Photo by Gary Tyson The first palm warbler of the season (pictured) was seen on the April 29 bird walk at Hills Creek State Park.
For the sixth free guided-bird walk this Saturday, May 6, participants will meet at the Hills Creek State Park office at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, Pa. 16901-9676 and promptly at 8 a.m. drive to the nearby starting location. No registration is required.
Three members of the Tiadaghton Audubon Society, including Gary Tyson who led it, went on the April 29 walk.
“Bad weather kept both birds and birders away,” said Tyson. “It was cold and gloomy but not raining.
“We saw 26 species of birds, including the first palm warbler of the season. These are among the earliest migrating warblers to arrive in our area and will continue heading north. We are expecting to see more of them on upcoming Saturdays.
“We did see one osprey this past Saturday but no broad-winged hawks or bald eagles. Some broad-winged hawks will stay in the county to nest, especially in the canyon area, but most move on farther north,” said Tyson.
The remaining three walks will begin at Hills Creek State Park on Hills Creek Road in Charleston Township, about seven miles northeast of Wellsboro at 8 a.m. on Saturdays, May 13, 20 and 27. The walks are all free and open to the public. For updates on the birds that have been seen in the area and helpful local birding information, visit www.facebook.com/TiadaghtonAudubon/ or tiadaghtonaudubon.blogspot.com or email tasmember@yahoo.com.
Two free programs, a Woodcock Walk and the Through Our Telescopes: Moon Watch are this Saturday, May 6 at Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. The park is 12 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44.
All park programs are held in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Park in the gravel lot and follow the walkway next to the restrooms to the seating area. Since seating is limited and spring nights are chilly, those attending may want to bring a chair and/or blanket. Leave pets at home.
Programs will be cancelled in the event of rain or thunder. Telescopes will not be available in the event of significant cloud-cover.
Visitors may observe on their own at the park without attending a program but all should arrive before dark.
Woodcock Walk is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This Saturday, May 6
Learn about the woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, bogsucker and labrador twister and then try to catch a glimpse of this bird’s springtime courtship displays.
After a short talk by park staff about the woodcock’s unique adaptations and peculiar rituals, there will be a 1- to 2-mile walk on level ground along the edges of the field in search of woodcocks performing their sky dance. Other creatures may be seen along the way. Be sure to wear suitable shoes for walking on potentially damp mowed grass.
Through Our Telescopes: Moon Watch is from 10 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. This Saturday, May 6
Join park staff and volunteers and go on an amazing telescope tour of the moon’s surface. Explore the diverse natural landscape of Earth’s moon, including highlands and volcanic plains, and where moon mission landings took place.
Telescopes are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for the time listed. Availability is subject to staff/volunteer availability, weather conditions, and crowd size limitations.
MINNEAPOLIS (April 28, 2023) – General Mills today announced a voluntary national recall of two-, five- and 10-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All Purpose Flour with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024. The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella Infantis,which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – [NEW YORK, NY] May 01, 2023 – Del Maguey Co., New York, NY is conducting a voluntary recall of certain ceramicware cups called copitas – small artisan cups traditionally used for drinking mezcal – because they may exceed FDA guidance levels for leachable lead.
May is mental health awareness month. Numerous agencies across the nation have joined forces to raise awareness about mental health. Together they educate the public and advocate for changes that can support millions of people affected by mental illness.
One such agency is the Children’s Advocacy Center of McKean County. They are bringing an important message to the Bradford Area Public Library on Wednesday, May 3 during their 6:00 PM program, Living in a Digital World. All area parents, grandparents, educators, and other caring adults are invited to join the presentation that will cover a variety of topics related to internet and social media safety.
According to several nationally recognized sources, information overload and excessive social media usage is a prevailing cause of depression among teenagers. Years ago, life was simple with teenagers interacting solely with their nuclear family, a few friends, and their teachers at school. Today’s young adult is bombarded by thousands of messages on a daily basis in our fast-paced society. Consuming too much information, more than an individual needs or the brain can process, puts a strain on emotional and mental health. Information today is readily available and easily accessible; and today’s teen has the internet at their fingertips when they’re equipped with the ever-present smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Teens benefit from engaged adults who can help them navigate the onslaught of data; adults who establish perimeters of usage, and can discern between irrelevant, negative messages and ones that foster learning and positivity. Wednesday’s program, Living in a Digital World will better equip adults with tools and conversation starters to help teens develop their own abilities of discernment.
