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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that both lanes of Route 405 (Dickson Avenue) are closed between Route 44 (Main Street) in Watsontown Borough and Route 1007 (Susquehanna Trail) in Turbot Township, Northumberland County, due to a vehicle crash.
A detour using Route 44 and Susquehanna Trail 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.
OLEAN, N.Y., February 1, 2023 — George Pancio is maybe most remembered for his famous portrayals of Santa Claus both locally and nationally, but outside of the red suit, he dedicated himself wholly to Olean schools and the community.
Pancio, born and raised in Olean and a 1952 graduate of Olean High School, served as principal in several Olean schools and served many years as assistant superintendent. He was inducted into the Olean High School Wall of Fame in 2005.
His dedication to the district ran so deep that he even demonstrated it through his car’s license plate, which for decades read “OHS ONE.”
To honor and continue Pancio’s impact on the school district, the Pancio family recently established the George and Marcia Pancio Scholarship at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.
Positive relationships with family members, friends, and your community are beneficial to your overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that social connectedness promotes making healthy choices plus the ability to cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma.
Valentine’s Day, a holiday centered around romance and relationships, is a great reminder to check in with the state of your overall social wellbeing.
Calling all thespians! So you’ve never acted before but would love to? Come learn the essential skills needed to be on the stage. Even if you are not a novice, this is an excellent opportunity to refresh those skills and learn something new to add to your repertoire, such as improvisation or different techniques. The local theatrical group, Potter-McKean Players, has plans to offer productions in the upcoming months. This course will teach you what you need to be ready for those auditions.
This 4-part course will be taught by local director Paul Herzig and actor Jared Empson, of Eliot Ness Fest fame. The classes will take place on Tuesdays, March 7 – March 28, 2023 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office. The cost of the course is $25 per person. Class size is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) today announced that fire and ambulance companies in Tioga County will collectively receive $272,110 in state grants thanks to the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
“Our fire and EMS personnel risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of our communities, and that mission has become more difficult as costs increase,” Owlett said. “These grants are one way the state seeks to support these vital responders.”
The grants are awarded through an ongoing program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, and not General Fund tax revenue. All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding.
Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. In order to receive funding, recipients must file a grant agreement with OSFC.
The grants were awarded as follows:
Big Elm Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 Inc.: $12,106.88.
MIDDLEBURY CENTER, PA – Flames that broke out in an attached garage in Middlebury Center quickly consumed the garage and spread to the house on Sunday evening, Sunday February 5, 2023.
The fire was reported around 6:24 PM and fire crews from Middlebury, Wellsboro and RIT from Elkland immediately headed out the reported garage fire at 11014 Route 287.
A member of the Middlebury fire personnel was already on scene when the first call for help went out as the garage and a section of the home were already ablaze.
At 6:28 PM a second alarm was requested as both the garage and house went up in flames. The second alarm brought fire crews from Mansfield, Tioga, and Little Marsh to assist with battling the blaze. Blossburg’s Rehab trailer was also requested to the scene.
Route 287 was closed down so firefighters could work at extinguishing the burning structures and keeping the flames from spreading to a nearby building.
FNN was told a number of pets were gathered up and a few of the family’s dogs had ran off during the fire. Nearby neighbors were able to assist with rescuing the animals. At this time, it is believed all pets, including a pig were rescued.
The fire was brought under control around 7:00 PM and was reported out at 7:21 PM.
Fire crews were cleared from the scene around 8:50 PM.
It was reported to FNN that both the garage and house were a total loss. The American Red Cross was notified as three adults were said to have lost their home.
According to records, the 58-year-old home was owned by Rebecca Coolidge.
A GoFundMe link has been set up to help those who lost everything in this fire by Andrew Lee. Anyone wishing to assist can click on the following link to make a donation of any amount;
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.
This week’s Penn College Sports Update 25 contains news about former Port Allegany High student Rosey Thomas.
3 Penn College teams post wins, 3 esports teams ready to start
Pennsylvania College of Technology wrestlers posted a 3-0 week and the women’s and men’s basketball teams both picked up victories last week, while three esports teams are set to get into action this week.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (February 6) – During a meeting of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Boating Advisory Board today, members urged boaters to abide by the cold weather life jacket requirement, especially during the recurring “freeze-thaw” cycle happening across Pennsylvania.
This is the period, common during late winter, where air temperatures become warmer during the day, but water temperatures remain frigid. During these changes in weather conditions, boating activity increases, but many boaters, especially new boaters, do not realize the danger presented by cold water.
