NEWS
Wind Advisory issued
Wind Advisory issued February 28 at 3:32AM EST until February 29 at 4:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
* WHEN…From 11 AM this morning to 4 AM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may
result.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY
Elizabeth A. “Betty” Empson, 83, Of Highland Health Care in Wellsville, NY

ELIZABETH A. “BETTY” EMPSON
WELLSVILLE – Elizabeth A. “Betty” Empson, 83, passed away on Monday (February 26, 2024) at Highland Health Care in Wellsville, NY.
Mrs. Empson was born in Hornell on October 23, 1940 to Alex J. and Mary Rita (Kieff) Brown. She graduated from Greenwood Central School in 1958. On November 29, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rexville, Betty married the love of her life, Ralph Edward Empson, who preceded her in death on June 14, 2021.
Betty devoted much of her life to her family as a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. After the children were grown, she was a school bus driver for Greenwood Central School from 1988 to 2004, when she retired.
Bradford Area Public Library Presents


Join us on Saturday, March 2 at 11:30 AM for “Raven Steals the Sun: Tales of Eclipses in Native American Culture,” a captivating presentation filled with stories. Discover the beliefs, traditions, and customs of various Native American tribes concerning sun and eclipse phenomena.
Different tribes across North America interpret these solar occurrences in diverse ways – as signals, transformations, omens, sacred events, and celebrations. The ancient tales of the Cherokee, Navajo, Inuit, Haudenosaunee, and many other tribes have been passed down for generations and hold significant value in Native American culture today.
Perry Ground, a skilled storyteller, will animate these stories with vivid details and audience engagement. This program promises to be engaging, entertaining, and highly educational for listeners of all ages.
Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 12 February, 2024 – Thane, Maharashtra, India, Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. is voluntarily recalling Eye Ointment products listed in the table below with expiration date ranging from February 2024 to September 2025. The products are being recalled due to lack of sterility assurance at the facility noted during an inspection conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risk Statement: For those patients who use these products, there is a potential risk of eye infections or related harm. These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses. To date, Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. has not received any reports of adverse events up to 16th February 2024 related to this recall.
UPMC Physician: Colonoscopies Save Lives

Gastroenterology, UPMC
Every March, the health community focuses on colorectal cancer awareness. Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer that affects Pennsylvanians – in 2020, 5,688 cases were reported and 2,342 of these cases ended in death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
When caught early, colorectal cancer is easier to treat and has a greater chance of survival – so how do we catch it? Keeping up with your health by visiting a primary care doctor regularly, knowing your family’s health history, and following colorectal screening recommendations are just a few ways.
Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer
Knowing your risk of developing this disease helps determine how soon you may need to screen for colorectal cancer. Below are a few factors to consider and to discuss with your doctor.
Jefferson County, PA Site to Receive Superfund Cleanup
At the Jackson Ceramix, Inc. site in Jefferson County, funds will go towards the excavation and disposal of soil and sediment contaminated with lead. The contamination is from past industrial and manufacturing activities at the site. After the excavation, there will be a site-wide wetland restoration.
The Edna Mahon Family Says Thanks….

The Family of Edna Mahon would like to thank everyone for the love and support we’ve been shown during our time of grief.
Whether you kept us in your thoughts and prayers, attended her celebration of life, sent a lovely card, made a donation or helped out in any way; we greatly appreciate you and your thoughtfulness.
Your love, support and kindness brought us great comfort during a difficult time and will always be remembered.
We also want to send our sincerest gratitude to the nurses and staff at UPMC Williamsport for the gentle care they provided when it was needed the most.
Thank you!
Wind Advisory issued for Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
Wind Advisory issued February 27 at 2:58PM EST until February 29 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Buffalo NY
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.
* WHEN…From 11 AM Wednesday to 1 AM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
result.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high
profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.
Issued By: NWS Buffalo NY
Sharon C. Haydu-Frey, 67, of St. Marys, PA

