The Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Maryland Zoo and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s Wildlife Futures Program are members of the Allegheny Woodrat Working Group that have teamed up to start a Woodrat Captive Breeding Program (WCBP) to rebuild struggling populations of Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister).
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced plans to conduct an open house and plans display to inform the public about its Route 120 connector road project in the City of St. Marys. The meeting will occur Wednesday, May 22, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the St. Marys City Hall, 11 Lafayette Street, St. Marys, 15857.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed project, which will create a connector road that will route eastbound traffic on State/Brusselles Street (Route 120) around the area of downtown known as “The Diamond.” In addition to the construction of the new roadway, the project will also include the installation of new sidewalk, stormwater drainage improvements, and traffic signal upgrades.
The venue for this meeting is accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone requiring special assistance or seeking additional information regarding the meeting may contact Christie Lannen, the project manager, at (814) 765-0563 or clannen@pa.gov before the meeting.
By Rich Esposito
(Editor’s note: This is the second in a four-part series by the Olean Food Pantry about solving food insecurity in our communities.)
I’m a numbers guy. The hunger numbers are staggering in our communities. That reality has sunk in deeply since joining the Olean Food Pantry Board of Directors in March.
But numbers by themselves are easy to misunderstand. It might be hard to visualize what a 95.4% increase in food pantry clients the last three years truly means. What’s more, we suspect the actual number to be much higher, as many people don’t know how to access community resources.
Or, worse, they’ve given up.
So let’s set aside numbers for a moment and look at people as people. People with real struggles. People with life goals. People with disabilities. Their challenges aren’t always what you might think – well beyond the realms of politics and social issues.
While Olean Food Pantry would never identify clients without permission, their experiences typically fall into several different archetypes. These are the faces of hunger:
This person is the pillar of strength for their family. Despite facing their own hunger, they sacrifice to ensure their children receive the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. They could be a mother, father, grandparent, aunt or uncle, or other guardian.
Reduced-price school lunches and carefully planned trips to the grocery store and food pantry are precious lifelines. They don’t like asking for – or relying on – help. But for many reasons beyond their control, there are few other options.
Although we’re no longer talking numbers, there’s one more that we can’t ignore. Roughly 40% of Americans are one missed paycheck away from food insecurity, according to Forbes. That’s nearly half of people who are one job layoff away from an empty refrigerator.
For the job seekers who visit OFP, each day is a battle between a grumbling stomach and the pursuit of stability. Savings dwindle quickly. They’ve already begun selling off most of their “toys.”
They don’t “look” like a picture of poverty. They may have a nice house, nice clothes and a nice car. The job seeker’s journey notes the unpredictability of life’s twists and turns. Despite their professional demeanor, the once-stable ground beneath their feet has shifted.
This individual navigates their Golden Years with financial strain. Memories of brighter days now clash with the agonizing choices they must make between essentials like medicine and proper meals.
In many cases, their spouse has long since passed on. They planned well and saved in their working years. But the dollar just doesn’t stretch as it once did.
Yet, they remain steadfast and optimistic, drawing from years of experience weathering life’s storms.
Many individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities also rely on Olean Food Pantry. They face unique challenges that make them more vulnerable to hunger.
They may have limited mobility or difficulty understanding food assistance programs, among other community resources. The community programs they do access are often siloed, with limited connection to others in what should be a well-rounded continuum of care.
While many have family and friends that help, some others do not. The systemic barriers they confront emphasize a widespread need for better accommodations.
As if the demons of addiction weren’t enough, they accompany the harsh reality of hunger in a vicious cycle.
“Slipping up” means money spent on substances rather than food, housing, bills and other necessities. Limited employment opportunities mean no money for anything. No money means depression. Depression means relapse.
Many Olean Food Pantry clients with substance-use disorders are reintegrating into society after involvement in the justice system, adding more difficulty to finding stable employment. Each day tests their determination in the face of adversity, highlighting the complex interplay between substance abuse, poverty and food insecurity.
These stories underscore the diverse and often hidden faces of hunger in Western New York.
As Olean Food Pantry continues our $1 Million Fundraising Campaign, we’re committed not only to providing immediate hunger relief, but also to implementing long-term solutions that empower individuals and families to thrive. Donate today: https://oleanfoodpantry.org/olean-food-pantry-fundraising-campaign-2024-25/.
(Rich Esposito is a member of the Olean Food Pantry Board of Directors. He can be reached at oleanfoodpantry@yahoo.com.)
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised of a lane restriction this week on Route 15 northbound in Union Township, Union County, for pavement testing.
