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Portville Fire District – Engine Company #1 Elects Officers
Engine Company #1 held our annual elections today. Here is a list of the officers for 2024
President- Artie Skroback
Vice President – Chuck St.Clair
Secretary- Sam Shields
Chaplin- Dan Parr
Historian- Britt Holdridge
Director- Gary Skroback
Chief- T.J. Latten
Chief 1- Chuck St.Clair
Chief 2- Jeff Latten
Chief 3- Kris Bell
Sunday, December 17th, Guest Minister Bishop Robert Stearns at Coudersport Gospel Tabernacle
Coudersport Gospel Tabernacle
Join us on Sunday, December 17th as we welcome Guest Minister Bishop Robert Stearns 
As the founder and executive director of Eagles’ Wings Ministries, Bishop Stearns is at the forefront of educating Christian communities worldwide regarding the role of Israel, the Jewish people, and our shared Judeo-Christian values. We look forward to seeing you!
Registration Now Open for 2024 Winter Women in the Wilds
Sinnemahoning State Park is now accepting registrations for the Winter Women in the Wilds event, which will be held at the park during the weekend of February 2-4, 2024.
The Women in the Wilds event at Sinnemahoning State Park is a ladies-only weekend of outdoor recreation and environmental education. The 2024 Winter WITW event offers women the opportunity to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wilderness survival, interpretive walks, Dutch oven cooking, yoga, nature crafts and more. A full list of class options will be sent to registered participants once the details are confirmed.
Week of firsts for Penn College athletics
A milestone for Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers and the first United East Conference Volt Division wins of the season for the men’s and women’s basketball teams were recorded this past week.
WRESTLING
Penn College finished first in a 14-team field and nine of its 24 wrestlers placed among the top six in their respective weight classes at the RIT Invitational on Saturday, marking the team’s first-ever tournament team title.
The Wildcats earned 138.5 points and outdid host RIT, with 129 points, and Williams College, ranked 21st in the most recent National Wrestling Coaches Association Tournament Team poll, with 128.5 points to round out the top three.
Drilling Permits Issued in Hector Twp., Potter County
| PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Hector Twp Township |
| Description: Gas permit issued on 11/28/2023 to GREYLOCK PROD LLC for site Ron 2 UH in Hector Twp township, Potter county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, permit, drilling, Gas |
| PA Gas Drilling Permit Issued in Hector Twp Township |
| Description: Gas permit issued on 11/28/2023 to GREYLOCK PROD LLC for site Ron 1 UH in Hector Twp township, Potter county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, permit, drilling, Gas |
Authorization # 1460250 disposed on 11/28/2023.
Subfacility ID=1399850 Name=Horizontal UTICA SHALE eMapPA search
Authorization # 1460308 disposed on 11/28/2023.
G2 Donates to The Pink Pumpkin Project
Front Row: Paysen Burris, Millie Naylor, Roux Brown-Ragno, Alanna Antonioli, Berkley Rovder, Emma Webster, Violet Petteys 2nd Row: Karlee Runser, Maive Gamache, May Todd, Etta George, Rhayna Coffed, Melanie Scutt, 3rd Row: Christy Lineman, Laci Miller-Geiger, Jonnie Geiger, Brynn Cygan, Jill Cygan, Paula Ketchner, Brooke George, Katie Oswald, 4th Row: Emily Cobb, Brinley Rossrucker, Sawyer Garfield, Emilia Lineman, Eliana McCarty, Carleigh Love, Ella Amidon, Mae Joyce, Avery Vosler, Back Row: Harper Joyce, Ava LaBella, Carly Reed, Cenadee Ainsworth, Ashley Oswald, Catence Taylor, Shelby Chamberlain, Reagan Artlip
G2 Gymnastics of Shinglehouse, PA hosted their annual Pink Out Flip Out in-house competition to kick off their 23-24 competitive season. The local club uses this as an opportunity to raise awareness and money for the Pink Pumpkin Project through various fundraisers such as a large basket raffle, event clothing order, concessions, and Warrior Wishes to honor all cancer fighters and those battling terminal illness. This year, G2 was able to donate $3,700 to the Pink Pumpkin Project to assist with emotional and financial support to local families fighting breast cancer and undergoing treatment. Representatives Paula Ketchner, Jill Cygan, and Brynn Cygan were there to receive the donation. G2 Gymnastics is honored and humbled to be even a small part of such an amazing project.
Spreading Holiday Cheer at BAPL
BAPL is thrilled to announce that Jessica Michna, recipient of the Presidential Service Center’s Distinguished Service Award, will portray Margaret Cummins, head housekeeper of Balmoral Castle during the reign of Queen Victoria, in an upcoming pre-recorded presentation. With over twenty years of experience as a professional actress and historian, Jessica is widely known for her riveting portrayals of First Ladies, notable women of history, and even fictitious characters.
FOOD for FINE$ S.W Smith Memorial Library
December 4-9, 2023
Do you owe fines for overdue library materials?
