Potter County Needs Poll Workers
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Potter County Democratic Petition Signing Party January 27th
The Elk County Council on the Arts Announces Winners of Regional Poetry Out Loud Contest
The Elk County Council on the Arts (ECCOTA) is pleased to announce the winners of the Region 2 contest of Poetry Out Loud®. The first place student winner is AninTruchan from Ridgway Area High School. The second place spot was a tie between Hailey Fleming and Sarah Hasselman, both from Elk County Catholic High School.
McKean County Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program Application Rounds for 2024
The McKean County Conservation District announces the following application dates for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) for funding to implement agricultural conservation practices.
2024 Application Deadlines:
- February 9, 2024
- May 31, 2024
- August 30, 2024
- November 20, 2024
2024 CRCF Scholarship Process Opens on February 1st
OLEAN, N.Y., January 25, 2024 — The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation’s scholarship process for 2024 will open to applications from area students on February 1.
Students can apply using the online scholarship portal at cattfoundation.org/apply-for-scholarships.
PennDOT, Safety Partners Observe Winter Driving Awareness Week, Urge Drivers to Buckle Up Every Trip, Every Time
Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, Penn Highlands Healthcare, and the Highway Safety Network observed Winter Driving Awareness Week with a press conference today where they stressed the importance of postponing any unnecessary travel during a winter storm. If travel is unavoidable, they also stressed the life-saving benefits of seat belts.
UPMC Doctor: Avoiding Winter Injuries
Orthopaedic Care, UPMC
There are very polarizing opinions about winter weather – you either love it or hate it. While ice and snow are beautiful and bring winter sports fun, they can also cause treacherous conditions for roads and sidewalks with the potential to wreak havoc on our bodies. Though many people may prefer to stay inside and wait for the outdoor activities until spring, getting some fresh winter air is important, not just physically, but mentally as well. Here are some common winter injuries to be aware of as well as some tips on how to prevent them and treatment options.
Preventing Common Winter Injuries
Slips and falls cause the most common winter weather related injuries – fractures. In the elderly population, fractures from falls are more often seen in the hips. At the same time, younger people sustain fractures in other areas, including the extremities, shoulder, clavicle, and wrist. Head injuries can also happen from a slip on the ice and being knocked unconscious in blistering conditions can turn deadly. To help prevent slips and falls, consider the following tips:
PA Lumber Museum Event Saturday Scaled Back Due To Snow Melt
Although we were hoping the snow would hold on for one more day, we experienced a substantial amount of melt today. As such, we will not be able to administer the outdoor recreational activities we advertised for our Winter in the Lumber Camp event slated for Saturday 1/27. You are welcome to visit to tour the museum or purchase food in the program room, but we will not be able to have cross county ski and snowshoe activities; and sledding and snow art will likely be quite limited. We do have some indoor crafts and games set up for families to try. Here’s hoping for more snow for our Snowmobility Weekend event in February!
PITT-BRADFORD’S BAILY’S BEADS TO UNVEIL HORROR-FILLED ISSUE
BRADFORD, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s creative arts magazine, Baily’s Beads, will hold a celebration Wednesday for the launch of its 2024 issue.
Admission is free and the public is invited to the event, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. It is co-sponsored by Pitt-Bradford Arts and the Pitt-Bradford creative and professional writing program.
PITT-BRADFORD OFFERING ADDITIONAL FAFSA COMPLETION WORKSHOPS
BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Financial Aid staff will offer three more free completion workshops in February to help high school seniors and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
These workshops will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays Feb. 1, Feb. 15 and Feb. 29 in Room 158 of the Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Fitness Center.
Coudersport Lions Thank Coudy Shoppers For Their Generosity!
This year’s Kettle Campaign for the Salvation Army proved
quite a success, more than doubling any previous year’s donations.
The Lions want to express a sincere thank you to Stan Swank for
being a gracious host to our fundraiser. Having been across town the
last few years, we had to find a new location and Stan was most
agreeable to letting us set up at Shop ’n Save. Beginning on Black
Friday and ending the third Saturday in December, our club collected
$2325.00 in the kettle! Shoppers at Shop ’n Save were very giving and
are to be commended! The money is to be donated to our local
chapter of the Salvation Army, located in Olean. All monies collected
will be used in our area.
