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.
Not every ruffed grouse across Pennsylvania is quite the same as the next. Some – though wild, undomesticated birds – might even be called “tame,” meaning they show little fear of or even act aggressively toward people, especially in spring and fall.
A #WildSciPA video available on the Game Commission’s YouTube channel shows just what that looks like.
But does that behavior matter, to grouse and grouse management?
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking the public’s help in answering that question. The agency – charged with perpetuating wildlife species including grouse over the long term – is conducting a ruffed grouse genetics study in cooperation with Pennsylvania State University. The research aims to determine whether the Commonwealth’s grouse population shows signs of splitting up into distinct subpopulations and if “tame” behavior is linked to genetics. The results of this study will ensure habitat management efforts are targeted to improve and maintain grouse population connectivity.
Accordingly, the Game Commission is encouraging Pennsylvanians to report the location of any “tame” grouse they see this spring by sending an email to grousecomments@pa.gov. That email should include the person’s name and phone number, date of the sighting, location of the encounter and a description of the grouse’s behavior.
Ideally, those sending in a report should also include GPS coordinates for the encounter site. If that information isn’t available, reporters should provide as much other detail about the location of the encounter as possible, listing things like the county and/or township, the name of the property (like a particular state game lands, for instance), the property address, the closest intersection and the like.
Game Commission staff may reach out to those who report encounters for additional information, if necessary.
Field staff will then visit those locations where “tame” grouse sightings occurred to capture birds and collect a genetic sample from each.
“You may be familiar with mail-order kits where a simple saliva sample or mouth swab can unlock all kinds of information about your own ancestry or information about the breed background of your dog,” said Game Commission grouse biologist Reina Tyl. “We will be sampling these ‘tame’ grouse in essentially the same way, swabbing their mouth and sending the swab off for genetic analysis.”
All grouse from which samples are taken will be released immediately afterward at the same sites they were captured.
The more birds the Game Commission can sample, the better. That’s why public participation is so important to this project, Tyl said. It’s really the key to success with this effort.
“Gaining a more complete understanding of the genetic diversity of Pennsylvania’s grouse population is critical to ensure proper management of our beloved state bird,” she added.
Nonprofit Link and Learn Seminar topics for 2023 also announced
OLEAN, N.Y., February 28, 2023 — The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation will launch this year’s Nonprofit Link and Learn seminar series on March 21 with the “Grant Application Coaching Workshop,” facilitated by CRCF’s Karen Niemic Buchheit and Monica Emery and Laura Whitford of the Renodin Foundation.
This session will help attendees to prepare grant applications that will stand out to funders. The session will cover pre-application research, writing tips and best practices, project budgets, post-approval actions such as grant acknowledgment and reporting and what to put in your “grant application toolbox.”
The session will cover information specific to applying for grants from CRCF and the Renodin Foundation, but tips will be applicable to most any grant program. Should attendees have a project they are considering seeking grant funding for, there will be time for a Q&A at the conclusion of the session to address specific questions.
Quart Soup Sale Fundraiser: Stop in or call the library at 814-697-6691 to order a
quart of one of these delicious homemade soups: Tomato Bisque, Chicken Noodle,
Minestrone (veggie), or Broccoli Cheese. Pre-sale goes until Saturday, March 18th, and
pick-up and pay is on Saturday, March 25th from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Recently, G2 Gymnastics of Shinglehouse, traveled to Lewisburg, PA to participate in the Climb High Gymnastics Competition hosted by Dynamats Gymnastics Center. The event was held at The Miller Center and hosted almost 700 athletes from 20 gymnastics centers across PA, NY, and OH. Thirty-two members represented G2 Gymnastics at the event. G2 had a very strong showing as they had a clean sweep in the Team Division taking 1st place for Level 2, XCEL Silver, XCEL Gold, and XCEL Platinum. This is a great accomplishment for the small-town program as they beat out teams much larger in size.
