The Keating Township Supervisors Meetings Rescheduled
NEWS
1 PERSON DEAD IN SHOOTING IN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT AT GEISINGER HOSPITAL – SHOOTER STILL ON THE RUN
FIRST News Now
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FNN Article © Friday, December 30, 2022.
DANVILLE,PA – Geisinger Hospital is still on lockdown and one female is confirmed dead after a shooting in the hospital’s employee parking.
The shooting took place around 5:25 PM according to reports.
EMS units are now able to go to the hospital by using the ED department entrance. Previously all incoming emergency units were redirected to other hospitals as police responded to the hospital for an active shooter.
Police are currently investigating the shooting. The suspect is unknown at this time and is still on the loose, according to police.
State police remain on the scene, along with police staff from Columbia and Montour counties.
UAHS increases wages throughout the healthcare network
Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS) is making a huge investment in its workforce that will affect the employees at Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC), Olean General Hospital (OGH) and the ancillary facilities with an increase in wages.
The over $3 million investment was announced to staff on Monday, December 19 with the market adjustment increase taking place in 2023. Current employees will see increases starting January 1.
“One of my initiatives since taking the role of president has been to change the culture,” said Jill Owens, MD, president, BRMC, OGH. “I want to show that we’re focused on making UAHS a great place to work. Our team members are the most valuable asset we have and an investment in them will help play in our success as the leading healthcare network.”
Not only will employees see an increase in their paychecks but new hires will also start at a higher rate.
MoreActing 101: Learn the Fundamentals of Acting
Calling all thespians! So you’ve never acted before but would love to? Come learn the essential skills needed to be on the stage. Even if you are not a novice, this is an excellent opportunity to refresh those skills and maybe learn something new to add to your repertoire, such as improvisation or different techniques. The local theatrical group, Potter-McKean Players, has plans to offer productions in the upcoming months. This course will teach you what you need to be ready for those auditions.
This 4-part course will be taught by local director Paul Herzig and actor Jared Empson, of Eliot Ness Fest fame. The classes will take place on Tuesdays, January 10 – January 31, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost of the course is $25 per person. Class size is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
Happy New Year
by Pastor B.J. Knefley
Can you believe it’s going to be 2023? I suppose for some it’s no big deal but for those that were born in the 40’s and 50’s, we’re getting old. (That’s 1940 and 1950 for those that don’t know.)
I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to the New Year. As some might say, the good Lord willing and the sun still shines, I’ve got plans. Not grandiose plans but plans that can be managed. I’m putting together a bucket list of sorts, well actually just one or two for the moment. One of these is to go out west again along the southern route. That will take in a run to Georgia and then across to New Mexico and then north to Utah. From there probably up to Wyoming before heading back home. How long of a trip? As long as I can stand it. The other? Yeah, well I’m still working on that.
There are other things I’m working on for the New Year as well. Actually, they are not new, but I do want to be more focused. For example, I want to work on my relationship with God. What does that mean? Well for starters I want to spend more time in prayer and alone time with just Him. For starters I’m setting aside the seventh of every month to be alone time with God. Why? Well one of the things that I see Jesus doing is drawing away in prayer. I think that as a follower of Christ to live the life he lived one must do what he did as well. That means spending time in an up relationship with the Father.
That’s the spiritual side. I’m also working on the emotional and physical stuff as well, again nothing to big or grandiose, just enough to handle each day. See that’s why we often fail in our plans for change, we make them too big. My plan is about living my life in this New Year with Christ at the center. My camping and biking will be quiet solitude, a time of reflection and medication. Don’t have a plan? Remember, no plan is still a plan, just like no decision is still a decision. Where are you going to be in 2023?
Think about it.
State Police Announces Christmas Holiday Crash and Enforcement Results
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police investigated 661 motor vehicle crashes in which seven people died and 113 others were injured during the Christmas holiday weekend from December 23-25. Alcohol was a factor in 36 crashes, including two fatal crashes.
Troopers arrested 116 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the three-day period. Troopers issued more than 451 speeding citations, 110 citations for failing to wear a seat belt, and 11 citations for not securing children in safety seats.