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) crew will be performing pavement testing on Route 15 northbound between the Snyder / Union County line and the Route 15 entrance ramp from the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) River Bridge. Motorists can expect the right (driving) lane to be restricted where work is being performed. Work will be performed between the hours of 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM, weather permitting.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, watch for lane shifts, and drive with caution through the work zone.
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that the Department is taking further action to ensure tenants of USDA-financed rental properties benefit from fair housing practices.
As part of a final rule, the Department is requiring landlords of USDA-financed rental properties to issue a 30-day written notice to tenants if they are facing a lease termination or eviction.
The notice must include instructions on how tenants can resolve lease violations and avoid eviction. It must also include information on USDA resources that can help tenants stay in their homes.
Read full stakeholder announcement.
Access to Park Avenue is blocked on both ends today, due to necessary excavations across the street from the Library, which are expected to take some time. As a result, the Library will be closed today (Monday).
Job Opportunity:
Manufacturing Process Engineer
Company:
Location:
Coudersport, PA
Essential Job Functions:
Align with our company culture, mission, values, philosophy, and policies and procedures by exemplifying our C.L.E.A.R Principles.
Job Description:
Join our dynamic team as a Manufacturing Process Engineer where you will play a pivotal role in designing, defining, and planning manufacturing processes. You’ll be responsible for specifying and overseeing the installation of new processes, planning equipment build schedules, and monitoring vendor progress. Your expertise will contribute to recommending equipment, method, and layout changes to optimize manufacturing procedures and processes. Moreover, you’ll work on improving current processes through continual analysis of labor, equipment, and processing costs.
Desired Qualifications:
Previous experience in manufacturing methods/processes
Familiarity with PLC programming
Knowledge of CAD, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Industrial Engineering
Excellent creative, advisory, instructional, communication, and problem-solving skills
Education:
4-year bachelor’s degree preferred
Specific Education/ Experience:
2-4 year engineering degree, plus 3 to 5 years of manufacturing work experience. Candidates with Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering degrees are preferred.
Specific Skills and/or Experience with Software, Equipment, etc.:
MS Office, Autocad, Solidworks, Fanuc Robots, RSLogix, AB Panelbuilder, CTC HMI, Compumotor. Experience with equipment such as ultrasonic and vibration welding, automated vision, and electrical testing is desired.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications to Lmann@truck-Lite.com or visit the careers page at https://www.truck-lite.coDm/careers
The Port Allegany Town Wide Yard Sales will be held May 18th from 8 a.m. – ? Registration forms are available at Fox’s Pizza Den and Northern Tier Children’s Home Thrift Shop. The last day to register and be included on the map is Tuesday, May 14th. Those having sales inside the borough need to be registered with Rotary to hold a sale. The Town Wide Yard Sales are a community service project of the Port Allegany Rotary Club.
Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), a non-profit organization and affiliate of Journey Health System, is pleased to announce a generous donation toward their St. Marys’ building project received from GM Equipment Rentals.
A groundbreaking ceremony for Dickinson’s two-story, 12,000 square foot facility took place on April 10,2024. DCI’s Building for Tomorrow Capital Campaign volunteers are actively engaged in a community-wide fundraising effort. Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations, DCI has raised $1,168,469 million and has a remaining goal of $331,531 to reach its $1.5 million total.
Pending official approval, the Allegany County Board of Legislators is announcing a series of public hearings intended to receive input regarding the redistricting process. For members of the public who wish to provide such input, the following hearings will be convened:
The Annual Service Awards Banquet of the Port Allegany School District was held recently at the Port Allegany VMI. Music for the event was provided by John Meade.
Heather Nance recognized the following employees: Penny Lilly and Chelsea Caden with five years of service; Roseann Penick, Kari Johnson, Ashlee Fillhart and Penny Peine with 10 years of service; Linda Gordon with 15 years; Judy Leschner, Aaron Clark and Sara Bishel with 20 years; and Denise Dibble and Thrisa Borro with 25 years.
Those retiring at the end of the school year are Beth McElwee with 23.5 years; Beth Scanlon with 29 years; Gary Buchsen with 32 years and Tracy Kio with 37 years of service to the district.
Program Title: Wildflower Walk with Dawn
Date: Saturday, May 18th
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: Environmental Learning Center
Description: Join the park educator and State Park Volunteer, Dawn Bristol, as we explore the park in search of blooming wildflowers! Short talk followed by a walk through the park to see what we can find. Field guides will be available for use, feel free to bring a water bottle, and comfy shoes are advised.
Dick Brown, Fred Ernst, III., Neil Shepard, Supervisors, Lucinda Speeth, Secretary
4859 RTE. 155
PORT ALLEGANY, PA. 16743
PHONE – (814) 642-2445
May 9, 2024
The regular meeting of the Liberty Township Supervisors was called to order at 8:30AM by Chairman, Dick Brown. Also attending were Supervisor Neil Shepard, Secretary Cindy Speeth, Whitey Brundage and Ed Vicic.