UPMC Eye Specialists to Host ‘Caring For Your Vision’ Presentation
Williamsport, Pa., January 17, 2024 – Pictured Left to right, Wesley Adams, M.D., UPMC Ophthalmology, and Keying Yan, O.D., UPMC Optometry, will host a free, virtual presentation and question-and-answer session for the public discussing preventative eye care, the early detection of vision problems, and available treatments for cataracts, on Tuesday, January 30, at 6 p.m.
Registration for this event is required. To register, go to UPMC.com/NCPACataractsEvent.
Unique Fundraiser Coming to Cameron County
Cameron County Chamber of Commerce has been working on a fundraiser for more than 6 months and on March 9 the doors will open. Executive Director Tina Solak says this is the first time the chamber has hosted a fundraiser. “It is necessary due to the increase in price offering special items during Weekend in the Wilds (fireworks) and Christmas in the Wilds (live reindeer).”
Sponsors do offset some of the costs, but the remainder is paid by the chamber. Solak explains the importance of offering fireworks, and reindeer. “These events draw visitors who in turn spend dollars at businesses. In the case of the reindeer, families travel hours to see Santa’s favorite team.”
The fundraiser is called Lit & Lucky. Two people get in on one ticket. The ticket number is used in a reverse raffle. The goal is to be one of the last 5 numbers called and then decide to either split the $2500 cash prize or keep drawing numbers and hope to be the last number. Every 6th ticket holder will be given a prize when the number is called. The ticket includes 2 drink tickets. Additional drinks can be purchased from the vendors offering beer, wine, hard cider, and moonshine along with non-alcoholic offerings. Hors d’oeuvres will be free.
Ticket goers can also purchase a $2 bingo card. As reverse raffle numbers are called players will mark off the bingo card. A coverall wins you half of the pot!
A meta quest (Oculus virtual reality headset ) will be offered through a penny raffle. Purchase as many tickets as you like. The price you pay is determined by the last 3 digits on a randomly drawn raffle ticket. Several baskets will be put up for grabs through a silent auction. Other prizes will be available by purchasing a $5 ticket. They include two brunch tickets each month for a year at Straub Brewery Visitor Center and Tap Room, a $500 gift card to purchase a gun, and a wheelbarrow full of cheer. At least one 50/50 drawing will be held.
Ticket holders will be alerted via email as prizes are added. Tickets can be purchased online at https://cameroncountychambercommerce.betterworld.org/events/lit-lucky
UPMC Welcomes New Cardiologist to Wellsboro
Wellsboro, Pa., January 16, 2024 – UPMC welcomes Jeffery Gilbert, D.O., to the Heart and Vascular Institute team in North Central Pa.
Dr. Gilbert received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in cardiology with Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa. Most recently, Dr. Gilbert practiced noninvasive cardiology with Geisinger Medical Center.
“As we expand our roster of skilled health care professionals, the residents of Wellsboro, and the surrounding communities, can anticipate enhanced access to high-quality cardiovascular care close to home,” said Luke Klingler, director, of Heart and Vascular Institute, UPMC in North Central Pa. “We look forward to Dr. Gilbert’s contributions to the lives of those we serve.”
To learn more about UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute services, go to UPMC.com/HeartNCPA.
Penn State Extension ‘Cooking for Crowds’ Workshop to Focus on Safe Food Handling.
COUDERSPORT, Pa. — Those who volunteer to prepare large quantities of food for the public may want to attend a Penn State Extension workshop titled “Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer’s Guide to Safe Food Handling.” Aimed at helping nonprofit organizations and volunteers stay up to date on food safety rules and regulations, the event will occur from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14, 2024, and the Penn State Extension Potter County office, 1 North Main St., Rm. 216, Coudersport, PA.