In January, the PFBC announced that the annual Mandatory Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement, which was enacted in 2012, has resulted in fewer boating incidents that resulted in fatalities over its first decade in effect. Under the requirement, all boaters on boats less than 16 feet in length or any canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard, must wear a life jacket from November 1 through April 30. Boating accident data has revealed that while the number of boating accidents during the cold weather months has remained comparable over the 10-year period, fatalities during the cold weather months have been reduced by approximately 50%.
Ahead of the 2023 State of the Union address, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today highlighted the ways the Biden-Harris Administration is delivering on its promises to build a better America and rebuild the backbone of the country, the middle class.
“At USDA, we understand that rural communities are strong, and we are proud to help keep rural people healthy, kids educated, and local entrepreneurs powered and connected through assistance tailored specifically for the people of rural America,” Torres Small said. “By championing the vision of rural leaders, we help drive the kind of economic security, innovation and prosperity that impacts our entire nation. Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA remains committed to supporting opportunities for rural people to build brighter futures, because we know when rural people thrive, America thrives.”
Here is a look at USDA Rural Development’s actions in 2022 to rebuild our economy and rural communities, minimize impacts of climate change, create good-paying jobs for American workers, and invest in our families.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/30/2023 to FRONTIER NATURAL RESOURCES in West Keating Twp, Clinton county. 78a91(a) – PLUGGING – GENERAL PROVISIONS – Upon abandoning a well, the owner or operator failed to plug the well to stop the vertical flow of fluids or gas within the well bore under § 3221 of the 2012 Oil & Gas Act, 25 Pa. Code §§ 78a.92—78a.98 or an approved alternate method.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/30/2023 to FRONTIER NATURAL RESOURCES in West Keating Twp, Clinton county. OGA3220(A) – PLUGGING REQUIREMENTS – Failure to plug the well upon abandoning it.
Love your library by participating in the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library Building FUN(d) 5K Run or Fun Walk (1 mile)! Run, walk, bike, scoot, or skate to raise money for the library’s Building Fund! Pre-register by March 1, 2023 to receive an event T-shirt. 5K Run and Fun Walk start and end at the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library at 201 E Maple Street in Port Allegany, PA.
Registration Fees Adults (age 19 & up) $35.00 Students (age 6-18) $15.00 or $0 with a business sponsorship (call the library to see if a sponsorship is available for you)! Children (age 5 & under): Free
Event T-shirts must be ordered by March 1, 2023. T-shirts are not available after March 1.
Registration forms are available now in the library or via Google: https://forms.gle/fvJx1JgVRMSw1Gga6 Payment in the library can be made with cash or check, the Google Form allows electronic payment.
Adventurous weekend warriors of any age who enjoy testing their skills are invited to participate in the Mt. Tom Challenge on Sunday, Feb. 12. It is free and open to anyone who wants to give it a try. Sponsor is the Tyoga Running Club based in Wellsboro.
Registration from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and the 9 a.m. start are both at the bottom of Mt. Tom. Participants run, climb or scramble up Mt. Tom’s 1,100 vertical feet of trail to its summit. After catching their breath and taking in views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and west nearly to Galeton, they continue a short distance along the ridge before descending Mt. Tom using a forest road.
The challenge is to complete one lap up and down the mountain regardless of weather conditions. “This can be considered an adventure race, a run or a climb,” said Tim Morey, one of the organizers. “It is for serious runners; not beginners. There are no prizes, no swag bag or T-shirt. This is a no frills event. It’s a great way to get out on the trails in winter.”
At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, Bill Robling of Philadelphia will take the Coolidge Theatre stage as Benjamin Franklin at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Following his performance will be a question and answer session with the audience.
Robling, an actor for more than 35 years, has portrayed Franklin with wit and wisdom for over 15 of those years. His portrayal comes from his years of experience in theatre, hundreds of hours of study of Ben Franklin’s life, and a commitment to accuracy in costuming, information and demeanor.
Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of 17 children. Born on Jan. 17, 1706, he died on April 17, 1790 at age 84.
Don Kelly, owner of Tackle Shack in Wellsboro, will be the featured speaker.
Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 is meeting in person at a new location this coming Tuesday, Feb. 7 and via Zoom. Leading the meeting is President Jere White.
The business meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the general meeting at 7 p.m. at the Tioga County Conservation District office at 1867 Shumway Hill Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901. The public is invited to attend.
