Christmas Trees For Sale At The Wending Creek Farms
NEWS
James A. McClellan Missing From Benezette Township
McClellan has been located and is safe. Alert cancelled.
Wolf Administration Reminds Motorists to Stay Alert and Use Caution to Avoid Deer Collisions
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Yassmin Gramian, and State Police Commissioner Colonel Robert Evanchick today reminded drivers of the higher risk for deer-related crashes in the fall and that insurance companies cannot add a surcharge to auto insurance premiums for such crashes.
“Late fall and early winter is when drivers are most likely to have a deer-related crash, and dawn and dusk are peak times for deer activity,” said Humphreys. “Auto collisions involving deer or other wildlife are considered a not-at-fault accident under Pennsylvania law, meaning insurers cannot raise your premiums or add a surcharge to your premium following a deer-related crash, but this exclusion does not apply if your car does not come in contact with the animal. Any damage to your vehicle from a deer-related accident will fall under a policy’s comprehensive coverage.”
State Farm estimates there were over 1.9 million animal collision insurance claims in the U.S. between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022.
Pennsylvanians, according to State Farm, have a 1-in-57 chance of being involved in an animal-related crash, the sixth highest in the nation. PennDOT reported more than 5,700 deer-related crashes in 2021, up from almost 5,600 in 2020. The 2021 crashes resulted in 1,255 injuries and 13 fatalities.
“Drivers can help reduce the possibility of a deer-related crash by slowing down and using caution, particularly in areas where deer crossing signs are posted,” said Gramian. “It’s also important to educate young or inexperienced drivers on increased deer movement. Most importantly, your best defense in a crash is your seat belt. Always buckle up, every trip, every time.”
Drivers should be aware of the following tips from the American Automobile Association (AAA) to help prevent a crash or to reduce the damage from a collision:
- Stay alert and pay attention to road signs while driving. Areas with high levels of deer activity will often have yellow, diamond-shaped signs with an image of a deer.
- Use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Generally, the light reflecting off their eyes will reveal their location and flicking your high beams will often cause the animal to scurry away.
- Deer rarely travel alone; if one is seen, there are likely more, so slow down and watch for other deer to appear.
- Swerving away from animals can confuse them so they don’t know which way to run and can also put your car in the path of oncoming vehicles, so resist the urge to swerve. Instead, stay in your lane with both hands firmly on the wheel.
- If the crash is imminent, drivers should remove their foot from the brake. During hard braking, the front end of a vehicle is pulled downward which can cause the animal to travel up over the hood toward the windshield. Letting off the brake can protect drivers from windshield strikes because the animal is more likely to be pushed to one side of the vehicle or over the top of the vehicle.
- Always wear a seat belt. The chances of being injured when hitting an animal are much higher if the driver is not wearing a seatbelt.
“First and foremost, slow down. When you travel at a high speed, you reduce the time you have to identify the situation and respond to avoid the animal on the roadway,” said Evanchick. “If you are one of the many drivers who hit a deer, don’t panic. Immediately pull over to a safe area and assess the situation. If there are any injuries, your vehicle needs to be towed, or the roadway is blocked; contact 911 immediately.”
In Pennsylvania, two types of crashes must be reported to police: crashes that result in a vehicle being damaged to the degree that it needs to be towed from a scene and collisions that result in injury or death. Minor collisions that do not result in injury may be reported to police, but it is not legally required.
Drivers involved in any crash with another vehicle are required to exchange license and insurance information with involved parties and render aid when necessary.
To report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads, call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.
Consumers with questions about auto insurance may contact the Insurance Department Consumer Services Bureau by calling 1-877-881-6388 or at www.insurance.pa.gov.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
For information on deer-related crashes by county, click here.
Department of Health to Invest nearly $12 million to Enhance Long-Term Care Facilities
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health today announced plans to distribute approximately $11.7 million in federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding to help long-term care facilities build resilience to sustain quality care as the population ages and needs change.
“We want to make investments that will contribute to the long-range success of facilities that care for some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson. “These funds will be invested in key areas including workforce development, staff retention and infrastructure developments that support infection prevention control and emergency preparedness.”
The “Long-Term Care Quality Investment Pilot RFA” Request for Applications is open to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), personal care homes (PCHs), assisted living facilities (ALFs), and intermediate care facilities (ICFs). Facilities must be enrolled by December 9 in the state’s LTC RISE program’s quality improvement work initiative in order to be considered eligible to receive funding. Philadelphia facilities are not eligible for this funding, as the Philadelphia Department of Public Health received its own funding. The application deadline is 1:30 p.m. on December 31, 2022. Funds are anticipated to be awarded in the second quarter of 2023.