HAMLIN BANK & TRUST COMPANY PRESENTS CHECK
Hamlin Bank’s donation, like many others in the community, will help the St. Marys Area United Way achieve their 2024 campaign goal. The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. Those donations support the financial needs of non-profit agencies that serve the health and human welfare needs of our community. Funding raised in 2024 will be available for organizations to seek grant funding in 2025. If you would like to become one of these individual or corporate donors, please call 781.6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 250 Depot Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.
McKEAN COUNTY WINTER FARMER’S MEETING
The McKean County Conservation District partnered with Penn State Extension, USDA NRCS, FSA and DCNR, Bureau of Forestry to offer a Winter Farmer’s Meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the Veteran’s Memorial, on Route 155 in Port Allegany from 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
The program will offer 2 core and 2 category pesticide credits (01-Agronomic Crops 2, 05-Forest Pest Control 1, 10-Right of Way & Weeds 1, 18-Demonstration and Research 3, 23-Park/School Pest Control 1). The agenda includes Agency Updates from NRCS & FSA, Cover Crops Termination, Cover Crops for Weed Suppression, Forestry Pest & Invasive Spraying, The Impact of Water Quality on Pesticide Performance and updates on the McKean County Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program.
Allegany County Office for the Aging is Excited to Announce a Monthly “Facebook Live”
Allegany County Office for the Aging is excited to announce a monthly “Facebook Live” series focusing on nutrition and healthier living tips for older adults. This educational series will be presented by a Registered Dietician and will provide a fun and interactive way to learn. Join us at the Allegany County Office for the Aging Facebook page on the 4th Thursday of every month at 1:00 p.m. for nutritional tips, tricks, and ideas! January 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. – Processed Foods: A Closer Look – Join our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist as she takes a dive into the abundance of processed foods on the market.
Learn how to make healthier choices while enjoying the conveniences of processed foods.
https://www.facebook.com/events/317359961304835/
February 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. – HTN: Understanding a Silent Killer – February is National Heart Month. Join our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist as she explores the nutritional approaches to having a healthy heart. https://www.facebook.com/events/413229451053412/
March 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. – National Nutrition Month “Beyond the Table” – A nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month®, held annually in March, focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Join us as our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist explores the theme of “Beyond the Table”.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1425152064747193/
Participants are encouraged to ask questions, give input, and offer suggestions for additional sessions with our Registered Dietician!
PA Lumber Museum Event Saturday Scaled Back Due To Snow Melt
Although we were hoping the snow would hold on for one more day, we experienced a substantial amount of melt today. As such, we will not be able to administer the outdoor recreational activities we advertised for our Winter in the Lumber Camp event slated for Saturday 1/27. You are welcome to visit to tour the museum or purchase food in the program room, but we will not be able to have cross county ski and snowshoe activities; and sledding and snow art will likely be quite limited. We do have some indoor crafts and games set up for families to try. Here’s hoping for more snow for our Snowmobility Weekend event in February!
Seniors 2 Seniors Program
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.
The Seniors 2 Seniors technology course is being offered at the Ulysses Senior Center on Wednesdays, March 6 – April 10, 2024, from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m. This course will also be offered in Galeton on Wednesdays, April 17 – May 22, 2024. The registration deadline for the Ulysses course is Wednesday, February 28th. Register yourself, a parent, or grandparent by calling (814) 274-4877 or by stopping by the Potter County Education Council office at 5 Water Street in Coudersport.
2023 Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award Announced by Dickinson Center
RIDGWAY, Pa (January 25, 2024)— Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI) is pleased to announce the recipient of the annual Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award. This special award was presented to Nikol Chew, LSW, during the January 2024 Dickinson Board Meeting.
The Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award recognizes a DCI direct service employee who consistently goes above and beyond in the performance of his/her duties.
Nikol was nominated by her supervisor Tonya Wolfe. Key points from the nomination form stated that since Nikol joined DCI’s team in May 2018, she has embodied the values of DCI in all she does. There are so many other things Nikol does that make her stand out and deserving of this prestigious award. Nikol has demonstrated compassion throughout the last year time and time again for co-workers. She also demonstrates the desire to perform at the highest quality and pushes herself to do so in every aspect of her job. Day in and day out Nikol instills hope in the adolescents and families she serves.