The National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) held its regular business meeting during the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA, February 11-15.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides tax incentives for homeowners to invest in energy-efficient home improvements. These incentives are designed to encourage homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient, which can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. This credit allows homeowners to claim a credit of up to 30% or a capped amount of the cost of specific energy-efficient home improvements. Energy Efficient improvements that might qualify are things like windows, doors, energy audits, and heat pumps. Homeowners can claim the credit on their federal income tax return.
Extension Educators will provide information based on guidance from the IRS about what might qualify and the various stipulations. An electric bill will be reviewed to determine what the different numbers and charges mean. An Extension Educator will also discuss heat pumps, a focus of the tax credits, and how they function.
Matthew Minich of Minich Electric of Bradford, PA, will be a guest panelist. Matt is an electrical contractor who will give general advice and answer questions about upgrading electrical components eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Matt has over 25 years of industry experience and is a Pennsylvania College of Technology graduate. He is also on the advisory committee of Seneca Highlands CTC.
The webinar will take place on Thursday, March 16, at noon. The webinar is free, and pre-registration is required. Registered participants will receive a recording. You can register at the following website: www.bit.ly/energyMarch2023. Any questions about this webinar can be directed to Joseph C. Conklin, Ed.D., at juc50@psu.edu.
For the second year in a row, Scott McCann the owner of Emporium Food Market giving away a $250 shopping spree to the person who can pick the winners from the 68 teams selected for the Men’s College Basketball March Madness competition. Teams will be selected on Sunday March 12. Brackets must be turned into Emporium Food Market by March 16 before the first round games begin.
Last year Cameron County school student Taylon Tucker beat out more than 12 adults in selecting Kansas as the winner.
At their February meeting, the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) announced the appointment of three new board members and a new slate of officers to their Board of Directors. The ECCF Board consists of 14 community-minded individuals representing many areas of expertise and community involvement.
Individuals appointed to serve as officers are Thomas Wagner, President; Jeff Marzella, Vice-President; Judy Allegretto, Secretary; and Robert Ordiway, Treasurer, each of whom offers the proficiency and knowledge to lead the Community Foundation forward in its mission to connect donors who care with causes that matter to them.
The Elk County Community Foundation congratulates and welcomes new board members Denise Cuneo, Mary DaCanal, and Mary McGrath. The Foundation is grateful and excited to have this group of individuals join the board and bring their unique talents, expertise and perspectives to the work of the organization.
The Community Foundation is grateful to all who serve on the board, and as they look forward to working together to advance the mission of the Elk County Community Foundation. ECCF, an affiliate of 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.
Russell Stover Chocolates of Kansas City, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two (2) Best Before Dates of its Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups in 2.4 oz packaging due to the potential for undeclared pecans. The recalled Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups may contain Sugar Free Pecan Delights. Pecans are not declared on the label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups were distributed nationwide to wholesale and retail stores.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel on Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound in Liberty Township, Montour County, are advised of rolling roadblocks that will take place this weekend between exit 215 (Route 254 / Limestoneville) and exit 224 (Route 54 / Danville).
On Sunday, March 5, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the contractor, MJ Electric, will be slowing traffic while performing utility work over the Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound lanes near mile marker 218, located 3 miles east of exit 215 (Route 254 / Limestoneville).
The contractor will be slowing traffic for approximately 15 minutes at a time. These traffic delays will be random throughout the day while work is being performed.
Motorists should be alert, slow down, expect delays, and drive with caution.
Bradford, PA — The United Way of the Bradford Area has awarded the first round of 2023 Quarterly Impact funding. This funding stream is available quarterly throughout the year.
The agencies receiving the first quarter funding are; Bradford Landmark Society, CARE for Children, Emmanuel Lutheran Church and McKean County Special Olympics.