This free, in-person program is available to all and does not require registration.
Tioga, Bradford & Potter Counties – The Laurel Health Centers have worked diligently with community partners to support staff development as part of their mission to expand access to dental and family medicine services in our area. Last year, Laurel Health launched a new sponsorship opportunity to support the training of new clinical staff interested in pursuing careers as dental hygienists or licensed practical nurses (LPN).
Laurel Health provides annual grant-funded sponsorships for students accepted to Penn College’s dental hygienist and LPN programs. The 2023 round of applications is now open.
Preference will be given to candidates who live in Tioga, Bradford, or Potter Counties. Laurel Health will provide up to $12,500 in assistance per person to qualified candidates as well as guaranteed job placement at a Laurel Health clinic for two years after graduation with the option to transition into permanent employment following fulfillment of the two-year service commitment.
The Penn College programs offer small class sizes, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and innovative programming that primes students for success. Grant funding for this sponsorship was supported by the Laurel Health Foundation.
Sponsorship spots are limited, and applications are due June 1, 2023.
To learn more about the sponsorship opportunity or to request an application, contact Laurel Health Administration at 570-662-1945 or joachimw@laurelhc.org. For more information about Laurel Health, visit laurelhc.org.
ABOUT THE LAUREL HEALTH CENTERS
The Laurel Health Centers offer award-winning family medicine, behavioral health services, and specialty care for the whole family throughout Tioga & Bradford Counties, including sites in Blossburg, Elkland, Mansfield, Lawrenceville, Towanda, Troy, Wellsboro, and Westfield, PA. The Laurel Health Centers are committed to serving all patients regardless of their ability to pay, offering a sliding fee scale to ensure all patients receive the care they need. Services include primary care, pediatrics, dental services, women’s health, preventive wellness care, internal medicine, chiropractic care, sports medicine, mental health counseling, nutrition / diabetes education, care coordination, chronic disease management, insurance enrollment assistance, and more. For more information, call 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354) or visit laurelhc.org.
The Siting and Zoning Considerations for Large-Scale Solar presentation will focus on the importance of having solar ordinances. Zoning ordinances should define exclusion areas, type of use, setback, screening, access, decommissioning, and other considerations. Examples of recently adopted regulations will also be shared.
This webinar is geared toward municipal officials considering creating and adopting zoning ordinances. Landowners that have been approached for leasing. Business owners that might be considering installing large solar arrays. The main reference point will be the Municipal Officials’ Guide to Grid-Scale Solar Development in Pennsylvania that Penn State University developed. This guide will be shared with participants.
The webinar will take place on Thursday, May 18, at noon. The webinar is free, and pre- registration is required. Register ASAP, as space is limited to 500 participants. Registered participants will receive a recording. You can register at the following website: www.bit.ly/solarMay2023. Any questions about this webinar can be directed to Joseph C. Conklin, Ed.D., at juc50@psu.edu.
It is time to be looking for the next Potter County Fair Queen! Any young lady between the ages of 16 and 20 years of age by June 1, 2023, who lives in Potter County or that part of McKean that attends Oswayo Valley High School are eligible to enter. Complete rules and applications are available online www.pottercountyfair.wix.com/index or call me and I will get you one! We would love to have a contestant from each school in Potter County represented. For more information, contact Judi Turton at 814-848-7204. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2023. The new queen will be crowned on Thursday, August 3, at 8 pm at the Potter County Fair.
The Port Allegany High School Junior/Senior Prom was held Saturday at the Four Sisters Wedding Venue in Turtlepoint. The court introduction and announcement of the King and Queen was made by Miska Young. Kaden Price and Thea Petruzzi were named King and Queen and were crowned by Hannah Hanchett and Julia Postlewait. Kaden is the son of Tiffany Price and the late Richard Price. Thea is the daughter of Josh and Erica Petruzzi. Members of their court included Brielle Budd, Leigha Nelson, Allie O’Shea, Madeline Smith, Evin Stauffer, Noah Archer, Gavin Burgess, Drew Evens, Blaine Moses and Jett Ruding. The prom, a gift from the Junior Class to the Senior Class, was organized by the Prom Committee under the direction of advisor, Mindy Bernardi.