Sharon C. Haydu-Frey, 67, of St. Marys, PA passed away on February 24, 2024 after enduring years of prolonged illness.
She was born December 27, 1956, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, daughter of the late Clarence and Dorothy Miller.
Sharon was a strong-willed woman; some might even say stubborn, but a loyal friend and loving mother. She was a vibrant person with a passion for dancing in her younger years and binge watching TV later in life. Her strong will and the love she had for her family is what gave her the strength to fight all these years until her body could endure no more. While her time on Earth has ended, she will live forever in our hearts.
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM WEDNESDAY TO 7 AM EST THURSDAY…
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
247 PM EST Tue Feb 27 2024
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM WEDNESDAY TO 7 AM EST
THURSDAY…
* WHAT…West winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph
expected.
* WHERE…Portions of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From 1 PM Wednesday to 7 AM EST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects.
Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may
result.
Basic Sign Language and Intermediate Sign Language Offered This Spring!
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 or someone you care about.
Basic Sign Language will cover beginning sign language, the alphabet, conversational phrases, and a variety of commonly used signs. In addition, basic facts essential to the correct use of the language will be addressed. A dedicated student could learn as many as 800 signs and understand signing and interpreting rules, basic deaf culture, and medical situations that cause deafness and loss of hearing.
Visit Miller’s Maple Open House March 16-17
Potter – Tioga Maple Producers Association
Let’s cheer you up with Millers Purely Maple‘s 20th Annual Potter-Tioga Maple Weekend! plans!
#16 on the brochure (downloadable at pamaple.com), the Millers are sure to serve up a terrific maple line-up!

Stuffy Sleepover at the Library is Back





Photos should be credited to the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library.
Monday, February 26, 2024
Pull out those pajamas and get ready to party, because the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is excited to bring back, Stuffy Sleepover at the Library, Friday, March 22, 2024 from 5 to 6:30 PM. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to the library for a special story time, activity and craft.
Children ages 0-11 are invited to wear their pajamas (optional) and bring their favorite stuffed animal (no oversized toys please) to the library for an evening of activities and stories. Please only bring one stuffed animal per child attending. Extra stuffed animals will be on hand for those who are too nervous to leave their friend behind.
The evening will start off with hot cocoa and cookies while kids “check in” their stuffed animals for the evening. This will be followed by a story about stuffies, a parachute game, craft, and another night time story before tucking in their stuffed animals for the night.
Children will be able to pick up their stuffed animals any time on Saturday and will receive a “Certificate of Achievement” and pictures of their stuffies’ nighttime shenanigans, along with their decorated pillowcase.
Please Note: ALL CHILDREN AGES 7 & UNDER MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM!
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AS SPACE IS LIMITED!
Be sure to secure your spot for an evening of magical moments and fluffy shenanigans early as space is limited! Don’t let your stuffed pals miss out on the sleepover of a lifetime. You can register for this program starting TODAY by following this link: https://forms.gle/gHR6RZuiXhKfjSMc6 to fill out the online registration form! Or, you can call the library at 814-486-8011 to speak to a staff member to register.
Questions about the program and registration? Please visit our website at https://barbaramoscatobrownlibrary.org/ or by calling the library at 814-486-8011!
Puzzle Swap merges with Family Play Day at the Library
Monday, February 26, 2024
The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is thrilled to announce the merger of two beloved programs – the Jigsaw Puzzle Swap and Family Play Day. Held on the first Saturday of each month, families in Cameron County are invited to join this exciting event, fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
The Cameron County Jigsaw Puzzle Swap & Family Play Day will take place in the library’s multipurpose room from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, offering a full day of free play for families with kids of all ages. The library provides an array of supplies, including activity sets, crafts, games, STEM building tools, and more, ensuring a day filled with laughter and entertainment.
Puzzle enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their puzzles and engage in the Jigsaw Puzzle Swap, a fantastic opportunity to exchange puzzles with other members of the community who share a passion for this classic pastime.
“No registration is needed for either the Jigsaw Puzzle Swap or Family Play Day. We want families to feel welcome to drop by and enjoy a day of quality time and fun at the library,” said Librarian, Yelena Kisler.
For families interested in contributing to the program, the library is accepting donations of family board games in good/excellent condition with no missing pieces. These donations will enhance the variety of activities available during the Family Play Day, providing even more opportunities for families to connect and have a great time together.
Children are required to be accompanied by parents at all times during the event to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
For additional details or if you have any questions, please contact the library staff at 814-486-8011.
Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Society Complete Alder Renewal for Wildlife at Tionesta Lake