Innovation and Impact funds are available to qualifying 501 ( c ) 3 organizations in Bradford, Smethport and Port Allegany. Impact applications are capped at $1,500.00 per request and are subject to the availability of funds. An announcement will be made on April 1st for the submission of applications for the second quarter. If you have questions regarding Innovation and Impact funding through the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc., please call the office at 814-368-6181 or email us at admin@uwbanews.org. Information regarding lines of funding is also available on our website at www.uwbanews.org.
Levi Culver (12th grade, PASD), Lane Crawford (10th grade, PASD), and Kristopher Herbert (12th grade, PASD) students in Mr. Bryant’s Networking and Security shop at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center, recently earned their PC Pro Certification. Levi and Kristopher also earned their Network Pro certifications in 2022.
The certificates each come with a $1000 employment guarantee ensuring the examined skills are workforce-ready. For more information on the Networking and Security program, feel free to contact Mr. Bryant at bbryant@iu9ctc.org or (814) 642-2573. For more information on the benefits of the industry certifications, go to https://w3.testout.com/certification/certhome.
Kristopher, Levi, and Lane
Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center has recognized Cayden Black, a 3rd year senior from Oswayo Valley High School, as the student of the week .
Cayden is part of the Building Construction Occupations program and has exhibited a remarkable understanding of the content and skills in both the classroom
and shop.
Cayden has the ability to engage in meaningful conversations, demonstrating his expertise in the subject matter. Cayden's performance in the program has earned him this recognition from the school.
In addition to his academic achievements, Cayden is also a talented athlete, participating in sports in his home school. Recently, he scored his 900th point in
basketball, which is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He lives at home with his parents Troy and Angel and older brother Garren.
Looking ahead, Cayden has set his sights on attending lineman school in Georgia, where he will learn to work on electric lines. With his passion for learning and his
commitment to excellence, Cayden is sure to achieve great success in his future endeavors.
The Building Construction Occupations program at Seneca Highlands CTC congratulates Cayden on his outstanding achievements and wishes him all the best in
his future pursuits.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that a crack sealing project will continue next week along state routes in Lycoming and Tioga Counties.
Lycoming County
On Sunday, March 5 through Saturday, March 11, the contractor, Kriger Construction, will be performing crack sealing on the following roadways between the nighttime hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Tioga County
On Sunday, March 5 through Saturday, March 11, the contractor will be crack sealing on the following roadways during the daytime hours of 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and nighttime hours of 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions where work is being performed. Motorists should be alert, slow down, watch for lane changes, and drive with caution through the work zone.
Kriger Construction, is the primary contractor for this $772,600 crack sealing project.
Tionesta, Pa.: The Army Corps of Engineers at Tionesta Lake and Volunteers for the Ruffed Grouse Society plan the renewal of alder for wildlife over the next several years. Woodcock, ruffed grouse, warblers, rabbits, mice, voles, bobcats, and fox all use the habitat created by an alder thicket. As alder grows and gets too old, it starts to ‘lay down’ and roots will decay. But, a simple and proven wildlife habitat management technique of stump cutting will remove the older stems and put abundant sunlight back on the ground and cut stump, and cause the alder to put up abundant new growth. This new growth will provide habitat for many birds and small mammals over the nest thirty years after the stump cutting.
The alder renewal process involves volunteers working in teams of three. One person with all the required safety equipment will operate a chainsaw to cut stumps that are one to five inches in diameter. A second person piles brush and uses loppers to cut stumps less than one inch in size. A third volunteer piles brush. Alder will be cut within an area of 30 feet square adjacent to a user-created trail through the thicket. Boots, jackets, gloves, and hats will be required of volunteers. The Ruffed Grouse Society will furnish any needed equipment.
No special skills are needed by volunteers to help on this project – come on out and help pile cuttings to create brush piles for wildlife! If volunteers are willing to help on this project, please contact Jed Hamberger at jedhamberger@gmail.com because we need to know what kind and how many of tools to bring to support the volunteer effort.
