NEWS

To become a certified pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania, passing a written exam is required. This exam will be offered at the Penn State Extension office at 7 Water Street in Coudersport on Wednesday, April 5^th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Anyone interested in either a private applicator license or a commercial/public applicator license should:

Step 1: Obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification Study packet online at https://extension.psu.edu/certification-exam-study-materials or call Penn State Extension at 1-877-345-0691.

Step 2: Register to take the exam at the PaPlants Certification Exam search page https://www.paplants.pa.gov/PesticideApplicator/ExamSearch.aspx. 

All exams require pre-registration through the PA Department of Agriculture. This can be done on the above website, or you can call the PDA regional office and ask for Jay Bagley (717-731-2463).

Step 3: On the day of the exam, make sure you bring the following:

• Government issued photo identification, i.e., driver’s license or two other forms of identification, such as a government issued document with signature (social security card, green card) or a document with name and address (utility bill, tax statement, personal check).
• #2 pencil and paper
• Private applicator packet – (private applicators have open book exams. Exam proctors have the right to review and reject all materials brought into the exam.)
• A simple calculator for math questions – phones are not allowed in the exam room
• Payment (there is only a fee for commercial and public applicator exams)
• Business license numbers if business is currently licensed

Examinees have three hours to take the exam which consists of 75 multiple choice questions. Exam results are received within 30 days.

On March 9, 2023, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was granted the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is a voluntary, non-governmental, institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) that accredits higher educational institutions.  

NPRC’s Accreditation Readiness Report was acknowledged and accepted at the March 2023 Commission Meeting after MSCHE representatives completed site visits in November 2022. With this announcement, NPRC is invited to begin the self-study process based on continuous improvement of the College’s compliance; assessment; and integration of the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation, Requirements of Affiliation, MSCHE policies and procedures, and all applicable federal regulatory requirements.  
 

NPRC’s President, Susan Snelick, noted, “This is a significant milestone and one of the most important days in the young history of Northern Pennsylvania Regional College. I am proud of the entire NPRC team, legislative advocates, students, and our community and location partners. We look forward to continuing to work closely alongside the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as we strive to meet NPRC’s mission and service the region’s residents and employers.”

Institutions with Candidacy status are required to achieve accreditation affirmation within five years. While pursuing accreditation, Candidate institutions are eligible to complete the application process to award Title IV Financial Aid. This aid includes programs associated with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®). Upon successful Title IV application completion, the College will be eligible to award aid such as Pell grants and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) funding in addition to the institutional aid the institution currently awards our enrollees. 

NPRC will continue to provide further updates on the institution’s status for accreditation and status of being awarded Title IV aid as they become available. 
 
About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the residents of northern Pennsylvania. NPRC brings affordable education to a nine-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. NPRC is actively pursuing accreditation. https://regionalcollegepa.org.  

McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Darvin Carpenter, of Bradford, was convicted of 251 counts related to sex crimes against children, providing marijuana to juveniles and other crimes.  He was found not guilty of 11 additional counts.

CARPENTER was charged with committing crimes against 7 juvenile victims between the years 2000 and 2022. 

The crimes were discovered in 2022 after a juvenile female reported to her mother that CARPENTER had touched her in her “bad spot” and the mother reported it to the Childline child abuse hotline.  The report was referred to Children and Youth Services and law enforcement. 

Trooper Eric Thompson of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks was assigned the criminal investigation. 

Through his investigation, he identified six other victims who reported numerous instances of rape from the age of 5, forced oral sex on victims under age 13, unlawful touching of children under age 16, providing marijuana to juveniles and numerous other crimes.

Six of the victims – all now adults – testified before the jury and described the acts committed by the defendant through the last two decades and at various locations in McKean County – including various places he resided, his vehicle, and some of the victims’ own residences.   Some of the victims described not only the crimes he committed against them, but other crimes they witnessed against other children.

The jury convicted CARPTENTER of 10 Counts of Rape Of A Child Under 13 (Felony 1); 10 Counts of Rape By Forcible Compulsion (Felony 1); 55 Counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (Felony 1); 6 Counts of Criminal Solicitation To Commit Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse On A Person Less Than 16 ( Felony 1); 3 Counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Statutory Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 20 Counts of Sexual Assault (Felony 2); 112 Counts of Indecent Assault – (Felony 3, Misdemeanor 1 & Misdemeanor 2); 11 Counts of Distribution Of Small Amount Of Marijuana (Not For Sale) (Misdemeanor); 3 Counts of Corruption Of Minors, and 1 Count of Indecent Exposure (Misdemeanor 2). 

