M & W Online Auction Soft Bidding Ends February 1st
NEWS
Stackpole-Hall Foundation Honors R. Dauer Stackpole
Elk County- The Stackpole-Hall Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the R. Dauer Stackpole Scholarship. This scholarship will be held at the Elk County Community Foundation and available to any Elk County high school senior who is planning to attend the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Stackpole graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in the late 1960’s. Today, Dauer serves as an Honorary Trustee of the Stackpole-Hall Foundation. He was first elected a Trustee in 1974; and in 2007 he became Chairman of the Board and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2017. Dauer’s fellow trustees created this scholarship in honor of Dauer’s commitment, leadership, and dedication to the Stackpole-Hall Foundation and his advocacy for the residents of Elk County. Dauer is a passionate Pitt fan and has been a long-time member of the Golden Panther Club,
The scholarship amount will be $1,000, annually for not more than four years. This scholarship will be awarded to one graduate of any Elk County High School who is attending any of the University of Pittsburgh campuses. To learn more about the scholarship or to apply for the scholarship students should visit www.elkcountyfoundation.org/scholarships or contact the Elk County Community Foundation directly.
UPMC Expert: Understanding the Thyroid Gland
By: Ashima Mittal, M.D.
UPMC Endocrinology
There are many reasons a person may experience fatigue or a general lack of energy, and an important one to consider is the activity of the thyroid gland. While many people may not be aware of the gland, it plays a role in controlling how the body uses and stores energy. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, below the Adam’s apple, and it may not be obvious that the symptoms your experiencing may be related to a thyroid issue.
Too Much or Too Little
Your thyroid gland can cause problems when it produces too much thyroid hormone, called hyperthyroidism, or too little, which is known as hypothyroidism. Both conditions, when left untreated, can have a negative impact on your energy, your heart, digestion, and fertility.
While some people with too much or too little thyroid hormone are symptom-free, the most common symptom of hypothyroidism, or low hormone levels, is feeling tired. Additional symptoms include:
United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program Applications Available
McKean County has been awarded grants in direct federal funding for an amount of $19,477 under Phase 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).
The National Board is comprised of representatives from health and human service agencies across the country. The United States Congress appropriates funds annually to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas nationally.
The local board, made up of representatives from McKean County, will determine how the funds will be distributed. Local agency representation includes The Salvation Army, McKean/Potter Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of the Bradford Area, Catholic Charities, Ministerial Association, local government, the McKean County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the YWCA of Bradford. These representative will determine how the funds awarded to McKean County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1). Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2). Be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3). Have an accounting system, 4). Practice nondiscrimination, 5). Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and 6). If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Local Board Chair Sarah Lonzi c/o United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. PO Box 504, Bradford, PA 16701 or email sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org or call at (814) 368-6181. Funds will be allocated to one local recipient organization per program/service; organizations which are able to meet spending and document submission requirements; and those which have electronic communication capabilities. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 27th at 2pm.
PA Permit Violations Issued
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. 78a66(b)1 – REPORTING AND REMEDIATING SPILLS AND RELEASES – Reporting releases – Operator or other responsible party failed to report spills and releases of regulated substances to the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
| PA Permit Violation Issued to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford County |
| Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/19/2023 to BLACKHILL ENERGY LLC in Springfield Twp, Bradford county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP. |
| Incident Date/Time: 2023-01-19 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, violation, drilling |
Port Allegany Fire Dept. was dispatched for traffic control
On January 22 at 7:21 pm. Port Allegany Fire Dept. was dispatched to Rt. 155 and Scaffold Lick for traffic control for a one vehicle crash
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 22 at 10:01AM EST until January 23 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: …WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 1 PM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Widespread snow this afternoon through early this evening, followed by lake enhanced snow later tonight into Monday morning. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. Greatest amounts will be across the Chautauqua Ridge.
* WHERE…The western Southern Tier.
* WHEN…From 1 PM this afternoon to 1 PM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute.
INSTRUCTIONS: Periods of snow will result in snow covered roads and limited visibilities. Slow down and use caution while driving. Submit snow reports through our website or social media.
Wildcat Weekly Highlights
Penn College wrestling, basketball teams earn multiple wins
Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers went 3-1, while the men’s and women’s basketball teams each posted a 2-1 week.
FLASHBACK
Men’s basketball
On Tuesday, home-standing Wells College bolted to an early 11-1 lead and led by 17 points in the first half before the Wildcats rallied to lead twice in the second half — the last time at 58-57 — before falling, 79-64, in a United East game.
