NEWS

Austin Volunteer Fire Department

Station 44 has responded to multiple incidents since the snow storm began last evening.

As of 22:47 Station 44 was dispatched to Portage Township for a Tree Down. Chief 44 (J.Rooney) arrived on scene, recalling all units. Penndot had removed tree.

As of 23:47 Station 44 was dispatched to Wharton Township for Wires Down. Capt 44 (A.Bothell) had command, reporting roadway open at 00:30.

As of 05:53 Station 44 was dispatched to Sylvania Township for a Tree Down. Chief 44-10 (J.Burgett) arrived and reported trees had been removed by Penndot.

As of 06:53 Station 44 was dispatched to the Austin Boro for Wires Down on a Structure. Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) & Chief 44-30 (S.Hostetlar) responded. Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) had command, notified West Penn Power and with no immediate danger turned the scene over to home owner.

As of 08:00 Chief 44-60 (T.Orlowski) reported Wires Down in Portage Township. Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) reported roadway clear at 08:18.

As of 09:37 Station 44 has been dispatched to Summit Township for a Pole Fire. Chief 44 (J.Rooney) & Patrol 44-24 with Chief 44-20 (B.Brooks) has responded.

Liberty Township 

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP MEETING AGENDA

March 9, 2023

4859 Route 155

Port Allegany, PA. 16743

Call To Order

Reports

1. Ambulance Report for February, 2023

2. Fire Report for February, 2023

3. Secretary’s Report for February 9, 2023 for regular meeting.

4. Treasurer’s Report for March, 2023

Correspondence

1. PennDot monthly newsletter.

2. Letter from McKean County Commissioners regarding Kallenborn

proposed subdivision.

3. Letter from PA. Game Commission regarding the Skinner Creek Bridge

Project.

New Business

1. Yearly S.W. Smith report will be presented by Mary Grace Collier-Kisler.

Old Business

Public Concerns

SAN FRANCISCO, March 6, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $89 million across the country to finance the startup and expansion of independent meat processors. USDA also announced initial steps the Department is taking to create a more competitive marketplace for seeds and other agricultural inputs.

The $89 million of investments announced today support the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, which dedicates resources to expand independent processing capacity. As President Biden has highlighted, creating fairer markets and more opportunities for family farmers helps bring down prices at the grocery store.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, USDA is laser-focused on standing up for America’s farmers and ranchers by expanding processing capacity, creating fairer markets, and more revenue streams and market opportunities, which helps bring down food costs for families at the grocery store,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “Today’s investments and actions to back the startup and expansion of independent processing capacity and boost market fairness in seeds and other key agricultural inputs will promote competition, support producer income, strengthen the supply chain, and increase economic opportunity in rural communities.”

To learn more, read the full news release. 

Agency seeks comments on proposed rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a proposed rule with new regulatory requirements to better align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means. The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States. 

The Value of Large Woody Debris in Streams

Kane, Pa. – The April 13, 2023 Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum is pleased to announce they will host two speakers for the upcoming Forum on the Value of Large Woody Debris in Streams.  Dr. Ben Hayes, professor at Bucknell University, will share time with Mr. Luke Bobnar of the Western Pennsylvania conservancy.

Dr. Ben Hayes is Director of Watershed Sciences and Engineering Programs at Bucknell University.  His background is in geomorphology and hydrogeology.  Ben’s research focuses on fluvial processes, aquatic habitat restoration, and erosion and sediment transportation.  He concentrates on the Susquehanna River and effects on the Chesapeake Bay Region. 

Ben earned his Ph.D. in Fluvial Geomorphology in 1995 from Colorado State University.  Prior and during his educational years, Ben worked as a river guide on large rivers, including the Penobscot in New England, the Skagit out West, and the Colorado in the Southwest United States.   Ben is a Pennsylvania native.

Mr. Luke Bobnar of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is the second speaker for the Value of Large Woody Debris in Streams Forum.  Luke has been working as a Watershed Scientist on stream restoration in Western Pennsylvania for the last eight years.  He works with public and private landowners on stream and riparian habitat improvement, as well as addressing aquatic organism passage barriers.  Luke graduated with a B.S. degree in Biology from Clarion University in 2010.  Luke is active in the James Zwald Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and enjoys working and playing in Penn’s Woods in all four seasons.

This Forum on the Value of Large Woody Debris in streams will be of interest to forest managers, foresters, and biologists.   

Society of American Foresters’ Continuing Forestry Education credits will be applied for this presentation. 

The Forum will be held at the Wilcox Community Building (also called the Jones Township Community Center) at 320 Faries St, downtown Wilcox, Pa. 15870.  Preceding the talk will be a no-host social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m.  The program will start immediately after dinner.  Reservations are required!  No reservations will be accepted after April 6.   For reservations, contact the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, PO Box 133, Kane, Pa., 16735, at 814-837-8550, or e-mail bcarson@ahug.com.

February 2023- More than $134,000 in scholarships are available for students through The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers. In 2022, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 42 local students.

CFFT currently administers 58 scholarship funds established to assist students furthering their post-secondary education. “Our robust scholarship program is one of the largest areas of growth in recent years,” says CFTT Board Chair, Thomas Shoemaker. “CFTT is pleased to connect deserving area students from all backgrounds with scholarship awards made possible by our many generous donors.”

Scholarships are available to local high school seniors with plans to continue their education by attending a four-year college or university, community college, or two-year trade or technical school.  Because scholarship funds are established by individuals, families or organizations, each has a specific criteria and requirements reflective of the donor’s standards and interests. 

For scholarship information and applications please visit www.twintierscf.org.

Below is a listing for students attending Potter County schools.

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Founded in 2003, the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers serves 5 counties, Bradford, Potter, Sullivan and Tioga counties, PA and Tioga County, New York. The Foundation is committed to building philanthropic resources that will sustain healthy and vital communities now and into the future. The Foundation currently manages over 179 funds valued at over $10.8 million dollars and has awarded over $2.3 million in grants and scholarships since inception, positively impacting hundreds of lives in the region.