Shapiro Administration continues to work to improve customer experience and make Commonwealth services more accessible
Harrisburg, PA – In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to serve Pennsylvanians more effectively and efficiently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that over 20 driver licensing and motor vehicle forms are now available for electronic submission to provide faster and more efficient customer service to our residents. This announcement comes just one week after Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) to improve online services and make it easier for Pennsylvanians to connect with the vital resources provided by the Commonwealth.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists who travel on Interstate 80 westbound and eastbound in Liberty Township, Montour County, and Hemlock Township, Columbia County are advised that rolling roadblocks will take place this weekend between exit 224 (Route 54 / Danville) and exit 232 (Route 42 / Buckhorn).
On Sunday, May 7, 2023, between 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, PPL, will be slowing traffic while performing utility work over the Interstate 80 lanes. 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.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 5/01/2023 to ARMAC RESOURCES LLC in Warren City, Warren county. 78.91(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 25 Pa. Code §§ 78.92—78.98 or an approved alternate method.
Ethan Gable, M.D., is an OB/GYN specialist with UPMC Magee-Womens in Coudersport. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gable, call 814-274-7101. For more information, visit UPMC.com/WomensHealthNCPA
Ethan Gable, M.D. OB/GYN, UPMC Magee-Womens
Mother’s Day is coming up, and a great time to focus on the matriarchs of your family. This is something they may not be used to since they are usually putting others’ needs before their own. To make this day extra meaningful, make your mother’s health a priority.
Celebrate With Wellness in Mind
When it comes to shopping for mom, flowers and jewelry top the list of most popular gifts. You could give her a bright bouquet or a beautiful bracelet. Or you could look for something else to show you care and support her good health. Here are a few active and healthy alternatives to traditional gifts:
Encourage mom to sleep-in or to take a nap. Not only does rest feel great, but it’s also good for physical and mental health. It’s a time for mom to relax without any interruptions, have a high-quality respite, and can help her recharge and feel rejuvenated for the rest of the day’s schedule.
The month of May offers warmer and sunny weather. Use Mother’s Day as a way to get outside with the whole family. Plan a bicycle ride, long walk, or even do some gardening or yard work together to get active and destress. Activities like these also double as an opportunity to connect with one another and bond.
Plan a special meal to share with each other. Try a new and nutritious recipe together featuring leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats like chicken or fish. These options are lower in saturated fats, good sources of fiber and protein, and overall great for heart health.
Healthy Gift Ideas
If gifts are more of your thing, consider that good health is priceless. The following gift ideas may help your mom to unwind and receive a little pampering on a day just for her:
Healthy Food Box Subscription – There are a ton of options that offer well-balanced meal plans with healthy ingredients. Not only would mom get a healthy meal, but also a mental break from meal planning and running to the grocery store.
Gift Certificate for the Spa – A day away at the spa gives mom the chance to focus entirely on relaxing and enjoying care specifically for her.
Wearable Fitness Tracker – Watches and rings are on the market and can track steps, sleep cycles, and more. Wearing a health tracker can also remind your mom to help prioritize a fit lifestyle.
SleepMask – A lack of sleep negatively affects your health and is often linked to ailments like heart disease and depression. Using a sleep mask can help block light that make interfere with the quality of your mom’s snooze session.
Foam Roller – These fitness accessories help relieve minor muscle tightness or help massage minor soreness out. Rollers can help keep mom comfortable pre or post workout.
Talking About Health
Moms have a great way of caring for others and always seeming to be there for us when we need them. Since they focus a lot of others, it’s important to make their health a topic of regular discussion. This isn’t the easiest to do especially if concerns are raised. Take the following tips into consideration to help this process become regular and beneficial for everyone involved:
Make yourself an ally rather than an opponent by remaining nonconfrontational.
Use language including “we” instead of “you.”