Don Kelly, owner of the Tackle Shack in Wellsboro, will be the featured speaker at 7 p.m. He will share information about warm water fishing opportunities in the area.
Chapter #688 meetings will be on the first Tuesday of each month through May at the Tioga County Conservation District office. The dates are: March 7, April 4 and May 2. The business and general meetings are free and open to the public. Participants do not have to be a member to attend.
For more information about the meetings, email President Jere White at whitesgordonsetters@gmail.com or call him at 570-662-2167.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) began its quarterly business meeting by encouraging anglers to be safe on the ice and water when taking advantage of remaining winter fishing opportunities, especially during times when the temperature warms but the water remains very cold.
“Many anglers stay busy year-round by ice fishing on their favorite lake when conditions are safe, seeking out trophy steelhead on the tributaries of Lake Erie, or running their bass boats up and down the river when it’s not frozen,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “For those who remain active on the water and ice this winter, we ask them to stay safe by being mindful of changing weather conditions, checking for adequate ice thickness, ice fishing with others, and always wearing your life jacket.”
John Mahn, Second District Commissioner and Chairman of the Boating Committee reinforced the importance of life-jacket wear during the cold weather months. Since 2012, the PFBC has required anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet, including all kayaks and canoes, to wear a life jacket from November 1 through April 30.
Applying using the system’s common application will allow students to quickly apply for any of the more than 80 scholarship opportunities available to them.
In 2022, 124 area students received 170 awards from CRCF-managed scholarship funds, together totaling over $226,250.
Scholarships are available to students throughout the region (including, depending on the criteria of each fund, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Chautauqua and McKean (PA) counties) for a multitude of interests and career/educational goals.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met today in Harrisburg. Among other business, the board preliminarily approved the 2023-24 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits. The proposed seasons and bag limits are included in a separate news release. Other meeting highlights follow.
NEW ANTLERLESS LICENSE PROCESS PROGRESSING
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today took preliminary action to restructure the state’s process for obtaining antlerless deer licenses.
Until recently, state law had required antlerless licenses be issued only by county treasurers. Hunters seeking antlerless licenses would send applications and receive licenses by mail in what was considered an outdated and inflexible process.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to the 2023-24 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits.
Modifications proposed for the 2023-24 seasons include:
· For black bear, WMUs 1B, 2C, 4A, 4B and 4D would be removed from the extended firearms black bear season because of declining nuisance complaints in these units.
· For elk, the proposed archery season would be a week later than in 2022-23 to provide additional time between the license drawing and the beginning of the season.
· For furbearers, WMUs 3B and 4E would be opened to river otter trapping because habitat and population data indicate that these units can support sustainable otter harvest.
· For small game, a significant expansion of opportunity for put-and-take hunting of captive-reared bobwhite quail in most of Pennsylvania is proposed through an earlier season opening date, later season closing date, and removal of the daily bag limit. Also, adjustments to crow season dates and addition of Thursdays as hunting days are proposed to shift hunting opportunity from the peak breeding season to the fall and winter months.
The Eighth Annual Chili With A Chance For Chocolate Taste-Off is Saturday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Wellsboro. There will be 13different types of chili to taste at 13sites with an opportunity to win one or more of the 13fun and unique baskets of chocolates.
In addition, passport holders are welcome to stop in at Century 21 Gold Star Real Estate to spin the wheel for a surprise.
“This year’s taste-off will feature some new and exciting chili to tickle all taste buds,” said Jim Howe, organizer. “Passports are limited to 400 due to the event’s popularity. That ensures that every passport holder has a chance to taste them all,” he said.
Johnsonburg, Pa.: Thursday, February 9, is the last date to register for Rolfe Beagle Club’s 7th annual Statewide Coyote and Fox Hunt or Trap. The hunt is scheduled for two weekends in February, 2/10-12 and 2/17-19. Your registration must be received or postmarked on Thursday, February 9, if you plan on hunting both weekends.
Registration must be received or postmarked no later than Thursday, February 16, if you are going to participate in the second weekend only. All registrations must be received at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845. Registration must include a phone number or an email. Questions may be addressed to wlhab9@gmail.com.
Weigh-in is at 4:00 p.m. every day. Categories include coyote, fox, and largest female coyote or largest female fox. Additional information at the Facebook Page, Rolfe Beagle Club.
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Note to reporters: Photo 1 – “Big Dog” Hoffman and fellow hunters with harvest.