Alec Cooper, of Huntingdon, came off the bench to lead Penn College with 12 points.
Hosting Gallaudet University on Friday, the Wildcats opened a 29-22 halftime lead, fell behind twice by three early in the second half and then finished by outscoring the Bison, 32-24, for a 68-63 UE win.
Cooper and Rees Watkins, of Loyalsock Township, each scored 15 points in the winning effort, while Livingston Cross added 14 points and Max Jackowsky 12 points. The Wildcats led in points off turnovers, 14-4.
On Saturday at home with St. Mary’s (Md.) College, Penn College won, 71-64, to go to 3-4 in the UE and 8-8 overall, moving it within one win of matching the most wins in a season for the Wildcats during Geoff Hensley’s four years as the coach.
To get the “W,” Penn College had to overcome a five-point (37-32) halftime deficit, which it did with a 39-27 second-half advantage, including a 17-6 finish over the final 5:30.
Gavin Barrett, of Roselle, New Jersey, topped Penn College with 22 points. The Wildcats led in points off turnovers, 15-6, and in points in the paint, 44-34.
Women’s basketball
Emporium Food Market Can Now Accept WIC Payments
Emporium Food Market has secured approval to accept WIC payments. The supplemental nutrition program focuses on the health of pregnant women and children up to the age of 5. Scott McCann, owner of Emporium Food Market says he is pleased the store can accept the WIC checks. “I have been working with Harrisburg for nearly two years to bring this program to the residents of Cameron County,” McCann noted. Emporium Food Market is the only grocery store in Cameron County where WIC checks are accepted. Cameron County has a WIC office on Chestnut Street in Emporium. Eligibility is reserved for pregnant women, breastfeeding women for up to one year postpartum, women up to six months postpartum, who are not breastfeeding and children under 5 years old including foster children
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 3 AM EST MONDAY…
* WHAT…A several to 8 hour period of snow, then some lighter mixed precipitation or light freezing rain Sunday night near and to the south of Interstate 80. Total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Snowfall could be around 4 inches across the highest terrain near and to the Northeast of the Williamsport and Lock Haven areas.
* WHERE…Portions of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From 3 PM Sunday to 3 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A 1 to 2 hour delay in the changeover to mixed precipitation Sunday evening could add another inch or so to the snowfall totals.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania roadways.
Beula E. Bodistow Kestler, 97, of Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, and formerly of Wilcox and Johnsonburg, PA.
Beula E. Bodistow Kestler, 97, of Pinecrest Manor, St. Marys, and formerly of Wilcox and Johnsonburg, died Wednesday night, January 18, 2023 at Pinecrest Manor. She was born on May 14, 1927 in DuBois, PA to the late Herman L. and Edith S. Lydick Delp. On November 20, 1965 in St. Anne’s Church, Wilcox, she married Anthony J. Bodistow. He passed away September 27, 2005. On February 16, 2007 in Sacred Heart Church, St. Marys, she married John R. “Jack” Kestler. He preceded her in death on July 31, 2017.
Beula had lived in St. Marys since 2007. She had previously lived in Wilcox for 47 years and had lived in Johnsonburg for 42 years and DuBois. She was a 1943 graduate of Brady Twp. High School. Beula was a member of St. Anne’s Church and had been a Girl Scout Leader for many years. She loved to cook, bake, sew and quilt and had been a member of quilting groups in St. Marys and Kane. She had retired from Stackpole Corp. in 1980 after 39 years of service in Johnsonburg and Kane.
Beula is survived by step-children: Carl Bodistow of Wilcox and Sharon Kestler of Erie, grandchildren Michael Proctor and his wife Christina and Sara, Mrs. Lars Johannesen and great-grandchildren Lillian and Eli Proctor. She is also survived by sisters Hazel Kriner of DuBois, Jeanette Hayes of Luthersburg and Evelyn, Mrs. Richard Vandervort of Falls Creek.
Beula is predeceased by her parents, husbands Anthony Bodistow and John “Jack” Kestler, a daughter Mary M. Kepner, sisters Vera Shaffer and Elsie King and a brother Willis Delp.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Beula E. Bodistow Kestler will be conducted at St. Anne’s Church, Wilcox on Monday January 23, 2023 at 10 AM with Fr. David Wilson, Pastor, as celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Rasselas.
Friends will be received at the Anthony F Ferragine Funeral Home and Cremation Services Chapel, 401 Chestnut Street Johnsonburg, PA
on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 PM.
