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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
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“When we express the beauty inside of us, it can help us see the hope.”– Olga Snyder
Olga Snyder, a Potter County, Pennsylvania resident and Ukrainian native, moved to the United States 25 years ago. Although Olga spent her whole childhood into her young adulthood studying and creating art in Ukraine, it was not until just a month before immigrating to the United States that she learned about pysanky also known as Ukrainian Easter eggs for the first time. She was walking down her favorite street in Kyiv with her fiancé, now husband, John, when she spotted a little box full of the most colorful, beautiful round shapes she had ever seen. Olga approached the man standing behind the box, asking him about its contents, and he was shocked by her lack of knowledge.
Had the opportunity today to meet with Roulette Township, Potter County officials to discuss and take a look at their water system infrastructure. The township has a plan for infrastructure upgrades and is working hard to maintain clean drinking water for the community. Glad to work with them and support state assistance for their project.
Jack S. Keifer has announced his candidacy for a seat on the 2024-27 Potter County Board of Commissioners. He’s seeking a nomination in the May 16 Democratic Primary Election.
Keifer cites his qualifications as a military veteran, a small business owner, the county’s technology consultant for seven years, and as an active member of Coudersport Borough Council.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, he has operated multiple internet-based businesses, ranging from product creation to retail commerce during his 24 years as a resident of Potter County. He also served for 13 years as information technology director for the Coudersport Area School District.
“My approach has always been based on good planning, hard work and careful financial management,” Keifer said. “That is the same way I would approach my leadership role in county government. I am the only Democratic candidate who is familiar with our county government through first-hand experience, and I do see some areas for improvement.”
If elected, he would work to increase county efficiencies and transparency through more effective deployment of technology. He would also spearhead a comprehensive review of staffing and employee compensation, improve county communications, and pull together stakeholders from across the county to explore strategies for community and economic development.
“County commissioners have an impact on many people across the county,” Keifer said. “A commissioner should be proactive in communicating with the public and seeking input from the citizens.”
If elected, he would be actively engaged with the county’s Human Services Department.
“Thousands of people, especially the underprivileged and others in need, rely on Human Services,” Keifer said.
He would take a similar approach with the Department of Emergency Services.
“The county needs to be an active partner with our volunteer fire and ambulance services, communicating regularly with them and standing up for them in Harrisburg,” he added.
Also on his task list is hands-on support for the county’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
“As a veteran myself, I’m well aware of the challenges these men and women can face when they return home and find themselves caught in a maze of red tape when it comes to accessing the benefits and services they have earned.”
Economic development will also be a priority.
“We need to be marketing the best of what Potter County has to offer, which is our rural lifestyle and outdoor assets, to people who are looking to relocate,” Keifer noted. “With expansion of high-speed internet service, people can move here and still keep their jobs as telecommuters. I know that first hand.”
The candidate added that, through his service on Borough Council, he has gained a great understanding of conservative fiscal management, contract negotiations, personnel management, and engaging members of the public in the decision-making process.
Keifer chairs the borough’s Streets/Utilities committee, spearheading improvements such as the Ross Glen stormwater management that recently qualified for a state grant.
“I believe the county government can also do a better job of securing state and federal grants that can support our communities while keeping taxes down,” he said. “The current board of commissioners has been able to freeze the county taxes for five years and I would work hard to continue that trend but still not reduce needed services. You can do a lot with greater efficiency and better use of technology.”
I want to make you aware that we have coordinated with local law enforcement to conduct an announced lockdown drill at both schools on Tuesday morning, April 4, as part of our routine school safety procedures at Smethport Area School District.
These drills typically last no more than 15 minutes.
Our administration, faculty, and staff members will be reviewing safety protocols with our students both before and after the drill. Working in conjunction with the Smethport Borrough Police Department, we use these brief drills to emphasize a quick response to any threat to school safety. These safety drills are educational as we constantly work to promote a safe and secure learning environment.
Smethport Area School District will be having an Early Dismissal on Wednesday, April 5th, prior to Easter break. The Elementary School will dismiss at 12 PM. The Junior-Senior High School will dismiss at 12:10 PM. Regular Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. School will resume after Easter break on Wednesday, April 12th.
George Duke addressing guests at the dedication of Pitt-Bradford’s new engineering and information technologies building, which is named in his honor.
From left, Rick Esch, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, George B. Duke, owner of Zippo Manufacturing Co., and State Rep. Martin Causer celebrate the dedication of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building at Pitt-Bradford Friday.