Trooper Thompson filed a criminal complaint against the defendant on July 14, 2022.  He has remained incarcerated at the McKean County Jail since the time of his arrest.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  Following conviction, DA Vettenburg-Shaffer asked to increase CARPENTER’S bail and it was increased to $1 million.

Because the defendant has been convicted on sexual offenses, the law requires that he undergo an assessment with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board.  Sentencing will be scheduled by the Court.

If you suspect child abuse, please call 911 and Childline at 1-800-932-0313.

Borough of Galeton

PENELEC PLANNED OUTAGE

Day/Date Tuesday, March 28th

Time/Duration 08:30 until 15:00

Alternate Date N/A

Town/Street In Galeton, West St., Germania St.,1st St., West Branch Ave., Penn Ave., Division Ave., 5th St., Poplar Ave., Second St.

Reason for Outage Upgrade our facilities for enhanced circuit reliability for our customers.

# of Custs. 195

The regular meeting of the Galeton Borough Council was held this date in the Municipal Building with the following members present: Joe Petrencsik; Doug Droppa; Darrell Jackson; DJ Fuller, and Denny Dean. Not present was Ron Tarabori.

Others present were: Mayor-Garrote; Foreman-Joe Cimino; Secy-Andrea Caracciolo; Office Asst-Eleanor Boyd and Borough Crew-Joe Cimino Jr.

President Petrencsik called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Followed by the Pledge to the Flag.

MINUTES

The 2/8/23 minutes were reviewed, Joe Petrencsik pointed out that they needed to state that both sides of Germania Street is to have restricted parking for the week of the 4th of July. A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller to approving the minutes with the change. All were in favor, motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT

A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by DJ Fuller approving the treasurer’s report for Feb/March 2023 as reported. All were in favor, motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Committee toured the Chattanooga Bldg. and agreed to proceed with the first study.

BOROUGH FOREMAN

Orchard Ave and Adams Street sewer issues. There are 8 customers on the list where they are having sewer issues. The sewer is continuously being plugged up with wipes and paper towels. The customers in this area will be sent letters.

Test Wells were drilled and the following were found: The one that was drilled at the Right Branch produced approx. 70 gallons per minute and the water was good. The one on the Left Branch wasn’t successful as well as the one drilled on the Holly Smith property. They are going to drill another one at the Main Branch next.

DJ reported that two culverts on Pine Street have concrete blocks that are caving in and need repaired.

ORDINANCES

A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Darrell Jackson to advertise Ordnance #377 of 2023 to amend Parking on Germania Street during the week of the 4th of July. All were in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Doug Droppa, seconded by Darrell Jackson appointing the mayor as designee to exercise the parking on Germania Street for the 4th of July week. All were in favor, motion carried.

****At this Time, 7:52PM, AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS CALLED TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL ISSUE

***AT THIS TIME 8:35 PM, THE MEETING RECONVENED.

The executive session was held for Joey Cimino to make a presentation. The proposal was for Joey to attend the Mansfield Act 120 academy to become a police officer at his own expense. After graduating from the course the Borough will hire him as an officer. Joey will remain an employee on the Borough crew also in the process of getting his water and sewer licenses. There will be a probation period of a year to see if this works out.

A motion was made by Darrell Jackson, seconded by DJ Fuller to accept the proposal. All were in favor, motion carried. Further details will be discussed at a later date.

BILLS

A motion was made by DJ Fuller, seconded by Denny Dean to pay the bills for March 2023. All were in favor, motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Denny Dean, seconded by Doug Droppa to Adjourn. All were in favor, motion caried. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.