REPORTS:
Wanda D. Gurdak Spires
Graveside services for Wanda D. Spires, who passed on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 12:30 pm at St. Joseph Cemetery, 111 Mohawk Ave., Warren, PA, with Fr. Stephen Schreiber, pastor, officiating.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two people were killed in a house fire in Ellicottville early Friday morning, according to fire authorities.
Crews responded to the home on Bryant Hill Road around 1:40 a.m. Friday. The fire was contained and extinguished to where it started, but the two people in the home had died.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The stage is no bigger than on the national championship level and three Pennsylvania College of Technology teams will be there this week.
GOLF
Two weeks ago at the United East Championship, everything came together for Rob Lytle’s Wildcats for the second straight year as they claimed the team crown and a berth at nationals.
Job Opportunity:
Manufacturing Process Engineer
Company:
Location:
Coudersport, PA
Essential Job Functions:
Align with our company culture, mission, values, philosophy, and policies and procedures by exemplifying our C.L.E.A.R Principles.
Job Description:
Join our dynamic team as a Manufacturing Process Engineer where you will play a pivotal role in designing, defining, and planning manufacturing processes. You’ll be responsible for specifying and overseeing the installation of new processes, planning equipment build schedules, and monitoring vendor progress. Your expertise will contribute to recommending equipment, method, and layout changes to optimize manufacturing procedures and processes. Moreover, you’ll work on improving current processes through continual analysis of labor, equipment, and processing costs.
Desired Qualifications:
Previous experience in manufacturing methods/processes
Familiarity with PLC programming
Knowledge of CAD, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Industrial Engineering
Excellent creative, advisory, instructional, communication, and problem-solving skills
Education:
4-year bachelor’s degree preferred
Specific Education/ Experience:
2-4 year engineering degree, plus 3 to 5 years of manufacturing work experience. Candidates with Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering degrees are preferred.
Specific Skills and/or Experience with Software, Equipment, etc.:
MS Office, Autocad, Solidworks, Fanuc Robots, RSLogix, AB Panelbuilder, CTC HMI, Compumotor. Experience with equipment such as ultrasonic and vibration welding, automated vision, and electrical testing is desired.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications to Lmann@truck-Lite.com or visit the careers page at https://www.truck-lite.coDm/careers
On May 12, at 3:36 am Roulette ambulance was dispatched to Oak Lane for an allergic reaction.
On May 12, at 3:37 am Coudersport Ambulance was dispatched to N. Main St. for a possible CVA.
“Scuba Joe” reaches into Pine Creek to pick the winners for the 2nd Annual Duck Derby held by the Galeton 4th of July Parade Booster Club.
This event was held during the 4th Annual King of the Wing event sponsored by the Galeton Chamber of Commerce held at the John J. Collins Park. Even though we have had rain the last couple of days, the event was free of any rain from 10 AM – 4 PM.
The winners of the race were 1st place: Cora Shadle, 2nd place Dan Brown, and 3rd place Colleen Osgood.
The King of Wing had 5 competitors creating numerous flavors of wings for everyone to enjoy. They were from far as Philadelphia and 4 were within a 12 mile of range of Galeton. Thank you to Steve Benna of the Galeton Area Chamber of Commerce for chairing this great event. Photo by Andy Lychalk Jr.
Hiding in plain view – that is what has been said about AMEIA (Allegheny Mountain Engine and Implement Association) by locals who did not even realize that the organization exists.
A change in leadership and the embracing of new ideas and new members has started to change that. There are now displays that change periodically to draw attention from the road. While the grounds have always been well-maintained, focus has been placed on improving the grounds to being used more regularly.
AMEIA is a 501c3. It is a family oriented organization that is always looking for a way to give back to the community. If you are looking for a low cost event to take the family to this summer, the AMEIA directors cordially invite you to attend the 46th annual show July 26-28.
This is a free event. Donations are accepted to offset costs, but there is no entrance fee. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to stop by any time the gate is open. AMEIA offers many opportunities for community-minded individuals and families to volunteer. Little ones can even volunteer alongside an adult.
Please consider helping this organization grow and give back to the community.
Email alleghenymeia@gmail.com for more information or with questions. AMEIA website and Facebook page will be functional in the near future.
Allegany County, NY, May 6, 2024 – The Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women (ACC FFW) announced today its seventh annual Mother’s Day Campaign, which allows donors to make a contribution in honor or memory of women who have made a difference in their lives in order to support women seeking continued betterment.
