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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.
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com
REGISTER ONLINE BEGINNING THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 17; ENTRY FEE IS $25 THROUGH MONDAY, MAY 1 Successful anglers who catch tagged fish during the 32nd Annual Upper Pine Creek Trout Tournament can win up to $14,000 in cash, merchandise and gift cards with each prize valued at $50 or more.
The top prize is $1,000 in cash. There will also be six $500 cash prizes.
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Snowmobile Club tournament will be on Saturday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. along a 13-mile stretch of Pine Creek between the Ansonia Bridge on Colton Road in Shippen Township and the Mill Street Bridge in Galeton Borough. All 250 of the trout that are float stocked in that section are tagged.
ANNOUNCEMENT: McKean County Juvenile Probation Placement Specialist
PAY RATE: $39,643.50 ($20.33/hr.)
37.5 hours per week
The Placement Specialist position performs duties and responsibilities consistent with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Juvenile Act, Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure, Principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, and Juvenile Justice Evidence-Based Practices. The mission and purpose of the Juvenile Act mandates that youth who commit delinquent acts be provided “programs of supervision, care and rehabilitation which provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of accountability for offenses committed and the development of competencies to enable children to become responsible and productive members of the community.”
The Placement Specialist is responsible for working with youth in court ordered placement and community aftercare settings to ensure community safety, accountability to crime victims, compliance with conditions of supervision and court orders, and competency program participation. Responsibilities further include employing evidenced-based practices which may include screens/assessments, interventions, and treatment approaches that have been demonstrated by research to work most effectively to reduce recidivism with juvenile offenders. Assisting crime victims, as well as, supervision of offenders will occur in the placement facilities, office, school, home and community settings and at times will require non-traditional work hours (nights and weekends), travel and on-call responsibilities.
A bachelor’s degree which includes an academic background of 18 credits in the behavioral and/or social sciences with a minimum of 1 year in probation, or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience working with at-risk youth or victims preferred. Successful completion of New Probation Officer Orientation classes will be required during probationary period. Must complete forty (40) hours of training annually. Applicant must hold a valid driver’s license, pass pre-employment drug screening, be able to obtain criminal record and child abuse clearances as well as successfully complete any additional Human Resources requirements. As a condition of employment, employee must attend the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm Education and Training Commission Basic Training Academy and upon successful completion carry a firearm in the performance of duties.
Submit a résumé, cover letter, unofficial transcripts and a completed McKean County application for employment to:
New Trail Brewing Co. and The Pennsylvania Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship Inc. are proud to announce The Wilds Are Calling Hazy IPA; A collaboration across The Pennsylvania Wilds with the brewers who call this region home. This can of beer is a 16-ounce postcard, a liquid invitation to spend some time in the PA Wilds, enjoy all that nature has to offer, visit some breweries and other independent businesses, and find a new favorite destination.
This project is being brewed at New Trail in Williamsport in collaboration with Bullfrog Brewery of Williamsport, Boom City Brewing Co. of Williamsport, John Ryan Brewery of Williamsport, Riepstine’s Pub & Brewery of Williamsport, Rosko’s Brew House of Williamsport, Therapy Brewing of Montoursville, Bald Birds Brewing Co. of Jersey Shore, Yorkholo Brewing Co. of Mansfield, Robinhood Brewing Co. of Bellefonte, Bradford Brew Station of Bradford, Bent Run Brewing Co. of Warren, Wicked Warren’s of Warren, Clarion River Brewing Company of Clarion, Mechanistic Brewing Co. of Clarion, Lost In The Wilds Brewing of Shippenville, and Floating Feathers Brewing Co. of Mill Hall.
The beer will be available on draft and in cans at all of the collaborating breweries in early May 2023. There will also be some distribution across The PA Wilds region. A portion of total sales is going to the PA Wilds so they may continue to advance their mission.