Photos by Glenn Melvin
BRADFORD, PA – April 3, 2023–If the presence of hundreds of local industry executives at the dedication of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building on Friday didn’t make it clear, then the building’s namesake did: local industry sees itself as a partner with the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in the technical training of professionals that they need to maintain and advance their businesses
Duke, the owner and chairman of Zippo Manufacturing Co., pledged $2 million to Pitt-Bradford last year to equip the new building’s ultramodern engineering labs with the best and newest of everything students need to learn, test and build.
The $24.5 million building, with its labs full of precision measuring and automation devices, 3D printers, a plasma cutter, CNC milling machines and lathes, fluid dynamics systems, strength of materials testers, and state-of-the-art electronics measurement systems has made two new majors possible: mechanical engineering technology and energy engineering technology.
Duke said that when Zippo made its pledge, the company’s President and CEO Mark Paup said to him, “We can make this very cool. Let’s think about this as a collaboration with Pitt-Bradford. … Zippo wins. The university wins.”
Zippo is eager to see Pitt-Bradford mechanical engineering technology students at work as interns and show them the possibilities of working in Bradford. Other area industries that supported the project financially are just as eager to work with interns and graduates, including KOA Speer Electronics Inc., American Refining Group, Northwest Bank, Control Chief Corp. and Napoleon Engineering Services.
Duke explained why industries are hungry for engineers.
“Our equipment wears out. The pieces that come in [to replace them] are very, very complicated, and they take engineers to keep running, and that’s not just at Zippo.”
Other speakers included Chris Napoleon ’86-’88, owner of Napoleon Engineering Services in Olean, N.Y., who said he saw supporting the building financially as an investment.
Napoleon said that at the start of his career, former engineering faculty Dr. August Freda and Dr. Ronald Mattis were teaching at Pitt-Bradford.
“They invested their time and energy in me for two years, [and eventually] Pitt’s investment [in me] enabled the creation of a business,” he said. “My coworkers and I are thankful to be a part of this project with a real return on investment. … It all starts with filling this awesome space with awesome students.”
In addition to making two new engineering technology programs possible, the Duke Building is the home to one of Pitt-Bradford’s most popular and successful majors, the computer information systems and technology program, another vital program for area employers seeking to hire technical workers. For the information technology program, the Duke Building has a new virtual reality lab and a systems, networks and projects lab as well as the most up-to-date classrooms.
“This is a second-to-none facility,” Duke said. People will be banging the doors to get in this place.”
Other speakers for the dedication included Dr. Ann E. Cudd, provost and senior vice chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh; State Sen. Cris Dush; State Rep. Martin T. Causer ’96; Pitt-Bradford President Richard T. Esch ’93, Dr. Matt Kropf, director and designer of the new engineering and technology programs; and Mychal Berlinski, a junior energy engineering technology student from Allegany, N.Y.
Following speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the hundreds of guests were able to visit the labs, talk with students and current faculty, and see some of the machinery in action, including scene-stealing CNC lathes that students were using to create light metal bottle openers. Large windows on the sides of the machine allowed guests to watch the process as it happened.
In a crowd full of engineers, several reminisced about their own schooling as they admired the new lab equipment.
One of the visitors was former professor Mattis, who retired after 36 years of teaching engineering at Pitt-Bradford in 2021, just before ground was broken on the Duke Building.
“It’s great to see it done, and you can tell how excited people are,” he said. “It really helps complete the campus.”
(Pictured: Rotarian Jim Babcock, Sydnee Groenendaal, and Rotary President Lynne Ruffner)
Rotarians were very happy to have Sydnee Groenendaal, Mobile Drive Coordinator of the Community Blood Bank visit Coudersport Rotary Club at A&W West End Grill on March 20, 2023. The organization is a non-profit, which was established in 1966. Sydnee explained 52% of the United States population is eligible to donate, but currently only 3% do (it used to be 5%). and there are no synthetic blood products available. If you are interested in donating, please call ahead at 814-456-4206.
(Pictured: Rotarian Pat Northeimer, Students: Stella Bray, Savannah Gill, Brooke Tubbs, Alyssa Dunn; and Coudersport Jr/Sr High School Teacher Heather Sherry)
Coudersport Rotary Club was very pleased to host four Coudersport Jr/Sr High School contestants for the Rotary Four Way Test Speech Contest on March 27, 2023.
The First contestant was Brooke Tubbs and her topic was “Music Programs Are An Important Part of a Well-Rounded Individual.” She tied the tenets of the 4-Way Test into her speech. Brooke placed 1st and was awarded $100.
The second contestant was Stella Bray and her topic was “Outdoor Living.” Stella placed 3rd and was awarded $50.
Our third contestant was Alyssa Dunn and her topic was Volunteerism in Fire Service.” Alyssa placed 4th and was awarded $25.