Be consistent about any health worries, but not bothersome.
Make certain that your mother is involved in her own care and that her dignity is valued.
Continue to be an advocate for your mother’s health no matter what stage of life she is in. Staying active and eating healthily are just two ways to enrich her lifestyle. Do not hesitate to contact a physician for advice.
The ServSafe® Food Safety Program is for individuals who are serving as managers or are in a supervisory role requiring certification. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certificate.
When Tue., May 23, 2023 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) Tue., May 30, 2023 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)* *Exam to begin at 11:00 AM. Where Log Yard Brewing 103 N. Fraley St. Kane, PA 16735 Learn MoreSee event fees.
Training meets the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act. The requirements for a Certified Food Protection Manager under the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Food Employee Certification Act will be changing. Until the changes are implemented, the current requirement remains in effect. To receive and maintain certification, individuals are required to pass a certification exam every five (5) years. The ServSafe® Food Safety Manager Course, conducted by Penn State Extension, is for individuals preparing for the food protection certification exam. Completing the ServSafe® Manager Course and passing the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification Examination with a 70% or higher meets this requirement. Access Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please call or e-mail the contact person for the course. Future Classes For more information regarding future Penn State Extension ServSafe® classes, please go to Pennsylvania ServSafe Calendar. ServSafe® is a registered trademark of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, and used under license by National Restaurant Association Solutions, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Restaurant Association. Who is this for? Anyone who needs a ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certification Anyone who needs to meet the PDA requirements for food safety certification Restaurant managers Food service managers What will you learn? How to safely prepare food How to safely store, handle, and purchase food About foodborne microorganisms and allergens About personal hygiene How to manage pests How to clean and sanitize your facility
RSVP To RSVP, please click Yes or No by May 18, 2023. We look forward to your response.
Under the direction of Mr. Adam Brooks, the Elk County Council on the Arts Summer Theater Camp will present Disney’s Frozen, JR. The spectacular 60-minute musical, designed for young performers, is based on the 2013 Disney film and the 2018 Broadway adaptation.
Do you want to build a snowman? You’ll love this fanciful and heartwarming stage adaptation of the top-grossing animated film of all time! Join Anna, Elsa, and all of your favorite characters as they embark on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and the real meaning of true love. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favorite Frozen songs such as “Love Is an Open Door,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,” and “Let It Go,” as well as wonderful new songs from the Broadway production. With its empowering message of love and understanding, Frozen JR. is sure to melt your heart!
I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Potter County Sheriff. I lived in Potter County for several years after attending college and then moved to Alaska to pursue a career in law enforcement. I started working as a Correctional Officer in a maximum-security prison in Juneau, AK for about 21 months.
In January of 1986, I was hired by the Juneau Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Approximately 4 years later, I was assigned to the Investigations Unit for approximately 3 years.
I was promoted back to the Patrol Unit as a sergeant where I supervised a patrol team for approximately 6 years. I was assigned back to the Investigations Unit, where I supervised major investigations for 5 years. As the Investigations Sergeant, I also oversaw two drug enforcement officers assigned to the Southeast Alaska Drug Task Force. During my time as a sergeant, I participated in numerous supervisory training classes.
My final assignment for the Department was in an administrative position where I restructured the Department’s training requirements and training schedule.
While employed by the Juneau Police Department, I had several ancillary duties. I was an Accident Reconstructionist for 16 years, and I was a member of the SWAT Team for 11 years. I held certifications from the FBI, NRA and the State of Alaska as a firearms instructor, and I was a certified Emergency Vehicle Operations instructor. I held an Advanced Police Officer certification from the State of Alaska and was awarded the Police Medal of Honor in 1993.
In the year 2000, I had the privilege of attending the Southwest Law Enforcement Institute’s, Law Enforcement Management College located in Plano, Texas. I successfully completed and graduated from the intensive 2 month long college level management course geared specifically toward law enforcement management.
After nearly 22 years in Law enforcement, I retired and my wife, Lynetta and I returned to Potter County to raise our twin girls.
