NEWS
ATTENTION LIBERTY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS:
Liberty Township
ATTENTION LIBERTY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS: The township is going to have to cancel the blacktopping of Coleman Mills Road that was scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until further notice. Very sorry for the inconvenience!!
Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Weekly Roundup
Governor’s Invasive Species Council Celebrates Pennsylvania Native Species at North Creek Nurseries The Governor’s Invasive Species Council underscored the importance of sustaining native plants, insects, and animals on land and in our waters during a visit to North Creek Nurseries to celebrate the second annual Pennsylvania Native Species Day. The Governor’s Invasive Species Council, chaired by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, includes seven state agencies and 14 organizations in local government, academia, environmental advocacy, and agriculture and other industries. The council created Pennsylvania Native Species Day to celebrate the state’s diverse native plants, insects, and animals and increase Pennsylvanians’ understanding of the importance of protecting them against the proliferation of invasive species.Recap |
Native plants create beautiful landscapes that provide our native wildlife with the diverse habitat and food they need to survive, plus several other benefits!Learn More |
The Shapiro Administration held a Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in Darlington Township, Beaver County. This was an opportunity for small businesses, farmers, and residents to receive the resources they need as they recover from the impacts of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.See More |
Governor Shapiro Announces Homegrown Food Manufacturer Shank’s Extracts to Invest $30.5 Million in Lancaster County Expansion The 124-year-old Pennsylvania company’s expansion will create at least 83 new jobs in Central Pennsylvania, retain 234 jobs statewide, and boost the Commonwealth’s growing food manufacturing industry Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Shank’s Extracts LLC – a specialty ingredient, flavors and botanical extracts company – will expand operations at its East Hempfield Township headquarters in Lancaster County and invest $30.5 million into the project, creating at least 83 new jobs, and retaining 234 statewide jobs within the next three years. Read More |
Secretary Redding was honored to spend a morning in Luzerne County with the hardworking farmers and producers in the area for PA State Rep. Mike Cabell’s Farmers’ Breakfast.See More |
Secretary Redding had the opportunity to speak during the U.S. Department of Agriculture – National Agriculture Statistic Service (NASS) workshop held in Dauphin County.See More |
It’s official! Secretary Redding was sworn-in, marking the start of his fourth term as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.See More |
Warm weather can mean a lot to Pennsylvanians. It’s the sign of another school year coming to an end, the start of a growing season, and, of course, county fair time! The 2023 PA Fair guide is now available. What fairs will you be visiting this year?Plan Your Visit |
If you or someone you know is a PA farmer who is struggling, call the AgriStress helpline at 833-897-AGRI (2474). Resources are available. Learn More |
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture | 2301 N. Cameron Street | Harrisburg, PA 17110 |
VENDORS SOUGHT FOR JULY 31st SENIOR EXPO AT THE COUDERSPORT ARBORETUM
A SENIOR EXPO will be held at the Coudersport Arboretum located at 201 South West Street, Coudersport, on Monday, July 31st from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rain date will be Tuesday, August 1st. The SENIOR EXPO is sponsored by the Coudersport Arboretum Association and in collaboration with Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging.
Various agencies and businesses will set up tables displaying their services and products that assist older adults. No political campaign set-ups will be featured. There is no cost for vendor set-ups, however donations to the Coudersport Arboretum Association are gratefully accepted.
Vendors will set up along the paths that meander through the beautiful memorial Arboretum displaying a variety of flowers, trees and bushes on the historic C&PA railroad grounds. Stroll along the Honor Walk bricks inscribed in memory or tribute to loved ones and visit the Veteran’s Honor Wall while visiting vendor’s tables.
There are plenty of memorial benches throughout the Arboretum to relax and enjoy the day. Door prizes and refreshments will be available.
Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging will have a table set-up with information pertaining to their services. Farm Market Nutrition Program checks will be available.
The Coudersport Arboretum Association is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. The Arboretum is maintained by volunteers, donations and grants. Anyone wishing to make a general donation or memorial donation should send it to the Coudersport Arboretum Association, 201 South West Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.
Vendors interested in reserving their spot (limited spots available) or for more information contact Donna Foust at 814-274-9887 or email wcfoust@gmail.com.
Disclaimer: The Coudersport Arboretum Association, Coudersport Borough and Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging do not endorse or promote any of the vendor set-ups.
LOTS TO DO OUTDOORS AT SPRINGFEST THIS SUNDAY, MAY 21
Rain or shine, there will be lots to do from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Springfest this Sunday, May 21 at Hills Creek State Park, 111 Spillway Road, seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Charleston Township.
Anglers of all ages can learn how to tie a fly with fly tying materials and equipment provided free. Also available will be fly rods to practice casting at different distances and targets.
Youth, ages 15 and under can try their hand at fishing on Hills Creek Lake with help provided by park staff. Fishing poles, bait and lures will be provided free to those who want to learn basic fishing skills. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older.
A headwaters spring seep or spring outlet like those found in the woods will be set up on a small-scale with bryophytes, mosses, flat rocks, and several species of moist woodland salamanders for kids to find under rocks.