CRASH DATA
| Year | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes | People Killed | People Injured | Alcohol-Related Crashes | Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes |
| 2022 (3 days) | 661 | 5 | 7 | 113 | 36 | 2 |
| 2021 (3 days) | 488 | 4 | 6 | 90 | 41 | 1 |
ENFORCEMENT DATA
| Year | DUI Arrests | Speeding Citations | Child Seat Citations | Seat Belt Citations | Other Citations |
| 2022 (3 days) | 116 | 451 | 11 | 110 | 2,248 |
| 2021 (3 days) | 181 | 1,131 | 24 | 124 | 2,728 |
More information on 2022 Christmas holiday enforcement, broken down by troop, is available here. These statistics cover only those incidents investigated by the state police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.
With New Year’s Eve celebrations still ahead this week, state police will once again be on the lookout for impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Remember to plan ahead for a safe ride home, especially if your holiday plans involve alcohol.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
Department of Health Stresses Testing During Pregnancy to Prevent Babies from Being Born with Syphilis
Babies born with congenital syphilis hits highest level in 32 years
Harrisburg, PA – Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson is strongly encouraging pregnant people to seek prenatal care and get tested for syphilis during pregnancy to reverse the recent trend of babies being born with the disease.
Congenital syphilis is a disease that occurs when a pregnant person with syphilis passes the infection onto a baby during pregnancy. It can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, low birth weight or death shortly after birth.
MoreEldred Dispatched To Tire Fire at Seal’s Service
At 10:500 AM on Friday, Eldred Township Fire Dept. has been dispatched to Seal’s Service at 5477 Rt. 46 for a pile of tires on fire.
Roulette Township Office Closing Early Today
PUBLIC NOTICE: The Roulette Township office will be closing today at 11:30. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you. The office does have a drop box located near the front door if you need to make a payment. Have a safe and happy New Year.
Pennsylvania State Police Reminds Pet Owners of Basic Needs
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is reminding pet owners that they are required to provide the animals with basic needs, as defined by law, or face potential animal neglect and/or cruelty charges.
“Basic needs include the proper sustenance to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as clean, unfrozen water to avoid dehydration,” said Corporal Michael Spada, PSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation Animal Cruelty Officer. “Animals need just as much water in the winter as they do in the summer for their bodies to process food and help keep the natural metabolism working.”
Animals must also have access to an appropriate-sized shelter that provides protection from the weather, keeps the animal dry, and allows it to retain its body heat. The shelter must also be clean and sanitary.
Veterinary care must be provided for pets in need of medical attention.
According to Title 18, Chapter 55, Subchapter B of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, there are certain requirements that must be met if tethering a dog outside.
With the holiday season upon us, animals are often given as gifts and sometimes surrendered to shelters or rescues a few months later. To avoid this, consider the animal’s breed and inherent behavioral traits, its size as an adult and its needs as it gets older, and the costs to care for the animal, including veterinary expenses. All too often, “cute and cuddly” pets are forgotten as they grow and age.
Consider supporting your local shelters and rescues with donations and even adopting an older pet that needs a loving home.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
Roulette Township Meeting Time Changed
PUBLIC NOTICE
Due to a conflict in schedules the Roulette Township Supervisors have moved their Organizational Meeting time from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the same place as usual. There will be a special meeting held right after the Organizational Meeting to open the tree bids only. No other business will be discussed.
The Roulette Township Supervisors would like to announce that they will be holding their annual organizational meeting on January, 3, 2023 at 5 p.m.
The regular meeting for January will be announced after the supervisors have designated a day and time. It will be held at the township office, at 80 Railroad Ave., Roulette PA. This building is handicap accessible.
DEP’s 2021 Oil and Gas Annual Report Details Production Increase
Harrisburg, PA – The 2021 Oil and Gas Annual Report released today by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shows that production and compliance inspections increased in 2021. Pennsylvania continues to be the second largest producer of natural gas in the nation, behind Texas.
“In 2021, DEP remained committed to enforcing violations of the oil and gas industry,” said DEP Acting Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “Governor Wolf and DEP continued their priority of maintaining environmental protection for Pennsylvania’s residents and visitors.”