Jim Prosper, DCI’s Executive Director, said, “Congratulations to Nikol on this award and for consistently demonstrating her commitment to improving the lives of our consumers and the community. Her work and dedication support our core values of compassion, excellence and hope in her work with individuals seeking behavioral health care.”
Nikol received a monetary gift, a certificate, and will have her name engraved on the Elizabeth “Sis” Simons Memorial Award plaque displayed at Dickinson Center‘s main office at 43 Servidea Drive in Ridgway.
Elizabeth “Sis” Simons, was a founding member of the original Dickinson Board of Governors and served for over four decades demonstrating exemplary leadership, public relations, caring, and dedication to Dickinson’s mission. She achieved an honorary “life” membership on the Board of Governors until she passed away on July 18, 2001. The Board established the Sis Simons Award to honor her in memory and recognize her significant contributions to Dickinson Center, Inc.
For more information about Dickinson Center, Inc., an affiliate of Journey Health System, visit www.dickinsoncenter.org.
New Rules For Fracking Companies in PA
Shapiro Administration, DEP Requires All Fracking Companies to be More Transparent About Chemicals Used in Drilling
At Governor Shapiro’s Direction, Following Collaboration with CNX Resources, DEP Will Require Natural Gas Companies to Disclose Chemicals Used in Drilling & Hydraulic Fracturing Before They Are Used On-Site
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration, through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is implementing new policies that will require operators to publicly disclose chemicals they use in drilling and hydraulic fracturing earlier in the well development process. This step will cover all gas companies following the historic collaboration between the Shapiro Administration and CNX Resources Corporation.
This announcement is a next step in the Shapiro Administration’s continuing work to address climate change and protect Pennsylvanians’ Constitutional right to clean air and pure water while maintaining our Commonwealth’s legacy as a national energy leader. In implementing this requirement, the Shapiro Administration is also following through on a key recommendation of the 43rd Statewide Grand Jury Report, which Governor Shapiro oversaw as Attorney General.
The details of which chemicals an operator is using are contained in companies’ site-specific Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) plans. Previously, PPC plans were required to be submitted to DEP only upon request. Now, when issuing permits for new unconventional wells, DEP will require the submission of unconventional well operators’ site-specific PPC plans prior to drilling. Moving forward, the PPC documents will be posted online by DEP at PA Oil and Gas Mapping website upon receipt.
As a result of the historic collaboration with Governor Shapiro, CNX Resources Corporation has already publicly disclosed the chemicals and additives used in its new drilling operations, and has begun posting air monitoring results in real time for two of its well pads, with plans to expand the program across its operations statewide.
“As Attorney General and now as Governor, I have listened to Pennsylvanians concerned about their health and safety – and I am delivering on the promise I made to them to secure these protections,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “My Administration is setting a new standard for Pennsylvania natural gas to be produced in a responsible, sustainable way and showing how we can bring people together to get things done. We’re going to follow through on our commitment to ensure the health and safety of our communities while maintaining Pennsylvania’s proud energy legacy and our Commonwealth’s critical role in the nation’s energy economy.”
The Governor’s collaboration with CNX, which addresses many of the recommendations of the 43rd Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, demonstrates how industry, government, and public advocates can find common ground and collaborate to keep people safe and move Pennsylvania forward.
In addition to the disclosure of chemicals used in drilling, Governor Shapiro has also directed DEP to take action to pursue formal rulemaking and policy changes mirroring the collaboration, including: improved control of methane emissions aligned with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recently announced performance standards for emission sources in the oil and natural gas sector, stronger drilling waste protections, including inspection of secondary containment, and corrosion protections for gathering lines that transport natural gas.
As part of this collaboration, DEP will also conduct the most intensive independent study of unconventional natural gas wells in the nation. CNX will provide DEP with unprecedented access to two future CNX well sites, allowing for in-depth, independent monitoring of the air emissions at both locations before, during, and after development of the new wells. This will make it possible for communities to understand the facts about natural gas development with more transparency than ever before.