You can find more information about the Long-Term Care Quality Investment Pilot RFA in the state’s e-marketplace here.
PITT-BRADFORD NAMES RAE DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES
BRADFORD, Pa. – Jack Rae of Bradford has been named director of facilities management at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, bringing with him more than 35 years’ experience with project management and engineering and in all aspects of building design, construction and maintenance.
He succeeds Rhett Kennedy, who took the job in 2020, but later resigned for health reasons. Rae, who began his position last week, will oversee facilities management and capital projects for the University of Pittsburgh’s Bradford and Titusville campuses.
Most recently, Rae has been serving as a senior project manager for Gannett Fleming Inc., an engineering company, since 1998. During his time there, in addition to serving as senior project manager, he was the engineer of record for his projects; was responsible for all aspects of projects, from planning through commissioning; and assisted clients with regulatory compliance, asset management, implementation of Geographic Information Systems-based maintenance management system, and GIS facility mapping.
Additionally, he collaborated with the Pitt-Bradford environmental science program to recruit students to plant four acres of reed bed rhizomes at the Bradford Sanitary Authority wastewater treatment plant in 2019.
Prior to joining Gannett Fleming, Rae worked as a project manager and engineer at other firms, including BCM Engineers Inc. of Pittsburgh and Bengston, Debell & Elkin Inc. of Fairfax, Va.
Rae, a Bradford native, is a licensed civil engineer in Pennsylvania. He has a Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering from Penn State.
Following Kennedy’s resignation, Wayne Spary has served as interim director since July 2021, overseeing, among other projects, the construction of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building.
Walk with a doc program will take place December 1
Bradford, PA – The December Walk with a Doc event, a program that is coordinated through a partnership between the Guidance Center and Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) is taking place this Thursday, December 1 at Richard E. McDowell Trail on Campus Drive. The walk starts at 5 pm and is open to anyone.
This month’s providers that will be leading the walk are two current faculty in the DePerro School of Health Professions at St. Bonaventure University. Nicole Ackley, PA-C and Kate Nelson, PA-C, will kick off the event by discussing the benefits of whole food, plant-based eating prior to the participants enjoying a healthy walk at their own pace.
The walk is free and open to anyone. If interested, please register at walkwithadoc.org/Ewaiver.
An alternate indoor location has been reserved for the event in the case of inclement winter weather. The location is the University of Pitt at Bradford Fitness Center located at 300 Campus Drive, Bradford, PA 16701. Any changes in the location will be announced on the Walk with a Doc Bradford Facebook Page the day of the event.
About The Guidance Center:
The Guidance Center (TGC) is located in Northwest Pennsylvania and offers a wide variety of community based behavioral health, prevention, education and crisis services to individuals of all ages. Established in 1984 and serving over 6,000 individuals per year, TGC employs a staff of approximately 200. The majority of services are based in McKean County with some specialized programs offered in seven neighboring counties.
About Bradford Regional Medical Center:
BRMC is a member of Kaleida Health, Buffalo, NY, and part of the Upper Allegheny Health System, which includes Olean General Hospital. Founded in 1887, Bradford Regional Medical Center is an acute care community hospital that also has a 95-bed skilled nursing facility (The Pavilion), and a comprehensive inpatient and outpatient behavioral health program, including one of the few dual diagnosis units in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.
About Walk with a Doc:
Walk with a Doc (WWAD) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation with physician-led walking groups. Walk with a Doc was started in 2005 by David Sabgir, MD, a board-certified cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio. To learn more, go to the Walk with a Doc website.
Wolf Administration, Safety Partners Stress Safe Driving Around School Buses, Announce Results of Operation Safe Stop 2022
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) was joined today by the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Newbery Township Police, and West Shore School District transportation partners to reinforce the importance of school transportation safety and highlight the potential school transportation challenges posed by changing daylight conditions. The results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual school bus enforcement and education initiative that was held on October 19 this year, were also announced.
Operation Safe Stop data revealed that participating school districts and law enforcement agencies reported witnessing 155 violations of the law, down from the 252 reported last year. The initiative is held in conjunction with local and state police departments, school districts, and pupil transportation providers to conduct enforcement, raise public awareness about the consequences of improper passing of school buses, and reduce occurrences. Convictions for breaking the School Bus Stopping Law increased from 314 in 2020 to 348 in 2021.
