Kayla Keen, R.N.

Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator, UPMC Williamsport

The holiday season is a joyful time filled with family gatherings, travel, delicious meals, and long-awaited traditions. But amid the festivities, it’s also a time when emergency departments see an uptick in preventable injuries and health concerns. You can take a few simple precautions that can help keep you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and able to enjoy all the season has to offer.

Be Mindful in the Kitchen

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
SUBSTITUTE SUPPORT STAFF

The Northern Potter School District is seeking day-to-day substitute teachers. Pay rate is $17.25/hour. PA Teaching Certificate required. Persons holding a Bachelor’s Degree may qualify for an emergency teaching certificate. For additional information on PDE’s substitute teacher requirements, please visit the following page:

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/education/programs-and-services/educators/certification/substitute-teaching-in-pennsylvania.html

Day-to-day substitutes are also needed for teachers’ aides, janitors, and cafeteria workers. Teacher’s aide pay rate is $9.50/hour and janitor/cafeteria worker pay rate is $10/hour.

Please note that substitutes are called in on an as-needed basis

To apply for a substitute position, please stop by the administrative office for an employment packet at 745 Northern Potter Road, Ulysses, PA 16948. Any questions can be answered by calling 814-848-7506.
E.O.E.

Sign-ups for the 2026 Youth Trap Shooting league will occur on 14 & 15 December from 6-7pm at the Black Forest Conservation Association located at 189 Back Road, Coudersport PA.

 All students aged 12 and above from the Austin, Coudersport, Galeton, and Northern Potter school districts are eligible to participate.

 Practices will start the first week of March and the season will run through mid May.  

 Please contact Brad Empson (814) 203-3287 or Loren Fitzgerald (202) 494-1908 for any questions.

Steven R. Wendel

April 9, 1965 — December 6, 2025

Steven R. Wendel, 60, of St. Marys, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family following a long battle with cancer.

He was born on April 9, 1965 in St. Marys, a son of the late Laverne “Jerry” and Shirley Glessner Wendel.

On May 28, 1988, he married Mary Byrd Wendel, who survives. Together they shared more than 37 years of love and laughter.

Unfortunately, due to no fault of the American Legion’s, VFW’s or the Potter County Veteran’s Services Committee; this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony is cancelled.

Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is announcing that public voting is now open for this year’s Paint the Plow program. A total of six snowplows were creatively painted by high school students in three counties. 

Paint the Plow is a statewide initiative that highlights safe winter driving while showcasing the artistic talents of students across Pennsylvania. This year’s theme, “Don’t race. Allow some space.”, encourages motorists to keep a safe distance from plows and other vehicles during winter weather conditions. 

Earlier this year, students from Centre, Clearfield, and Clinton counties put their creativity to work, transforming PennDOT plow blades. 

This December, the Potter-McKean Players will put on its first production in eight years. 

Although individual members have been involved in local projects, including re-enactments at the Eliot Ness Fest and hosting acting classes and seminars, the organization has not put on a play since 2017. With only three rehearsals left until they perform A Christmas Carol, the cast and crew are excited to take to the stage again. 

Township of Ceres, McKean County, has posted their Budget for 2026. A copy of the budget is available for public viewing at the Ceres Township Building, 12 Barbertown Road, Eldred, Pa. Office hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Budget will be up for adoption at the year end meeting on December 30, 2025 meeting at 6:00 p.m.  Ceres Township’s Organizational meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. with their regular meeting for January to follow. Auditors annual meeting will be held January 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

POSITION VACANCY

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for a General Cafeteria Worker – 5 hr./day effective immediately.

Interested applicants should send a complete application package, including a letter of interest, application, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168) and resumé to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA  16915 by December 17, 2025.

POSITION VACANCIES

The Coudersport Area School District is seeking applicants for the following positions:

HS Math Teacher (remainder of the school year)

Long Term Substitute Teacher for Kindergarten

Interested applicants should send a complete application package including a letter of interest, application, PA certificate, current clearances (Act 24/31/34/151/168), resumé, and transcripts to the Office of the Superintendent, CASD, 698 Dwight Street, Coudersport PA  16915 by December 17, 2025.

The Youth Group, God’s Adventure Camp, the Crusader Club, Potter County Christian School students, volunteers from the First Baptist Church and other churches will present a Living Nativity Friday, December 19^th and Saturday, December 20^th  from 6-8 pm.  It will be held at the First Baptist Church on Main Street, Roulette.  It will be a drive or walk-through theater with four life scenes of the First Christmas – (or, at least our depiction of them.)

Have A Photo Taken with Krampus Next Saturday, Dec. 13 
Had enough photos with Santa? 

Get your photo taken with Krampus at From My Shelf Books & Gifts at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro next Saturday, Dec. 13  between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Krampus is a creature from Germanic myth. His name comes from the German word “krampen” which means “claw,” according to Kevin Coolidge who is an author and the owner of the bookstore in Wellsboro.

Described as being half-goat and half-man and hairy all over, Krampus wears a chain and carries a bundle of birch sticks for naughty children.

He arrives before Santa Claus on a night all his own called Krampus Night or Krampusnacht. Children leave their shoes out and, if they find a gift, they have been good, but if they find a birch rod, they’ve been naughty.

Some say Krampus is misunderstood and that he works alongside Santa to ensure good prevails. Others say he drags naughty children away, never to be seen again. 

Is Krampus real? Come and find out for yourself.

For more information, call the bookstore at 570-724-5793.

Edith I. NELSON, 95, of Mills, PA, died Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport.  Born October 8, 1930, in Harrison Township, PA, she was the daughter of Lawrence C. and Freda Pride Nelson.  

A 1948 graduate of Harrison Valley High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mansfield University in 1952 and a master’s degree from Temple University in 1956.  She was employed as a teacher by Doylestown Elementary, Department of the U.S. Army in Germany, and Edinboro University Campus School.  Miss Nelson was a professor in the Reading and Language Arts Department of Jersey City State College for 29 years, retiring in 1994.  She made several trips to Montevideo, Uruguay with the Crandon Institute.  Edith was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Montclair, NJ and Mills Union Church.  

Coudersport Rotary Club was pleased to have Citizen of Tomorrow Karter Kellogg at our November 24, 2025, meeting at A&W West End Grill. Karter is the son of Emily and Kabel Kellogg and his current school activities include golf, track, Spanish Club, Art Club, and FFA. He plans to become an art teacher after graduation.

Thank you, Karter, for joining us!

The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they can also be the most stressful. Between shopping, family gatherings, financial strain, travel, and end-of-year work deadlines, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed.

The good news is that while we can’t always control what’s happening around us, we can learn to manage our responses and protect our well-being. Here are some practical strategies to help you navigate the holiday season with more peace and joy.

Set Realistic Expectations

The pressure to create a “perfect” holiday can leave us feeling exhausted and disappointed. Social media and advertising only add to the illusion that everyone else’s celebrations are flawless. In reality, the most meaningful moments often come from imperfection, the burnt cookies that still taste great, the quick phone call that brightens a loved one’s day, or the simple act of being present.