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center Students Compete at the SkillUSA District 10 Competition
The SkillsUSA Pennsylvania District 10 Competitive Events were held on Friday, January 13, 2023. Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel by providing educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.
Students throughout the region traveled to the New Castle School of Trades (NCST) and Lawrence County Career and Technical Center to compete in a variety of competitions.
The following students, with their competitions and the results, that attended from the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center are: Harlee -Ann Panighetti (Otto- Eldred)– Diesel Equipment Technology, Garry Strait (Otto- Eldred)– Information Technology Service, Faith Miller (Smethport)– Health Occupations Professional Portfolio (Third Place), McKenzie Hurd (Coudersport)– Job Skill Demonstration, Alex Post (Otto- Eldred)– Medical Terminology, Karsen Rees (Otto- Eldred)– Job Interview (3rd Place), Anastasia Penick (Port Allegany)– Restaurant Service, Levi Culver (Port Allegany) and AJ Herring (Northern Potter)– Cybersecurity (3rd Place), Mikya Stake (Port Allegany)– First Aid/ CPR (2nd Place), Bren Carlson (Port Allegany)– Firefighting, Shakira Yoder (Kane)– Employment Application Process (2nd Place), Alyssa Young (Smethport)– Prepared Speech, Blair Dickinson (Smethport)– Early Childhood Education, Ryan Batt (Otto- Eldred) – Culinary Arts, Seth Benson (Port Allegany)– Commercial Baking, Abram Austin (Otto- Eldred)– Carpentry (2nd Place). Maura Hess (Northern Potter) competed on January 10th at Steamfitters in Harmony, Pennsylvania for Welding.
We are very proud of all our students who took extra time to prepare and compete!! The state competition this year will be held in Hershey, Pennsylvania on April 12-14th.
THIS COMING WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25 FREE SHOWING OF DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT FIRST 19 LAUREL FESTIVALS TO BE AT THE DEANE CENTER IN WELLSBORO
Pictured is Phyllis Viola, the first Laurel Queen chosen at the first Laurel Festival in June of 1938.
The Gale Largey documentary film being shown for free at 7 p.m. this coming Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the Grand Community Room at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro is about the first 19 Laurel Festivals held from 1938 to 1942 and from 1946 to 1959 with a three-year hiatus in 1943, 1944 and 1945 due to World War II.
Largey is a retired Mansfield University sociology professor who enjoys making fascinating documentary films about local history and involving community people and others in the process.
“The 45-minute documentary about these Laurel Festivals was inspired by ‘Life in Wellsboro 1920 – 1960’ published in 1988,” Largey said. It was the sixth in a series of books about Tioga County communities that Largey had put together beginning in 1973 with the publication of the first one, “Life in Roseville.”
“For this 1996 film, I interviewed many of the laurel queens by telephone, including Phyllis Viola of McKees Rocks,” said Largey.
Larry Woodin initiated the festival under the sponsorship of the Lions Club.
The first Laurel Festival was held Saturday through Monday, June 4-6, 1938. Following a Monday afternoon parade and circus, Miss Viola, one of
37 queen candidates, was crowned the first queen. “I only came because my mother made me,” she told Largey. “I really didn’t want to be in it.”
The first time a queen was chosen from Wellsboro was in 1947 when Janet Evans was named. She shared with Largey the criteria used to select the queen.
The documentary also incorporates a variety of film footage taken at the Laurel Festivals during those years, including some provided by 1958 queen, Heather Streich of Emporium, which shows the 66 candidates walking down Main Street.
Three songs, each written for the festival by different local people, one in 1938, another in 1941 and one in 1949, are sung in the documentary by Mansfield University students.
In 1950, the Laurel Festival officially became “The Pennsylvania
State Laurel Festival, the three-mile parade included 23 bands and drum corps, and 24 floats and for the first time, the 67 queen candidates brought escorts.
In 1954, the first Sunday Service was held on The Green and in 1959, the first Pet Parade.
Now in its 81st year, it is interesting to compare the festival’s early years to the way it works today.
Also being shown on Jan. 25 is Largey’s documentary “Lost & Found: Beliefs & Honesty in the 1950s.” This film offers a unique understanding of honest behavior in St. Marys, a small, rural community. “This was a fun film to do and has humorous moments,” said Largey. It draws attention to praying to St. Anthony to help one find a lost item, and resisting the notion of “finders keepers, losers weepers.” Special recognition is given to local nuns and a local newspaper editor who strongly promulgated the importance of honesty.