I have served Potter County as a Deputy Sheriff with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department since 2016. I am currently certified by the Pennsylvania Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board. I am also certified by the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission as a Firearms Instructor. I have a clear understanding of the duties of the Sheriff Department. I would be honored to serve the people of Potter County as your Sheriff. Early in my career, I was taught to treat people fairly and with respect. As your Sheriff, I will continue to do so.
The time I served in the corrections environment will aid me in this position as the Sheriff sits on the Potter County Jail Board. My time as a Police Sergeant and management experience will benefit me in carrying out the duties of the Sheriff.
My family attends the Gold Church where I have served as Moderator, Trustee and Chairperson for the building committee while building our new church. I am a coach for the Black Forest Youth Trap Team and have done so for the last several years.
Thank you for considering me for sheriff. I am the only candidate with 28 years experience in law enforcement, of which the last, almost 7 years have been with the Potter County Sheriff’s Department. I am the only candidate that is currently certified with the State of Pennsylvania and will not have to attend a 19 week, residential academy to become a certified Sheriff. I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Potter County. Please vote KEVIN SISKA for Potter County Sheriff in the Republican Primary Election on May 16th. I would also welcome and encourage all write-in Democratic votes. Again, Thank You!
BRADFORD, PA – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and the Guidance Center (TGC) are hosting the May Walk with a Doc event this Thursday, May 4. The event will take place at Richard E. McDowell Trail on Campus Drive, starting at 5pm.
The walk is coordinated through a partnership between the Guidance Center and BRMC. This month’s providers that will be leading the walk are Dr. Joshua Halbauer and Elizabeth Bless, CRNP, both from TGC. Participants are encouraged to wear green attire in honor of May being mental health awareness month. Also, the drawing for the $150 Dunham’s Sports will be held at the event for those who participated in the last three events.
The topic the providers will be discussing this month is Cannabis and its medical benefits. The walk is free and open to anyone. If interested, please register at walkwithadoc.org/Ewaiver.
April this year was a dry and cool month. Most mornings were in the 30’s and low 40’s. The afternoons warmed up into the 50’s. The average high temperature for April is 52 degrees and the average low is 30 degrees. It was a windy month.
This April we recorded 1.19” of rain with a trace of snow on two mornings. Last year the readings were 3.01” of rain and 3.4″ of snow. We had two thunderstorms, three foggy mornings and ice pellets on the 25th.
The trees are turning green and the flowering trees are beautiful. The lilacs appear to be about a month early. The grass is growing and the mowers are out. Some mowers were out even before the grass started growing.
Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised that Maynard Street traffic signal at the entrance to Sheetz / Wendy’s and the Fairfield Inn hotel was damaged during a crash and is currently not operational.
Motorists traveling on Maynard Street can expect free flowing traffic at this intersection. Motorists traveling from Sheetz / Wendy’s and the Fairfield Inn hotel side streets onto Maynard Street can expect a stop sign.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.
UE champ Penn College golfers going to nationals; lacrosse team seeks crown
For the second time in three years, the Pennsylvania College of Technology men’s golf team on Saturday won the United East Championship and will represent the conference at the NCAA Division III Championships.
In the running for a United East title this week is the college’s men’s lacrosse team, while the college’s baseball and softball teams — which both qualified for the conference postseason a week ago — await word on when their playoffs will begin as wet weather took a toll over the past week pushing back several regular-season games into Finals Week and forcing schedule changes.
Embrace the spirit of “Aloha” on a leisurely 3-island tour of Hawaii featuring 3-night stays each in Oahu, Big Island (Kona) and Maui. Remember Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial. Embark on a wonderful journey along Oahu’s famous North Shore. Take in the natural beauty of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Admire the hula dance, an ancient Polynesian art form. Visit a coffee farm in Kona and learn about the coffee bean’s journey from tree to cup. In Maui, visit the old royal capital of Lahaina where you can stroll through historic streets. Uncover the beauty, culture and traditions of all three islands.
This 10-day/9-night tour that departs on November 2nd is a trip of a lifetime! Visit this link to register or for more information gateway.gocollette.com/link/1112514 or call (814) 274-4877 to request a brochure, get details/cost, etc. You’ll save $100/per person if you reserve by May 2, 2023, so reserve today!
