NEWS

Fresh Start Produce Sales Initiates Recall of Whole Cucumbers Because of Possible Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- May 31, 2024 – Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: June 3, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a 5 day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Anthony Fenton, of Bradford, was convicted of Criminal Homicide (Murder in the 3rd degree) and related charges.

On May 10, 2021, City of Bradford Police and Paramedics were dispatched to an unresponsive female at an apartment above a storefront on Main Street.  Upon arrival, they found Tammy Presser unresponsive on the phone.  They noticed severe swelling to her head and neck and significant bruising on her upper right chest. 

The defendant said the victim, later determined to be his girlfriend, had fallen down the stairs from their second-story apartment the night before and ruptured a tumor on the side of her head.  The paramedics were able to stabilize Tammy to allow her to be transported to BRMC but she never regained consciousness. 

William “Bill” Corey, 67, of Warren, PA., died Sunday afternoon, June 2, 2024, at UPMC Hamot, Erie, PA.  Bill was born April 23, 1957, in Warren, PA.  He was the son of Edwin J. and Ann Rose Graziano Corey.  He was a lifelong Warren area resident and a member of the class of 1975 Warren Area High School.  Bill was employed as a bricklayer at National Forge Company for 25 years and served as a Pennsylvania State Constable for 15 years.  He was a member of Kalbfus Rod & Gun Club, enjoyed trap shooting, hunting, fishing and his greatest joys in life, were spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.  He loved his dogs.

Thomas D. WHEELER, 68, of Harrison Valley, PA, died Sunday, June 2, 2024 in his home.  Born May 23, 1956, in Coudersport, he was the son of Horace D. and Juanita P. Thompson Wheeler.  He was employed by Cooper Slide in Genesee, Sherwood Enterprises in Ulysses, Snyder’s Farm in Hector, and owned and operated Wheeler’s Logging & Milling.  Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing.  

The 2024 Outdoor Sportsman Awards were presented at the annual Awards Assembly held recently at PAHS.  The awards were measured on the skills of hunting, trapping and fishing.  The students presented photographic evidence of their skills, based on the honor system.  Twenty-five students participated this year. 

Sponsoring the awards were Allegany River Guides, Whitetail Country Sports, Burleson’s True Value, Anderson Energy Services, the Pennsylvania National Guard, Eldred Conservation  Club, Fox’s of Smethport, McKann Trucking, State Game Warden Jeff Orwig, Pit Bull Construction, Wheaton’s Tackle Shop and 14 teachers and staff contributed prizes for financial support for the prizes for the awards.  

The Winners:  The Fishing Award – Best Fishing Photo, Jadon Archer; The Best Buck Award, Isaac Postlewait; 5th place – Kooper Bird; 4th place – Skyler Pelchy; 3rd place – Gavyn McKervey; 2nd place – Lily Ingalls and 1st place – Az Luk.  

The 117th commencement of the was held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.  This year we were happy to graduate twenty-six seniors.

The presentation of medals was made by Superintendent, Mr. Jed Hamberger.  The Welcome Address was presented by Holden Turek, the recipient of the Third Honors Award.  He is the son of John and Amy Turek of Coudersport, PA.  Mr. Turek will attend St. Bonaventure University and major in Political Science.

The Commencement Address was given by Olivia Cook, class valedictorian, daughter of Michael and Kathryn Cook of Oswayo, PA.  Miss Cook will attend St. Bonaventure University and major in Health Science.

Also giving a Commencement Address was class salutatorian, Maddison Gietler, daughter of Jim and Danielle Gietler of Shinglehouse, PA.  Miss Gietler will attend Alfred State College of Technology and major in Veterinary Technology.

The presentation of the class was made by Principal, Mr. Erich Zaun, and diplomas were given to the students by Superintendent, Mr. Jed Hamberger and Board of Education Vice-President, Mrs. Deann Bonney.

Closing remarks were given by Lily Stedman, Class President, son of Brian and Christi Stedman of Shinglehouse, PA.

Music was provided by Mrs. Beth Lewis.