Our fourth contestant was Savannah Gill and her topic was “Stereotypes.” She tied the tenets of the 4-Way Test into her speech. Savannah placed 2nd and was awarded $75.
Brooke Tubbs will move on to compete in the Rotary Regional Four Way Test Speech Contest in May.
Are you an agricultural producer or own a small business?
You may qualify for various federal and state energy efficiency programs. These programs may include grants, rebates, loans, or tax incentives. Extension Educators will provide guidance on programs such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, and tax credits for renewable projects.
Extension Educators, joined by a representative from USDA, will provide information about what might qualify for these programs, timelines, and application processes. Some programs can be combined for maximum savings at the project’s onset and overtime from efficiency measures put in place.
The webinar will take place on Thursday, April 20, at noon. The webinar is free, and pre-registration is required. Register ASAP, as space is limited to 500 participants. Registered participants will receive a recording. You can register at the following website: www.bit.ly/energyApril2023. Any questions about this webinar can be directed to Joseph C. Conklin, Ed.D., at juc50@psu.edu.
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Energy Costs, Builds America’s Clean-Energy Economy in Rural America
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications starting on April 1 for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. USDA is making the $1 billion in grants available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with funding from President Biden’s landmark Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis.
“Supporting renewable energy and energy-saving systems helps the people of rural America create thriving, livable communities,” Vilsack said. “When we invest in rural communities, we are supporting hard work that sends a ripple effect across our country. Clean energy is critical to the future of our economy, and the Inflation Reduction Act provides the Biden-Harris Administration with the resources to build a more prosperous rural America while tackling the climate crisis and lowering energy costs.”
The SHCTC Networking and Security instructor, Mr. Bryant is proud to announce the Student of the Week, Levi Culver. Levi (Grade 12, PASD) has demonstrated the resiliency and persistence needed for success in his future endeavors. He provides consistent help to classmates and exhibits an outstanding work ethic in shop labs and on theory assignments. Levi earned his Network Pro certification in 2022 and his PC Pro certification in March, 2023. He is currently seeking his Digital Literacy Pro certification.
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.
This course 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. An intermediate course may be offered depending on interest.
This course will be taught by Sheri Greene and is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 25 – June 8, 2023 (not meeting the week of May 15th) from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $160/person. The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 18th. To register or for more information, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
The Potter County Housing Authority is requesting proposals for lawn care at our housing projects/locations for a TWO (2) YEAR TERM. The responsible Bidder will perform lawn mowing, trimming of sidewalk and building edges, as well as grass and loose tree branch cleanup. The Bidder will perform the requested work with their equipment. All Bidders’ will supply a current certificate of insurance of at least $1,000,000 liability coverage and have current vehicle insurance. Workmen’s compensation coverage must be carried on all employees, and a completed IRS tax form W-9 must be included with the bid submission. Terms of the lawn care service is as follows:
Term of contract: Year #1-April 18 to October 20, 2023. Year #2-April 19 to October 21, 2024.
Mowing Frequency: One (1) time a week if grass is 3” or over before mowing. Mowing and trimming will be completed up to two (2) times a week if needed during the period of April 18 to May 12, 2023 and April 19 to May 13, 2024. Contact Mark Tubbs for pre-approval. Second year schedule will be set weather permitting.
Lawn Clippings: Leave on lawn if not visible within one (1) day of mowing at each location. Rake and remove heavy grass and debris from lawns to designated location on site. Redwood Village requires removal of excess grass and debris from site by Bidder. Contact the Maintenance Dept. for the location.
Sidewalks: Sweep and remove all grass and debris from all sidewalks and parking lots.
Trimming: Use a Weed-Eater to trim sidewalks, building’s edge and around trees & bushes.
Bid pricing terms: Bid price should be on per mow basis per project/location.
Project location: Project Name Address
Freeman House /Garden 79 Maple View Lane, Coudersport
Redwood Village 9 Penn Avenue, Galeton
Honeoye Haven 315 N. Union St., Shinglehouse
Ulysses Family Townhouses 625 Academy Street, Ulysses
ASCS Office 109 Market St., Coudersport
PCHA Coudersport Lot #1 Damascus/Market Sts., Coudersport
MV Coudersport Lot#1 407 S. West St., Coudersport
MV Galeton Lot#1 & Lot#2 169/171 Germania St., Galeton
Please feel free to contact this agency at (814) 274-7031 extension 110 or Mark Tubbs at (315) 717-8873 to request a site visit of a project or projects before submission of your proposal. The safety of our Residents is critical while mowing at each location. Please feel free to contact Richard Duzick at (814) 274-7031 ext. 110 with any questions pertaining to the proposal request and/or to receive a bid packet for your review and completion. Please return your bid proposals to the Potter County Housing Authority at 109 Market St., Coudersport, PA by April 13, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. Please mark the envelope “lawn care” or fax or email your bid proposal to (814) 274-0738 or pcha1@zitomedia.net by the same deadline. The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, and to waive any informalities in the bid process. The Authority reserves the right to terminate this contract due to financial funding changes. The PCHA looks forward to receiving bids from Section 3, Minority or Female-Owned Businesses.