Youngsters can take clay, make a ball and cover it with native plant seeds to throw into an area at home and watch the seeds grow.
Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and canoeing for all ages is offered with Kayak Club members, other volunteers and park staff available to assist. All equipment is free to use. “Springfest provides the perfect opportunity to try before you buy,” said organizer Bob Edkin, environmental education specialist. “We have youth-specific kayaks, which are easier to paddle and more maneuverable than what parents will find at most rental locations. Youngsters can also find out if they enjoy stand-up paddle boarding. We can help people of all ages, including adults, improve their paddling and enjoy it more.”
Available for purchase will be shrubs, small trees and flowering plants native to North Central Pennsylvania and ready for planting.
Visitors can go on a self-led hike using park maps as a guide or at 2 p.m. can go on a guided bird walk.
Children and adults are welcome to bring their bikes, wear helmets, as required by law and bike at the park.
To learn more about Springfest or for directions, email hillscreeksp@pa.gov or call 570-724-4246.
HAMILTON-GIBSON CHILDREN AND YOUTH SPRING CONCERT IS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 21
The Hamilton-Gibson Children and Youth Choirs Spring Concert is This Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church at 130 Main Street in Wellsboro.
“We did not choose a yearlong theme but in the world we live in we were drawn to the songs that offered hope, and that hope is in recognizing how we are alike,” said Thomas Putnam.
“Many of the songs we’re singing explore our connectedness with each other, we are one,” he said. “We can’t make it through these challenging times without sticking together.
The concert will open with all three choirs singing “Amazing Grace,” “I Wanna Be Ready” and “Building Bridges.”
The Children’s Concert Choir for fifth through eighth graders and Youth Choir for ninth through twelfth graders, both directed by Thomas Putnam of Wellsboro, will then perform “Because All Men Are Brothers” followed by the Children’s Concert Choir singing “Yellow Submarine,” “Circle Round the Moon” and “Niska Banja” and the Youth Choir, “Yesterday,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Hey Jude.”
The Children’s Concert Choir and Youth Choir will then join in performing “Let It Be” and “If Not Now, When?”
Choir Too for youngsters in the second through fourth grades directed by Cheryl Hein Walters of Mansfield will sing “Bombalina” and “Ear Worm.”
The Children’s Concert Choir and Youth Choir will perform “Draw the Circle” and “We Are Not Alone.”
Closing the concert will be the Children’s Concert Choir and Youth Choir singing “Song for Justice,” “Sisi Ni Moja” and “Scottish Blessing.”
Piano accompanist for the concert is Gary Citro.
Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students, 18 and under.
Work Has Begun For Key Infrastructure Improvements To Leonard Harrison State Park
Wellsboro, PA — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced that construction has begun on key infrastructure improvements at Leonard Harrison State Park.
“We are pleased to get this long-awaited infrastructure improvement project underway at Leonard Harrison,” State Parks Director John Hallas said. “Projects of this nature help keep our wonderful state parks system safe and enjoyable for all visitors. We appreciate the patience of the public as work is done to improve the park and are excited for what’s in store for the future.”
The large scope of the project will cause temporary closures of the main day-use and parking areas, including the spectacular overlook area starting on May 15, 2023. The closure is anticipated to last for the summer, with the goal of full access to the 585-acre park in time for the fall foliage season starting early September.
Work will include making improvements to the park entrance, pedestrian walkways and expanded parking areas. An electric vehicle (EV) charging area in the new parking lot with space for four electric vehicles as part of a statewide initiative to support EV infrastructure in state parks and forests.
Additionally, there will be new walkways for pedestrians from the parking area to a newly renovated Leonard Harrison State Park Visitor Center, which includes exhibit hall, a PA Wilds Conservation Shop and outdoor seating.
The Leonard Harrison Turkey Path will remain open that connects the park to the Pine Creek Rail Trail. The campground will also remain open, with existing reservations being honored.
Site conditions may be noisy and dusty while contractors are performing the work, therefore campers with existing reservations will be offered an opportunity to cancel or transfer reservations. and no further reservations will be taken during this closure timeframe.
During this construction project, DCNR is asking park visitors to avoid active construction areas and visit other local State Parks.
Colton Point State Park on the western rim of the Pa Grand Canyon has five overlook areas and is a great alternative spot to enjoy spectacular views of the Pine Creek Gorge.
Another alternative local attraction is Hills Creek State Park, where visitors can enjoy the 137-acre lake, public beach, hiking trails and concessions this summer season.
Relocation of the existing PA Wilds Conservation Shop mobile unit to Hills Creek from Leonard Harrison has also occurred to serve visitors to the region during the summer season.
Construction is set to begin as DCNR is working to address its $1.4 billion infrastructure needs. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget would address outdated facilities and public safety preparedness across the state.
The Governor’s budget would provide $112 million to maintain and improve infrastructure in parks and forests, which would be the single largest investment in decades. In addition, the budget proposes $2.8 million to support operating needs for the management and safety of our public lands.