The report notes that DEP personnel completed 34,145 compliance inspections at conventional and unconventional well sites in 2021, about 8,262 more than in 2020. All inspections continue to be done electronically.
DEP issued 770 unconventional well permits in 2021, about 150 fewer than the previous year. Sustained low commodity prices coupled with longer wellbores contributed to a decline in permit applications. An interactive map shows well drilling locations by county.
In 2021, more than 7.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas was produced from unconventional and conventional gas wells in Pennsylvania. This represents the largest volume of natural gas on record that has been produced in Pennsylvania in a single year. In 2021, there was 7,572,916,109 cubic feet of natural gas produced from unconventional wells, and 76,454,176 cubic feet of natural gas produced from conventional wells. In 2020, data confirmed that 7,091,486,278 cubic feet of natural gas was produced from unconventional wells and 83,837,607 cubic feet of natural gas was produced from conventional wells.
The interactive, multimedia annual report offers several levels of data: the year in review; deeper detail and historical data; and educational overviews of drilling and the regulatory process statewide. For example, users can compare how much gas was produced over the past 10 years, and drill down to see production by an individual well.
The annual report also features a section on the many ways the public can stay up-to-date on regulations, for example, by signing up for email notifications or attending Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board Meetings in person or by webinar.
The Wolf Administration also made public a report requested by Governor Tom Wolf detailing the compliance records of conventional oil and gas producers. The report was requested in the July 19, 2022 Lapsing Statement that accompanied HB 2644. The report reviewed compliance among conventional oil and gas operators, evaluated options for ensuring compliance, and provided recommendations for possible reforms. The report can be found here.
2021 Oil and Gas Annual Report
HB 2644 Lapsing Statement Report
Potter County Artisan Co-op Sets Winter Hours
The Potter County Artisan Co-op, located at 227 North Main Street Coudersport announces winter hours.
The Co-op will be open 12pm to 4pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, January 1-March 31, 2023.
The Potter County Artisan Co-op is a juried collective of local fine art and master craftsmanship. Available items include: maple syrup, honey. pickles and relishes, artisan cheese, knitted and crocheted hats, and quilted items natural soaps ,and herbal teas The center has handmade pottery—from beer steins to coffee mugs. There’s also a variety of baskets, painted gourds, photographs, wildlife drawings, paintings, dream catchers, greeting cards, books and Eliot Ness Fest memorabilia including t-shirts. Each item is unique—none are exactly the same and each has been individually crafted by one of over 40 local artisans.
For more information, call 814-274-8165 or email pottercountyartisancenter@gmail.com or follow on Facebook.
Barbara Moscato Brown Library reflects on 2022 and looks to coming year
Photo courtesy Barbara Moscato Brown Library
Several attendees of the Library’s 80s Prom Murder Mystery Fundraiser pose in front of the selfie wall showing off their totally rad outfits.
Thursday, December 29, 2022
As 2022 comes to a close, we want to reflect on what an incredible year it has been for the library! In 2022, we spearheaded and developed tons of brand-new and fun programs and crafting sessions for people of all ages!
One of our personal favorites was Wizarding Days at the Library to celebrate Harry Potter! We also had plenty of presenters come in to conduct engaging presentations/workshops for the community.
Photo courtesy Barbara Moscato Brown Library
Three patrons are pictured holding the wands they created during the library’s Wandmaking 101 craft session.
TROUT UNLIMITED TIADAGHTON CHAPTER #688 MEMBERS TO CONDUCT A BEGINNER FLY TYING COURSE ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE MONDAYS, JAN. 9-FEB. 6
Members of Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 are conducting a beginner fly tying course on five consecutive Mondays for the public at the Wellsboro ActIve Living Center (formerly the Wellsboro Senior Center) at 3 Queen Street In Wellsboro.
Those who register will learn the basics of fly tying through hands-on instruction on five different fly tying patterns, given by Tiadaghton Chapter #688 members. Materials and tools will be provided.
The course is limited to 10 students and will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each Monday starting on Jan. 9, continuing on Jan. 14, 23 and 30 and ending on Feb. 6. The cost is $35 per person.
Sign up for the course with Don Kelly at Tackle Shack. For more information, call him at 570-724-5138.