“The increase in convictions of the School Bus Stopping Law last year is just one reason why we’re reminding motorists of its importance. One incident of passing a school bus is one too many,” said Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Mike Keiser. “With additional challenges such as darkness coinciding with more of our students’ school bus ride times and the distraction of the quickly approaching holiday season, it is important that motorists remain vigilant while sharing the road with school buses and students.”
The School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet from the bus when approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Motorists approaching from all directions are required to stop. The only exception to this law is when motorists encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway when lanes of the highway are clearly separated by a divider, such as a concrete barrier or grassy median.
“Drivers might consider the penalties if convicted of disobeying Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping law steep - a $250 fine, five points on your driving record and a 60-day license suspension,” said Corporal Zeina Black, Permits and Bus Safety Unit Supervisor with the Pennsylvania State Police. “But even worse than these penalties, a tragedy could occur if either a driver or a student is not paying attention to their surroundings.”
Some safety tips for students to remember while waiting for or loading and unloading the bus include:
- Get to the school bus stop five minutes early, so you won´t have to run across the road to catch the bus.
- When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic.
- Line up at least five giant steps away from the curb or the roadway to wait for the bus.
- Never run after the school bus if it has already left the bus stop.
- Never push when getting on or off the school bus.
“Student safety at school bus stops and in school zones is of the utmost importance and requires the undivided attention of all motorists,” said Department of Education Secretary Eric Hagarty. “Local school districts work hard to identify the safest locations possible for school bus stops and to train their staff. But to ensure that students remain safe, we urge all drivers to watch for the flashing lights of school buses and always stop when students are getting on and off.”
For more information about school bus safety, visit PennDOT’s School Bus Safety Tips page on PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website. The website also offers an interactive video illustrating Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law.
Pet photos with Santa benefit local rescue animals
Whether your pet has been naughty or nice this year, they can get their photo taken with Santa Claus to benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries. Photos are on three different dates and locations:
– Friday, Dec. 9, 2-5 p.m. at Rockwell’s, 1943 Shumway Hill Rd., Wellsboro
– Saturday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tractor Supply, 1430 S Main St., Mansfield
– Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hall’s Homes & Lumber, 18759 Route 287, Tioga
Photos are $7 for a 4×6 or $12 for an 8×10. Both sizes are printed on site and come with a cardstock holder. Bring any type of animal to meet Santa – dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, snakes, goats and even human family members. No appointments needed.
Proceeds benefit Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, a nonprofit animal rescue and shelter serving Tioga County for more than 20 years. For more information, call Second Chance at 570-376-3646.
Holiday Book Page Ornament Craft at Library
The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library invites area patrons ages 10 and up to join staff for their Holiday Book Page Ornament Drop-in Craft on Friday, December 16 from 11 am – 7 p.m. Patrons will use empty ornaments plus strips of discarded library books, combined with gems, glitter, and other craft supplies provided by the library to create their own, unique ornaments to add to Holiday decorations this year.
Ministerium Advent Luncheons in Coudersport, PA
Would it be possible for you to run an announcement for The Coudersport Ministerium to list the Annual Free Will Offering Luncheons for the community at the various churches. We have not held them for the past few years due to Covid but they will start up again this year. All are welcome on Wednesdays at noon from now until Christmas:
November 30–Christ Episcopal Church
December 7–St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
December 14–St Eulalia’s Roman Catholic Church
December 21–First Presbyterian Church
North Central invites Public to a PENNVEST Presentation
RIDGWAY, PA: The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is hosting a presentation on PENNVEST funding opportunities and priorities for water infrastructure projects. The presentation, led by project specialists Leslie Cote and Brendan Linton, will provide an overview of PENNVEST and allow opportunity for asking questions regarding funding opportunities.
The presentation will be held on Thursday, December 15, at 1pm at the North Central Building at 49 Ridgmont Drive, Ridgway, PA 15853. You may RSVP by phone at (814) 773-3162 or by email to egrovanz@ncentral.com. North Central asks that you RSVP no later than December 9 by 4pm. A virtual option is available, and a link can be sent after registration.
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The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission is a premier regional development organization that serves the public and private sector through a wide range of economic, community, infrastructure, human services, and technology programs for Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter Counties.
