Local Leaders React to Allegany County Fairgrounds Funding

On March 6, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced the passage of House Resolution H.4366, the “Consolidated Appropriations Bill,” which includes over $425,000 in funding for the Allegany County Fairgrounds. This appropriation was a result of Congressman Langworthy’s Community Project Funding program, which identifies and supports worthy initiatives throughout the 23^rd Congressional District. On March 7, Allegany County leaders reacted to the news:

Allegany County Fair Board President David Jennings

Borough of Galeton

The regular meeting of the Galeton Borough Authority was held this date with the following members present: Tony Adami, Joe Cimino, Mike Brown and Todd Parsell. Not present was Tom Smith.

Chairman Adami called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

A motion was made by Joe Cimino, seconded by Todd Parsell approving the minutes of the 2/6/24 meeting as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.

WATER REPORT

At previous meetings we discussed with our engineer so need to update our Drought Ordinance to go with our upgraded water plant instead of measuring the water in the old reservoirs. Shawn presented an amendment to our Drought ordinance with new triggers for each stage of Drought Contingency plan that works with our system. He had reviewed these with Joe.

Mike Plummer is going to draft an amendment for Council to approve at their next meeting.

Joe told the Authority that the slow sand filter beds are going to need new sand. The levels are getting low. He said the next time the beds are cleaned is probably when the sand is going to be needed. He is going to check to see if we can purchase it at the same place in Ohio.

It was noted that the Notice to Proceeds have been issued to the two contractors doing the WWTP plant upgrade. The pre-construction meeting is March 13th at 10:00 AM.

The PennVest closing took place and now the grant is in place ready to begin drawdowns as soon as construction begins.

Joe told the Authority that he had an electrician up to the water plant to replace the outside lights.

OLD BUSINESS

Tony said that we are waiting for quotes for the Wetmore Road repair.

NEW BUSINESS

A discussion was held on vacant and unoccupied properties in the winter season. Beginning next winter, if residents are vacating their property for 7 days or more they MUST inform the Borough Office and at that time must decide whether to have the water shut off and back on when they return at a cost of $100.00 or leave the water on and be responsible for paying for any water loss if the meter and/or pipes should freeze while vacant. If the meter should freeze and the water cannot run through it, then there will be a formula to decide how much wasted water there was and the cost of it to the property owner.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Mike Brown, seconded by Joe Cimino to adjourn. All were in favor, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:08 PM

The Potter County Education Council, Tri-Co Connections, the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, and our local school districts are continuing to team up to implement a county-wide program called Seniors 2 Seniors. This program teaches basic computer skills, digital literacy, and cybersecurity to senior citizens so that they have the skills and knowledge to utilize the many benefits of high-speed Internet. As a part of this program, local high school students volunteer to provide on-site support to each of the adults who participate in the course.

Potter County Animal Assistance Project (PCAAP) will be holding a Volunteer Workshop Meeting on Monday, March 11 at 6pm at the Riley Gallery, 131 N. Main St. (next to the Hotel Crittenden,) Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

This meeting is open to the public and we encourage people from across Potter County to attend, as we need additional volunteers from all areas.

Assistance is needed with everything from fundraising and administrative duties, to grant research and writing, to cat trapping and transportation. We’re looking for new ideas and new members willing to jump in and get involved to keep this project running.

Over the past two years, PCAAP has lost a good deal of the grant support upon which we were founded, making it necessary to cut back some of our programs while we try to get additional grants and raise funds. Our handful of hard-working volunteers are doing the best that they can, but additional assistance is needed to continue the work that we are doing and, hopefully, bring back those programs that we have been forced to cut due to lack of funds and/or lack of volunteers.

Please consider attending this meeting! We also would like to personally invite any Potter County, township and borough officials, as well as local business owners, to attend this meeting and find out what our program is all about.

If you would like to get involved but are unavailable for the meeting, please contact Lori Hansen, PCAAP Secretary, by email at Lhansen@zitomedia.net or by text at 814-389-5599 so you can be added to the mailing list and get updates on volunteer opportunities.

Full-Time Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant

Full-time opening in schools and early intervention settings throughout Potter, McKean, Elk, and/or Cameron counties. Requirements: Valid PT or PTA license. 