The PA Wilds Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to integrate conservation and economic development in a way that strengthens and inspires communities in the PA Wilds region. The PA Wilds effort seeks to celebrate and nurture our natural wonders by connecting people with nature. The PA Wilds region, which covers approximately 25% of Pennsylvania’s land acreage, is a 13-county region that spans from Interstate 80 to the New York State border, encompassing Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren and nothern Centre Counties. Home to more than 2 million acres of public land, which is more than Yellowstone National Park, the PA Wilds features 50 State Game Lands, 29 State Parks, 8 State Forests, PA’s only National Forest, and 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers.
Arthur L. Lyman, a longtime Portville resident, passed away Thursday (March 16, 2023) at the Olean General Hospital.
Born April 4, 1933, in Olean, he was the son of Marlin and Sarah Snyder Lyman. On May 19, 1956, at the First Baptist Church in Olean, he married the former Beverly J. Dutton, who predeceased him on April 8, 2019.
Art served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1957. He went to work for Lockwood Cleaners and then for Kaye’s Auto Sales. He later worked for Gramco Automotive which eventually became Lyman Truck repair.
Active in his community, Art previously served as the Portville Fire Chief, Westons Mills Commissioner and Fire Chief, and as a New York State Fire Worden. He also served on the Cattaraugus County Fire Advisory Board and worked as a Constable for the town of Portville and for the Portville Police Department.
Art was a longtime member of the Portville American Legion, post 814, and attended the Obi Community Church. In his younger years, he drove the ambulance for Guenther Funeral Home.
He is survived by; three sons, John Lyman of Shinglehouse, PA, Mark (Bonnie) Lyman of Cuba, and Donald (Penny) Lyman of Olean; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters, Anna Beles and Mary Grimsey; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by; three sisters, Pauline, Mildred, and Ethel.
Graveside services for Art will be held on Monday (March 20, 2023) at 11 am at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Route 16, Olean with full military honors accorded by the Allegany American Legion. Rev. David Cook, pastor of the Obi Community Church will officiate.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.
Enjoy a finger-snapping, toe-tapping time on an 8-day tour of America’s most famous music cities – New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville. Experience New Orleans, where jazz, food and fun are always on the menu. Choose how you explore New Orleans – by foot or by coach. Discover Mardi Gras World, where massive parade floats are crafted. Taste the classic beignets at Café Du Monde. You’ll spend 2 nights in Memphis, “birthplace of the blues.” Choose how you connect with Memphis’s history – with a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland or by following the last march of MLK.
Enjoy reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. See where country legends recorded hit tunes at RCA Studio B. Create your own Goo Goo Cluster Candy at a chocolate-making lesson. You’ll be humming and strumming long after you return home.
There is so much more to this tour that departs October 1, 2023. Visit this link for more information: https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1112513or call us at (814) 274-4877 to request a brochure and get details, cost, etc. It’s not too late! You’ll save $50/per person if you reserve by April 1, 2023 (no fooling!)
Another tour to consider: Hawaiian Adventure departing November 2, 2023. Call or stop in at 5 Water Street, Coudersport for more information!
Last Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting the McKean County Leadership meeting at our Career and Technology Center! A stellar group of community leaders joined us to learn more about our programs and students’ experiences.
We’re proud of our students who participated in the CTC panel discussion: Bennett Harris (Welding), Brooklynn Burt (Early Childhood Education), Kyle Worthington (Engineering), Owen Peterson (Networking), Brady Danielson (Automotive), Ian Fox (Homeland Security), Seth Benson (Culinary), and Faith Miller (Health Assisting). They had some wonderful things to say about our dedicated school team, who have been instrumental in guiding them along their career paths.
During the panel, our students discussed the unique challenges they faced in choosing a program without being able to tour the CTC in person due to the pandemic. Thanks to Mr. Young’s informative video tour and our school counselor’s unwavering support, they were able to make informed decisions about their futures.
We learned that sometimes, the CTC experience helps students discover not only what they want to do but also what they don’t want to do, saving them time and money in the long run.
In more exciting news, we believe each of these outstanding students will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society! The ceremony is scheduled for April 27th, with details to follow. Keep an eye out for invites in April!
We also want to highlight the incredible successes our students have experienced in finding their career paths, building strong connections with their peers, and acquiring valuable job-ready skills!