Tentative dates planned for the alder renewal are two Saturdays, March 11 and April 1 in 2023. The meeting spot will be the parking lot of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church at 2048 German Hill Road, Tionesta, 16353. Volunteers should be at the parking lot by 10:00 a.m. and plan on two to three hours of work. We will caravan to the alder site from the parking lot. More dates will be planned in 2024, too. Please contact Jed if you want to help wildlife on this project, but cannot make the tentative dates, because we have a retired person willing to meet volunteers for a work day outside of a Saturday. Park staff and RGS Volunteers will be available to answer any questions.
Coudersport, PA. — Public and private pesticide applicators can get their recertification credits by attending an agronomic pesticide update workshop offered by Penn State Extension.
The update meeting will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 7th, at the Penn State Extension Office in Coudersport. It will feature details of the pest management decision-making process and will conclude at 9 pm with a discussion of safe, proper, and legal use of pesticides.
The Penn State Extension Agronomic Pesticide Update is a traditional Core (two credits) and Category (two credits) session for private pesticide applicators. However, any applicator may attend.
The cost of the two-hour course is $10. To register, visit https://extension.psu.edu/agronomic-pesticide-update or call 877-345-0691. Registration closes Monday, March 6th, but walk-ins are welcome if space allows.
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.
My name is Loren Fitzgerald and I am running for Commissioner in Potter County. In the coming months, I will be traveling around Potter County to share my vision and to solicit your feedback on how we transform Potter County to a place where our residents thrive personally and professionally. A little bit about who I am:
Potter County Native – I grew up near Cherry Springs and graduated from Austin Area School District. I joined the Air Force ten days after graduation and spent the next 20 years serving this great country. I retired from the Pentagon in 2006 and moved back to Potter County to raise my family.
Family Man – I met my beautiful wife Sharon while we were both serving in Berlin, Germany during the end of the cold war in the late 1980s. We have a daughter, Heather, and a son, John. Both graduated from Coudersport School District and subsequently followed in their parent’s footsteps by serving in the U.S Air Force.
Veteran – During my 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, I assumed leadership positions during every assignment. In addition to attending formal leadership academies, I honed my leadership skills leading large teams of joint service personnel and was responsible for managing multi-million dollar program budgets. During my last assignment at the Pentagon, I was responsible for the utilization, training, and funding of the 1000+ airmen in my career field.
Community Volunteer – I’ve always believed volunteer civil service is necessary for communities to function and excel. After returning to Potter County, I volunteered with several organizations including The Boys & Girls Club of Potter County, Trout Unlimited, and Project Healing Waters. I am a member of the Masonic Lodge, Consistory, and the American Legion. I was elected to the Coudersport Area School District Board of Directors where I served on the budget and negotiations committees. During my four years on the school board, I voted for STEM Labs and against wasteful spending and Common Core curriculum. In 2020, I was appointed to the Potter County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. As a leading voice on the board, I worked to put Authority-held properties back on the tax rolls. I’ve also served as the head coach for the State Champion Black Forest Falcons Youth Trap Team for the last six years. We currently have a record 54 youth shooters from Coudersport, Austin, Galeton, Northern Potter, and Emporium school districts, and 15 volunteer coaches. The Trap Team raises significant financial funding annually to ensure this program continues.
Local Business Owner – I am the co-owner of God’s Country Upland Preserve, LLC…a full service upland bird hunting preserve. I started the preserve four years ago and have turned the operation into a premier experience for upland bird hunters from Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
Potter County desperately needs proven leadership and fiscal management experience to lead our county out of negative population growth and declining career opportunities. We need to make certain our county employees feel valued and appreciated. We also need to spend responsibly and not create/staff unnecessary positions. These are just a few items that we need to address and I look forward to hearing from my fellow Potter County citizens. I respectfully ask for your support in the May 16th Primary to put my leadership and fiscal management skills to work for you!
Follow my Facebook page – Loren Fitzgerald For Potter County Commissioner