This 21-minute film was written and directed by Largey, edited by Mark Polonia and narrated by Adam Brennan. Eleven other local residents were also involved in its production.
“I will introduce each film and point out interesting aspects about it,” said Largey.
After the showings of the documentaries, Largey will host a question and answer session with the audience.
The Grand Community Room is located on the second floor of the Deane Center and is handicapped accessible via a ramp into the lobby from Main Street and an elevator on the right side at the back of the lobby.
More Largey films will be shown for free at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 22. Donations are appreciated and will be used to support the Deane Center and its programs.
For more information, call the Deane Center at 570-7
FRIENDS OF HANLEY LIBRARY HONOR GUELFI
BRADFORD, Pa. — The Friends of Hanley Library honored longtime board member and former president Jim Guelfi recently with emeritus status in recognition of his leadership, service and contributions to the organization.
Friends President Jeff Bosworth noted that Guelfi is a founding member of the organization, which was established in 1990. In addition to having served as president of the friends, Guelfi has served in several other leadership positions over his 32 years as a board member, including chair of the hospitality, finance and program committees.
The Friends also welcomed two new board members, Christine Tyler of Bradford and Stephen Eidson of Smethport.
Tyler is the director of development and major gifts in the philanthropic and alumni engagement office at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, where the Hanley Library is located. Active in the community, she also serves on the board of directors of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of the Bradford Area and the Festival of Trees Committee for the ELF Fund. She lives with her husband, Brent, and daughters, Grace and Chloe.
Eidson has previously served on the Friends’ board and is now the recording secretary. He is retired from the University of Pittsburgh, where he worked on the Bradford and Titusville campuses and most recently for the School of Social Work’s Pennsylvania Child Resource Center. Eidson is active in his church and other local organizations.
The Friends were formed to strengthen the relationship between Pitt-Bradford and the surrounding community. The organization has helped develop an archive room in the library, supports a scholarship, bought laptops, furniture and other items to help students as well as an original piece of art by the Bradford native and successful commercial illustrator Roger Hane. The organization also sponsors several programs a year to support local writers.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 3 AM EST
MONDAY…
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
213 PM EST Sat Jan 21 2023
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO 3 AM EST
MONDAY…
* WHAT…A several to 8 hour period of snow, then some lighter
mixed precipitation or light freezing rain Sunday night near and
to the south of Interstate 80. Total snow accumulations of 1 to
3 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze. Snowfall could
be around 4 inches across the highest terrain near and to the
Northeast of the Williamsport and Lock Haven areas.
* WHERE…Portions of central Pennsylvania.
* WHEN…From 3 PM Sunday to 3 AM EST Monday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A 1 to 2 hour delay in the changeover to
mixed precipitation Sunday evening could add another inch or so
to the snowfall totals.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania
Turnpike Commission remind motorists to adjust speeds based on
driving conditions as winter weather impacts Pennsylvania
roadways.
Call 5 1 1 or visit www.511pa.com for the latest travel, roadway
and traffic conditions.
To report snow or ice, post to the NWS State College Facebook
page, use Twitter @NWSStateCollege, or visit weather.gov/ctp.
PITT-BRADFORD LITERARY MAGAZINE TO HOLD CELEBRATION
Baily’s Beads, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s award-winning literary magazine, will unveil its 2023 issue, which is online, at a reception on Jan. 25.
The celebration will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. It will feature an open mic for contributors or anyone in the community as well as refreshments.
The 2023 edition features stories, graphic narrative, creative nonfiction, poetry, photos and a three-dimensional art gallery in which visitors navigate to different areas of an imagined art museum. The 3D gallery can be seen on computers, mobile devices and in virtual reality on Meta Quest.
The new issue, edited by Aaron Suranofsky, a December 2022 writing graduate from Johnsonburg, and designed by Pat Tolerico, a December interdisciplinary arts graduate from Honesdale, has a theme of writing and identity and features a special section on nature and the environment.
“[Pitt-Bradford] is in a unique position to be home to students, faculty, and staff from all over the world while nestled in the remote woods of Pennsylvania,” Suranofsky writes in an introduction. “The campus is inextricably linked to the beautiful natural scenery it’s surrounded by, inspiring many of the creators on campus including me. For this reason, we incorporated the nature and environment feature.”
In addition to celebrating the new 2023 issue at the celebration, the staff of the 2022 edition will be recognized for receiving first place with special merits from the American Scholastic Press Association, which also named Baily’s Beads Most Outstanding College Magazine in its enrollment category, an award it shared with two other magazines nationally.