Blood Drive Scheduled At BRMC on January 4th
Bradford, PA – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) will be hosting a community blood drive in the main lobby of the hospital on Wednesday, January 4. The blood drive is in partnership with ConnectLife and will run from 10am to 3pm.
ConnectLife is Western New York’s only community blood bank which means every drop of blood donated remains local. The organization supplies about 70% of the local blood supply, supporting area hospitals such as Bradford Regional Medical Center, Brooks-TLC Health Network, ECMC, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo General Hospital, Millard Filmore Suburban Hospital, Eastern Niagara Hospital and Olean General Hospital.
All donors will receive a pair of Buffalo Bills zubaz socks and a lunch voucher for the hospital cafeteria. Every pint of blood donated can be responsible for saving up to three lives in the community.
Anyone can make an appointment at www.connectlifegiveblood.org with the sponsor code 000468 or by contacting Kim Murphey at 814.362.8298. Walk-ins are also welcome!
MoreFCCB Welcomes John Painter to FCCB Corporate Board
MANSFIELD, PA (January 2023) FCCB is pleased to announce the addition of John Painter (Westfield, PA) to their Corporate Board. Painter joins 13 other men and women who oversee the affairs of the organization to ensure long-term sustainability and continued growth.
Painter previously served on the Center of Beef Excellence board, and is a current advisory board member for the Penn State University Cooperative Extension, as well as a member of the FCCB Agricultural Advisory Board.
MoreTURN IN FOURTH THROUGH TENTH GRADERS’ AUDITION AND REGISTRATION FORMS BY FRIDAY, JAN. 6 FOR FREE HAMILTON-GIBSON “CATS” WINTER THEATRE ARTS CAMP THAT OPENS ON THURSDAY, JAN. 12 IN ELKLAND
Hamilton-Gibson Productions is beginning its 2023 Season with a Winter Theatre Arts Camp for students who live in the Northern Tioga School District and attend public or private schools or are home schooled.
The after school camp for fourth through tenth graders will run from Thursday, Jan. 12 through Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Elkland Auditorium at Clark Wood Elementary School, 110 Addison Hill Road, Elkland, PA 16920.
The camp is free and will end with a dazzling production of the wildly popular musical “CATS: Young Actors Edition,” a one-hour adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical. at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5 in the Elkland Auditorium. Admission is Pay-What-You-Can.
To get a copy of the invitation sheet to be in the cast of “CATS” go to the Hamilton-Gibson website at hamiltongibson.org or call 570-724-2079 or email hamgib@gmail.com to request one.
The audition form is on the back of the invitation sheet and must be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian and the camper and turned in by Jan. 6 to the school office, mailed to the Hamilton-Gibson office at 29 Water Street in Wellsboro, PA 16901 or emailed to hamgib@gmail.com.
The deadline to register for the free camp is Friday, Jan. 6. For more Information and a registration form, contact the Hamilton-Gibson Productions office at 570-724-2079 or hamgib@gmail.com, or view the website at hamiltongibson.org or go to the individual school offices.
Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 based in Wellsboro is meeting in person this coming Tuesday, Jan. 3
Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 based in Wellsboro is meeting in person this coming Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 but not on Zoom. Leading the meeting is Vice President Art Antal.
The business meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the general meeting at 7 p.m. at the Wellsboro ActIve Living Center (formerly the Wellsboro Senior Center) at 3 Queen Street In Wellsboro. The public is invited to attend.
Featured speaker is Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Officer Chad Lauer who will introduce his two new deputies and provide information about Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulatory changes and proposals. There will also be a question and answer session.
Chapter #688 meetings will be on the first Tuesday of each month through May 2023 at the Wellsboro ActIve Living Center. The dates are: Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2. The business and general meetings are free and open to the public. Participants do not have to be a member to attend.
For more information about those meetings, email President Jere White at whitesgordonsetters@gmail.com or call him at 570-662-2167.