Our CTC programs not only equip students with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary for their chosen fields, but they also foster an environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of community. These experiences help our students develop essential soft skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
It’s truly inspiring to see how our students have grown and matured throughout their time at the CTC. Their career preparedness, confidence, and readiness to enter the workforce are testaments to the dedication and hard work of both the students and our phenomenal CTC staff.
We can’t wait to see where their bright futures will take them, and we’re confident that the skills and connections they’ve gained at the CTC will serve as solid foundations for their long-term success.
Join us in celebrating our students’ achievements and the fantastic work of everyone at the CTC!
March 17, 2023 – UPMC Senior Communities is hosting job fairs at four long term care facilities located in north central Pennsylvania. UPMC has positions open across clinical, including CNA, LPN, and RN, and non-clinical support services. During the fairs, recruiters and staff are available to discuss career opportunities, UPMC’s Total Rewards comprehensive benefits program, and assist interested candidates with electronic applications.
The Green Home, 37 Central Ave., Wellsboro Wednesday, March 22, 1 – 5:30 p.m.
I recently attended the annual Potter County Conservation District legislative luncheon with fellow elected officials to get an update on projects they are working on and discuss legislative issues. Thank you to all the dedicated conservation district board members and staff for your great work!
Thank you to Rick Esch, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and Dr. Matt Kropf, director of the Energy Science and Technology Program, for giving me a tour of the new George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building. What a great addition to the campus!!
More Than $3.4 Million in Grants Awarded in Region
Great news for several communities across Cameron, McKean and Potter counties! More than $3.4 million in state grants were awarded to nine communities for key infrastructure, maintenance and transportation needs.
The grants are as follows:
McKean County • Annin Township: $381,100 for resurfacing a portion of Annin Creek Road. • Keating Township: $123,634 for purchasing an excavator. • Lewis Run Borough: $123,000 for water main replacement. • Mount Jewett Regional Sewer Authority: $74,372 for replacement of the lagoon system aerator. • Port Allegany Borough: $1.57 million for replacement of the Arnold Avenue Bridge. Cameron County • Emporium Borough: $300,000 for purchasing equipment such as a dump truck and street cleaning vacuum. • Mid-Cameron Authority: $229,544 for the rehabilitation of two lift stations – the West Creek and Prospect stations which each provide sewer services to Shippen Township. Potter County • Austin Borough: $232,007 for upgrading borough trucks that are more than l5 years old and purchasing an excavator. • Coudersport Borough: $395,270 for the Ross Glen Road stormwater rehabilitation project. The Arnold Avenue Bridge project grant was awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. The remaining grants were awarded through the Local Share Account program, which is funded by gaming revenue.
Hearings to Analyze Budget Begin Next Week
Working to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely, the House Appropriations Committee will launch a series of hearings next week to examine the governor’s nearly $46 billion spending proposal.
The committee will hear from officials with the state Department of Education all day Monday, and then discuss higher education, including state-related universities, community colleges and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency on Tuesday.
The PA State System of Higher Education will appear before the committee on Wednesday morning, followed by the Department of Agriculture in the afternoon.
The first week of hearings will conclude on Thursday with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the morning and the Department of Environmental Protection in the afternoon.
The statewide opening day of trout season is coming up in just two weeks on Saturday, April 1. If you haven’t already, it’s time to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Be sure to check out the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online for licensing details and access to trout stocking schedules. Information is also available on the FishBoatPA mobile app.
Next weekend, on Saturday, March 25, the commission will hold its statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day, a great opportunity to expose a new generation of anglers to the joy of fishing.
To participate, youth anglers (those under the age of 16) must have either a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. More information about the mentored youth program, as well as a link to obtain a permit or license, is available here.
Reminder: Maple Weekend Has Arrived!
Click here to view full brochure Bring your sweet tooth and check out the annual Maple Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, March 18-19, at nearly two dozen different maple producers in Potter and Tioga counties.
