NEWS

The Frank Varischetti Foundation recently made a significant contribution to Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), an affiliate of Journey Health System, by presenting a check in support of the “Building for Tomorrow” capital campaign. This generous donation plays a pivotal role in helping DCI reach its ambitious $1.5 million goal, alongside the support from local businesses, organizations and individual community members.

“Dickinson Center, Inc. provides such important resources to the area, and we are proud to support this endeavor,” said Barbara Varischetti, president of The Frank Varischetti Foundation. “The Frank Varischetti Foundation is built on the philosophy of enhancing the quality of life for area residents, which aligns perfectly with Dickinson Center’s mission to serve St. Marys and bring transformative change to the community.”

As a nonprofit organization, Dickinson Center expresses profound gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support. Thanks to these contributions, the new St. Marys facility will ensure that over 1,200 children and adults will continue to receive high-quality behavioral health services each year. This facility will enhance the organization’s capacity to meet the growing demand for crucial mental health services in the region.

With a roster that includes a three-time All-East Team honoree among four key returnees and a program-record 25 freshmen loaded with talent, Pennsylvania College of Technology archery coach Dustin Bartron has plenty of reason for optimism.

The Wildcats are scheduled to open their season on Saturday at the Easton Collegiate Tournament in Manheim.

“It’s great and refreshing to have students that want to be involved again!” Bartron said of the turnout for his fifth edition.

“Practices have been going well, very productive. We have the largest number of student-athletes (30) since I have started coaching in the range every day, working hard. These athletes have made a commitment to the school, team and themselves. Their hard work, along with endless hours of studying, training, practicing and working on equipment, prove this commitment,” the coach said.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer provided the community report for the medication drop boxes that were collected and weighed at the recent pickup.  Boxes located at the City of Bradford Police Department, Kane Borough Police Department and Sheriff’s Department (located inside the jail) were collected on January 7, 2025 by the County Detectives. 

The respective weights of medication collected from the boxes based on location was as follow: Bradford City:  85.5 lbs; Kane Borough: 13.0 lbs; Sheriff’s Office: 15 lbs for a total of 113.5 lbs.  Other boxes are available at the Bradford Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run Barracks.  The County Detectives with the District Attorney’s Office collect the medication from the county’s boxes and they are collected by members of the National  Guard and Attorney General’s Office for destruction.  The boxes are important because it allows everyone to get rid of their unused medication to keep it out of the hands of those other than to those for whom it was prescribed.  Before the installation of the boxes, we had to wait for annual drop off days. 

But unused medication getting in the hands of others is often seen as one avenue that leads to drug abuse so the constant availability of the boxes is very beneficial.  The boxes were sponsored by the District Attorney’s Association and PA American Water Company.    If you suspect illegal drug activity, please call the McKean County Drug Task Force at (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org. 

Smethport–Donald J. Russell, 89, of Moody Hollow, Eldred, PA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 surrounded by his family.

He was born May 10, 1935, in Turtlepoint, PA. He was the son of Frank and Martha Gross Russell. On June 11, 1955, in Coryville he married the former Carolyn Milliron, who survives.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (January 21) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will hold its quarterly business meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m., at its Harrisburg headquarters, located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.  The meeting is open to the public. 

Doreen M. WEISS, 63, of Ulysses, PA, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2025, after a brief, but aggressive battle with cancer.  Born November 4, 1961, in Coudersport, she was the daughter of Gary L. and Amy Moe Empson.  On May 28, 1983, in Galeton, she married Kris J. Weiss, who survives.

Hebron Center Christian School will be operating on a 2 hour delay Wednesday January 22.

Smethport will be operating on a 2 hour delay schedule for Wednesday, January 22nd due to forecasted cold weather.

How many times do we encounter hearing impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you communicate with someone you care about.

Saturday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the  Chili and Chowder With A Chance For Chocolate Taste-Off there will be 15 different types of chili or chowder to taste at 15 sites in downtown Wellsboro and an opportunity to win a fun and unique basket of chocolate at each of those 15 locations. 

In addition, taste-off passport holders are welcome to stop in at Century 21 Gold Star Real Estate to spin the wheel for a surprise. 

Who are you? How would you answer that question? What do you use to define yourself? Are you defined by your profession, parents, or children, or is there some other matrix? Some define themselves by their accomplishments. Some do it by their failures and mistakes.

Slippery sidewalks, icy driveways, and physically demanding tasks like shoveling snow can lead to sprains, fractures, and more serious conditions. By understanding common injuries and how to prevent them, you can safely enjoy the winter.

Common Winter Injuries

Falls on ice and snow are among the most frequent causes of winter injuries, often resulting in fractures. For older adults, hip fractures are a major concern, while younger individuals tend to experience injuries to the wrists, shoulders, and ankles. Head injuries from falls can be especially dangerous, as slipping on ice may cause a person to lose consciousness.

Snow shoveling also poses significant risks. Heavy, wet snow can strain the back, leading to muscle pulls, herniated discs, and shoulder injuries. Without proper technique, repetitive motions may result in painful and avoidable orthopaedic problems.

Winter sports like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding add to the seasonal risk of injuries. High speeds and slippery conditions can lead to broken bones, sprains, and concussions, especially if protective gear is not used.

Prevention is Key

Preventing an injury, especially one that is the result of an accident, is easier said than done. Factors like unpredictable weather create the perfect recipe for something to happen. One of the biggest tips for avoiding injury is to use common sense and avoid situations that will put you at added risk. Additional tips to help enjoy the season are below:

Subject: School Closed Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians,

School will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to extreme temperatures that are not expected to improve throughout the day.

We are closely monitoring the weather conditions for Wednesday, January 22, 2025, and will notify families of our school status by 2:00 PM tomorrow.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Stay safe and warm!

Hebron Center Christian School will be on a 2 hr delay Tuesday, January 21st.

Johnsonburg, Pa.:  Jim Pennington, Jr., President of the Rolfe Beagle Club, announces that the Rolfe Beagle Club will extend its popular Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap by a third weekend in February.  The 9^th Annual event will take place from February 7-9 and then again on the following two weekends of February 14-16, and 21-23.

The Port Allegany Chapter of the National Honor Society is pictured following the 2025 Induction Ceremony held at PAHS.  Pictured:  NHS Officers – Juuso Young, President; Lily Madison, Vice-President; Willow Sauers, Secretary; and Aidan Clark, Treasurer; (row 2, seated) Lily Lehmier, Isla Lehmier, Jarrod Funk, Brynn Evens, Kendra Meade’ (row 3) Raelin Meacham, Maddie Errick, Ethan Tarbox, Alex Schott, Aiden Bliss, Journey Wilmoth, Owen Kisler, Nicholas Wilfong, Micah Emerick, Madison Fillhart, Grace Finn; (back row) Derek Smith, Tyler FIllhart, Joshua Veilleux, Ella Moses, Austin Hamilton and Levi Howard.  

Smethport Area School District will operate on a 2 hour delay schedule for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, due to forecasted cold weather. 

UPDATE: Route 147 SB Closed in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County

2:00 PM UPDATE:  Route 147 southbound is open in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County.

Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Route 147 southbound is closed between Brush Valley Road (Route 4018) and Fish Commission Road in Upper Augusta Township, Northumberland County, due to a crash with downed utilities.

A detour using local roads is in place. Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel, and drive with caution.