Awards and scholarships were announced by Monica Williams, School Counselor.  Over $240,000 in scholarships sponsored by local organizations were made available to Oswayo Valley graduates.

The following students were awarded diplomas:

Beau H. Barshinger       

 Nikolas A. Bonney       

 Alexandar A. Butler      

 Khloe J. Carpenter        

 Savannah J. Carr 

 Olivia J. Cook     

 Hannah G. Cudzil

 Madelynn G. Evingham

 Brooke I. George 

 Maddison E. Gietler      

 Mallory L. Goodliff      

 Elexis M. Hagans

 Alexis L. Kemp  

 Daryl J. T. Maurer        

 Laci M. Miller-Geiger   

 Naomi A. E. Mix 

 Oai Linh Nguyen

 Brehden R. Osgood      

 Cameron T. Packer       

 Kael B. Parrish   

 Praylan H. Perkins        

 Lily B. Stedman  

 Madison R. Taylor        

 Holden J. Turek  

 Brayden T. Wiley

 Gilles S. Wylie    

OSWAYO VALLEY JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL

Shinglehouse, PA 16748

PRESS RELEASE

FOR RELEASE AFTER – May 31, 2024

The 117th commencement of the Oswayo Valley High School was held on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.  This year we were happy to graduate twenty-six seniors.

The presentation of medals was made by Superintendent, Mr. Jed Hamberger.  The Welcome Address was presented by Holden Turek, the recipient of the Third Honors Award.  He is the son of John and Amy Turek of Coudersport, PA.  Mr. Turek will attend St. Bonaventure University and major in Political Science.

The Commencement Address was given by Olivia Cook, class valedictorian, daughter of Michael and Kathryn Cook of Oswayo, PA.  Miss Cook will attend St. Bonaventure University and major in Health Science.

Also giving a Commencement Address was class salutatorian, Maddison Gietler, daughter of Jim and Danielle Gietler of Shinglehouse, PA.  Miss Gietler will attend Alfred State College of Technology and major in Veterinary Technology.

The presentation of the class was made by Principal, Mr. Erich Zaun, and diplomas were given to the students by Superintendent, Mr. Jed Hamberger and Board of Education Vice-President, Mrs. Deann Bonney.

Closing remarks were given by Lily Stedman, Class President, son of Brian and Christi Stedman of Shinglehouse, PA.

Music was provided by Mrs. Beth Lewis.

Awards and scholarships were announced by Monica Williams, School Counselor.  Over $240,000 in scholarships sponsored by local organizations were made available to Oswayo Valley graduates.

The following students were awarded diplomas:

Beau H. Barshinger       

 Nikolas A. Bonney       

 Alexandar A. Butler      

 Khloe J. Carpenter        

 Savannah J. Carr 

 Olivia J. Cook     

 Hannah G. Cudzil

 Madelynn G. Evingham

 Brooke I. George 

 Maddison E. Gietler      

 Mallory L. Goodliff      

 Elexis M. Hagans

 Alexis L. Kemp  

 Daryl J. T. Maurer        

 Laci M. Miller-Geiger   

 Naomi A. E. Mix 

 Oai Linh Nguyen

 Brehden R. Osgood      

 Cameron T. Packer       

 Kael B. Parrish   

 Praylan H. Perkins        

 Lily B. Stedman  

 Madison R. Taylor        

 Holden J. Turek  

 Brayden T. Wiley

 Gilles S. Wylie    

Williamsport, Pa., June 3, 2024 – Susquehanna Regional EMS (SREMS), UPMC in North Central Pa.’s prehospital team, has been selected as the 2024 Pennsylvania Agency of the Year (Large Agency Division) by the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council (PEHSC).

“This award honors an EMS agency with a volume of more than 5,000 calls annually for their contribution to the development and growth of quality prehospital care within their community by demonstrating a consistent pattern of timely care delivery, working cooperatively with surrounding EMS agencies, and by supporting professional development activities for its providers,” said Anthony Martin, director, Pa. Department of Health. “The awards nominations process is peer driven – individuals and agencies are nominated each year based on their extraordinary service to the community and Pennsylvania’s EMS system.”