Natural Ornaments Program Saturday at Sinnemahoning
Calling all crafters and holiday decorators! Are you looking for a unique look for your holiday tree? Create beautiful homemade ornaments using local natural materials. Sinnemahoning State Park will offer a Natural Ornaments program on two Saturdays, December 3rd and 10th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Park staff will guide and inspire participants to use pinecones, acorns, and other natural objects to create their own unique natural ornaments. A large selection of natural materials and craft supplies will be provided.
Program is free and open to all ages. Children under the age of 10 may need adult assistance. Pre-registration is not required. Meet in the classroom of the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park.
For more information, please visit online DCNR Calendar of Events at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/sinnemahoning_state_park/calendar or call the Sinnemahoning State Park office at 814-647-8401.
If you need an accommodation to participate in PA State Park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. With at least seven days’ notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.
Winners Announced For Christmas Trees on Coudersport Square
First place. Sutton,Eckert,Show Stoppers
Second Place. McCutcheon, Presbyterian Church, Lions
Third Place. Leet, Rainbow Paradise, Alliance Day Care
Prizes may be picked up at the Potter County Artisans Center, Monday to Saturday open 9-5 daily.
For questions call 814-274-0219
Chronic Wasting Disease is a threat to deer and elk in Pennsylvania
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is an always-fatal disease that is a threat to deer and elk in Pennsylvania. There is no vaccine or cure for CWD. It’s spread by deer-to-deer contact and through the environment.
Since the discovery of the disease in Pennsylvania a decade ago, the fight to slow the spread of CWD continues across the commonwealth. So hunters who harvest deer within any of the state’s Disease Management Areas (DMAs) or its Established Area (EA) must comply with special rules.
There are six DMAs across the state, one of them – DMA 7 – new this hunting season. Created in April after the detection of a CWD-positive deer at a captive facility in Lycoming County, it takes in portions of Lycoming, Northumberland, Montour, Columbia and Sullivan counties.
The boundaries of a few other DMAs, meanwhile, have changed since last season, with the most recent of those impacting DMA 2 in southcentral Pennsylvania.
Because some of those changes became necessary after publication of the Hunting & Trapping Digest that all hunters get with their license, hunters are advised to visit the Game Commission’s website at www.pgc.pa.gov to familiarize themselves with DMA boundary lines.
The EA, meanwhile, is within DMA 2 and includes portions of Bedford, Blair, Fulton, and Huntingdon counties. Approximately 90% of all CWD detections in the state have come from this area.
As a reminder, within a DMA and the EA, it’s illegal within a DMA and the EA to remove any cervid high-risk parts; use or possess cervid urine-based attractants; directly or indirectly feed wild, free-ranging deer; and rehabilitate wild, free-ranging cervids.
High-risk parts include: the head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and any lymph nodes); spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord tissue is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft tissue is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord tissue; unfinished taxidermy mounts; and brain-tanned hides.
The parts-movement ban means hunters in a DMA and the EA must determine in advance what they’ll do with any deer they harvest. They can take them to a processor within the DMA/EA or to one included on a Game Commission-approved list for that particular DMA/EA, as those processors agree to properly dispose of the high-risk parts. Hunters can also dispose of high-risk parts within the DMA/EA in trash destined for a landfill. Or, while not preferred, they can quarter the animal and leave the high-risk parts at the kill site (preferably buried).
The meat, antlers (free of brain material) and other low-risk parts then can be transported outside the DMA and the EA.
Hunters getting taxidermy mounts must likewise take their deer to a taxidermist within the DMA, the EA or on the Game Commission list. The processor and taxidermist list is available at the Game Commission website. Click on “Wildlife,” then “Wildlife Health,” then “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).”
There, too, hunters will find the locations of head drop-off bins within DMAs and the EA. Hunters can deposit deer heads – minus any antlers, double-bagged and with a legible harvest tag attached –there and have them tested for CWD for free. Test results can be obtained by calling the CWD hotline (1-833-INFOCWD) or visiting the CWD Results lookup page at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/CWDResultsLookup.
For those who wish to keep their deer head but still get it tested, you can try your hand at sampling it yourself using this instruction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnEdDmfY-i4.
Hunters can also explore opportunities to get Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits, which allow them to take up to two additional antlerless deer in areas where increased CWD surveillance is needed. Some permits may still remain. Hunters can check availability at www.pgc.pa.gov/CWD. Click on “CWD DMAP Area Look Up.”
Although there is no known case of it being transmitted to humans, the Game Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend people do not consume meat from deer that test positive for CWD. The Game Commission manages wildlife for and in cooperation with the public. Because much is still unknown about CWD, it is important to do all we can to limit exposure of all species (including people) to this known pathogen.
SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp, Cameron County
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 435HU 53772 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 426HU 53657 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 424HU 53655 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 423HU 53654 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 422HU 53653 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 421HU 53652 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 420HU 53651 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
| SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC Reports Drilling Started (SPUD) in Shippen Twp Township |
| Description: SENECA RESOURCES CO LLC reports drilling started on 11/28/2022 at site LEH WT 2973 425HU 53656 in Shippen Twp township, Cameron county |
| Incident Date/Time: 2022-11-28 00:00:00 |
| Tags: PADEP, frack, spud, drilling |
PIAA ‘A’ WESTERN FINAL Friday, December 2 at 7:00PM at Clarion University.
PIAA ‘A’ WESTERN FINAL
The District 9 Champion Port Allegany Gators (12-1) will face District 7 Champion Union-New Castle (12-3) on Friday, December 2 at 7:00PM at Clarion University.
Tickets may be purchased online
Quick change in plans!!! Austin Christmas Event Rescheduled to Monday at 6 PM
Quick change in plans!!! Due to the rain today, we have asked Santa to come Monday night instead!
Help us spread the word.
Come join us Monday, 7/28 @ 6:00 PM to have cookies and hot chocolate with the Big Guy in the red suit! Santa will sprinkle some of his magic to help us light up our Town!
https://m.facebook.com/events/829426901837009?mibextid=Z0UBBX
New Christian Business Forum Introduced in Allegany County on Small Business Saturday
New, free opportunities for Allegany County entrepreneurs and organizations to help improve their businesses were introduced on Small Business Saturday today by an area nonprofit organization.
Allegany Hope is forming a Christian Business Forum, with some services available immediately and additional connections starting after the first of the year.
Small Business Saturday is a national effort to promote a focus on shopping at small businesses due to their major economic significance to hometown communities.
The Allegany County Christian organization, which is focused on Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy FamiliesTM, currently is offering free internet access to more than 20,000 online videos through the national RightNow Media @Work, which include individual sessions and film series on helping to grow businesses.
These include video presentations by former executives of a variety of well-known organizations, including HP, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Walmart, Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby, Tyson and more.
Related subjects include leadership, professional development, communication and teamwork, conflict resolution, mental health and wellness, character, ethics and integrity, values and culture, diversity and inclusion, best business practices and others.
Personal series on couples in business, marriage and family, parenting, finances, and studies for men, women, teens and children also are available for both business owners and organization managers and the general public.
Casey Jones, Allegany Hope executive director, says that successful businesses and organizations which provide products and services which are focused on benefiting the public reflect the Christian principle of serving others.
Individuals of all faith backgrounds are welcome to join the Forum.
Jones, who has served in leadership capacities in several business and service organizations from local to state, national and international, became an entrepreneur at the age of 10 when he started selling greeting cards, formally entered business at 16 as a news reporter and photographer, and then graduated into main street retailing and providing services in both nonprofit organization and government management advisor positions.
After the first of the year, he will be facilitating video training opportunities and discussion groups for the Forum, which first will be provided online to enable maximum participation throughout the county without travel requirements and, then, depending on geographical response, may move in the future into local in-person gatherings in various areas.
The organization leader said that providing current and potential entrepreneurs with resources to help them focus, maintain and grow their operations is critical, noting that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly one out of five new businesses close their doors within the first year of operation.
This, he said, is followed by a nearly 40 percent failure rate by the third year, over half by the fifth, and nearly two-thirds within 10 years.
The Forum, which Jones said has received positive response from organization leaders he has talked with, particularly after closure of the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce several months ago, is designed to bring together business and nonprofit leaders to obtain training, realize support from each other, and exchange ideas and resources which encourage success.
Further information and registration for the free online access to business, organization and related videos, along with details about startup of the January online gatherings, are available by sending one’s name, name and type of organization or business, community, email and telephone number to Jones at AlleganyHopeWNY@outlook.com or (484) 435-0503.
Galeton, Pike Township Back in 67th Legislative District, Causer Says
COUDERSPORT – Effective Dec. 1, the Potter County communities of Galeton and Pike Township will again be part of the 67th Legislative District served by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter).
A decade ago, these communities were shifted into the 68th Legislative District. However, due to population changes identified in the 2020 U.S. Census, they were moved back into the 67th District as part of the recent redistricting process.
“I am pleased to welcome back the residents of these two municipalities and to now represent all residents of Cameron, McKean and Potter counties,” Causer said.