Photo 1 of RGS and AWS volunteers. Photo 2 of Boy Scout Troop #82.
Tionesta, Pa.: Saturday, 2/24, was a beautiful ‘bluebird’ day at Tionesta Lake as over 30 volunteers with the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and American Woodcock Society (AWS) completed the planned alder renewal for wildlife.
The project day was supported by volunteers from Boy Scout Troop #82; the following RGS or AWS Chapters: Allegheny Northwoods, French Creek, Greater Pittsburg, and Upland Bird Hunt; Pheasant Forever; and Keystone Conservation Action.
Later this spring, alder ‘whips’ should be sprouting from the cut stumps. Alder thickets provide benefits to woodcock, ruffed grouse, warblers, rabbits, mice, voles, bobcats, and fox. In addition to the cutting, the volunteers piled the cut alder into brush piles that will also benefit all of the above wildlife species. This new habitat should provide benefits to wildlife for 20 to 30 years.
Thank you, volunteers!
SCAFFOLD LICK ASSESSMENT GRANT AWARDED

The McKean County Conservation District was awarded $164,181.00 through DEP’S Bureau of Abandoned Reclamation Abandoned Mine Land and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program Grant for a watershed-based surface-water quality assessment of the Scaffold Lick Run watershed.
This grant is focused on a watershed-based surface-water quality assessment of the Scaffold Lick Run watershed located primarily in Liberty Township. This stream flows from one of the only parts of McKean County that contains economic coal reserves and historic mining activity has left approximately 520 acres of abandoned mine land. A total of 16.4 miles of stream is listed as impaired due to acid mine drainage on DEP’s Integrated Water Quality Report of impaired and threatened waters.
The District has secured the services of Hedin Environmental to provide an updated detailed assessment of the current water quality and watershed conditions and provide a plan for the most cost-effective restoration projects. Through the partnerships the District has developed with the private landowners and the PA Game Commission; the primary goal of this project is to develop a watershed restoration plan with the ultimate goal of removal of all streams in the Scaffold Lick Run watershed from DEP’s Integrated Water Quality Report and reclamation of AML features to remove hazards and improves the productivity of the landscape.
Hannah Rose Pistner, age 9, of 376 Flower Valley Road, St. Marys, PA.

Hannah Rose Pistner, age 9, of 376 Flower Valley Road, St. Marys, passed away unexpectedly as the result of a cerebellum brain bleed on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at UPMC Children’s Hospital, surrounded by her family.
She was born June 3, 2014, in St. Marys, daughter of Anthony and Sara Caskey Pistner of St. Marys. Hannah was a fourth grade student at South St. Marys Elementary School, where she had an incredible group of friends whom she loved, and they loved her in return. Hannah not only enjoyed school because of her friends, but also because of her amazing teachers.
In addition to her loving parents, Hannah is survived by her sister, Haley, and her brother, Lucas; her maternal grandparents, Mike and Irene (Weisner) Caskey of St. Marys; paternal grandparents, Steve and Tina (Rigard) Pistner of Kersey; paternal great-grandparents, Joe and Jean Rigard; aunts and uncles: Mike and Jamie Caskey, Angie (Caskey) and Troy Ehrensberger, and Danny Caskey, all of St. Marys, and Allen and Jessica (Simchick) Pistner, of Hurricane, WV; and Great Uncle Dave Caskey of St. Marys. She is also survived by her cousins, Jay, Lydia, Jack, Josh, and Lily Ehrensberger, Kennedy, Karli, Maleya, Jensyn, and Sawyer Caskey, Ryan and Abigail Pistner, Elle Slye, and numerous friends.
Penn State Extension offers an agronomic pesticide update for applicators

Ridgway, PA. — Public and private pesticide applicators can get their recertification credits by attending an agronomic pesticide update workshop offered by Penn State Extension.
The Elk County update meeting will be held from 10 am to noon on Wednesday, March 6th at Hoss’s Steak House, 118 Haller Rd, Saint Marys, PA. Featured topics include impacts of water on pesticides and what’s new in pest management.
The Penn State Extension Agronomic Pesticide Update is a traditional Core (two credits) and Category (two credits) session for private pesticide applicators. However, any applicator may attend.
To register, call 877-345-0691 or visit https://extension.psu.edu/agronomic-pesticide-update. The cost of the two-hour course is $10. Registration closes Monday, March 4th, but walk-ins are welcome if space allows.
Information Sessions Scheduled for Penn College LPN Courses
Penn College has scheduled Information Sessions for their upcoming LPN courses. When you enroll in the full-time Practical Nursing program, you’ll 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.




