You’ll find a variety of opportunities at each location to learn more about the process of collecting sap and making maple syrup and other products, as well as the chance to sample or purchase a wide range of products, including syrup and maple candy, and more unique maple products such as salad dressing, barbecue sauce, jellies, homemade cookies, maple milkshakes and cotton candy. Click here for details about this educational – and very tasty! – event.
Two Potter County projects are among those that were funded this week by the Pa. Commonwealth Financing Authority. Coudersport Borough was awarded $395,270 for a stormwater rehabilitation project in the Ross Glen Road/Isabella Street area. A $232,007 grant was awarded to Austin Borough for upgrading borough trucks that are more than 15 years old and for purchase of an excavator. Funds come from state taxes and fees on legalized gambling.
The Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies (CFNA) announced they have reached a new milestone of over $1.5 million in grants awarded to area non-profit organizations in one granting year. CFNA is the parent company of the McKean County Community Foundation and the Elk County Community Foundation.
Because Elk and McKean donors continue to meet community needs with unparalleled generosity, grant awards in 2022 have helped fund $1.5 million in community improvements, educational and social programs, student scholarships for continuing education, and so much more. Those who live in, or have ever been to Elk and McKean Counties, know that it is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. The Community Foundation works to keep it that way by providing donors with a simple but powerful and highly personal approach to achieving their charitable goals while enhancing the quality of life for the people of our region. Donors who establish their own funds, and those who donate towards growing Foundation granting dollars, are all a part of building a better future for everyone in our area.
During the 1990’s a group of business and civic leaders began to explore establishing a Community Foundation in the Elk County Area. As a result, the Elk County Community Foundation incorporated in 2000, and a year later became a non-profit organization. In 2017, the McKean County Community Foundation was established. The two Foundations are both affiliates of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies. To date, they have distributed over $6 million in grants, and more than $2.5 million in scholarships throughout our communities.
The Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit organization that strives to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grant making as it works with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals. Donors interested in learning more about establishing a fund can contact the Foundation at 1-844-238-2289.
Figure 1: Kountry Kids 4-H Club cleans up the flower beds at Sweden Valley Manor
Members of the 4-H program, on a local and state level, pledge their hands to larger service. Those in the program agree to serve their community in a variety of ways while they are active. This service takes many different forms; however youth are encouraged to find enjoyable and engaging ways to interact with their community. In the past, club members and leaders have assisted their communities by planting gardens at local buildings, organizing litter clean-ups in natural areas, serving milkshakes during the county fair, and planting trees with the conservation district.
In Potter County, 4-H members of all ages are recognized at the end of the program year for the service they provide throughout their communities each year. Youth can participate in service offerings chosen by club and county leaders, or research community needs to accomplish on their own. If you or someone you know is interested in performing community service, consider joining or volunteering with a local 4-H club in the area!
Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or email sqg5901@psu.edu. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel Route 287 are advised that a bridge replacement project is set to begin next week in Cummings Township, Lycoming County. This project will replace the structure carrying Route 287 over Larry’s Creek, approximately 5.6 miles north of the intersection with Route 973.
The bridge replacement is scheduled to be complete by late November 2023. During this project, traffic will be reduced to a single lane, controlled by a temporary traffic signal. An 11′ width restriction will be in place for oversize vehicles.
Week of March 20
The contractor will begin setting traffic control.
The temporary traffic signal will be set to flash on Wednesday, March 22 with one lane in each direction will be maintained.
Week of March 27
On Tuesday, March 28, the temporary traffic signal will be activated and traffic will be restricted to a single lane across the bridge. This condition will exist until project completion.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays, watch for changing traffic patterns, and drive with caution while entering the work zone.
Nestlerode Contracting Company Inc. is the prime contractor on this $2 million, bridge replacement project.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
The District will now begin accepting applications for round 1 until April 28, 2023 for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) for funding to implement agricultural conservation practices. These applications will be ranked on May 17, 2023.
The 2023 Application & Ranking Schedule:
¨ Round 2 July 24, 2023 deadline
August 9, 2023 ranked
¨ Round 3 November 15, 2023 deadline
December 13, 2023 ranked
To be eligible, an applicant must have a conservation plan or agricultural erosion and sediment control plan and a manure or nutrient management plan.