Citizens of Tioga County, my name is Marc Rice and I am a Republican candidate for Tioga County Commissioner. I would like to take this opportunity to share a little bit about myself and why I am campaigning for County Commissioner. I was born and raised in Tioga County and grew up on the family farm just outside of Wellsboro. I currently reside on the homestead with my wife and our two daughters. I come from a working-class family where my dad and grandpa worked two jobs to provide for our family while I was growing up. I started my work experience on the neighbor’s farm when I was 12 years old. Working on the farm and watching my dad work two jobs, as a child, molded my work ethic today. I graduated from Wellsboro Area High School with the class of 2003 and furthered my education with an Associate’s degree in Risk Management and Project Management Professional (PMP) designation. Over the last eighteen years I have been employed at the Tioga County Courthouse. During this time, I have held various positions in Maintenance, Risk Management and I am currently appointed, by the board of Commissioners, as the Assistant Chief Clerk. Within these positions, I have over 10 years’ experience working with the County Leadership to pass a balanced budget. I have also been assigned, by the Commissioners, to be a member of the Reassessment Advisory Council. This provides me the knowledge needed to understand the assessment and reassessment process. I have also been successful in applying for and administering federal and state grants to fund infrastructure, economic development and stream bank restoration projects. I am an active member in the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and a board member for the Unemployment Compensation Trust. These experiences have allowed me to build my knowledge of local government and build relationships at the local, state and federal level.
I am seeking election for County Commissioner to be a strong voice for Tioga County citizens and to bring meaningful and lasting change to Tioga County. I have the knowledge needed to build upon the County being a good financial standings and I will work to keep County taxes low. My experience in County Government will also provide consistency and continuity on the Board of Commissioners during this time of transition.
As Commissioner, I will work to successfully manage the County to maintain an efficient operation and pass a balanced budget. With my eighteen years of experience at the County I have already identified opportunities to make County operations more efficient and I will start working on these efficiencies my first day in office.
As Commissioner, my other top priorities include improving communications with the public, improving emergency response times in the rural communities across Tioga County and advocate to expand mental health and drug and alcohol prevention measures and treatment services to children, youth and families across Tioga County.
Let my experience work for you and vote for Marc Rice on May 16th.
Today, hundreds of thousands of anglers turned out for the opening day of trout season across Pennsylvania. Despite rain across much of the state this morning, the opening day tradition was enjoyed on hundreds of streams and lakes, all stocked with trout, which were open to fishing beginning at 8 a.m. Anglers of all ages say it’s a great day to be outside, and a bonus that the fish were biting.
Throughout the 2023 season, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock approximately 3.2 million trout into public waterways, with volunteer sportsman’s groups stocking another one million fish. Anglers need a fishing license and a trout permit, and may keep up to five trout per day, from now until Labor Day.
To buy a fishing license and find great places to fish for trout, visit Fishandboat.com
GALETON, PA – A Warming Station was opened Sunday morning, April 2, 2023. The Gale Hose Ambulance at 2 Union Street has opened a warming station and everyone in need of warmth is welcome to come in. If anybody wants to donate food for any meals ,please drop it off at ambulance building. If coming in to warm park your vehicle out back.
My name is Mike Zenns and I’m running in the Democratic primary for Potter County Commissioner.
As a longtime resident of Costello, I’d like to bring my experience in information technology, tax assessment and organizational leadership to benefit the citizens of this county. I strongly support our Dark Skies program, the Eliott Ness Museum, the PA Lumber Museum, the Austin Dam and our hiking trail systems that bring revenue-generating tourism. I also support economic development beyond the Route 6 corridor to enable new and sustainable business opportunities to underserved communities located elsewhere in the county.
I look forward to being a responsible steward of Potter County’s assets while identifying and solving the daily challenges every rural Pennsylvania county faces. This includes protecting our public schools, supporting our police and first responders, safe roadways and access to adequate healthcare.
Colleen and I have 5 children and 10 grandchildren and I’ll do my best to ensure a promising future for them and you. I appreciate your consideration and support.