$1 will be deducted from your library fine for each nonperishable item that is donated. Patrons without fines may also donate food to help a child patron pay down his/her fine. Please bring donations to the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library at 201 E Maple Street. All food collected will be donated to local food pantries. Bath and body items will go to the Port Allegany High School Gator Closet. THANK YOU!
Break the Chains Coffee House, Dec 9th in Eldred
These friendly faces will be on hand to greet you at the Break the Chains Coffee House scheduled for Saturday, December 9 from 10 am. – 3 p.m. at the Eldred First Church of God located at 142 S. Main Street. There will be live entertainment, a baked goods sale, and a soup lunch by donation. The group will also be selling coffee provided by Port Allegany native, Greg Anderson. Greg runs and operates the Standing Stone Coffee Company located in Huntingdon. Greg and his company are long-time supporters of BTC. All proceeds benefit Break the Chains Coalition and their fight against drug and alcohol addiction and self-harm and suicide awareness and prevention.
Holiday Book Gifting Program
The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library has once again decided to hold its Holiday Book Gifting Program. The program runs now through December 16 to ensure all books can be received by Christmas.
We will be accepting monetary donations from members of the community to go towards the purchase of a new book(s) for children and teens in our area. Donations will be accepted through December 22.
Anyone interested in donating should stop by the Memorial Library or the Cameron County Chamber to purchase an “ornament” to go towards the purchase of a book. Ornaments will be sold in $2, $5, $10, and $20 increments.
Virtual information sessions available live and on demand to provide information on Master Watershed Steward program in the Pennsylvania Wilds Region.
EMPORIUM, Pa — Pennsylvania Wilds Region service groups and individuals interested in improving the health of Pennsylvania’s waterways can sign up for a live webinar or request a virtual information session to learn about the Master Watershed Steward program, which educates and empowers volunteers to carry out watershed projects and education in their communities. Sessions can be requested in December 2023 and January 2024.
These information sessions are designed for those who want to make a positive difference in their communities, have a keen interest in the environment, are willing to learn and teach, and have time to volunteer. Sessions will cover the Master Watershed Steward program training, structure, commitment, and requirements; the types of projects in which the Master Watershed Steward volunteer team engages; valuable program partners; and Penn State Extension and the land-grant university system.
Laurel Health Board Member Receives Prestigious Statewide Apex Award from PACHC
Mansfield, PA—Long-time Laurel Health Centers board member J. Dennis Murray, PhD, was awarded the 2023 Board Excellence and Service Apex Award by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC).
This prestigious recognition is awarded to a single board member in the entire state of Pennsylvania to honor their outstanding commitment to serving their local health centers and improving access to quality care.
Murray has served on Laurel Health’s board for 37 years and currently serves as Board Personnel Chair. His local ties and healthcare experience as an Emeritus Psychology Professor at Mansfield University have allowed him to provide unique insight, support, and guidance. He has worked diligently for decades to positively shape the future of the health system and the local communities it serves.
REGISTER NOW FOR HAMILTON-GIBSON 2024 WINTER THEATRE ARTS CAMPS IN ELKLAND AND WELLSBORO; TO PRESENT MUSICAL “JUNIE B. JONES JR”
Hamilton-Gibson Productions announces its after school Winter Theatre Arts Camps in Elkland and Wellsboro for kids in grades 3-9. The two camps will be presenting the musical “Junie B. Jones JR” based on the beloved books by Barbara Park.
The camps are free and open to students attending public or private schools or who are home schooled.
Registration forms will soon be available at schools throughout Tioga County or can be found now on the hamiltongibson.org website or can be obtained by calling the HG office at 570-724-2079 or emailing hamgib@gmail.com.
2024 PENNSYLVANIA FISHING LICENSES, PERMITS, AND GIFT VOUCHERS ARE ON SALE BEGINNING DECEMBER 1!
HARRISBURG, Pa. (December 1) – If you’re looking to punch your ticket to outdoor adventure for the next year, start gearing up today by purchasing your 2024 Pennsylvania fishing license, permits, and gift vouchers!
Beginning December 1, 2023, fishing licenses, permits, and vouchers for the 2024 season can be purchased through the HuntFishPA online portal on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) website (Fishandboat.com), on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. 2024 licenses, permits, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from December 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
Oswayo Valley Memorial Library News For December
Closures: The Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 26th, and Tuesday, January 2nd for the holidays.
Gertrude Hawk Candy Bar Sale: The library is selling Gertrude Hawk candy bars in various flavors. Stop at the library or Sprout’s Drug Store and get some today!
Candy Cane Lane: The library will have a table at the Candy Cane Lane vendor fair on Saturday, December 2nd at the Oswayo Valley Elementary School from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Stop by and grab some food while you shop! We will have a variety of soups, drinks, chips, and hot dogs.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to EOG RESOURCES INC in Springfield Township, Bradford County |
| Description: Administrative violation issued on 11/29/2023 to EOG RESOURCES INC in Springfield Township, Bradford county. 78a51(h) – PROTECTION OF WATER SUPPLIES – Well operator failed to electronically notify the Department within 24 hours of receiving notification from a landowner, water purveyor, or affected person that a water supply has been affected by pollution or diminution. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-11-29 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Pennsylvania State Police Announce Member Promotions
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police recognized the promotions of four Sergeants and 49 Corporals during a December 1 ceremony at LCBC Manheim in Lancaster County, Commissioner Christopher Paris announced.