2023 WINTER OUTINGS SERIES KICKS OFF THIS SUNDAY, JAN. 1 WITH THREE FREE FIRST DAY HIKES AND A 5K
The 2023 Step Outdoors Winter Outings Series kicks off on New Year’s Day this Sunday, Jan. 1, with three free First Day hikes and a 5K, none of which require pre-registration, according to organizer Tim Morey, a natural resource specialist with the Hills Creek State Park Complex
First Day Hike is Jan. 1 at Sinnemahoning State Park
MoreAUDITIONS FOR HAMILTON-GIBSON’S PRODUCTION OF “EXIT LAUGHING” ARE THIS FRIDAY, DEC. 30, 2022 AND NEXT WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY, JAN. 4 & 5, 2023
Hamilton-Gibson Productions is holding auditions for “Exit Laughing,” a laugh-out-loud, fun-filled story of three women who are all feeling lost due to the death of their friend, the fourth member of their bridge club.
Being cast for this hilarious adult comedy are three middle-aged women; one college-age woman; and one college-age-looking man. Auditions are in the Warehouse Theatre at 3 Central Avenue in Wellsboro at 1:30 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 30 and at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 4 and 5.
MoreMansfield University Municipal Police Academy Recruiting 2023 Class; $2,500 scholarship for grads and free housing
Press Release – Wednesday, December 28, 2022.
MANSFIELD, PA — The Mansfield University Municipal Police Academy is actively recruiting for its upcoming full-time Act 120 Academy class, which begins May 22, 2023.
The Mansfield Act 120 Municipal Police Academy is a 26-week course required to become a municipal police officer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Established in 1977, Mansfield’s Academy is certified by the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC).
Thanks to significant external grants and partnerships, all cadets who complete the academy will receive a minimum $2,500 scholarship. With the scholarship, the Mansfield Police Academy is the most affordable in Pennsylvania, reducing tuition from $5,499 to $2,999. Additional scholarship opportunities exist to further reduce the cost of the Academy.
Cadets also receive free on-campus housing at Mansfield’s suite-style residence halls, which were named among the best in the nation by Niche.com.
“Mansfield’s Act 120 Police Academy Program is attempting to reduce the costs associated with first responder training as much as possible,” explained Dr. Joshua Battin, Dean of the Public Safety Training Institute. “It is our belief that breaking down barriers for individuals interested in these careers is essential to recruiting high-quality individuals to serve in our communities. The scholarships, innovative training techniques, and additional certifications give our graduates an advantage when seeking their first law enforcement job.”
Because of the Academy’s exceptional reputation and its network of partners, graduates of the Mansfield Academy enjoy a 95% job placement rate upon completion of the program. Graduates consistently rank among the top in Pennsylvania police academies in GPA and state certification examination scores.
The Academy features a cadre of instructors with vast knowledge of police recruit training and the criminal justice system. The instructor cadre includes active and retired Pennsylvania State Police and Municipal Police, attorneys, educators, Magistrates, and a Common Pleas Judge.
Mansfield has been at the forefront of emerging technologies in law enforcement and was the first academy in the Commonwealth to include state-of-the-art virtual reality training for cadets. The immersive VR experience allows students to take knowledge learned in the classroom and immediately apply it to a variety of life-like scenarios.
Because the Academy is part of the MU Public Safety Training Institute (MUPSTI), cadets can gain more than 100 additional hours of training and certification during the academy training period at no additional cost. Additional training hours include certifications and micro-credentials for taser, the G.L.O.V.E., OC, enhanced Community Policing Model integrating new DEI and compliance related initiatives, Introduction to the Spectrum, Medical Marijuana, and more.
Anyone interested in attending the Mansfield Police Academy should fill out a Statement of Interest form at mansfield.edu/academy.
City of Bradford Police Address Threat at School
***Information***Information***Information
The City of Bradford Police Department and the Bradford Area School District recently investigated an alleged threat at Fretz Middle School on December 16th, 2022. This threat came in the form of a statement made by a juvenile and overheard by another.
Both the City of Bradford Police School Resource Officer and the Bradford Area School District personnel immediately took measures to identify the person involved and steps have been taken to ensure everyone’s safety.
It was determined there was no imminent threat at that time nor is there now.
The City of Bradford Police Department and the Bradford Area School District wish to make this statement to the public as there has been misinformation posted on social media and numerous questions and comments have occurred as a result of that posting.