The 2022 edition was edited and designed by Kameo Chambers, an interdisciplinary arts major from Philadelphia. The cover art was created by Allison Larrabee, an interdisciplinary arts major from Hinsdale, N.Y.
Both the 2023 and the 2022 issues can be seen at 2023.bailysbeads.org. In addition to Suranofsky and Tolerico, the staff of the 2023 issue is Devin Moutrie, an interdisciplinary arts major from Miami, Fla., assistant editor; Shanté Forston, a psychology major from Philadelphia, editorial assistant; Stephanie Eaton, an interdisciplinary arts major from Bradford, assistant designer and art editor; Larrabee, Sara Micholas, an English and writing major from Cheektowaga, N.Y., and Natalie Mix, an interdisciplinary arts major from Bradford, promotion team; Chambers and Izynae Moore-Grimes, a writing major from Philadelphia, former editors/consultants; Ambria Richardson, an English major from Philadelphia; Gabriel Lyra, a writing major from Rio De Janeiro; Jordan Knight, an interdisciplinary major from Bradford; Kayla Challingsworth, an English education 7-12 major from Kersey; Peyton Cook, an English education 7-12 major from Scranton; and Reese Brown, former student, staff.
Advisors were Karen Bell, instructor of writing, and Dr. Nancy McCabe, professor of writing. Art advisor was Sunyoung Lee, assistant professor of art.
“Since I was on sabbatical last spring, Karen Bell took over as the primary advisor and, with some indispensable help from our art advisor, Sunyoung Lee, led a dedicated and creative staff to do some fresh and innovative work,” McCabe said. “We’re proud of receiving another award for the most outstanding student magazine in the country for the 2022 issue, and I’m confident that the 2023 issue is going to do well in judging next year thanks to the hard work of this staff.”
The magazine is currently accepting submissions for its 2024 issue. For more information, visit 2023.bailysbeads.org/submissions.
A Portion of Route 147 Closed in Northumberland County
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that both lanes of Route 147 are closed between Route 3006 (Herndon Bypass Road) in Jackson Township and Route 4033 (Boyles Run Road) in Lower Augusta Township, Northumberland County, due to a downed tree and power lines.
A detour is in place using Boyles Run Road, Route 4019 (Dornsife Mountain Road), Route 225 and Herndon Bypass Road. The road is expected to be closed for several hours.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays in travel and drive with caution.
Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 FacebookWebsiteBioLatest NewsState FormsPhoto GalleryContact Capitol Update Friday, January 20, 2023 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. 2022 Property Tax and Rent Rebate Applications Available Now  Forms for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program are now available for eligible Pennsylvanians to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2022. Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Help is available from my offices at no charge. I will also be hosting a series of Property Tax/Rent Rebate clinics at a dozen senior centers across the 67th District. The schedule follows: Wednesday, Feb. 15 • Eldred Senior Center, 169 Main St., Eldred – 9:30-11 a.m. • Ulysses Senior Center, 522 Main St., Ulysses – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Smethport Senior Center, 119 W. Main St., Smethport – noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16 • Galeton Senior Center, 111 Germania St., Galeton – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. • Kane Senior Center, 100 N. Fraley St., Kane – 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21 • Mt. Jewett Senior Center, 8 E. Main St., Mt Jewett – 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 • Oswayo Valley Senior Center, 128 Lyons St., Shinglehouse – 9 a.m. to noon. • Emporium Senior Center, 105 E. Fourth St., Emporium – 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Appointments preferred. Call 814-486-3707.) • Port Allegany Senior Center, 216 N. Main St., Port Allegany – noon to 1:30 p.m. • Coudersport Senior Center, 165 Route 6 West, Coudersport – 1-3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 • Bradford Senior Center, 60 Campus Drive, Bradford – 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, March 1 • Austin Borough Building, 21 Turner St., Austin – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Revenue Department automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners. The deadline to apply for a rebate is June 30. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Additional information, as well as claim forms and a link to apply online, are available at www.revenue.pa.gov. Inauguration Marks Start of Shapiro Administration  My son, Matthew, and I traveled to Harrisburg on Tuesday to join colleagues from the House and Senate to attend the inauguration of the Commonwealth’s 48th governor, Josh Shapiro. While there are many issues on which we will surely disagree, my priority remains the same – fighting for the needs of rural Pennsylvania. That means policies to promote our economy and job growth, and those that advance rather than inhibit energy production. As attorney general, Shapiro spoke against the Commonwealth’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and I am hopeful he will reverse former Gov. Wolf’s misguided decision on the issue. I will also continue advocating for rural education and health care, including support for our fire and emergency medical services agencies, which are struggling throughout the Commonwealth but especially in our rural communities. Does Some of PA’s Unclaimed Property Belong to You?  The Pennsylvania Treasury estimates one in every 10 Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property by the state. You can easily find out if you are one of those citizens by visiting Treasury’s FREE unclaimed property database here.Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks and more. Property is always available for the rightful owner to claim. Tangible property may be auctioned after three years, but proceeds remain available to claim in perpetuity. Military decorations and memorabilia – often turned over to Treasury from abandoned or forgotten safe deposit boxes – are never auctioned and remain in the vault for safekeeping until a veteran or their family is found. If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran, click here to check the database of unclaimed military items. You NEVER have to pay anyone to be reunited with your unclaimed property. If you find property that belongs to you, you may claim it through Treasury’s website or contact my office for assistance. You do not need to hire anyone to help you make your claim. Applications for 2023 Pennsylvania House Scholarship Available  High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.Each year the program awards a four-year scholarship to two students preparing for post-secondary education. It is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student. To qualify, students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school. Other factors taken into consideration for the awards are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need. The scholarship program is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Click here for more information and an application. Deadline to apply is April 1. The scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used. Scholarships are awarded through an independent panel of judges chosen by the foundation. |
PennDOT Anti-Icing Roads in North Central PA
Montoursville, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be pre-treating major roads in advance of the winter weather forecasted.
Beginning Sunday morning, January 22, anti-icing trucks may be seen along interstates and other high-volume roads across PennDOT District 3 which includes Bradford, Tioga, Sullivan, Lycoming, Union, Snyder, Northumberland, Columbia, and Montour counties.
Anti-icing involves wetting the highway with salt brine before a storm’s arrival. The solution lowers the freezing point of water and slows or prevents ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm.
The salt brine is spread from sprayers attached to the brine tank on PennDOT trucks. The trucks have signs on the backs indicating their purpose. The public can track the location of PennDOT plow trucks on www.511PA.com.
UPPER ALLEGHENY HEALTH SYSTEM RECEIVES NEW QUALITY-BASED ACCREDITATION FROM DNV
OLEAN, NY & BRADFORD, PA — Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS) parent company of Olean General Hospital (OGH) and Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) announces the successful completion of its new accreditation process from has been awarded by DNV Healthcare.
By earning accreditation, OGH & BRMC have demonstrated it meets or exceeds patient safety standards (Conditions of Participation) set forth by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DNV’s accreditation program is the only one to integrate the ISO 9001 Quality Management System with the Medicare Conditions of Participation.
“The DNV program is consistent with our long-term commitment to quality and patient safety,” says Jill Owens, MD, president, OGH, BRMC. “The ability to integrate ISO 9001 quality standards with our clinical and financial processes is a major step forward.”
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TO MEET IN HARRISBURG
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will meet Jan. 27 and 28 at the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters.
The meeting on Friday, Jan. 27 begins at 1 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is for the board to hear reports from staff. Public comment will not be accepted at this meeting.
Public comment – limited to five minutes – will be accepted at the Saturday, Jan. 28 meeting on a first-to-register, first-to-speak basis. Registration begins when doors to the Harrisburg headquarters open at 7:45 a.m. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. PowerPoint presentations are not permitted during public comment periods.
Following the conclusion of public comment, the board will take up its regular agenda, then will discuss new business.
The agenda for the January meeting is available at the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.pa.gov. Under “About Us,” on the right side of the homepage, select “Events & Board Meetings,” then click the “Agenda” link.
The Game Commission’s headquarters is located at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit off Interstate 81 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County.
Those unable to attend the meeting can watch much of it from home.
The meeting is scheduled to be live-streamed Friday and again on Saturday, following the conclusion of public comments. The livestream can be viewed on the agency’s YouTube channel.
ServSafe Food Safety Certification
ServSafe is a certification program developed by the Restaurant Association Education Foundation. The course meets certification requirements for individuals who are responsible for the safe handling of food in restaurants, schools, elder care facilities, lodges, bed and breakfasts, community centers, and other food concessions (organizations or businesses that sell or prepare food on a regular basis).
This course, taught by Rick Kralj, Penn State Educator, is scheduled for Mondays, March 6 and March 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost is $185/person. The registration deadline is Monday, February 27th. To register, call (877) 489-1398 or go to http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/serv-safe.