The Seneca Library District that includes the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library will be migrating data into a new inter-library system over the next month. Patrons will be able to easily access more library materials and services after this transition! This is an exciting process that will have a very beneficial end, but sometimes getting to the end of the road can be bumpy. As the library transitions, there will be a few “pauses” in library service:

• From March 26-April 5 the library will not be able to create new library patron accounts. If you have been thinking about getting a library account, please come in before March 26 or after April 11.
• The library will be running in an “offline” circulation mode so checking out library materials, checking in library materials, updating patron accounts, and placing holds on books will take a little longer to process. Please give yourself some extra time in the library for us to complete these circulation tasks for you.
• The library will not be able to catalog new materials beginning March 26 until after the migration is complete. The library may have the new book you have been waiting for but getting it out on the shelf for you to borrow might take a little longer. Please be patient or ask the circulation staff to get a copy for you via AccessPA inter-library loan.
• All library due dates for materials checked out beginning March 13 have been changed to the extended date of April 11 to accommodate this migration period.
• If you have questions or concerns, please contact the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library Director, Mary Grace, at 814-642-9210 or swsmith@swsmithlibrary.org. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!  

Application opens March 15, submissions due by May 3

After a successful pilot program in 2022 for The Wilds Are Working: A Remote Lifestyle Experience, remote workers will have the chance to apply to test out living in two new communities for 2023. Those communities will be Emporium and Warren.

Funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission through Ben Franklin Technology Partners and administered by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc., this project seeks to help address the issue of outmigration in rural areas by marketing PA Wilds communities as great places to live and work.

Originally piloted in summer 2022 in the PA Wilds communities of Bellefonte and Kane, the initiative allows remote workers to live, work, volunteer, and explore all that the rural region has to offer. Participants could come from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a sense of adventure and the ability to work remotely.

Applications open on March 15 and are due by May 3.

Coudersport Public Library’s Preschool Story Hour series, with the theme “Hello Spring!” will begin Tuesday, April 4!

Participants will learn about and celebrate Spring and all the fun and new beginnings it brings, with leaders Brenda Bonczar and Lisa Bretz. Sessions will run on Tuesdays, April 4-May 9, at 10:00 a.m. These are geared for children ages three through five and their parents, and include stories, a craft and snacks.

Registration is required to ensure sufficient materials. Stop in at the Library, call 814-274-9382 or email coudersportlibrary@gmail.com to register your child.

Steps to Vote

·     Go to the website What’s So Cool….North Central Contest

·     Watch the videos by clicking on each one

·     Press vote on the video you like the best 

·     Can’t decide which one you like best – you can vote for more than one!

·     The video with the most votes will be the winner of the Viewer’s Choice Award to be presented on March 28^th!  There are other awards being made by our team of judges. 

Voting will open March 13th at 12:01 am and will end on March 15th at 11:59 pm.

Thank you for taking the time to vote and recognizing the hard work of the students, teacher coaches and employers!

* WHAT…Accumulating snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to
3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
* WHERE…Livingston and Allegany counties.
* WHEN…Until 8 AM EDT Wednesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact the evening commute.

INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow could result in snow covered secondary roads and
limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving.
Submit snow reports through our website or social media.

Issued By: NWS Buffalo (Western New York)

​Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Route 220 is closed in both directions between Route 42 and just north of Route 3006 (Thorne Street) in Laporte Township, Sullivan County, due to a tractor trailer crash.

A detour using Route 42 and Thorne Street is in place. The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours.

Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect travel delays, and drive with caution.

The Potter County Education Council, Tri-Co Connections, the Potter County Human Services Area Agency on Aging, and our local school districts are continuing to team up to implement a county-wide program called Seniors 2 Seniors. This program is teaching basic computer skills, digital literacy, and cybersecurity to senior citizens so that they have the skills and knowledge to utilize the many benefits of high-speed Internet, which can include: Staying connected to friends and family; Sending and receiving emails; Using search engines to navigate the Internet; Utilizing telemedicine (healthcare from home); Using on-line banking; and Shopping from home (for items not available in the local area).

As a part of this program, local high school students volunteer to provide on-site support to each of the adults who participates in the course. The area high school students are a logical resource to support the senior citizens as they learn about the Internet since this generation of students has grown up with technology as a part of their daily lives. They are a true “tech savvy” population and can provide valuable support to older adults who are learning to navigate and use new technological skills and information.

The Seniors 2 Seniors technology course is being offered at each of the four senior centers in Potter County on a six-week rotating schedule, meeting on Wednesdays (following the school districts’ calendars), throughout the 2022-2023 school years. The course will meet at the Ulysses Senior Center on Wednesdays, April 5^th – May 10^th from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m.

The registration deadline for the Ulysses course is Wednesday, March 29^th. Register yourself, a parent, or grandparent by calling the Potter County Education Council at (814) 274-4877 or by stopping by the Potter County Education’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street.