SREMS responded to approximately 20,000 calls in 2023, including 911 emergencies and nonemergent interfacility transfers. Additionally, SREMS has completed over 13,000 hours of community benefit support that same year, including coverage for the Little League World Series events, Williamsport’s 4th of July celebration, and the Lycoming County Fair. The agency also educates providers and the public with programs like UPMC’s Minutes Matter and Stop the Bleed. Through partnership with Susquehanna Health Foundation, 100 AEDs, 100 bleed control kits, and 100 packages of Narcan have been donated. On top of it all, SREMS encourages personal and professional growth for their team – in 2023, four staff earned Bachelor of Science degrees, two earned master’s degrees, and seven obtained IBSC Critical Care certifications.

“Our team has a lot to be proud of. This award embodies their hard work, dedication, and commitment they bring to the job every day,” said Tony Bixby, chief, Susquehanna Regional EMS, and director, Prehospital Services, UPMC in North Central Pa. “We are extremely proud and excited to share this with our staff and the communities we serve.”

SREMS took this opportunity to also recognize Ally Swartz, sr. professional paramedic, UPMC Williamsport, as their Paramedic of the Year, and Doug Parsell, sr. professional EMT II, UPMC Wellsboro, as their EMT of the Year.

To learn more about Susquehanna Regional EMS, go to SREMSPA.org.

About UPMC

UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide more than $1 billion every year in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across 40 hospitals and 800 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers more than 4 million members with a focus on providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.

Photo: In 2023, the Johnsonburg Senior Center needed new basement doors to replace the old doors that were in very poor condition. With $3,000 in grant awards in from the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund they were able to install new weather efficient, safe entry doors for their facility that is utilized by many seniors from the Johnsonburg area.

Grant opportunities are available at the Elk County Community Foundation

St. Marys, PA: Grant opportunities are currently available from three of the open grant funds held at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF).

The Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund is now accepting applications for the current granting cycle. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2024. Grants are awarded through an open, competitive grant process open to any 501c3 organization, school, municipality, or organized religion that benefits the residents of the Johnsonburg Area School District. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

RIDGWAY – The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission announces it is hosting a free webinar on cybersecurity this month through the North Central Partnership for Regional Economic Performance.

Nate Rogers from Omnis Technologies in Lewis Run will discuss cybersecurity and what companies can do to protect their data from cyber-attacks. The event is being held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 17 and is planned to last one hour.

The webinar will focus on investing in ongoing training and research to help businesses stay ahead of emerging threats, creating personalized security strategies to address challenges, and providing businesses with all the relevant industry standards and regulations.

To register, email Mikala Biondi at mbiondi@ncentral.com.

#### The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is a premier regional development organization that serves the public and private sector through a wide range of economic, community, infrastructure, human services, and technology programs for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter Counties

What is a Sip n Swipe Café? It is a place where older adults can get free self-paced lessons on how to use a tablet or smartphone. A coach works with the learner to provide support and answer questions. The Café offers an easy, free, and safe way to learn how to use a tablet or smartphone. It is designed for those who have never touched a computer. Folks who use a computer but wish to learn how to use a tablet or smartphone are also invited to attend.

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that a Pennsylvania State Trooper was convicted Friday of vehicular homicide for causing a fatal crash last year when he was off-duty, on his way to work, in Tioga County.

A Tioga County jury returned the verdict against Michael J. Brown on Friday afternoon following a week-long trial regarding the February 11, 2023, collision that killed 47-year-old Christine Woodward.

Brown was convicted of felony homicide by vehicle. A Columbia County Senior Judge also found Brown guilty of summary traffic violations.

Brown remains free on bail until sentencing.

According to testimony, Brown attempted to pass a vehicle — illegally across double yellow lines — on Route 6, and struck an oncoming vehicle.

Learning To Say No

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Do you have trouble saying no? Before we go much further let me explain a little about what I mean. I’m not necessarily speaking about the saying no to others, although I may touch on this, it’s saying no to yourself.