Direct questions and submit application, letter of interest, references, copy of Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances to:  Julia Anderson, Director of Special Education Services, Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9, 119 S Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749
(814) 887-5512   EOE

School Psychologist/Interns, Part-time/Full-time

Full-time position to provide support and services within our area school districts. Services may include evaluations, observations, counseling, and training. School psychologist certification required.

Excellent benefit package, including employer student loan contribution of up to $5,250 per year available. 

Direct questions and submit application, letter of interest, references, copy of Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances to: Julia Anderson, Director of Special Education Services
Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9, 119 S Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749; (814) 887-5512; EOE

Paraprofessional Full-Time – IU9 Achievement Center South

Full-time 190-day position available at the IU9 Achievement Center South, located in St. Marys PA.; Requirement: High school diploma.; Direct questions and submit application, letter of interest, references, copy of Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances to: Sandy Vossler, HR, 119 S Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749, (814) 887-5512; EOE 

Anticipated Special Education Teacher

Full-time opening in Austin Area School District – Elementary School (anticipated March availability). Special Education Teaching Certificate preferred. Direct questions and letter of interest, application, current resume, copy of certification, references, Act 34, 114, and 151 to:  Julia Anderson, Director of Special Education, Seneca Highlands IU9
119 S. Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749, (814) 887-5512    EOE

Part-Time Paraprofessional/Classroom Aide at Austin Jr./Sr. High School, Emotional Support

Requirement: High school diploma; Direct questions and submit application, letter of interest, references, copy of Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances to: Sandy Vossler, HR, Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9, 119 S. Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749, (814) 887-5512; EOE

Part-time Life Skills Paraprofessional Position Available at Woodland Elementary, Emporium, PA

Requirement: High school diploma. Direct questions and submit application, letter of interest, references, copy of Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances to Sandy Vossler, HR
Seneca Highlands IU9, 119 S Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749, (814) 887-5512

EOE

Full-Time or Part-time CBVI Job Coach in McKean/Elk/Potter Counties

The CBVI job coach is a part-time position (a maximum of 29 hours/week) at an hourly rate to be determined at the time of hire. This position requires a high school diploma or GED-equivalent with preference given to associates and/or bachelors degree holders and/or those with relative experience working with teenagers or young adults. The ability to obtain Act 34, 151, and FBI clearances, along with a clean driving record is required. The job coach must complete substitute teacher training or job coach training certification, as well as first aid certification. They must also participate in the IU9’s annual in-service and quarterly CBVI meetings. Responsibilities may include light physical demands and hours may be scheduled outside of normal school day hours.

The CBVI job coach provides transportation, supervision, instruction, and assistance to students and recent graduates with disabilities in a community work setting. The job coach’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Daily activity logs, as well as bi-weekly and monthly assessments
• Maintenance and cleaning of assigned IU9 car
• Assist students with post-training or post-job shadow surveys
• Assist students with completing interest Inventories
• Maintain confidentiality of student records
• Communicate student progress/needs, questions/concerns from worksites, parents, school, etc. to coordinator and other appropriate staff
• Familiarize him/herself with child labor laws and safety standards

The job coach must adhere to IU9, school district, and worksite policies and regulations, including confidentiality of all matters.

Direct questions and submit application, letter of interest, references, copy of Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances to:  Sandy Vossler, HR, Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9, 119 S Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749; (814) 887-5512; EOE

Full-time Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Full-time Board Certified Behavior Analyst position working with school districts in McKean, Potter, Elk, and Cameron Counties to develop behavior plans and interventions, conduct observations and assessments as well as provide training and consultation to school personnel to assist in support our students and staff. 

Requires BCBA certification; Direct questions and submit application, letter of interest, references, copy of Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances to:  Julia Anderson, Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9, 119 S Mechanic St., Smethport, PA 16749; (814) 887-5512; janderson@iu9.org; EOE

Penn College has scheduled an Information Session for their upcoming LPN course. When you enroll in the full-time Practical Nursing program, you will be on your way to a fulfilling career in just one year. With skilled faculty, hands-on learning labs, 1,546 hours of instruction, and access to Penn College student services, you’ll be confident and ready to take the Practical Nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-PN), and if you want to advance your career, we have pathways to get you there.