“DEP is setting a new standard of transparency for Pennsylvania’s natural gas regulation and policy actions,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, DEP will continue to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania’s environmental laws and regulations that address unconventional well permits. By requiring unconventional gas companies to make their PPC plans publicly available, Pennsylvanians will have a clearer picture of the types of chemicals being used on unconventional well sites earlier in the process.”
Regulations require well operators to prepare and develop a site-specific PPC plan prior to storing, using, or generating regulated substances on a well site. The PPC plan requires disclosure of “regulated substances,” as defined in 25 Pa. Code § 78a.1. Substances recorded include those from the drilling, alteration, production, plugging, or other activity associated with a gas well or transporting those regulated substances to, on, or from a well site.
To inform unconventional operators of this new process, DEP will include the new request in every cover letter that is attached to issued unconventional well permits as of January 3, 2024. DEP has also notified unconventional operators and industry groups. PPC plans will be uploaded and made publicly available via the PADEP Office of Oil & Gas Management’s eSubmission application, which can be accessed through DEP’s Greenport. Making this information accessible will ensure communities understand the facts about natural gas development.
In order to provide a consistent and thorough response, the DEP Office of Oil and Gas Management will conduct the initial reviews of the submitted PPC plans for completeness and compliance with regulations. DEP will also provide training to unconventional gas well operators to ensure compliance with the regulatory planning requirements. With this oversight, DEP can ensure that operators are well-prepared to avoid and address spills and releases, which can have public health and safety implications as well as environmental impacts.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, please visit website, or follow DEP on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Think About It
Learning To Say No and Set Boundaries
by
Pastor B.J. Knefley
One of the healthiest things we can do is to set boundaries and limits with others, but it is also the most difficult at least when it comes to family.
When I got married many, many years ago, setting boundaries and limits was not difficult. Oh sure we had the extended family stuff but that was a small group of people. As the years have slipped by our family has grown. At last count, with all of the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren including the spouses we’re around the 40 mark. That’s a lot of offspring for a couple of crazy in love teenagers. As the patriarch and matriarch of this tribe of hooligans, when one hurts, we hurt. When one gets into trouble, we feel it. Knowing when to step in and when to let things go their course is not easy. We want to fix the hurt and bandage the problem. But sometimes that’s the worst thing we can do. So, learning to set boundaries and limits is an everyday struggle. Knowing when to help and when to let go isn’t easy.
Setting boundaries and limits is never easy. Neither is saying no. I, like many, want people to feel good. I want peace in my own life. To do so, we sometimes compromise. In our attempt to ease the fall we neglect to hold others responsible. We may even be accused of being unloving when we do set limits, boundaries or tell others no especially when it comes to family members.
I’ve often wondered if this is what is wrong with our society. We coddle our offspring and don’t make them responsible. We blame others for their misfortune without recognizing our part in their demise. How have we come to this? It certainly was planned or was our intension, but it’s happened nevertheless. Perhaps the real issue relates to the lack of consequences. Setting limits and boundaries is a consequence. So is saying no. All are healthy responses to unhealthy choices. Easy to do? Probably not, but very necessary if one is going to grow, change and become a responsible member of society. It comes back to my choices. Think about it.
Winter in a Lumber Camp January 27th at PA Lumber Museum
Outdoor fun in the snow with sledding, snow men, and snow art activities. Try your hand at cross-country skis and snowshoes with the help of equipment provided by PA DCNR and volunteer instructors. Lite food and beverage options available for sale inside museum.
Potter County Democratic Petition Signing Party January 27th
North Central Supply And the “Shops of Quarterwest”
A reminder to all of our customers. Starting this week, we will only be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for our winter hours until March.
We want to welcome “Bush Rangers Outdoors” ..
See them for all your hunting and fishing supplies…
New 2024 Fishing licenses are for sale…
Get your fishing gear here today!
Stop by and see the exciting things we are bringing to north central Pennsylvania..