Since I opened the box, let me explain that saying no to others is extremely important. It has much to do with boundaries and setting good ones. It also relates to knowing your limits, something we all can learn about. When your heart is saying no while your mouth is saying yes you need to start listening to your heart, it can save us a lot of heartache and anxiety. So, if you find yourself asking the question, “What was I thinking,” you might find that you need to work on personal boundaries and self.

Now to saying NO to yourself. I’ve learned over the years that I bite off more than I can chew. In other words, I over do it. I extend myself beyond my limits and then wonder why I’m in such a difficult place. Often this is because I’m thinking that I’m still in my 20’s or 30’s. Let’s face it, I can no longer run a 4:50 mile or bicycle 40-60 miles a day. I’d like to, but I can’t. But guess what? It doesn’t stop me from trying and that’s where I need to learn to say NO! The Scriptures remind me that just because all things are permissible, not all things are good for me. Now I know that Paul wasn’t referring to my specific issue, but I believe it relates.

Learning to say no to yourself is about understanding and knowing your limitations. Of course, one must not only know them but be willing to live within the confines of of their limitations. Perhaps that’s where the problem is found. It’s easy to know what you can no longer do, it’s another to submit to that reality. You see, I find that is where I need to learn to say NO, I can’t do that. Another aspect of this is the issue of asking for help. Part of saying no to yourself is recognizing that you need help. Wow, now that is a big one. Asking for help is admitting that you’re unable to do something that you probably used to be able to do without any problem. Where are you in this conundrum? Think about it.

If April Showers bring May flowers, what do May showers bring?

I think we would all agree that May showers bring fast-growing grass. Actually, the trees are very well fed and have produced a very healthy covering of leaves. The flowering trees are very nice this May too. 

Looking back to a very dry spring last year it is a pleasing change. Pine Crick is beautiful too. Everyone now can get one’s lawn mower out and use them on a weekly basis.

This May we received 5.38″ of rain last year we measured 1.59″. The combined reading for April and May is 11.16″.  We recorded measurable rain for 20 days in May. That, of course means you could only mow for 11 days. The mornings were mostly cloudy with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. However on the morning of May 31 it was a cool 34 to 37 degrees in town and in the suburbs (West Pike).

We had 17 foggy mornings, 4 thunderstorms and one damaging wind storm.

Summer begins in 3 weeks.  Have a good summer and keep on mowing. Potter County looks like it is well mowed from one end to the other. 

Henry W. Lush   

National Weather Service Observer

Electricity – Plug Into God’s Power, 

Come Join the Musical Merrill’s Evangelistic Team at the Hilltop Baptist Church Vacation Bible School.

June 2nd through June 6th, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.  4 years old to 6th grade.  The Musical Merrill’s Evangelistic Team is putting on  VBS this year

Have a great day. Jill Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and Him and He shall direct thy paths…Proverbs 3:5,6

The Tioga County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from a concerned citizen regarding a phone scam. This particular phone scam involved a caller saying they were a Lieutenant calling regarding a jury trial/jury duty. Sheriff Levindoski has these tips for Tioga County residents regarding phone scams:

*Under no circumstances should a resident ever provide any personal information by phone when receiving any calls unless the resident personally knows the caller.

*No government agency will ever accept or request payments via gift cards.

*Never provide credit card information, social security number, date of birth, driver’s license number or bank information to anyone.

*Note the telephone number of the caller.

*Disconnect without providing any information to the caller.

*Call the office of the Tioga County Sheriff at (570) 724-3491 if a resident has any concerns that he or she may be a wanted person or to inquire if the Sheriff’s Office has any reason to contact you.

Friday, we celebrated the retirement of three Northern Tier employees who have demonstrated the kind of loyalty, hard work, and dedication seldom seen nowadays. Please join us in thanking Marcy Boswell (Head Start), Kevin Genevro (Weatherization), and Vicki Wenner (Weatherization) for their combined 100 years of service to Northern Tier Community Action Corporation and all the areas we serve. Northern Tier will simply not be the same without you!