He noted his offices in Bradford, Coudersport and Kane, as well as Harrisburg, stand ready to help residents with services such as:
- PennDOT paperwork, including driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals.
- Information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs.
- Information and applications for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- Help with securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required).
- Information about legislation.
- Assistance with resolving matters relating to state agencies.
The offices can be reached as follows:
- Bradford – 78 Main St., first floor, 814-362-4400.
- Coudersport – 107 S. Main St., Room 1, 814-274-9769.
- Kane – 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, 814-837-0880.
- Harrisburg – 147 Main Capitol, PO Box 202067, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2067, 717-787-5075.
Causer’s office can also be reached online at www.RepCauser.com. Residents are also encouraged to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
PennDOT Discusses Winter Preparations and Situational Awareness at Regional Traffic Management Center
Officials from four Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) districts held a combined media event today to discuss winter preparations and how the central Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC) assists with situational awareness for the traveling public.
Jason Powell, District 2 Maintenance Operations Manager, provided an overview of the center, which provides coverage services to 26 counties in the region. Powell noted, “The tools and technology we use allows us to respond quickly, make changes quickly, and share information quickly. The service we provide through the RTMC helps keep motorists safe as they travel through the region”.
RTMC services include 24/7 monitoring and posting of road and bridge restrictions/closures, managing traffic related and weather-related incidents, and oversight of the Intelligent Transportation System, which includes traffic cameras, message boards, and Highway Advisory Radio.
In discussing traffic safety, Powell explained that–as part of a signage pilot project– the department has [BM1] deployed variable speed limit, or VSL, signs at 63 total locations:
- 21 locations along I-80 in Clearfield (mile marker (MM) 100-133) and Clinton (MM 182-193) counties;
- Six locations on I-80 in Clarion and Jefferson counties on the approaches to Emlenton Bridge (MM 42-45), North Fork Bridge (MM 78-81), and Kyle Lake Bridge (MM 92-95); and
- 36 locations along I-81 from I-78 to I-80 in Lebanon (five locations), Luzerne (seven locations), and Schuylkill (24 locations) counties.
When visibility or roadway conditions call for lower speeds, the VSLs help to quickly reduce speed limits—displaying the lower speed limit vividly for motorists. When speed limits are reduced, a yellow light at the top and bottom of the VSL will be flashing to further ensure motorists are aware of the change.
While the VSLs are in place through April, permanent speed limit signs will be covered, and the normal posted speed limit will be displayed on the VSL unless visibility or winter weather conditions call for slower speeds.
Earlier this year, the program was active in 12 locations along I-80 in Clearfield County. Preliminary results show this low-cost innovative solution effectively slowed traffic when needed and reduced or eliminated crashes. Locations were chosen based on crash and weather data, such as frequent wintry conditions and where crashes caused by whiteout conditions led to roadway closures of more than three hours.
With more than $212 million budgeted for this winter’s statewide operations, PennDOT deploys about 4,700 on-the-road workers, has more than 636,000 tons of salt on hand across the state and will take salt deliveries throughout the winter.
Ken Bair, Assistant District Executive – Maintenance with District 3 reported that PennDOT is prepared for the winter season.
“Our preparation for the winter season starts the prior spring,” said Bair. “Across our regions counties have adequate materials on hand, equipment has been prepped and personnel have reviewed their snow routes for the winter.”
If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary statewide data shows that there were 266 crashes resulting in two fatalities and 116 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their vehicles before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.
In addition, snow squalls can often produce dangerous and deadly travel hazards on otherwise clear winter days. The National Weather Service now issues “Snow Squall Warnings” which alert drivers of whiteout conditions and slippery roadways, so motorists can avoid traveling directly into these dangerous squalls.
DICKENS OF A BOOK SALE STARTS MONDAY, NOV. 28 AND ENDS ON SUNDAY, DEC. 11
The Dickens of a Book Sale is being held indoors for two weeks, starting Monday, Nov. 28 and ending on Sunday, Dec. 11 in the main area at the Green Free Library at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Staff members are conducting the sale. Proceeds will be used to support the library.
Included will be gently used books, coffee table books, audio books and DVDs for Christmas gift giving. “We will be restocking throughout the sale,” said Director Leslie Wishard.
Hours the first week, which includes Dickens of a Christmas weekend, Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4, are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 through Thursday, Dec. 1; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3;and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4.
Hours the second week, which includes Christmas on Main Street Thursday, Dec. 8 to Sunday, Dec. 11, are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 8; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11.