The following are examples of the BMPs that may be implemented through the ACAP program:
¨ Agricultural stream accesses
¨ Heavy Use Areas with or without a roof
¨ Roofed Manure Stacking Pad
¨ Exclusionary & Streambank fencing
¨ Spring development
¨ Streambank Stabilization Structures
The District will work with participating farmers and landowners to help design and implement soil and water conservation practices. These practices are designed to reduce or prevent nutrient and sediment losses from their farms while improving water quality and soil health across the Commonwealth. This funding will be available for all farmers within McKean County.
Pre-application site visits are required for the District to assist the potential program participants to ensure the application they submit is in the best interest of the applicant and the program. Please contact Adam Causer, Watershed Specialist at 814-887-4003 or accauser@mckeancountypa.org to schedule a pre-application visit.
Cindy Wagner knows the value of giving, having worked in the nonprofit sector for much of her career.
Wagner recently established Wagner Family Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to give support to libraries in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties beginning in 2023.
The fund’s grant application process will open August 1 with a September 30 deadline, and awards will be made in November each year.
Wagner also knows the value of the grant process, beginning her career in grant writing when she was working with a shelter for women who were victims of domestic violence in Cortland. She would go on to a 30+-year career in nonprofit management with nonprofits up and down the East Coast, but she always continued to write grants, even when serving as director of an organization, she said.
A native of Portville, Wagner began college at 28 as a full-time working, single mother of two, and graduated from Jamestown Community College with High Honors and Cum Laude from SUNY Fredonia in just three and half years – a feat that remains one of her proudest achievements to date.
Wagner, as well as the rest of her family, were also active volunteering in the community.
Have trouble saying no? I do. In fact, I’ve met many that do. Why is that? What is it about saying no do we have so much trouble? Do we want to be liked and afraid that if we say no that we won’t be? Are we trying to make everyone happy? That solution won’t get you very far. In fact, doing that will probably make you very unhappy. So why do we do it?
I was recently asked to commit to an event that was several months into the future. Do I say yes and lock myself into dates that I might find myself in conflict with family obligations or do I say no and just be done with it? Trust me, it wasn’t an easy decision. I sought out the counsel of several people and I still didn’t feel comfortable with either a yes or no. What was my struggle? What was my real issue. Saying yes was the easy part, but did I want to say yes? One friend asked the question is it good, better, or best? Hmmm, how would I answer that? Was it good? Yes, it was good but was it better or best. When asking these questions considering my life and future, it took on a different meaning. I couldn’t say that saying yes was going to be better or best and I realized I wasn’t interested in settling for just good.
One of the issues that I personally contend with is that saying no might cause disappointment in another person and I’m one who wants people to be happy. Letting someone down, causing inconvenience, added stress and work, isn’t something I want to do. So, what happens to me or the person that’s struggling with saying no? We take on the responsibility of others that costs us in ways that affect us emotionally and physically. And who caused all of this? We only have ourselves to blame.
I’ve realized over the years that stress is when my mouth is saying, “Sure I’d love to” while my heart is screaming, “NO”. Taking the time for my heart and mouth to get synchronized is the problem but nevertheless needs to be accomplished if you’re truly going to take care of yourself. Afterall, saying no is not a sin. Think about it.
Due to the passing of our good friend and long-time Supervisor, John Dingman, an unexpired term for Supervisor in Gaines Township is open. Supervisors are required to immediately fill an unexpired term by appointing a temporary replacement to complete the year. Upon appointment, the appointee will perform the duties of Supervisor until December 31st of 2023. The remaining 4 years of the unexpired term will be determined by the Voters in the November election, this position will not show in May on the Primary ballot. The position will be on the November ballot and open for Write-In Votes. Interested parties must reside in Gaines Township for a period of 12 months prior to appointment or running for office.
Anyone interested in the appointment should submit a letter of interest to Gaines Township, 1517 Route 6, Gaines PA, 16921, or by contacting the Gaines Township Municipal Office at 814-435-3563 no later than Friday, March 24, 2023.