“We are pleased to begin work on this existing project and are eager to get working on other infrastructure needs across our 124-state park system,” DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norbeck said. “Just like at Leonard Harrison, our state parks and forests contain not only natural areas, but many roads, bridges and structures. Much of that infrastructure was built more than 50 years ago and we are working to address those critical needs.”
If you have questions, or need any additional information, please contact the Leonard Harrison State Park Office weekdays from 8am to 4pm; telephone 570-724-3061.
Find out more information about Leonard Harrison State Park on DCNR’s website. Check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands. For information on other state parks in the PA Wilds regionOpens In A New Window, visit the PA Wilds website..
Forest Landowner State Gamelands Tour
The Northcentral Forest Landowners Association is hosting a free program. Join us for a wildlife habitat tour on PA State Gamelands #44, near Ridgway.
PA Game Commission staff will lead the tour with various stops highlighting forest management and wildlife habitat improvements. The tour will also show early successional habitat and field management for pollinators and other wildlife.
The workshop will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 9:00 am.
We will meet in the parking lot at the top of Mead Run. Parking lot is along Mead Run Road, 1.5 miles from Shawmut Road. (Mead Run Road is on the west side of Shawmut Road, 0.6 mile north of town of Drummond, which is west of Route 219 and south of Ridgway.)
Please Pre-register by May 26 by calling 814-887-5121 (leave a clear message with your name and phone number) or by email ncfla2@gmail.com Registration is required to ensure there are enough participants to hold the event.
The workshop is free and open to all.
Event is sponsored by the NCFLA and PA Game Commission.
NPRC Celebrates Graduates at Annual Commencement Ceremony
Northern Pennsylvania Regional College celebrated their annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. The event took place at The Titusville Mill in Titusville, with seven students receiving their diplomas. Four additional students received their certificate in general studies. Two students graduated in absentia.
President Snelick opened the ceremony sharing words about the graduates and the milestone that they accomplished.
MorePennDOT McKean County Maintenance work schedule for the week of May 22 – May 26, 2023
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation McKean County Maintenance announces the following work schedule for the week of May 22 – May 26, 2023, weather permitting. Motorists should travel with extra caution in these and all work areas. Motorists should be aware that due to the nature of highway maintenance and emergency work, crews could be working on any highway at any time of the day or night.
McKean County 0250
Sign Repairs and Upgrades:
- Various State Routes throughout the County
Bridge Repair:
- Various State Routes throughout the County
Patching:
- State Route: 2004 (Christian Hollow Road)
Crack Sealing:
- State Route: 46 (Farmers Valley to Rew)
Pipe Replacement:
- State Route: 1015 (Columbia Hill Road)
Pipe Repair:
- State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
Ditching:
- State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
- State Route: 346 (Marilla Brook to Stickney)
- State Route: 246 (Bradford side of Looker Mountain Trail)
The following work is scheduled to be completed by contractor, weather permitting:
L.C. Whitford- Bridge Replacement
State Route: 1011 (Barnum Road)
Traffic control: Contractor will be utilizing flaggers on SR 1011 during work hours to control the flow of traffic
Jefferson Paving– Roadway repairs
State Route: 146 (Red Mill Road)
Traffic control: Contractor will be utilizing flaggers on SR 146 during work hours to control the flow of traffic
Betty M. Erich-Hanes, 94, formerly of Poplar Road, St. Marys, PA.
Betty M. Erich-Hanes, 94, formerly of Poplar Road, St. Marys, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor.
She was born on October 10, 1928 in St. Marys, a daughter of the late Salome and Mildred Gerg Dornish.
On February 14, 1947, she married the late Raymond C. Erich, who preceded her in death on December 4, 1995. in 1999, she married the late John W. Hanes, who preceded her in death on June 7, 2012.
Betty attended St. Marys Area Schools and was a member of Sacred Heart Church. She retired from Uni-Mart after many years as the manager. Over the years, she was active with the St. Ann’s Society, the Rosary Altar Society, and the Senior Center, where she loved to play cards with her friends. Always the social butterfly who made friends everywhere she went, she enjoyed volunteering her time at the hospital gift shop, the Resale Shop, and at the Senior Center. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother who loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by 5 children; Yvonne (Gene) Hooper of St. Marys, Leah (Rich) Meyer of St. Marys, Susan (George) Wendel of Erie, Mary Kay (Ernest) Kronenwetter of St. Marys, and Charles (Anna) Erich of Lexington, KY; and by 12 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 step-sons, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her first and second husbands, Betty was preceded in death by a step-daughter, by two brothers; James Dornish and Charles Dornish, and by one sister; Leah Redmond.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Betty M. Erich-Hanes will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas Curry, OSB, as celebrant.
Visitation will be at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Monday, Monday, May 22, 2023 from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM.
Burial will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Senior Center.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
Wires Down With Fire on Kim Hill Road
At 9:53 AM on Saturday, Roulette Fire Dept. has been dispatched for wires down with fire near 195 Kim Hill Road.
10:45 AM–Fire out. Turned over to West Penn Power on scene, returning to station.