A Bureau of Liquor Enforcement employee was promoted to Enforcement Officer 3 during the ceremony.
Promoted to Sergeant:
Sgt. Danea L. Durham, of Montgomery County, is assigned to the Southeast Training Center, Bureau of Training and Education. Sgt. Durham enlisted in the State Police in 2003 and was promoted to Corporal in 2018.
Sgt. Michael D. Glentzer, of Luzerne County, is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards. Sgt. Glentzer enlisted in the State Police in 2009 and was promoted to Corporal in 2016.
Sgt. Lance L. Schimp, of McKean County, is assigned to the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations, Special Emergency Response Team, West. Sgt. Schimp enlisted in the State Police in 2004 and was promoted to Corporal in 2013.
Sgt. Matthew C. Steele, of Jefferson County, is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards, Internal Affairs Division. Sgt. Steele enlisted in the State Police in 2014 and was promoted to Corporal in 2020.
Promoted to Corporal:
Cpl. Robert C. Ace Jr., of Bucks County, is assigned to the Bureau of Communication and Information Services, CLEAN Administration Audit/Investigation Unit. Cpl. Ace enlisted in the State Police in 2007.
Cpl. Gary D. Beadle, of Lycoming County, is assigned to the Troop F, Montoursville, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialist Unit. Cpl. Beadle enlisted in the State Police in 2007.
Shapiro Administration Awards $19.3 Million in 2024 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants
The grant initiative targets projects that improve the health of streams and rivers, benefiting local stakeholders and those living downstream.
Area counties are included in these grants.
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded $19.3 million in 2024 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. These grants support their efforts in reducing nutrient and sediment pollution to restore the health of local streams, rivers, and lakes.
“These grants have proven to be effective in boosting projects restoring Pennsylvania streams, rivers and lakes,” said DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Since 2021, we’ve seen teams implement everything from streambank tree plantings to livestock crossing installations. I’m excited to see the ingenuity and progress made by this year’s grant recipients. Their work benefits not only their communities, but our Commonwealth and beyond.”
DEP Asks for Pennsylvanians’ Input on Priority Climate Action Plan
DEP to Host Public Engagement Session in Lycoming County on How to Use Federal Funding Aimed at Addressing Climate Change
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Energy Programs Office will host a public engagement session to give Pennsylvanians an opportunity to provide feedback on how to use federal funding aimed at addressing climate change. This is one of five sessions being held statewide with the goal of involving Pennsylvanians in developing a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) for communities across the Commonwealth.
The session will be on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 6:00 PM at Firetree Place, located at 600 Campbell Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. If you would like to attend, you can register here.
Governor Hochul Announces $2.8 Million of Federal Infrastructure Funding for Road Improvements in Allegany County
Belmont, NY…. The Allegany County Democratic Committee is pleased to announce that Governor Kathy Hochul has approved $2.8 million in federal infrastructure funding to improve roads in Allegany County.
This is part of $100 million in statewide road resurfacing improvements funded under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Biden in November 2021. The Act provides historic investments and funding for transportation and road improvements, rural broadband access, and clean energy investments to create jobs and rebuild and improve America’s aging infrastructure.
Allegany County residents will benefit from $1.8 million to resurface I-86, Route 305, and Route 446 in the Town and Village of Cuba, and $1.0 million to resurface Route 19 from the Pennsylvania state line to Stannards in the Town of Willing.
Galeton weather report for November 2023
November 2023 was a mostly typical November however a very dry month. We recorded rain for only 6 days. Morning lows ranged from a low of 18 to mostly in the 30’s. We started off many days with clear skies and frost. It is interesting to note that with a dry month Pine Creeks looks very healthy with a nice flow of water.
There was no measurable snow until the 29th. As usual with the first snowfall there were slippery roads with no road treatments early with the usual accidents. The hill on Route 6 on West Main Street had five water trucks lined up with their wheels spinning. The gas wells had to wait for water on the 29th.
I must comment that it was reported to me that a person was observed mowing their lawn on the 24th. A day after Thanksgiving. Mowing seems to never stop. There was a time when it stopped on Labor Day. I will not comment on mowing until next year. However, I was told Sunday while picking up a Christmas tree at Geisers that a reader appreciates my comments about mowing.
The average high temperature for the month is 46 and the low average is 32. Last year we received 4.3″ of snow and 4.69″ of melted snow and rain. This year we received 1″ of snow and 1.96″ of melted snow and rain. We had one day with 1″ or more of snow on the ground and two mornings with a trace of snow. We had fog one morning.
Once again we missed the storms. Just to the west and north of Galeton they experienced heavy lake effect snow. We were under a winter storm watch but that was about all.
Henry W. Lush
National Weather Service Observer