it’s true. An opinion, according to the dictionary is; “a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge:” Please understand, I’m not against opinions but when we ride our opinion horse to the extreme we destroy friendships, family relationships and probably cause most of our mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The stress of carrying this burden can be overwhelming.

I like to use different slogans to help address situations. One is to simply ask, “In the scope of eternity, what does this really matter.” You may find that the opinion you’re holding on to in the scope of eternity means nothing. Think about it.

The city of Bradford has been awarded a $300,000 state grant for rehabilitation of Callahan Park, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) announced today.

“This park is such an asset to our nearby schools and child care centers, but it really provides recreational opportunities for people of all ages,” Causer said. “I am pleased to see this significant investment into one of our local parks.”

Improvements to be funded through the grant include renovation of a comfort station and pavilion; construction of a pedestrian walkway and parking area; and ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

Callahan Park is an approximately 28-acre park within walking distance of the Bradford Area High School, School Street Elementary School and the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Park amenities include an indoor ice rink, two pools and a pool house, a splash park, a playground, three basketball courts, four tennis courts (which include pickleball courts), and three baseball fields. There are two pavilions within the park that can be rented for celebrations or special events.

The grant was awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and supported by a variety of state and federal funding sources.

All of November through the week before Christmas, the Potter County Farmers Market will move indoors to the Riley Gallery, next to the Crittenden, on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The next market will be this Saturday, November 16th. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

*  There will be NO MARKET ON NOVEMBER 30 due to the Small Town Christmas celebration in Coudersport. Many of our vendors will be throughout the town.

*  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 netrabaker@hughes.net]

MILL CREEK MARKET will be attending this week with oyster mushroom variety boxes, Lion’s Mane boxes, and microgreens. We accept cash and Venmo. To learn more about us visit: www.instagram.com/mill_creek_market  millcreekmarketpa.etsy.com  Or contact us at: millcreekmarketpa@gmail.com 

ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be there on Saturday. We will have a selection of goat milk based products. We accept cash or card payments.

CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the market with breads, sweet treats, fresh brown eggs and jams and jellies from local fruit. It helps me a lot when I know what you are tasting and I will do my best to include that during the week or market day.  In January we begin our schedule of the first Saturday every month. 10 to 2. netrabaker2@gmail.com Cell text 814-598-0649

ALPACA CREATIONS will be a vender Sat.  at the Riley Gallery.   Bringing hand knit & woven alpaca apparel, yarns, large variety of designs and sizes of alpaca socks,  boot inserts, rovings for felting or spinning.   Credit accepted.   Call with questions.  814-601-0049 Things https://alpacas75.wixsite.com/website Alpaca Creations, follow on Facebook

QUIET ACRES will be a vendor this Saturday. We will have the full line of Haldeman Mill products from my brother’s mill in Lancaster County.  Also handmade crafts- aprons with a wide selection of themes ( sports teams, military, Harry Potter, etc) in child and adult sizes as well as trivets, bowls , etc  made from rope and braided, recycled bed sheets in various styles/color choices. Think teacher gifts/stocking stuffers. This is our last market for this month. We accept cash payments.

MAHLON DAVENPORT here,  I plan to attend the Market on Saturday 11-16-24, with a few nice bowls, and other craft items. I’m reducing my stock, since I won’t be attending on a regular basis. Many of the bowls come from my own Catalpa tree, they are special to me.  ( and you?).

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.